Yeah not to mention a property to put in all that shit bc he got lucky and bought in prior to the great housing crisis of 2021 wherein you can expect to pay $250,000 for a falling apart roach infested shitbox
I've got my own home gym, but I do sometimes miss going to a big gym. It's easy to get lazy and say "I'll work out later" or "I'll work out tomorrow" because it's so convenient. Also, being at the gym and being surrounded by other people working out is pretty motivating, which Coop covered. Also, having specialized machines were nice, you can't replicate that at home, you just have to adapt and find alternate exercises with your limited equipment (I just have a power rack, barbell with plate weights and a set of adjustable dumbbells). But yea, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd choose my home gym. The hygiene, no commute, time and money saved is invaluable.
At times I miss it. Mostly the people I talked with regularly. However I might be replacing that need for contact. I'm trying bjj and interacting with people in a physical environment is still fun.
I'm pretty much in the same boat. There's no real break between home and gym. If I'm working out and the wife or kids or someone needs me in, it's a 1 min walk to get in and do what I need. It's convenient for them and for me to be here. Being at a gym gave me somewhere external to go and do what I needed, plus the extra equipment, social etc. But having said that, my home gym gives me 24/7 access when I want it. And it normalises exercise and fitness for my kids which is hugely important coming from a largely sedentary (and fat!) upbringing
With working 12hr shifts at night and being a dad, it became too much for me and my daughter spending so much time apart. Felt like I was being a terrible dad by telling her I was going to the gym (don’t have child care at the facility) after working all night. But being able to go to my garage and work out made everything so much better for the both of us. Thanks Coop for motivating me to invest in a home gym. Cheers.
Newly single dad here and our custody arrangements and working with eachothers work schedules just does not make it very realistic for me to have a gym membership. Wanted to just get an adjustable dumbell set and incline bench and then found this channel while researching, didn't realize how affordable home gym equipment can be.
From planet fitness to a home gym for me. I love the solitude of it, being able to play my music, and not having to deal with people taking up equipment. My breaking point was a dude in the smith machine doing seated dumbbell curls.
@@jamisona.5639 thankfully I’m not an ass. I simply said something about it to my friend who lifts with me loud enough for the guy to hear me. I did it again when I went to grab the 25lbs dumbbells for Curls and there was a 35lbs and a 50lbs in their spots. I loudly said “who the hell failed kindergarten and can’t read number or match shapes? Who’s so lazy they can’t put the weight back where they belong?”
@@TwitchingCorgi 😆 🤣 they're so damn annoying and inconsidereate..way to keep your cool..atleast you dont have to worry about them anymore..happy lifting 💪
I'm surprised with some of the negative reviews. I was so impressed with the th-cam.com/users/postUgkxMwYg0MOXR4M-oGeyBsNSYe1aPOUoRH6D cage that I got the lat pulldown attachment that goes with it. It is equally outstanding. I don't have one complaint other than putting it together is a job. The instructions and packaging of the parts are very well designed and organized. Also, I stripped and damaged the pull down cable the first day, admitting it was my stupid fault, and they quickly replaced it at no charge. I'm 6'5, 280lbs and fit in the cage just fine. Glenn B
When COVID started, I dropped my gym membership and started home training. I’m now in the best shape I’ve ever been in (better than I ever was going to the gym).
I started my home gym because my 7 year-old wanted to start working out. He can now do 24" box jumps and can deadlift 55#. He is a beast and keeps me honest by always asking to workout.
Same experience with my 6 year old and 4 year old. I wanted them to learn weightlifting techniques and form from a young age, and even if they didn't take interest right away, to see their parents model the behavior of hard work and fitness so hopefully it inspires them to do the same someday. We have fun doing dead hang challenges and other stuff they can get into. If you don't have it, get a pair of Olympic rings to hang from the ceiling or pull-up bar in rack.
After going to a local gym from 50$ a month for 4y, I can say that owning a home gym has everything I need for a fraction of the price. A stand, a bar, a bench and some weights. Done
Only partially true. It's like renting vs. buying a house - one of them you're paying for someone else's investment, the other one you're paying for your investment. You can sell your equipment and recoup a ton of what you paid. All about equity.
@@julb2075 especially since most gym equipment doesn't depreciate that much too, in the pandemic it actually appreciated, but pandemic aside, you can sell really old work out gear for maybe 10-20% off what you paid brand new because weights are weights, it's not like electronics or a car where it can actually become obsolete
@@tylerandleahcanadian3888 Yeah it's not really a big deal. I personally use a home gym because I prefer it, but as long as you're working out it doesn't matter.
@@tylerandleahcanadian3888 wayyy more than 10k in equipment, machines are hundreds each, bars are 100+, weight plates are in the hundreds for 20kg and 25kg plates
I got a power rack, adjustable bench, Boneyard Ohio bar and 250lbs of iron plates for $1100 total just last week. About 16 months at my local commercial gym.
Great video. As a parent, a gym rat, and someone who works 50+ hours a week in NYC, every single point was spot on, especially when it comes to being connected with your family and spending your time more efficiently/effectively.
Dicks has 300 lb Olympic set for $300 with a 10% coupon its pretty affordable. I'm gonna get another one and sell the bar and little plates on marketplace. It's a long way around but its cheap weight. 1 - 45 lb bar 2 - 45s 2 - 35s 2 - 25s 2 - 10s 4 - 5s 2 - 2.5s
Alan is the type of guy who lifts consistently for 10 years yet is unable to bench twice his weight and have a poverty squat and deadlift. He’s also the type of guy who says questionable things in a confident and assured manner like to never look up when squatting or DLing or “dont move the barbell!” When setting for deadlifting. He over complicate things with technical jargon and specious studies to make it seem like he’s an expert. Also see Rippetoe
You don’t want to look up when you squat or deadlift. That puts your neck in a precarious position. Rippetoe says the exact same things. You don’t want to move the barbell while you are SETTING up for the deadlift, once you have gotten into position. Rippetoe says the exact same thing
I like Alan and think that he puts out some great content. But please don't back up what he says with what Rippetoe says, you instantly make him lose credibility.
@@jzen1455 you're calling Alan weak. This coming from the guy with an all time PR deadlift of 425. Yeah you can shut up now. My deadlift pr is 495 which is nothing to brag about so I'm not going to call someone weak with my numbers let alone yours.
ngl I've never worked out in a gym nor have I stepped foot in one. Every single point he's made is actually true. I was a loner with no friends in my youth. Not because I was a terrible person, which I hope I'm not, but because I simply didn't socialize w/ others and was super shy. So I got comfortable being alone. It's a fact that humans need social interaction which I get from my job but other than that I'm mostly alone. And as depressing as that might sound there's a ton of benefits to working out alone: 1. there's a lot less distraction (people) 2. you can play your own music out loud 3. you can get your workout in faster than you can in a busy gym 4. you don't need any or much equipment to start out 5. you don't have to pay for expensive workout clothing to show off to others 6. it is the TRUEST form of judgment-free zone 7. buying new and expensive or not expensive equipment is rewarding knowing that you can afford it and that your home gym is leveling up over time 8. specifically when buying expensive equipment you make sure you make use of it cuz it's out of your OWN pocket 9. you don't waste time driving to the gym (I see no difference driving from a rural or city area besides air quality) 10. (my fave) you have ABSOLUTELY NO excuse to not workout/train when it's 10 steps away (unless you're injured or something hurts)
@josh - I can destroy say my chest in 15 mins doing isometrics- bullworker and isobow . First thing in the morning I do boxercise 3kg dumbbells then isometrics.
Speaking as someone who is a big believer in home gym training (most of my TH-cam channel is centered around home gym training), money is not a reason to cancel your gym membership. Most people workout on the way to work or on the way home from work so gas and vehicle wear and tear shouldn’t be factored in (for most people). Ironically, a video that I’m recording this week is about how home gym training doesn’t really save you money. For the type of home gym most people will build vs what they’d pay monthly for a gym membership, it will take years to hit the break even point. PLUS most people who make a home gym get “the fever” and want to keep buying stuff, which significantly adds to the length of time it takes to break even. I’d say some (very few) people who start a home gym will never break even in their life time. That said, I am a huge advocate of working out from home. Money just isn’t one of the reasons to switch IMO.
I agree with you, it’s not about money, it’s about efficiency, time, and the awesome feeling of being proud of your own space. Whenever I go to a commercial gym I’m always disappointed with my workout because I know I could’ve had a better one at home. You don’t need all those fancy machines, they are holding you back most of the time. Free weights and calisthenics will have way more bang and grow way more muscle because of the stabilizers and other muscles that aren’t activated doing simple cable work.
