Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase a fitness equipment for home use be sure it has all the essential elements for the exercises that you plan to do. For example the power rack and bench press are crucial equipment that will help you build strength.
If you have limited space, you could opt for a home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as various workouts within a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, rainy or dark to exercise. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes, which can encourage you to step on the machine even when you're not feeling your best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and attractive design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen that displays workout stats, and it also streams high-energy classes taught by an instructor online. The price is high and the monthly subscription fee may be prohibitive to some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has handrails with pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is great option for those looking for a low impact workout that will strengthen both your lower and upper body. They're great for a single cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior to strengthening exercises, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Look for a machine that offers a comfortable stride length, moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Think about an elliptical that comes with a built-in sound system for your music. And if you're using your equipment in your living room or any other public spaces, you should consider an exercise machine with a portable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, which is a great choice with its advanced features and compatibility with iFIT's live as well as on-demand workouts, is our pick for the best overall elliptical. It's also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio exercise for the entire body, which will build endurance and strength, without putting excessive stress on joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that increase your heart rate, and so it's a great choice for those who aren't able to perform high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injuries.
Rowers are common in gyms however they're also an excellent piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, and therefore can be placed in smaller space.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, opt for one that has touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic assurance, but it does not have the smart features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower with 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, including rowing classes led by trainers as well as live peer-topper races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space to do your workouts and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells could be an ideal addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi says it's important to choose dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "A general rule of thumb is that you want to own a range of weights so that you can advance and regress as you need to."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. For example, a set of 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 most cubbies, recommends Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those from Cap Barbell, are another option that work well in the home gym. Their blocked shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is beneficial when you have to move them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can will help you burn calories at a high rate. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn as many calories as running a mile for six minutes. It's crucial to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed using high-quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings and snatches. They also feature a large handle window for comfortable gripping. If you want to compete, choose kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match competition regulations.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, it's best to invest in a complete kettlebell set. You can begin to build up to a high level kettlebell exercise, like a class in person. You can also carry your kettlebells wherever you go, 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 other machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumper plates that are resistant to damage, are low in bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These 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 heavy. It's fully assembled, includes a pull-up bar and lever arms. home gym workout equipment can also be upgraded with additional accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads, the seal row pad, and band pegs. 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 simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that will help increase core strength. If you plan to use them at home or on the road, choose one that is easy to use and sturdy. This one from Vinsguir has a central wheel that's thicker than the majority and handles that are comfortable but slim enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to increase your core fitness, consider using two wheels that work in tandem. They test your stability more than a single unit and work your obliques the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others, is built to last and features carbon-steel springs that stand the test of time. It also has a small pad to keep your knees comfortable. The companion app that offers strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will assist you in strengthening your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench will not. It is essential to choose the right size. A smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out a sizing chart in order to determine the ideal size.
The best stability balls feature a thick, supportive texture and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts advise looking for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it binds 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 most efficient options let you train on a treadmill, rower, elliptical and add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving method to build strength without having to invest in complete sets of weights. The best ones are available with a variety of colors to show the amount of tension that is available, and some feature a unique security mechanism that stops the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
If you're on a tight budget, consider Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for less than $30. These bands are available in a variety of sizes from light to heavy which means they'll meet most requirements. You can even put them in your bag to train on the go.
The top bands are made from high-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their 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. Most resistance bands have to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They also tend to smell heavily of latex, which isn't ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities.