Gym and Studio Rentals Can Be Gross — Here's When to Buy

POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock
POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock

When you're just getting into a new type of exercise, you're either going to be SO excited and overzealous that you buy all the gear that's ever been created for this workout (and then some), or opt for rentals and try to save as much money as possible until you're truly ready to commit.

Let's evaluate the best time to buy versus rent. Unless you belong to an all-inclusive gym where rentals are covered, you'll likely be shelling out the dough for a studio class, plus the tacked-on rental fee for the necessary gear. At first, you might be saving money, but after a while, these rentals can add up. Not only that, but is renting sweaty, used equipment the most sanitary option? Here's a breakdown of the major products that are available for rent at boutique studios and gyms.

If you're new to fitness and dabbling in different styles to find out what you love, it's smart to be more choosy with your purchases — you don't need to dive in head first! But also consider that making a modest investment in this gear is also making a commitment to and investment in your health and perhaps will hold you more accountable so you actually use the gear. Who knows, maybe a financial commitment will help you stay focused on your fitness goals!

Indoor Cycling Shoes
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Indoor Cycling Shoes

While some indoor cycling studios have shoe baskets that allow you to wear tennis shoes, you don't really get the full experience (or the most out of your exercise) until you clip in. For this class, we'd highly suggest making sure you have a pair of cycling-specific cleats — either rentals or your own. Now, what to choose?

We've talked to Spin and cycling instructors about their thoughts on shoe rentals, and the overall consensus is that it's pretty sanitary and even instructors themselves use rental shoes. An anonymous instructor told us that their studio staff sprays the shoes with Lysol after every class and washes them about once a week.

Rentals will run you anywhere from $2 to $3, depending on the studio (unless you're at Flywheel, in which case, they're free). Let's just say you're at a studio with $3 rentals: a decent pair of cycling shoes, on average, will run about $80. This means you'd have to go about 27 times to make the purchase even out.

Our suggestion: If you're new to indoor cycling and aren't sure if you like it, rentals are a safe option before dropping nearly $100.

Water Bottle
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

Water Bottle

Many studios and gyms offer bottled water, which is a great option if you've forgotten your reusable bottle. That said, reaching for the $2 Smartwater every time you work out is not only pricey, but it's not cool for the environment (single-use plastics are pretty terrible and the cause of massive amounts of waste polluting the planet).

You can get a decent water bottle for $10 or less (some are even $5). You need water at EVERY workout, regardless of studio, gym, or style of exercise. We'll let you do the math.

Our suggestion: This is a no-brainer. Do yourself, your wallet, and the environment a favor: get your own water bottle.

Boxing Gloves
POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock

Boxing Gloves

New to boxing? You're gonna need gloves. Here's the thing: you can totally rent them, typically for around $5. Seems like a steal, right? Well . . . until you smell them. We're not saying this is true of all rental boxing gloves, but the ones we have smelled ourselves have been foul, to say the least. If you think about it, you can only clean so much. These puffy gloves trap heat and sweat, and there's a LOT of sweat happening during a boxing session.

We got our gloves for $20, and there are many in the $20 to $30 range. You'd only have to take four to six classes to break even. Best part? They smell (and feel) clean.

Our suggestion: If you're OK with the smell and germ situation, and you only plan on going to one class, then go for a rental (just please wash your hands before you do anything else afterward!). However, if you're going to give it a try at least four times, the cost of getting your own gloves is a very, very small investment.

Yoga Mat
ShopStyle Photography

Yoga Mat

Nearly all yoga studios provide rental mats, and they range from free to $3 per rental. This makes it an appealing option when you're on the go and don't want to lug around a big ol' mat, right?

However, let's consider the porous material yoga mats are made of and how your face will soon be resting where a stranger's sweat has been dripping and bare feet have been standing. Although mats are typically regularly cleaned by the studio, they can only do so much. We've been to a high-end Equinox yoga class at which they provide top-of-the-line Manduka mats that are regularly sanitized after class, and sometimes you can still smell the old-sweat-and-feet stink.

Yoga mats can be pricey, but you can get them for as cheap as $10. Even Forever 21 sells them! And Gaiam mats are of great quality for a lower price. Let's say your studio charges $3 per rental; you'd only have to go to about three classes to make a $10 mat worth it, and the feeling of knowing your face is free from other people's germs whilst in Child's Pose is priceless.

Our suggestion: Get your own. Start with something inexpensive, and if you fall in love with yoga, you can scale up.

Pilates/Barre Socks
POPSUGAR Photography | Jaime Young

Pilates/Barre Socks

To be honest, we were a tad shocked when we realized that rental grip socks were an option at some locations. Grip socks are a requirement at some studios, and most boutiques will have you bring your own or buy a pair, if they're strict with the sock rule. While it might seem like you're saving money by renting, think of what you're compromising here. Grip socks are $10. How much is your health worth?

Our suggestion: That's gross, man. Get your own.