Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment for your home, make sure it's got all the necessary components for the exercises you'd like to do. For instance a power rack and bench press are vital equipment that can help you build strength.
Those with limited space can look into a home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, wet, or dark to run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes that can encourage you to take to the treadmill even when you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful build that make it a standout in any home gym. It features a large, tilting touchscreen for fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes guided by a virtual trainer. The high cost and monthly fee could be prohibitive to 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 rotated and angled to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk anywhere on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons that can help you increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that strengthens your lower and upper body an elliptical is the ideal choice. These machines can be used as a standalone cardio session to warm up, or to "workout your entire body prior to strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Look for a machine with a slouch-like stride length, either moving or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system to play your music. If you're using the equipment in your living room or any other public spaces, think about a machine with a portable design that lets you take it away when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for best overall elliptical because of its tech-savvy features, such as integration with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has a quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic exercise that builds endurance and strength without placing too much stress on your joints. It is also low-impact, when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who cannot do high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injury.
They are common in gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals so they can fit into smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, choose one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it's missing the features that make other smart options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower that has 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, such as rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are also top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established space for your workout then a set of dumbbells is an excellent addition to any home gym. Zocchi advises you to pick the right set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "As a rule of thumb you should have a variety of weights sizes that allow you to advance and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition marketing editor, suggests an item similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage space. They are also short enough to fit into the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those made by Cap Barbell are a different option that work well in a home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is beneficial when you need to move dumbbells between sets, or keep from falling equipment after an exercise.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of equipment for workouts that can helps you burn calories at a high rate. Studies have shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will generate the same number of calories as a 6 minute mile. It's important to choose the right set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed of top quality materials, to ensure they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. They also have a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you like to compete, choose kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match competition regulations.
It is recommended to purchase a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll easily progress to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to a live class. You can also carry your kettlebells anywhere, even during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver full body workout that is just as effective as a lot of machines. They can be used for everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks with them and accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Look for bumper plates that are resistant to damage, are low in bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These bumpers from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed from virgin rubber that's tough and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift heavy. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and is able to be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also comes with an 210-pound weight stack as well as an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or on the road pick one that is simple to use and robust. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's thicker than most and handles that are soft but narrow enough to comfortably fit your hands.
If you want to take your core exercise routine to the next level, you should try a pair of ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they will work your obliques and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that will last for a long time. It also comes with a small foam pad that ensures your knees are 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
Using an exercise ball for your workouts can help to energize the core muscles in ways you wouldn't get from a barbell or bench, Braun says. However, choosing the right size is crucial as a smaller size will make exercises more difficult and larger ones can be difficult to maintain. Look up the chart of sizes to determine the perfect size.
The best stability ball has an incredibly supportive, thick surface as well as a tough outer. They also feature an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating easily. Experts suggest looking for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it binds loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym will allow users to access the latest fitness programs that isn't limited to your equipment. The best options allow you to train on a treadmill rower, elliptical or a rower and then add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands make a great addition to any home gym. They provide a versatile and space-saving method to build strength without having to invest in the entire set of weights. The best ones are available in various colors to indicate the range of tension, and some have an safety mechanism that stops them from snapping when overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes under $30. These bands are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily carry them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are constructed of high-quality materials that can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to less expensive alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They can smell strongly of latex, which is not a good choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.