Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, be sure it's got all the necessary elements for the exercises you'd like to perform. A power rack and bench press are essentials for building strength.
If you are limited in space, you can go for a smart home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide a full-body workout and a variety workouts in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can allow you to maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to go for a run. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that can encourage you to get on the treadmill even when you're not feeling well.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a must-have in any home gym. It features a large tilting screen for fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes supervised by an online trainer. However, its high cost and monthly subscription cost may be too much 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. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also includes handrails that have pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a great option for those who want a low impact workout that will strengthen both your upper and lower body. These machines are perfect for a stand-alone cardio session, a warm-up, or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which can help prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Choose a model that has a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public area, such as the living room, you may think about a machine that is portable so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live as well as on-demand workouts, is our choice for the most effective elliptical. It is also compact, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic exercise that helps build strength and endurance without putting too much stress on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other workouts that increase your heart rate, and so it's a great option for those who cannot do high-impact exercise or have pre-existing injuries.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, and therefore can be placed in smaller areas.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, go for one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that comes with classic workouts and a great warranty, but it's missing the features that make other smart options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option that has a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, including instructor-led rowing classes as well as live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space for your workout and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi advises you to select a set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of general application is to have a variety of sizes of weights, so that you can progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also easily stored. Kelli McGrane Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, suggests an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take up much space in your storage space. They are also short enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are also a great option for home gyms. Their rounded shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which can be beneficial when you have to move them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of exercise equipment that can helps you burn calories at a high rate. Studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout will burn the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. However, it is important to choose the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of high-quality materials so that they don't rattle when you swing or grab. They also have a wide handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, pick kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings to match specific competition rules.
It is best to purchase a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or a beginner. This way, you'll be able to easily progress to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to a class in person. And you can take your kettlebells with you everywhere, even when you're on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as flashy like a rower or smart home gym, but they provide a full-body workout that's equally effective as the majority of machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press and clean and jerks, to accessories such as biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that are resistant to damage, have minimal bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These bumpers from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and withstands a variety of drops without cracking.
To get a home gym that allows you to lift heavy, try this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combination. It's fully assembled, includes a pull-up bar and lever arms, and can be upgraded with other accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads, the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also comes with an 210-pound weight stack as well as an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that can increase core strength. If you're looking for them to do your workout at home or to take when traveling, make sure you choose one that's durable and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir features an inner wheel that's larger than the majority and handles that are plush but still narrow enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you want to take your core exercise routine to the next level, try a pair of ab roller wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single one, and they target your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models it is built to last and has carbon-steel springs that stand the test of time. It also has a foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it, that has strength-training exercises as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your muscles in a way that a bench or a barbell can't. But picking the right size is important as a smaller size can make exercises more difficult, and a larger one can be difficult to keep on. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect fit.
The best stability balls have a thick smooth, supportive texture and an extremely durable exterior. They also feature an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts suggest selecting a texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it attracts hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym will allow you to access the latest fitness programs that isn't limited to your equipment. The most effective options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill, and rower and add in resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They provide a versatile and space-saving way to build strength, without the need to purchase full sets of weights. The best ones come in multiple colors to indicate the amount of tension that is available and some have an exclusive security mechanism that stops the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
If you're on a tight budget look into Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for just $30. The bands are available in a range of weights ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag for training on the go.
The most durable bands are made of high-quality materials, which can withstand 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 their elasticity with time than less expensive options. Most resistance bands have to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities.