Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, be sure it's equipped with the right components for the exercises you'd like to perform. For instance, a power rack and bench press are crucial equipment that will help you build strength.
If you are limited in space, you can go for a smart home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer the full body workout and various workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness when it's too cold, wet or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to get on the treadmill when you are not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful construction that makes it a standout in any home gym. It comes with a huge tilting screen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes guided by an online trainer. The price is high and the monthly subscription fees 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. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivot to create a realistic class setting, and the it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has handrails that have pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that works your lower and upper body, an elliptical is the ideal choice. These machines are perfect for a cardio session on their own as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior to strengthening exercises, which helps prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a machine with a stride that is comfortable, large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or are stationary. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public area like the living room, you may want to consider a machine that is portable, so you can move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its advanced features and compatibility with iFIT's live as well as on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the most efficient elliptical overall. It's also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio workout for your entire body, which will build endurance and strength without putting excessive stress on your joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who cannot do high-impact exercises or have an injury from which they are suffering.
They are common in gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals so they fit into smaller spaces and take up less floor space when they're not in use.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, choose one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic warranty however it doesn't have the smart features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that comes with 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, including training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space where you can exercise and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells could be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi says it's important to select a set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of sizes of weights, to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, recommends an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take up much space in your storage space. They're also compact enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are also a great option for an at-home gym. They are designed to resist rolling, which is helpful when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets, or keep from flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in a variety of ways. Studies show that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will produce the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. It is important to select a set that is safe for your body.
gym equipment are built from high-quality materials that won't rattle or tip over during swings and grabs. They also have a wide handle window for comfortable gripping. If you want to compete, choose kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match rules of competition.
If you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, it's a good idea to purchase a complete kettlebell set. You can progress to a high level kettlebell exercise, similar to a class in person. You can also carry your kettlebells anywhere, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms, however they provide a full body exercise that is as effective as many machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from pure rubber, which is durable and can withstand many drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a great all-in one home gym. It lets you lift a lot of weight. It comes fully assembled with a pull-up and lever arms and can be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also comes with a 210-pound weight stack and a compact footprint that fits the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost core strength. They can be used for an at-home workout or to carry on your travels, you should choose one that's durable and easy to use. This model by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than the majority, and handles that are large but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to improve your core workouts, consider using two wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single one, and they target your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others, is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that will last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The application that comes with it, that has strength-training exercises yoga flow, strength workouts and HIIT sessions is a bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will fire up the core muscles in ways you wouldn't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. However, picking the right size is crucial as a smaller size will make exercises more difficult, and a larger one can be difficult to keep on. Look up a chart of sizes to find the ideal size.
The most stable stability balls feature a thick soft, supportive texture as well as a tough exterior. The material is anti-burst, which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it attracts hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym enables users to access interactive fitness programming, which is not limited to your equipment. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical, and rower and add in resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones are available in various colors to indicate the range of tension and some come with an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are stretched too far.
Iron Bull Strength comes with a set of six tubes under $30. The bands are available in a range of weights, from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily put them in your bag for training on the go.
The top bands are made of high-quality materials that are able to stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time compared to the cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.