Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, ensure it's equipped with the right components for the exercises you'd like perform. For example the power rack and bench press are crucial equipment that will aid in building strength.
If you are limited in space, you could opt for a high-quality home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as various workouts within a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness up by having a treadmill at your home when it's too cold, rainy, or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that will motivate you to use the machine when you are not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning construction that makes it an absolute showpiece in any home gym. It features a large, tilting touchscreen for fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes guided by an online trainer. The high cost and monthly subscription fee may be prohibitive to some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, but smart choice recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be rotated and angled to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handrails for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a great option for those seeking a low impact workout that will work both your upper and lower body. They can be used for an individual cardio workout for warm-ups, or to "workout the entire body prior to strength training" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head of content, suggests you look for a treadmill with a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or sit stationary. Also, consider an elliptical that has a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. And if you're using your equipment in the living room or any other public space, consider an exercise machine with the ability to move it around so that you take it away when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical, because of its advanced features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to exercise without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio workout that builds strength and endurance without putting too much strain on joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other exercises that boost your heart rate, which is why it's a great option for people who can't perform high-impact exercises or have injuries that are already present.
You'll find rowers in most gyms however they're also a great piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals so they can fit into smaller spaces.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, opt for one that has 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 intelligent options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a great budget option that has a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, as well as instructor-led rowing classes as well as live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space for your workout A good set of dumbbells can be a great addition to your home gym. Zocchi suggests that you choose the right set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of sizes of weights, to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are simple to store. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, suggests an option 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.
inside bike trainer -style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for home gyms. Their blocked shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which is beneficial when you have to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of equipment for workouts that can will help you burn calories at an impressive rate. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can generate as much energy as running a six-minute mile. It's crucial to find kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made from high-quality materials that won't rattle or tip over during swings and take snatches. They also feature a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you want to compete, pick kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings to match specific competition regulations.
If you're a beginner or a professional athlete, it's best to purchase a complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to easily build up to a high-level kettlebell exercise that's similar to a class in person. You can carry your kettlebells everywhere, even when you're when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as flashy like a rower or smart home gym, but they provide a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. You can do everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks with them, plus accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of virgin rubber, which is strong and able to endure a lot of drops without cracking.
To get a home gym that allows you to lift heavy, check out this squat rack and functional trainer combo. It's completely assembled, comes with a pull-up bar and lever arms. It can also be upgraded by adding other accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads, a seal row pad and band pegs. It also comes with the 210-pound weight stack, and the compact footprint is suitable for the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost core strength. If you're looking for them for an at-home workout or to carry on travel, look for one that's durable and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir features an inner wheel that's larger than others and handles that are comfortable but narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to increase your core exercises, think about using two wheels that work in tandem. They challenge your stability more than a single unit and work your obliques transverse abs and lower back muscles. While pricier than some models such as this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features carbon steel springs that holds up over time. It also comes with a small foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it that includes strength training, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will help you build the muscles of your core in ways you can't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is crucial to select the correct size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out a chart of sizes to determine the ideal size.
The best stability balls have a firm smooth, supportive texture and a tough exterior. The material is anti-burst which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest selecting a texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it attracts lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness-related programming that's not restricted to the equipment you have. The best options let you train with a treadmill, elliptical, and rower and include dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and efficient way to build strength without the need to purchase complete sets of weights. The most effective ones are available in various colors to indicate the range of tension and some even have an safety mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched beyond their limits.
Iron Bull Strength comes with a set of six tubes that cost less than $30. The bands are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag to train on the go.
The most durable 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 with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. However, most resistance bands require periodic retensioning to keep their shape. They also be a bit sour, which isn't ideal for people who have allergies or sensitivities.