Before splurging on dumbbells, join our exercise expert, Kopano Marumo, to unpack the hype around setting up a home gym in South Africa this summer.
The home gym is here to empower you. It’s your wellness sanctuary where you can sweat peacefully without worrying about parking or playlists.
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Ever find yourself staring at the clock during yet another marathon Zoom session, wondering when you’ll squeeze in a workout? Welcome to the modern South African dilemma. Between school runs, and that never-ending Jozi or Cape Town traffic, sometimes getting to the gym feels like a mission.
The perks of a home gym
You could sneak in a quick workout between Zoom calls—keep the camera off unless you want your boss to witness your burpees.
And if you’ve got kids? A home gym isn’t just for you; it’s a sneaky way to inspire the whole family to move. It’s a team effort. Picture this: your toddler attempting squats with a teddy bear. Adorable, right? Plus, nothing beats blasting your music (sorry, gym DJs) while breaking a sweat.
The essential gear: Treadmills? Nope, Think outside the box
Here’s the golden rule: if you hate it at the gym, don’t buy it for your home. South Africans love variety; luckily, there’s plenty of cool gear. Hate running? Forget the treadmill. Try a rowing machine or an assault bike.
For the strength junkies, resistance bands are the unsung heroes of the home gym world. Compact, affordable, and versatile, they can transform a corner of your lounge into a legit workout zone. Have you got space for bigger toys? Invest in a barbell, a bench, or a cable machine if you’re feeling fancy. And for the adventurous, throw in a sled or battle ropes—your neighbours might give you side-eyes, but your gains will speak louder.
Finding your space: Don’t turn your lounge into a jungle
Before you turn your spare room into a mini Virgin Active, take a moment. Do you need that entire rack of dumbbells? Probably not. The key to a great home gym is keeping it functional and clutter-free. Think of essentials, not extravagance.
Pro tip: If space is tight, embrace vertical storage. Hang those resistance bands and fold away the bench when not in use.
The Price tag: Budget or blowout?
Here’s the deal: you can spend anywhere from a few grand to more than your monthly bond repayment on a home gym. A decent set of dumbbells might set you back R30,000, and cardio machines? Don’t even get me started—those beasts can cost three times that.
But don’t panic. Facebook Marketplace and second-hand shops are your best friends. Just be careful of scammers. You don’t want to spend thousands on thin air.
You can build an awesome home gym without breaking the bank. Resistance bands, balls, and benches can often be gently used at a fraction of the cost. Just steer clear of that one treadmill that’s been on sale since 2019—there’s probably a reason it’s still there.
The motivation dilemma: Will you work out?
Ah, the big question. Setting up a home gym is easy. Are you using it? That’s the challenge. Without the group energy of a class or the push of a Personal Trainer, it’s easy to get distracted. Suddenly, folding laundry seems more appealing than push-ups. Gym equipment doesn’t make for thought-provoking modern art sculptures.
Safety first: No spotter, No problem
Unlike commercial gyms, home gyms don’t have first-aid staff or emergency buttons, so play it safe. Only go heavy on weights with a spotter, and always warm up properly. If you’re unsure about form, hop onto YouTube or join an online class—it’s worth it to avoid pulling something you didn’t even know you had. Also, remember to maintain your equipment regularly to prevent accidents and injuries.
Added bonus: Professional online workout videos
Virgin Active members can learn from the best by watching plenty of expert online workouts on the app that require little to no equipment, from Boxing to Cycling, and Dance to Meditation, and Pilates.
Is it worth it?
It’s also a great way to experiment with fitness trends on your own. How about trying high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or incorporating yoga into your routine?
However, please be mindful to not injure yourself by doing exercises incorrectly. It is easy to hurt your back, knees and other parts of your body if you don’t do your workouts properly.
Also, you won’t see the results you want if you don’t workout the way you should. Are you doing those reps too quickly so you don’t miss the rugby or soccer match?
A Personal Trainer at the gym will always make sure you don’t injure yourself and that you maximise the benefits of every workout. Do you need more? Virgin Active has plenty of online workout videos to show how it is done.
Ready to sweat?
Build your home gym to suit your lifestyle. Whether it’s a basic setup, a full-blown workout haven, or maybe just a Yoga mat.
If you want extra motivation, Virgin Active has you covered with group classes, expert advice from Personal Trainers, and access to world-class equipment and facilities.
Stop by a Virgin Active wellness club for a gym floor session and bring that energy back to your home gym. Either way, show 2025 who’s boss this summer and take your wellness to the next level.