Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, make sure it has all the requisite elements for the exercises you'd like do. For example a power rack and bench press are vital equipment that can help you build strength.
If you have a small space, think about a home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a complete body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can allow you to keep up your cardio fitness when it's too cold, wet or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that can inspire you to use the machine even when you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill such as 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 screen for workout stats and high-energy streamed classes that are guided by an online trainer. The high cost and monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive to some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, but smart choice recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivoted to simulate a real-life class environment, while integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons that can help you increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a great option for those seeking a low impact workout that will work both your lower and upper bodies. They can be used for a standalone cardio session to warm up, or to "workout the entire body prior to strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head of content, suggests looking for a machine that has a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or remain stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public place, such as the living room, you may think about a machine that is portable, so you can easily move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical, because of its innovative features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio exercise that builds endurance and strength without putting too much stress on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate, so it's a great choice for those who cannot perform high-impact exercises or have injuries that are already present.
Rowers are common in gyms, but they're also a fantastic piece of fitness equipment for your home. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, making them fit in smaller spaces and require less floor space when not being used.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, go for one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a great warranty, but it's missing the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, which include training classes led by a trainer and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established area for your workouts and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells can be an excellent addition to any home gym. It is important to choose a set that matches your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of weight sizes to allow you to progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can also be easily stored. Kelli McGrane Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, suggests a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage area. They're also compact enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those from Cap Barbell are a different option that can be used in the home gym. Their rounded shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is useful when you need to reposition them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. indoor cycling trainer can be a versatile piece of workout equipment that helps you burn calories at an impressive rate. Research has shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate the same number of calories as a six minute mile. However, it is important to choose kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, to ensure they don't rattle during swings or snatches. The handle is wide for an easy grip. If you are looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are color-coded and standardized to comply with specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase a complete set of kettlebells, whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to a class in person. And you can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they can deliver a full-body workout that's equally effective as the majority of machines. They can be used for everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench press exercises and clean and jerks with them as well as accessories such as biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Look for bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a small bounce, and fit snugly onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift comfortably. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of virgin rubber, which is tough and can stand up to many drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, consider this squat rack and trainer combo. It is fully assembled, with a pull-up and lever arms and can be upgraded to add other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also comes with a 210-pound weight stack and a compact footprint that fits most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They also increase the strength of your core. If you intend to use them at home or while on the road make sure you choose one that's easy to use and sturdy. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's more robust than the majority and handles that are comfortable but narrow enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If inside bike trainer looking to improve your core exercises, think about using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit, and they work your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models it is constructed to last and comes with carbon-steel springs that last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it which has strength workouts yoga flow, strength workouts and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball for your workouts will help you build the muscles of your core in ways you won't get from bench or barbells, Braun says. However, choosing the right size is important as a smaller size could make exercises more difficult, and larger ones can be difficult to maintain. Check out a sizing chart in order to find the perfect fit.
The most stable stability ball comes with a firm, supportive surface as well as a tough outer. They also come with an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts say to look for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it sticks to loose hairs or attracts the lint.
A smart home gym allows users to access an interactive fitness program that isn't restricted to the equipment you have. The best options allow you to train on a treadmill rower, elliptical, and even add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and space-saving way to build muscle without the need to purchase complete sets of weights. The best ones are available with a variety of colors to show the tension range, and some feature an exclusive safety mechanism that keeps the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
Iron Bull Strength offers a set of six tubes for less than $30. The bands vary from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most requirements. You can also put them in your bag to train on the move.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials, that can endure repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may also feature handles or anchor points with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. However, most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to keep their shape. They also tend to be a bit sour, which isn't ideal for those with sensitivities or allergies.