Is a Home Gym Cheaper Than Membership or Both Worth it?

Is a Home Gym Cheaper Than a Membership or Both Worth it?

Where I live a typical decent commercial gym would cost around 1000 INR a month.

12000 INR per year.

With that 12000 INR I can make a home gym to workout at home peacefully. No sweaty smells, no waiting in line for a machine, no commuting…

But wait..

Machine?

What!

Can you buy a machine under 12k INR for a budget home gym setup?

You would definitely need to increase your budget a lot to make a home gym plan!

But if you are fed up like me and want to work out at home, then start slow. Buy only what you need.

There has to be a motivation to do workouts at home gyms.

For me here are they!

1. I hate the crowd in the gym. Especially near any festivals.
2. I hate waiting for a machine to get FREE.
3. I hate the smell and sweat in the gyms that I could afford.

If you are like me then a home gym is a better fit.

Building a home gym in India can indeed be a cost-effective alternative to a commercial gym membership. Let’s break down the numbers in Indian Rupees (INR) to illustrate the cost/benefit ratio on average in India.

Expense	Home Gym (Initial Setup)	Gym Membership (1 Month)
Gym Equipment and Accessories	₹15,000 – ₹50,000	N/A (FREE first month)
Monthly Gym Membership Fee	N/A	1000-₹4,470 INR Approx/ Month
Total Cost for First Month	₹15,000 – ₹50,000	1000-₹4,470 INR Approx/ Month + Admission fee if any
Annual Cost (Home Gym)	N/A	53640 INR

1. Initial Setup: Setting up a home gym can range from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the equipment you choose.
2. Monthly Gym Membership Fee: A commercial gym membership in India typically costs ₹4,470 per month.
3. Total Cost for First Month: Your home gym’s initial setup cost is a one-time investment, while a month at a commercial gym costs ₹4,470.
4. Annual Cost: Over a year, a home gym can cost between ₹1,80,000 to ₹6,00,000, depending on your equipment choices. In contrast, an annual gym membership would amount to ₹53,640.

Considering these figures, a home gym can be a cost-effective option over the long term, especially if you are committed to regular workouts. It not only saves you money but also offers convenience and flexibility in your fitness routine.

However, the decision ultimately depends on your fitness goals, preferences, and budget.

But a home gym is only a cost-effective option if you choose the best gym equipment wisely.

If you go all out and blow 600000 INR on a home gym then you would need 12 years to make up for a commercial gym membership.

If you are 30, then you will turn 42 you have covered the cost. So in that 12 years you surely will want to upgrade gym equipment.

Upgrade the room.

But will stay in that house for 12 years?

Maybe for your career you would change the city!

Duh!

So If you have a cool commercial gym with the lowest possible monthly fees, join that and use their commercial gym equipment.

So NO high upfront fees. Save that money, buys mutual funds at least.

So the bottom line, unless you can not keep it under a strict budget you are better off with a commercial gym workout environment.

Home Gym vs Gym Membership

Aspect	Home Gym	Gym Membership
Initial Setup Cost	₹15,000 – ₹50,000	₹0 (Sign-up fee may apply)
Monthly Expenses	₹0	₹1,000 – ₹3,000 INR minimum
Equipment Quality	Varies (Can invest in quality)	Standard or Commercial grade depending on your choice.
Convenience	High (24/7 access, no commute)	Moderate (Fixed hours)
Variety of Equipment	Limited (Based on choices)	Extensive
Crowds and Waiting Times	No crowds	Possible wait times
Personalized Workouts	Yes (Create your ideal setup)	Limited to available equipment
Hygiene Control	Full control	Shared facility
Long-term Cost	₹1,80,000 – ₹3,00,000 (Onetime	₹12,000 – ₹36,000 (Annually)
Social Interaction	Limited (No gym community)	Available
Fitness Trainer Expenses	Optional (Can hire at cost)	Included in membership fee
Flexibility in Workout Schedule	High (Workout at your convenience)	Moderate (Gym hours)

Home Gym vs Commercial Gym

Aspect	Home Gym	Commercial Gym
Initial Setup Cost	Varies (₹15,000 – ₹50,000 for basic equipment)	Sign-up fee plus monthly dues
Monthly Expenses	Minimal (Electricity, equipment maintenance)	₹1,000 – ₹3,000 (Membership fee)
Variety of Equipment	Limited to personal choices	Extensive range of equipment
Convenience	High (24/7 access, no commute)	Moderate (Fixed hours, travel required)
Personalization	Tailored to your preferences	Limited to available equipment
Crowds and Waiting Times	No crowds	Possible wait times for equipment
Hygiene Control	Full control	Shared facility cleanliness
Fitness Trainer Availability	Optional (Can hire at extra cost)	Available, often included in fees
Social Interaction	Limited (No gym community)	Opportunity to meet and socialize
Privacy	High (Workout in solitude)	Limited (Shared space)
Long-term Cost	₹1,80,000 – ₹6,00,000 (Annually)	₹12,000 – ₹36,000 (Annually)

Why home gyms are popular?

1. Convenience: Home gyms offer the convenience of working out on your schedule. No more waiting for equipment or adhering to gym hours. You have the freedom to exercise whenever it suits you.
2. Cost-Effective: Over time, home gyms can be more cost-effective than gym memberships. You make a one-time investment in equipment and avoid monthly membership fees.
3. Privacy: Home gyms provide a private and comfortable workout space. You can exercise without feeling self-conscious, and it’s ideal for those who prefer solitude during their workouts.
4. Hygiene Control: You have full control over cleanliness and hygiene in your home gym. You’re not sharing equipment with others, reducing the risk of exposure to germs and viruses.
5. Customization: With a home gym, you can tailor the equipment to your fitness goals. Whether you’re into cardio, strength training, or yoga, you can choose the gear that suits your needs, ensuring a personalized workout experience.

Basic home gym equipment to consider for a cheap home gym

1. Dumbbells: Versatile and great for strength training. You can start with a pair of adjustable dumbbells.
2. Resistance Bands: Ideal for a full-body workout and easy to store.
3. Jump Rope: Excellent for cardio and agility training.
4. Yoga Mat: Provides cushioning for floor exercises and yoga sessions.
5. Pull-Up Bar: Perfect for upper body strength and core workouts.
6. Kettlebells: Great for functional strength and dynamic exercises.
7. Exercise Ball: Useful for core workouts, balance, and stability exercises.
8. Push-Up Handles: Enhance your push-up form and reduce wrist strain.
9. Adjustable Bench: Enables a variety of exercises, including bench press and step-ups.
10. Resistance Tubes: Another option for resistance training and targeting specific muscle groups.
11. Foam Roller: Helps with muscle recovery and releasing tension.
12. Barbell with Weights: If you have the space, a basic barbell set can be versatile for compound lifts.

Pros and Cons of Home Gyms

Pros of Home Gyms	Cons of Home Gyms
Convenience: Work out on your schedule.	Initial Setup Cost: May require an investment in equipment.
Cost-Effective: Over time, saves money compared to gym memberships.	Limited Space: Space constraints can limit equipment choices.
Privacy: Exercise in a private and comfortable environment.	Motivation: Lack of gym community and social interaction.
Hygiene Control: Full control over cleanliness and sanitation.	Equipment Variety: Limited to your personal choices.
Customization: Choose equipment tailored to your fitness goals.	Maintenance: Responsible for equipment maintenance and repairs.

Pros and Cons of Gym membership or Commercial Gym

Pros of Gym Membership	Cons of Gym Membership
Access to Professional Equipment	Monthly Membership Fees
Variety of Workout Options	Crowded During Peak Hours
Group Classes and Trainers	Commute to the Gym
Gym Community and Social Interaction	Limited Privacy
Motivation and Accountability	Shared Hygiene and Cleanliness

Lastly, I would end this rant of a blog with a guideline to follow:

1. If go through the home gym route then do not overspend. You should always focus on cost savings. Unless you earn from your home gym.
2. Your home gym routine should be simple and to the point. Unless you are a pro-lifter. Otherwise do not spread thin or stay all over the place. If you love Olympic weightlifting then do that. Your mindset needs to be focused.
3. Speaking of focus, you should add a variety of workout routines with minimal workout equipment. Consider calisthenics home gym or Crossfit home gyms.
4. Gym equipment essentials like an Olympic barbell, bench, squat rack, and treadmill are enough for weightlifting and cardio workouts in a home.