Why We Chose a Home Gym Over a Gym Membership: A Dad’s Perspective
As a dad of seven, life is a whirlwind of activity. From morning chaos to evening routines, time is precious. My wife and I found ourselves at a crossroads: stick with a traditional gym membership or create a home gym that worked for our family’s unique rhythm. Here’s why this choice made perfect sense for us and might resonate with you too.
The Emotional Weight of Time
For a parent, every hour away from home can feel like a tug-of-war. Between work, school, and extracurriculars, family time is already limited. Adding a 20-minute drive to the gym, a workout, and the return trip felt like too much to sacrifice.
With a home gym, that hour-long commitment transforms into focused time at home. The sound of my kids’ laughter filters through as I lift weights. My wife and I can tag-team workouts while keeping an eye on the younger kids. It’s not just fitness—it’s staying connected.
Setting an Example
Our older kids are old enough to make their own fitness choices, and they see the effort my wife and I put into staying active. Having a home gym means they can drop by for a set of pull-ups or join us in a quick workout. It’s a subtle reminder that health is a family value—something we prioritize together.
Our Shared Routine
My wife and I have made our home gym an integral part of our day. We get up early, before the kids, and share a workout. This has become our together time—a moment of calm before the day begins, where we encourage and challenge each other. It’s been a wonderful way to stay connected while pursuing our fitness goals.
Cost Analysis: A Practical Perspective
When we first considered a home gym, the upfront costs gave us pause. But once we crunched the numbers, the long-term savings spoke for themselves. Let’s break it down:
Initial Costs
- Basic Home Gym Setup: $250
- Moderate Home Gym Setup: $2,500
- Basic Gym Membership: $10/month
- Premium Gym Membership: $100/month
Yearly Costs Comparison
At the end of the first year:
- Basic Home Gym: $250 (one-time cost)
- Moderate Home Gym: $2,500 (one-time cost)
- Basic Gym Membership: $120/year
- Premium Gym Membership: $1,200/year
While the upfront investment in a home gym is higher, the costs don’t repeat annually.
Five-Year Costs Comparison
By the end of five years:
- Basic Home Gym: $250 (still the same)
- Moderate Home Gym: $2,500 (still the same)
- Basic Gym Membership: $120 x 5 = $600
- Premium Gym Membership: $1,200 × 5 = $6,000
Over five years, even a moderate home gym costs far less than a premium gym membership. A basic setup saves even more, making it an economical choice for long-term fitness.
Building Over Time
One of the best parts about a home gym is that it doesn’t have to be perfect from day one. We started with the basics, finding discount or used equipment, and added things over time. This gradual approach made the cost manageable and allowed us to prioritize what we really needed. Another advantage is the ability to buy whatever equipment fits our needs and preferences. Whether it’s a set of resistance bands or top-of-the-line adjustable dumbbells, the choice is ours.
For example, we invested in PowerBlocks, which I reviewed here, and found them to be a game-changer for saving space and offering versatility.
Flexibility: Fitness on Our Schedule
With a home gym, there’s no waiting for machines, no worrying about crowded spaces, and no excuses when the weather turns ugly. Early mornings? Late evenings? It’s always open. This flexibility is priceless for a large family juggling multiple schedules.
The Joy of Shared Goals
Our decision wasn’t just about numbers or convenience. It was about creating a space where fitness could flourish as a family value. Whether it’s my wife cheering me on during a personal best or the kids using resistance bands for fun, the home gym has become a hub of energy and encouragement in our home.
Making Your Choice
A home gym isn’t for everyone. It takes an initial investment, some space, and a commitment to use it. But for us, it was the perfect fit. As the new year begins, consider your own priorities. What’s worth your time, money, and energy? For our family, the answer was clear: a home gym where health and togetherness go hand in hand.
