Should I Buy Home Exercise Equipment or Get a Gym Membership?

Are you trying to decide between buying home exercise equipment or getting a gym membership? You’re not alone!

According to the Global Wellness Institute, Americans spend over $5,000 yearly on fitness. While about one-third prefer working out at the gym, many others exercise at home for convenience or to save money.

So, how do you choose where to invest your fitness dollars—in home gym equipment or a gym membership? Both have advantages and drawbacks.

Home exercise equipment can be costly and take up space; handing it out at home can feel isolating. However, you can be concise whenever you want and customize your setup to suit your needs.

On the other hand, a gym membership involves monthly fees and travel time, but it opens up access to different equipment and services you wouldn’t have at home, plus a more social environment.

Crunch gym memberships are affordable and easy to sign up for, offering far more than what you’d get with home equipment. For just as little as $9.99 per month, you can access a full range of high-quality machines, group fitness classes like yoga and cycling, and amenities like saunas and personal training.

Compare that to buying a treadmill, which can cost $1,500 or more, and you’d be paying for over 50 months of Crunch for the same price!

Crunch is both more affordable and more convenient. Try it for free with a Free Trial and experience the variety and value for yourself!

Fitness Goals: Considerations

Deciding whether to work out with a gym membership or at-home exercise equipment depends on your lifestyle, fitness goals, and budget.

Whether focused on losing weight, building endurance, increasing strength, improving flexibility, or even honing athletic skills, it’s all about finding what works best for you.

Many gymgoers still like to have some home gym equipment on hand, and we can help with that.

If you’re the type of person who stays motivated and can stick to your routine regardless of distractions, working out at home might be ideal.

On the other hand, if you often get sidetracked by things like household chores (e.g., “I know I should work out, but I need to trim my toenails”), a gym membership might be a better fit to keep you focused and on track.

Losing Weight

If weight loss is your primary goal, a gym membership can offer several advantages over home exercise equipment. Gyms have a broad range of cardio machines, from treadmills to stationary bikes, that help burn calories efficiently.

Additionally, the availability of group fitness classes like spin, Zumba, and HIIT can provide fun, motivating environments where you can push yourself further than you might at home.

Many commercial gyms also offer access to nutrition experts and trainers who can guide you toward weight loss success.

While a home setup might include a treadmill or bike, it’s challenging to recreate the combination and energy a gym offers, which can be key for staying motivated on your weight loss journey.

Building Endurance

For those focused on building endurance, a gym membership provides access to different cardio-specific machines such as ellipticals, rowing machines, stair climbers, and more.

Gyms also offer group fitness classes designed to push your cardiovascular limits, like boot camps, cycling classes, and interval training.

These mixed options can prevent boredom and help you continually challenge your heart and lungs in new ways. In contrast, building a home gym with the same breadth of options can be prohibitively expensive and space-consuming.

With limited equipment at home, your workouts may quickly become repetitive, making it harder to sustain long-term endurance-building efforts.

Increasing Strength

Strength training is another area where gyms have a clear advantage. Most gyms are fully equipped with free weights, resistance machines, kettlebells, and even functional training equipment like TRX systems.

This range of equipment allows you to target different muscle groups effectively and provides the flexibility to adjust your workouts as you get stronger.

Gyms also often provide personal trainers who can create customized strength-building programs and ensure your form is correct, reducing the risk of injury.

Improving Flexibility

Gyms typically offer yoga and stretching classes designed to improve flexibility and mobility, which can be an excellent addition to any fitness routine. Additionally, many gyms have designated stretching areas with mats, foam rollers, and bands to assist in your flexibility work.

While home-based workouts like yoga videos or apps can be useful, the variety and real-time feedback from instructors in a gym environment is invaluable for seeing steady progress in flexibility.

For additional information on Yoga or to locate classes near you, search here.

