My advice, do a lot of research figure out a gym that is easy to join and easy to get out of the membership or I should say to end the membership.
Then go there try all the different weights. Try the different pieces of equipment. And take notes to what you would really need, what you would really want. That should tell you how much space you would really want or need, and also the cost
Wasn’t talking about dumb weights. Obviously those don’t have up keep costs.
As for the rest of my comment. It comes down to what the end user wants or feels comfortable with. Goes without saying you can exercise without machines. But that isn’t the point. Each person wants something different.
So why the need to attack me?