Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, make sure it's got all the necessary elements for the exercises you want to perform. A bench press and power rack are crucial to build strength.
For those with limited space, consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness even when it's cold, dark, or rainy to take a walk. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that will inspire you to take advantage of the treadmill even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful construction that makes it a showstopper in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes supervised by a virtual trainer. The high cost and monthly fee could be too much for some users.
For a budget-friendly option 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 simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). Full Posting has handrails with pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that strengthens your upper and lower body an elliptical is the best choice. They're great for a stand-alone cardio session, a warm-up, or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which helps prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests looking for a machine that has a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or are stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a a built-in speaker system to play your music. And if you're using your equipment in the living room or any other public space, consider a machine with the ability to move it around so that you move it out of sight when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its advanced features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio exercise that builds endurance and strength without placing too much stress on joints. It's also low-impact compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who are unable to perform high-impact workouts or have a an injury that is already present.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals so they fit into smaller spaces and require less floor space when being used.
If you're looking for a smarter model, opt for one that has a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a long-lasting warranty, but it lacks the features that make other intelligent options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of class). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option that has a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, including trainer-led rowing classes and live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to do your workouts, a good pair of dumbbells can be a great addition to your home fitness center. It's crucial to pick one that is compatible with your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also simple to store. For example, 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 fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are a different option that works well in a home gym. Their rounded shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which can be beneficial when you have to move them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can help you burn calories at a rapid rate. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate as much energy as running a mile for six minutes. But it's important to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of quality materials to ensure they don't rattle when you swing or grab. They also have a large handle window for comfortable gripping. If you're looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are color-coded and standardized to conform to specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, you should invest in the complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a high-level kettlebell workout that's comparable to a class in person. You can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they can provide a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that resist damage, have minimal bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. These ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a great all-in one home gym. It allows you to lift weights that are heavy. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever and can be upgraded to include additional accessories like landmine attachments. It also has an 210-pound weight stack as well as the compact footprint is suitable for the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy, affordable and effective fitness equipment that will help increase the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's user-friendly and durable. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's more robust than most and handles that are comfortable but slim enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, try an ab roller with two wheels that work together. They will test your stability more than a single one and work your obliques transverse abs, and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others it is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that can last for a long time. It also has a foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The app that comes with it that includes strength training yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your core muscles in a manner that a barbell or bench will not. It is crucial to select the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls are difficult to hold. Check out the chart of sizes to find the right fit.
The best stability ball features a firm, supportive surface and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest choosing a texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not too sticky as to attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness-related programming that's not limited to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical, and even add dumbbells or kettlebells.
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 use the entire set of weights. The best ones are made available in various colors to indicate the tension range and some even have a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping if they are overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength comes with a set of six tubes for less than $30. These bands are available in a variety of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily put them into your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are made of high-quality materials, which can endure repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They could also have handles or anchor points with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than cheaper alternatives. The majority of resistance bands must be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They can emit a strong smell of latex which is not ideal for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.