Gym Membership vs. At-Home Workouts: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

(Last updated Feb 2025)

What We Pay for Gym Memberships in Australia

Big Chain Gym Costs: Each city and chain has its own pricing, but here’s what you’ll find in 2025:

• Anytime Fitness runs about 500 clubs across Australia. Since they’re franchised, fees differ by location. Most city spots charge $18.95 weekly for a 12-month plan (roughly $82 monthly or $985 yearly). Sydney and ACT clubs cost a bit more at $19.95 weekly. Don’t forget the $99 joining fee and $79.95 access card when you start. First-year total? About $1,150-$1,220 (more in Sydney). Country towns might charge less ($17.95 weekly). Most contracts run 12 or 18 months, with some clubs offering month-to-month plans. Each Anytime runs independently, so some might haggle on price or run specials.
• Jetts Fitness markets itself as a straightforward, no-lock-in gym. Their standard 24/7 access costs $14.95 weekly with no contract​. You’ll pay a one-off $79 access card fee, but they often waive joining fees or give free weeks to new members. Many Jetts offer “J Series” HIIT classes; a membership with unlimited classes plus gym runs $34.90 weekly​. They have a clever “join with a mate” deal where you both pay just $12.95 weekly for basic gym access. Jetts prices stay pretty consistent across the country, with city clubs perhaps charging slightly more. The main draw? You can cancel anytime, and your membership works at any Jetts gym nationwide. At $14.95 weekly (about $60 monthly), Jetts and similar options like Snap Fitness make good budget choices.
• Crunch Fitness only operates in NSW and VIC but combines budget pricing with boutique features. Their Base membership costs just $9.95 weekly for gym access (no classes)​. The top Summit membership runs $19.95 weekly for all clubs, all classes (hot yoga, cycling, HIIT), plus perks like guest passes and childminding​. Their middle Peak membership at $14.95 weekly includes most classes except premium ones​. Crunch’s fully-loaded membership costs about the same as Anytime, but their basic $9.95 option ranks among the cheapest gym deals around​. Watch for small add-ons like billing fees or annual charges that might bump effective costs by a dollar or two weekly.

Premium Gym Options: Not all gyms aim for the budget market. Full-service health clubs with pools, saunas, loads of classes and flash equipment charge more. Fitness First prices range from $22 to $37 weekly depending on what you want​. An off-peak single club plan might start at $21.99 weekly, while a national multi-club pass with reformer Pilates might cost $36.99 weekly​. Some exclusive city clubs push $40 weekly (like Fitness First Titanium in Sydney)​. These higher fees usually cover all classes, nicer facilities, and access to multiple locations. So, a proper premium gym experience runs $30-$40 weekly (over $1,500 yearly). Many find this worth it for all the extras; others prefer basic gyms at lower prices.

Class-Based Boutique Studios: In recent years, Australia has seen a boom in boutique fitness studios focusing on group classes rather than rows of equipment. These cost more weekly but offer a different experience with coached sessions. Some examples:

• F45 Training, born right here in Australia, charges around $60-$80 weekly for unlimited classes (usually on 3-, 6- or 12-month contracts)​. That’s roughly $240-$320 monthly. If you don’t want to commit, most studios offer a one-week unlimited pass for about $66 or 10-class packs for $300-$350 (about $30+ per class)​. F45 builds great community spirit but costs far more than standard gyms.
• Body Fit Training (BFT) runs similar programs to F45 but sometimes at slightly lower rates. On average, standard BFT memberships cost $30 to $50 weekly​ depending on location, plan type and class frequency. Lower prices might mean fewer classes or longer commitments, while higher rates buy unlimited classes with more flexibility​. Like other boutiques, BFT tends to charge more in Sydney/Melbourne than in Brisbane or Adelaide​. Most memberships include all class types at your home studio, but you can’t hop between different franchise locations without paying extra.
• Other boutique options include yoga studios charging $20-$40 per class or monthly unlimited passes for $200+. CrossFit boxes typically charge $50-$60 weekly for unlimited classes, or less for 3x weekly access. Boxing gyms and spin studios follow similar pricing or offer class packs (10 classes for $250, etc.). The key point: specialty fitness costs more than generic gyms, but many find the guidance and community worth the premium. Check what’s included—some boutiques offer unlimited sessions while others cap your visits unless you pay extra.

