Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, make sure it's got all the necessary components for the exercises you want to perform. A power rack and bench press are vital to build strength.
If you have limited space, you can opt for a smart home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer an all-body workout as well as a variety workouts in the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can allow you to keep up your cardio fitness even when it's cold, wet or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes, which can motivate you to get on the treadmill even when you're not feeling the best.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and attractive design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats, and it streams high-energy classes that are led by an instructor online. But its high price tag and monthly subscription cost may be too expensive for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option nonetheless packed with advanced features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be rotated and angled to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk anywhere on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handlerails to allow heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons that can help you increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a excellent choice for those who want an exercise that is low-impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower bodies. These machines can be used for an individual cardio workout, as a warm-up or to "workout the entire body prior to strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Choose a model that has a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also consider an elliptical with an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public area, such as the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is mobile so you can move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our pick for the most effective elliptical. It is also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
It's a great cardio exercise for the entire body that builds endurance and strength, without putting undue strain on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate, which is why it's an ideal option for people who can't perform intense exercise or have injuries that are already present.
You'll see rowers in a lot of gyms however they're also a fantastic piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals and therefore can be placed in smaller areas.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, go for one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts and a great warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other smart options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that has 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, including training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established space for your workout then a set of dumbbells will be an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi suggests that you select a set of dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of weight sizes to allow you to progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are easy to store. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, suggests a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage space. They're also compact enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those made by Cap Barbell are a second option that work well in the home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is useful when you have to reposition dumbbells between sets or avoid flying equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in various ways. Research has shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout will burn the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. However, it is important to choose a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of high-quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing them or grab them. They also have a large handle window for comfortable gripping. If you like to compete, choose kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings to match specific rules of competition.
It is best to purchase kettlebells in a complete set regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll be able to easily progress to a challenging kettlebell workout that's comparable to a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as stylish like a rower or smart home gym, but they can give you a full-body workout exactly as effective as other machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks and accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Choose bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with pure rubber, which is tough and can stand up to many drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that allows you to lift heavy, try this squat rack and trainer combination. It's completely assembled, comes with a pull-up bar and lever arms and can be upgraded with other accessories like landmine attachments, dip pads and a seal row pad and band pegs. It has a 210-pound pile of weights, and a compact footprint that will fit into the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that can increase the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or on the go make sure you choose one that's user-friendly and durable. This model from Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than most, and handles that are wide but plush enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you're looking to improve your core workouts, consider using two wheels that work together. 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 last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it that has strength-training exercises, yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. best workout machine for home says that using an exercise ball will assist you in strengthening your core muscles in a manner that a barbell or bench can't. It is essential to choose the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to determine the ideal size.
The best stability ball features a firm, supportive surface and a durable outer. They also come with an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts suggest looking for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it grips loose hairs or draws lint.
A smart home gym will allow users to access an interactive fitness program that isn't restricted to your equipment. The best options allow you to exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical, and even add dumbbells or kettlebells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving way to build strength without having to invest in the entire set of weights. The best ones are available in various colors to indicate the range of tension and some even have a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched too far.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes under $30. These bands are available in a variety of sizes from light to heavy, so they'll suit most requirements. You can even put them in your bag for training on the move.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials, which can be able to withstand repeated stretching without losing the elasticity or snapping. They could also have anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. The majority of resistance bands must be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They also smell heavily of latex which isn't a good thing for people who have allergies or sensitivities.