Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to invest in workout equipment for your home, ensure it's got all the necessary parts for all the exercises you'd like to do. A bench press and power rack are vital for building strength.
For those with limited space, consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a complete body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes, which can inspire you to step on the treadmill even if you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful construction that makes it a showstopper in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it broadcasts high-energy classes led by an instructor online. But its high price tag and monthly subscription cost may be too much for 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 pivoted to recreate a real-world class setting, and the integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a excellent choice for those who want a low impact workout that will strengthen both your upper and lower body. They can be used as an individual cardio workout to warm up, or to "workout the entire body prior to exercise" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests looking for a treadmill with a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or remain stationary. Consider an elliptical that has a built-in sound system for your music. If you plan to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is mobile so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our pick for the most effective elliptical. It's also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio workout for your entire body that builds strength and endurance, without putting excessive stress on joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who are unable to do high-impact exercises or have an injury from which they are suffering.
Rowers are common in gyms, but they're also an excellent piece of home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be tucked away in smaller spaces and require less floor space when they're not being used.
If you're looking for a smarter model, opt for one that has a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it lacks the features that make other intelligent options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower that has 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, such as rowing classes taught by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are excellent.
4. indoor cycling trainer
If you have a designated space where you can exercise A good set of dumbbells is an excellent addition to your home gym. It's important to select the right set to meet your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of weights to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are easy to store. Kelli McGrane Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, suggests an item similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take up much space in your storage area. They're also small enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like the ones from Cap Barbell, are another option that can be used in the home gym. Their block shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be helpful when you need to move them around between sets or dodge the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of equipment for workouts that can help you burn calories at a high rate. Research has shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout can generate the same number of calories as a six minute mile. It's important to choose a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made from high-quality materials that won't shake or tip over during swings or grabs. They also have a wide handle window for comfortable gripping. If you are looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are standardized and color-coded to comply with specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. This way, you can easily progress to a rigorous kettlebell exercise that's similar to a live class. You can also take your kettlebells with you everywhere, even when you're on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as glamorous as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver an all-body workout that's just as effective as many machines. They can be used for everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks, plus accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that resist damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift easily. The ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since 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 heavy. It's completely assembled, comes with a pull-up bar and lever arms, and can be upgraded with other accessories such as landmine attachments, dip pads, an insulated row pad and band pegs. It comes with a 210-pound stack of weights and a small footprint that will fit into the majority of workout areas.
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 plan to use them at home or on the go pick one that is easy to use and durable. This model from Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than most, and handles that are wide but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, consider an ab roller with two wheels that work in tandem. They test your stability more than a single one and work your obliques transverse abs, and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others, is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that can stand the test of time. It also includes a small cushion to ensure your knees are comfortable. The companion app, which includes strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can help you to work your muscles in a way that a bench or barbell will not. However, picking the right size is crucial as a smaller size can make exercises more difficult, while a larger one can be hard to stay on. Check out the chart of sizes to find the right fit.
The best stability ball features an incredibly supportive, thick surface and a durable outer. They also feature an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts advise looking for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not so sticky that it grips loose hairs or draws the lint.
A smart home gym will allow you to connect to interactive fitness programming, which isn't restricted to your equipment. The best options allow you to train on a treadmill rower, elliptical and add dumbbells or kettlebells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They provide a versatile and space-saving method to build strength, without having to use full sets of weights. The best ones are available in various colors to indicate the range of tension and some come with an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping when stretched beyond their limits.
Iron Bull Strength offers a set of six tubes under $30. These bands are available in a variety of sizes from light to heavy, so they'll suit most requirements. You can even put them in your bag for training on the move.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They might also come with anchor points or handles with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. However, most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to keep their shape. They are known to emit a strong smell of latex which is not ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities.