There are many advantages to enjoying the privacy of training in their own home gym. For example, you don’t have to wait to use a machine, you can play whatever music you’d like, and your home gym is open 24/7. For others, they enjoy the social atmosphere and variety at a gym. But, which is best – training at home or at the gym?
Keep in mind that what would be an advantage for a gym is probably a disadvantage for a home gym, and vice versa. When you see an advantage for a home gym, such as privacy, know that a disadvantage of a commercial gym is no privacy.
Advantages To Going To The Gym
- Motivation: You’re in an environment where other people are working out – you can learn from them, as well as get inspired by their success.
- Equipment: You don’t have to worry about trying to find that “perfect” piece of equipment – they probably have it.
- Spotters: If you’re strength training, there’s usually someone there to spot you for your heavier lifts.
- Price: If you’re just starting out, a membership fee every month may seem like a much more affordable choice, at least until you have figured out if you’re going to make fitness a healthy habit.
Disadvantages Of Going To A Gym
- Distractions: You go to a gym to workout, not to socialize. People coming up to talk to you while you’re trying to focus on your workout can kill your motivation, and add time to your workout that you may not have to spend.
- Lack of privacy: If you like to grunt while doing a heavy workout, or sing along to your favorite song while doing cardio – you probably don’t feel comfortable doing that around total strangers at the gym.
- Waiting for a machine: You’re pressed for time, and there’s a line for your favorite machine – you may be forced to either give up part of your workout, or wait extra to finish.
- Location: Unless your local gym is next door, you may have to go out of your way to get to your workout.
- Hygiene: That really gross & sweaty dude that was just on that bench you need to use? And he didn’t wipe it off after using it? Even if he did, can you be sure it’s clean and sanitary?
Advantages of a Home Gym
- Privacy: You don’t have to wait for a machine. You don’t have to worry about making noises while you work out. You can play what ever music you like. It’s your own, personal sanctuary!
- No Membership Fees: Once you’ve bought your equipment, it’s done. You can budget your money for other things while still staying in shape.
- Unlimited Hours: It’s your gym, in your own home, and it’s open to you 24/7/365. You can schedule your workouts when you feel like it. Can’t sleep? Go workout!
- It’s as clean as you want it to be: The only people workout on your equipment are those that you choose. You can keep it clean and sanitary with a simple wipe down – when ever you feel it needs it. You’re not mixing up your “funk” with total strangers.
Disadvantages of a Home Gym
- Cost: This is the most obvious disadvantage on starting a home gym…but you can limit the upfront cost with in-house financing like that offered at Fitness 4 Home Superstore -this can give you monthly payments that aren’t that much different that a family membership at your local gym.
- Lack of a Spotter: If you’re strength training, having someone that can keep that bar from falling on your chest doesn’t happen at home unless you invite a training partner over to workout with you. Or, you can purchase a functional trainer or home gym instead of going with free-weights, which in this case, won’t require a spotter, yet still give you the workout you’re looking for.
Only you can decide if building out a home gym is the best choice for you. But if you do decide that a home gym is your best fitness solution, Fitness 4 Home Superstore is here to help – visit any of our three Phoenix-area locations to see our full selection of cardio equipment, strength equipment, and fitness accessories for setting you your perfect home gym!
