Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase fitness equipment for your home be sure it comes with all the required components for the exercises you're planning to perform. For example a bench press and power rack are essentials that will aid in building strength.
For home gym equipment with limited space, consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of exercises and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness level up by having a treadmill at your home when it is too cold, rainy, or dark to run. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that can encourage you to use the machine even when 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 has an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it also streams high-energy classes led by a virtual instructor. However, its price and monthly subscription fee could be prohibitive for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, yet smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk anywhere on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also features pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a ideal choice for those who want an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both your lower and upper bodies. These machines can be used for a standalone cardio session, as a warm-up or to "workout your entire body prior to strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, recommends looking for a bike with a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals and handles that can move or remain stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public area like the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is mobile so you can move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, which is a great choice with its advanced features and compatibility with iFIT's live as well as on-demand workouts, is our pick for the most effective elliptical. It's also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that helps build endurance and strength without putting too much strain on joints. It's also low-impact in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are unable to do high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injury.
They are common in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, and therefore can be placed in smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, you should look for one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality guarantee however it doesn't offer the features (like an integrated tablet stand or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that has 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, including training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-topper races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established space to exercise then a set of dumbbells will be an excellent addition to any home gym. It is important to choose one that is compatible with your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of thumb is that you want to own a range of weights so that you can progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be stored easily. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition marketing editor, suggests an item similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage area. They're also small enough to fit in most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for home gyms. They are designed to resist rolling, which is beneficial when you need to move dumbbells in between sets or to avoid flying equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in many ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn as many calories as running a mile for six minutes. It's crucial to select an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing them or grab them. The handle is large to provide an easy grip. If you are looking to compete, choose competition kettlebells that are color-coded and standardized to match particular competition regulations.
It is best to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or a beginner. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's comparable to an in-person class. You can also carry your kettlebells wherever you go, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms however they provide full body exercise that is as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls or good mornings.
Choose bumper plates that are resistant to damage, are low in bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from pure rubber, which is durable and can stand up to many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift weights that are heavy. It is fully assembled, with a pull-up and lever arms and can be upgraded to include other accessories like landmine attachments. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and the compact footprint is suitable for the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also help increase core strength. Whether you need them to do your workout at home or to take with you when traveling, make sure you choose one that's durable and simple to use. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's more robust than others and handles that are comfortable but slim enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, try an ab roller with two wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single one, and they will work your lower back muscles and obliques. While pricier than some models such as this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be long-lasting and has a carbon steel spring that is able to withstand the test of time. It also comes with a small foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The companion app that includes strength training as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts can help to energize the core muscles in ways you can't get from a bench or barbells, Braun says. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller ball could make exercises harder, while larger balls can be difficult to hold. Check out the chart of sizes to find the perfect size.
The most stable stability balls have a thick soft, supportive texture as well as a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst which prevents puncturing or deflating. Experts advise looking for a texture that's sufficient grippy to prevent slippage, but not too sticky that it grips loose hairs or draws the lint.
A smart home gym will allow users to access the latest fitness programs that isn't limited to the equipment you have. The most efficient options let you train on a treadmill, rower, elliptical or a rower and then add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to any gym at home they offer a flexible way to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones are available with a variety of colors to show the range of tension, and some feature an exclusive security mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're on a tight budget, consider Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for less than $30. They are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily carry them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are made from top-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also feature handles or anchor points with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity with time than less expensive options. Most resistance bands need to be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They can smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.