Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to invest in workout equipment for your home, make sure it's got all the necessary parts for all the exercises you want to do. A power rack and bench presses are essentials to build strength.
For those with limited 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 help keep up your cardio fitness when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that will motivate you to take advantage of the treadmill even when you're not feeling well.
A top treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning build that make it a standout in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays the workout statistics, and it broadcasts high-energy classes taught by an instructor who is virtual. The high price and monthly fee could be too much for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option still packed with smart features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be flipped and tilted to recreate a real-world class environment, and its integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handrails for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a excellent choice for those seeking an exercise that's low impact and will work both your lower and upper bodies. They are ideal for a cardio session on their own as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior strengthening exercises, which helps prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests looking for a treadmill with a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or are stationary. 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 place like the living room, you may think about a machine that is mobile so you can take it out when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our choice for the best overall elliptical. It's also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that helps build strength and endurance without putting too much strain on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other workouts that increase your heart rate, and so it's an ideal option for those who aren't able to perform intense exercise or who have injuries from previous exercise.
They are common in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals so they fit into smaller spaces and require less floor space when not being used.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, opt for one that has touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides 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 class). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower that comes with a 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, which include rowing classes taught by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established area for your workouts, then a pair of dumbbells can be a great addition to any home gym. It's crucial to pick a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "As a rule of thumb, you should have a variety of weight sizes to allow you to increase and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells are simple to store. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, suggests a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up 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 different option that works well in the home gym. Their block shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which can be helpful when you need to move them between sets or avoid flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used 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. It's crucial to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed using high-quality materials that don't rattle or tip over during swings and snatches. The handle is large for an easy grip. If you are looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are standard and color-coded to match particular competition regulations.
It is best to purchase a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or beginner. This way, you can easily progress to a high-level 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 may not look as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they give you a full-body workout exactly as effective as other machines. You can perform everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks, plus accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Choose bumpers that resist damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift comfortably. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of natural rubber that is strong and able to stand up to many drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that allows you to lift heavy, try this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combo. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and can be upgraded to add 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 an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost core strength. If gym equipment plan to use them at home or while on the road pick one that is easy to use and durable. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority of them, and handles that are wide but plush enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercises to the next level, consider a pair of ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they will work your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models but is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that will hold up over time. It also includes a small cushion to ensure your knees are in good condition. Its 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 can assist you in strengthening your core muscles in a manner that a bench or a barbell will not. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out the chart of sizes to determine the perfect size.
The best stability ball features an incredibly supportive, thick surface and a durable outer. The material is anti-burst, which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it can attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym will give you access to interactive fitness programming that's not restricted to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you exercise using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also include dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with huge sets of free weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the range of tension, and some feature an exclusive security mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched to the max.
Iron Bull Strength offers a set of six tubes that cost less than $30. The bands are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily put them into your bag for training on the go.
The most durable bands are constructed from high-quality materials that can endure repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity with time compared to the cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They also tend to emit a strong smell of latex, which isn't ideal for those with sensitivities or allergies.