Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it has all the requisite elements for the exercises you'd like to perform. For example the bench press and power rack are crucial equipment that will aid in building strength.
If you're limited on space, you could opt for a home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer a full-body workout and numerous workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness level up by having a treadmill at your home when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can motivate you to take advantage of the treadmill even when you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning build that make it an absolute showpiece in any home gym. It has an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats, and it streams high-energy classes taught by an instructor online. The high price and monthly fee could be too much 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 pivot to simulate a real-life class environment, and its it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handlerails to allow heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is excellent choice for those looking for an exercise that is low-impact and will work both your upper and lower body. They're great for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior strengthening exercises, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Find a bike that offers a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also consider an elliptical with a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you're using your equipment in the living room or another public space, consider an exercise machine with an adjustable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the best overall elliptical. It is also compact, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without putting too much strain on joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate, which is why it's a great option for those who cannot perform high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injuries.
You'll see rowers in a lot of gyms however they're also a great piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller space.
If you're looking for a better rower, look for one with touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great guarantee, but it does not offer the features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget pick with an 22-inch display that shows iFit workouts, as well as trainer-led rowing classes and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are outstanding.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established space for your workout and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells is a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi advises you to select a set of dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weights so that you can progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are easy 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 area and are long 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 different option that work well in a home gym. Their block shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be helpful when you need to move them around between sets or avoid flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in many ways. Studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can produce the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It's important to choose the right set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, to ensure they don't rattle during swings or snatches. The handle is large for an easy grip. If you like to compete, choose kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings to match specific competition regulations.
If you're a beginner, or an advanced athlete, you should purchase an entire kettlebell set. You can build up to a more intense kettlebell exercise, similar to a class person. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms, but they deliver a full body workout that's just as effective as many machines. They can be used for everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench press exercises and clean and jerks and accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Find bumper plates that resist damage, have minimal bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. 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.
To get a home gym that lets you lift heavy, try this squat rack and functional trainer combination. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and is able to be upgraded to add other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also has an 210-pound weight stack as well as a compact footprint that fits most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also help increase the strength of your core. If you intend to use them at home or while on the road pick one that is user-friendly and sturdy. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's thicker than the majority and handles that are plush but narrow enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you're looking for ways to improve your core workouts, consider using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They challenge your stability more than a single unit 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 it is built to last and features carbon-steel springs that stand the test of time. It also has a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The app that comes with it, which includes strength workouts as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench will not. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller ball can make exercises harder, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Consult the chart of sizes to determine the right fit.
The best stability ball features an incredibly supportive, thick surface as well as a tough outer. They also come with an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts advise looking for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage but not so sticky that it binds loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym enables you to connect to interactive fitness programming, which isn't limited to the equipment you have. The best options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill and rower, and then add in dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any gym at home, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with huge sets of free weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors that indicate the tension range, and some feature an exclusive safety mechanism that keeps them from snapping when overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes under $30. stationary cycle for exercise from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most needs--and you can pack them in your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are constructed from high-quality materials, that can withstand repeated stretching without losing 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. The majority of resistance bands must be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They can smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities.