Home Gym
Advantages:
1. Convenience
A big advantage to having a home gym instead of going to the gym is convenience. This means you can train when you want, 24/7 for as long as you want with no time regulations at all. Also your gym is right at your door. So instead of having to get in your car and go to your local gym, you don't have to move anywhere.
2. Hygiene
Another great advantage to having a home gym is hygiene. This meaning you're the only one using the gym unless you invite others other or your other half or friends use it meaning it's up to you how clean and sanitary it stays. Obviously keeping it clean would be the best idea! But this means you can use your gym equipment without having to worry if a smelly, sweaty man has used it before you!
3. Expense
A controversial point is price which could be a defiant benefit in the long run. Instead of having to pay a large monthly sum for a gym membership you can invest some money in some home gym equipment and then that be the end of it. And what determines how beneficial it is to do is how often you use your home gym equipment and how you make the most off it. However I see getting a home gym as an advantage because if you ever stop using it, then you could easily sell it in the ever-growing gym equipment market for a decent amount of money getting most of your original investment back.
Disadvantages:
1. Motivation
A point which is made often is the fact training at home can cause a lack of motivation because you're not around and in the gym banter and atmosphere. Some people may find this gives them a lack of motivation however, some may find it gives them more motivation as they stay focused in their own atmosphere. Whatever ticks your box I guess!
2. Social aspect
This links in with motivation but some people go to the gym purely to meet new people and to find new friends. By having a home gym you don't gain that benefit. However if this is your single most priority when going to the gym you need to question your priorities as this can get in the way why you are in the gym in the first place.
3. Distractions
One which I think is the biggest problem is distractions. As you are at home you are able to keep wondering to the kitchen to get some food and other bits and bobs. Yeah you get the idea. However if you really are motivated to achieve your goals this shouldn't be as issue.
Going to the Gym (Gym memberships)
Advantages:
1. Motivation
Motivation is a great advantage due to the atmosphere of other people in similar situations. It can be a great boost of adrenaline.
2. Range of weight training equipment
Depending on what gym you go to, there is normally a wide array of gym equipment available at your disposal to use. Other gyms sometimes have a swimming pool as well which comes with the gym membership. However having said that the more equipment and facilities available to use, the more expensive the gym membership will be!
3. Expense
Some people may find instead of paying possibly up to $1000 for gym equipment you might as well pay annually for the full use of a gym membership with a range of better facilities. It's really up to you which you prefer.
Disadvantages:
1. Expense
Gym memberships are very expensive in general. But the better the gym is, then the more expensive it will be. Also most gym memberships last around a year which you have to renew every year. So while you may not go to the gym all the time or you may fall ill or busy, you still pay for the gym.
2. Gym rats
Yes gym rats. They are the worst kind to meet. Hog all the equipment, Stink out the changing rooms, sweat all over the machines. They really are my worst nightmare and for that reason alone I prefer the peace off having my own home gym!
3. Lack of freedom
This links in with gym rats. If your gym is popular then most likely most the machines will be in use. So being able to get a good workout while having to wait for machines to be free, and then while using them feeling pressured to get off by other men starring at you wanting a turn? No thank you.
Conclusion
To conclude in my opinion I say getting a home gym wins every day. You basically have the freedom to do whatever you want, when and how you want and all at a fraction of the price of getting a gym membership. But that depends what home gym you get!