Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, be sure it's got all the necessary elements for the exercises you'd like perform. A bench press and power rack are essentials to build strength.
If you have a small space, consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of exercises and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness high by having a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, wet or dark to run. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that will motivate you to take advantage of the treadmill when you are not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning build that make it a showstopper in any home gym. It features an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it streams high-energy classes taught by an instructor online. The price is high and the monthly fee could be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's nonetheless packed with advanced features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a great option for those looking for an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both lower and upper body. They are ideal for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which can help prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Look for a machine that has a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Think about an elliptical that comes with an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public place, such as the living room, you may think about a machine that is mobile so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our choice for the most efficient elliptical overall. It's also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio exercise that builds strength and endurance without putting too much stress on your joints. It's also low-impact when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who are unable to do intense exercises or have a pre-existing injury.
They are common in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals making them fit in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when they're not in use.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, choose one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other innovative options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower that has a 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, which include training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also great.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space to do your workouts and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells is an excellent addition to your home fitness center. It's important to select one that is compatible with your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to have a variety of sizes of weights, to allow you to progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. 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 space and are long enough to fit in most cubbies, according to Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to the ones from Cap Barbell are a second option that works well in the home gym. Their blocked shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which can be useful when you need to move them around between sets or avoid flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in various ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate as much energy as running a mile for six minutes. But it's important to find the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed using high-quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings and snatches. The handle is long to provide a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings that conform to specific competition regulations.
It's best to buy kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or beginner. You can build up to a high level kettlebell exercise, like a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they provide a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that resist damage, have a small bounce, and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift with ease. These bumpers from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a great all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift a lot of weight. It comes fully assembled with a pull-up and lever arms and is able to be upgraded to include additional accessories such as landmine attachments. stationary bicycle has the 210-pound weight stack, and a compact footprint that fits the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. Whether you need them to do your workout at home or to take on travel, look for one that's sturdy and easy to use. This model from Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than the majority models, and handles that are wide but comfortable enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking for ways to improve your core fitness, consider using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they target your obliques and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models, is built to last and has carbon-steel springs that stand the test of time. It also has a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. Its companion app, which includes strength workouts as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will help you build the core muscles in ways you won't get from barbell or bench, Braun says. It is crucial to select the right size. A smaller ball can make exercises harder, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect fit.
The best stability ball features a thick, supportive surface and a durable outer. The material is anti-burst which prevents puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest selecting a texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky as to attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym will give you access to fitness-related programming that isn't limited to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. Read Much more can also add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any gym at home they offer a flexible way to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the amount of tension that is available and some come with an exclusive safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched to the max.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes for less than $30. The bands vary from light to x-heavy and will meet your needs--and you can pack them in your bag for training on the move.
The best bands are made from top-quality materials that can endure repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity with time compared to cheaper alternatives. However, most resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to keep their shape. They tend to emit a strong smell of latex which is not ideal for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.