@I am me • 25y ago I'm not saying the cost isn't worth it. I LOVE my home gym. I'm just saying financial savings is not a reason to cancel your gym membership. Lol
I like commercial gyms, commercial gyms have taught me to not give a fuck. A lot of ppl are scared to do certain exercises, either they suck at them or they think they look foolish but its a good mental exercises to do what you want and try new things while others might be looking at you
My biggest grievance with this video (and others making the same argument) is that in order to have a home gym you really need to live in a place that has a basement or a garage. Sure you could use a spare room or a corner, but then you need that at least, and that limits you in a lot of ways. So for anyone in high school or who still lives with their parents they are pretty much counted out. And most people in college are counted out too because they probably live in an apartment. And even most young adults out of college will live in an apartment for a while. So it just depends on some circumstances that’s not so easy, depending on where you live. I totally agree, home gyms are definitely the way to go. But much easier said than done.
@@DanielBrandt77 And most apartments either have a gym as a part of the community/rent fees or are walking distance to a gym. So it still isn't relevant to what the video is talking about, which is people who have space in their home for a home gym. Some people will also build home gyms in rentals as well. It just seems like your original comment is looking for something to complain about, but you still cannot refute any of the main arguments of the video.
@@TxHoneyBeedamn bro, I was all about going to my locally-owned gym, but because of you I'm gonna clear out my 500 sq ft above-business apartment of all its furniture and put in a bench and squat rack. Gaaaiiins for daaaayyys
@8:52 Spot on. Being able to try new movements/routines/etc in my personal gym without fear of judgement from others is honestly one of the most underrated parts of home gym ownership... Not to mention no longer having to deal with the anxiety of the next bro in line hastily waiting to use the the equipment your currently on. I'm learning the snatch at the moment and its gawd awful, but taking my sweet time reviewing video and making adjustments in the mirror has made form corrections way easier and much less stressful.
Love this perspective! I'm super grateful, I live in an apartment complex where the gym is less than 200 yards away, and actually has really solid equipment. And even though I LOVE the atmosphere that a gym creates, if I had to drive 20+ minutes every time, I probably would invest in a home gym.
You're right time is huge! Maybe if we all work together, we can make gyms thing of the past like Tower Records or bookstores? I started working out at home due to COVID-19. I’m single, and I live in a very small space. I began to study exercise methods that didn't require equipment, like yoga and pilates. I started saving money I'd spend on my gym membership. Then I got a pull-up bar. Then, I get a resistance trainer to hang from it. Then, I got resistance bands. I finally bought an adjustable kettlebell over dumbells because I saw them as more effective. I've lost 30lbs and look and feel amazing. The time I spent getting ready to go to the gym and driving, I now spend that time learning about bodyweight training. I'm very anti-social. I love not being around other people, especially those gym girls filming their latest butt workout. It's so annoying. I think that's my favorite part, not dealing with other people. Great video.
So true Coop, you are spot on. By the time I get to the gym I spend 40 minutes driving one way and by the time I get there I'm exhausted and then I have to wait for people uhhh. I canceled my gym membership and watching a few of your videos to get inspiration and insight as to how I can build a garage gym. I subbed!
Good stuff coop. Time spent with loved ones resonates. Even if it is just a kiss and back in the house, the comfort of being together while investing in yourselves and eachother is huge.
I did the math the other week on everything I’ve spent on my home gym since I started and it has honestly paid for itself by not having a membership at a local gym. Plus all my gear is much higher end than the local gyms too. The best part is my kids see me and come exercise with me when I’m out there. This is a great way to introduce fitness and a healthy lifestyle to your kids.
Thanks for making me feel better about all the gym gear I bought for my home. My whole living room is like a gym. I live in a two-room with my wife. This made me feel much better.
My home gym has been the second best investment I've ever done in my life next to Lasiks Surgery. Absolutely no excuse to hit the gym consistently, I can go whenever I want, I can workout in just my compression shorts, it's been life changing. If I move again I will 1000% make sure that my new house has space for a home gym
I agree with most of your points but I am a guy who would like to get best of both worlds. Since I set up my own garage gym, YES life is way easier and i can focus on other stuff in life. But if you want to compete in federations where lifters use Monolifts, you need people. I agree that most of people don't compete but *it's good to go out and work in a different 'zone'.* My plan is to workout/train in gym in winters, visit my friend's garage gyms as well and not just train in my own garage gym for rest of my life :-)
I don't compete, but I disagree on your comment about changing environments, we aren't even good at a lot of exercises to begin with, and trainers, instead of helping us out, or having Gym partners that help, insult us and denigrate us. Trust me, I lived through that, got frustrated with training in General and got fat, then I began to approach online Fitness influencers that really motivated me in a way nobody else did and now I train peacefully in my home, without paying to be judged or being mocked or insulted
I'll be a dad soon. So having a home gym means I can literally walk into my garage, get a workout in and come back inside and be with my son. Without having to waste time driving back and forth to a germ fest box full of people I don't want to be around.
Always hated going to the gym cause I am just not a social person. Waiting for a particular equipment, annoying people at the gym, some dirty mofos too and then the drive to get there was just not worth it.
@@charles5487 It just kills your momentum. People will say some people that don't go to the gym are just lazy, but I really cannot stand people in general. When I work out I need to be in the zone with no distractions.
@@nostalgicbliss5547 absolutely! My roots are home gyms. Lost 100lbs utilizing one as a teenager. Some people just have that mindset regarding needing a gym membership.
I haven't been back to the gym since the pandemic started and I canceled my membership at some point and am rocking my own home gym. I love it and I wouldn't trade what I have for the world, but sometimes I do miss the social aspect of the gym. Pre-pandemic I had my friends that I made there and it was awesome for networking too. Right now, aside from TH-cam and FB groups, it's hard to find like minded people who value fitness in person.
as a sweety person, I love being able to work out and not have to clean after every exercise. Also, I can do circuits and not have to worry about people stealing my equipment. Also being able to use my rack instead of waiting for a wannabe powerlifter to finish his to sets were he takes a 10min break in between
extra costs, having to wait for the next person to finish using the equipment, dramatic loud dunces making asses out of themselves for clout, all reasons why home gyms are better. mine is a rickety, disorganized mess in my room, but it does everything i need it to do.
I agree that having a home gym leaves you with more limited equipment than you would have access to at your local gym, but the amount of stress removed for my life is priceless. Also let’s not forget one of the greatest workouts of all time. Out door RUNNING! Doesn’t require any gym membership whatsoever.
I built my gym when COVID hit luckily I got a cable machine 600 pound with a lay pull down for $900k was worth over 5k new I also got a machine for lega extension and chest press also got a half rack for like 300 and weights I got for about $700 urethane and also got dumbells 5-80 for like 1.3k and got a shevels for them another $600 and barbell was free as well as fixed barbells I got from a Friend who worked at 24 hour and it got closed down ! I’m looking now for a leg press and biceps tricep machine and back machine as well and smith machine as well later !
I've just started doing bjj. You put a lot of faith in other people's hygiene. It's still cleaner than the men's locker room at the LA Fitness I used to go to before garage gym days.
coming from someone with a home gym and a gym membership... I still love the atmosphere of being in a gym (only if it's a well run gym). I still use my home gym a few times a week, but I prefer going to the public gym for the routine and atmosphere multiple times a week as well. You made good points in this video though.
I’ve had a home gym for 20 years, even when I was single and living in apartments. I’ve also worked out at commercial (and university) gyms off and on over that time period. Let me mention a few downsides to home gyms that I don’t see in the comments, and keep in mind this comes from 20 years of experience working out at home. If you’ve had a home gym for six months or a year, you won’t appreciate or understand this as much as you will five years from now. 1) Getting into the gym can actually be more difficult when training at home. Seems counterintuitive, so let me explain. Beginning your workout is all about taking that first step. When you workout at a commercial gym, the first step is getting in your car - an easy first step. When you train at home, the first step is actually starting your workout. Getting in your car is easier than starting a workout. 2) Part of staying motivated is incorporating variety into your workouts. In fact, this is tremendously important - especially as you get older and gains slow or halt altogether. Workout variety is more difficult to achieve in a home gym that is constrained by space and money. Unless you happen to have an extra 3,000 square feet and $100,000 to invest in gym equipment, you will face severe limitations on what you can do at home. Your workouts will become stale faster. All the creativity in the world won’t change this. 3) Purchasing new equipment to revitalize and put energy back into your workouts will have diminishing returns. For example, I thought adding kettlebells and sandbags was going to be a game changer. I hardly touch them. There’s no way around it - a home gym requires a different kind of discipline. 4) The one item that was actually a game changer was the cable pulley I added to my Rogue rack. This notably enhanced the versatility of my workouts and I find myself using it far more often than my kettlebells, sandbags, bands, or other training accessories. Having said all this, in 20 years I have never stopped lifting due to any of these factors, though at times I’ve found it difficult to train with intensity at home as I hit my mid to late 30’s and progress began to slow - and I’m certainly not in the same shape I was in during my early/mid 20’s. Having a home gym has definitely been a net positive for me. Best of luck building your home gym!
