Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it's got all the necessary parts for all the exercises you want to perform. For instance, a power rack and bench press are crucial equipment that will help you build strength.
Those with limited space can consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a complete body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can allow you to keep up your cardio fitness even when it's too cold, wet or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to take to the machine even when you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive construction that makes it an absolute showpiece in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen that displays workout stats, and it also streams high-energy classes taught by an instructor online. The price is high and the monthly fee could be too much for some users.
For a budget-friendly option that's nevertheless packed with features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivot to simulate a real-life class environment, while integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has 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 exercise that strengthens your lower and upper body an elliptical is the best choice. how you can help can be used as a standalone cardio session for warm-ups, or to "workout your entire body prior to strength training" Cara D'Orazio is an 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, consider an elliptical that has a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. If you're using your equipment in the living room or any other public spaces, you should consider an exercise machine with a portable design that lets you move it out of sight when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, such as integration with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has a 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 strength and endurance without putting too much strain on joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who can't perform high-impact workouts or have a an injury that is already present.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals so they can fit into smaller areas.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, look for one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it lacks the features that make other intelligent options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that comes with 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, such as rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established space to exercise and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells will be an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi suggests that you select dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "As an overall rule you should have a variety of weight sizes to allow you to progress and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, recommends a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage space. They're also compact enough to fit into the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those made by Cap Barbell are a second option that can be used in a home gym. Their block shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be useful when you need to move them between sets or avoid flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in many ways. Research has shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can produce the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. However, it is important to choose kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made using high-quality materials that don't rattle or tip over during swings or take snatches. They also feature a large handle window for comfortable gripping. If you prefer competing with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are standardized and color-coded to match particular competition regulations.
It's best to buy kettlebells that are complete, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll be able to easily progress to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to a live class. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms however, they offer a full body workout that's just as effective as many machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that are resistant to damage, have minimal bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. our source from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from virgin rubber, which is durable and can withstand many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift a lot of weight. It is fully assembled, with lever arms and a pull-up and can be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound pile of weights and a compact footprint that can fit in the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that will help increase core strength. If you want to use them at home or on the road pick one that is user-friendly and sturdy. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's thicker than others and handles that are comfortable but slim enough to comfortably fit your hands.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, consider an ab roller with two wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit, and they target your obliques and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models it is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that will hold up over time. It also comes with a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The companion app that offers strength workouts as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will aid in working your core muscles in a way that a barbell or bench cannot. But picking the right size is important as a smaller size will make exercises more difficult and a larger one can be difficult to keep on. Check out a chart of sizes to find the ideal size.
The most stable stability balls feature a thick soft, supportive texture as well as a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it attracts hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness-related programming that isn't limited to the equipment you own. The best options let you train with a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also include resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and efficient way to build muscle without the need to purchase full sets of weights. The best ones are available in multiple colors to indicate the amount of tension that is available, and some feature a unique safety mechanism that keeps them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're looking to save money take a look at Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for under $30. The bands are available in a range of weights ranging from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily put them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The most durable bands are constructed from high-quality materials that can endure repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. These bands may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time compared to the cheaper alternatives. However most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to keep their shape. They also tend to emit a strong smell of latex which isn't the best choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.