Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment for your home be sure it comes with all the required parts for the exercises you're planning to perform. A power rack and bench presses are vital for building strength.
If you have limited space, you can opt for a smart home fitness center like Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer a full-body workout and numerous workouts within the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can allow you to maintain your fitness even when it's cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes that can encourage you to take to the treadmill even if you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful build that make it a standout in any home gym. It comes with a huge tilting touchscreen that displays workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes supervised by a virtual trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription cost may be too much for some users.
For a budget-friendly option that's nevertheless packed with features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons that can help you increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a great option for those seeking an exercise that's low impact and will work both your upper and lower bodies. They can be used for a standalone cardio session, as a warm-up or to "workout your entire body prior to strength training" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Find a bike that has a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public space, such as the living room, you may be interested in a device 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 integration with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has a quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to exercise without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without putting too much stress on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's an ideal option for those who cannot do high-impact exercise or have injuries that are already present.
They are common in gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be tucked away in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when being used.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, look for one that has a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic guarantee however it doesn't offer the features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower with a 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, including rowing classes taught by trainers as well as live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space where you can exercise and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. It's crucial to pick a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of sizes of weights, to allow you to progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are easy to store. For instance, a set of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage area and are long enough to fit into the majority of cubbies, recommends Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like the ones from Cap Barbell are a second option that can be used in the home gym. Their blocked shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them around between sets or dodge the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of workout equipment that help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise can generate as much energy as a 6-minute mile. But it's important to find the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built from high-quality materials that won't slide or tip over during swings or grabs. The handle is wide to provide an easy grip. If you like to compete, choose kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that match rules of competition.
If you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, you should purchase the complete kettlebell set. You can begin to build up to a high level kettlebell workout, similar to a class person. And you can carry your kettlebells everywhere, even when you're on vacation!
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 and clean and jerks as well as accessories such as biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Look for bumper plates that are resistant to damage, have minimal bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. These bumpers from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and withstands a variety of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that allows you to lift heavy, consider this squat rack and trainer combination. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and is able to be upgraded to include additional accessories, such as landmine attachments. via has a 210-pound stack of weights and a small footprint that can fit in the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They can also help increase the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or on the road, choose one that is easy to use and robust. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's thicker than others and handles that are comfortable but still narrow enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you're looking to increase your core workouts, consider using two wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit and they target your lower back and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others it is built to last and has a carbon-steel spring that can last for a long time. It also comes with a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. The companion app that includes strength training yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will help you build core muscles in ways that you won't get from bench or barbells, Braun says. However, picking the right size is important; a smaller one can make exercises more difficult and a larger one can be difficult to maintain. Check out a sizing chart in order to determine the ideal fit.
The most stable stability balls feature a thick soft, supportive texture as well as a tough exterior. The material is anti-burst which prevents puncturing or deflating. Experts say to look for a texture that is sufficient grippy to prevent slippage, but not too sticky that it binds loose hairs or draws dust.
A smart home gym will allow users to access an interactive fitness program that is not limited to your equipment. The most efficient options let you train on a treadmill rower, elliptical, and even add dumbbells or kettlebells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and space-saving way to build strength without the need to purchase the entire set of weights. The most effective ones are available in various colors to indicate the range of tension and some come with a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping if they are stretched too far.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes that cost less than $30. These bands are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily put them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The most durable bands are constructed from high-quality materials that can endure repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They could also have anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity over time than cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.