I cancelled my gym membership two months ago — here’s how I’m staying just as fit at home

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I managed to stay fit without the gym and save money

the back of a woman running
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If a gym membership could collect dust, mine would have been buried in it. I fell out of love with the gym last year but kept paying, just in case. It wasn’t until a big house move took me away from my local gym that I finally cancelled. At the time, it felt like a temporary break, but two months later I still haven’t joined another and I’m actually enjoying being gym-free.

Not only have I saved $70 a month, but my fitness hasn’t suffered. If anything, it’s improved. Cancelling felt like lifting a weight I didn’t know I was carrying. I wasn’t lazy or unmotivated for skipping sessions. I just needed a routine that fits my lifestyle, and for now, that routine doesn’t involve machines.

I found home workouts that worked for me

I always thought home workouts meant jogging on the spot on a treadmill in my living room while an overly enthusiastic trainer in neon pink leggings shouted "one more rep!" through the screen. But it turns out there’s so much more out there.

From YouTube to TikTok and Instagram, and even some of the best workout apps, there’s a huge range of trainers, styles, and session lengths to suit whatever you’re in the mood for, whether that’s a quick core workout, an upper body strength session, a mobility routine to loosen up the hips, or a full-body burner.

I’ve also taken advantage of different types of movement that I never made time for in the gym. Pilates and yoga have become regular parts of my week, and they’ve challenged my core and flexibility in ways that doing a few weighted ab exercises at the end of a strength session in the gym never could.

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It’s made me realize how much personality can play a role in finding the right kind of exercise. Science seems to agree here, a study on how workouts should match your personality type found that people are more likely to stick with routines that suit their mindset and preferences, which makes a lot of sense now that I’ve found something that actually fits.

Being outside is underrated

Without a gym, I’ve naturally leaned more into outdoor movement, which really is my bag. There’s something freeing about fresh air and changing scenery that makes every workout feel less like a chore. If you have ever found yourself craving a break from four walls, you will understand why getting outside can completely change your motivation.

Running, walking and hiking have taken up a bigger role in my weekly routine, and they’ve done just as much for my mind as my body. A quick run clears my head better than any treadmill ever did, and walking has become a way to unwind instead of something I try to squeeze in between errands. I even recently found many benefits from ditching the StairMaster and taking advantage of hill running.

You can stay strong without machines

Woman at home performing a kettlebell deadlift using one kettlebell on a yoga mat

(Image credit: Shutterstock/ New Africa)

One of my worries when I cancelled my membership was losing the progress I’d made with weights. But I’ve been focusing on progressive overload with a mix of bodyweight exercises and one of the best kettlebells, making every rep count. Some days that means slowing things down or increasing reps. Other days, it’s choosing more challenging moves like single-leg exercises or push-up variations. For reference, I train with the BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell at home.

That being said, there’s definitely a time and place for the gym. If you’re recovering from an injury and have been advised to use specific machines to support your rehab, or you're working with a personal trainer whose program benefits from equipment you can’t easily replicate at home, a gym can make all the difference. The same goes if you’re training for something like a Hyrox or CrossFit competition and need access to equipment that would be expensive or impractical to buy outright.

There is something I miss about the gym

Overall, I feel fit and more energized by my new exercise routine right now that doesn't involve a gym, but there is a part of the gym space that I miss and can’t quite put my finger on. Maybe it’s a few little things that will eventually bring me back to getting a membership in the future.

The gym deserves credit as a social place. I’m not saying you’ll meet your new best friend there, but you do have nice interactions with people when you’re sharing equipment or asking for help setting up a machine. That’s something you don’t get working out alone at home.

There are also usually trained staff on the gym floor you can ask for advice on things like form or how to handle equipment properly. It’s an inspiring environment too. Being surrounded by others working on their own goals can be motivating. I’ve even picked up new exercises just from watching others who look confident and strong in their training.

Ultimately, the best workout is the one you enjoy enough to stick with, whether that’s in the gym or anywhere else you feel inspired to move.

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Jessica Downey
Jessica Downey
Senior Fitness Writer

Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.

Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge.

When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking.

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