Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to invest in workout equipment for your home, be sure it's got all the necessary components for the exercises you'd like do. For instance, a bench press and power rack are crucial equipment that will help you build strength.
If you have limited space, you could opt for a home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer a full-body workout and various workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness even when it's cold, wet or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills have 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 comes with a huge tilting touchscreen that displays workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes that are guided by an online trainer. But its high price tag and monthly subscription costs could 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. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivoted 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). stationary bike includes pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a ideal choice for those who want an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both lower and upper bodies. They are ideal for a single 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.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests looking for a machine with a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals and handles that move or remain stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you might think about a machine that is mobile so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its high-tech features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the best overall elliptical. It's also small and has a quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that builds endurance and strength without placing too much strain on joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that increase your heart rate, and so it's an ideal option for people who can't perform high-impact exercises or who have injuries from previous exercise.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they fit into smaller spaces and require less floor space when they're not in use.
If you're looking for a smarter model, go for one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic guarantee however it doesn't have the smart features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that comes with 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, which include rowing classes taught by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space to exercise, then a pair of dumbbells can be a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi suggests that you select a set of dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "As a general rule, you should have a variety of weights sizes that allow you to advance and slow down your workouts if necessary."
The best dumbbells can also be stored easily. 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 small enough to fit into most cubbies, according to Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a great option for home gyms. Their blocked shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is helpful when you need to reposition them between sets or dodge flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies show that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will produce the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. It's crucial to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of high-quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing them or grab them. The handle is wide to provide a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are color-coded and standardized to conform to specific competition rules.
It's best to buy a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. You can begin to build up to a more intense kettlebell workout, like a class in person. And you can carry your kettlebells wherever you go, even when you go on 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. Weight plates can be used for anything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press, clean and jerks, as well as accessories such as biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with natural rubber that is tough and can withstand many drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift a lot of weight. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and is able to be upgraded to include additional accessories like landmine attachments. It also has a 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 simple piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost the strength of your core. If you're looking for them for a workout at home or to carry when traveling, make sure you choose one that's durable and simple to use. This one by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than the majority of them, and handles that are wide but soft enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking for ways to improve your core workouts, consider using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They challenge your stability more than a single unit and work your obliques transverse abs and lower back muscles. Although they are more expensive than some models such as this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that is able to withstand the test of time. It also comes with a small pad to ensure 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
Utilizing an exercise ball for your workouts will fire up core muscles in ways that you won't get from bench or barbells, Braun says. But picking the right size is essential because a smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, and a larger one can be difficult to keep on. Consult a chart of sizes to determine the perfect size.
The best stability balls have a thick soft, supportive texture as well as a tough exterior. They also come with an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it can attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym enables you to access an interactive fitness program that is not limited to the equipment you use. The most effective options let you exercise with a treadmill, elliptical, and rower and add 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, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the amount of tension that is available and some come with an exclusive safety mechanism that prevents the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
Iron Bull Strength offers a set of six tubes under $30. These bands vary from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most requirements. You can even put them in your bag to train on the move.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials, that can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They might also come with anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams and are less likely to lose their elasticity over time than lesser alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They also tend to smell heavily of latex which isn't a good thing for those with allergies or sensitivities.