I had already seen it coming even before last year started. I knew things were going to close down. Had already my pair of Ironmasters, and so I started investing in a home gym. Best move I ever made. The money spent will be recovered in just two or three years of use compared to a gym membership that has barbells and racks. And it was built sturdy enough to last ten years or more. Best move I ever made. I regret nothing, and only look forward to every improvement I make.
@@malnutritionboy I had only STARTED with the dumbbells before things closed down. The "started investing in a home gym" is where I implied buying a rack and a barbell and building a platform and a cable system and all of that other stuff. Please read into the subtext, sir. I even later stated that any gym membership comparable to my work would need barbells and racks. Clearly implying that barbells and racks are a necessary part of my routine.
I feel like it's such a process to get ready and travel to the gym. Which is fine when you are completely disciplined and motivated. When I get busy though I want the least amount of barriers to get my workout in.
This is a pros and cons list of having a home gym from my experience and perspective Pros: • Saving time (big factor) • Convenient=more likely to workout • No judgement • Collecting your own equipment makes it a hobby • External music choice • No limit on time usage of equipment Cons: • Limited space (big factor) • No access to giant globo gym specialty equipment (big factor) • Your collection has to be built from the ground up, requiring you to prioritize what workouts are important before buying ancillary equipment • Interruptions (big factor) people have a tendency to not respect your free/alone time if you spend it at home • Less climate control (this depends on if your gym is inside, in a garage, shed, etc.) Honestly, I love having a home gym. The most important factor to me is time, as I am a college student. Additionally, I have a lot of fun building my gym collection, as well as enjoy the freedom of judgment. There are some big negatives though, so I would consider them seriously. Personally, I really hate not having access to specialty equipment, as well as dealing with people interrupting my workouts.
This is a great post. I personally like going to the gym because I enjoy the social aspect of it, I've met many of my best friends at the gym and I also like to compartmentalize things. I like to work out in a different area than I work and live, etc. Not to mention not everyone has a three-car garage that they can convert into a gym. I have a two-car garage where my wife and I park our cars. Also, this dude has at least $100,000 worth of equipment in his gym. He spent multiple lifetimes worth of money on a home gym
@@apierre6 ahh, some good points. I’m not very social so it didn’t occur to me about the social aspect. Also, I use a corner of a two car garage and it’s pretty snug so I understand haha. I will say that my collection is getting close to where I want it though, without having to spend thousands. I do believe that soon I will have everything necessary for a pretty capable home gym. I think if you are an introvert and have the space, a home gym is a good option lol.
This is what I needed to hear. I was starting to lose motivation bc there's no one around to hold me accountable but I need to workout whether there's people or not
I built an amazing gym over the last year and I made my final purchase last week so finally done. I miss the gym sometimes - but no regrets, I love my gym. Another big reason I did this is just like you mentioned - the germs and them being nasty, I'm sure I will be sick a lot less :)
I totally agree with you Coop ! I stay motivated to workout by logging my gym sessions. People need to educate themselves in the use of the basic gym equipment- dumbbells, barbell and plates and basic gym benches. Watching TH-cam fitness videos has really been a big help in getting in better shape.
I started my home gym mid January and love it, its the best thing that my wife and i did. I will never go back to commercial gym as long as i have a choice. All i need is Coop s budget to buy more equipment
I think one good thing about having a home gym is that u get to own and keep your equipment u buy and also not having to wear head phones that keep dropping out of my ear or off my head
Ironically, since I posted that, I moved from said towers to the middle of nowhere and have an awesome home gym now and continually adding to it. Best decision I’ve ever made. Keep on keeping on, brahs. Always a way to make things work
Let’s not forget one of the most important reasons: the pandemic. Working out is the most important thing for a large amount of people. Many people feel that they cannot function properly without being able to work out. When the gyms were locked down, those peoples lives got a lot worse because of it. Plus there’s the added incentive of not having to do strenuous physical activity with a stifling mask on. Having a home gym make that a non-issue.
No space, make space, No place to make space, get an aforable place to have your equipment. Plan ahead . In my case I have a small balcony and I have some equipment and I have to frequently move my stuff for my next workout routine, I hate it but I also love it.
he got the nail on the head when he said about it being an asset. rich people never rent anything unless its a business property or something along those lines but even then ,if the business stops making enough to cover the rent you're in the muck an asset will stay regardless and will only ever increase or decrease in value but will never be worth nothing
This really motivated me to just cancel my membership and just do a home gym. One reason is after working 8 to 10 hours a day, I have to go home, get dressed and commute 25 minutes to the gym. By then I've lost some time and feel too tired to even get out the car. Also my gym is packed around rush hour so I hate having to wait to use machines and I hate working out when it's crowded and people staring at you. Most gyms that used to be 24 hours now close early at 10 pm and 7 pm on weekends, execpt Planet Fitness but I hate their machines. Also my gym took out alot of machines without telling us, and I am pissed cause they took the machines I really liked. I hate how they solicit you with hiring a personal trainer when you come in and doing your workout. These things may seem small but it's really starting to irritate me. I can honestly say I've gotten the best shape by working out at home and remember boxer Muhammad Ali never used any machines or anything special, just straight home training. Also I had 3 weirdos, at the gym including the personal trainer try to clock me for money after seeing what kind of car I drive which was creepy.
I'll never get my money back on my home gym if I train for the next 40 years. Its about a lifestyle and quality of life. I enjoy my own space and rules Edit; also can't sell it for good price in future as bought quality stuff
I live in a small apt and don’t have the space for a barbell and rack. A place big enough for a home gym would cost $300-$500 more a month. My gym is a 10 minute walk or 3 minute bike ride away. I go in the evening and usually have the whole gym to myself. I have access to ~15 different barbells, calibrated plates, and so much more. I can also play whatever music I want over the speakers.
I’ve been working out for competitive bodybuilding for the past two decades, training in a gym. The pandemic hit and I learned to love training at home. I can’t believe how much time I save!
I agree with most of this, Coop. My home gym saves me so much time. But there is something to be said for what else is provided at CrossFit gyms and locally own functional fitness gyms. The price may be steep ($100-200/mo) but think about what you’re getting for that money. - Programming (up to $200/mo elsewhere) - Coaching (up to $70/hour elsewhere) - Community and accountability (priceless) You’re not getting any of that by exercising alone. Thanks for the content. Keep it up.
"Drop your $15/month membership and buy this squat rack and bar and GarageGymReview TM bumper plates! Links in the description btw! What are you, poor? Lol"
My wife hates commercial gyms. However she wants to workout together. So started our budgeting to start investing in our home gym. I hate how I can go to a commercial gym. Run to the bathroom and some ego lifter decided it was okay to take the squat rack. It just gets old. Ready for this change. Btw coop is so underrated. He deserves so much more love and subscribers. Rant over!
Nowadays I workout at home, I have the space in my bedroom along with my dumbbells to do a combination of dumbbell/bodyweight workouts and then I get to go outside for a run. This was so helpful since I don't have to drain my wallet and it saves a lot of time since I workout in the evening. But I do miss the times where I get motivated by the advanced lifters in my old high school to push myself harder. But it is useful to have the mindset where I have to rely on myself to put in the work at home and motivating myself.
Currently building my home gym because of all these solid points Coop shared. Saves so much money and time, plus you have no choice but to hold yourself accountable and motivate yourself to complete your workouts! Got a question for the home gym community though, I currently have a pair of powerblocks, an adjustable bench, and a pull up bar in my basement gym. I live at home and my parents were kind enough to give me a big enough spot in our basement for everything I need. Only problem is that the entire basement is CARPETED. I want to get flooring out of the way next but everything in Canada is ridiculously price gouged. Should I go with cheap EVA foam for now and wait for a Black Friday sale on actual gym/stall mats or should I just bite the bullet on gym/stall mats right now? Thanks in advance!!
