Home Workouts vs. Gym: What’s Better for Building a Consistent Fitness Habit?

When it comes to building a consistent fitness routine, one question comes up time and time again: Should you work out at home or go to the gym? With more people turning to online fitness options and flexible schedules, the answer isn’t as obvious as it used to be.

In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both home workout plans and gym memberships—and how to decide which is best for your goals, lifestyle, and most importantly, your consistency.

The Case for Gym Workouts

Best for:
People who thrive in structured environments and need equipment like barbells, squat racks, or cardio machines for their goals.

The Case for Home Workouts

Best for:
People looking to build a workout habit at home, especially those using bodyweight workout plans or following on-demand fitness programs.

What the Data Says

Studies show that habit formation depends on frequency and convenience—not necessarily environment. According to a 2023 survey by RunRepeat, over 60% of people who started exercising at home during the pandemic kept it up—citing flexibility and time savings as key reasons.

A separate study in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that people who built a home-based routine were more likely to stick with exercise 3+ times per week than gym-goers who had to commute or follow rigid schedules.

So... Which One Builds Better Habits?

It depends on your goals—but if consistency is the aim, home workouts are hard to beat. With tools like Step.co, you can follow structured routines, track progress, and get coaching—without stepping foot in a gym.

If your goal is fat loss, strength training, or just feeling good in your body, then starting with a simple, repeatable routine at home is often the most sustainable path.

Pro Tip: Start with a Hybrid

Don’t choose one or the other forever. Many Step.co members use our 30-day calisthenics workout plan or fat loss bodyweight programs at home on weekdays and add gym sessions on weekends. The best routine is the one you can stick with long enough to see results.

Ready to Build Your Habit?

Step.co’s on-demand fitness programs are designed to help you move consistently, no matter where you are.