Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, ensure it has all the requisite components for the exercises you'd like do. A power rack and bench press are essentials for building strength.
For those with limited space, think about a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a complete body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness level up by having a treadmill at your home when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes, which can inspire you to take to the treadmill even when you're not feeling the best.
A premium treadmill, such as the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats and high-energy streamed classes guided by a virtual trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription costs could be too much for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be adjusted and angled to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also has handrails that have pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is great option for those looking for an exercise that is low-impact and will work both your upper and lower bodies. They can be used as an individual cardio workout for warm-ups, or to "workout your entire body prior to exercise" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a bike that has a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or sit stationary. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system to play your music. And if you're using your equipment in your living room or another public space, consider the option of an adjustable design that lets you move it out of sight when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the most effective elliptical. It is also small, 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 great cardio workout for your entire body, which will build endurance and strength without putting excessive strain on your joints. It's 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 an injury that is already present.
Rowers are common in gyms however they're also a fantastic piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be incorporated into smaller space.
If you want a smarter rower, choose one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides 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 class). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option with an 22-inch display that shows iFit workouts, including instructor-led rowing classes as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are also top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space for your workout then a 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 have a variety of sizes of weights, so that you can advance and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, recommends an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage area. They are also short enough to fit in most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for a home gym. Their rounded shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which can be helpful when you need to move them around between sets or avoid flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of equipment for workouts that can will help you burn calories at an impressive rate. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise can generate as much energy as a 6-minute mile. It's important to choose the right set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed with quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings or grabs. They also have a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you want to compete, pick kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that match competition rules.
It is best to purchase kettlebells that are complete, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. You can progress to a high level kettlebell exercise, similar to a class in person. You can also carry your kettlebells anywhere, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as glamorous as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver an all-body exercise that is as effective as other machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks with them and accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift with ease. These ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of virgin rubber that's durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift weights that are heavy. It is fully assembled, with lever arms and a pull-up, and can be upgraded to include additional accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also comes with a 210-pound weight stack and the compact footprint is suitable for most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also help increase the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or on the road, choose one that is user-friendly and durable. This one by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than most, and handles that are wide but plush enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you want to take your core workouts to the next level, you should try the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they work your lower back and obliques. Although they are more expensive than some models such as this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features a carbon steel spring that is able to withstand the test of time. It also has a small pad to ensure your knees are in good condition. The app that comes with it that has strength-training exercises, yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. static bike for sale
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will help you build core muscles in ways that you won't get from barbell or a bench, Braun says. However, choosing the right size is essential; a smaller one can make exercises more difficult, while larger ones are difficult to keep on. Consult a sizing chart to find the perfect size.
The best stability ball has a thick, supportive surface and a durable outer. They also feature an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating easily. Experts say to look for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it binds loose hairs or draws the lint.
A smart home gym enables users to access an interactive fitness program that is not limited to your equipment. The best options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill as well as a rower. You can also add in dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands make a great addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and efficient way to build strength without having to invest in full sets of weights. The best ones come in a variety of colors that indicate the range of tension, and some feature a unique safety mechanism that keeps them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're on a tight budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for under $30. These bands are available in a variety of sizes from light to heavy which means they'll meet most requirements. You can even put them in your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are made from high-quality materials, that can withstand repeated stretching without losing the elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time compared to cheaper alternatives. The majority of resistance bands must be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They can smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for people who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.