Gym membership or home gym? Are either of them Mustachian

[monstermonster]

I've been going back and forth on this, as someone who has always used the "big blue gym" but has had a running injury and can't work in run during the daylight in the winter (I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark.) I live in a very small apartment and there's no room to jump rope or stash anything more than a few hand weights or a KB.

For the next couple months, I'm paying $75/month to use the very high-end gym (it's mostly just lifting/HIIT classes, no cardio machines). They are 5 blocks away, and they have class at 6AM (the only time I can really work out.) They're also really nice and teach me to modify exercises the RIGHT way and I don't have to second-guess my lifts based on a youtube video.

I've been going 5 days a week. Why? Because they charge me $20 if I don't show up and $15 if I cancel less than 12 hours ahead.  The power of behavioral economics is undeniable. If a gym is going to make you go more than a home gym, then do it. Consider using GymPact or Beeminder to charge yourself $$ if you don't go to gym. It works.

[EngineerYogi]

I'm going to disagree with the two previous posters above and say that calories in - out are what cause weight loss/gain.  It's possible to lose weight eating chocolate chip cookies, cake, and ice cream (I've done it).  It's possible to gain weight eating massive quantities of nuts, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and meat (I've also done it).  You will feel hungry all the time, have spikes of energy/lulls of listlessness and be generally miserable during the former . . . which could lead some to have a tendency towards overeating.

That said, focusing on getting proper nutrition will leave you much healthier, generally feeling full longer, and is a far more sustainable plan.

This article references a study on mice looking at the exact same foods fed to them, with one being fed cooked and one raw.  The same calories acted differently based on being cooked or not.  If a cooked sweet potato causes different bodily reactions with regard to weight gain than a raw one, it's not a far stretch to conclude that a food that isn't a sweet potato will also be different.

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/the-hidden-truths-about-calories/

Nice article! Very interesting stuff.

[GuitarStv]

I'm going to disagree with the two previous posters above and say that calories in - out are what cause weight loss/gain.  It's possible to lose weight eating chocolate chip cookies, cake, and ice cream (I've done it).  It's possible to gain weight eating massive quantities of nuts, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and meat (I've also done it).  You will feel hungry all the time, have spikes of energy/lulls of listlessness and be generally miserable during the former . . . which could lead some to have a tendency towards overeating.

That said, focusing on getting proper nutrition will leave you much healthier, generally feeling full longer, and is a far more sustainable plan.

This article references a study on mice looking at the exact same foods fed to them, with one being fed cooked and one raw.  The same calories acted differently based on being cooked or not.  If a cooked sweet potato causes different bodily reactions with regard to weight gain than a raw one, it's not a far stretch to conclude that a food that isn't a sweet potato will also be different.

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/the-hidden-truths-about-calories/

Nice article! Very interesting stuff.

That is interesting.  I guess it should be changed to 'calories digested - calories burned due to exercise' then.  :P

[EngineerYogi]

I'm going to disagree with the two previous posters above and say that calories in - out are what cause weight loss/gain.  It's possible to lose weight eating chocolate chip cookies, cake, and ice cream (I've done it).  It's possible to gain weight eating massive quantities of nuts, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and meat (I've also done it).  You will feel hungry all the time, have spikes of energy/lulls of listlessness and be generally miserable during the former . . . which could lead some to have a tendency towards overeating.

That said, focusing on getting proper nutrition will leave you much healthier, generally feeling full longer, and is a far more sustainable plan.

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/the-hidden-truths-about-calories/

Nice article! Very interesting stuff.

That is interesting.  I guess it should be changed to 'calories digested - calories burned due to exercise' then.  :P

It's more complex than that, the basic equation for Total Daily Energy Expenditure(TDEE) is [Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)]+[Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis(NEAT)]+[Exercise Burn]+[Thermo-effect of food(TEF)] and it's the NEAT portion that actually makes up the second largest and most adjustable part (BMR is largest, that's the calories you burn just laying in bed existing). Just taking extra walks throughout the day can have a big effect on your TDEE. Your body is awesome at homeostasis too so if you start dieting without adding exercise you'll actually tend towards less NEAT without intending (get that I don't want to get off the couch feeling, or stop fidgeting as much which does burn calories). Adding exercise, increasing NEAT and monitoring your diet are the best bet for ensuring success with weight(fat) loss.