City-to-City Price Differences: Sydney gyms cost more than other cities, due to higher rents and demand. Anytime Fitness suggests charging $1 more weekly in Sydney than elsewhere​, and boutique studios acknowledge Sydney/Melbourne locations often set higher rates​. Still, the differences typically stay small—maybe 5-10% more in Sydney. Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra follow close behind, while Adelaide and Perth offer slightly more budget options. Local council gyms sometimes beat commercial rates, often with discounts for students and seniors. A community gym might charge just $15 weekly with no joining fee. Shop around in your area, and watch for promos—many gyms slash joining fees or discount initial weeks during sales periods.

What Memberships Include (and Extra Costs): When comparing prices, make sure you know what you’re getting:

• Joining/Startup Fees: Most gyms charge upfront fees. Anytime’s standard $99 joining + $79 card fees​ match what many others require. Jetts and Snap often levy ~$89 admin/card fees but waive them during promotions​. These usually apply once, but you’ll pay again if you quit and rejoin later. Try negotiating—gyms sometimes reduce or waive these fees when you ask directly.
• Contracts vs No Lock-In: Traditional gym contracts run 6, 12, or 18 months, with early exit penalties (often 20-50% of remaining fees). Some chains like Jetts and Plus Fitness focus on no lock-in plans, which many Australians prefer. Others like F45 and BFT may require minimum terms but offer no-contract options at higher rates. Read the fine print carefully. Most gyms offer a cooling-off period (7-14 days) after joining when you can change your mind without penalty​. Check freeze policies too—can you pause your membership during holidays or injuries? Most allow holds, sometimes with small fees or time limits (4-8 weeks yearly).
• Classes: Some memberships include group fitness classes; others charge extra. Budget gyms might add $5-$10 per class on top of basic memberships. Crunch base members pay $5 per class​, while their Summit members get classes included. If you love classes, factor this in—paying $10 each time on a cheap membership might exceed the cost of joining a gym with classes bundled in.
• Personal Training: Whether you choose cheap or expensive gyms, personal training almost always costs extra. Typical PT rates in Australian gyms range from $50 to $100 hourly, depending on trainer experience and gym commission. Some offer a free initial session or starter packs (3 sessions for $99). If you want regular PT, budget separately—it quickly becomes a major expense. Home workout fans can hire mobile trainers or virtual coaches at similar rates, so this cost remains comparable either way.
• Gym Perks: Small extras vary between gyms. Some premium clubs provide workout towels; others charge for towel service or expect you to bring your own. Extended hours might cost extra at certain gyms. A few charge for premium facilities (saunas, reformer Pilates) or offer separate upgraded memberships. When comparing prices, list what matters to you (multiple locations? specific classes? sauna access?). This helps assess real value: the cheapest option might prove poor value if it lacks things you’ll pay for separately, while an expensive gym might justify its cost by including everything you want.

Worth noting: about 50% of Australians with gym memberships go less than once weekly—effectively wasting money​. That works out to around $780 yearly wasted per person on unused gym time​. If you’ve ever paid for a gym you rarely visit, you’re certainly not alone. Let’s now explore the alternative: working out at home, from basic setups to more elaborate home gyms.

At-Home Workouts: What They Really Cost

What does it take to ditch gym fees and work out at home? Good news for Australians: home fitness has never been more accessible. Whether you’ve got a tiny budget or want to invest in a proper setup, options exist. Let’s break it down into three categories:

1. Basic Home Exercise Gear (budget-friendly essentials)
2. Mid-Range Home Gym Setup (for those willing to spend more)
3. Digital Fitness Subscriptions (online platforms to guide your workouts)

1. Basic Home Exercise Gear (Essentials Under $300)

You don’t need a garage full of machines to get a good workout. A few basic items cover plenty of exercises:

• Yoga Mat: A decent non-slip exercise mat costs $20-$50 at Kmart, Target or Rebel Sport. Kmart often stocks basic mats at the lower end of that range. This gives you a comfortable spot for floor exercises, stretching or yoga.
• Resistance Bands: These elastic bands work brilliantly for strength training without weights. A set with different resistances costs about $20-$40​ from Target, sports stores or online retailers. They pack away easily and let you work arms, legs, glutes, plus help with stretching. For such cheap gear, resistance bands offer amazing versatility.
• Dumbbells or Kettlebells: For weight training, many start with a pair of dumbbells. Fixed-weight dumbbells cost relatively little—a pair of 5kg dumbbells might run $30-$50. Kettlebells (round weights with handles) cost similarly per weight. If you can spend more, adjustable dumbbells make a great investment: these let you change weights (e.g., from 2kg to 20kg) on one handle. An adjustable set typically costs $300-$700 depending on maximum weight. For the basic range, grab a few fixed weights second-hand or from Big W—you could get a simple dumbbell set for under $100. Many Australians furnish simple home gyms cheaply through Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, often finding barely-used weights at half retail price or even free from declutterers.
• Bodyweight Training Accessories: Not essential but helpful for variety: a skipping rope ($10-$15) for cardio, a doorway pull-up bar ($30-$50), or an ab wheel (about $20). These aren’t must-haves, but even with just a mat, bands, and some weights, you can train every muscle group. Bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats, lunges, planks) cost nothing and work effectively on their own.

A basic home workout kit comes in at roughly $100-$300 total. Imagine spending $50 on a mat and bands, $100 on a couple of dumbbell pairs, and $50 on a pull-up bar—that’s $200 all up, equivalent to 2-3 months of a mid-range gym membership. Unlike recurring gym fees, you own this equipment outright. Start small with just a mat and bands for $50 (or use canned food as makeshift weights like many did during lockdowns). Then add dumbbells or kettlebells if you stick with it. Home fitness grows with your budget and commitment.

One limitation: basic setups lack cardio machines and equipment variety. Many make do with outdoor cardio—run or cycle outside (free), do stair sprints at local parks, etc. Use the great outdoors as your cardio machine!

Cost comparison example: Spend $250 on basic gear and commit to using it. Compare that to a $17 weekly gym membership—the gear equals about 15 weeks (under 4 months) of membership. After that, you’re essentially working out “for free.” Equipment should last years (dumbbells and kettlebells basically last forever). The main ongoing cost might be occasionally replacing a snapped resistance band at about $10. The long-term savings potential looks significant… if you actually use your home setup. But if the gear collects dust like so much abandoned exercise equipment, it’s money wasted—just like unused gym memberships. Usage makes all the difference!

2. Mid-Range Home Gym Setup (Investing $500-$1500+)

With more cash to invest upfront, you can build a comprehensive home gym rivaling commercial facilities. This tier suits someone committed to home workouts with a spare room or garage to dedicate. A mid-range setup might include:

• Bench and Barbell with Weights: This classic strength training foundation works for bench presses, squats, deadlifts, etc. You can often buy packages with a barbell and weight plates. One Australian fitness retailer sells a 70kg Olympic barbell + bumper plate set for around $349​. Add a decent adjustable bench at $300-$400​. For safe squatting, a squat rack or stand helps—ranging from $250 for a simple stand to $800+ for a full power rack. One illustrated setup lists a basic squat stand at $249​. Adding these up: $349 (barbell set) + $349 (bench) + $249 (rack) = $947 total​. That’s under $1,000 for core equipment to perform all major lifts at home—roughly equivalent to one year at a mid/high-end gym. These pieces last virtually forever with proper care (weights don’t exactly wear out).
• Dumbbells (Heavy/Adjustable): If you prefer dumbbell training, you might invest in heavier adjustable sets. We mentioned smaller adjustable sets up to ~20kg earlier, but advanced lifters might want more. A pair of adjustable dumbbells up to 32kg each (with a rack) might cost $700-$800​. One setup prices 2x32kg adjustable dumbbells with rack at $799​. Add a sturdy bench ($379 in that example​) for a total around $1,178. Again, a one-time purchase. Many mix and match: get either barbells or heavy dumbbells initially, not necessarily both. True enthusiasts might acquire both over time.
• Cardio Machine: This area gets expensive quickly. Cardio machines vary widely in price. Budget exercise bikes start at a few hundred dollars (even ~$200 for very basic models, though durability might suffer). Treadmills generally cost more, often $800+ for decent ones ($1,500+ for gym-quality). A Concept2 rowing machine costs around $1,500 new in Australia. On a ~$1,000 total budget, a major cardio machine might consume everything, which explains why many skip it initially. If you love cycling, you might allocate $500 for a good spin bike and keep other gear minimal. On a mid-range budget, pick one cardio machine you’ll use most. Many Australians bought exercise bikes during lockdowns—solid spin bikes cost around $400-$600. Online marketplaces overflow with second-hand treadmills and bikes (often barely used and selling for half price). With smart shopping, you might find a decent used treadmill for $500 or a bike for $300—keeping your total under $1,500 including weights. Otherwise, outdoor cardio saves money here.
• Accessories and Nice-to-haves: With a bigger budget, consider items like a cable pulley system (some racks include attachments, or standalone machines cost a few hundred), more weights for progressive overload, heavier kettlebells, etc. Some mid-range home gym owners buy flooring—rubber gym mats or horse stall mats protect floors (especially with heavy lifting). These cost about ~$50 per section. Not glamorous but practical. You might also get a large mirror for form checks—find mirrors cheaply second-hand or at hardware stores.

In total, a mid-range home gym runs roughly $500 at minimum to $2,000+ for multiple major items. One person might spend $600 on a barbell+weights+bench starter pack. Another might invest $1,500 to add a cardio machine and extras. Compared to gym costs: $1,500 equals roughly 2 years of a $15 weekly gym membership, or less than one year at a boutique studio. After those 2 years, the home gym starts “paying for itself.” Plus, equipment holds resale value well. If you buy quality gear and later quit using it, you can often sell second-hand and recoup a fair chunk of the cost (try doing that with a gym membership!). It represents an investment, not just an expense.

One Australian fitness retailer calculated different home gym packages: a basic setup under $1,000, a premium setup around $5,000, etc. Their “all out” example (~$5.8k) included so much equipment that, when calculated per workout, it would cost about $36 per workout if used 3 times weekly for one year​. But since equipment lasts many years, the per-workout cost drops dramatically over time. You don’t need to spend that much, but it shows how even high initial costs justify themselves with regular use. The retailer acknowledged the “high initial cost” as one of few downsides to home gyms—you pay a lot upfront​, unlike a gym’s monthly payment structure. It’s pay-now vs pay-as-you-go. Long-term, though, a home gym “proves economical compared to monthly gym fees”​—a major reason people consider the home option.

3. Digital Fitness Subscriptions (Apps & Online Platforms)

Whether you choose gym or home workouts, many Australians now use digital fitness subscriptions for guidance. These apps provide workout videos, training programs, sometimes nutrition advice and tracking, usually for monthly fees. For home workouts, these apps change everything—like bringing classes or personal trainers to your living room. Some popular options available in Australia:

• Les Mills+ (Les Mills On Demand): Les Mills classes (BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK, etc.) enjoy worldwide popularity. Les Mills+ lets you do these classes at home. It offers Base and Premium tiers. The Premium subscription costs around $19.99 monthly, or about $119.99 yearly when paid upfront​​. (Base tier costs roughly half but offers limited content.) In Australian dollars, that’s approximately $25-$30 monthly on month-to-month plans. They often run specials like free trials (10-30 days) and discount codes. Considering in-person Les Mills classes require gym memberships or class passes, the entire library for ~$20-$25 monthly provides good value for self-motivated types. Beyond just pump and combat, they offer strength, cardio, dance, flexibility programs. With basic equipment (a few dumbbells or just bodyweight), Les Mills+ provides structured workouts to follow. As one reviewer put it, “Considering in-person gym costs, Les Mills [On Demand] is a steal if you’re motivated for home workouts.”​ It also supplements gym memberships on days you can’t make it—a nice hybrid approach.
• Sweat (Kayla Itsines’ app): Sweat (formerly BBG – Bikini Body Guides) came from Adelaide’s Kayla Itsines and enjoys huge popularity, especially with women. It offers numerous programs (HIIT, strength, post-pregnancy, yoga, etc., with various trainers). The app costs about $19.99 monthly, or around $119.94 yearly on annual plans​. A recent Forbes article noted these figures​ after a 2024 update. They may charge in local currency now (in Australia it may be around A$20 monthly; they standardised pricing across regions in late 2024). Sweat often runs promotions like free trials or discounted first 3 months. Content targets mostly at-home workouts, often with minimal equipment (some programs need just a mat and dumbbells, others add resistance bands or kettlebells if available). The app includes meal plans and community features (a global user network posting progress, etc., which motivates many). If you like guided programs (12-week challenge style) and checking off workouts in an app, Sweat fits perfectly. And it’s Australian-made, a nice bonus for local users.
• Centr (Chris Hemsworth’s app): Centr features workouts from various trainers (covering strength, boxing, yoga, etc.), meal plans, mindfulness content—a holistic health approach. It costs about $29.99 monthly, but gets much cheaper with longer commitments​. A 12-month subscription runs ~$152.99 yearly, working out to only $12.75 monthly​. Quarterly billing costs around $26.66 monthly​. They frequently run sales—past offers included “12 months for the price of 6” around New Year’s. At full price, expect ~$30 for month-to-month plans, or roughly $10-$15 monthly on annual plans (a huge difference). Centr works for home or gym use, but many programs assume some equipment (dumbbells or kettlebells, maybe a bench). They offer bodyweight-only options too. One nice feature: 6-week programs focusing on different goals (muscle building, muscle maintenance, fat loss, etc.), providing structured routines. You’re paying for curated workouts and diet plans from high-level coaches—far cheaper than personal trainers, though less personalised. If Thor’s workout routines appeal to you, this app fits the bill. It’s also Australian (developed with an Australian team), so recipe ingredients generally appear in Coles/Woolies, which helps.
• Other Notable Options: Many more apps exist. Peloton Digital (even without a Peloton bike) offers cycling, running (audio runs for outdoors), strength, yoga classes for about AUD $16.99 monthly after a free trial. Nike Training Club became completely free in 2020—it offers loads of workout videos and plans, amazing value at $0. Apple Fitness+ costs ~AUD $14.99 monthly with various video classes (yoga, HIIT, dance, treadmill, rowing, strength, etc.), integrating with Apple Watch for metrics. And don’t forget YouTube—an endless source of free workouts if you know what to search for (from Yoga with Adriene to The Body Coach to countless others).

