Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to buy workout equipment for your home, make sure that it comes with all the required parts for the exercises you're planning to do. For instance a bench press and power rack are vital equipment that can aid in building strength.
If you have limited space, you can go for a home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as a variety workouts in the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness up by putting a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, wet or dark to exercise. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes that can motivate you to get on the treadmill even if you're not feeling your best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive construction that makes it a showstopper in any home gym. It features a large tilting screen for workout stats and high-energy streamed classes that are guided by an online trainer. The high price and monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive to 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 create a realistic class environment, while integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a great option for those seeking an exercise that is low-impact and will strengthen both lower and upper body. These machines can be used for an exercise that is not a separate one to warm up, or to "workout your entire body prior to exercise" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests you look for a treadmill with a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals, and handles that move or remain stationary. Also consider an elliptical with an integrated speaker system that can play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public place, such as the living room, you might think about a machine that is portable, so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical due to of its tech-savvy features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has a quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without placing too much stress on joints. It is also low-impact, when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who can't do intense exercises or have a an injury that is already present.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they fit into smaller spaces and take up less floor space when not in use.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, opt for one that has a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic assurance, but it does not have the smart features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower with a 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, including rowing classes taught by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space to exercise, then a pair of dumbbells can be an excellent addition to any home gym. It's crucial to pick a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "As an overall rule, you should have a variety of weights sizes that allow you to increase and slow down your workouts if necessary."
The best dumbbells are also easy to store. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, suggests a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take up much space in your storage space. They're also small enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a good option for home gyms. Their rounded shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is helpful when you need to move them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in a variety of ways. Studies have shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will produce the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It's crucial to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built with quality materials that don't rattle or tip over during swings or grabs. They also feature a large handle window for comfortable gripping. If you are looking to compete, pick kettlebells with standardized colors and markings to match specific rules of competition.
It's best to buy kettlebells that are complete, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell exercise that's similar to a class in person. You can take your kettlebells with you anywhere, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks, plus accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that resist the effects of abrasion, have a low bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. The ones from Iron Bull are a top pick, as they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and withstands a variety of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in one home gym. It allows you to lift a lot of weight. It's fully assembled, includes an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms, and can be upgraded with other accessories such as landmine attachments, a dip pad, a seal row pad and band pegs. It also has the 210-pound weight stack, and the compact footprint is suitable for the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, efficient and simple piece of fitness equipment. home exercise equipment best can also boost core strength. They can be used to do your workout at home or to carry on travel, look for one that's durable and simple to use. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's thicker than the majority and handles that are soft but narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to improve your core exercises, think about using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single one, and they target your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models it is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that will stand the test of time. It also includes a small cushion to ensure your knees are comfortable. The application that comes with it, that has strength-training exercises as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will fire up the core muscles in ways you wouldn't get from a bench or barbells, Braun says. It is essential to choose the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Consult a sizing chart to determine the ideal size.
The most stable stability balls feature a thick soft, supportive texture as well as a tough exterior. They also have an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and deflating easily. Experts say to look for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage but not so sticky that it binds loose hairs or attracts dust.
A smart home gym gives you access to interactive fitness programming that's not restricted to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill as well as a rower. You can also include resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The most effective ones are available in different colors to indicate the range of tension, and some have an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength offers a set of six tubes that cost less than $30. The bands range from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most requirements. You can even put them in your bag for training on the go.
The top bands are made of high-quality materials that are able to stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to cheaper alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require periodic retensioning to maintain their shape. They also emit a strong smell of latex which isn't the best choice for people who have allergies or sensitivities.