Home Gym vs Gym Membership!

[lifter25]

I'm currently considering a home gym as not having to travel will help motivate me. There are also many other advantages. I'd probably just start off with a Dumbbell, Bench and Dip/Chinup station set up.

What do you guys prefer and why?

[Ironclad18]

I don't think I could ever train at home to be honest.. Just like I can't go for a jog around the neighborhood I prefer to be in the atmosphere of people trying to accomplish like minded goals i.e cardio room, weight room.

[dsryan]

There are pros and cons to both. I've used a home gym for years, but now, thousands of pounds/dollars later, I am continuously needing more weight. When I'm finished with these weights I'm going to sell up and pay 5 pounds/dollars a month at my local gym with all the weight I could ask for. If I could rewind I'd have bought a gym membership instead, because you'll be paying thousands just to make sure nobodies on the squat rack etc when you need it.

But if you're rich, unlike me, go for it.

Edit - come think of it, another pro was lifting in my underwear for the days when you just can't be ars*d.. Still not worth thousands though, lol..

[joefreas]

I do both. A poverty multi-bench and adjustable dumbbell set w/ a treadmill at home for when I cant get to the real gym. Still adding slowly to the home gym as funds allow.

[TGreggors]

I would rather have a gym membership. It gives you the opportunity to meet other people with similar goals and would probably have a wider range of equipment. I like being able to just leave my phone in my locker and completely isolate myself from anyone in the outside world, while at home you're probably more likely to have distractions

[bruceleelegend]

I like a home gym better, no travel time, u can wear whatever you want, blast your music, workout whenever you want, never have to wait on a machine or deal with nutty ppl at the gym so you can be completely focused. BUT it pretty expensive to have a decent setup. and of course your workouts will be limited to the amount of equipment you have and can afford.

[lifter25]

Thanks for the replies. I still can't decide which I would prefer.

I hate waiting to use things but I also would sometimes hate being at home, it would get a little lonely. Unless I had some loud music blasting.

[ZacharyKonkel]

I don't feel as motivated at home. There are so many other things to do. But the fact that I made my way to the gym is enough motivation to get me started on days I'm not feeling too pumped.

[ButteredWaffles]

i workout at home. I have enough weight to keep me busy. All i need is music and im good to go.

[lifter25]

Some of you are saying that you would not be motivated at home. I'm the exact opposite lol, I think no travel time and no annoying people around you would be great.

Plus looking on the internet and collecting new gear over time seems fun.

[cwat726]

I used to train at a gym but have recently bought a squat rack and bench. I made a platform for DL's too. Another pro is being able to make equipment at home.

I got sick of the gym and the people that go there. I'll only join a gym again if there are lots of people serious about their training

Edit: I train wit a mate everytime, sometimes 2. I don't enjoy training when I'm alone but you get the workout done quickly.

[TheEquivalent]

I don't think I could ever train at home to be honest.. Just like I can't go for a jog around the neighborhood I prefer to be in the atmosphere of people trying to accomplish like minded goals i.e cardio room, weight room.

And that is why no-one will remember your name

[lifter25]

Some days I feel like I'm more motivated at home, and others at the gym. Maybe I need to get both lol

[jamesovercome]

I went the home gym route and I'm very happy this way. If you know what to look for, you can pick up most of you need off of Craigslist pretty cheap, so no, you don't have to spend a lot of money, however, you're going to be stuck buying some stuff full price. The actual space it takes up is more of an issue for me.
Average gym price: $35/month or 420 a year.
You could knock out your power rack, bench and weights for probably $600 off of Craigslist total if you live in/near a major city or are willing to drive.

Realistically new: Powertec Bench, Rack: $800 and get weight off of Craigslist, 300 lbs: $150 or less
Total: $950
Do some searching and get Power block's or Ironmaster dumbbells 80lbs -120: $400 bucks or less
(this will take time)

That's under $1500 and with those things, you already have better equipment than Planet Fitness right there.
$1500 is 3.5 years of Gym membership fees.

Pros:
-ultimately cheaper
-no drive to the gym(I live in Ohio, so that's a huge plus in February)
-zero waiting on equipment, meaning less time

Cons:
-No "community"
-Less motivation for some people


I don't think people take the idea of a "routine" seriously. It means you do it consistently over a long period of time and I found having everything at home helps me meet that standard to gain muscle and reach my goals

[superstylr]

There are pros and cons to both. I've used a home gym for years, but now, thousands of pounds/dollars later, I am continuously needing more weight. When I'm finished with these weights I'm going to sell up and pay 5 pounds/dollars a month at my local gym with all the weight I could ask for. If I could rewind I'd have bought a gym membership instead, because you'll be paying thousands just to make sure nobodies on the squat rack etc when you need it.

But if you're rich, unlike me, go for it.

Edit - come think of it, another pro was lifting in my underwear for the days when you just can't be ars*d.. Still not worth thousands though, lol..

£5 a month gym, in my dreams lol. Most where I live are more like £60 a month, so a home gym is really cheaper in the long run