How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a significant investment, but it's usually cheaper than an exercise membership. Before you start shopping, determine what kind of exercise you'd like to do. Also, think about the space you have available.
If you're confined to space, opt for compact equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a home gym that is smart like Tonal.
Space
The right equipment at home can make it much easier to stick with your training plan. If you're pressed for time or don't have time to drive to the gym, or don't like crowds, you can dedicate a space in your home or garage to exercise at your own pace.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that you'll need to invest some money to create your ideal training zone, depending on the size of your space as well as the equipment you buy. It is also a good idea to start small and work your way up with time so that you can decide what kind of equipment you will need to accomplish your goals.
The most effective equipment to use in your home gym will offer various exercises that target major muscle groups. A power rack, for example is a key piece of strength equipment that can enable you to bench press, do lat pulldowns and perform squats. Many units, like the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as is possible without sacrificing functionality and durability. It has a 2-post stand profile, which helps reduce the footprint. It is compatible with a range of attachments that can be added to increase the capacity.
You can also maximize the space you have by selecting equipment that is multi-functional and can be stacked together, such as the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used in the field. They're a convenient and simple way to get an all-body workout while you're on the move. They can be folded and nested to reduce space, and some even come with attachments that allow you to focus on specific muscle groups or add additional resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate that can be used to boost the bodyweight exercises and offer a new challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. For example, the AXV Vibration Plate features a remote control and 120 speed settings that give you a personalized experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands to target various muscles, or an bungee cord for an element of dynamic movement.
Weight Capacity
Home gym equipment may vary in size, from a basic power tower to a full-on smart home gym, but no matter the type of equipment you select, the weight capacity should be high enough to allow you to do a variety of exercises. For beginners, you can start with a basic set of dumbbells or barbells to build upper-body strength. They also work the back muscles. If you're a serious lifter, consider a heavy-duty power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well as a range of other attachments like lever arms, dip bars and a landmine attachment seal row pad, and much more.
A bench should be included on your list of essentials for your home gym, and if you're a tight-knit lifter, you should look for an adjustable bench that allows you to perform incline and decline presses without taking up too much space in your garage. A flat bench is also suitable, but you will require dumbbells or bars if want to do isolation exercises like chest press or Biceps curls.
If you're interested in functional training, then the plate stack resistance functional trainer is the perfect piece of equipment for you. This kind of machine is designed to target multiple muscles at once with the combination of squats and bench presses, and pull-ups. Functional trainers come with various options. They include cable attachments for tricep flyes and pushdowns as well as the capability to alter the resistance yourself.
It may seem obvious, however, the equipment you choose will have a major impact on how effective and fun your exercise routine is. It is important to make sure that the equipment you buy is constructed from top-quality materials that can stand up to the demands of daily use. Particularly for those with a tight budget people, it's essential to choose the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't degrade after a couple of uses.
If you are on a tight budget, invest in a home fitness equipment that is a combination of an exercise bike and an equipment for rowing. This type of home gym can provide an amazing workout for all body types and can save you the most money in the long run.
Versatility
Whether you have a dedicated space for a home gym or you plan to work out in your living room, there are many options to meet your fitness goals and budget. Start by taking a look at the space you have at home and the exercises you'd like to concentrate on. Consider the kind of equipment that best meets your needs. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym for instance, provides more than 55 exercises and user-defined moves in a footprint that is smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded up and stored away to free more space.
If you're looking to keep your budget in check you should consider using resistance bands. They can be used for strength training and stretching as well as being lightweight and easy to carry around. These bands can be added to existing equipment, for example, a dumbbell set with some light resistance bands or a bench to do lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat is another must-have to have a complete home gym, providing a stable surface for exercises that require standing, as well as decreasing the chance of sliding or falling off. As a bonus, most mats are also light and portable, making them easy to store when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells can add versatility to your home fitness center. You can perform exercises like bench presses or rowing with dumbbells while sitting, adjusting the weights according to your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for gym, like the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center at home. It provides a variety of exercise programs that are guided with a tiny footprint. It is also easy to use and compatible with a broad range of monitors and televisions.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a versatile machine that allows you to perform Nordic hamstring curls, glute-ham raises and hip thrusts. It can support users up to 7 feet tall and has 12 different adjustments, all with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands feature modern designs and are integrated with wellness apps that attract those who value aesthetics as much as functionality. Other equipment is so advanced it can even replace a gym visit (and monitor and adjust to your fitness goals).
While space concerns continue to be a major concern for many, we've seen an increase in the number of home-gym options that are smaller in size and price. For instance, we like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set workouts and a shorter stride, making it perfect for people who reside in apartments or other tight spaces that don't allow space for large machines.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home gym option that we love. The full-trainer is lightweight but powerful enough to exercise your entire body. It also comes with two doors to keep it from pets or children. The Torque features wood grain finishes to enhance the aesthetics of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack your gym equipment in case you are looking for an option that goes beyond tracking your progress. These pieces of equipment let you lift heavy weights with a variety of movements that help you build strength and endurance. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but will increase in price depending on the customizations you make. It is also easy to use and has a sturdy design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the basic equipment: dumbbells and a bench. While the standard bench is available from any home-supply store, we recommend going with one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models come with few modifications that make them ideal for home workouts, such as a durable rubber coating and moderate knurls to stop your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for awhile.