Regular aerobic exercise and strength-training provide a host of benefits, including a longer, more independent life and the strength to heft everyday objects or carry your kids and grandchildren. If you're creative, you can exercise almost anywhere. But access to a variety of exercise equipment helps you vary your workouts, avoiding plateaus and reducing your risk of overuse injuries.
Variety
With hundreds of square feet of strength-training machines, free weights and cardio equipment, the gym easily trumps any home gym in terms of equipment variety. But if you don't actually make use of your options, a gym membership might not be worth the cost. Sign up for a short-term membership and take note of your equipment habits. If you enjoy mixing it up, continue the membership. But if you only use one or two cardio machines and limited strength-training equipment, or if you're comfortable with using free weights, you can do just fine in a home gym instead.
Cost
Any home gym requires an initial investment; at the time of publication you can get a decent cardiovascular machine and basic free weight equipment for about $1,000. Whether or not this actually benefits you depends on how much a gym membership in your area costs. If your gym membership costs $50 monthly, the initial $1,000 investment would pay for itself in less than two years. Don't forget to factor in the cost of gas or transport and the value of the time necessary to get to the gym.
Maintenance
On the flip side of the cost issue, you're responsible for maintenance and repairs to any home gym equipment. This usually isn't an issue with free weights, which have no moving parts. Protect your investment in cardio equipment or a multistation home gym by purchasing a reliable piece of equipment. Even if it costs more up front, you'll save in maintenance and replacement costs. Opt for equipment that has a lifetime warranty on the frame and handles and a lifetime or multiple decade warranty on any motors or resistance mechanisms.
Privacy
Privacy is another major lure for working out at home. However, even if you're shy, the supportive group atmosphere you'll find in some group fitness classes at the gym can keep you motivated and coming back for more. Likewise, just being around others who are working out hard in the weight room or on cardio machines can encourage you to do your best. If, on the other hand, you just don't want to worry about waiting in line for a piece of equipment or anybody else watching you work out, a home gym is a reasonable alternative.
Amenities
Ultimately, choosing between a real gym or a home gym comes down to your personal preference. Most gyms offer a range of amenities you don't have at home, like swimming pools, tanning beds, massage chairs or whirlpool baths. But if you're more comfortable at home, nothing can replace the luxury of knowing exactly where that towel you're using has been or who cleaned the shower last.
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