Realizing the benefits of the neck flex helped me appreciate having a home gym all over again. My boy is turning 2 this year and seeing your kids having fun with fitness was adorable and encouraging. Keep up the excellent work.
You don't need 10K. That's pure bs. A good rack goes for like 1K to 2k, Barbell 400-700 and plates, under 700. That's at most 3,500. Wayyyyy less than what you said.
I'm 100% with Coop on the home gym angle. Another thing to keep in mind is you don't have to buy it all at once. Grab some adjustable dumbells first, then go get a couple of kettlebells. Grab a bench next. Feel ready for the next step up? Go get that power cage. Try to picture what you'll use most and go for it. While I do feel fortunate to have a large enough house and the money to spare to afford my equipment, I think slower accumulation and creativity can get most people to where they need to be with their fitness goals at home. Keep an eye on the used market too, I'm betting a ton of people are going to start off loading a bunch of decent equipment now that the pandemic is winding down.
People love to say rich people will trade in all their wealth for time. Yes, because they have to knowledge to make exponentially more money. They wouldn’t trade their money for time to live in poverty.
One thing that you forgot to mention is that by having a home gym you can decide what equipment to purchase. So you can by way better equipment than most gyms have. Way better bars and racks and plates. Home gyms rock
I’ll continue to support our local gym because it’s ran by the owners that live in the community. Even if it costs a little extra it’s worth supporting their small business
This always seems like a weird thing to me. The small businesses that deserve to exist are the ones that fill a need that people want filled, and they don't need support just because "small business".
@@ordinaryhuman5645 It'd make sense if it was a situation of family gym vs big chain location, but I complete agree with you, I hate that wording as much as when they put "woman owned business" or "black owned business" on the front like they just deserve special treatment because of it? nah I'm all for equality but that's pandering to achieve the exact opposite, if being that makes it harder for you to exist as a store then that obviously needs to be changed but otherwise it's about as logical as it would be to discriminate against men to compensate for the historical treatment of women
The space a home gym takes up costs money too. If you already have space for equipment and to train, that's great, it will probably save you money. I live in a very small 1 bedroom apartment with shared outside space. I have enough space for some equipment (Barbell, adjustable dumbbells, plates, pull up bar, and some other really small stuff) but not enough for a bench or a rack. To buy a place with an extra bedroom it would have cost about 25% more, and to buy somewhere with a garage or outside space big enough to build a shed/garage it would have been even more.
Yeah, this is a super nearly-gen-pop focused video. If you go to a serious gym, it's 100% worth it. I got far stronger at a strongmat gym than at Crunch/home workouts.
One of the things I liked about going to a gym is the atmosphere. Everyone is there to work, and it puts you in that mood. At home I am less motivated.
I can totally related to the part about being connected with your family while you train. It is awesome. My 7 yr old kid occasionally comes to my home gym and does cable seated rows and daddy-assisted pull ups. I plan to teach him more movements as he grows up. It's a great way to hang out with my kid and help him become familiar with lifting weights and develop motivation to train for when he gets older. I can't wait for the day to train together with my son in my home gym.
Although I agree with you, I can never workout at home. To me, home is a place to relax. Being in the gym makes me workout and after that, I go to work. When it comes to time, I make the time. But to each their own.
I finally pulled the trigger on a Home Gym set up. I got sick of mask mandates and my gym always changing their hours without warning because "COVID". Best decision I ever made. I can workout while I cook, play with my dogs and play loud obnoxious music I like.
I mean this is pretty easy for coop to say since his home gym is better equipped than most commercial gyms😂
You don't need much though. Pullup bar, mat, maybe KBs, a box, and rings. All you need.
I bought my home gym lever gym...and i still have 6 months left on my membership... let me tell you i will not be going back...best investment ever
@@JeffreyFate what is a box?
Yeah not to mention a property to put in all that shit bc he got lucky and bought in prior to the great housing crisis of 2021 wherein you can expect to pay $250,000 for a falling apart roach infested shitbox
@@JeffreyFate if you wanna be a trexmode then sure
The best reason is that I’m always the strongest guy in the gym at home.
Now your talking secrets .
I've got my own home gym, but I do sometimes miss going to a big gym. It's easy to get lazy and say "I'll work out later" or "I'll work out tomorrow" because it's so convenient. Also, being at the gym and being surrounded by other people working out is pretty motivating, which Coop covered. Also, having specialized machines were nice, you can't replicate that at home, you just have to adapt and find alternate exercises with your limited equipment (I just have a power rack, barbell with plate weights and a set of adjustable dumbbells).
But yea, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd choose my home gym. The hygiene, no commute, time and money saved is invaluable.
Jesus loves you
it was hard for me to learn to switch "work mode" on at home
At times I miss it. Mostly the people I talked with regularly. However I might be replacing that need for contact. I'm trying bjj and interacting with people in a physical environment is still fun.
I have a home gym and gym membership lol, I do a hybrid approach, 3x a week at the gym, 2 times at home
I'm pretty much in the same boat. There's no real break between home and gym. If I'm working out and the wife or kids or someone needs me in, it's a 1 min walk to get in and do what I need. It's convenient for them and for me to be here.
Being at a gym gave me somewhere external to go and do what I needed, plus the extra equipment, social etc.
But having said that, my home gym gives me 24/7 access when I want it. And it normalises exercise and fitness for my kids which is hugely important coming from a largely sedentary (and fat!) upbringing
With working 12hr shifts at night and being a dad, it became too much for me and my daughter spending so much time apart. Felt like I was being a terrible dad by telling her I was going to the gym (don’t have child care at the facility) after working all night. But being able to go to my garage and work out made everything so much better for the both of us. Thanks Coop for motivating me to invest in a home gym. Cheers.
I did too bro. Family is so important. Love my garage gym
for me it is due to work meetings that would make driving to a gym challenging. I can just take a protein shake after work and workout at home.
Newly single dad here and our custody arrangements and working with eachothers work schedules just does not make it very realistic for me to have a gym membership. Wanted to just get an adjustable dumbell set and incline bench and then found this channel while researching, didn't realize how affordable home gym equipment can be.
@@jrodgers211that was me two years ago. Have a substantial garage gym now but started out very basic just like you.
From planet fitness to a home gym for me. I love the solitude of it, being able to play my music, and not having to deal with people taking up equipment. My breaking point was a dude in the smith machine doing seated dumbbell curls.
How much time did they give you for unconsciously knocking him out???
@@jamisona.5639 thankfully I’m not an ass. I simply said something about it to my friend who lifts with me loud enough for the guy to hear me. I did it again when I went to grab the 25lbs dumbbells for Curls and there was a 35lbs and a 50lbs in their spots. I loudly said “who the hell failed kindergarten and can’t read number or match shapes? Who’s so lazy they can’t put the weight back where they belong?”
@@TwitchingCorgi 😆 🤣 they're so damn annoying and inconsidereate..way to keep your cool..atleast you dont have to worry about them anymore..happy lifting 💪
@@TwitchingCorgi man, you sound like a real tough guy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.
Maybe if you went to a proper gym it wouldn’t be so bad.
I'm surprised with some of the negative reviews. I was so impressed with the th-cam.com/users/postUgkxMwYg0MOXR4M-oGeyBsNSYe1aPOUoRH6D cage that I got the lat pulldown attachment that goes with it. It is equally outstanding. I don't have one complaint other than putting it together is a job. The instructions and packaging of the parts are very well designed and organized. Also, I stripped and damaged the pull down cable the first day, admitting it was my stupid fault, and they quickly replaced it at no charge. I'm 6'5, 280lbs and fit in the cage just fine. Glenn B
You can barbell curl at the squat rack “drop mic”
Or squat in the curl rack!
No you still shouldn't do that
When COVID started, I dropped my gym membership and started home training. I’m now in the best shape I’ve ever been in (better than I ever was going to the gym).
I started my home gym because my 7 year-old wanted to start working out. He can now do 24" box jumps and can deadlift 55#. He is a beast and keeps me honest by always asking to workout.
how's his form on the DL?
@@jocaingles8464 I have had to work with him. He started by treating it like a squat. 1 week of form work and I think he's got it.
Same experience with my 6 year old and 4 year old. I wanted them to learn weightlifting techniques and form from a young age, and even if they didn't take interest right away, to see their parents model the behavior of hard work and fitness so hopefully it inspires them to do the same someday. We have fun doing dead hang challenges and other stuff they can get into. If you don't have it, get a pair of Olympic rings to hang from the ceiling or pull-up bar in rack.
my 6 year old brother can lift 125 pounds on the deadlift.
