It’s a fact – there are times where we just can’t make it to the gym. In the past few years, largely because of the pandemic, more and more people have started to exercise at home. Many have found that they can thrive by working out at home, and have left the gym behind. Some have taken the opportunity to build their own home gyms (like myself) while others have discovered the benefits of simple routines that make use of what they have on hand. Whether you have a huge gym or no equipment at all, home can be a great place to get fit – let’s take a look at the many benefits of working out at home.
It Saves Money
No matter how you look at it, working out at home is a big money saver. Most gym memberships cost anywhere from $10 – $100 per month, plus start-up and annual fees (not to mention the cost of gas to get to and from the gym!) On average, a gym membership will cost $30 – $50 per month or around $360 – $600 per year. That’s just for one person. Add a membership for your spouse or kids and the costs get even higher!
With so many popular bodyweight workouts available online – not to mention on-demand programs like Beachbody – you can easily save hundreds of dollars each year while working towards your fitness goals. Even if you’re a more advanced lifter and need added resistance, you can easily grab some dumbbells, kettlebells, or resistance bands for a fraction of the cost of a yearly gym membership. If you have the space for it, you can even build a complete home gym for $1000 – $3000. While the initial costs of equipment to build a home gym might be higher than a gym membership, it easily pays for itself within a few years.
Working Out at Home Saves Time
This is another of my favorite things about exercising at home. It saves time and money driving to and from the gym, and you never have to wait for equipment to become available. In 45 minutes, I can warm up and complete a workout that would have taken over an hour at the gym, not including drive time! You’ll also save time by avoiding common distractions at the gym, like those random conversations that take your focus away from your workout.
Workout Around Your Schedule
When I first got back to working out, I had very little free time. Exercising at home allowed me to wake up, grab a protein shake, and workout in less time than it would have taken me to get to the gym. Now my wife and I workout at the end of the day when we get home, which is a lot easier than trying to match our schedules and meet at the gym. When your home is your gym, it becomes much easier to find time to exercise without rearranging your schedule. Since you don’t have to go anywhere, you have complete control over when and how you workout. If you have kids, you can also structure your workout around their schedules, fitting in workouts while they nap and don’t need supervision.
No Excuses
Ever get anxiety about going to the gym? When you workout at home, no one is watching or judging you. You can wear what you want or try a new exercise without worrying about how you look. In other words, you can focus on your workout and meeting your goals.
Working out at home also eliminates other excuses for not exercising:
- “I forgot my workout clothes” – at home, you always have the clothes and shoes you need.
- “I don’t have time today” – anyone can find 15 minutes to exercise at home or outdoors.
- “I can’t afford the gym” – working out at home costs nothing!
- “I can’t stick to a routine” – when your home is your gym, you don’t have to go out of your way to create or schedule a routine.
Always Have The Equipment You Need
Home workouts don’t require much equipment, and the equipment you have is always available. Anyone who’s been to the gym knows how frustrating it can be to wait endlessly for a machine, or have to change your workout because there’s no dumbbells available. At home, there’s no competition for the dumbbells you need, or for a bench, machine or anything else. There’s never anyone asking how many sets you have left either! As a result, you can get your workouts done better, faster and with much less frustration.
Nutrition and Hydration are Convenient
We’ve all been to the gym feeling depleted or dehydrated, especially when going right after work. At home you always have what you need for pre-workout and post-workout nutrition, and the flexibility to exercise when you’re feeling good. Having healthy snacks and plenty of water (or your preferred sports drink) on-hand can make sure you get the most from your routine. And when your workout is done, a quick trip to the kitchen is all it takes to get a post-workout shake or meal.
Clean Equipment and Workout Area
If you’ve been in a gym more than once or twice, you’ve probably walked up to a piece of equipment only to find it covered in sweat. Commercial gyms are heavily trafficked, and it’s rare for gym-goers to properly clean equipment after using it. At home, you know who has used the equipment and have full control over how and when it gets cleaned. It’s as simple as keeping a towel or Clorox wipe on-hand to sanitize your equipment and workout space.
Easy to Create a Routine
Creating a routine is all about consistency, and promoting consistency is much easier when there are fewer barriers in place. For most of us, going to the gym requires some level of planning – when to go, what clothes and shoes to take, what nutrition and accessories you need. When you workout at home, you don’t have to account for all of that. You can exercise whenever you have time, and on days when your motivation is low it’s much easier to make an effort. That flexibility makes establishing a consistent workout routine much easier. Having family around (or working out together) can also help you stay motivated and on track.
You Can Tailor the Workout Area to Your Needs
At the gym, you’re essentially renting a workout area and equipment. At home, you own the space and any equipment that you have. Tailoring that space to your needs can make working out more fun and more effective. You can add posters or quotes that improve your motivation, or a sound system so that you can listen to your favorite music (as loud as you want!) while exercising. You can add a TV or monitor to your workout area and stream on-demand fitness programs, or just catch up on your favorite show. There are endless ways to customize your home gym space, the only limits are your own creativity.
Encourage Family Fitness
All of us want our kids to grow up to be healthy and happy. When you workout at home, you show your kids that fitness is worth making a priority. They can even join you in your workouts (and get out some energy!) for some healthy family fun. Either way, your kids will grow up valuing exercise and personal health, which can make a huge difference as they grow older – even warding off depression and anxiety.
If you don’t have kids, exercising at home can still be a great way to spend quality time with your spouse or significant other. Working out together can also help you stay on track by holding each other accountable.
You Can Exercise Outside
Ah, the great outdoors! If you don’t feel like working out inside, you can always head outside – weather permitting. Walking, biking, and running are all great cardiovascular activities that you can do almost anywhere. If that’s not really your speed, you can still take your workouts outside. I know I’ve done my fair share of walking lunges in the yard and driveway!
If you’re just getting started with regular exercise, you could form a walking group with some of your neighbors. If you have kids, walking or biking can be a great way to encourage fitness while spending time together. No matter what you choose to do, exercising outdoors is a great way to add variety to your workouts while getting some Vitamin D.
Working Out at Home – Where to Start
No matter your fitness level, exercising at home can be a great way to save time and money while nurturing healthy habits. Getting started is as simple as finding a space in your home and committing to regular exercise. With a bit of knowledge and creativity, you can make your home workouts as good as any that you do in the gym. If you’re new to working out, consider following a guided program so that you can learn proper form and more easily establish a consistent routine. Don’t just go through the motions – focus on your goals and pushing yourself during every workout.
If you need help finding a good workout program or creating a basic home gym, feel free to drop a comment down below. I’m always around and happy to help however I can.