Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, be sure it has all the requisite elements for the exercises you want to do. For instance the power rack and bench press are essentials that will help you build strength.
If you have limited space, you can opt for a home fitness center like Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer a full-body workout and numerous workouts within the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness up by having a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, wet or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes, which can motivate you to take to the machine even when you're not feeling great.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a must-have in any home gym. It features a large tilting screen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes that are guided by an online trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription cost may be too much for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, yet smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. 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 wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handlerails to allow heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons that can help you increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a ideal choice for those looking for a low impact workout that will strengthen both your lower and upper body. These machines can be used for an individual cardio workout, as a warm-up or to "workout the entire body prior to strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a machine with a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals, and handles that move or remain stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a 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 may want to consider a machine that is mobile so you can move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its innovative features, including the ability to connect to the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that builds endurance and strength without putting too much strain on your joints. It's also relatively low impact compared to other exercises that increase your heart rate, so it's an ideal option for those who cannot perform intense exercise or have injuries that are already present.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals which means they can be tucked away in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when not being used.
If you're looking for a better rower, you should look for one with touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a long-lasting warranty, but it's missing the features that make other innovative options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower that has a 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, including rowing classes led by trainers as well as live peer-topeer races. workout cycle bike and quiet operation are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space for your workout then a set of dumbbells will be an excellent addition to any home gym. It is important to choose a set that matches your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to have a variety of sizes of weights, so that you can advance and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. For instance an assortment of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage area and are long enough to fit in most cubbies, according to Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a good option for home gyms. They are designed to prevent rolling, which is beneficial when you need to relocate dumbbells in between sets or to avoid falling equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of workout equipment that helps you burn calories at an impressive rate. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can produce as much calories as running a six-minute mile. It's crucial to select an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed of top quality materials, so that they don't rattle when you swing or grab. The handle is large to allow for an ergonomic grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that conform to specific rules of competition.
It's best to buy a complete set of kettlebells, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to a live class. You can also carry your kettlebells wherever you go, even during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they provide a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks to accessories such as biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that resist the effects of abrasion, have a low bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from virgin rubber, which is strong and able to endure a lot of drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that allows you to lift heavy, check out this squat rack and trainer combo. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and can be upgraded to include additional accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound stack of weights, and a compact footprint that will fit into most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost the strength of your core. If you intend to use them at home or on the go make sure you choose one that's user-friendly and durable. This one from Vinsguir comes with an inner wheel that's larger than most and handles that are soft but slim enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, try an ab roller with two wheels that work in tandem. They challenge your stability more than a single one and engage your obliques, transverse abs, and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models it is built to last and has a carbon-steel spring that will hold up over time. It also comes with a small pad to keep your knees comfortable. Its companion app, which includes strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can assist you in strengthening your core muscles in a manner that a bench or a barbell will not. However, picking the right size is crucial; a smaller one can make exercises more difficult and larger ones can be difficult to keep on. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect size.
The best stability balls have a firm, supportive texture and an extremely durable exterior. home gym workout equipment come with an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating easily. Experts advise looking for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it binds loose hairs or draws the lint.
A smart home gym will allow users to access interactive fitness programming, which isn't limited to the equipment you have. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add in dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any gym at home and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones are available in multiple colors to indicate the tension range and some have a unique safety mechanism that keeps them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're looking to save money look into Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. These bands are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily pack them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials, that can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to less expensive alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not a good choice for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.