Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, make sure it's got all the necessary parts for all the exercises you'd like to perform. A bench press and power rack are essentials for building strength.
Those with limited space can consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a complete body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness level up by having a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, wet or dark to exercise. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can motivate you to use the machine when you are not feeling well.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen for workout stats and high-energy streamed classes supervised by a virtual trainer. The price is high and the monthly fee could be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly model 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 environment. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also features pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons that can help you increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a excellent choice for those seeking an exercise that is low-impact and will work both lower and upper body. These machines can be used as a standalone cardio session, as a warm-up or to "workout the entire body prior to strength training" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests you look for a machine that has a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or are stationary. Also consider an elliptical with an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public area, such as the living room, you might be interested in a device that is portable, so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, such as the ability to connect to the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to exercise without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio workout that builds strength and endurance without putting too much strain on joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate, so it's a great option for those who cannot do high-impact exercise or have pre-existing injuries.
You'll find rowers in most gyms however, they're also a great piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals which means they can be incorporated into smaller areas.
If you're looking for a smarter model, choose one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality guarantee however it doesn't offer the features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. you can find out more is an excellent budget option that has a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, which include instructor-led rowing classes as well as live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space where you can exercise, a good pair of dumbbells could be a great addition to your home gym. Zocchi suggests that you select the right set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of weights so that you can progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also simple to store. For instance, a set of rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage area and are short enough to fit in most cubbies, according to Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are also a great option for home gyms. Their rounded shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which is helpful when you need to move them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in many ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise can produce as much calories as a 6-minute mile. It's crucial to find the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built from high-quality materials that won't shake or tip over during swings and grabs. The handle is long to provide an easy grip. If you prefer competing, choose competition kettlebells that are standardized and color-coded to conform to specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells in a complete set, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. You can build up to a higher level kettlebell exercise, similar to a class person. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. You can perform everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench press exercises and clean and jerks with them, plus accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that resist damage, have minimal bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. These ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a great all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift heavy. It's fully assembled, includes a pull-up bar and lever arms. It can also be upgraded by adding other accessories like landmine attachments, a dip pad as well as the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and a compact footprint that fits the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. Whether you need them for a workout at home or to carry on your travels, you should choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority of them, and handles that are wide but comfortable enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you want to take your core workouts to the next level, consider a pair of ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single one, and they work your lower back muscles and obliques. Although it is more expensive than other models the one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be long-lasting and has carbon steel springs that will last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The application that comes with it, which has strength workouts as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will help you to work your core muscles in a way that a barbell or bench can't. It is important to choose the right size. A smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls are difficult to hold. Consult a sizing chart to determine the ideal size.
The best stability ball features a thick, supportive surface as well as a tough outer. They also have an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and deflating easily. Experts advise looking for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it sticks to loose hairs or draws lint.
A smart home gym will allow users to access an interactive fitness program that is not limited to your equipment. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical and rower, and then add in dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and efficient way to build muscle without having to use complete sets of weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors that indicate the tension range and some have a unique security mechanism that stops the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
If you're on a budget, consider Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for just $30. These bands range from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most requirements. You can even put them in your bag for training on the move.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials that are able to stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity with time compared to the cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not a good choice for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.