The bottom line: home workouts don’t mean going it alone. For roughly $10-$30 monthly (or less in some cases), you can subscribe to fitness services keeping routines fresh and structured. Many find this a smart trade-off: rather than paying $60-$100 monthly for gym or class memberships, pay a fraction for an app and use either minimal equipment or your growing home gym collection. Flexibility matters too—workout whenever suits you, and try different apps to find your preferred style. Just check app availability in Australia (most work globally) and consider data usage if your internet connection seems patchy (some apps like Les Mills+ allow downloading workouts offline​​).

One final cost: space. Home workouts need either living room space for a mat or, for larger setups, a garage or spare room. Tiny apartment renters might struggle to fit a squat rack—but bands and app-based workouts work fine. Homeowners converting garages or sheds into gyms might face renovation costs (flooring, fans, aircon, etc.). But many just gradually collect gear in the garage until it becomes the gym. Remember noise considerations too (dropping weights or loud music—stay mindful of neighbours).

Savings, Flexibility & Lifestyle: What Makes More Sense?

Beyond just numbers, let’s consider the bigger picture: how do gym memberships versus home workouts compare over time? What about non-monetary factors like motivation, convenience, and enjoyment? Some key points from an Australian perspective:

1. Upfront vs Ongoing Costs: Gyms spread expenses into regular payments—easier on short-term cash flow. Home gyms often require larger upfront investment. You might spend $800 on equipment at once, while a gym charges $65 monthly. If cash flow matters, that’s worth considering. However, if you have savings to invest, that $800 home setup could save money long-term. After a year or two, the home gym becomes cheaper overall than continuing gym payments. Well-maintained equipment lasts years—a one-time cost versus ongoing fees. It’s pay-now versus pay-later. Some equipment retailers offer payment plans or Afterpay, somewhat mimicking “membership” structures. (Just be careful not to pay off equipment you don’t use!)

2. Long-Term Value: Gym memberships resemble renting—you pay for access but own nothing afterwards. Home gyms work more like buying—you own assets. If you change directions in 5 years, you could sell your weights second-hand. With gym memberships, that money has simply gone. However, owning equipment means taking responsibility for it—if it breaks or sits unused, that’s your problem. The ideal financial scenario means investing in equipment and using it consistently for years—yielding tremendous value. Imagine spending $1,000 on a basic home gym and working out 3 times weekly for 5 years. That’s about 780 workouts, costing $1.28 per session. Compare someone paying $20 weekly at a gym for 5 years with similar usage—they spend $5,200, and over 780 workouts, that’s $6.67 per workout. The home option in this scenario costs nearly 80% less per session long-term. But if that home equipment becomes a clothes hanger after 2 months, the maths flips and the gym proves cheaper. Know yourself!