[mm1970]

Mark's Daily Apple website has a number of free body weight exercise videos and diet/eating challenges that might be helpful as does YouTube really. I wouldn't buy equipment until you've gotten your eating on track and developed a base level of fitness from body weight exercises. Reward yourself later with more equipment or a gym membership if you want a but I guess I am suggesting this is more about the mental motivation than home v. gym.

Wouldn't my eating already be on track if my lifestyle changed to cardio workouts that burn 2,500 calories a week?

We stopped working about about 5 years ago and accumulated a grand total of 110 pounds of body fat in that time. 110 pounds of body fat = 385,000 calories(1 pound fat=3,500 calories).. 5 years = 1,825 days.... 385,000 / 1,825 = 210.95 daily calories over consumed for the two of us or 105 calories for each of us. 735 calories a week vs the extra 2,500 calories a week in cardio.

I agree with the poster above that it's not as simple as "calories in, calories out." The quality of calories you're consuming matters immensely.

I say this with just a slight bit of experience, as I've been tracking my calories since last fall. I eat about 2,000 calories per day. At first, I would still eat the normal stuff at work--processed granola bars, pretzels with lunch, processed protein bars for snacks at work, a beer every other day, etc. I stayed within my calorie limit but really didn't see much weight loss.

Since New Year's I've really altered my habits. My breakfast is a Nutribullet shake (banana, strawberries, and baby spinach) and three eggs. My lunch is chicken and sweet potatoes.  I eat snacks and maybe just one granola bar a day. My dinner is something different (maybe brown rice and chicken thighs, sausage and eggs, some type of red meat, etc.). Then I have a scoop of peanut butter or something before bed.

Since changing the types of calories I'm eating, I've lost more than 5 pounds in just four weeks. I also generally feel a lot better, get out of bed easier, fall asleep easier, etc.

Bottom line lesson for me is that I don't think all calories are created equal. If you truly want to lose the 110 pounds of body fat, then you not only need to exercise, but you need to make sure you are eating quality foods.

One last point, and I hope I don't come off too harsh: your broad strokes math concerning your weight gain isn't by itself a sufficient explanation of your weight gain. You need to actually calculate calories and your nutrients, as well as your physical activities, and make sure you are eating quality calories.

Yes, pretty much this.

While I don't doubt that calories matter, and calories in - calories out = weight loss for some people, it simply doesn't work that way for everyone.  Sleep, age, genetics, are all factors.

The body, for example, tends to have a "set point" which can make it difficult to lose weight (or gain weight).  100 calories a day is nothing - you think eating an extra 100 calories a day will make a difference, really?  There are studies that show this too.

http://www.foodpolitics.com/2010/01/how-many-extra-calories-cause-weight-gain/

(Similar situation, in 2014 I was focused on losing baby weight.  I was eating a consistent # of calories every day, and exercising the same, and losing about 2 lbs a month.  One month I kept the same calories, but cut out wheat, sugar, and wine.  I was only eating about 2 servings a day of these foods, 200 calories total - or less.  I substituted potatoes, beans, corn, oats.  Lost 7 lbs in one month.) 

I love experimentation!

[norabird]

I want to chime in that home gyms simply can't have pools and saunas, and there is a  reason people love both of these. Since your boy likes being in the pool, and your home fitness efforts never took off, an external gym might help. It's easy to say to someone else 'why don't you just follow through on working out at home'. It will not however improve their fitness to say this.

What works for you will change over time and using 'should's won't help.

[MrsCoolCat]

I recently joined a studio for the bargain rate of $59/month (no contract, no sign-up, over 80 classes offered every week). Trust me for studio classes that's a steal. I cancelled a $10 membership at Planet Fitness. I have a whole bunch of gadgets at home including a stationary bike, elliptical, Wavemaster boxing bag & a lot of toys. Yes, it may have been a waste bc I don't use it. That's why I joined the studio. I go at least 4-5x a week. It will be the 4th week soon. I've been working out for 3 yrs consistently now, so I don't see myself stopping. Maybe slowing down but not stopping.

