Home Gym vs Gym Membership: The Real Cost
Quick Answer
A basic home gym (£300) pays for itself in just 6 months compared to a standard £50/month gym membership. Over 5 years, a home gym saves you over £2,700—and that doesn't include travel costs or time saved.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | Home Gym Setup | Commercial Gym | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | £200-1000+ | £20-50 (Joining) | Commercial Gym |
| Year 1 Total | £500 | £600+ | Home Gym Setup |
| Year 5 Total | £700 (Maintenance) | £3,000+ | Home Gym Setup |
| Travel Time | 0 min | 30+ min/session | Home Gym Setup |
| Resale Value | 50-70% | 0% | Home Gym Setup |
1. The Hidden Costs of Deployment
Gym memberships look check (£30/month). But add the invisible costs:
- Transport: £2 bus or £2 petrol per visit. 3x a week = £300/year.
- Time: 15 mins each way = 1.5 hours a week lost. That's 75 hours a year sitting in traffic.
- Price Hikes: Gyms historically raise prices by 5-10% annually. Your dumbbell's price is fixed once you buy it.
2. The Asset Argument
When you leave a commercial gym, you walk away with nothing. When you 'retire' a home gym, you can sell the cast iron weights on Facebook Marketplace for nearly what you paid. Iron doesn't depreciate like a car. It's a store of value.
3. The Motivation Myth
'I need the gym environment to train'. Do you? Or do you need the removal of barriers? The hardest part of the gym is getting there. When the gym is 5 seconds from your sofa, consistency usually goes UP, not down. No queues for the bench press means you finish in 45 mins, not 90.
The Verdict
Home gym wins on cost, time, and convenience. Commercial gym wins only if you need very specific machinery (swimming pools, saunas) or social interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about electricity/heating costs?
Minimal. You don't need to heat a garage gym to 20C. Wear a hoodie. Music comes from a bluetooth speaker.