Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it's equipped with the right elements for the exercises you want to do. A power rack and bench press are essentials for building strength.
If you have limited space, you can go for a high-quality home fitness center like Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide the full body workout and numerous workouts within the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness level up by having a treadmill in your home when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to get on the treadmill when you are not feeling well.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and attractive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes guided by a virtual trainer. The high price and monthly subscription fee may 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 simulate a real-life class environment, and its integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has handrails that have pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a excellent choice for those seeking a low impact workout that will strengthen both lower and upper bodies. They can be used for an individual cardio workout to warm up, or to "workout the entire body before exercise" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Find a bike that has a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Look into an elliptical with a an integrated sound system to play your music. If you're using your equipment in your living room or another public space, consider an exercise machine with the ability to move it around so that you remove it from view when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its tech-savvy features, such as the ability to connect to the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio workout for the whole body that will build endurance and strength, without putting undue stress on your joints. It's also low-impact compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option 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 an excellent piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, and therefore can be placed in smaller space.
If you want a smarter rower, you should look for one that has a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts as well as a solid 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 rower is an excellent budget pick with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, which include trainer-led rowing classes and live races between peers. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to exercise then a set of dumbbells will be an ideal addition to your home gym. It is important to choose the right set to meet your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can advance and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can also be stored easily. For example the rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage area and are small enough to fit into the majority of cubbies, according to Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for home gyms. Their blocked shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is beneficial when you have to move them between sets or avoid flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in many ways. Studies show that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will generate the same number of calories as a 6 minute mile. It is important to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built from high-quality materials that won't rattle or tip over during swings and grabs. The handle is wide for an easy grip. If you like to compete, choose kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that conform to specific competition regulations.
If you're a beginner or a professional athlete, it's best to invest in the complete kettlebell set. You can begin to build up to a higher level kettlebell exercise, similar to a class person. And you can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as flashy as a rower or a smart home gym, but they can deliver a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. You can perform everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks as well as accessories such as Biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift with ease. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from pure rubber, which is tough and can endure a lot of drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, consider this squat rack and trainer combination. It's fully assembled, includes the pull-up bar as well as lever arms, and can be upgraded by adding other accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads, an insulated row pad and band pegs. It also comes with the 210-pound weight stack, and the compact footprint is suitable for most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. Whether you need them to do your workout at home or to carry on your travels, you should choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This model by Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than most, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you want to take your core workouts to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They will test your stability more than a single one and engage your obliques, transverse abs, and lower back muscles. Although it is more expensive than other models the one is from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features carbon steel springs that will last for a long time. It also comes with a small foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it, which includes strength workouts as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will aid in working your core muscles in a manner that a bench or barbell will not. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out a chart of sizes to determine the right fit.
The best stability balls have a thick soft, supportive texture as well as a durable exterior. They also have an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and deflating easily. Experts suggest choosing the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky as to attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness-related programming that's not limited to the equipment you have. The best options allow you to train on a treadmill, rower, elliptical, and even add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands make a great addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving way to build muscle without having to invest in complete sets of weights. exercise bikes come in a variety of colors that indicate the amount of tension that is available, and some feature a unique safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched to the max.
Iron Bull Strength comes with six tubes under $30. They are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily put them in your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are made from top-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity with time compared to the cheaper alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They also tend to be a bit sour which isn't the best choice for those with sensitivities or allergies.