How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment can be a significant investment, but it's often cheaper in the long run than gym memberships. Before you shop, figure out what type of workouts you want to do and the space you have available.
If you're confined to space, opt for compact equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a home gym that is smart like Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a training plan when you have the right equipment in your home. If you're pressed for time or don't have the time drive to the gym or you don't like crowds, consider putting aside the space in your garage or home to work out at your leisure.
It is essential to keep in mind that you'll need to invest some money to build your ideal training zone according to the size of your space as well as the equipment you choose to purchase. It is a good idea also, to begin with a small amount and gradually increase your equipment until you know the equipment you require.
The best equipment for your home gym needs to provide a variety of workouts for the major muscle groups. A power rack is a piece of equipment that lets you perform bench presses, lat pulldowns and squats. Many units, like the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as they can without sacrificing quality and functionality. It has a 2-post stand profile, which reduces the footprint and is compatible with a range of accessories that can increase the capacity.
You can also make the most of the space you have by choosing equipment that is multifunctional and stackable for example, a TRX system. It was designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield and in the field, these portable suspension trainers are an ideal method to get a full body exercise while on the move. They can be nested and folded to reduce space, and they can even have attachments that allow you to focus on specific muscle groups or add an additional level of resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate that can be used to boost the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. The AXV Vibration Plate is a good example comes with the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings that allow you to customize your experience. It can also be paired with resistance bands to target different muscles or a bungee cord to add an element of active movement.
Weight Capacity
The size of your home gym equipment could range from a simple power tower to a smart home gym. However, regardless of the type you decide to purchase, ensure that the capacity of the equipment is sufficient to allow for many different exercises. If you're a beginner begin small with something like a set of dumbbells or a single pair of barbells that will aid in building strength in your upper body and strengthen your back muscles. If you're a serious lifter think about a high-end power rack that can handle large dumbbells as well with a variety of other attachments like lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine-like attachment, seal row pad, and more.
A bench should be in your list of home gym essentials If you're a minimalist lifter, look for an adjustable bench that can perform incline and decline presses without taking up a lot of room in your garage. A bench that is flat will also work, but you'll want to add barbells or dumbbells when you're looking to do isolated exercises like chest press or bicep curls.
If you're a fan of functional training, then a plate stack functional trainer is an ideal piece of equipment for you. This type of machine targets different muscles simultaneously with the combination of squats and bench presses. The top functional trainers offer a range of options for cable attachments that allow you to perform flyes and tricep pushdowns, and the capability to alter the resistance level on your own.
Although it might appear obvious, the kind of equipment you purchase will play a significant role in how effective and enjoyable your exercises are. You must ensure that the equipment you purchase is constructed from materials that are durable and able to withstand regular use. Especially for the budget-conscious people, it's essential to choose the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't break down after just a few hours of use.
If you're shopping with a tight budget, consider investing in home gyms that are a mix of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home gym offers an excellent workout for the entire body and can help you save the most money over the long term.
Versatility
There are many options for your fitness goals and your budget regardless of whether you have a home gym specifically designed for your needs or train in your living space. To narrow down your search begin by determining how much room you have in your home and the exercises you want to focus on most. Then, consider what kind of equipment would best meet your needs. For instance, an all-in-1 machine like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym offers user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises in a footprint smaller than the size of the queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and stored to make space.
If inside bike trainer looking to keep your budget in check, then consider resistance bands. They can be used both for stretching and strength training as well as being lightweight and easy to travel with. These bands can be affixed to existing equipment, such as the dumbbell set, along with lightweight resistance bands or a bench to do lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat is another must-have to have a complete home gym that provides a firm surface for exercises that require standing, and lessening the chance of slipping or falling off. The majority of mats are lightweight and portable, so they can be stored easily when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells will add flexibility to your home fitness center. You can perform exercises such as bench presses and rowing with dumbbells while sitting, adjusting the weights according to your fitness levels.
Smart home gym equipment, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center in the home. It provides a range of exercise programs that are guided with a small footprint. It is also easy to use and compatible with a wide selection of TVs and monitors.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a versatile machine that lets you perform Nordic hamstring lifts, glute-ham stretches and hip thrusts. It can accommodate users with a height of up to 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home gym equipment looks a lot different now than it did in the past. Some brands have elegant designs that work with wellness apps and appeal to those who value both aesthetics and function. Other equipment is so extensive it could almost replace a gym visit (and monitor and adjust to improve fitness).
We've seen a rise in the number of home gyms that are affordable and compact. For example, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its reasonable price and limited footprint. The elliptical comes with preset workouts, a short stride, and is ideal for those who live in apartments or other small areas.
Another home gym option that we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is lightweight yet powerful enough to work the entire body. It also comes with two doors that can be closed off from pets or children. The Torque also comes with wood grain to add to the visual appeal of your space.
If you're looking for a home gym solution that does more than just monitor your progress, you should consider adding a power rack to your setup. Like the name suggests, these pieces of equipment allow you to lift heavy weights using a variety of moves, allowing you to build serious strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at 600 dollars, but the price can increase depending on the modifications. It also has a sturdy construction that makes it easy to use, which is essential for heavy lifting.
The home gym cannot be complete without dumbbells and benches. A standard bench is available at any home-supply shop but we suggest purchasing one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models come with a few tweaks that make them more suitable for workouts at home, such as a durable rubber coating and a moderately knurl to prevent your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for a while.