Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to invest in workout equipment for your home, ensure it's got all the necessary components for the exercises you'd like to perform. A power rack and bench presses are vital for building strength.
If you're limited on space, you can opt for a smart home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer the full body workout and various workouts within the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, wet or dark to run. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that will inspire you to take advantage of the treadmill even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning build that make it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays the workout statistics, and it streams high-energy classes that are led by an instructor online. However, its price and monthly subscription costs could be too expensive for some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's still packed with smart features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivot to create a realistic class setting, and the it's 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 handles for heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons that can help you increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your upper and lower body an elliptical is the ideal choice. They're great for a cardio session on their own, a warm-up, or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which helps to avoid injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Look for a machine that has a comfortable 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 an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you might 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, with its high-tech features and compatibility 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 an excellent cardio workout for the whole body, which will build endurance and strength without putting excessive stress on your joints. It is also low-impact, in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who can't do high-impact exercises or have an injury from which they are suffering.
They are common in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals making them fit in smaller spaces and require less floor space when being used.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, go for one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality assurance however, it doesn't have the smart features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower with 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, including training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established area for your workouts and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells can be a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi says it's important to pick the right set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "As an overall rule you should have a range of sizes of weights to allow you to advance and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells are easy to store. For example the 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 into the majority of cubbies, says Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a great option for an at-home gym. Their rounded shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of equipment for workouts that can will help you burn calories at a rapid rate. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise can produce as much calories as running a mile for six minutes. However, it is important to choose a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of high-quality materials to ensure they don't rattle when you swing or grab. They also have a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you prefer competing in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are standard and color-coded to comply with specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or a beginner. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's similar to an in-person class. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as glamorous as rowers or smart home gyms, but they deliver full body workout that's just as effective as other machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks with them, plus accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Look for bumper plates that resist the effects of abrasion, have a low bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of virgin rubber, which is tough and can withstand many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift heavy. It's completely assembled, comes with a pull-up bar and lever arms, and can be upgraded with other accessories such as landmine attachments, a dip pad and the seal row pad, and band pegs. It has a 210-pound pile of weights, and a compact footprint to fit the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that will help increase the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or while on the road, choose one that is easy to use and durable. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority models, and handles that are large but plush enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you want to take your core exercises to the next level, you should try a pair of ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single one, and they work your lower back 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 stand the test of time. It also comes with a small foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. Its companion app, which includes strength workouts yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will fire up the core muscles in ways you can't get from a bench or barbells, Braun says. However, choosing the right size is important because a smaller ball can make exercises more difficult and a larger one can be hard to stay on. Consult a sizing chart to find the perfect fit.
The best stability ball features a thick, supportive surface as well as a tough outer. The material is anti-burst which prevents puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky as to attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym will give you access to fitness programs that are interactive that's not restricted to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you exercise with a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also include dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any home gym and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The best ones are available in multiple colors to indicate the tension range and some have an exclusive safety mechanism that keeps the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
If you're on a tight budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. leg exerciser are available in a range of weights ranging from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily carry them into your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are made of high-quality materials that can endure repeated stretching without losing the elasticity or snapping. They may also feature anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than lesser options. The majority of resistance bands must be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for people who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.