Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase fitness equipment for home use be sure it has all the essential components for the exercises you're planning to do. A power rack and bench presses are crucial for building strength.
If you have limited space, you could opt for a smart home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer an all-body workout as well as a variety workouts in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can allow you to keep up your cardio fitness even when it's too cold, wet or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that will motivate you to get on the treadmill when you are not feeling well.
A premium treadmill, such as the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays the workout statistics, and it broadcasts high-energy classes that are led by a virtual instructor. The high cost and monthly subscription fees could be too much 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 flipped and tilted to simulate a real-life class environment, and its integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has handrails that have pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate, and quick speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that strengthens your lower and upper body, an elliptical is the way to go. These machines are perfect for a stand-alone cardio session, a warm-up, or "a full-body workout prior to strengthening exercises, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head of content, suggests you look for a treadmill that has a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals and handles that move or are stationary. Think about an elliptical that comes with an integrated sound system that can play your music. And if you're using your equipment in your living room or another public space, consider an exercise machine with a portable design that lets you move it out of sight when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for the best overall elliptical, because of its tech-savvy features, such as integration with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that helps build strength and endurance without putting too much stress on your joints. It's also low-impact compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who cannot do high-impact exercises or have an injury from which they are suffering.
Rowers are common in gyms however, they're also a fantastic piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals so they can fit into smaller spaces.
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 the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget pick with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, including training classes led by a trainer and live races between peers. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are outstanding.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space where you can exercise, a good pair of dumbbells could be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi says it's important to choose a set of dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "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 can also be easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition marketing editor, recommends a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage area. They're also compact enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells, like those made by Cap Barbell are a different option that works well in a home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is helpful when you need to move dumbbells between sets, or keep from falling equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in many ways. Studies show that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will generate the same number of calories as a six minute mile. It's crucial to find the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
stationary bikes exercise bikes are made of quality materials so that they don't rattle during swings or snatches. The handle is long to allow for a comfortable grip. If you're looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are standardized and color-coded to conform to specific competition rules.
It's best to buy a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or just a beginner. This way, you can quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell exercise that's similar to an in-person class. And you can take your kettlebells with you wherever you go, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as stylish as a rower or a smart home gym, but they can give you a full-body workout exactly as effective as other machines. They can be used for everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks with them, plus accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that are resistant to the effects of abrasion, have a low bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. The 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 allows you to lift heavy, check out this squat rack and functional trainer combo. It's fully assembled, and includes a pull-up bar and lever arms and can be upgraded with additional accessories such as landmine attachments, a dip pad, the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also has an 210-pound weight stack as well as the compact footprint is suitable for the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost the strength of your core. They can be used to do your workout at home or to take with you when traveling, make sure you choose one that's durable and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir has an inner wheel that's larger than most and handles that are comfortable but narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single one, and they will work your lower back muscles and obliques. Although it is more expensive than other models such as this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features a carbon steel spring that will last for a long time. It also has a foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The app that comes with it, which has strength workouts as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will fire up the core muscles in ways you wouldn't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is crucial to select the correct size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect fit.
The most stable stability ball comes with an incredibly supportive, thick surface and a durable exterior. They also have an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and deflating easily. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not so sticky as to attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness programs that are interactive that's not limited to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you exercise using an elliptical, treadmill and rower, and then include dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any home gym, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The most effective ones are available in different colors to indicate the tension range and some even have an safety mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched too far.
If you're on a tight budget look into Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. The bands are available in a variety of sizes from light to heavy and will meet your requirements. You can also put them in your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are made of high-quality materials that can be able to withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. These bands may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time compared to the cheaper alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They also tend to be a bit sour, which isn't ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities.