Do you need a place to exercise regularly? Do you prefer working out at home or in a gym? These questions will help you choose between a home gym and a gym membership.
Do you need a place to exercise regularly? Do you prefer working out at home or in a gym? These questions will help you choose between a home gym and a gym membership.
Benefits of a Home Gym
If you’re looking for a way to work out at home and be a time-efficient machine, then a home gym may be your solution.
Personally, this is my choice. I only have so much time in my life. I’m all about leveraging time to take care of myself and be present for my family. The time adds up quickly if you account for prep time, drive time, and putting your gear away at the gym. For me, traveling to the local gym takes about 40 min round trip. The prep time is about 30 min. These factors have already increased my workout time by 70 min. Typically, my strength training and mobility sessions are 60 to 75 min. My gym experience doubled after adding my prep and drive time to the workout time. That’s considering that I didn’t have to wait for someone to stop using a piece of equipment that I planned to use. Taking 2.5 hours to work out is way too much time for me. I would instead enjoy the outdoors by cycling for 2.5 hours.
Are you sold? You may be objecting to the idea based on cost. I do understand the price issue.
How Much Does a Home Gym Cost?
I frequently get the cost question when working in the physical therapy clinic. The good news is that you can cheaply start with a set of dumbbells or kettlebells. But, if you’ve spent some time on this website, you’ll know that I believe in a complete workout designed for men that will challenge you in the long run. The following is the equipment with estimated prices that I have in my home gym:
- Olympic size barbell and plates (total of 300 lbs) – $1300
- Rogue vertical plate tree – $260
- Rogue Landmine – $100
- Dumbbells – $380
- Kettlebells (26 lbs, 53 lbs, 70 lbs) – $260
- Squat rack with spot arms and pull-up bar – $720
- Resistance bands (light (30 lbs.), medium (50 lbs.), heavy (100 lbs.)) – $55
- Resistance loops – $12
- Dip bar or matador – $115
- Sled vest with harness – $60
- Multi-Adjustable Parabody Bench – $275
- Stability ball – $15
- BOSU ball – $150
- Cycleops Powerbeam Pro – $456
- TP Grid Foam Roller – $37
The grand estimated total of the equipment above is $4195. I know that’s a lot of money, but it has been well worth it. I typically get up around 4:30, start working out at 5:00 and finish around 6:00. No driving, no prep, and no hassle. It’s priceless!
By the way, you may notice that many of the links to the equipment above are to Rogue Fitness. I’ve been a fan for years. The quality is excellent, and the equipment should last much longer than you.
You would need to save about nine years to purchase the above equipment if you calculate the average gym membership cost each month (about $38/month based on a recent Google search). The good news is that you can start with minimal equipment, so you don’t get flappy in the meantime. In addition, you have to consider the time you save working out at home.
I typically do strength training and mobility sessions four times each week. Since going to the gym adds 70 min to my routine, I’ll be taking an additional 243 hours/year to accommodate for the gym. I would instead be spending that time with my family.
What Exercises Do I Do In A Home Gym?
Another objection I hear about creating a home gym is that you don’t know what exercises to do. Fortunately, you can access the Strength Training for Cyclists program at this site. No excuses 🙂 You can also try a workout online. I’m a fan of Athlean X’s programs. The programs are tough, and you get results. As a bonus, a fellow physical therapist created the program. I’m not a fan of walking around without my shirt on like Jeff Cavaliere. I’m bashful 🙂
A Gym Membership
You may enjoy going to a gym. There are benefits to going to the gym compared to having a home gym. Before joining a gym, consider some things before signing up.
First, make sure you use the facility regularly. If you’re not consistent, you’re wasting your time and money. Second, find one with a variety of equipment so you won’t feel bored. Finally, in many gyms, you’re surrounded by professionals, such as personal trainers. I realize that working out doesn’t come innately for everyone. It can be beneficial to talk to a professional to ensure that your form is correct and you’re safely doing the exercises. Some gyms also have some additional bonuses.
There was a day that I went to a gym. I loved the childcare and the pool. A little quiet time was just what the doctor ordered. The pool was great for family time. Now that my son is older, I do not need childcare. Also, I’m not a fish at heart, so the pool doesn’t make the gym membership worth it to me.
Conclusion
I’m a fan of the home gym, but a gym membership might work better for you. To me, time is worth more than anything. I prioritize time above everything. I don’t want to have regrets and feel like I’m missing the special moments in life. So, what’s your choice?