Home Gym Set-Up: Is It Worth Investing In?
If you're like most people, the gym is probably not your favorite place to be. It's crowded, sweaty, and full of people who seem to know what they're doing - while you're struggling to figure out how to use the elliptical machine.
The good news is that you don't need a gym membership to get in shape. You can get just as many - if not more - benefit from working out at home.
So you’ve decided to take your fitness regime to the next level. You want to get out of the gym and into your own home. You want to invest in a home gym to have exclusive access to it whenever you feel like working out or getting fit.
But there are so many options and different pieces of equipment out there. How do you know what’s right for you? Is a home gym setup worth investing in, or will it just be another expensive toy taking up space in your house?
Read on to find out if a home gym is ideal for your needs and whether buying individual items is more cost-effective than setting up an entire room as a dedicated fitness space.
What Is A Home Gym?
A home gym is a self-contained exercise area designed for the specific use of strength training and cardio. The equipment is intended to be used in a space other than a commercial gym to provide the same (or better) level of service.
Home gyms can be used by people of all ages and fitness levels and they come in various shapes and sizes. The majority of home gyms feature cardio equipment, resistance machines, and free weights.
The most common type of home gym is a room-based setup, which comes with its equipment, and can provide all the tools necessary to get a great full-body workout.
Smaller home gyms that fit into a corner of a room or are portable enough to put away when not in use can be great for those living in smaller spaces.
Why Invest In A Home Gym?
There are many reasons why you should consider investing in a home gym.
The most obvious reason is that it saves you money in the long run. A gym membership can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per month, depending on where you live and what kind of facilities you're looking for. That adds up to $240 to $1,200 per year - money that could be used to pay off debt, save for a rainy day, or invest in your future.
Another reason to invest in a home gym is that it's more convenient than going to the gym. You don't have to worry about driving there, finding a parking spot, and dealing with the crowds. You can work out whenever you want, for as long as you want, and in the privacy of your own home.
If you have kids, a home gym can be a great way to get them involved in fitness and healthy living at an early age. You can set up a play area for younger children while you're working out, and older kids can use the equipment under your supervision.
Finally, a home gym can help you get and stay in shape. If you're motivated to work out, you're more likely to stick with it - and see results.
Investing In Cardio Equipment
Exercise Bike
An exercise bike is a great cardio machine and is a great low-impact option for those recovering from injury or aiming to avoid knee or joint issues. It’s an excellent way to strengthen your leg muscles without putting too much pressure on your joints.
Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer is a great way to get a full-body workout while also targeting specific muscle groups more than others. It’s an excellent option for building strength and maintaining endurance in a single workout session.
Treadmill
A treadmill is a great all-rounder for any home gym. You can use it for running, walking, and even HIIT training.
Stepper
A stepper is a great way to build lower body strength and can be used to replace or complement a treadmill session.
Investing In Weight Equipment
Barbell
A barbell is the staple weight lifting equipment, and you can use it for a variety of weighted exercises, such as squats and deadlifts.
Dumbbells
These are great for adding variety to your muscle-building regime and can be used for various exercises.
Weight Bench
A weight bench is a must for any serious weight lifter, and a bench with adjustable seats can be used for various exercises.
Power Rack
A power rack is a crucial piece of equipment for any serious weight lifter and is used for various exercises, including squats, bench presses, and bent-over rows.
Investing In Accessories
Exercise Mat
No home gym is complete without an exercise mat to protect your floor and provide you with a stable surface to perform your exercises on.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a versatile piece of equipment that can help build strength in your muscles.
Jump Rope
A jump rope is a great piece of equipment to help add variety to your cardio routine and improve your coordination.
Riser Platform
A riser platform is a great way to help you spice up your weight lifting routine and is perfect for anyone who wants to start performing weighted exercises.
How Much Does A Home Gym Setup Cost?
The cost of a home gym can vary depending on the equipment you choose, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 - $3,000 for an entire setup, depending on what you need. Side note:
Be sure to factor in the cost of maintenance, repairs, and upkeep. Depending on the equipment you choose, your monthly rate of return can vary, but you can expect to get your money back in as little as nine months.
Pros Of Having A Home Gym
Full-body workouts - You might focus on a specific muscle group or neglect others entirely at the gym. A home gym gives you the freedom to perform full-body workouts, arguably more effective than single-muscle exercises.
More focused attention - As mentioned, you may be sharing equipment or waiting for your turn to use it at the gym. This is all part of the gym experience, but you don’t have to put up with it when you have your equipment.
