Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase fitness equipment for home use be sure it includes all the necessary parts for the exercises you're planning to perform. For instance, a bench press and power rack are crucial equipment that will aid in building strength.
If you're limited on space, you can opt for a high-quality home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer an all-body workout as well as various workouts within the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that will motivate you to use the machine even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like 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 that displays your workout stats and it also streams high-energy classes that are led by an instructor online. The high price and monthly subscription fee may be too much for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option nevertheless packed with features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be rotated and angled to simulate a class. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also features pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that will strengthen your lower and upper body, an elliptical is the ideal choice. These machines can be used as an exercise that is not a separate one for warm-ups, or to "workout the entire body before strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Find a bike with a slouch-like stride length, moving or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. And if you're using your equipment in your living room or any other public spaces, you should consider the option of a portable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the most effective elliptical. It is also small, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio exercise that builds strength and endurance without putting too much strain on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's a great option for people who can't perform intense exercise or have injuries that are already present.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals making them fit in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when in use.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, choose one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic warranty however it doesn't offer the features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live class streaming) 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 training classes led by a trainer and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also great.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space where you can exercise, a good 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 match your fitness goals. "A general rule of thumb is that you want to own a range of weight sizes so that you can advance and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are simple to store. For instance, a set of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage area and are small enough to fit into most cubbies, according to Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells, like the ones from Cap Barbell are a second option that work well in a home gym. Their rounded shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized 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 six minute mile. However, it is important to choose a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed with quality materials that don't slide or tip over during swings or snatches. They also feature a large handle window for comfortable gripping. If you like to compete, select kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that match competition regulations.
If you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, it's a good idea to purchase the complete kettlebell set. This way, you can quickly progress to a high-level kettlebell exercise that's similar to a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they can provide a full-body workout that's equally effective as the majority of machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press, clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a small bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift easily. These ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of virgin rubber that's durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that lets you lift heavy, consider this squat rack and functional trainer combo. It's completely assembled, comes with the pull-up bar as well as lever arms, and can be upgraded by adding other accessories like landmine attachments, a dip pad and a seal row pad and band pegs. It also has an 210-pound weight stack as well as an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in most workout space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that will help increase the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's easy to use and robust. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority of them, and handles that are wide but plush enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work together. They challenge your stability more than a single unit and engage your obliques, transverse abs, and lower back muscles. Although they are more expensive than some models such as this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features carbon steel springs that will last for a long time. It also comes with a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. The application that comes with it that has strength-training exercises as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will help you to work your core muscles in a manner that a barbell or bench will not. However, choosing stationary cycling bike is essential because a smaller ball will make exercises more difficult, while a larger one can be difficult to maintain. Consult a sizing chart to determine the ideal size.
The most stable stability ball comes with a thick, supportive surface and a durable outer. They also feature an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts advise looking for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it grips loose hairs or draws dust.
A smart home gym gives you access to interactive fitness programming that's not limited to the equipment you own. The best options allow you to exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical and add dumbbells or kettlebells.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any gym at home and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors that indicate the range of tension and some have a unique safety mechanism that keeps them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're on a budget, consider Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. These bands vary from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most requirements. You can even put them in your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are made from high-quality materials, that can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They could also have anchor points or handles with reinforced seams and are less likely to lose their elasticity over time than lesser alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to keep their shape. They also tend to emit a strong smell of latex which isn't a good thing for those with sensitivities or allergies.