Does anyone have a tip on how to start? I despise gyms, and would really love a tutorial to get an operation going in my garage. Maybe also an app recommendation?
Once you get bored, if you think you like the strength aspect of it, buy a power rack with a pullup attachment, a bench, a barbell and some weight plates. No shortage of those on second hand marketplaces.
With those items there is nothing you cannot train strength wise. Look up powerlifting programs and start your journey.
If you think you prefer the bodybuilding/aesthetic side of things, do the same as above but also get some dumbells for isolation stuff, and again look up programs online.
I will say that long term a gym is pretty good for bodybuilding, you just have more variety of machines that target specific muscles.
But for strength you can honestly do your whole strength program at home with a barbell, rack and bench.
If you find it all boring but still want to be fit, then sport will have longevity. Bikes, team sports, climbing, there are so many options. Callisthenics is surprisingly popular lately and builds great muscle while still being fun.
- do bodyweight fitness (https://reddit.com/r/bodyweightfitness), this does not require equipment except a pullup bar and maybe some gymnastic rings
- do a linear progression barbell training program, like starting strength https://startingstrength.com/get-started/programs this is definitely easier in the gym because you need a rack, barbell, bench and weights. But if you want to buy it yourself, just make sure you get the "real" barbells, which weigh 20 kg and have rotating "sleeves" at the end which have 50 mm diameter. This is the standard size, the thinner ones are crap.