Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase fitness equipment for your home be sure it includes all the necessary components for the exercises you plan to do. For instance a bench press and power rack are vital equipment that can help you build strength.
If you are limited in space, you could opt for a high-quality home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer the full body workout and a variety workouts in the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness up by having a treadmill at your home when it's too cold, rainy, or dark to run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes, which can motivate you to take to the treadmill even when you're not feeling the best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful construction that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large, tilting touchscreen for fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes supervised by a virtual trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription fee could be too expensive for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivot to simulate a real-life class environment, while it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails that have pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a great option for those who want a low impact workout that will strengthen both lower and upper bodies. They can be used for an individual cardio workout to warm up, or to "workout your entire body prior to strength training" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a machine with a stride that is comfortable with large, textured feet pedals and handles that move or are stationary. Also consider an elliptical with an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public space, such as the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is portable, so you can move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, with its advanced features and compatibility with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the most effective elliptical. It's also small and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio workout for your entire body that will build strength and endurance, without putting too much stress on your joints. It is also low-impact, when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who are unable to perform high-impact workouts or have a an injury from which they are suffering.
They are common in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they fit into smaller spaces and require less floor space when not in use.
If you're looking for a better rower, you should look for one that has a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a long-lasting warranty, but it lacks the features that make other innovative options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, including instructor-led rowing classes as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space to exercise, then a pair of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. It's crucial to pick a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "As a rule of thumb, you should have a range of weight sizes to allow you to increase and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells are simple to store. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, suggests an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage space. They are also short enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like the ones from Cap Barbell are a different option that can be used in the home gym. They are designed to resist rolling, which is helpful when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets or avoid falling equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of workout equipment that helps you burn calories at a high rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. But it's important to find kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed of top quality materials, so that they don't rattle during swings or snatches. They also feature a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are standard and color-coded to comply with specific competition rules.
It is best to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or beginner. You can begin to build up to a high level kettlebell exercise, similar to a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as stylish as a rower or a smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls or good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that are resistant to damage, are low in bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from natural rubber that is tough and can endure a lot of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift heavy. It is fully assembled, with a pull-up and lever arms, and can be upgraded to include other accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a small footprint to fit the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can increase the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's user-friendly and durable. This one from Vinsguir features an inner wheel that's larger than most and handles that are plush but slim enough to comfortably fit your hands.
If you're looking to improve your core exercises, think about using two wheels that work in tandem. stationary bikes exercise bikes are more stable than a single one, and they target your lower back muscles and obliques. While pricier than some models, this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features a carbon steel spring that will last for a long time. It also comes with a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it, which has strength workouts, yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will help you to work your muscles in a way that a bench or barbell will not. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises harder, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Check out a chart of sizes to find the ideal fit.
The best stability balls have a thick, supportive texture and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts suggest choosing the texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not so sticky that it attracts lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness-related programming that's not restricted to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill and rower, and then add in resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any home gym they offer a flexible way to build strength without taking up space with huge sets of free weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some come with a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched beyond their limits.
If you're on a budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. The bands are available in a range of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag for on-the-go training.
The most durable bands are constructed of high-quality materials that are able to withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They might also come with anchor points or handles with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than lesser options. The majority of resistance bands must be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They can smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.