Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment for your home, be sure it's equipped with the right elements for the exercises you want to perform. For example a bench press and power rack are crucial equipment that will aid in building strength.
If you have a small space, consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can allow you to keep up your cardio fitness even when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to take a walk. fitness bike for sale offer streaming studio classes, which can encourage 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 must-have in any home gym. It features a large, tilting touchscreen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes supervised by an online trainer. But its high price tag and monthly subscription costs could be prohibitive for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option still packed with smart features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivot to recreate a real-world class environment, and its it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handlerails to allow heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that works your upper and lower body an elliptical machine is the ideal choice. They're great for a single cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior strengthening exercises, which helps to avoid injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head of content, suggests looking for a machine with a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or remain stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public place, such as the living room, you may be interested in a device that is mobile so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for the best overall elliptical, because of its tech-savvy features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without placing too much strain on your joints. It's also relatively low impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, so it's an ideal option for people who can't perform high-impact exercises or who have injuries from previous exercise.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals so they can fit into smaller space.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, you should look for one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts and a great 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 is a low-cost rower that has 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, including training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are also top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space where you can exercise A good set of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. It's crucial to pick a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of weights to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also simple to store. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, recommends an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage area. They're also compact enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for home gyms. They are designed to prevent rolling, which is helpful when you need to move dumbbells in between sets or to avoid falling equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in various ways. Research has shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will burn the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. It is important to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made from high-quality materials that won't shake or tip over during swings and take snatches. They also feature a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you want to compete, select kettlebells with standardized colors and markings to match specific competition regulations.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or beginner. You can progress to a more intense kettlebell workout, like a class in person. And you can carry your kettlebells wherever you go, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as stylish as a rower or a smart home gym, but they provide a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press, clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These ones from Iron Bull are a top pick, as they're made of virgin rubber that's durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in one home gym. It lets you lift weights that are heavy. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever, and can be upgraded to include other accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a small footprint that will fit into the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that will help increase the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or while on the road pick one that is user-friendly and sturdy. This one by Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than the majority, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, try the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They challenge your stability more than a single one and engage your obliques, transverse abs and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others, is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that can hold up over time. It also comes with a small pad to keep your knees comfortable. The companion app, which includes strength workouts yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball for your workouts will help you build core muscles in ways that you can't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is essential to choose the right size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls can be difficult to hold. Consult the chart of sizes to determine the right fit.
The most stable stability ball comes with a firm, supportive surface and a durable outer. They also have an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts recommend choosing the texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it can attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym enables you to connect to an interactive fitness program that is not limited to the equipment you use. The most efficient options let you exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical or a rower and then add dumbbells or kettlebells.
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 available in different colors to indicate the tension range and some come with an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes for less than $30. The bands are available in a range of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily carry them in your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials, which can endure repeated stretching without losing the elasticity or snapping. They could also have anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than cheaper alternatives. However most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to keep their shape. They also be a bit sour, which isn't ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities.