Why You Shouldn't Train At Home - GO TO THE GYM! 

Hey all, please understand I'm team home gym for life. However this video was to play devil's advocate as Coop had stated he thought home gyms would put commercial gyms out of business.

Yes...everyone sell your equiptment now, please

built my garage gym so I could be more efficient when I started nursing school-and to get away from people who talk too much at the gym

I can understand the points that you’ve made in this video, but pulling out my visa, and squatting in 77 square feet of the back of a garage is the best decision that I’ve made in 2020

In my home gym I get to do awkward exercises like hip thrust and no ones watching

Been lifting for 25 years, other dudes in their 40's are buying bass boats and convertibles, I feel zero need to defend an investment into my personal health and also recreational passion. (my gym is in the basement btw)

Corona actually forced me to build my small minimalistic home gym in a relatively small space with squat stand, barbell and plates.I used to go to the gym as long as I can remember but I got so comfortable in my home gym now that I dont feel like going to regular gym anymore even when they open up lol.

sssssshhhhhh.... brandon discouraging new home gymers so they sell all their equipment to us long time home gymers.... thnx brandon

i personally am someone who likes to train at night and as great as a gym is it’s a great feeling being able to just go from doing nothing to immediately just working out and just the fact that it’s in my house encourages me more

I’m always impressed with the lack of “uhs” and “ums” in your videos when you speak.

I’ve been meaning to build a home gym for the past years and this situation we are now in was the catalyst that did it and it’s been great. Lifting on my own time, no waiting, no annoying circle jerks conversations hogging equipment, no bro/ego lifters. I tend to work out alone and really don’t see a need to go back to an actual gym. Just going to keep building on what I have going forward.

Home gym rocks. Purchased my awesome home gym setup 2 years ago for $5000. Most of my mates say damn you have the most important stuff a proper gym has. Both my wife and myself had gym memberships. Only 2 more years and it will have paid itself off. It only takes up a single car space and saves so much time.

My old gym only had one power rack. I was doing compounds and was approaching failure so I needed to use it for the majority of my workouts and it was causing a lot of tension with other members who also wanted to use the rack, having to swap out between lifts, and waiting for people, plus it was 15 minutes of driving one way to get there. Built a smaller garage gym (just power rack, dead lift platform, barbell and weights) right before the lock down here and... It. Is. Magical. No waiting, no commute, no tension, I can work out when I want, super easy and no one angry about me video a lift for a form check. I will never go back. My life is richer and less stressful having my gym in my garage.

Built a home gym during this, obviously no waiting to use the bench/squat rack and I can now finally try equipment I've been wanting to try. After a long day of work it's better for me to just go home to workout but I do miss the social aspect slightly even though most of the time I kept to myself.

My whole set up was built slowly over 3 years and then quickly by flipping my old used stuff (not buying new to flip) during a crazy pandemic... if the world never turned I’d still be lifting in my poor man’s iron paradise and loving every minute of it... the crowds at our community center gyms are the worst...

When I weighed the pros and cons of returning to my gym after the lockdown or using my home gym, I decided that my home gym made better sense. I even thought about just going once or twice a week just for the machines and to see old friends but my gym pissed me off with their $99 registration fee. Great way to get customers back.

Love my home gym!! Should have done this a while ago. no waiting and don't have to talk to anyone. I might not be going back to a regular gym and I don't mind it.

I’ve had home gym equipment my whole life. I have worked out in a commercial gym for many years while my equipment was collecting dust. I got inspired to set my garage gym back up 3 years ago largely from following this channel. At first I was just going to use it occasionally, now it’s taken on a life of its own! I love it, it’s where my roots are from. I’ll never train in a globo gym again.

Well said!

...I’ve had a home gym for 60 years...meager at first naturally, but even when I had a gym membership, I still worked out at home some...OH, and I do like working out-in fact, l LOVE working out 6 days/ week...most likely I will die in my home gym, at this point in my life it seems the natural Order...PS : LOVE your utube channel...wish I had it all my life...

Home gym or commercial gym depends on the lifter. I bought my basic home gym 6 weeks ago, and it was a great decision. The quality of my training has improved for being in a private space where I can focus 100%. My wife trains more regularly now and her lifts are also going up. Brandon, you make some good points, but some of those points are mainly for trainees who need extraneous factors to keep them motivated. Community, variety, separation from regular life are all fine, but not everyone needs those things to stay dedicated or motivated to lift. Commercial gyms are not "a thing of the past," but for some people home gyms are better.

