Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment for home use, make sure that it includes all the necessary elements for the exercises that you're planning to perform. For instance a bench press and power rack are essentials that will aid in building strength.
If you have a small space, think about a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can help you maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, rainy or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that can motivate you to get on the treadmill even when you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful construction that makes it a showstopper in any home gym. It comes with a huge tilting screen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes guided by a virtual trainer. The price is high and the monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be adjusted and angled to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run anywhere on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handrails to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a excellent choice for those who want an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower body. They're great for a cardio session on their own as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Choose a model that offers a comfortable stride length, moving or stationary handles, and 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 home gym workout equipment using the equipment in the living room or any other public space, consider an exercise machine with a portable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, which is a great choice with its advanced features and compatibility with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our pick for the most effective elliptical. It's also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio exercise for the entire body that will build strength and endurance, without putting too much strain on your joints. It's also relatively low impact compared to other exercises that increase your heart rate, so it's a great option for those who aren't able to perform intense exercise or have pre-existing injuries.
You'll see rowers in a lot of gyms, but they're also a fantastic piece of 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 in use.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, look for one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts and a long-lasting warranty, but it's missing the features that make other innovative options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that has a 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, which include rowing classes led by trainers as well as live peer-topper races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated area for your workouts, then a pair of dumbbells can be an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi advises you to select the right set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "As a general rule, you should have a range of sizes of weights to allow you to progress and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells can also be easily stored. For instance the rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage area and are small enough to fit in most cubbies, recommends Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those from Cap Barbell are a different option that works well in the home gym. Their blocked shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them around between sets or dodge flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can helps you burn calories at a high rate. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can generate as much energy as running a mile for six minutes. It's important to choose a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built from high-quality materials that won't slide or tip over during swings and take snatches. The handle is large for an ergonomic grip. If you like to compete, choose kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that conform to specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a rigorous 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 might not be as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they provide a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These bumpers 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.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in one home gym. It allows you to lift weights that are heavy. It is fully assembled, with lever arms and a pull-up, and can be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and a compact footprint that fits the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase the strength of your core. They can be used to do your workout at home or to take with you on your travels, you should choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir has an inner wheel that's larger than most and handles that are comfortable but slim enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, consider an ab roller with two wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit and they work your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models it is constructed to last and comes with carbon-steel springs that stand the test of time. It also has a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. Its companion app that offers strength workouts yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball for your workouts will fire up the muscles of your core in ways you can't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. But picking the right size is essential because a smaller ball will make exercises more difficult and larger ones can be hard to stay on. Look up the chart of sizes to determine the ideal size.
The best stability ball has a thick, supportive surface and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which prevents puncturing or deflating. Experts say to look for a texture that is smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not so sticky that it grips loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym allows you to access an interactive fitness program that isn't restricted to the equipment you use. The most effective options let you train with 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 an excellent addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and efficient way to build strength, without having to invest in complete sets of weights. The best ones come in multiple colors to indicate the amount of tension that is available, and some feature a unique safety mechanism that prevents the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
If you're looking to save money look into Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. The bands are available in a variety of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily put them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are constructed of high-quality materials that can withstand repeated stretching without losing the 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 alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.