How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is a big investment, but it's often more affordable in the long run than gym memberships. Before you shop decide on the kind of exercise you'd like do and the space you have.
If you're limited on space, you can opt for smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a workout plan when you have the right equipment at home. If you're pressed for time or don't have the time drive to the gym, or don't like crowds, you can create a space in your garage or home to workout at your own pace.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that you'll likely have to spend some money to create your ideal space for training, depending on the size of your space as well as the equipment you choose to purchase. It's a good idea also, to begin with a small amount and gradually increase your equipment until you know the equipment you require.
The best equipment for your home gym needs to provide a variety of exercises for the major muscle groups. A power rack, for instance is a key piece of equipment for strength that lets you bench press, do pulldowns with lats and squats. A lot of units, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact without the loss of durability and performance. It has a 2-post profile that reduces the footprint, and is compatible with a variety of optional attachments that increase its capacity.
You can also maximize space by selecting equipment that can be stacked such as the TRX system. Designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield These portable suspension trainers are an ideal way to get a full-body exercise while on the move. exercise cycle bike can be folded down and nestled to reduce space. Some even come with attachments that focus on specific muscles or provide additional resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibrating plate which can be used to boost bodyweight workouts and offer a new challenge for advanced lifters. The AXV Vibration Plate, for example, has an adjustable remote control with 120 speed settings, which allows you to customize your experience. It can also be paired with resistance bands to target different muscle groups or a bungee cord to add an element of active movement.
Capacity for Weight
Home gym equipment may vary in size from a simple power tower to a fully smart home gym, but regardless of what kind of machine you choose the weight capacity must be sufficient to allow you to perform many different exercises. Beginners can start with a basic set of dumbbells or barbells for building upper body strength. They also work the back muscles. If you are a serious lifter then consider a heavy power rack that can hold large dumbbells and various other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad and more.
If you have a tiny garage, you may be interested in an adjustable bench. This allows you to perform decline and incline press exercises without taking up too much space. A bench with a flat surface can also work, but you'll need to add in barbells or dumbbells when you're looking to do isolation exercises like chest presses or Bicep curls.
If you're interested in functional training and want to improve your fitness, then a plate stack functional trainer is an ideal piece of equipment for you. This type of machine is designed to target multiple muscle groups simultaneously using a combination of squats, bench presses, and pull ups. The most effective functional trainers provide a range of options such as cable attachments that let you perform flyes and triceps pushdowns and the ability to change the amount of resistance at your own discretion.
It might seem obvious, but the equipment you choose will have a significant impact on how enjoyable and effective your workouts are. You'll want to make sure that the equipment you purchase is made of high-quality materials that are resistant to the demands of daily use. Especially for the budget-conscious buyers, it's crucial to select the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't break down after a few uses.
If you're on the tightest budget, you should consider investing in home gyms that are a mix of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This type of home gym offers a great total-body workout and will save you the most money in the long run.
Versatility
If you have a dedicated space for a gym at home or plan to train in your living room there are plenty of options to fit your fitness goals and budget. To narrow your search begin by determining how much room you have in your home and the exercises you'd like to concentrate on most. Then, think about what kind of equipment would best meet your needs. For instance, an all-in-one machine like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym offers user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises in an area smaller than that of a queen-sized mattress. exercise bikes can be folded up and tucked away to make more space.
If you're looking to stay within a budget, then consider resistance bands. They can be used for strength training and stretching as well as being small and easy to carry around. These can also be an excellent addition to your existing set-up for example, adding light resistance bands to a dumbbell set, or pairing them with a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat is another must-have for a well-rounded home gym that provides a firm mat for workouts that require standing and decreasing the chance of sliding or falling off. The majority of mats are lightweight and portable, so they can be easily stored when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can add flexibility to your home fitness center. You can do exercises like bench presses and rowing with dumbbells while sitting, adjusting the weights based on your fitness levels.
Smart home equipment for fitness, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center at home. It provides a variety of exercise programs that are guided with a small footprint. exercise bicycle 's also simple to navigate and compatible with many different monitors and TVs.
A great value home gym, such as the REP PR-4000 is a versatile workout machine that supports Nordic hamstring curls glute ham raises, 45-degree back extensions, and hip thrusts. It can accommodate users as tall as 7 feet and comes with 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different than it was in the past. Some brands have sleek designs that integrate with wellness apps that appeal to those who value both aesthetics and functions. Other equipment is so advanced it could almost replace an exercise session (and monitor and adjust to improve fitness).
We've seen an increase in the number of home gyms that are both affordable and compact. We like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set workouts and a short stride, making it perfect for people who reside in apartments or other restricted spaces that don't have room for bulky machines.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another smart home fitness option that we like. This full-trainer is compact but powerful enough to train your entire body. It also comes with two doors to keep it from children or pets. The Torque also has a wood grain look to add to the aesthetics of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack to your home gym if you want an option that goes beyond tracking your progress. These equipments let you lift heavy weights in a variety moves that help you build endurance and strength. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but will increase in price based on your customizations. It is also easy to use and has a strong design, which is essential for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home-gym setup is complete without the essentials that include dumbbells and a stool. A standard bench is available in any home-supply store but we suggest purchasing one that's designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been modified to allow for more home workouts. They come with the rubberized coating as well as a moderate knurl that prevents your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.