Whether you’re buying a new home, building a new home, or repurposing your current home, the thought of an at-home gym has probably crossed your mind. Home gyms have become more popular throughout the year and are staples in many homes. During the pandemic, the necessity for a place to exercise at home became even more prevalent. But home gyms can be expensive, especially if you’re starting from scratch. So the question is, are home gyms worth the investment?
Health
We’ve all been told that investing in our health is one of the most important things we can do. Aside from eating well, exercise is an optimal way to stay healthy. Healthy living has long-term physical, mental and financial benefits. Doctors all over the country recommend daily exercise routines as a method of preventing long-term pain. Additionally, physical exercise helps to keep away diseases and medical problems down the line that are not only dangerous but expensive as well. Many preventable conditions, like hypertension and type 2 diabetes, come from lack of exercise and healthy eating. The cost of doctor's visits, prescription medicines, and co-payments takes more of a hit on your wallet than a home gym would. Having a home gym can aid in staying consistent with the physical part of healthy living.
Accessibility
The biggest perk of having a home gym is accessibility. Unlike a traditional gym, a home gym is open 24/7. Whether you need to fit in an early workout before work or a late-night session before bed, a home gym is never closed. You have access to all the equipment you like and you don’t have to wait in line behind other gym-goers for any machine. There is also no need for calculating a commute time when looking at an at-home fitness center. From any room in your home, you’re only a minute away from the gym. The perk of accessibility goes further if you or anyone in your household is in a wheelchair or relies on any sort of adaptive equipment. Many major gyms are not entirely accessible to those with disabilities. Being able to personalize both the machines and the location of the gym eliminates any potential accessibility issues.
Functionality
The price of your typical gym membership factors in a lot of different costs. The cost of rent, utilities, employees, machines, amenities, and maintenance churns out a hefty price tag. Oftentimes, we don’t even take full advantage of all the things we are paying for. Whether that’s because you don’t have the time or because you don’t like a certain machine or amenity, you’re still paying for all of it when you get that monthly bill. Putting together your home gym eliminates all these excessive costs. You can customize the space to be functional for you and your needs. If you’re more of a cardio person you can choose mostly cardio equipment. If you tend to stick to weights and lifting, you can choose machines that reflect that. While it may be more expensive upfront than a monthly gym membership, you’re paying for what you need and what is most functional for you.
Long Term Costs
Having a home gym provides more financial benefits than you would think. The obvious is having a home gym eliminates the need for a gym membership. These days, gym memberships and boutique fitness classes have become rather expensive. The U.S. average annual gym membership cost is roughly $507, with the monthly average ranging from $38 to $45. While the gym may cost more upfront, in the long run, you still save money. You can also customize your gym to your needs and avoid purchasing unnecessary equipment which you’d pay for in a traditional gym membership. Aside from no membership costs, having access to a home gym helps people stay in shape which prevents the need for medical assistance down the road.
Bottom Line
Building a home gym can be expensive. The cost of the space, equipment, machines, and mats adds up. However, the long-term savings are extensive. Between cutting back on spending and saving on time spent going to and from the fitness center, a home gym could be exactly what you need. Like all things, there are pros and cons to this investment. Overall, if having a gym at home fits your lifestyle and makes your life easier, then this investment is a winner for you.
