Home Gym vs. Gym Membership: The Ultimate Guide for Women Starting Their Fitness Journey

Why I Started with a Home Gym

When I first began lifting, the idea of heading to a gym and lifting weights in front of others felt intimidating. The thought of possibly embarrassing myself with poor form or failing a set was enough to make me hesitant. Starting with a home gym, where I could go at my own pace, was a huge confidence booster.

At home, I could take my time, focus on getting my form right, and experiment with different exercises in my own time. I started light, gradually increasing weights as my strength and knowledge grew. Over time, I was able to invest in additional equipment like a deadlift platform, resistance bands, and squat rack, and more. The best part? I still use these on the days I can’t make it to the gym—having a home gym gives me the flexibility to stay consistent without worrying about travel time.

If you’re thinking about starting your own home gym, check out our guide to essential home gym equipment.

After lifting at home for over a year, I decided to get a gym membership. And let me tell you, I absolutely love it.

While I still use my home gym on occasion, my membership has brought a whole new level of motivation and excitement to my fitness journey. Starting your lifting journey at a gym with a personal coach is also a great way to learn quickly and build a schedule for your needs.

Home Gym vs. Gym Membership: Pros and Cons

Home Gym Pros:

• Bigger Upfront Costs: While you’ll need to invest in equipment upfront, you won’t have to pay a monthly membership fee, and the equipment will be yours forever to use or resell.
• Personal Space: Work out in privacy, play your own music, no need to wait on a machine.
• No Travel Time: Skip the commute—work out at home whenever it fits your schedule.
• Wear Anything: No need to worry about gym attire—work out in whatever you feel comfortable in (lol some days its not so hot).
• Customizable: You can design your home gym to fit your specific needs and preferences for your goals.

Home Gym Cons:

• Limited Equipment: While you can start small, it’s tough to replicate the variety of machines and weights you’d find at a gym.
• Motivation Can Be Harder: Without the energy of a gym environment, it can be harder to stay motivated and push yourself. Sometimes feeling intimidated is a GOOD thing.
• Space Considerations: Not everyone has the space for a full home gym setup, and that can be limiting.

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Gym Membership Pros:

• Smaller Upfront Costs: Membership fees are typically much lower than the initial investment for home gym equipment.
• Amenities: Access to saunas, pools, steam rooms, and more makes the gym experience feel like a treat. This allows you to fully unwind after a workout and leave feeling refreshed.
• More Equipment: Gyms offer a wide range of equipment, which can be ideal if you’re looking to try different types of exercises or progress your training.
• Atmosphere: The energy and motivation of a gym community can help you push through your limits and stay focused.
• Classes & Instructors: From free group fitness classes to personal training, having instructors available adds a lot of value to your membership.
• Variety of Locations: Many gyms have multiple locations across North America, that allow you to stay consistent while travelling.

Gym Membership Cons:

• Ongoing Costs: Membership fees can add up over time, especially if you’re not using the gym regularly.
• Travel Time: You’ll need to commute to and from the gym, which can be inconvenient depending on your schedule and if you have a way of getting there or not.
• Crowds: Depending on your gym’s popularity, it can get crowded during peak hours, which means waiting for equipment or feeling cramped.

What should you do?

Remember, you don’t have to choose one over the other—like me, you might find that a combination of both works best for your fitness journey. Whether you’re starting out or advancing your training, take the time to explore what works for you, and enjoy the process!