I, too, thought I could save a lot of money & work out at home. I just don't have the motivation, energy & mental capability to work out effectively alone for a prolonged period of time. So for me the studio is not a waste since I use it. Some ppl just thrive in a structured group setting. I found out I was one of them. Figure out what works for u. Even if u just change it up periodically.

[Easye418]

Why not both?  I have a home gym for weekdays and gym membership for weekends. 

Granted, my gym membership is $10 a month ($20 for both) and then they charge $15 a month for unlimited gym child watching.  Usually my wife will go to the gym during the week and drop baby off.  I use it for the machines I dont want to buy and have at the house (treadmill,elliptical, pulldown machines, ab machines,etc).

My home gym has been one of my favorite discretionary purchases.  Bought a cage, 300lb weight set, bench, and horse stall mat and I have been killing it 3x a week in there. 

It's pretty much my only hobby.  I do powerlifting though, works for me (Bench Press, Deadlifts, Overhead Press, Squats, Rows,etc).

I probably should cancel the membership, but its nice to hit some of the problem areas I miss when I am at the house.

[TartanTallulah]

We have a home gym. We've opted for a weights bench, squat rack and free weights and bars, a decent domestic quality treadmill, two turbo trainers and a set of bike rollers, and an inexpensive radio/CD player and a heap of CDs.

Over the years, it has more than earned its keep. I work long hours and I'm not a morning exerciser but don't mind training at 10pm. Gym opening hours wouldn't suit me. My husband and I use it regularly for about six months of every year when we have few opportunities to train outdoors. Our young adult offspring have all used it at various times. One of our girls started off running on the treadmill when she wouldn't have dreamed of being seen exercising outside or in a public gym and now runs quite happily out on the road.

When I've been a gym member in the past I have enjoyed the social aspect, and I wouldn't be averse to joining a gym in future.

[Schaefer Light]

My home gym has been one of my favorite discretionary purchases.  Bought a cage, 300lb weight set, bench, and horse stall mat and I have been killing it 3x a week in there. 

It's pretty much my only hobby.  I do powerlifting though, works for me (Bench Press, Deadlifts, Overhead Press, Squats, Rows,etc).

I'm getting to the point where I'm going to have to either invest in a Power Rack or join a gym.  Otherwise, I'm not going to be able to experience any gains in my lifting.  Financially, I think it makes more sense to buy the equipment and avoid the recurring monthly cost of a gym.  I also think I'm more likely to stick with the program if I've got the equipment conveniently located in my house and don't have to fight traffic or crowds to get to it.

[GuitarStv]

Used weight is always available for cheap.  Other than that you need a bar.  You can get away with DIY uprights for the bench and squat for very little money, and a pair of adjustable saw horses from Home Depot will work as safeties.

[brute]

Home gym. Don't skimp on safety equipment like catches and uprights. Be realistic with the amount of weight you'll use an how much any DIY apparatus can really hold over the next 10 years. Otherwise, buy a used rack and a used bench that have strong welds and good barstock.

This home gym cost me ~$4k. I bought it 3 years ago and it's already paid for itself in gym membership fees and driving costs. I never have to worry that I'll drop weight on my neck or be crushed under a 600 pound squat if my quad tears in this setup. But if you aren't going to try to set records, you can put a good gym together for under $800 and get in great shape without compromising safety.

[thenewguy]

I realize this is a 2 year old thread so the OP may be long gone... but in general for someone just getting started or getting back into it after a long time off, I'd say start with a gym membership. Then once you know you're committed, go for the home equipment.

Used weight is always available for cheap.  Other than that you need a bar.  You can get away with DIY uprights for the bench and squat for very little money, and a pair of adjustable saw horses from Home Depot will work as safeties.

It could be that I didn't put enough effort into searching, but it seemed to me that at least in terms of a bar and the weights themselves, what was available used was not significantly less expensive than buying new. What I could find on Craigslist or Facebook would be non-standard sized weights (for a 1" bar), bundled together with a bunch of additional equipment I didn't want, and/or cost almost as much as buying new.

There were a few deals out there for used (as well as the possibility of DIYing) racks and/or benches, but once the weights are factored in, the rack and bench were a relatively small part of the overall cost.

