Everyone wants to make an investment that will save them money in the long run.
Whether it's scouring the internet for vouchers or buying a home gym, the latter are seen as a way to help you avoid paying monthly dues. But is this actually cheaper?
Before you can answer this question, there are a few things you need to know about home gyms.
What is a home gym and how does it work ?
A home gym is a collection of home exercise equipment that allows you to get a complete workout without leaving home.
They can range from small collections of adjustable weights to large home gyms that include treadmills, elliptical trainers, and more.
Most home gyms allow users to add on additional equipment as time goes on and their needs change.
To use the home gym, you need space for it - sometimes this is in your garage or basem*nt but other times it's in an area of your home where you had no previous plans for one (like under the stairs).
Also, keep in mind that most home gyms take up a lot of room, so if your home gym is going to stay semi-permanent, be sure you have legitimate space for it.
Trial-run home gyms are available so you can see if having a home gym is right for you before you buy something permanent.
These home gyms allow you to test out the equipment and ensure your home gym will work for your needs without making an investment that doesn't pay off in the long run.
If you're not sure whether or not home exercise equipment is right for you, try renting home gym equipment instead of buying it (and be aware that there may be other up-front fees).
Why home gyms are popular
Home gyms have become increasingly popular because home exercisers like the following aspects:
- no commute to/from a gym (saving you time/fuel or bus fare)
- can exercise when schedules allow (no more waiting until after work or in between classes)
- no sharing equipment (you get all of the fitness machines for yourself)
- no dealing with crowds (and waiting for equipment, showers, or finding a parking spot).
Pros of home gyms vs. cons of home gyms
Here are some of the pros home exercisers find with home gyms:
- can be an effective way to build muscle and lose weight
- consistent exercise routine since you don't have to go anywhere else
- you can adjust it to your home, home schedule, and home budget (no gym membership fees)
- equipment is safer than free weights or dumbbells (because it doesn't tip or move on its own).
On the other hand, here are some cons people experience with home gyms:
- maintenance such as cleaning and refilling equipment may be difficult (or require help from a partner or family member) - if this concerns you check out home gym equipment that minimizes this issue
- home gym equipment is more expensive than home exercisers realize (so you may want to buy home exercise equipment in smaller pieces over time instead of one large set).
How to find the best home gym for you, including size, budget, and features
To get the home gym that's right for you, it's important to know what your home exerciser goals and preferences are.
Start by knowing how much space you have to work with in your home (and where in your home).
This will help determine how much home exercise equipment you need because every home gym is different when it comes down to how many features and pieces of equipment they offer.
For example, if you want a home gym that includes both cardio and resistance options (like an elliptical trainer and adjustable weights) look for home exercise equipment that has these two types of exercises combined in one machine because this cuts down on total space taken up by home gyms.
However, if you're looking for a cheaper home gym that only offers cardio equipment, find home exercise equipment that has less features (like a straight elliptical trainer instead of an elliptical trainer with adjustable weights) so you can buy home gym equipment in pieces.
Once you know how much space you have to work with and what type of home gym is best for your home exerciser goals/preferences, it's time to think about the cost.
There are home gyms available at all different price points, however, don't be surprised if your favorite brands are asking pretty steep prices - many do - just remember, it is an investment...
If you get the chance check out this article -
How to Clean Your Home Gym Equipment
.
What about home gyms for bad backs?
Home gyms can be a great option for those with back problems or who want to try an alternative to their daily workout regimens.
Many home gyms now offer home exercise equipment that doesn't require you to sit down (like treadmill desks) so you can still stay active at home.
Plus, home gym equipment is often easier on the joints than free weights or machines at the gym so if this is your deciding factor as well, it's smart to look into different types of home gyms available rather than just looking at price tags.
Home Gym vs Gym Membership - what's cheaper in the long run (includes cost comparison)
Another home gym motivator is thinking about how much it's going to cost you in the long run.
The good news is; home gyms are typically cheaper than memberships at a regular gym.
However, there are some hidden costs that come with home gyms so be very clear on what you're getting into before making this type of investment (especially if home exercise equipment is new to you).
Doing this can save money in the long run because it'll help you get more bang for your buck with the home exercise equipment that meets your needs instead of buying something that doesn't do anything.
Or it is too challenging for home exercisers who don't have any experience with home workout routines.
Plus, getting creative with home workouts isn't hard so think about how you can still do at-home exercises without having a full home gym set-up .
In general, however, the cost is usually higher when joining a regular gym compared to home gyms because home gym equipment is typically less expensive than what you'd find at a regular gym.
So, while it may seem like creating your own home gym is more economical in the short-term; over time, this cost can actually increase steadily based on how often equipment is used and how well it is maintained.
Some home gyms require repairs every couple of years, meaning regular maintenance costs (and remember, new parts for home workout machines can be pricey).
Wrapping Up:
It is a general misconception that home gyms are cheaper than gym memberships because home gyms usually require an initial investment and can have hidden costs.
But while it may seem like joining a home gym is the more financially savvy decision, over time, this cost can actually increase, depending on how much use + how well you maintain the equipment.
Therefore, if you want to save money by going with a regular membership at your local gym or fitness centre instead of investing in a home gym setup - make sure to consider home gym maintenance costs.
It's all about doing home exercise equipment research and making an informed home gym decision that is going to help you reach your home workout goals.
