Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, make sure that it includes all the necessary parts for the exercises you plan to do. A power rack and bench presses are essentials to build strength.
If you're limited on space, you could opt for a smart home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide the full body workout and various workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness up by having a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, rainy or dark to exercise. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes, which can inspire you to take to the treadmill even if you're not feeling the best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and attractive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it streams high-energy classes led by a virtual instructor. The high price and monthly fee could be prohibitive to some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, but smart choice 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 wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons that can help you increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is excellent choice for those who want a low impact workout that will strengthen both your upper and lower body. They can be used as an individual cardio workout for warm-ups, or to "workout the entire body prior to strength training" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Look for a machine with a slouch-like stride length, either moving or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also consider an elliptical with a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public area like the living room, you might think about a machine that is mobile so you can take it out when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical, because of its tech-savvy features, such as the ability to connect to the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It is also small and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without placing too much stress on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate, and so it's a great choice for people who can't perform high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injuries.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be tucked away in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when they're not in use.
If you want a smarter rower, you should look for one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other intelligent options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a great budget pick with an 22-inch display that shows iFit workouts, as well as instructor-led rowing classes as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established space for your workout and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells is an excellent addition to any home gym. It's crucial to pick the right set to meet your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of weight sizes so that you can progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be stored easily. 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 into the majority of cubbies, says Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells, like those made by Cap Barbell, are another option that can be used in the home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is useful when you have to reposition dumbbells between sets or avoid falling equipment after an exercise.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in many ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise 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 made with quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings or take snatches. They also have a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, choose competition kettlebells that are standard and color-coded to comply with specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner or a professional athlete, it's best to purchase the complete kettlebell set. You can progress to a more intense kettlebell exercise, similar to a class person. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as flashy like a rower or smart home gym, but they give you a full-body workout equally effective as the majority of machines. You can perform everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks with them, plus accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumper plates that resist damage, have minimal bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. The ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a great all-in one home gym. It allows you to lift heavy. It's completely assembled, comes with an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms. It can also be upgraded with additional accessories such as landmine attachments, dip pads as well as a seal row pad and band pegs. It also comes with the 210-pound weight stack, and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can boost core strength. If you plan to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's simple to use and robust. This one by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than the majority, and handles that are wide but soft enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking to increase your core workouts, consider using two wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit and they target your obliques and lower back muscles. Although it is more expensive than other models the one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that will last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The companion app that includes strength training as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can assist you in strengthening your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench can't. However, choosing the right size is important as a smaller size can make exercises more difficult, and a larger one can be hard to stay on. Use exercisebikesonline to find the perfect fit.
The best stability balls feature a thick smooth, supportive texture and a durable exterior. They also feature an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it can attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym gives you access to fitness-related programming that's not limited to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you exercise using a treadmill, elliptical, and rower and add resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving method to build muscle without having to use complete sets of weights. The best ones are available in various colors to indicate the tension range and some come with an safety mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched too far.
If you're looking to save money look into Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for less than $30. The bands vary from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most needs--and you can pack them in your bag for training on the move.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials that can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may also feature anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require periodic retensioning to keep their shape. They also be a bit sour which isn't a good thing for people with allergies or sensitivities.