How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a significant investment, but it's usually cheaper than the cost of a gym membership. Before you begin shopping, make a decision about the type of exercise you'd like do. Also, consider the space you have available.
If you're short on space, opt for compact equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a home gym that is smart like Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a training plan when you have the appropriate equipment at home. If hybrid bikes men strapped for time, don't have the time to drive to a gym or simply do not want to face crowds, having a designated space in your house or garage can help you get a workout at your own leisure.
It is essential to remember, however, that you'll need to invest some money to create your ideal space for training, depending on the size of your space and the equipment you choose to purchase. It's a good idea as well, to start with a smaller amount and then increase your equipment to determine the equipment you require.
The ideal equipment for your home gym needs to offer a range of exercises for the main muscle groups. A power rack, for instance is a fundamental piece of strength equipment that can enable you to bench press, do pulldowns with lats and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been made to be small without the loss of durability and performance. It has a 2-post stand profile that helps reduce the footprint. It is compatible with a variety of attachments that can be added to increase its capacity.
You can also make the most of the use of your space by selecting equipment that is multi-functional and can be stacked together for example, the TRX system. Designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield and in the field, these portable suspension trainers provide a convenient way to get a full-body workout while on the go. They can be nested and folded to reduce space, and some come with attachments that allow you to focus on particular muscle groups or to add extra resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibrating plate that can be used to boost the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. The AXV Vibration Plate for instance comes with the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings that allows you to personalize your experience. It can also be paired with resistance bands to target different muscle groups or a bungee cord to provide an element of active movement.
Capacity of Weight
The size of home gym equipment can range from a simple power tower to a smart home gym. Whatever you pick, make sure that the weight capacity is sufficient to allow for a wide variety of exercises. Beginners can start with a basic dumbbell set or barbells to build upper-body strength. They will also work the back muscles. If you're a serious weightlifter look into a powerful power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well as a range of other attachments like lever arms, dip bars and a landmine attachment seal row pad, and more.
A bench should also be in your list of essentials for your home gym, and if you're a space-conscious lifter, you should look for an adjustable bench that allows you to perform incline and decline presses without taking up too much room in your garage. A bench with a flat surface can also be a good option, but you'll need to add barbells or dumbbells when you're looking to do isolation exercises like chest press or Bicep curls.
If you're a lover of functional exercises and resistance training, a plate stack trainer is the perfect piece of equipment to bring to your home. This type of machine targets different muscle groups at once using a combination of squats as well as bench presses. The top functional trainers offer a range of options for cable attachments that allow you to perform flyes and tricep pushdowns, and the capability to alter the resistance level at your own discretion.
It may seem obvious, but the equipment you select will have a major impact on how effective and enjoyable your exercise routine is. It is important to ensure that the equipment you buy is constructed from top-quality materials that are resistant to daily use. Especially for the budget-conscious buyers, it's crucial to select low-cost equipment made of high-quality materials that won't degrade after a few uses.
If you're on a budget, consider investing in a home fitness machine that combines an exercise bike and an equipment for rowing. This type of fitness equipment for home use provides an ideal workout for your whole body and can save you money over the course of time.
Versatility
There are a variety of options to meet your fitness goals and your budget, whether you have a home gym dedicated to your needs or train in your living space. Start by looking at the space at home, and the types of exercises you would like to focus on. Then, consider what type of equipment can best meet your requirements. For instance, a Life Fitness G7 Home Gym for instance, provides more than 55 exercises and user-defined movements within a footprint smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can even be folded and stowed to make space.
If you're trying to stay with a tighter budget, consider options like resistance bands, which can be used for both stretching and strength training. They are compact and portable. They can also be a great addition to your existing set-up, such as adding some light resistance bands to a dumbbell set, or pairing them with a bench for lower body exercises.
A quality exercise mat can add to the fitness of your home. It offers a solid surface to perform exercises that require standing, and minimizes the chance of slipping. Additionally, the majority of mats are also lightweight and mobile, making them easy to store away when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add flexibility to your fitness center. You can perform exercises like bench presses or rowing with dumbbells while sitting, adjusting the weight loads according to your fitness levels.
Smart home equipment for gym, like the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. It provides a variety of guided workouts with a relatively small footprint. It's also easy to use and compatible with a broad selection of TVs and monitors.
A budget-friendly home gym like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile workout machine that supports Nordic hamstring curls as well as glute ham raises. 45-degree back extensions and hip thrusts. It can support users who are up to 7 feet tall and comes with 12 different adjustments that are easy to read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands feature elegant designs and integrate with fitness apps to appeal to those who value aesthetics as much as functionality. While other equipment is now so extensive that it can nearly substitute the need to go to the gym (and even track and adjust to your fitness gains).
As space concerns remain a concern for many, we've also seen an increase in the variety of home gym options that are smaller in size and price. We like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its low price and small footprint. This elliptical has preset exercises, a shorter stride and is perfect for those living in apartments or other small spaces.
Another home gym option that we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer has a compact footprint, yet has enough power to exercise your entire body, and it has two doors that open to hide the machine from pets or children. The Torque also comes with a wood grain look to increase the visual appeal of your space.
If you're looking for a home gym solution that can do more than just track your progress, consider adding an electric rack to your gym. As the name suggests these racks let you to lift weights through a variety moves, allowing you to build serious strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at $600, however the price may increase based on customizations. It also has a solid design that makes it easy to use, which is essential for serious lifting.
The home gym cannot be complete without dumbbells and benches. A standard bench is available at any home-supply store however we suggest buying one specifically designed for home gyms. These benches have been modified to allow for more exercise at home. They come with a rubberized coating and an elongated knurl that stops your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.