Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment for home use, make sure that it includes all the necessary elements for the exercises that you're planning to do. A power rack and bench press are vital for building strength.
If you're limited on space, you could opt for a smart home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide the full body workout and numerous workouts within the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home when it's too cold, wet or dark to run. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes, which can inspire you to step on the treadmill even if you're not feeling the best.
A premium treadmill, such as the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large, tilting touchscreen for workout stats and high-energy streamed classes that are guided by an online trainer. The high price and monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive to some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option nonetheless packed with advanced 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 you to walk or run anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also has handrails with pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your lower and upper body an elliptical is the way to go. They are ideal for a stand-alone cardio session as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which helps to avoid injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests looking for a bike that has a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals and handles that move or sit stationary. Look into an elliptical with a an integrated sound system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you might be interested in a device that is portable so you can move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for the best overall elliptical, because of its tech-savvy features, including integration with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. cycle workout bike '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 cardio exercise that builds endurance and strength without placing too much strain on your joints. It is also low-impact, in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who can't do intense exercises or have a an injury from which they are suffering.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals which means they can be incorporated into smaller areas.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, go for one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality warranty however, it doesn't have the smart features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower that comes with 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, such as training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to do your workouts A good set of dumbbells can be a great addition to your home gym. It's important to select a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "As an overall rule, you should have a variety of weights sizes that allow you to increase and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition marketing editor, recommends a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take up much space in your storage space. They are also short enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells, like those from Cap Barbell, are another option that can be used in a home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is useful when you need to relocate dumbbells in between sets or to avoid flying equipment after an exercise.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in various ways. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate as much energy as running a six-minute mile. It is important to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, so that they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. They also feature a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, pick kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings to match specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, it's a good idea to invest in the complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's comparable to a live class. You can carry your kettlebells everywhere, even when you're when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as stylish as a rower or smart home gym, but they give you a full-body workout exactly as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press and clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls or good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of pure rubber, which is durable and can withstand many drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, consider this squat rack and functional trainer combo. It is fully assembled, with lever arms and a pull-up and can be upgraded to include other accessories such as landmine attachments. It also has the 210-pound weight stack, and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. If you plan to use them at home or while on the road, choose one that is user-friendly and durable. This one from Vinsguir features an inner wheel that's larger than the majority and handles that are soft but still narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you want to take your core exercises to the next level, try a pair of ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit, and they work your lower back and obliques. While pricier than some models such as this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that will last for a long time. It also includes a small cushion to ensure your knees are in good condition. The application that comes with it that has strength-training exercises yoga flow, strength workouts and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can assist you in strengthening your muscles in a way that a bench or barbell can't. It is essential to choose the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Look up a chart of sizes to determine the ideal size.
The best stability ball has a firm, supportive surface and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts recommend choosing a texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not so sticky that it attracts hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness programs that are interactive that's not restricted to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you train with a treadmill, elliptical, and rower and add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and space-saving method to build strength without having to invest in full sets of weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors that indicate the amount of tension that is available and some come with a unique security mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're looking to save money, consider Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. These bands are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them into your bag for training on the go.
The top bands are made from high-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. These bands may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time compared to cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They also tend to smell heavily of latex which isn't a good thing for people with sensitivities or allergies.