The older I get the harder it gets to actually leave home and the basement gym!:)

I love my basement gym! The equipment isn’t top of the line. Nothing matches since machines, dumbbells, plates, kettlebells, bands, bars were added over time. BUT... it’s completely functional and it’s my haven.

Yeah I remember when I use to go to commercial gyms. I hated when the preworkout was kicking in and I was ready to work out but the equipment I needed was occupied. That’s why I love having my home gym. My motivation are the “gains”.

Why you should train at home: “your life”

Just built my home gym 2 months ago and I love it. Convenient time saving and little by little I will continue to add things. I think it’s what ever works best for the person to actually work out.

Descent points, however I had the means, had the space, and I built my gym so I could train when, how I want and to get away the “social” aspect. Even when I had less equipment and less space, I always enjoyed my home gym more . No socializing ,just working out, and big time savings.

There's no place like home

I am from Germany. I have my garage gym for 5 years now and gradually upgraded all my stuff. I never missed one of all the gyms I ever trained in. And now at Corona times, 10 people in a week from local gyms come to train in my garage.

I built my home gym a couple of years ago when we purchased our home. The one time cost would pay for itself in one year. I was going to a CrossFit box and could no longer justify the expense or driving commitment. My husband has a family membership at the local Y. I can use it when I want but I really love our garage gym. My husband is very happy that we have equipment during this time and has been using it. However we will keep the Y membership because when it reopens we can swim, take classes and have lots of cardio options.

I can now fart whenever I want!

Watched all three vids already, and I'm happy you made this. The points you made are all level headed and valid. Some want the training destination, some the home convenience, some (like myself) want the home version but don't currently have the means. Might I suggest linking your home build videos. They were also quality content and applicable for those watching this and want the home option.

Great info, I think with covid-19 a lot of adamant gym goers are realizing that in order to have uninterrupted training they must build something at home. Some of those people might return when things get back to normal. Keep up the great work!

Bro, WTF!? I've just dropped 6k on a home gym after watching all your videos and taking your advice. Now you're telling me that I've made the wrong choice? Haha

I have to say, Brandon, this only increases your credibility with me: A man whose channel is focused on current and prospective home gym owners making clear the reasons why someone shouldn’t be part of that group. Happy to say I’m still with you and check all the boxes. Now if only the equipment I want will come back in stock...

Thank you for presenting some solid arguments for not having a gym at home. I personally have overcome all the arguments- and will love ahead with one. But appreciate the honesty

Hey, you’re the guy whose video on knee noises made me decide I didn’t need to worry about it!! Been working out since early June, thanks man!!!

"Brandon from the top rope!" Good opinions, as always. My argument for home gyms being the future of fitness is due, in large part, to the technology entering the space. I agree that a squat rack, bar, and plates with no direction or program isn't going to get most people very far. But, Tonal, Peloton, and the others are more than gimmicky workout equipment and I've seen first hand the impact they can have on non-trainees and people that don't enjoy working out. Regardless, it will be interesting to watch things unfold.

After completing my home gym in my apartment (one division dedicated), I can tell you that I´m training more, my wife is training more, and even my kids are enjoying. Yes, I spent a lot of money, however it is an investment in our health. In a gym, I had to choose an hour no so crowded and to pray that the racks, barbells, and plates were not being used by someone trying to do a deadlift with the back totally rounded in order to show off all the plates that he has used in the bar... yes, it is true that I could see some ladies in their nice training suites, and to talk with some PT friends. However, I´m there for training, for my health. In conclusion, in my opinion, a decent home gym (that you can build in small steps) and some PT given by someone knowledgeable (for example starting strength or barbell medicine) for the good execution of the main lifts, and you can be the best of yourself.

I think you’re right Brandon, I started watching your channel about 5 years ago and in that time owning a garage gym was a pipe dream. Now I worked hard enough and I’m fortunate enough to own a home with a 2 car garage and able to afford nice equipment but when I started barbell lifting my community gym or my university Rec center was all I had. To the young people who are unable to buy a home or home equipment all is possible if you dream it you can achieve it.

I like not going anywhere and I LOVE my Garage Gym. Never going back to a commercial gym. Will buy even more equipment when it becomes available.

I just hit 431lbs on bench. It wouldn't have happened without your channel and the tips u gave me

I think I found a winning game plan. I built a home gym and invite my friends to come use it

I agree. I love my little powerlifting gyms that I go to here in Australia and the thing that I really noticed when I had to start doing stuff at home is that I simply couldn't feel motivated. I realised that I needed that separate place and that drive there to feel prepared for what I was doing and doing it from home just hasn't worked for me.

I slowly built up my garage gym over years. For me, training at home is best for time management and it's nice not having to deal with other people. It's a good feeling when my wife and kids come and check on me.

Brandon the type of guy who wants to get ahead of people who can't go to the gym, stay woke my dudes

I love my home gym, but was lucky enough to build it over the last 5 years before the current situation. My gym is 50/50 new vs. used and I've gotten some amazing deals on used gear. Probably spent about 20k, but could fetch about 30k in today's market. Also, I've converted my wife into a fan of the home gym and now we both train everyday. I originally started my gym cause my 2nd child was born and I didn't have time to go to my CrossFit box. People used to think I was strange for working out in my garage. Now they think I'm a genius.

I’m a loner that loves solitude and I decorated my garage so it feels completely different than my home. It’s easy for me to get in the mood when I go in my garage. For me, it’s not the price, but having control, being comfortable, and saving time. I don’t mind having less equipment because it promotes creativity. In fact some of the best workouts were when I first started working out at home and only had dumbells and a bench.

Great points! I don't fully agree, but I see where you are coming from. It is hard to say what the future will look like when this is over. Most young people who spend a lot of time in the gym probably aren't the ones who are afraid of corona in the first place, so i could definitely see gyms being packed immediately after this. I do believe group fitness is going to have a hard time, and that gyms will struggle to be profitable with their old business model. Social distancing means less members which means less revenue unless they raise prices. Great video man

Lol literally built my garage gym off your recommendations.

personally love my garage gym. and the equipment is honestly way better than most commercial gyms if you get it from rogue and rep. if youre a powerlifter or bodybuilder or even weighlifter i cant think of a better reason to seettle for a home gym. you honestly dont need that many variety of machines to reach your goals. another fireeee video. thanks brandon!

I have a garage gym and a commercial gym membership. My garage gym is open 24/7 which worked out great for me with the lockdowns in my state of California as commercial gyms were closed. Commercial gyms are now open but under strict rules for members.

5:52 lol he really is the og of physical distancing

Yea, built my home gym over 3 years adding pieces here and there. Now I charge my neighbors $8 to come workout during these time 🤷🏽‍♂️😂

I earn a really good wage and I have a shed out the back that's 6m x 9m and the ceiling is like 4m or 5m high. I'm very fortunate and blessed to be able to build a home gym at home (706m2 block of land). I went the home gym route because my work is very taxing on the body and I work 10-12hrs a day and I found it very difficult to stay motivated and go to the gym after work / before work due to being too fatigued from work. So far I've got the Force USA G12 set up, 140kg worth of bumper plates, a high quality adjustable bench and a free weight Olympic bar. Few things I'd like extra are some power block adjustable dumbells but we will see, everything seems to be on back order. Awesome video. I do love the gym community, and I love the variety of equipment available at commercial gyms. The turning point for me was convenience because work / life balance was basically all over the shop and time for going to the gym, getting ready, driving there felt more of a chore after a 12 hour shift on the work site. I may stay at the gym as a member for a few months to get more of an idea of what I might chase after for my own set up. Eventually I'll probably quit my membership.

Just got a power cage since lockdown. Best money I ever spent. No longer dealing with lines for equipment, no gym toilets, changing rooms and obnoxious people

Not to mention the garage gets hot as hell during the summer.

I can’t !! Everyhing is closed where I live.

Don't forget about the safety aspect too! I tend to workout alone and it really helps knowing that if I go too heavy and make a mistake and get hurt, there's always going to be someone there to help.

Great breakdown and you brought up all the key points imo

If he really believed that, he would have gone into distribution instead of opening a gym. Most people, including pros, will never spend what you guys have spent on garage gyms. No, they are not the wave of the future. They're just a modern interpretation on the home gym that has existed for decades. You cannot substitute the latest tech on a avg person's budget, constantly, over time. You will simply fall behind. But really, for an effective gym at home you need not spend even what you guys have doled out. I still will go to the gym and still have a great home gym. Best of both worlds.

Excellent, measured and fair analysis Brandon👍 brought my first barbell based on your advice, although I havant trained in awhile thanks to you I have all the guidance to get it done!

Built my gym in my garage and right now it has everything I need and really do not see the need to go back to the gym. The only issue I have is waiting for equipment. My 45 lb bumper plates have been on order since Late June early July and are now scheduled for delivery in November. My adjustable dumb bells arrived yesterday. The only piece of equipment I don't have that I wish i had is a GH machine. Will have to figure that out. Any suggestions?

All great points Brandon! I myself have a home gym, and could never imagine going to a commercial facility, however I understand it is a very costly investment, and the footprint it takes in your home can be large. Plus it all depends on your training style. If you prefer machine work, well not many people are going to fill up their garage with multiple pieces costing 1000-5000 dollars each! However free weights is a different story! There are two camps on this subject, and what we all need to realize it doesn't matter what we think in the end, what matters is what gets people training and healthy, and if a Planet Fitness does that for some individuals, than that is great! Both commercial and home gyms are needed and have a place in our society, and not one nor the other can ever fully replace the need for either!

So far I am loving my home gym. The only thing I am not liking is no heat but eventually I can resolve that. I am not to worried about AC because I workout in the morning which is naturally colder.

Miss you BC, glad to see you doing well! Great insight too

I worked at a YMCA since I was 16 and always had the perk of using the gyms all over the Island (live in Hawaii) and even got to use facilities internationally when I traveled. I as I got older and got a full time job else where, I always made sure to keep at least part time status to keep my free membership. However with covid affecting everything I was finally let go, and since I never spent money on a gym membership ever, finally decided to pull the trigger and start a home gym. Even though I miss the gym atmosphere and working out with the homies, there's nothing like just going in your garage whenever you want and getting your workout done without having a bunch of other people using equipment you wanna use.

I've built up a decent setup at home during quarantine and I've been thinking a lot about what it means for when the gyms reopen. I've kept my 24-hour membership through it, and I'll probably want to go use it for many of the reasons you mention here. I can see using the home gym part of the time, then 24-hour other times.

I am going to balance both, I love training at home but I enjoyed the gym for many years I’m happy that for me it’s not head splitting decision :)

I agree. I started working out in November 2017 after my 31st birthday, and I like the community and my routine of listening to my music, and getting in my zone. I have a small apartment and I could not put a punching bag inside. My gym will be reopening and I cannot for it!

Your points are spot on. Can’t wait to get back into the gym

Just found your channel. I got stupid lucky last year pre-covid and picked up a half rack (closest name brand rack I can compare it to is the Rogue SML-2), 25kg bumper plates, 8 and 10lb medicine balls for $200. Replaced my old squat rack (with no safeties). I don't know that I'll go back to the "Globo Gym" that my wife and I are members of, the only thing they really offer is better cardio equipment, but outside is just up the stairs and out the door...plus I have a bike trainer for the winter months. I mostly agree with what you said in this though, so I'm looking forward to people offloading their nicer plates for a reasonable price so I can upgrade my setup from my cheap CAP set. But for now, they do the job.

I started my gym as a necessity after I got out of the army. I lived on a mountain ranch 25 miles to a paved road lol. Now I have filled a two car garage to the brim lol

Cycling outdoors is my main form of fitness and escape, built a home gym to cross train and to reduce commute times. Plus I rarely get to use the squat rack at a commercial gym and when I do, I feel rushed.

My boyfriend and I spent upwards 15,000 bucks on a crossfit membership for 6 years (260 a month for the 2 of us) during those 6 years we slowly added to our garage till we had al, we needed and we canceled our memberships last summer. This past year we have been able to add ALOT of equipment withal, the $ that we saved and the flexible time factor...priceless.

what's with the single frame of the patriots player at 5:52? Had to try like 10 times to get the vid to pause one it

I'd love to have a small home gym I could use (besides just for the lockdown which is obvious) if I didn't feel like going in or was busy but in general I just love going into the gym and that environment!

I live in the city and don’t have a lot of space but because of quarantine I bought a rogue squat stand, barbell, and plates and it’s the best decision I made. It works well and I don’t have to worry about COVID at the local gyms

I prefer the hybrid approach. I train 2-3 times a week at a commercial gym and 2 times a week at home. I only use equipment and machines at the commercial gym I don't have at home. This keeps variety in my workout schedule and helps me motivated.