3. Flexibility & Convenience: This factor matters beyond pure dollars. Home workouts offer ultimate flexibility—exercise whenever you want, wearing whatever you want, without travel time. For busy parents, avoiding gym commutes and childcare arrangements can feel priceless. During COVID lockdowns, many Australians discovered the joy of rolling out of bed straight into workouts. This makes fitting exercise into busy schedules easier, potentially creating more consistency (and better value from your investment). Gyms try to match this convenience—24/7 access means you can go at 11pm, but you still must physically get there. If your nearest gym sits 15 minutes away, that’s 30 minutes round-trip plus parking. Over a year of 3x weekly workouts, that travel time exceeds 75 hours just getting to and from the gym. Some enjoy that “me time” driving; others find it wasteful. If you’re in the latter group, home gyms shine. On the flip side, some find home workouts too easy to skip (“I’ll do it later… maybe tomorrow…”). Going to a gym creates commitment—making the effort to go means you’ll likely actually exercise. Distractions matter too: at home, kids, pets, or refrigerators might interrupt you. At the gym, it’s just you and the equipment (and maybe some grunting bodybuilders). Consider where you stay most focused.

4. Motivation & Social Factors: Many Australians love the community aspect of gyms and classes. The energy of group classes, chatting with staff, or seeing others train can push you harder. If social environments motivate you, gyms or studios provide that built-in. Some boutique studios create almost “cult-like” communities (in the best way)—you become friends with your F45 classmates, keeping you coming back (and getting your money’s worth). At home, you’ll train solo most of the time. Digital apps try to bridge this gap—some offer community forums, leaderboards, even live classes showing others’ metrics. But it’s not quite the same as high-fiving workout partners in person. If you have someone to work out with at home, that helps. Or plan occasional group outdoor workouts to supplement home routines (join weekend park bootcamps for $10 while doing home workouts on weekdays). Regarding motivation: some push themselves harder at home with good programs (no self-consciousness, no waiting for equipment), while others slack off without trainers or peers watching. Be honest with yourself—if you need external motivation, factor in occasional personal training or group classes even with a home-focused approach.

5. Variety and Progression: Gyms clearly win on equipment variety—machines, heavy weights, specialised gear (sleds, leg presses, cable machines, etc.). Home setups, unless you invest heavily, offer more limited options. You might outgrow 5kg dumbbells quickly, while gyms have heavier ones ready. With creativity (and perhaps additional investment over time), home gyms can expand. But advanced lifters needing 200kg of weights and specialised machines might find commercial gym memberships more practical than spending thousands to replicate that at home. Most average exercisers, though, manage with relatively little—even gyms have you using the same core equipment repeatedly (barbells, dumbbells, cables, cardio machines). If your workouts follow straightforward patterns, home gyms won’t limit you much. If you love trying trendy equipment or need very heavy weights, gym memberships might offer better value in that respect. Some compromise with basic home setups for most training, occasionally buying casual passes to gyms for specific needs (visit a gym with a squat rack or rowing machine fortnightly). Casual visits cost more (maybe $10-$20 daily), but occasional use still saves money versus full membership.

6. Additional Costs and Savings: A few other financial considerations:

• Travel costs: Gym visits might involve petrol, public transport fares, or parking fees. With nearby gyms and free parking, this means little. But driving 5km to the gym daily adds up in fuel costs. At current prices, even spending a couple of dollars each round trip means roughly $150 yearly just driving to workouts. At home, your “commute” costs nothing.
• Wear and Tear: Building a home gym might cause wear on your house. Dropping weights can damage floors (solution: buy mats). Renters installing pull-up bars might leave marks. These minor issues might require investing in protective mats or minimal home modifications (mirrors, garage fans).
• Health Insurance Rebates: Some Australian health insurance plans offer rebates or discounts on gym memberships (as “health management” programs). Check your policy—it could effectively reduce gym membership costs. Home equipment wouldn’t qualify, though app subscriptions occasionally might if packaged as programs (less common, though).
• Tax Considerations: If you run a business from home (as a PT or fitness influencer), equipment might become tax-deductible. For average people, neither gym nor equipment costs qualify for tax deductions. This rarely matters for most.