@@jazzleYT my 6 month old deadlifts 500 for reps
After going to a local gym from 50$ a month for 4y, I can say that owning a home gym has everything I need for a fraction of the price.
A stand, a bar, a bench and some weights. Done
Jesus loves you
And all God's blessed home gym members said "AMEN"
..and those who burned their crosses in the name of Thor and all that is mighty..skaal!!
amen
And Paul said in Phil 2:12: "Work out"
Amen
I completely agree. I spent a fortune on my gym though, so its like having a gym membership for the next 20+ years
Jesus loves you
Only partially true. It's like renting vs. buying a house - one of them you're paying for someone else's investment, the other one you're paying for your investment. You can sell your equipment and recoup a ton of what you paid. All about equity.
@@julb2075 especially since most gym equipment doesn't depreciate that much too, in the pandemic it actually appreciated, but pandemic aside, you can sell really old work out gear for maybe 10-20% off what you paid brand new because weights are weights, it's not like electronics or a car where it can actually become obsolete
@@julb2075 completed agree with this
Also gotta factor in time and gas you’d lose driving to the gym! For me, I save 1 hour a day of drive time having a home gym
>"It's cheaper!"
>Has $100 000's worth of equipment
🤔
Yeah what a barbaric argument
I can buy a lifetime gym membershipfor like 3000 tops
And they have over 10 thousand in equipment
@@tylerandleahcanadian3888 Yeah it's not really a big deal. I personally use a home gym because I prefer it, but as long as you're working out it doesn't matter.
@@cody4916 yeah I have a home gym aswell not much just a bench press 200lb in plates Nd some adjustable barbells a chin up bar and thats it
I can only afford 10 A MONTH THOU?
@@tylerandleahcanadian3888 wayyy more than 10k in equipment, machines are hundreds each, bars are 100+, weight plates are in the hundreds for 20kg and 25kg plates
24HR rip-off starts at $55 a month. 55 x 12= $660 a year. That’s a new rack and starter bar.
I got a power rack, adjustable bench, Boneyard Ohio bar and 250lbs of iron plates for $1100 total just last week. About 16 months at my local commercial gym.
I am a perfect example of this!
Oh, and I also got my set of weights for that price as well.
Unless you pay the $400 upfront for the whole year instead of paying monthly
10 a month. You can't get 80 pounds for $100 now.
@@mostmost1 $100 doesn’t get you anything today. Ppl are still trying to sell used gym equipment for more than it cost new.
Most commercial gyms are terrible at being good gyms... Home gyms rock!
Quit my gym membership years ago, just built my home gym 3 months ago. Kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
Those pandemic prices and out-of-stocks though
Great video. As a parent, a gym rat, and someone who works 50+ hours a week in NYC, every single point was spot on, especially when it comes to being connected with your family and spending your time more efficiently/effectively.
STOP MAKING THESE VIDEOS, now home gym equipment will never go back down to pre-pandemic levels and I need more plates LOL.
I bought 14 cast iron 45s for 30 bucks each and I don't even really need them. Now I have 32 45s in total. BEEFCAAAKE!!!!
@@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960 it's okay until you move house lol
@@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960 dude a 45 sells for 90 buck in my area atm
Dicks has 300 lb Olympic set for $300 with a 10% coupon its pretty affordable. I'm gonna get another one and sell the bar and little plates on marketplace. It's a long way around but its cheap weight.
1 - 45 lb bar
2 - 45s
2 - 35s
2 - 25s
2 - 10s
4 - 5s
2 - 2.5s
Gym bro please stop please let people all have a home gym. Fuck commercial gyms
Coop: Cancel your gym membership!
Alan Thrall: Nope!
Alan is the type of guy who lifts consistently for 10 years yet is unable to bench twice his weight and have a poverty squat and deadlift. He’s also the type of guy who says questionable things in a confident and assured manner like to never look up when squatting or DLing or “dont move the barbell!” When setting for deadlifting. He over complicate things with technical jargon and specious studies to make it seem like he’s an expert. Also see Rippetoe
@@jzen1455 go look at him now.
You don’t want to look up when you squat or deadlift. That puts your neck in a precarious position. Rippetoe says the exact same things.
You don’t want to move the barbell while you are SETTING up for the deadlift, once you have gotten into position. Rippetoe says the exact same thing
I like Alan and think that he puts out some great content. But please don't back up what he says with what Rippetoe says, you instantly make him lose credibility.
@@jzen1455 you're calling Alan weak. This coming from the guy with an all time PR deadlift of 425. Yeah you can shut up now. My deadlift pr is 495 which is nothing to brag about so I'm not going to call someone weak with my numbers let alone yours.
ngl I've never worked out in a gym nor have I stepped foot in one. Every single point he's made is actually true. I was a loner with no friends in my youth. Not because I was a terrible person, which I hope I'm not, but because I simply didn't socialize w/ others and was super shy. So I got comfortable being alone. It's a fact that humans need social interaction which I get from my job but other than that I'm mostly alone. And as depressing as that might sound there's a ton of benefits to working out alone:
1. there's a lot less distraction (people)
2. you can play your own music out loud
3. you can get your workout in faster than you can in a busy gym
4. you don't need any or much equipment to start out
5. you don't have to pay for expensive workout clothing to show off to others
6. it is the TRUEST form of judgment-free zone
7. buying new and expensive or not expensive equipment is rewarding knowing that you can afford it and that your home gym is leveling up over time
8. specifically when buying expensive equipment you make sure you make use of it cuz it's out of your OWN pocket
9. you don't waste time driving to the gym (I see no difference driving from a rural or city area besides air quality)
10. (my fave) you have ABSOLUTELY NO excuse to not workout/train when it's 10 steps away (unless you're injured or something hurts)
Its not depressing, sir. Its discipline. You got your priorities on point.
Amen
@josh - I can destroy say my chest in 15 mins doing isometrics- bullworker and isobow .
First thing in the morning I do boxercise 3kg dumbbells then isometrics.
I have to disagree.
Planet Fitness is not a gym.
Perfectly said
It has a purpose for people who just want to maintain and keep it simple. It’s not for gainers or lifters even.
Planet Fatness
It's a lifestyle.
Free pizza tho. 🍕
Coop: cancel your gym membership
Also Coop: *owns a gym
Was thinking the same thing when I started watching this video. Lol
He is speaking to an audience who have properties where they can have gym equipment.
@@jater10 still weird for a guy that owns a gym where he has clients who pay to be there say you shouldn’t pay for a gym membership
Speaking as someone who is a big believer in home gym training (most of my TH-cam channel is centered around home gym training), money is not a reason to cancel your gym membership. Most people workout on the way to work or on the way home from work so gas and vehicle wear and tear shouldn’t be factored in (for most people). Ironically, a video that I’m recording this week is about how home gym training doesn’t really save you money. For the type of home gym most people will build vs what they’d pay monthly for a gym membership, it will take years to hit the break even point. PLUS most people who make a home gym get “the fever” and want to keep buying stuff, which significantly adds to the length of time it takes to break even. I’d say some (very few) people who start a home gym will never break even in their life time.
That said, I am a huge advocate of working out from home. Money just isn’t one of the reasons to switch IMO.
I agree with you, it’s not about money, it’s about efficiency, time, and the awesome feeling of being proud of your own space. Whenever I go to a commercial gym I’m always disappointed with my workout because I know I could’ve had a better one at home. You don’t need all those fancy machines, they are holding you back most of the time. Free weights and calisthenics will have way more bang and grow way more muscle because of the stabilizers and other muscles that aren’t activated doing simple cable work.
@I am me • 25y ago I'm not saying the cost isn't worth it. I LOVE my home gym. I'm just saying financial savings is not a reason to cancel your gym membership. Lol
I like commercial gyms, commercial gyms have taught me to not give a fuck. A lot of ppl are scared to do certain exercises, either they suck at them or they think they look foolish but its a good mental exercises to do what you want and try new things while others might be looking at you
My biggest grievance with this video (and others making the same argument) is that in order to have a home gym you really need to live in a place that has a basement or a garage. Sure you could use a spare room or a corner, but then you need that at least, and that limits you in a lot of ways. So for anyone in high school or who still lives with their parents they are pretty much counted out. And most people in college are counted out too because they probably live in an apartment. And even most young adults out of college will live in an apartment for a while.
So it just depends on some circumstances that’s not so easy, depending on where you live. I totally agree, home gyms are definitely the way to go. But much easier said than done.
I’ve actually put a home gym in a 1 bedroom apartment right now. Good luck to those trying it.
