Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, be sure it's equipped with the right parts for all the exercises you'd like perform. For instance, a bench press and power rack are vital equipment that can help you build strength.
If you're limited on space, you could opt for a high-quality home fitness center like Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as a variety workouts in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help you maintain your fitness even when it's cold, wet or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes that can motivate you to take to the machine even when you're not feeling great.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it streams high-energy classes led by a virtual instructor. But its high price tag and monthly subscription cost may be prohibitive for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, but smart choice recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivoted to create a realistic class environment, and its it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handrails for monitoring heart rate, and quick speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your lower and upper body, an elliptical is the best choice. These machines can be used as a standalone cardio session for warm-ups, or to "workout the entire body prior to strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Look for a machine that offers a comfortable stride length, moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, think about an elliptical with a a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public place, such as the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is portable, so you can easily move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, which is a great choice with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our pick for the best overall elliptical. It's also compact and comes with a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio exercise for the entire body, which will build endurance and strength, without putting too much stress on joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's a great choice for those who cannot do high-impact exercise or have injuries that are already present.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be tucked away in smaller spaces and require less floor space when they're not being used.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, opt for one that has a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a great warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other intelligent options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that comes with 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, including training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are outstanding.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space to exercise and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. It is important to choose a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also easily stored. For example, a set of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are small enough to fit in most cubbies, says Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those made by Cap Barbell, are another option that can be used in the home gym. 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 utilized to burn calories in many ways. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can burn as many calories as running a mile for six minutes. It's important to choose the right set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of high-quality materials to ensure they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. They also have a wide handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, select kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match competition rules.
It's best to buy a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. home exercise equipment best can begin to build up to a more intense kettlebell exercise, similar to a class in person. You can take your kettlebells with you anywhere, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as stylish as a rower or smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's equally effective as the majority of machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These bumpers from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of virgin rubber that's durable and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift a lot of weight. It's fully assembled, and includes the pull-up bar as well as lever arms, and can be upgraded with additional accessories such as landmine attachments, dip pads and an insulated row pad and band pegs. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a small footprint to fit the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that can increase the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or while on the road, choose one that is easy to use and robust. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than most of them, and handles that are wide but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, you should try the ab roller wheels that work together. They challenge your stability more than a single unit and will work your obliques transverse abs and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others, is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that can stand the test of time. It also includes a small cushion to keep your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it that offers strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can assist you in strengthening your muscles in a way that a bench or a barbell cannot. It is crucial to select the right size. A smaller ball could make exercises harder, while larger balls can be difficult to hold. Consult a sizing chart to determine the ideal fit.
The best stability ball features an incredibly supportive, thick surface and a durable exterior. They also come with an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts recommend choosing a texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it attracts hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym will allow users to access the latest fitness programs that isn't restricted to your equipment. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add in dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving method to build strength, without having to use full sets of weights. The best ones are made available in various colors to indicate the range of tension and some even have an safety mechanism that stops them snapping when they are stretched beyond their limits.
If you're on a tight budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for just $30. They are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily carry them in your bag for training on the go.
The most durable bands are constructed from high-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also feature anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams and are less likely to lose their elasticity over time than cheaper options. However, most resistance bands require periodic retensioning to keep their shape. They also emit a strong smell of latex, which isn't ideal for those with sensitivities or allergies.