Thirty-dollar monthly memberships at your local gym franchise appear to be the norm in most cities, but if you have a garage, basement, or even just a large space in your home, invest in a home gym. Sure, the equipment can be expensive, but in the long run, it will be less expensive than a monthly gym membership. Plus, a home gym gives you more personal benefits than your average gym. Below, we’ll take a look at four benefits your local gym franchise can’t give you.

1. Convenience
Instead of driving 15-30 minutes in morning traffic to a franchise gym, a home gym gives you the option to roll out of bed, get dressed, and then walk over to your set-up. It saves on gas, and you don’t have to wait for someone to get off a certain machine before you use it. As a bonus, you won’t have to rush out of the house just to keep up a schedule, especially if you have to go to work right after. Instead of having to factor in the time to drive to and from a gym, you can replace that with time to eat calmly rather than scarfing everything down. Showers can be longer and more comforting, and if you have children, you’ll have time to see them off to school.

2. Privacy
Some people who come to the gym go early so they won’t have to worry about people watching them. In a home gym, there will be no worries of someone watching you — unless you recently watched a scary movie — or hearing someone grunt while exercising. No one will be there to spot you unless it’s a partner you appointed yourself. With no anxiety to worry about and someone you trust behind you, working out to your fullest extent is no problem.

3. Money-Saver
A quality home gym can cost up to $600 or more, according to Simon Gould from Fitness Giant. Gym memberships add up over time, while home gyms end up being paid off within at least six months. Some home gym equipment comes with lifetime home warranties, which could be a potential lifesaver for your wallet.

4. Freedom of Environmental Control
Most local gyms are strict with their rules. All shirts must have sleeves, always bring a towel, and no deadlifts are just some of the average rules that local and franchise gyms impose. In a home gym, there are no rules. Exercise whatever you want to your heart’s content. You want your air conditioning turned up because you get too hot when you work out? You can do it. You want to be shirtless while you work out? You can do that. You want to play loud music? Go on ahead. On the downside, you’ll have to clean your equipment by yourself, but at least you’ll know it’s clean.

Conclusion
So if you’ve liked what you’ve read and you’re tired of that morning or evening commute, maybe a home gym is right for you.

Written by: Bryce Ethridge