Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it has all the requisite parts for all the exercises you'd like perform. For example, a bench press and power rack are vital equipment that can aid in building strength.
If you're limited on space, you can opt for a high-quality home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide a full-body workout and numerous workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that will motivate you to get on the treadmill when you are not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning construction that makes it an absolute showpiece 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. But its high price tag and monthly subscription costs could be too much for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, yet smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be rotated and angled to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons that can help you 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 ideal choice. They are ideal for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which helps prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Choose a model with a slouch-like stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Think about an elliptical that comes with an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you plan to use your equipment in a public space, such as the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is portable so you can move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for best overall elliptical because of its tech-savvy features, such as integration with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It is also small, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio exercise for the entire body that builds strength and endurance, without putting excessive stress on joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, so it's an ideal option for those who aren't able to perform intense exercise or have pre-existing injuries.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They're also great 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, choose one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic warranty however it doesn't offer the features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget pick with an 22-inch display that shows iFit workouts, including training classes led by a trainer and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established area for your workouts then a set of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. It's important to select a set that matches your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "As an overall rule you should have a variety of sizes of weights to allow you to increase and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, recommends an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage area. workout cycle bike enough to fit in most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those from Cap Barbell are a different option that work well in the home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is useful when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets, or keep from flying equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of equipment for workouts that can will help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies have shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will produce the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. It's crucial to select the right set that is 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 large to allow for a comfortable grip. If you prefer competing, choose competition kettlebells that are standardized and color-coded to conform to specific competition rules.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, you should invest in the complete kettlebell set. You can begin to build up to a higher level kettlebell exercise, similar to a class person. And you can carry your kettlebells everywhere, even when you're on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms, however, they offer a full body workout that is just as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumper plates that are resistant to the effects of abrasion, have a low bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with natural rubber that is durable and can endure a lot of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that allows you to lift heavy, consider this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combo. It's fully assembled, includes an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms. It can also be upgraded with additional accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads, a seal row pad and band pegs. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and the compact footprint is suitable for the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can increase the strength of your core. If you're looking for them to do your workout at home or to carry when traveling, make sure you choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir has an inner wheel that's larger than the majority and handles that are comfortable but narrow enough to comfortably fit your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, you should try a pair of ab roller wheels that work together. They test your stability more than a single unit and engage your obliques, the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. While pricier 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 has a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The companion app that offers strength workouts as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will aid in working your core muscles in a manner that a barbell or bench cannot. But picking the right size is crucial as a smaller size could make exercises more difficult and larger ones can be hard to stay on. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect fit.
The best stability balls have a thick smooth, supportive texture and a tough exterior. The material is anti-burst which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts advise looking for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it grips loose hairs or attracts the lint.
A smart home gym gives you access to fitness programs that are interactive that's not limited to the equipment you own. The best options let you train with a treadmill, elliptical and rower, and then add resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any home gym and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with huge sets of free weights. The best ones are made available in a variety of colors to show the range of tension, and some have a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched too far.
If you're looking to save money, consider Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for under $30. They are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily put them into your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They could also have anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to keep their shape. They can smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.