Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, make sure it's equipped with the right components for the exercises you want to do. A power rack and bench press are essentials to build strength.
If you're limited on space, you can go for a high-quality home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide a full-body workout and numerous workouts within the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness when it's too cold, wet or dark to run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes, which can encourage you to take to the treadmill even when you're not feeling your best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It features an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats, and it streams high-energy classes that are led by a virtual instructor. The high price and monthly fee could be prohibitive to some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, but smart choice 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 pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that will strengthen your lower and upper body an elliptical is the best choice. They are ideal for a cardio session on their own as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head of content, suggests looking for a machine with a stride that is comfortable 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're using your equipment in the living room or other public spaces, you should consider a machine with an adjustable design that lets you take it away when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, which is a great choice with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our pick for the most efficient elliptical overall. It's also compact and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that builds strength and endurance without putting too much stress on your 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 are unable to perform high-impact workouts or have a pre-existing injury.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals so they can fit into smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, choose one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that comes with classic workouts and a great warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other innovative options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower that comes with 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, which include training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space for your workout, then a pair of dumbbells can be an excellent addition to any home gym. It is important to choose a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of sizes of weights, so that you can advance and regress as you need to."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition marketing editor, recommends an item similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage space. They're also small enough to fit into the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are also a great option for home gyms. Their rounded shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of workout equipment that helps you burn calories at a high rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise can generate as much energy as running a six-minute mile. It's important to choose the right set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built using high-quality materials that don't slide or tip over during swings and snatches. They also feature a large handle window for comfortable gripping. If you want to compete, pick kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings that match competition rules.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, it's a good idea to invest in the complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's comparable to a class in person. You can also carry your kettlebells wherever you go, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms however they provide an all-body workout that is just as effective as many machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls or good mornings.
Find bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and fit snugly onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with pure rubber, which is durable and can endure a lot of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a great all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift a lot of weight. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever, and can be upgraded to include additional accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also comes with an 210-pound weight stack as well as an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of workout spaces.
7. cycle workout bike are a simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that will help increase the strength of your core. If you intend to use them at home or on the go pick one that is user-friendly and sturdy. This model by Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than others, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you're looking to increase your core exercises, think about using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they work your lower back muscles and obliques. Although it is more expensive than other models such as this one is from Perfect Fitness is designed to be long-lasting and has carbon steel springs that is able to withstand the test of time. It also comes with a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The application that comes with it which has strength workouts as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your core muscles in a way that a bench or a barbell will not. But picking the right size is essential; a smaller one can make exercises more difficult, while larger ones are hard to stay on. Use a sizing chart to determine the ideal size.
The best stability ball features a firm, supportive surface as well as a tough outer. They also have an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and deflating easily. Experts suggest selecting a texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it attracts lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym will give you access to fitness programs that are interactive that's not restricted to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you exercise using an elliptical, treadmill, and rower and add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great 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 made available in various colors to indicate the range of tension and some even have a safety mechanism that prevents them snapping when they are overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength comes with six tubes for less than $30. These bands are available in a range of weights ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are constructed of high-quality materials that can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may also feature anchor points or handles with reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than cheaper alternatives. The majority of resistance bands must be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They are known to smell strongly of latex which is not a good choice for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.