I ended up spending just under $1000:

Bench - $90 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CR4XFIK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Rack - $250 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4I8FOY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(I'm seeing that this rack and bench are now available bundled for $290)
400lb bar/weight set - $600 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013ZCE2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

When I need cardio, I can go for a bike ride :-)

I had been paying $30/month for a gym membership for 2+ years and spending ~$5 worth of gas each month driving to the gym and back. So I see the equipment purchase as having a 40%+ ROI, not to mention I never have to wait on that guy curling in the squat rack anymore. Although I will (hopefully) soon need to buy a couple more plates, so that number might take a hit.

[Schaefer Light]

Home gym. Don't skimp on safety equipment like catches and uprights. Be realistic with the amount of weight you'll use an how much any DIY apparatus can really hold over the next 10 years. Otherwise, buy a used rack and a used bench that have strong welds and good barstock.

This home gym cost me ~$4k. I bought it 3 years ago and it's already paid for itself in gym membership fees and driving costs. I never have to worry that I'll drop weight on my neck or be crushed under a 600 pound squat if my quad tears in this setup. But if you aren't going to try to set records, you can put a good gym together for under $800 and get in great shape without compromising safety.

Nice setup.  I'd love to have something similar, but that's out of my price range.  My budget is more like the $800 number you mentioned.  I've seen good Power Racks listed online that would fit within that budget.  I'm more likely to stick with something if it's convenient and doesn't involve waiting or dealing with a crowd (which you often find in a gym at 5:30 on a workday), so I think the home gym option is best for me.  I also hate introducing new recurring costs into my budget.

[MustacheBeginner]

I can totally recommend doing the workout at home! Not that you only save the membership fee, you also save time and money of the commute and all equipment just gets used by yourself.
 
I got the Bowflex dumbbell set which I really love, a simple bench that can be put on an angle, the pull-up bars you put into the door frame and two grip handles for push-ups which is better for my wrists. That’s pretty much all you need and... oh yeah and  the motivation to do a workout every other day which can be really hard on some days.

[Bracken_Joy]

Home gym. Don't skimp on safety equipment like catches and uprights. Be realistic with the amount of weight you'll use an how much any DIY apparatus can really hold over the next 10 years. Otherwise, buy a used rack and a used bench that have strong welds and good barstock.

This home gym cost me ~$4k. I bought it 3 years ago and it's already paid for itself in gym membership fees and driving costs. I never have to worry that I'll drop weight on my neck or be crushed under a 600 pound squat if my quad tears in this setup. But if you aren't going to try to set records, you can put a good gym together for under $800 and get in great shape without compromising safety.

Nice setup.  I'd love to have something similar, but that's out of my price range.  My budget is more like the $800 number you mentioned.  I've seen good Power Racks listed online that would fit within that budget.  I'm more likely to stick with something if it's convenient and doesn't involve waiting or dealing with a crowd (which you often find in a gym at 5:30 on a workday), so I think the home gym option is best for me.  I also hate introducing new recurring costs into my budget.

Keep an eye on facebook marketplace. We got an incredible power rack for less than the cost it's worth in scrap metal because it was in the boonies and it was so fucking big, no one was willing to transport it. It belonged to a high school football team, then was in a fire fighter's garage, slash, the rural fire department's unofficial gym. No rust. Only downside, we had to order custom j hooks because the standard rack size is 2"x2", and this is a 3"x3". Still, all in for less than $100.

What we did for a few years before is posted earlier in this thread. We did the homemade "boards in bucket" style, and those worked wonderfully. If such a good deal hadn't come up, we wouldn't have bothered getting the steel rack. If you're not doing full on, super high weight power lifting, the DIY option works well.

[kpd905]

I don't do any crazy powerlifting, so I bought a squat rack from Titan Fitness for under $500 (the T3 rack), a 300 lb barbell set from Dick's for about $180 I think, and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells for $225.  A pretty big initial investment, but my wife and I both use it multiple times a week for the past year.  All of the components should last a long time.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I want a home gym so bad. I live in an HCOL so I may never have the space. I go to the city rec center and the cost is quite reasonably (I think it was $220 for the whole year) but sometimes I have to wait for a rack and I can't just add equipment (bumper plates, for instance, would be nice to have).