Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you plan to purchase fitness equipment for your home be sure it comes with all the required elements for the exercises that you're planning to perform. A power rack and bench press are vital to build strength.
If you are limited in space, you can go for a high-quality home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide a full-body workout and a variety workouts in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness high by having a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, rainy or dark to exercise. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes that can encourage you to get on the machine even when 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 standout in any home gym. It comes with a huge, tilting touchscreen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes guided by an online trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription fee could be too expensive for 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 flipped and tilted to recreate a real-world class environment, while integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also features pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is ideal choice for those who want an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower body. These machines are perfect for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which helps prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Look for a machine that offers a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system to play your music. If you're using the equipment in your living room or other public space, consider a machine with a portable design that lets you take it away when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for the best overall elliptical, because of its advanced features, such as the ability to connect to the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio workout for the whole body that will build endurance and strength without putting excessive stress on your joints. It is also low-impact, in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who can't perform high-impact workouts or have a pre-existing injury.
They are common in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller spaces.
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 as well as a solid warranty, but it's missing the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option that has a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, which include instructor-led rowing classes as well as live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established area for your workouts then a set of dumbbells will be a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi suggests that you choose a set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weight sizes to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are simple to store. For instance an assortment of rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are long enough to fit into the majority of cubbies, according to Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for home gyms. They are designed to stop rolling, which is helpful when you need to relocate dumbbells in between sets or to avoid falling equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that help you burn calories at an impressive rate. Studies have shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout can generate the same number of calories as a six minute mile. But it's important to find kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed using high-quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings and take snatches. They also have a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you like to compete, pick kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that conform to specific competition regulations.
If you're a beginner, or an advanced athlete, it's best to purchase an entire kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a challenging kettlebell workout that's comparable to a class in person. You can also take your kettlebells with you anywhere, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they provide a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. You can do everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks, plus accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and are able to fit on an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift with ease. exercise bikes 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 weights that are heavy. It comes fully assembled with a pull-up and lever arms and can be upgraded to add other accessories such as landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound pile of weights and a small footprint that can fit in the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that will help increase core strength. If you intend to use them at home or on the road, choose one that is simple to use and sturdy. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's thicker than others and handles that are plush but slim enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, try a pair of ab roller wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit, and they will work your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others, is built to last and features carbon-steel springs that last for a long time. It also has a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it that offers strength workouts yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will help you build the core muscles in ways you wouldn't get from a barbell or bench, Braun says. However, picking the right size is important because a smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, while larger ones can be difficult to keep on. Consult a chart of sizes to find the right fit.
The most stable stability ball comes with a firm, supportive surface as well as a tough outer. The material is anti-burst which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts suggest choosing the texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it attracts hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym gives you access to fitness-related programming that's not restricted to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you exercise using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also include resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any home gym, providing a versatile way 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 tension range and some even have an extra safety feature that prevents them snapping when they are stretched beyond their limits.
Iron Bull Strength comes with six tubes under $30. The bands are available in a variety of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily carry them in your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are constructed of high-quality materials, which can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They could also have handles or anchor points with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity over time than cheaper options. However, most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.