Is a Home Gym Actually Worth It? (We Did The Maths)
The upfront cost of home gym equipment can seem steep. But is it really more expensive over time?
The Real Question: It's not about whether you can afford the upfront cost. It's whether building a home gym actually saves money compared to your gym membership.
The Short Answer: Yes. Usually within 8-15 months. Then it's pure savings—plus no commute, no waiting for equipment, and training whenever you want.
The Numbers:
- Average UK gym membership: £30-50/month
- Annual cost: £360-600
- Cost of a quality home setup: £500-1000 (one-time)
- 5-year savings: £1,500-3,000+
The Catch: You need to actually USE it. Equipment gathering dust saves nothing. But if you're the type who trains consistently? The payback is real.
Try Our Calculator: We built Home Gym Math to show you exactly how long until your setup pays for itself. Plug in your numbers and see the maths.
See how fast your setup pays for itself Try Home Gym Math Calculator
Your First Home Gym Purchase: What to Buy
Everyone asks the same question: "What should I buy first?"
The Wrong Answers:
- A treadmill (they become clothes hangers)
- An all-in-one machine (limited exercises, huge footprint)
- Whatever's on sale at Argos
The Right Answer: Adjustable dumbbells and a bench.
Why Dumbbells First?
- Work every muscle group
- Small footprint
- Scalable (add weight as you get stronger)
- No assembly headaches
Why a Bench?
- Unlocks chest press, rows, shoulder work
- Sits flat when not in use
- Lasts decades with basic care
The Starter Setup (under £400):
- Adjustable dumbbells: £150-300
- Adjustable bench: £100-200
- Pull-up bar: £30-50
This covers 80% of what most people need. You can train effectively for years before adding anything else.
What to Skip:
- Resistance machines (space hogs, limited use)
- Ab gadgets (your money, their laughs)
- Influencer-branded gear (you're paying for the name)
Gym Membership vs Home Gym: The Honest Comparison
This isn't a "home gyms are always better" article. Both options have real advantages.
Choose a Gym If:
- You need variety (machines, classes, pool)
- Social motivation matters to you
- You're genuinely unsure if you'll stick with it
- Your space is truly limited
Choose Home Gym If:
- You hate waiting for equipment
- You value your time (no commute)
- You train consistently already
- You prefer training alone
- You're price-sensitive long-term
The Math (5 Years):
- Gym: £2,100-3,600 (plus commute time)
- Home gym: £500-1,500 (one-time)
The Real Question:
Will you actually use it? A cheap gym membership beats an expensive home gym that collects dust. Be honest with yourself.
Our Recommendation:
If you're reading this, you're probably the home gym type. Take our quiz to find what actually fits your space and budget.