More time freedom - Gyms are busy places, so you may find yourself waiting around or rushing your workout to fit in with other people’s schedules. A home gym can be used whenever you like, so you can train at a time that suits you. -
More privacy and comfort - You get to decide who you let into your home and when, so you can tailor the privacy and comfort of your equipment use as you see fit. -
No more crowded machines - Whether you rely on a particular machine at the gym or not, they can often be very popular pieces of equipment. You don’t have to wait around for those machines with a home gym anymore.
Is It Worth Investing In A Home Gym Set Up?
Of course, setting up your home gym can be a bit of an investment. But if you're serious about getting fit, it's worth it. Here's why:
You'll Save Money In The Long Run
Gym memberships can be expensive, and they usually require you to sign a long-term contract. If you cancel your membership, you may be charged a hefty fee.
On the other hand, once you've invested in equipment for your home gym, it's yours to keep - no matter what happens. And if you take good care of it, it will last for years. In the end, you'll save money by working out at home.
A mini gym is an initial investment that will quickly pay for itself and then some. There's no need to waste time traveling to and from the gym when you work out at home.
You can also say goodbye to expensive gym clothes, shoes, and accessories. All you need is a comfortable pair of shorts and a shirt, and you're good to go.
You Won't Have To Deal With Crowds
The gym can be more enjoyable when it's not packed with people. When you work out at home, you won't have to wait for machines or weights - everything will be right there, ready for you to use.
You Can Work Out On Your Own Schedule
Gym hours can be restrictive, and it can be tough to find time to fit a workout into your busy schedule. When you have a home gym, you can work out anytime - day or night.
You Can Create The Perfect Environment For Your Workout
Some people love working out to their own music, while others prefer complete silence. Some like to watch TV, while others prefer to focus on their form and breathing.
When you're in charge of your own home gym, you can create the ideal environment for your workout, dimming the lights, cranking up the tunes, or anything else that helps you get in the zone.
You Can Tailor Your Workout To Your Own Goals
If you're trying to lose weight, build muscle, or get in better shape, you can create a workout routine tailored specifically to your goals.
And since you won't be distracted by other people at the gym, you'll be able to focus on your form and push yourself to reach your potential.
Cons Of Having A Home Gym
Equipment upkeep: You have to clean your equipment and keep it in good condition.
Lack of accountability: You’re the only one who knows if you skipped a workout.
Lack of socialization: You miss out on the camaraderie of working out in a group setting.
Lack of variety: You can’t take advantage of group exercise classes or other special programs offered at the gym.
Lack of specialized equipment: You won’t be able to do specific exercises that require specialized equipment, like indoor rock climbing, swimming, or certain types of yoga.
Lack of trainers: You don’t have the guidance of a personal trainer who can help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
Lack of group exercise classes: You miss out on group exercise classes, which are a great way to stay on track with your fitness goals and make new friends.
More expensive than a gym membership: You have to pay for all the equipment and space in your home and maintenance costs, which can add up to more than your monthly local gym membership fees.
What To Look For In A Home Gym Setup
Most importantly, you have to find the right fitness equipment for you. Don’t just buy what’s popular or what your friends have. It may not be suitable for you. You also have to consider the space you have available.
A full-blown gym might not be a good fit if you have limited space. You also have to look at your budget. You can find cheaper alternatives to popular gym equipment like resistance bands and medicine balls.
With all that said, here are a few things to look for in a home gym setup:
Fitness Goals
What fitness goals do you have? What exercises do you want to focus on? These should be your starting point when setting up a home gym.
Budget
What is your budget? How much can you afford to invest in a home gym setup? You can find cheaper alternatives to popular gym equipment like resistance bands and medicine balls. You can also get creative and repurpose furniture or use items you already have at home.
Space
Do you have enough space to set up your home gym? If you have limited space, you might have to scale back your equipment or consider setting up a smaller area like a corner of your room.
Quality
What level of quality do you want? Do you want commercial-grade equipment, or are you willing to settle for lower-grade products? There are various factors to consider when looking at equipment quality, like construction materials, weight capacity, and warranty coverage.
Conclusion
Having your own basic home gym can help you get fit and stay healthy. It can also be a great way to de-stress after a long day at work. However, it’s important to note that a home gym isn’t for everyone, nor does it come cheap.
You should only invest in home gym setups if you’re serious about getting fit and want to build a healthy routine for yourself. If you’re unwilling to put in the work and discipline required to use your home gym, it won’t be worth the investment.
Investing in a home gym may not be cheap - but it's worth it if you're serious about getting fit. With all of its benefits, there's no reason not to make the investment.
