Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, make sure it's got all the necessary parts for all the exercises you want to do. A bench press and power rack are crucial to build strength.
Those with limited space can look into a home gym like Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness up by having a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, wet or dark to exercise. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that will encourage you to use the machine even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful build that make it a standout in any home gym. It features a large tilting screen for workout stats and high-energy streamed classes supervised by a virtual trainer. The high cost and monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive to some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be adjusted and angled to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handlerails to allow heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a ideal choice for those who want a low impact workout that will work both lower and upper body. They are ideal for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which can help prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a machine with a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or are stationary. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you're using the equipment in the living room or any other public spaces, you should consider a machine with a portable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its innovative features, including integration with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and comes with a quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
It's a great cardio workout for the whole body, which will build strength and endurance, without putting too much strain on your joints. It is also low-impact, when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who can't perform high-impact workouts or have a pre-existing injury.
Rowers are commonly found 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 they're not in use.
If you want a smarter rower, choose one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it's missing the features that make other innovative options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that has a 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, which include rowing classes taught by trainers as well as live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are great.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space for your workout and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells is an excellent addition to your home fitness center. It's important to select a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of weights so that you can progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also easy to store. For example, a set of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage space and are small enough to fit into the majority of cubbies, says Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells, like the ones from Cap Barbell, are another option that works well in a home gym. Their blocked shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be beneficial when you have to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of equipment for workouts that can will help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise can produce as much calories as running a six-minute mile. It's important to choose the right set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed using high-quality materials that don't slide or tip over during swings and take snatches. best home gym equipment have a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you're looking to compete, choose competition kettlebells that are color-coded and standardized to match particular competition regulations.
It is recommended to purchase a complete set of kettlebells regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. This way, you'll easily progress to a challenging kettlebell workout that's similar to an in-person class. And you can take your kettlebells with you wherever you go, even during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms, but they deliver an all-body exercise that is as effective as a lot of machines. They can be used for everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks with them and accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that are resistant to damage, are low in bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These ones from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
To get a home gym that lets you lift heavy, consider this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combo. It comes fully assembled with lever arms and a pull-up and can be upgraded to add other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound pile of weights and a small footprint that will fit into most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also help increase core strength. If you intend to use them at home or on the road pick one that is easy to use and sturdy. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than others, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercises to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit and they target your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is built to last and features carbon-steel springs that hold up over time. It also includes a small cushion to keep your knees comfortable. Its companion app that includes strength training yoga flows, yoga workouts, 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 a barbell can't. It is important to choose the right size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out the chart of sizes to determine the right size.
The most stable stability balls have a firm soft, supportive texture as well as a durable exterior. They also come with an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts suggest choosing the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it can attract hairs that are loose or lint.
Best workout equipment for home gives you access to interactive fitness programming that's not restricted to the equipment you have. The most efficient options let you exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical or a rower and then add dumbbells or kettlebells.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any gym at home, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones are available in different colors to indicate the tension range, and some have an safety mechanism that stops them snapping when they are stretched too far.
If you're on a budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for less than $30. The bands are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily put them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The most durable bands are constructed from top-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time compared to the cheaper alternatives. The majority of resistance bands must be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They also emit a strong smell of latex which isn't a good thing for those with sensitivities or allergies.