Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, ensure it's equipped with the right elements for the exercises you'd like to do. A power rack and bench presses are essentials to build strength.
If you're limited on space, you can opt for a smart home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as numerous workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness even when it's cold, wet or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes that can motivate you to take to the machine even when you're not feeling the best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning build that make it a showstopper in any home gym. It has a large, tilting touchscreen for fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes supervised by a virtual trainer. The high cost and monthly subscription fees could be too much for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, yet smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivot to create a realistic class setting, and the integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has 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 works your lower and upper body, an elliptical is the best choice. 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 injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Find a bike with a slouch-like stride length, either moving or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also consider an elliptical with a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you may want to consider a machine that is portable, so you can take it out when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical, because of its advanced features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact, and has a 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 stress on joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who can't perform high-impact workouts or have a pre-existing injury.
They are common in gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller space.
If you want a smarter rower, you should look for one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic warranty however it doesn't come with the advanced features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower with 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, such as training classes for rowers led by trainers as well as live peer-topeer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are outstanding.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space for your workout and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells will be an excellent addition to any home gym. Zocchi advises you to choose dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "A general rule of thumb is that you want to own a range of weight sizes so that you can advance and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also easy to store. For instance an assortment of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage space and are small enough to fit into most cubbies, according to Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a good option for an at-home gym. Their blocked shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them between sets or dodge the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in a variety of ways. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can burn as many calories as running a mile for six minutes. It is important to select the right set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of quality materials so that they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. They also feature a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you want to compete, select kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that conform to specific competition regulations.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, it's a good idea to invest in the complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's similar to a class in person. You can carry your kettlebells everywhere, even when you're during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they can give you a full-body workout exactly as effective as other machines. You can perform everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks with them, plus accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a small bounce, and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of natural rubber that is strong and able to withstand many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a great all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift heavy. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever, and can be upgraded to include additional accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound stack of weights, and a compact footprint to fit the majority of workout areas.
7. exercise bicycle can be an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. If you want to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's easy to use and durable. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's thicker than the majority and handles that are plush but narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to improve your core fitness, consider using two wheels that work together. They will test your stability more than a single unit and work your obliques the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. Although they are more expensive than some models the one is from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features carbon steel springs that holds up over time. It also comes with a small foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The companion app, which includes strength workouts yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will fire up the muscles of your core in ways you can't get from a bench or barbells, Braun says. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Consult a sizing chart to determine the ideal fit.
The most stable stability ball comes with a thick, supportive surface and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest choosing the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it can attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym will give you access to interactive fitness programming that isn't limited to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you exercise using an elliptical, treadmill as well as a rower. You can also add in resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any home gym, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones come in multiple colors to indicate the amount of tension that is available, and some feature a unique safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're on a tight budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for just $30. These bands range from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most needs--and you can pack them in your bag to train on the move.
The most durable bands are constructed of high-quality materials that are able to withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also have reinforced seams on the 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 be a bit sour, which isn't ideal for people with sensitivities or allergies.