Honing Athletic Skills/Abilities

For those looking to improve athletic skills or train for a specific sport, gyms offer specialized equipment and environments that are difficult to replicate at home.

Many gyms have dedicated spaces for functional training, agility drills, and sport-specific exercises that can enhance coordination, speed, and power. Some even offer training programs tailored to athletes and access to personal trainers who can design sport-specific routines.

The cost of reaching the wide range of equipment necessary to train at a high athletic level at home can be high, and home spaces rarely allow for dynamic, full-body movements needed to train like an athlete.

Which Gym Equipment and/or Machines Will You Need?

Selecting the right fitness equipment is key when building a home gym. Depending on your fitness goals, you may need a combination of machines and free weights to get a well-rounded workout.

Common options include treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes for cardio, while strength training may require power cages or dumbbells. Some may even consider specialty equipment like Pilates reformers or all-in-one machines.

However, assembling a home gym that covers all your fitness needs can be expensive and requires a lot of space.

Let’s examine the fundamental equipment and compare its pros and drawbacks to what you’d find at a gym.

All-in-One Machines

All-in-one machines offer a compact solution for those looking to incorporate cardio and strength training in their own home gym. These machines typically combine features like cable systems, pulleys, and weight stacks, allowing you to target multiple muscle groups.

However, a quality all-in-one machine can be expensive, and cheaper versions often need more durability for long-term use. Additionally, these machines often need more adjustability, making it easier to progress as you grow stronger.

With gym memberships, you’ll find different machines designed for specific exercises, ensuring you can train every muscle group effectively.

Plus, the machines are regularly maintained and upgraded, eliminating the need for repairs, replacements, or maintenance costs. With a gym membership, you can access state-of-the-art equipment without the upfront investment or space constraints.

Pilates Reformers

Pilates reformers are excellent for improving flexibility, strength, and overall body alignment. They offer a low-impact way to engage your core and build lean muscle, but a high-quality reformer can be expensive and bulky.

Furthermore, using a reformer effectively often requires instruction, which can be hard to find at home unless you invest in online classes or personal trainers.

Reformers are available at gyms, especially those that offer Pilates classes, under the guidance of experienced instructors. This ensures that you use the equipment correctly and safely.

By opting for a gym membership, you not only save on the cost of the machine itself but also gain access to professional instruction that maximizes the benefits of Pilates training.

Power Cages

Power cages are necessary for serious strength trainers. They allow for safe lifting during squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. A strong, high-quality power cage is essential but can be expensive and require ample space.

If you’re lifting heavy weights, you’ll also need to purchase a set of barbells, plates, and benches, which will further increase the cost and space requirements.

Gyms have multiple power cages, diverse bars, safety weights, and high-quality gym equipment.

With a gym membership, you can lift as heavy as you need without worrying about equipment failure, maintenance, or space.

The best part? There’s always someone nearby to spot you, adding an extra layer of safety that’s hard to replicate at home.

Treadmills

A treadmill is one of the most common cardio equipment for home gyms. While entry-level models are available, they often need more durability and features, making them prone to breaking down.

A high-quality treadmill with adjustable inclines, heart rate monitors, and built-in workout programs can cost thousands of dollars. Additionally, treadmills require regular maintenance; repairs can be costly and time-consuming if they break.

In contrast, the treadmills at the gym are top-of-the-line, regularly serviced, and feature a range of settings and programs to keep your workouts fresh.

You don’t have to worry about repairs or storage; you can try different machines. Gyms often replace outdated equipment with newer models, ensuring you always have access to the best technology without the big price tag.

Elliptical Machines

Elliptical machines provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout, making them ideal for protecting joints while staying fit.

However, home elliptical machines can be expensive, especially if you want advanced features like incline settings, heart rate monitoring, or built-in workouts. Cheaper models may need more stability and wear out quickly and frequently.

Gyms, on the other hand, offer commercial-grade elliptical machines with a variety of settings to challenge your endurance and keep your workouts engaging.

With a gym membership, you can access a range of machines, ensuring variety and consistency without worrying about costly repairs or space consumption.

Stationary Bikes

A stationary bike can be a great addition to a home gym for those focused on cardiovascular fitness or low-impact exercise. However, high-quality bikes with features like resistance settings, pre-programmed workouts, and heart rate monitors can be expensive.

If you opt for a cheaper bike, you might find it uncomfortable or lacking features, which can make it hard to stay motivated.

In a gym, you can access multiple types of bikes, from recumbent to upright, and even high-tech spinning bikes with interactive workout programs.

The bikes are maintained regularly, and you won’t need to deal with issues like parts replacement or calibration. Plus, group cycling classes can make the workout more fun and challenging, keeping you engaged over time.

Step Machines

Step machines are fantastic for getting a good cardio workout and toning your legs and glutes. However, high-quality step machines can be a bit pricey, and the cheaper ones may need to be more durable and functional.

Additionally, maintaining the machine to keep it functioning properly can become an ongoing hassle.

At the gym, step machines are included in a range of cardio equipment and are regularly maintained to ensure top performance.

With a gym membership, you can hop on a step machine whenever you like without worrying about the cost of repairs or storage, and you can easily switch to other machines to keep your workouts varied.

Rowing Machines

Rowing machines provide a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. However, home rowing machines can be expensive, especially if you want smooth, quiet operation and advanced tracking features. Cheaper models often need more durability and require regular maintenance.

Gyms typically have multiple high-end rowing machines designed for commercial use, which provide a smoother and more reliable workout experience.

With a gym membership, you can access these machines without the upfront cost or maintenance headaches while benefiting from the variety of other cardio equipment available to keep your workouts fresh.

Dumbbells

Dumbbells are a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for a wide range of strength-training exercises. While adjustable dumbbells can save space, they tend to be expensive and can wear down over time. A full set of traditional dumbbells requires significant space and investment.

In a gym, you’ll have access to a comprehensive range of dumbbells in various weights, allowing you to increase resistance as you progress. Plus, the dumbbells at the gym are designed for heavy use and are maintained regularly.

With a gym membership, you won’t need to worry about replacing or storing equipment, and you’ll have access to professional-grade weights to optimize your strength training.

Home Gyms vs Gym Memberships: Differences

In recent years, the demand for home gyms has gone through major ups and downs. For example, in 2020, sales of stationary bikes surged as people sought ways to stay fit at home.

At the same time, online workout services, like Crunch’s virtual classes, became hugely popular, and many of our members still use this feature today.

Let’s evaluate the cost effectiveness, convenience, space, safety, and motivation to help you figure out whether a home gym or a gym membership is the better choice for you.

Cost

One of the main differences between a home gym and a commercial gym membership is the cost. While a home gym may save money in the long run, it requires a large upfront investment to match the variety of equipment available at a gym.

To give you a clearer picture, we’ll compare the costs of common home gym equipment with Crunch’s monthly membership fees.

Home Gym Costs

Setting up a home gym can be expensive, with a full setup potentially costing thousands. Even basic equipment like squat racks can run into the hundreds, not including installation. Additionally, weights are costly, often around $1 per pound, meaning as you get stronger, you’ll need to keep buying heavier ones.

Cardio equipment can range from budget-friendly used machines to high-priced new models. However, second-hand items often have risks, like being outdated or damaged, while brand-new machines have hefty price tags.

Gym Membership Costs

Gym membership costs vary depending on location, gym type, and amenities. A small-town gym may be inexpensive, while a boutique studio in a big city can be quite costly.

Crunch offers affordable memberships with packages like Basic ($9.99). These provide access to top-tier equipment, maintenance-free facilities, and additional perks like group classes and personal training (available for an extra fee).

With a gym membership, you also avoid the hassle of maintaining and replacing equipment.

Convenience

One of the trickiest aspects of the home gym vs. gym membership decision is figuring out which is more convenient. It depends on what features matter most to you, so let’s break down both options to help you decide.

Home Gym Accessibility

Many people opt for a home gym for the convenience of working out just steps away from their living space. Having your gym means you can choose the equipment you want, like a power rack or a pull-up bar, and you never have to wait for someone else to finish using it. Plus, you can play your favorite music, skip packing a gym bag, and work out whenever it suits you.

However, home gyms do come with their challenges. You’re responsible for maintenance and repairs when equipment breaks, and you’ll need to set aside enough space for your setup, especially if you want more than just a basic gym.

Gym Membership Convenience

Although home gyms offer the benefit of no commute or sharing equipment, gym memberships provide more overall convenience. Gyms are fully equipped with a wide range of machines and facilities, allowing you to switch up your workouts easily. You don’t have to worry about maintaining or cleaning equipment—show up, use it, and leave.

A bonus of gym memberships, especially with Crunch’s Peak and Peak Results packages, is access to group fitness classes. These classes can help keep workouts fun, introduce you to new exercises, and guide professional trainers, making your fitness journey more enjoyable and effective.

Space

One key difference between a home gym and a gym membership is the required space. While a home gym gives you the convenience of exercising at home, it also demands a dedicated area for equipment, which can be challenging if you don’t have a lot of room. Treadmills, squat racks, and weight benches take up significant space, and as you add more gear, it can quickly become crowded.

On the other hand, with a gym membership, space isn’t a concern. Gyms are designed to accommodate various equipment, from free weights to cardio machines, without taking up room in your home. Plus, you get access to other amenities like locker rooms, stretching areas, and more, making it easier to enjoy a full workout without cluttering your living space.

Safety

Safety is another important factor to consider. Working out alone at home can sometimes pose risks, especially if you’re lifting heavy weights without a spotter or trying new exercises without guidance. If equipment malfunctions or you push yourself too hard, there’s no one nearby to assist, which could lead to injuries.

In contrast, a gym environment offers a safer experience. Professional trainers are available for guidance, and many gyms have staff on hand to help with proper form or spot lifts. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, reducing the chances of malfunction. Plus, with other people around, someone can always lend a hand if needed.

Motivation

Staying motivated can be tough when working out alone at home. It’s easy to skip workouts or cut them short without accountability. Without the social atmosphere of a gym, you might miss out on the encouragement and energy that comes from working out around others.

A gym membership can be a great motivator. Being surrounded by people working toward their fitness goals can help push you to do more.

Group classes with many gym memberships, like Crunch’s Peak and Peak Results plan, provide a fun and motivating way to stay on track. Plus, the support of trainers and the variety of equipment can keep your routine exciting and help you stay consistent with your fitness journey.

Even if you decide that a home gym is your best option for now, consider trying out our online fitness training with Crunch+. With countless pre-recorded routines, iconic Crunch group classes, and on-demand instruction, we can give you all the benefits of a personal trainer in the comfort of your own home.

Which is Best For Your Specific Needs?

For most people, buying expensive gym equipment doesn’t make sense. The costs add up quickly, the equipment takes up too much space, as we mentioned before, and you may find yourself stuck doing the same workouts over and over. Expanding your home gym setup can get pricey and still won’t match the variety of a full gym.

Unless you have a specific fitness goal that requires home equipment, a gym membership is the smarter option. Gyms provide many machines, classes, and options, giving you more flexibility, convenience, and motivation without the high upfront cost.

Join Us!

Crunch promotes a culture of positivity, inclusivity, and fun with no judgments by providing an environment for all individuals regardless of their health and fitness goals. Find a Crunch gym near you to try our free trial membership, or join Crunch now. We’re here for you – at the gym or home. Access the best live & on-demand workouts anytime, anywhere with Crunch+. Ready to get sweaty? Try hundreds of workouts for free! Start your free trial now!