I'm a homeowner. So I can't relate to what you're talking about.
@@TxHoneyBee good for you. So am I, and I also have a home gym. I’m just speaking for how I felt for about 8 years in apartments.
@@DanielBrandt77 And most apartments either have a gym as a part of the community/rent fees or are walking distance to a gym. So it still isn't relevant to what the video is talking about, which is people who have space in their home for a home gym. Some people will also build home gyms in rentals as well. It just seems like your original comment is looking for something to complain about, but you still cannot refute any of the main arguments of the video.
@@TxHoneyBeedamn bro, I was all about going to my locally-owned gym, but because of you I'm gonna clear out my 500 sq ft above-business apartment of all its furniture and put in a bench and squat rack. Gaaaiiins for daaaayyys
I choose both, I switch when I get bored (:
@8:52 Spot on. Being able to try new movements/routines/etc in my personal gym without fear of judgement from others is honestly one of the most underrated parts of home gym ownership... Not to mention no longer having to deal with the anxiety of the next bro in line hastily waiting to use the the equipment your currently on. I'm learning the snatch at the moment and its gawd awful, but taking my sweet time reviewing video and making adjustments in the mirror has made form corrections way easier and much less stressful.
Love this perspective! I'm super grateful, I live in an apartment complex where the gym is less than 200 yards away, and actually has really solid equipment. And even though I LOVE the atmosphere that a gym creates, if I had to drive 20+ minutes every time, I probably would invest in a home gym.
You're right time is huge! Maybe if we all work together, we can make gyms thing of the past like Tower Records or bookstores? I started working out at home due to COVID-19. I’m single, and I live in a very small space. I began to study exercise methods that didn't require equipment, like yoga and pilates. I started saving money I'd spend on my gym membership. Then I got a pull-up bar. Then, I get a resistance trainer to hang from it. Then, I got resistance bands. I finally bought an adjustable kettlebell over dumbells because I saw them as more effective. I've lost 30lbs and look and feel amazing. The time I spent getting ready to go to the gym and driving, I now spend that time learning about bodyweight training. I'm very anti-social. I love not being around other people, especially those gym girls filming their latest butt workout. It's so annoying. I think that's my favorite part, not dealing with other people. Great video.
So true Coop, you are spot on. By the time I get to the gym I spend 40 minutes driving one way and by the time I get there I'm exhausted and then I have to wait for people uhhh.
I canceled my gym membership and watching a few of your videos to get inspiration and insight as to how I can build a garage gym.
I subbed!
Good stuff coop. Time spent with loved ones resonates. Even if it is just a kiss and back in the house, the comfort of being together while investing in yourselves and eachother is huge.
Priceless.
I did the math the other week on everything I’ve spent on my home gym since I started and it has honestly paid for itself by not having a membership at a local gym. Plus all my gear is much higher end than the local gyms too. The best part is my kids see me and come exercise with me when I’m out there. This is a great way to introduce fitness and a healthy lifestyle to your kids.
I feel like going to a commercial gym is just downgrading from the equipment I train with at the moment lol
Thanks for making me feel better about all the gym gear I bought for my home. My whole living room is like a gym. I live in a two-room with my wife. This made me feel much better.
My home gym has been the second best investment I've ever done in my life next to Lasiks Surgery. Absolutely no excuse to hit the gym consistently, I can go whenever I want, I can workout in just my compression shorts, it's been life changing. If I move again I will 1000% make sure that my new house has space for a home gym
I agree with most of your points but I am a guy who would like to get best of both worlds. Since I set up my own garage gym, YES life is way easier and i can focus on other stuff in life. But if you want to compete in federations where lifters use Monolifts, you need people. I agree that most of people don't compete but *it's good to go out and work in a different 'zone'.* My plan is to workout/train in gym in winters, visit my friend's garage gyms as well and not just train in my own garage gym for rest of my life :-)
Yes exactly and being able to train in different environments shows adaptiveness, which is important.
Yep I like the gyms and working out at home...variety is key
I don't compete, but I disagree on your comment about changing environments, we aren't even good at a lot of exercises to begin with, and trainers, instead of helping us out, or having Gym partners that help, insult us and denigrate us.
Trust me, I lived through that, got frustrated with training in General and got fat, then I began to approach online Fitness influencers that really motivated me in a way nobody else did and now I train peacefully in my home, without paying to be judged or being mocked or insulted
I'll be a dad soon. So having a home gym means I can literally walk into my garage, get a workout in and come back inside and be with my son. Without having to waste time driving back and forth to a germ fest box full of people I don't want to be around.
Always hated going to the gym cause I am just not a social person. Waiting for a particular equipment, annoying people at the gym, some dirty mofos too and then the drive to get there was just not worth it.
@@nostalgicbliss5547 100% agree I literally waited 30 minutes for a squat rack last day at the gym prepandemic before I started my home gym.
@@charles5487 It just kills your momentum. People will say some people that don't go to the gym are just lazy, but I really cannot stand people in general. When I work out I need to be in the zone with no distractions.
@@nostalgicbliss5547 absolutely! My roots are home gyms. Lost 100lbs utilizing one as a teenager. Some people just have that mindset regarding needing a gym membership.
I miss the thirst traps but that’s about it. I also live in Cleveland so that was only like a monthly or bi monthly occurrence anyway.
Yoga pants are great motivation.
Just cockteases anyway, better focus at home. You can always get off to something later ;)
I do end up eeking out 1 or 2 extra reps when a hottie is nearby. But I notice they barely even notice me at all.
I haven't been back to the gym since the pandemic started and I canceled my membership at some point and am rocking my own home gym. I love it and I wouldn't trade what I have for the world, but sometimes I do miss the social aspect of the gym. Pre-pandemic I had my friends that I made there and it was awesome for networking too. Right now, aside from TH-cam and FB groups, it's hard to find like minded people who value fitness in person.
as a sweety person, I love being able to work out and not have to clean after every exercise. Also, I can do circuits and not have to worry about people stealing my equipment.
Also being able to use my rack instead of waiting for a wannabe powerlifter to finish his to sets were he takes a 10min break in between
Met my wife at a gym, most important meeting in my entire life
Wow! I want to hear the entire story.!!
When divorce happens, that tune will change
@@applejm3370 If divorce happens*. Not all marriages fail, my man.
@@gillhantson5318 true… it’s like 50/50 with 70%+ initiated by the wife. Maybe urs will be the successful ones
So not having a home gym did cost you a ton 🤣
extra costs, having to wait for the next person to finish using the equipment, dramatic loud dunces making asses out of themselves for clout, all reasons why home gyms are better. mine is a rickety, disorganized mess in my room, but it does everything i need it to do.
I love having a home gym. It’s become a must for me. My next home gym will be bigger
I agree that having a home gym leaves you with more limited equipment than you would have access to at your local gym, but the amount of stress removed for my life is priceless. Also let’s not forget one of the greatest workouts of all time. Out door RUNNING! Doesn’t require any gym membership whatsoever.
i literally just built my home gym last week. wish i did it sooner - like back when covid started.
I built mine just before covid, never had to have a break in training like a lot of people.
@@redgreen6436 smart man. i havent lifted in about 8 months. lost a good 70 lbs on my bench, probably 150 on squat and dead, its brutal
@@liveslowlivesimple ay man I just built my gym this week and haven't lifted in 8 years, let's get it!
I built my gym when COVID hit luckily I got a cable machine 600 pound with a lay pull down for $900k was worth over 5k new I also got a machine for lega extension and chest press also got a half rack for like 300 and weights I got for about $700 urethane and also got dumbells 5-80 for like 1.3k and got a shevels for them another $600 and barbell was free as well as fixed barbells I got from a Friend who worked at 24 hour and it got closed down ! I’m looking now for a leg press and biceps tricep machine and back machine as well and smith machine as well later !
Coop: Gyms are dirty....
Me: Slip and slide on the mat at my BJJ gym on No-Gi days.
I've just started doing bjj. You put a lot of faith in other people's hygiene. It's still cleaner than the men's locker room at the LA Fitness I used to go to before garage gym days.
I used to wrestle in HS and a lot of people would get pinkeye from the mat
@@rodiculous9464 tea tree oil shampoo to prevent ringworm and other infections.
coming from someone with a home gym and a gym membership... I still love the atmosphere of being in a gym (only if it's a well run gym). I still use my home gym a few times a week, but I prefer going to the public gym for the routine and atmosphere multiple times a week as well. You made good points in this video though.
We have a family gym membership and pay $60 a year for a family of four. We can also bring guests in Friday through Sunday.
@@mocheen4837 that's the best deal I've ever heard of for a gym membership
@@mocheen4837 how, that is so cheap?
I’ve had a home gym for 20 years, even when I was single and living in apartments. I’ve also worked out at commercial (and university) gyms off and on over that time period. Let me mention a few downsides to home gyms that I don’t see in the comments, and keep in mind this comes from 20 years of experience working out at home. If you’ve had a home gym for six months or a year, you won’t appreciate or understand this as much as you will five years from now.
1) Getting into the gym can actually be more difficult when training at home. Seems counterintuitive, so let me explain. Beginning your workout is all about taking that first step. When you workout at a commercial gym, the first step is getting in your car - an easy first step. When you train at home, the first step is actually starting your workout. Getting in your car is easier than starting a workout.
2) Part of staying motivated is incorporating variety into your workouts. In fact, this is tremendously important - especially as you get older and gains slow or halt altogether. Workout variety is more difficult to achieve in a home gym that is constrained by space and money. Unless you happen to have an extra 3,000 square feet and $100,000 to invest in gym equipment, you will face severe limitations on what you can do at home. Your workouts will become stale faster. All the creativity in the world won’t change this.
3) Purchasing new equipment to revitalize and put energy back into your workouts will have diminishing returns. For example, I thought adding kettlebells and sandbags was going to be a game changer. I hardly touch them. There’s no way around it - a home gym requires a different kind of discipline.
4) The one item that was actually a game changer was the cable pulley I added to my Rogue rack. This notably enhanced the versatility of my workouts and I find myself using it far more often than my kettlebells, sandbags, bands, or other training accessories.
Having said all this, in 20 years I have never stopped lifting due to any of these factors, though at times I’ve found it difficult to train with intensity at home as I hit my mid to late 30’s and progress began to slow - and I’m certainly not in the same shape I was in during my early/mid 20’s. Having a home gym has definitely been a net positive for me. Best of luck building your home gym!
I had already seen it coming even before last year started. I knew things were going to close down. Had already my pair of Ironmasters, and so I started investing in a home gym.
Best move I ever made. The money spent will be recovered in just two or three years of use compared to a gym membership that has barbells and racks. And it was built sturdy enough to last ten years or more.
Best move I ever made. I regret nothing, and only look forward to every improvement I make.
just dumbbells?
atleast get barbell bench and a rack
@@malnutritionboy I had only STARTED with the dumbbells before things closed down. The "started investing in a home gym" is where I implied buying a rack and a barbell and building a platform and a cable system and all of that other stuff. Please read into the subtext, sir. I even later stated that any gym membership comparable to my work would need barbells and racks. Clearly implying that barbells and racks are a necessary part of my routine.
@@B.L.S. ah, i apologise then it's 2am
@@malnutritionboy No problem. Get some sleep! Rest is an important part of any effective exercise routine!
Thank you. I started my homegym 2 years ago and now am becoming a dad in 6 months. Time with family surely becomes much more important now. 💪🏼
I feel like it's such a process to get ready and travel to the gym. Which is fine when you are completely disciplined and motivated. When I get busy though I want the least amount of barriers to get my workout in.
This is a pros and cons list of having a home gym from my experience and perspective
Pros:
• Saving time (big factor)
• Convenient=more likely to workout
• No judgement
• Collecting your own equipment makes it a hobby
• External music choice
• No limit on time usage of equipment
Cons:
• Limited space (big factor)
• No access to giant globo gym specialty equipment (big factor)
• Your collection has to be built from the ground up, requiring you to prioritize what workouts are important before buying ancillary equipment
• Interruptions (big factor) people have a tendency to not respect your free/alone time if you spend it at home
• Less climate control (this depends on if your gym is inside, in a garage, shed, etc.)
Honestly, I love having a home gym. The most important factor to me is time, as I am a college student. Additionally, I have a lot of fun building my gym collection, as well as enjoy the freedom of judgment. There are some big negatives though, so I would consider them seriously. Personally, I really hate not having access to specialty equipment, as well as dealing with people interrupting my workouts.
This is a great post. I personally like going to the gym because I enjoy the social aspect of it, I've met many of my best friends at the gym and I also like to compartmentalize things. I like to work out in a different area than I work and live, etc.
Not to mention not everyone has a three-car garage that they can convert into a gym. I have a two-car garage where my wife and I park our cars. Also, this dude has at least $100,000 worth of equipment in his gym. He spent multiple lifetimes worth of money on a home gym
@@apierre6 ahh, some good points. I’m not very social so it didn’t occur to me about the social aspect. Also, I use a corner of a two car garage and it’s pretty snug so I understand haha. I will say that my collection is getting close to where I want it though, without having to spend thousands. I do believe that soon I will have everything necessary for a pretty capable home gym. I think if you are an introvert and have the space, a home gym is a good option lol.
It's easy to claim that when you've actually got room for a home gym... not that I disagree with your points.
He is speaking to an audience who can afford and have the space for a home gym. For those who can, these are good points he made.
This is what I needed to hear. I was starting to lose motivation bc there's no one around to hold me accountable but I need to workout whether there's people or not
I built an amazing gym over the last year and I made my final purchase last week so finally done. I miss the gym sometimes - but no regrets, I love my gym. Another big reason I did this is just like you mentioned - the germs and them being nasty, I'm sure I will be sick a lot less :)
Me watching this despite intentionally buying a house within walking distance of one of the best strongman gyms in New England.
Regular lifting at home strongman work with all the bells and whistles at the gym sounds perfect to me
@@AD-ui6sk eh I already have the code to get in and usually am there at 5 am with only people that aren't annoying so 🤷♂️
That's legit bro!
Why not have both; easy access to a Strongman gym and a home gym.
What gym I'm from new england
Best part of having a home gym is seeing my two girls get hooked on lifting and fitness
I don't have room for a bunch of gym equipment but going for a walk is free.
I totally agree with you Coop ! I stay motivated to workout by logging my gym sessions. People need to educate themselves in the use of the basic gym equipment- dumbbells, barbell and plates and basic gym benches. Watching TH-cam fitness videos has really been a big help in getting in better shape.
Lol did he accidentally say "another reason to ditch your home gym" at 5:51? 😂
Yes
I started my home gym mid January and love it, its the best thing that my wife and i did. I will never go back to commercial gym as long as i have a choice. All i need is Coop s budget to buy more equipment
During Covid I was working out five times a week in my garage.
I think one good thing about having a home gym is that u get to own and keep your equipment u buy and also not having to wear head phones that keep dropping out of my ear or off my head
Unfortunately, with most people moving into vertical towers in expensive cities, home gyms are impossible for some (and those numbers are increasing)
*laughs in europe*
I’ll give you a gym w a few kettlebells that will have you shredded that will take up less space than a kitchen table.
Just get a pull up bar, some rings and some adjustable dumbbells
Ironically, since I posted that, I moved from said towers to the middle of nowhere and have an awesome home gym now and continually adding to it. Best decision I’ve ever made. Keep on keeping on, brahs. Always a way to make things work
Let’s not forget one of the most important reasons: the pandemic. Working out is the most important thing for a large amount of people. Many people feel that they cannot function properly without being able to work out. When the gyms were locked down, those peoples lives got a lot worse because of it. Plus there’s the added incentive of not having to do strenuous physical activity with a stifling mask on. Having a home gym make that a non-issue.
Step one: have space for a home gym
I've failed step one 😔
Start bench pressing on the ceiling
No space, make space,
No place to make space, get an aforable place to have your equipment.
Plan ahead .
In my case I have a small balcony and I have some equipment and I have to frequently move my stuff for my next workout routine, I hate it but I also love it.
he got the nail on the head when he said about it being an asset. rich people never rent anything unless its a business property or something along those lines but even then ,if the business stops making enough to cover the rent you're in the muck an asset will stay regardless and will only ever increase or decrease in value but will never be worth nothing
This really motivated me to just cancel my membership and just do a home gym. One reason is after working 8 to 10 hours a day, I have to go home, get dressed and commute 25 minutes to the gym. By then I've lost some time and feel too tired to even get out the car. Also my gym is packed around rush hour so I hate having to wait to use machines and I hate working out when it's crowded and people staring at you. Most gyms that used to be 24 hours now close early at 10 pm and 7 pm on weekends, execpt Planet Fitness but I hate their machines. Also my gym took out alot of machines without telling us, and I am pissed cause they took the machines I really liked. I hate how they solicit you with hiring a personal trainer when you come in and doing your workout. These things may seem small but it's really starting to irritate me. I can honestly say I've gotten the best shape by working out at home and remember boxer Muhammad Ali never used any machines or anything special, just straight home training. Also I had 3 weirdos, at the gym including the personal trainer try to clock me for money after seeing what kind of car I drive which was creepy.
