Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, be sure it's got all the necessary parts for all the exercises you want to do. A power rack and bench press are vital for building strength.
For those with limited space, think about a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to go for a run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes, which can motivate you to step on the treadmill even when you're not feeling great.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a must-have in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes that are guided by an online trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription 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 simulate a real-life class setting, and the 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 handrails for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a ideal choice for those seeking an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower body. They can be used for an exercise that is not a separate one to warm up, or to "workout the entire body prior to strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests looking for a machine with a stride that is comfortable and large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or remain stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. And if you're using your equipment in your living room or any other public space, consider a machine with the ability to move it around so that you remove it from view when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
It's a great cardio workout for your entire body that builds strength and endurance, without putting too much stress on your joints. It's also relatively low impact compared to other exercises that increase your heart rate, so it's an ideal option for people who can't do high-impact exercise or have injuries that are already present.
You'll see rowers in a lot of gyms, but they're also a fantastic piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals so they can fit into smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, you should look for one with touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts and a long-lasting warranty, but it lacks 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 an 22-inch display that shows iFit workouts, as well as instructor-led rowing classes as well as live races between peers. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to exercise then a set of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. It's important to select a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "As a rule of thumb you should have a range of weights sizes that allow you to advance and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells can also be easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, suggests an item similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take up much space in your storage area. They are also short enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are also a good option for a home gym. They are designed to prevent rolling, which is helpful when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets, or keep from falling equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in various ways. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can generate as much energy 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 quality materials to ensure they don't rattle during swings or snatches. They also have a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you're looking to compete with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are color-coded and standardized to conform to specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or a beginner. This way, you can easily build up to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to a class in person. And you can take your kettlebells with you everywhere, even when you're when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms, but they deliver a full body exercise that is as effective as a lot of machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press 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 are able to fit onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from virgin rubber, which is tough and can withstand many drops without cracking.
To get a home gym that allows you to lift heavy, try this squat rack and trainer combo. It's fully assembled, and includes an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms. It can also be upgraded by adding other accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads and a seal row pad and band pegs. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a compact footprint that will fit into the majority of workout areas.
7. stationary bikes for sale are easy inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that will help increase core strength. If you plan to use them at home or on the road, choose one that is simple to use and robust. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's thicker than the majority and handles that are comfortable but still narrow enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you want to take your core exercises to the next level, try an ab roller with two wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single one, 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 carbon-steel springs that last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. Its companion app that includes strength training as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your core muscles in a way that a bench or barbell can't. It is crucial to select the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises harder, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Check out the chart of sizes to determine the perfect fit.
The most stable stability balls have a thick smooth, supportive texture and a tough exterior. They also have an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating easily. Experts recommend choosing the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky as to attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym enables you to connect to an interactive fitness program that isn't limited to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you train on a treadmill, rower, elliptical, and even add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They provide a versatile and space-saving method to build muscle without the need to purchase the entire set of weights. The best ones are available with a variety of colors to show the amount of tension that is available and some have an exclusive safety mechanism that keeps them from snapping when overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes that cost less than $30. These bands are available in a range of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily put them in your bag for training on the go.
The top bands are made of high-quality materials that are able to stand up to 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 as compared to less expensive alternatives. However most resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.