The minimum cost of setting up a home gym with all the essential equipment is $650.
Home gym costs can vary depending on the equipment you choose to include. Some people prefer just a few key pieces, while others recreate their favourite brick-and-mortar gym at home.
When it comes to getting fit, there are many options to choose from. You can join a gym, or you can buy your own home gym equipment.
Both have their pros and cons, but which one is the better option for you?
I spent seven days analysing the cost, benefits and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision.
In this blog post, we will explore the cost of home gyms and compare them to the cost of traditional gym memberships. We will also look at the benefits of having your own home gym and see if it is really worth the money!
Factors Affecting Home Gym Costs (The Breakdown)
The cost of a home gym depends on several factors, including the type of equipment you choose and whether you buy new or used.
Here are a few factors that will determine the cost of your home gym.
The Cost of Space
If you have the room in your home for a full-fledged gym, that’s great! But if you’re tight on space, you may have to get creative.
An unused corner in the basement or guest bedroom could be the perfect spot for a smaller home gym. If you live in an apartment or condo, there may be some common areas you can use, or you could invest in a portable gym that you can set up and take down as needed.
Although you own the space in your home and won’t be spending on rent, there is the cost of blocking that space for any alternate use.
This is the cost of opportunity – what else could you be doing with that space if you weren’t using it for your gym?
If you’re not using the spare bedroom as a guest room, it’s not really costing you anything to use it as a home gym. But if you have to rearrange your living room to make space for workout equipment, that’s a cost you’ll need to consider.
The Cost of Equipment
If you’re starting from scratch, the cost of equipment can be one of the biggest factors in the cost of your home gym.
Treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes are all great pieces of cardio equipment, but they can also be expensive.
If you want to save money, consider buying used equipment or checking out garage sales and second-hand stores.
There are also many affordable options for strength training equipment, such as dumbbells, resistance bands, and kettlebells.
You may also already have some equipment around the house that you can use, such as a stability ball or a set of stairs.
The Cost of Maintenance
Once you have your home gym set up, there are still some costs to consider.
You’ll need to factor in the cost of repairs and replacement parts for your equipment, as well as the cost of cleaning supplies.
If you have carpeting in your gym area, you may also want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner to keep it clean.
The Cost of Your Time
Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of your time!
Building and maintaining a home gym takes time and effort, and you’ll need to factor that into the cost of your gym.
If you’re short on time, you may want to consider a simpler setup or investing in some pre-assembled equipment.
The bottom line is that the cost of a home gym depends on a variety of factors. The most important thing is to figure out what’s important to you and your budget. With a little planning, you can create the perfect home gym for your needs without breaking the bank.
Types of Home Gyms (& which one is best for your needs)
There are three main types of home gyms: weight-based, functional training, and cardio.
Weight Based
Weight-based home gyms use either free weights or weight machines to provide resistance for exercises. They are typically more expensive than other types of home gyms but offer the most variety in terms of exercise.
Functional
Functional training home gyms typically use bodyweight or resistance bands for exercises. These are good options for people who want to focus on functional movement patterns.
Cardio
Cardio home gyms typically include some form of cardiovascular equipment, such as a treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary bike. These are good options for people who want to focus on cardio workouts.
Many home gyms offer a combination of these three types of workouts.
For example, the popular Bowflex home gym combines weight-based and functional training exercises.
So, which type of home gym is best for you?
It really depends on your fitness goals. If you want to build muscle, a weight-based home gym would be a good option. If you want to focus on functional movement patterns, a functional training home gym would be a better choice. And if you want to focus on cardio workouts, a cardio home gym would be the best option.
Of course, you can always mix and match different types of exercises to create your own workout routine. But if you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to choose one type of exercise and stick with it until you’re comfortable with the equipment and the movements.
If you’re looking for a weight-based home gym, the popular Bowflex system is a good option. It provides a variety of exercises that can help you build muscle. For those looking to focus on functional movement patterns, the TRX system is a good choice. And for those wanting to focus on cardio workouts, an elliptical machine or stationary bike would be the best option. No matter what your fitness goals are, there’s a home gym that’s right for you.
Home Gym Essentials (and their costs)
A home gym can be a great investment, providing you with a space to exercise in your own time and at your own pace. However, before you set up your home gym, there are a few essentials you will need to purchase. Here is a list of the must-haves for your home gym, along with their approximate costs:
Treadmill: $200-$2000
Exercise bike: $200-$1000
Free weights: $100-$300
Weight bench: $100-$200
Yoga mat: $20-$100
Minimum Cost for Setting up a Home Gym: $650
As you can see, the cost of setting up a home gym can range widely, depending on the type and quality of equipment you purchase. However, there are ways to save money on your home gym essentials.
For example, you may be able to find used equipment at a fraction of the cost of new gear. Additionally, many sporting goods stores offer sales and discounts throughout the year.
By planning ahead and shopping around, you can find great deals on home gym essentials.
