Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase a fitness equipment for home use be sure it has all the essential components for the exercises you plan to do. For example a power rack and bench press are essentials that will help you build strength.
If you're limited on space, you can opt for a smart home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer a full-body workout and various workouts within the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, wet or dark to run. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes, which can inspire you to get on the treadmill even when you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive build that make it a showstopper in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it streams high-energy classes taught by a virtual instructor. The high cost and monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive to 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 recreate a real-world class environment, while integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also features pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a ideal choice for those who want an exercise that is low-impact and will work both your upper and lower bodies. They are ideal for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which helps prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Find a bike with a slouch-like stride length, either moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, consider an elliptical that has a a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you plan to use your equipment in a public space, such as the living room, you may want to consider a machine that is portable, so you can easily move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It is also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio exercise that helps build strength and endurance without putting too much stress on joints. It's also relatively low impact compared to other exercises that increase your heart rate, so it's a great choice for people who can't perform high-impact exercises 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 they're not in use.
If you're looking for a better rower, look for one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a great warranty, but it's missing the features that make other smart options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget pick with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, which include training classes led by a trainer and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space for your workout, a good pair of dumbbells could be an ideal addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi advises you to select a set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of sizes of weights, to allow you to progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be stored easily. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, suggests an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage space. They're also compact enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a great option for an at-home gym. Their block shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which can be useful when you need to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in many ways. Studies show that a 20 minute kettlebell workout can burn the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. It's important to choose an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made with quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings and take snatches. The handle is wide to provide an easy grip. If you prefer competing with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are standardized and color-coded to comply with specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, it's a good idea to purchase the complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to easily progress to a challenging kettlebell workout that's similar to a live class. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they can deliver a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench press exercises and clean and jerks as well as accessories such as Biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and fit snugly onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift with ease. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from natural rubber that is strong and able to stand up to many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a great all-in one home gym. It lets you lift weights that are heavy. It comes fully assembled with lever arms and a pull-up and can be upgraded to include additional accessories such as landmine attachments. It also comes with an 210-pound weight stack as well as a compact footprint that fits the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. Whether you need them for an at-home workout or to take with you when traveling, make sure you choose one that's durable and easy to use. This one by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than the majority of them, and handles that are large but soft enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you're looking for ways to improve your core exercises, think about 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. Although it is more expensive than other models the one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features carbon steel springs that will last for a long time. It also comes with a small pad to ensure your knees are in good condition. The application that comes with it which has strength workouts as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can help you to work your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench cannot. But picking the right size is crucial as a smaller size will make exercises more difficult, and a larger one can be hard to stay on. Use a sizing chart to determine the ideal size.
The best stability balls feature a thick soft, supportive texture as well as an extremely durable exterior. They also have an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts say to look for a texture that is grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it binds loose hairs or draws the lint.
A smart home gym gives you access to fitness-related programming that's not limited to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill and rower, and then include resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They provide a versatile and efficient way to build muscle without the need to purchase the entire set of weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the amount of tension that is available, and some feature a unique safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're on a tight budget, consider Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. The bands are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are made of high-quality materials, which 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 as compared to less expensive alternatives. The majority of resistance bands must be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for people who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.