Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase a fitness equipment for your home be sure it includes all the necessary parts for the exercises you're planning to do. For instance a bench press and power rack are crucial equipment that will aid in building strength.
If you have a small space, consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of exercises and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness even when it's cold, dark, or rainy to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can encourage you to step on the treadmill even when you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill such as 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 screen that displays workout stats, and it broadcasts high-energy classes led by a virtual instructor. The high cost and monthly subscription fee may be prohibitive for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option still packed with smart features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run anywhere on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also includes handrails that have pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that strengthens your lower and upper body an elliptical is the way to go. They can be used for an individual cardio workout, as a warm-up or to "workout the entire body prior to strength training" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests you look for a machine with a stride that is comfortable and large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or sit stationary. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you might be interested in a device that is portable, so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its innovative features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It is also small and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic exercise that builds endurance and strength without putting too much strain on your joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who are unable to do high-impact exercises or have an injury from which they are suffering.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. cycle workout bike are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be incorporated into smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, choose one that has a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that comes with classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other smart options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower that has 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, such as rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to do your workouts, a good pair of dumbbells could be an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi advises you to choose the right set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "As a general rule, you should have a range of weights sizes that allow you to advance and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells are easy to store. For instance, a set of rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are small enough to fit in most cubbies, recommends Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those made by Cap Barbell are a different option that can be used in a home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is beneficial when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets, or keep from falling equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that will help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn as many calories as running a six-minute mile. It is important to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, so that they don't rattle when you swing or grab. The handle is wide for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells with standardized colors and markings to match specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner, or a seasoned athlete, you should purchase the complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll easily progress to a challenging kettlebell workout that's comparable to a live class. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms, however they provide a full body workout that's just as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls or good mornings.
Choose bumper plates that resist the effects of abrasion, have a low bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These ones from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed from virgin rubber that's tough and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that lets you lift heavy, check out this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combination. It is fully assembled, with a pull-up and lever arms and is able to be upgraded to add other accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a compact footprint that can fit in the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or while on the road pick one that is easy to use and sturdy. This one from Vinsguir comes with an inner wheel that's larger than most and handles that are soft but slim enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, you should try a pair of ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they will work your lower back and obliques. Although they are more expensive than some models, this one is from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features a carbon steel spring that will last for a long time. It also comes with a small pad to keep your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it that includes strength training as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will fire up core muscles in ways that you can't get from a bench or barbells, Braun says. It is important to choose the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect fit.
The best stability balls have a firm soft, supportive texture as well as a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts recommend choosing the texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it can attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym enables you to access an interactive fitness program that isn't restricted to the equipment you use. The most effective options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill and rower, and then include resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands make a great addition to any home gym. They provide a versatile and space-saving way to build strength without having to use the entire set of weights. The most effective ones are available in a variety of colors to show the tension range and some come with a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're on a budget, consider Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. They are available in a variety of weights ranging from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are made from top-quality materials that can endure repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time compared to cheaper alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require periodic retensioning to maintain their shape. They also tend to smell heavily of latex which isn't the best choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.