7. Hybrid Approaches: The choice isn’t purely gym or purely home. Many Australians mix both. You might keep basic home equipment for busy weekdays while maintaining a budget gym membership for weekend visits or social classes. Or pause gym memberships during summer for outdoor and home exercise, rejoining in winter when weather worsens—balancing costs throughout the year. Some use digital apps at gyms—following Centr workouts at 24/7 gyms using their equipment (paying for both app and gym but avoiding PT costs because the app guides you). Others might attend paid yoga classes weekly for social benefits but do weights at home to save money. No single approach fits everyone. Calculate your own numbers: perhaps the sweet spot means cancelling your $40 weekly fancy gym, buying $500 of home gear, subscribing to a $20 monthly app—and if you miss the gym atmosphere, spending $15 on monthly casual visits with friends. That could save hundreds yearly overall.

Choosing What Works For You

From a strictly financial view, home workouts can save significant money long-term. The potential savings become clear when comparing one-time equipment purchases against ongoing gym fees​​. However, those savings only materialise if you stay consistent and motivated enough to use your home setup regularly. Conversely, gym memberships, while continuously expensive, might provide structure or motivation you need to actually complete workouts—making them worthwhile health investments. Personal preference, lifestyle, and values ultimately matter most.

For Australians facing rising living costs, many now question expenses like gym memberships. If you rarely use that $80 monthly direct-debit membership, switching to home routines might save cash smartly. Even a $20 monthly fitness app plus occasional equipment upgrades likely costs less than most gym memberships while keeping you fit. Then again, if your gym or studio feels like your happy place—where you de-stress, meet friends, find inspiration—its value transcends dollars. You might happily cut other expenses before your gym membership. Both choices make sense.

Try auditing your fitness spending versus usage: add up what you spend on gyms, classes, or equipment yearly, and ask if you’re getting proper value. If not, make adjustments. Maybe downgrade to a cheaper gym, or invest in home equipment. If you’ve avoided gyms due to cost, try home workouts first. Conversely, if home workouts have saved you money but you’ve plateaued or miss social aspects, perhaps try a gym and see if the extra cost justifies itself. Many gyms offer free trials or short-term passes—use these to test options.

Whether you pay for F45 in Sydney or do living room burpees following YouTube videos, the best option means the one you’ll stick with. Both paths lead to fitness results. Balance your budget against your preferred workout style. Australia offers plenty of choices for both gym-goers and home fitness fans. With some planning, you can stay healthy and save money—whichever path you take.

Sources: Recent Australian pricing comes from official and reputable sources, including Canstar Blue reviews of gym chains (for membership costs and fees)​​​​, industry and financial publications (for average costs and usage statistics)​, fitness retailer insights on home gym setups​and local reports on boutique studio pricing​. All prices reflect current pricing as at early 2025, though they may change with promotions or inflation. Always check directly with gyms or services for latest prices before deciding. Stay active and money-smart!

Sources

worldfitness.com.au (https://worldfitness.com.au/blogs/health-fitness-blogs/making-the-choice-home-gym-vs-gym-membership-in-australia)

canstarblue.com.au (https://www.canstarblue.com.au/stores-services/brands/anytime-fitness/)

canstarblue.com.au (https://www.canstarblue.com.au/stores-services/brands/crunch-fitness/)

canstarblue.com.au (https://www.canstarblue.com.au/stores-services/brands/f45-gyms/)

canstarblue.com.au (https://www.canstarblue.com.au/stores-services/brands/jetts-gym/)

centr.com (https://centr.com/)

crunch.com.au (https://www.crunch.com.au/faq/)

efmglenelg.com.au (https://efmglenelg.com.au/how-much-is-body-fit-training-per-week/)

fitnessfirst.com.au (https://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/memberships/)

forbes.com.au (https://www.forbes.com.au/covers/entrepreneurs/im-the-boss-now-kayla-itsines-on-being-back-at-sweats-helm/)

gymplus.com.au (https://gymplus.com.au/collections/resistance-bands)

jacarandafinance.com.au (https://www.jacarandafinance.com.au/financial-tips/real-cost-of-subscription-services/)

jetts.com.au (https://www.jetts.com.au/)

ouiinfrance.com (https://www.ouiinfrance.com/les-mills-on-demand-review/)

ozbargain.com.au (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/575623)