Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment for home use be sure it includes all the necessary components for the exercises you're planning to do. A power rack and bench press are essentials for building strength.
If you have limited space, you can opt for a home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as various workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness even when it's too cold, wet or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes, which can inspire you to take to the treadmill even when you're not feeling the best.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen that displays the workout statistics, and it broadcasts high-energy classes led by a virtual instructor. But its high price tag and monthly subscription fee could be too expensive 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 recreate a real-world class environment, and its integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails that have pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is excellent choice for those seeking a low impact workout that will work both your upper and lower body. They're great for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior to strengthening exercises, which helps to avoid injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Choose a model that offers a comfortable stride length, either moving or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, consider an elliptical that has a a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you're using the equipment in the living room or any other public space, consider the option of an adjustable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live as well as on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the best overall elliptical. It is also small and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic exercise that helps build endurance and strength without placing too much strain on joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's a great option for those who cannot do high-impact exercise or who have injuries from previous exercise.
They are common in gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment . They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals so they fit into smaller spaces and require less floor space when being used.
If you're looking for a better rower, look for one that has a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great warranty however, it doesn't come with the advanced features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option with a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, which include instructor-led rowing classes as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated area for your workouts and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells will be a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi says it's important to choose dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "As a rule of thumb, you should have a variety of sizes of weights to allow you to increase and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells are also easily stored. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, suggests a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage area. They're also small enough to fit in most cubbies.
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 can be helpful when you need to move them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of equipment for workouts that can helps you burn calories at a rapid rate. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can produce as much calories as running a mile for six minutes. It's crucial to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak during swings or snatches. The handle is large to provide a comfortable grip. If you prefer competing, choose competition kettlebells that are standardized and color-coded to match particular competition regulations.
It's best to buy kettlebells that are complete, whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's comparable to a class in person. You can take your kettlebells with you anywhere, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms however they provide a full body workout that is just as effective as a lot of machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumper plates that resist damage, have minimal bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. The ones from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and withstands plenty 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 a pull-up and lever arms and is able to be upgraded to include additional accessories like landmine attachments. It also comes with an 210-pound weight stack as well as a compact footprint that fits most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's simple to use and sturdy. This model by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than the majority models, and handles that are large but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, try an ab roller with two wheels that work in tandem. They will test your stability more than a single unit and engage your obliques, transverse abs, and lower back muscles. Although it is more expensive than other models such as this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be long-lasting and has a carbon steel spring that will last for a long time. It also has a foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The companion app that includes strength training, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will help you build core muscles in ways that you can't get from a bench or barbells, Braun says. It is crucial to select the right size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Consult a chart of sizes to find the ideal size.
The most stable stability balls have a thick smooth, supportive texture and an extremely durable exterior. They also come with an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts suggest choosing a texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not so sticky that it can attract hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym will allow users to access the latest fitness programs that isn't limited to your equipment. The best options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill and rower, and then include dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any gym at home and offer a variety of ways 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.
Iron Bull Strength comes with six tubes that cost less than $30. They are available in a range of weights, from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily put them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The top bands are made of high-quality materials that are able to endure repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity with time compared to less expensive alternatives. However most resistance bands require periodic retensioning to maintain their shape. They also emit a strong smell of latex which isn't the best choice for people with allergies or sensitivities.