I have my home gym but I go to a local gym too for many of the reasons you listed in the video. I have both options to workout anytime! Going to the gym is a bit of an escape for me and I like the extra amenities they have like the steam room and sauna.

I like to have my very basic set up at home and be fortunate enough to have a bit more at work. I have always used your advice and so far you have been an essential dude. Thanks again. Still waiting for you to get a GHR so I can blame you later. You haven't steered me wrong yet. Thx.

I have both a membership and a minimalistic gym. I do find that I love cooking dinner, getting laundry done, while getting a lift in is freaking awesome. However, nothing beats those gains in a gym on a Saturday night!

I bought a HOIST power rack with adjustable bench for my small basement. Love it.

Hi Brandon. I’m looking to start my home gym. I have a few questions for you. What’s the best method to communicate with you?

i think all your points are valid but do you think people might adjust to using more simple basic equipment when they see they are getting ok results and saving time and money?

Been using Clubbells and Kettlebells for a year or so now. Saves time on commuting.

Good video. I have a garage gym and would never go back to a powerlifting or commercial gym again. The convenience is the biggest benefit for me.

My home gym consists of barbell , dumbells, curl bar , pushup stand, abs wheel. I do have 80 kgs of weight plates. And i absolutely love to train alone.. because workout is a mind set

Lot of good pointers. Especially i think for new people getting into fitness.

I absolutely dig training in the home gym. Kinda built it out around Jocko's essentials list which helped me think about what I actually use and definitely helped me avoid making some impulsive purchases that would have otherwise been money down the drain.

The mayor in my county said going to the gym by appointment will be the norm going forward. In addition to making appointments, capacity is going to be capped at 25%. These reasons alone are why I'm investing in a home gym.

So after watching this my home gym makes since. I have all the variety and plenty of space in my full basement. I love my family and kids seeing me lift. Now money that’s another subject. Just do both I have to be around people to get stronger. Community helps and sometimes I need a break.

Both you and coop made good points. And I agree with you that it's not ideal for everyone. I think the one thing that neither of you mentioned, however- you can do both. I was a member at a box who wanted to make space for some equipment and gave me some older stuff, most notably an old treadmill. I threw it in my garage and was surprised how much I used it. My job takes me to different locations in our metro area and in some cases, driving 15-20 minute past my house didn't make sense. Rather than take the day off, I burned some calories in the garage. Or maybe I was near the gym, but after a long day and not enough sleep the night before, I had no energy after work when I was near the gym. But once I got home and took a 20 minute nap, I was ready to go and "the gym" for that day was 60 feet away in an attached garage.

I have a power rack at home and a gym membership.....variety is always good.

I missed this 1 when it came out. I proabaly thought it was a Coop video bc of the thumbnail, but I definitely agree. I spent around 7,000 on my home gym & I still go to the gym once a week to hit some machines. Also when I started building it I expected more of my friends to want to come train here instead of the gym. But either way, I'm still happy with the investment.

I have both, basics at home (rack, plates, bench, adjustable dumbells, bar, curl bar.. Cheaper stuff, Rogue would be too expensive here in EU 5 years ago), but when I can I go to gym. I find myself being a bit ineffective with training at home, too much distractions, sometimes my training lasts 3 hours as I combine it with some other stuff around the house. But I love the combo home+commercial gym I agree with the points you made Brandon.

It depends on the person and how self motivated you are. Some people need to have the socialization and the feeling of competition. I am a personal trainer and I would say it also depends on your goals. If you just want to lose weight a treadmill isn’t going to put you out much. But if you’re into powerlifting like I am, you require a lot of different equipment to achieve your goal. I have adjustable DB in my home gym and it does take a lot more time switching stuff around, but if the gyms are closed its better than nothing. This shutdown showed me ways to get around lack of equipment, and a wish list for stuff to get or make. Gyms could shut down again in the fall if we have a “second wave” as they expect, so think ahead and get ready now.😁

since 2015 home gym and I don't even thinking to go back commercial gym , and why, concentration and gains get better for me when im alone ,nothing else matter when I training

Do you think it's helpful to just schedule a block of time for training, that's non-negotiable, to maintain consistency with home workouts?

I manage a gym and I'm there pretty much every day. I still built a garage gym 😂 It's nice not feeling obligated to talk to everyone or fix / organize things. It's also lovely not waiting on my favorite bar!