Since the pandemic started more and more people train in their home gyms. But even before this global event tons of people built home gyms and garage/shed gyms at home. There's even an own community on reddit dedicated only to home gyms: r/homegym
Working out at home isn't for everyone and you can decide for yourself what works best for you. I thought about what is better - home gym or commercial gym. It depends on individual needs to decide what works best for you.
As an introvert I like my home gym and can't imagine being without it. It feels great being able to workout in peace and not feeling overwhelmed by people. My concentration is much better too.
Here are some pros:
- No crowds of people. No waiting time during peak hours. The equipment you need is always available and clean. As an introvert with a low social battery I just want to be in peace and it's exhausting for me to be around strangers for a longer time. It can feel more comfortable having your own workout space to workout and be by yourself.
- No monthly fee (fees are rising at my place). You invest in your own gym equipment. And if you don't want or need it anymore you can sell it for a good price. Yes, commercial gyms have tons of equipment but how much of it do I really use and need?
- Time and energy saver. No long way to the gym (home gym helps to avoid using car/public transportation if the gym is far away). You're perhaps more likely to workout because it's literally at home but this varies from person to person. Plus home gym won't close during a lockdown.
- After a sweaty workout you can jump right into your own shower, get in your comfy joggers fast, rest and enjoy your food while watching youtube, netflix or play video games as a reward :D
- If you need to drag yourself to the gym and hate to go somewhere after a long day, the home gym seems more convenient and you're more likely to not make excuses.
As you can see there are several pros but there are also some things that might not appeal to all people.
Cons:
- You need the space (room/basement/garage) to build and store your equipment, not everyone has enough space. However even on small space in an apartment you can build something nice, you don't need a whole gym room (there are small squat racks and shorter barbells etc.)
- Bigger starting investments (you can add more to your home gym over time though, start small)
- Lifting heavy (e.g. deadlifts) might be a problem if you have neighbours living under you. But you can get bumper plates or impact rubber mats that absorb the shock.
- Less variety of special equipment. Unless you're rich and have a ton of space you are limited with the choice of equipment. The good thing is that you don't need a lot of stuff or big machines if you train with free weights and do the basics/compound lifts.
- If you are an extroverted and social person who loves meeting new people at the gym or always wants to workout with friends in the gym atmosphere maybe the gym is the better choice for you.
- There are people who get more motivated at the gym and seek the gym feeling. However at home you could listen to motivational music and get into the "workout mode". I personally feel more motivated working out at home because I can focus on myself and nothing will distract me.
- If you need special and expensive equipment (certain machines, strongman stuff like stones, sledges etc.) that's only available in the gym maybe you better go to the gym. It depends on what your goal is.
- If you're not motivated or dedicated enough and won't work out even the best home gym is no use.
Tips for getting a home gym:
- look for second hand equipment online, most of the time you can make a great deal
- buy quality. If you buy super cheap equipment you maybe need to buy new stuff second time soon
- don't buy everything on day one (unless you're rich lol). Start small and build your home gym over time, you may look at it as your own "project" if you want. You also don't need tons of unnecessary stuff, I think the basics are enough at first. Just buy a rack, a bench and a barbell with weights but not 10 extra machines you maybe don't need (only my opinion).
Conclusion:
A home gym can be a great way for introverts to work out but in the end what works best for you is the right choice.
There are for sure more pros for having a home gym, write them into the comments if you like :)
Last updated: 01. Feb. 2023