Home Gym Add-ons (and their costs)
In addition to the essentials, there are a few other items you may want to consider adding to your home gym. Here are some popular add-ons, along with their approximate costs:
Gym Flooring: $100-$300
Gym Mirrors: $50-$200
Fitness tracker: $50-$250
Water bottle: $15-$30
Resistance bands: $20-$40
Foam roller: $20-$30
Rowing machine: $500-$1000
TV: $200-$500
Gym Fan: $100-$200
Music player: $50-$100
These are all optional, of course, and you may find that you don’t need or want any of them. But if you do decide to add any of these items to your home gym, they can really enhance your workout experience.
Another thing to consider is that many of these items (gym flooring, mirrors, fitness tracker, water bottle, resistance bands, foam roller) can be used for other activities outside of the gym as well. So if you’re looking to get more use out of your purchase, keep that in mind when making your decision.
Is It Cheaper To Build a Home Gym or Gym Membership?
It really depends on what your fitness goals are and how often you plan on working out. A home gym can be a great investment if you are someone who likes to work out regularly or is looking to save money in the long run. However, a gym membership may be a better option for those who are just starting out or don’t have the space for a home gym. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you and your budget.
Basic Home Gym : $650
| Gym | Monthly Membership Cost | Annual Membership Cost |
| 24-Hour Fitness | $40 to $55 | $300 to $400 |
| Planet Fitness | $10 to $25 | $120 to $300 |
| Anytime Fitness | $41 | $492 |
Now, a $650 for setting up a basic home gym versus a recurring annual cost of ~$400 seems like a good investment. You will also save a few extra bucks on travel costs. Of course, this is just a rough estimate and your costs may vary depending on the equipment you choose to buy.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both options. It really comes down to what works best for you and your budget. If you have the space and the motivation to work out at home, then a home gym may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for convenience or are just starting out, then a gym membership may be a better option. Whichever route you choose, make sure that it’s something that you’ll be able to stick with so that you can reach your fitness goals!
Are Home Gyms Expensive?
No, home gyms are not expensive. You can find many affordable options that will fit your budget.
There are a few things to remember when shopping for a home gym. First, you need to decide what type of equipment you need.
Second, you need to choose a space in your home suitable for setting up a gym.
Third, you need to set a budget for your gym equipment.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for home gyms. There are many great deals on home gyms online and in stores. You can find an affordable option that will meet your needs and budget. With a little research, you can find the perfect home gym for you and your family.
Why a Home Gym Is Better Than a Commercial Gym
A home gym has many advantages over a commercial gym.
- First, you don’t have to worry about crowds or waiting for equipment.
- Second, a home gym is more convenient because you can work out anytime, day or night.
- Third, you can save money by working out at home instead of paying for a gym membership.
Let’s discuss a few more reasons in detail as to why I feel a home gym trumps commercial gyms:
-You’re in control of the environment. You can set the temperature, choose the music, and decide how long you want to work out.
-A home gym is more private. You don’t have to worry about people watching you or judging you.
-You can customize your workout routine. If you want to focus on lifting weights, you can do that. If you want to do a HIIT workout, you can do that. You’re not limited by the class schedule or the equipment available.
-You don’t have to worry about germs. This is especially important right now with the pandemic. When you’re working out at home, you don’t have to worry about touching contaminated surfaces or being near other people.
Overall, there are many reasons why a home gym is better than a commercial gym. It’s more convenient, private, and customizable – and it can even save you money in the long run!
Why Are Gym Weights So Expensive
Gym weights can be expensive, but there are a few reasons for this.
1. The quality of gym weights is usually very good. They are made to last longer and withstand more wear and tear than home weights.
2. Gym weights often come with a warranty. This means that if something happens to them, you can get them replaced or repaired.
3. Gym weights are usually sold in sets. This means that you get all the sizes and types of weights that you need in one purchase.
4. The cost of the filler material will determine the price of the weight. The most common filler materials are sand, iron ore, or lead.
When you’re shopping for gym weights, it’s important to keep these factors in mind. Yes, they can be expensive, but you’re paying for quality and durability. If you take care of your weights, they will last you a long time.
The Bottom Line: Is a Home Gym Worth the Money?
A home gym is a significant investment. The cost of a basic home gym setup can range from $500-$2000. For a more complete home gym, the price tag can be closer to $5000. So, is a home gym worth the money?
The answer may depend on your individual circumstances. If you are highly motivated to stay in shape and feel you would use a home gym regularly, then the answer may be yes. A home gym can offer many advantages, such as convenience and privacy.
On the other hand, if you struggle to stick to a workout routine, or if you feel that you would not use a home gym regularly, then the answer may be no. In this case, it might make more sense to invest in a gym membership or to purchase some basic workout equipment for your home.
The bottom line is that only you can decide whether a home gym is worth the money. Consider your budget, your fitness goals, and your exercise habits before making a decision.
