Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to invest in workout equipment for your home, ensure it's equipped with the right components for the exercises you'd like to perform. For instance a bench press and power rack are essentials that will help you build strength.
If you have limited space, you can opt for a home fitness center like Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as a variety workouts in small footprints.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness when it's too cold, wet or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes that can inspire you to step on the treadmill even if you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill, such as the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It comes with a huge tilting screen for fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes supervised by a virtual trainer. The price is high and the monthly fee could be prohibitive to some users.
For a budget-friendly option that's nevertheless packed with features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be adjusted and angled to simulate a class. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run anywhere on the planet (requires iFit membership). workout cycle bike includes handrails that have pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that strengthens your upper and lower body an elliptical is the best choice. They can be used as an exercise that is not a separate one for warm-ups, or to "workout the entire body before strength training" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, recommends looking for a treadmill with a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or are stationary. Also, consider an elliptical that has a a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public space, such as the living room, you may be interested in a device that is mobile so you can move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the most effective elliptical. It's also compact and comes with an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic exercise that builds 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, which is why it's an ideal option for those who aren't able to do high-impact exercise or who have injuries from previous exercise.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They are 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 not being used.
If you're looking for a smarter model, choose one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that comes with classic workouts and a long-lasting warranty, but it lacks the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option that has an 22-inch display that shows iFit workouts, which include trainer-led rowing classes and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space for your workout A good set of dumbbells can be an excellent addition to your home gym. Zocchi says it's important to pick a set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "A general rule of general application is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can advance and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition marketing editor, suggests an item similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage space. They're also compact enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those from Cap Barbell, are another option that work well in a home gym. Their blocked shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which is beneficial when you have to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of equipment for workouts that can helps you burn calories at an impressive rate. Research has shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout will produce the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It's important to choose an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, to ensure they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. They also feature a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you want to compete, select kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match competition regulations.
If you're a beginner, or a professional athlete, it's best to purchase the complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's similar to an in-person class. And you can take your kettlebells with you anywhere, even during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as flashy as a rower or a smart home gym, but they give you a full-body workout exactly as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press and clean and jerks, as well as accessories such as biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a minimal bounce, and fit snugly onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with virgin rubber, which is durable and can withstand many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a great all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift a lot of weight. It comes fully assembled with lever arms and a pull-up and is able to be upgraded to add other accessories like landmine attachments. It also has the 210-pound weight stack, and the compact footprint is suitable for most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. If you intend to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's simple to use and sturdy. This model from Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than others of them, and handles that are large but soft enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you're looking to increase your core fitness, consider using a pair of wheels that work together. They test your stability more than a single one and will work your obliques transverse abs and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models, is built to last and has a carbon-steel spring that will last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The companion app that includes strength training, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball for your workouts will help you build the core muscles in ways you can't get from a barbell or bench, Braun says. However, choosing the right size is essential; a smaller one will make exercises more difficult, while a larger one can be difficult to maintain. Check out home gym workout equipment in order to find the perfect fit.
The most stable stability balls have a firm, supportive texture and a durable exterior. They also feature an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts suggest selecting a texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not so sticky as to attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym allows users to access interactive fitness programming, which is not limited to the equipment you use. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym , providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with huge sets of free weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some come with an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are 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. These bands are available in a variety of weights ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They could also have handles or anchor points with reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than lesser alternatives. However most resistance bands require periodic retensioning to maintain their shape. They are known to smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.