home gym or membership?

[geoff83]

Hello,

I would like to ask a question about beginning a workout routine and whether a home gym or gym membership is better. I'm sure alot of it comes down to personal preference but I would like to know what you think about the pro's and cons of each. And any suggestions on good home gym machines, weights, etc. (live in the UK) I know that a membership would offer everything you need but for me at home would be a benefit due to work, kids etc... but I dont want to buy one machine then realize I have to buy countless other machines in order to get the results I am looking for.

My workout goals are to gain mass. (ectomorph) My wife would also use the equipment (her goals- lose fat gain muscle)

Thanks for any advice

[Pelon]

I don't think either is necessarily better. I actually use both setups. If I don't feel like going to the gym, I use my home equipment. I can do most things with the equipment I have, but if I want to do a heavier workout, I go to the local gym. At the local gym, there is a wider variety of equipment that would be expensive for me to add to my home setup.

If you are new to working out, I think home equipment is more likely to get used, and it can save quite a bit of travel time. The extra effort required to go to the gym can cause people to skip workouts. The exception would be a situation where you are meeting with a workout partner (not your wife). If you have an obligation to meet them at set times each week, then you may be more likely to stick to that routine.

[ebon00]

The big problem with home gyms is always working legs effectively. Upper body work can always be handled with fairly limited equipment (an adjustable set of dumbells will allow you to do a lot) but legs tend to require a little more weight, which is expensive, and some kind of rack (or similar). Some all-in-one stations can work for the beginner but they are pretty bulky and from experience, some of my friends and family have bought things like this, they end up unused when the limitations become obvious and a gym membership seems a better solution. They are also fairly expensive. I think it all boils down to motivation, if you feel that a simple home gym will help keep you motivated and consistent in your training then by all means go for it and take advice from someone other than me on the makeup of the equipment because I wouldn't trade my gym membershio for the world.

[richard82]

i used to train all the time at my local gym until a couple of years back. but i think its easy to loose motivation from travelling, and waiting for stations to become free.

personally, ive found a home gym much better as i can get in, work out and thats it without messing around. the only negative element is the space requirement although free weights, a bench, and a squat rack take up a suprisingly small amount of room.

[Maxgain]

i prefer membership. Its good to have others to spot and motivate you when tired etc

[The Flash]

I prefer the home gym. I work out when I want, how I want with all the settings in my favor. I made a deal with myself. All (or most) of the money I would have used on a membership I use on equipment for my home gym.

[gymgirl]

Originally Posted by Maxgain

i prefer membership. Its good to have others to spot and motivate you when tired etc

i agree maxgain. personally if i were to have a home gym i think i would lose focus. i am easily distracted and i think once i get home i find a million things to do. when i go to the gym i am there for a reason, and there are less distractions. i also enjoy having others around to pick up tips or have a spot. it's also motivating for me to see others working hard...helps remind me to keep pushing myself.

just my $0.02. i also definitely see the benefit of having a home gym too. if i were rich i would do both!