Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it's equipped with the right parts for all the exercises you'd like do. A power rack and bench presses are essentials to build strength.
If you have limited space, you could opt for a high-quality home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide the full body workout and a variety workouts in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness even when it's cold, rainy or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that will motivate you to take advantage of the treadmill even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and attractive design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It features an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats, and it also streams high-energy classes taught by a virtual instructor. However, its price and monthly subscription costs could be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly option that's nonetheless packed with advanced features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has handrails with pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a excellent choice for those who want an exercise that is low-impact and will work both your lower and upper bodies. They can be used for an individual cardio workout to warm up, or to "workout your entire body prior to exercise" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Find a bike that has a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is portable so you can easily move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, with its high-tech features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our pick for the best overall elliptical. It's also compact and comes with an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without putting too much stress on joints. It is also low-impact, in comparison to other exercises that 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 see rowers in a lot of gyms, but they're also a fantastic piece of 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 in use.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, opt for one that has 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 class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option 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 outstanding.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established area for your workouts then a set of dumbbells will be an ideal addition to your home gym. It's important to select a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to have a variety of weights so that you can advance and regress as you need to."
The best dumbbells are also 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 small enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are also a good option for an at-home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is useful when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets or avoid flying equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that help you burn calories at an impressive rate. Research has shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout can burn the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It's crucial to select an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed with quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings or grabs. The handle is long to allow for an ergonomic grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that match rules of competition.
It is recommended to purchase a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. home gym equipment can build up to a more intense kettlebell workout, similar to a class in person. You can also take your kettlebells with you anywhere, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms, but they deliver a full body workout that is just as effective as a lot of machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks with them and accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Find bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift comfortably. These ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of virgin rubber that's durable and withstands a variety of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that lets you lift heavy, check out this squat rack and functional trainer combo. It's fully assembled, includes an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms and can be upgraded by adding other accessories, such as landmine attachments a dip pad and a seal row pad and band pegs. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a compact footprint that can fit in the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. Whether you need them for a workout at home or to take with you when traveling, make sure you choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir has a central wheel that's more robust than the majority and handles that are comfortable but narrow enough to comfortably fit your hands.
If you're looking to improve your core exercises, think about using a pair of wheels that work together. They test your stability more than a single one and will work your obliques the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that will last for a long time. It also comes with a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it, which includes strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will assist you in strengthening your core muscles in a way that a bench or barbell will not. However, picking the right size is important as a smaller size can make exercises more difficult, and a larger one can be hard to stay on. Consult the chart of sizes to find the right fit.
The most stable stability ball comes with an incredibly supportive, thick surface as well as a tough outer. The material is anti-burst which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts recommend choosing the texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it attracts hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym enables you to connect to the latest fitness programs that is not limited to the equipment you use. The most efficient options let you train on a treadmill, rower, elliptical, and even add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving way to build muscle without having to invest in full sets of weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the amount of tension that is available and some come with a unique safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes for less than $30. These bands are available in a variety of sizes from light to heavy which means they'll meet most requirements. You can even put them in your bag for training on the go.
The most durable bands are constructed from high-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They could also have anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than cheaper alternatives. However, most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They also tend to smell heavily of latex, which isn't ideal for people who have allergies or sensitivities.