🤣🤣🤣🤣shame i feel your frustration lol
Done and done!!! Started my home gym in October 2020 and cancelled it and will never go back. Started my fitness channel because of the home gym.
I'll never get my money back on my home gym if I train for the next 40 years. Its about a lifestyle and quality of life. I enjoy my own space and rules
Edit; also can't sell it for good price in future as bought quality stuff
I live in a small apt and don’t have the space for a barbell and rack. A place big enough for a home gym would cost $300-$500 more a month. My gym is a 10 minute walk or 3 minute bike ride away. I go in the evening and usually have the whole gym to myself. I have access to ~15 different barbells, calibrated plates, and so much more. I can also play whatever music I want over the speakers.
I moved upstate ny not many gyms around me. One closed and only planet fitness right by me. Thank god for my home gym.
Home gyms are way more expensive and if you get into trouble, no one to help with that.
Coop, you just made me wanna have kids so I can hang out with them in the Gym.
BABE, let’s pull the goalie!!!!
Exactly my thoughts man. I'd rather spend the money to enjoy a workout at home with family than commuting regularly. Great stuff man 👍
I have my home gym I built during covid. I still love the gym and go whenever I have the time. The atmosphere in a gym cannot be replicated at home.
I’ve been working out for competitive bodybuilding for the past two decades, training in a gym. The pandemic hit and I learned to love training at home. I can’t believe how much time I save!
That's what my channel is all about haha
Alan Thrall is going to be livid
I agree with most of this, Coop. My home gym saves me so much time. But there is something to be said for what else is provided at CrossFit gyms and locally own functional fitness gyms. The price may be steep ($100-200/mo) but think about what you’re getting for that money.
- Programming (up to $200/mo elsewhere)
- Coaching (up to $70/hour elsewhere)
- Community and accountability (priceless)
You’re not getting any of that by exercising alone. Thanks for the content. Keep it up.
"Drop your $15/month membership and buy this squat rack and bar and GarageGymReview TM bumper plates! Links in the description btw! What are you, poor? Lol"
My wife hates commercial gyms. However she wants to workout together. So started our budgeting to start investing in our home gym. I hate how I can go to a commercial gym. Run to the bathroom and some ego lifter decided it was okay to take the squat rack. It just gets old. Ready for this change. Btw coop is so underrated. He deserves so much more love and subscribers. Rant over!
I live an apartment and don't get to go to the gym everyday. Can you design a gym for compact spaces and an apartment?
Nowadays I workout at home, I have the space in my bedroom along with my dumbbells to do a combination of dumbbell/bodyweight workouts and then I get to go outside for a run. This was so helpful since I don't have to drain my wallet and it saves a lot of time since I workout in the evening. But I do miss the times where I get motivated by the advanced lifters in my old high school to push myself harder. But it is useful to have the mindset where I have to rely on myself to put in the work at home and motivating myself.
Currently building my home gym because of all these solid points Coop shared. Saves so much money and time, plus you have no choice but to hold yourself accountable and motivate yourself to complete your workouts!
Got a question for the home gym community though, I currently have a pair of powerblocks, an adjustable bench, and a pull up bar in my basement gym. I live at home and my parents were kind enough to give me a big enough spot in our basement for everything I need. Only problem is that the entire basement is CARPETED. I want to get flooring out of the way next but everything in Canada is ridiculously price gouged. Should I go with cheap EVA foam for now and wait for a Black Friday sale on actual gym/stall mats or should I just bite the bullet on gym/stall mats right now?
Thanks in advance!!
Realizing the benefits of the neck flex helped me appreciate having a home gym all over again. My boy is turning 2 this year and seeing your kids having fun with fitness was adorable and encouraging. Keep up the excellent work.
Me: "why should I cancel my gym membership?"
Coop: "because"
Me: "say less daddy coop"
That is fruity🍏🍅🍅🥝🥑🍒🍍🍊🍋
The only gym membership I have ever had is a college gym. It's a part of being a student.
Kick me $10k and I’ll cancel today! Until that happens I’ll keep driving 5 minutes to not warm up and almost never wait for machines
I'm thinking the same bro, he's full of shit all way around
@@brucegwynn8509 Lol why you here then?
@@NothisisZak it just popped up bro, I wasn't subbed or anything like that, so I checked it out and formed a opinion
@@brucegwynn8509 a lot of the things he said is true but obviously is not the case for a lot of people
You don't need 10K. That's pure bs.
A good rack goes for like 1K to 2k, Barbell 400-700 and plates, under 700.
That's at most 3,500. Wayyyyy less than what you said.
I'm 100% with Coop on the home gym angle. Another thing to keep in mind is you don't have to buy it all at once. Grab some adjustable dumbells first, then go get a couple of kettlebells. Grab a bench next. Feel ready for the next step up? Go get that power cage. Try to picture what you'll use most and go for it. While I do feel fortunate to have a large enough house and the money to spare to afford my equipment, I think slower accumulation and creativity can get most people to where they need to be with their fitness goals at home. Keep an eye on the used market too, I'm betting a ton of people are going to start off loading a bunch of decent equipment now that the pandemic is winding down.
People love to say rich people will trade in all their wealth for time. Yes, because they have to knowledge to make exponentially more money. They wouldn’t trade their money for time to live in poverty.
Exactly, this guy is a nut !!
One thing that you forgot to mention is that by having a home gym you can decide what equipment to purchase. So you can by way better equipment than most gyms have. Way better bars and racks and plates. Home gyms rock
I’ll continue to support our local gym because it’s ran by the owners that live in the community. Even if it costs a little extra it’s worth supporting their small business
This always seems like a weird thing to me. The small businesses that deserve to exist are the ones that fill a need that people want filled, and they don't need support just because "small business".
@@ordinaryhuman5645 It'd make sense if it was a situation of family gym vs big chain location, but I complete agree with you, I hate that wording as much as when they put "woman owned business" or "black owned business" on the front like they just deserve special treatment because of it? nah I'm all for equality but that's pandering to achieve the exact opposite, if being that makes it harder for you to exist as a store then that obviously needs to be changed but otherwise it's about as logical as it would be to discriminate against men to compensate for the historical treatment of women
The space a home gym takes up costs money too. If you already have space for equipment and to train, that's great, it will probably save you money.
I live in a very small 1 bedroom apartment with shared outside space. I have enough space for some equipment (Barbell, adjustable dumbbells, plates, pull up bar, and some other really small stuff) but not enough for a bench or a rack. To buy a place with an extra bedroom it would have cost about 25% more, and to buy somewhere with a garage or outside space big enough to build a shed/garage it would have been even more.
Those plates behind him are wedged in so hard I wonder how he'll ever get one out.
Some of us don't have a private gym or free space like you. I like gyms, it gives you more motivation.
Don’t discount the positives of being part of a lifting community. Lifting at home removes the social aspect of lifting.
Yeah, this is a super nearly-gen-pop focused video. If you go to a serious gym, it's 100% worth it.
I got far stronger at a strongmat gym than at Crunch/home workouts.
Don't discount the positives of removing the social aspect of lifting.
none of my friends go to the gym anymore. My friends now visit me in my home gym where the social aspect of lifting continues.
It is possible to invite friends over to a home gym to have a group workout every now and then.
One of the things I liked about going to a gym is the atmosphere. Everyone is there to work, and it puts you in that mood. At home I am less motivated.
Gym membership is for people have no space at their house or live in their apartment. And younger people
Or people who like the community and know most the people at the gym. A home gyms cool in all but you gotta be pretty introvert as well.
I can totally related to the part about being connected with your family while you train. It is awesome. My 7 yr old kid occasionally comes to my home gym and does cable seated rows and daddy-assisted pull ups. I plan to teach him more movements as he grows up. It's a great way to hang out with my kid and help him become familiar with lifting weights and develop motivation to train for when he gets older. I can't wait for the day to train together with my son in my home gym.
Although I agree with you, I can never workout at home. To me, home is a place to relax. Being in the gym makes me workout and after that, I go to work. When it comes to time, I make the time. But to each their own.
I finally pulled the trigger on a Home Gym set up. I got sick of mask mandates and my gym always changing their hours without warning because "COVID". Best decision I ever made. I can workout while I cook, play with my dogs and play loud obnoxious music I like.