Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase fitness equipment for home use ensure that it includes all the necessary components for the exercises you plan to do. A power rack and bench presses are vital to build strength.
If you have a small space, look into a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a complete body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can allow you to maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, wet or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that will motivate you to use the machine even if you're not feeling well.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays the workout statistics, and it streams high-energy classes led by an instructor online. The high cost and monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's nonetheless packed with advanced features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivoted to recreate a real-world class setting, and the it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails with pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your lower and upper body, an elliptical is the way to go. They're great for a single cardio session, a warm-up, or "a full-body workout prior to strengthening exercises, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, recommends looking for a treadmill with a stride that is comfortable with large, textured feet pedals, and handles that move or are stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public area, such as the living room, you may be interested in a device that is mobile so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its tech-savvy features, including integration with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without the noise of your children 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 relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's a great choice for those who cannot perform high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injuries.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller space.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, choose one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that comes with classic workouts and a great warranty, but it's missing the features that make other smart options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of class). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower with 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, including rowing classes taught by trainers as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space where you can exercise A good set of dumbbells can be an ideal addition to your home gym. It's important to select a set that matches your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of weights to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also simple to store. For example an assortment of rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage area and are small enough to fit in most cubbies, says Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a great option for home gyms. Their block shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is helpful when you need to reposition them between sets or dodge flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in a variety of ways. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can burn as many calories as a 6-minute mile. It is important to select an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made from high-quality materials that won't slide or tip over during swings or take snatches. They also feature a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, pick kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match competition rules.
If you're a beginner, or a professional athlete, it's best to invest in a complete kettlebell set. You can build up to a high level kettlebell workout that is similar to a class in person. You can take your kettlebells with you wherever you go, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as stylish as a rower or a smart home gym, but they 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, as well as accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a minimal bounce, and fit snugly onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift comfortably. The ones from Iron Bull are a top pick, as they're made from virgin rubber that's tough and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that allows you to lift heavy, check out this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combination. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever, and can be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. hybrid bikes men comes with the 210-pound weight stack, and the compact footprint is suitable for the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that can increase core strength. If you intend to use them at home or on the road pick one that is user-friendly and robust. This one by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority of them, and handles that are wide but comfortable enough to comfortably fit into 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 will test your stability more than a single one and engage your obliques, transverse abs and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is built to last and has a carbon-steel spring that will hold up over time. It also has a foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The app that comes with it which has strength workouts, yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will aid in working your muscles in a way that a bench or a barbell can't. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls are difficult to hold. Consult a chart of sizes to determine the right size.
The most stable stability balls feature a thick, supportive texture and a tough exterior. They also have an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts advise looking for a texture that's sufficient grippy to prevent slippage, but not so sticky that it grips loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym will give you access to fitness-related programming that's not restricted to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill and rower, and then add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands make a great addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and space-saving way to build strength without having to use complete sets of weights. The best ones are made 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 offers a set of six tubes for less than $30. They are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily pack them into your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials, that can be able to withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may also feature anchor points or handles with reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity with time than less expensive options. The majority of resistance bands must be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They also emit a strong smell of latex, which isn't ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.