It’s not surprising that people start to crave a healthier lifestyle after indulging over the holiday season, but staying motivated isn’t always easy. It can be even harder if your gym isn’t located near you or you’re worried that your membership might turn into a waste of money. Some people even prefer to exercise at home, but this can mean giving up access to certain gym equipment or other amenities unless you invest in creating a home gym. If you are an individual who wants to start dedicating more of their time to getting fit and healthy, but if you can’t decide which is the best way to do this, here are some pros and cons of a home gym vs. a gym membership.
The Cost: Gym Membership
How much you spend on your gym membership can depend on a number of things, such as whether your membership includes classes, access to the swimming pool, and/or spa facilities. There will also be brands that charge their members more than others, so it’s always worth shopping around before you settle on a specific gym. On average, the cost of gym membership in the United States is around $479, plus enrolment fees during your first year when you sign up.
The Cost: Home Gym
If you want to create a quality home gym, this will require a financial investment too. You’ll need to purchase safe and good quality equipment that you want to use, such as a treadmill, elliptical trainer, rowing machine, weights bench – whatever you need for the exercises you choose to do. An exercise ball and mats are also wise additions to your home gym. You will also need to make sure that the room is well ventilated, perhaps including a TV or sound system so you can listen to music or watch your favorite shows while you work out. These costs might seem steep at first, but it should be a more cost-effective way to stay fit in the long term. You can obtain a personal loan to help you fund your home gym, spreading the cost back over months or years if this will be more manageable for you.
Convenience: Gym Membership
It can be hard to form new habits and add more workouts into your routine, which is why convenience is very important when it comes to choosing a gym. Not only do you need to be able to afford the membership fee, but to make that expense worthwhile, you need to be going regularly. Consider how easy it is for you to access your gym – is it close to your home or place of work? Is there 24/7 access, or at least late closing times?
Convenience: Home Gym
There is no denying that having a gym at home would be far more convenient for maintaining an exercise routine. You wouldn’t have to pack a bag and leave your property or figure out when to avoid the peak times so you can access the equipment you want with ease. The only way a home gym might pose some inconvenience for you is during the process of setting it up, as depending on your circumstances, it might require some home renovations first, which can be disruptive at times.
There are benefits to both a gym membership and having a home gym, but if you already have a busy schedule, you might prefer to create a home gym if this is possible in your property. This way, you can work out when you want without worrying about travel or opening times. It may also save you money in the long run as you won’t be tied into monthly or annual membership fees.