Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, make sure it's got all the necessary parts for all the exercises you'd like perform. A power rack and bench press are vital to build strength.
Those with limited space can think about a home gym like Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of exercises and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help you maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to run. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that can inspire you to get on the treadmill even when you're 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 features a large tilting touchscreen that displays fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes that are guided by an online trainer. The high cost and monthly subscription fee 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 pivot to simulate a real-life class setting, and the it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails that have pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate, and quick speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that will strengthen your lower and upper body an elliptical is the best choice. They are ideal for a cardio session on their own or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests looking for a bike with a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals and handles that move or sit stationary. Look into an elliptical with a an integrated sound system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public area like the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is portable, so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical due to of its tech-savvy features, including integration with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It is also compact, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that helps build strength and endurance without putting too much stress on your joints. It is also low-impact, in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who can't perform high-impact workouts or have a an injury from which they are suffering.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, and therefore can be placed in smaller areas.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, choose one that has a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic warranty however it doesn't come with the advanced features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower that has a 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, which include training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-topper races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space to do your workouts, a good pair of dumbbells is a great addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi advises you to choose the right set of dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "As a rule of thumb, you should have a range of weight sizes to allow you to progress and slow down your workouts if necessary."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. For example an assortment of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage area and are long enough to fit into most cubbies, according to Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are also a good option for home gyms. Their rounded shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which can be useful when you need to move them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in many ways. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise can burn as many calories as running a mile for six minutes. But it's important to find kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of high-quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing them or grab them. The handle is wide to provide an ergonomic grip. If you are looking to compete, choose competition kettlebells that are color-coded and standardized to match particular competition regulations.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or a beginner. You can begin to build up to a high level kettlebell workout that is similar to a class person. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver an all-body exercise that is as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that are resistant to damage, are low in bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of pure rubber, which is tough and can withstand many drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a great all-in one home gym. It lets you lift a lot of weight. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and can be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound pile of weights and a small footprint that will fit into the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can increase the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's user-friendly and sturdy. This model from Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than others of them, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercises to the next level, consider an ab roller with two wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit, and they work your lower back muscles and obliques. Although they are more expensive than some models the one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that is able to withstand the test of time. It also includes a small cushion to keep your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it, which includes strength workouts as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your muscles in a way that a bench or barbell will not. However, picking the right size is crucial because a smaller ball will make exercises more difficult, and a larger one can be difficult to maintain. Check out Exercise Bikes Online in order to find the perfect fit.
The best stability ball has a firm, supportive surface and a durable outer. They also come with an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and deflating easily. Experts recommend choosing a texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky as to attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym gives you access to fitness programs that are interactive that isn't limited to the equipment you have. The most efficient options let you exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical and add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent 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 most effective ones are available in a variety of colors to show the tension range, and some have a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're on a budget look into Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for under $30. These bands vary from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most needs--and you can pack them in your bag for training on the move.
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 have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time compared to less expensive alternatives. The majority of resistance bands must be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They are known to smell strongly of latex, which is not a good choice for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.