How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's an investment that's huge, but it's usually cheaper than paying for a gym membership. Before you start shopping, make a decision about the type of exercises you want to do. Also, think about the space you have available.
If you're limited on space, go for smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a smart home gym like Tonal.
Space
Having the right equipment at your home can make it easier to follow your training plan. If you're pressed for time or don't have time to drive to the gym or do not want to face crowds, having a designated space in your home or garage can help you break a sweat at your own pace.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that you will likely require some investment to build your ideal space for training according to the size of your space as well as the equipment you choose to purchase. It is also a good idea to start small and work your way up gradually to help you determine what type of equipment you will require to meet your goals.
The most effective equipment to use in your home gym will provide an array of exercises that target the main muscles. A power rack, for example is a fundamental piece of strength equipment that allows you to bench press, do pulldowns with lats and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been made to be small without the loss of durability and performance. It features a 2-post design that reduces the footprint, and is compatible with various accessories that can boost its capacity.
You can also make the most of your space by choosing equipment that can be put together, such as the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were developed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used in the field. They're a practical and easy way to get an all-body workout while you're on the move. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some even have attachments to target specific muscles or add an additional level of resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibration plate which can be used to enhance the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. For example, the AXV Vibration Plate features an adjustable remote control and 120 speed settings that allow for a customized experience. It can also be paired with resistance bands to target various muscles or a bungee cord to provide an element of active movement.
Capacity for Weight
Home gym equipment may vary in size from a simple power tower to a complete smart home gym , but regardless of what type of machine you pick, the weight capacity should be sufficient to allow you to do many different exercises. For beginners, you can start with a basic dumbbell set or barbells for building upper body strength. They can also help strengthen the back muscles. If you're a serious lifter, consider a heavy-duty power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well with a variety of other attachments like lever arms, dip bars and a landmine attachment seal row pad, and much more.
If you have a tiny garage, you might think about an adjustable bench. This will allow you to perform decline and incline press exercises without taking up too much space. A flat bench is also ideal, but you'll need to add dumbbells or bars in case you would like to do exercises that are isolated like chest presses or Biceps curls.
If you're a fan of functional training and a plate stack resistance functional trainer is the perfect piece of equipment for you. This kind of machine is designed to target different muscle groups at once using the combination of squats, bench presses, and pull ups. The best functional trainers offer a range of options for cables that allow you to perform flyes and triceps pushdowns and the ability to alter the resistance level at your own discretion.
While it may appear obvious, the kind of equipment you purchase is a major factor in how enjoyable and effective your workouts are. It is important to make sure that the equipment you buy is made of high-quality materials that are resistant to regular use. Particularly for those with a tight budget people, it's essential to choose affordable equipment made from quality materials that won't deteriorate after a couple of uses.
If you're shopping on a tight budget, consider buying a home gym that's a hybrid of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home gym offers a great total-body workout and can help you save the most money in the long run.
Versatility
There are plenty of options for your fitness goals and your budget regardless of whether you have a home gym that is specifically for your needs or train in your living room. Start by assessing the space you have at home and the exercises you'd like to concentrate on. Then, think about what type of equipment can best meet your requirements. For example, an all-in-one machine such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym provides user-defined movements and more than 55 workouts in a footprint smaller than a queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and stowed to make space.
If you are looking to keep within your budget you should consider using resistance bands. They can be used to build strength and stretch and are also compact and easy to travel with. They can be affixed to existing equipment, such as an exercise set that includes a dumbbell and light resistance bands or a bench to do lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat will add to the fitness of your home. It provides a sturdy surface for exercises that require standing and also reduces the risk of falling. The majority of mats are light and portable, so they are easy to store when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells can add flexibility to your gym at home, allowing you to perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows altering the weight load based on your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for gym, like the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center in the home. It offers a variety exercises that are guided and have a small footprint. It's also easy to use and compatible with a wide range of monitors and televisions.
A good value home gym, such as the REP PR-4000 is a versatile workout machine that supports Nordic hamstring curls as well as glute ham raises. 45-degree back extensions, and hip thrusts. It can support users up to 7 feet tall and comes with 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that gym equipment looks a lot different from what it was in the past. Certain brands have modern designs that are compatible with wellness apps and appeal to those who appreciate both aesthetics and function. While other equipment has become so comprehensive that it could even replace an exercise session (and even track and adjust to your fitness gains).
We've seen an increase in the number of gyms at home that are both affordable and compact. We are awestruck by the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its affordable price and small footprint. The elliptical comes with preset exercises, a shorter stride, and is ideal for people living in apartments or other small spaces.
Another home gym option that we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer has a small footprint, yet is powerful enough to train your entire body. Additionally, it comes with two doors that close to hide the machine from children or pets. The Torque also has a wood grain look to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space.
If you're looking for an at-home gym solution that can do more than simply track your progress, you should consider adding a power rack to your setup. As the name suggests, these racks let you to lift weights using a variety of moves, allowing you to build up strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack starts at $600, but the price may increase based on the customizations. It also has a sturdy construction that makes it easy to use, which is crucial for serious lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the essentials that include dumbbells and a stool. While benches of standard size can be purchased at any home-supply store We recommend getting one designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that come with these models come with some tweaks that make them more suitable for home workouts, such as a durable rubber coating and a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for a while.