Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you plan to buy workout equipment for your home be sure it includes all the necessary parts for the exercises you're planning to do. For instance a bench press and power rack are crucial equipment that will aid in building strength.
Those with limited space can look into a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home when it's too cold, wet or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can encourage you to get on the treadmill even if you're not feeling well.
A top treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning construction that makes it a showstopper in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it streams high-energy classes that are led by an instructor online. The price is high and the monthly fee could be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's still packed with smart features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be adjusted and angled to simulate a class environment. stationary bikes exercise bikes allows users to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handrails for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your lower and upper body an elliptical is the ideal choice. stationary cycling bike are ideal for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which can help prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Look for a machine that has a comfortable stride length, moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Think about an elliptical that comes with a built-in sound system for your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you might think about a machine that is portable so you can take it out when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its advanced features, including integration with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It is also small, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without putting too much strain on joints. It is also low-impact, in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who can't do intense exercises or have a pre-existing injury.
You'll find rowers in most gyms however, they're also a fantastic piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals which means they can be incorporated into smaller spaces.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, go for one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a great warranty, but it's missing the features that make other smart options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower that has 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, such as rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are great.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space to do your workouts, a good pair of dumbbells could be an excellent addition to your home gym. It is important to choose the right set to meet your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "As an overall rule you should have a range of sizes of weights to allow you to advance and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells can also be easily stored. For instance the rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage space and are small enough to fit in most cubbies, according to Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those made by Cap Barbell are a second option that can be used in the home gym. Their blocked shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which can be useful when you need to move them around between sets or dodge flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of equipment for workouts that can helps you burn calories at an impressive rate. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn as many calories as running a mile for six minutes. It's crucial to find the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made from high-quality materials that won't rattle or tip over during swings and take snatches. They also feature a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings to match specific competition regulations.
It is best to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. This way, you'll easily build up to a challenging kettlebell workout that's similar to a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as glamorous as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver full body exercise that is as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a low bounce, and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift with ease. These bumpers from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of virgin rubber that's durable and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
To get a home gym that allows you to lift heavy, try this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combo. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever, and can be upgraded to add other accessories such as landmine attachments. It also comes with the 210-pound weight stack, and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in most workout space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that will help increase core strength. stationary cycling bike can be used to do your workout at home or to carry on travel, look for one that's sturdy and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's more robust than others and handles that are comfortable but still narrow enough to comfortably fit your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, you should try the ab roller wheels that work together. They test your stability more than a single one and will work your obliques transverse abs, and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that will stand the test of time. It also includes a small cushion to ensure your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it that offers strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your core muscles in a manner that a barbell or bench cannot. However, choosing the right size is crucial; a smaller one could make exercises more difficult, while larger ones can be hard to stay on. Consult the chart of sizes to find the perfect fit.
The best stability ball has a thick, supportive surface and a durable outer. The material is anti-burst which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts recommend choosing a texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not so sticky as to attract hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym allows you to access interactive fitness programming, which is not limited to your equipment. The most effective options let you exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical and add dumbbells or kettlebells.
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 multiple colors to indicate the range of tension and some have a unique security mechanism that stops them from snapping when overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength comes with a set of six tubes under $30. The bands vary from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most requirements. You can also put them in your bag to train on the move.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to the cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex which is not a good choice for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.