Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it's equipped with the right parts for all the exercises you want to do. A power rack and bench press are essentials for building strength.
If you are limited in space, you could opt for a smart home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer a full-body workout and numerous workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, rainy or dark to exercise. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes that can inspire you to step on the treadmill even when you're not feeling the best.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It features a large tilting screen for workout stats and high-energy streamed classes guided by a virtual trainer. However, its high cost and monthly subscription costs could be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's still packed with smart features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be rotated and angled to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons to increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a ideal choice for those looking for an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower body. These machines can be used as an exercise that is not a separate one to warm up, or to "workout your entire body prior to strength training" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head of content, recommends looking for a machine that has a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or are stationary. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public area, such as the living room, you may be interested in a device that is portable, so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its high-tech 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 comes with a quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
It's a great cardio workout for your entire body that will build endurance and strength without putting undue 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 cannot perform high-impact workouts or have a pre-existing injury.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals so they fit into smaller spaces and take up less floor space when they're not in use.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, choose one with a 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 is a budget-friendly rower that has 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, which include training classes for rowers led by trainers as well as live peer-topper races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space for your workout, then a pair of dumbbells can be a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi advises you to select a set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "As a rule of thumb you should have a range of weights sizes that allow you to advance and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells can be stored easily. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, recommends a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage space. They're also compact enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those from Cap Barbell, are another option that works well in a home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is helpful when you need to move dumbbells in between sets or to avoid flying equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of exercise equipment that can helps you burn calories at a high rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can produce the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It's crucial to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made from high-quality materials that won't rattle or tip over during swings and grabs. The handle is large for an easy grip. If you are looking to compete with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are standardized and color-coded to comply with specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner, or an advanced athlete, it's a good idea to invest in a complete kettlebell set. You can build up to a more intense kettlebell exercise, similar to a class person. And you can take your kettlebells with you everywhere, even when you're during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms however, they offer a full body workout that is just as effective as a lot of machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks, plus accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Choose bumper plates that resist damage, have minimal bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. The ones from Iron Bull are a top pick, as they're made of virgin rubber that's durable and withstands a variety of drops without cracking.
To get a home gym that lets you lift heavy, check out this squat rack and trainer combo. It's fully assembled, includes a pull-up bar and lever arms and can be upgraded by adding other accessories like landmine attachments, a dip pad, the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also comes with the 210-pound weight stack, and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in most workout spaces.
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 robust. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's thicker than the majority and handles that are soft but still narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, try an ab roller with two wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit, and they will work your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models, is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that will last for a long time. It also comes with a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. Exercise Bikes Online that offers strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will aid in working your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench will not. It is important to choose the right size. A smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect fit.
The most stable stability balls feature a thick soft, supportive texture as well as an extremely durable exterior. They also come with an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts recommend choosing the texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it can attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym enables you to access the latest fitness programs that is not limited to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you exercise using a treadmill, elliptical and rower, and then add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any gym at home, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The best ones come in a variety of colors that indicate the range of tension and some have an exclusive security mechanism that stops them from snapping when overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength offers a set of six tubes that cost less than $30. They are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily carry them into your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials that are able to endure repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity with time compared to less expensive alternatives. The majority of resistance bands must be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They also smell heavily of latex which isn't a good thing for people with allergies or sensitivities.