Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, be sure it's equipped with the right parts for all the exercises you'd like perform. For instance a bench press and power rack are vital equipment that can help you build strength.
If you have a small space, consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can allow you to keep up your cardio fitness even when it's cold, rainy or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes that can motivate you to step on the machine even when you're not feeling the best.
A premium treadmill, such as the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a must-have in any home gym. best home exercise machine features a large tilting screen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes guided by a virtual trainer. The high cost and monthly subscription fee may be too much for 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 flipped and tilted to create a realistic class environment, and its integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails that have pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate, and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is ideal choice for those who want an exercise that is low-impact and will work both your lower and upper bodies. They can be used for an exercise that is not a separate one to warm up, or to "workout the entire body prior to strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Look for a machine that has a comfortable stride length, either moving 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 to play your music. If you plan to use your equipment in a public place, such as the living room, you may be interested in a device that is portable so you can take it out when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its advanced features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to exercise without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without placing too much stress on your joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who can't do intense exercises or have a an injury that is already present.
They are common in gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller spaces.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, opt for one that has a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality assurance however, it doesn't offer the features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option that has a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, which include instructor-led rowing classes as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to do your workouts A good set of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi suggests that you select a set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of sizes of weights, so that you can advance and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, suggests an item 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 in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells, like the ones from Cap Barbell, are another option that work well in the home gym. Their blocked shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be helpful when you need to move them between sets or avoid flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that will help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies show that a 20 minute kettlebell workout can burn the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. But it's important to find kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed of top quality materials, to ensure they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. The handle is large to allow for an easy grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match competition regulations.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll be able to easily build up to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's comparable to a class in person. You can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms, however, they offer full body workout that is just as effective as many machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press and clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls or good mornings.
Look for bumpers that resist damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift comfortably. The ones from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and withstands a variety of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift heavy. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever and can be upgraded to include additional accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a small footprint that can fit in most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that will help increase core strength. If you want to use them at home or on the go, choose one that is easy to use and durable. This one by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than most of them, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you want to take your core exercise routine to the next level, consider a pair of ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They challenge your stability more than a single one and work your obliques the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models, is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that can hold up over time. It also has a small pad to keep your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it that includes strength training, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts can help to energize the core muscles in ways you won't get from barbell or bench, Braun says. However, picking the right size is crucial; a smaller one can make exercises more difficult and a larger one can be hard to stay on. Check out the chart of sizes to determine the ideal fit.
The most stable stability balls have a thick, supportive texture and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts recommend choosing a texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not so sticky as to attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym will give you access to fitness-related programming that's not limited to the equipment you have. The best options let you train with a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also include dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving method to build muscle without having to use the entire set of weights. The best ones are available in multiple colors to indicate the tension range and some have a unique 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 requirements. You can also put them in your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time compared to cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They also smell heavily of latex which isn't the best choice for people with sensitivities or allergies.