Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you plan to purchase fitness equipment for home use, make sure that it has all the essential parts for the exercises you're planning to perform. A power rack and bench presses are vital for building strength.
If you have a small space, consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to go for a run. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that can encourage you to use the machine even if you're not feeling well.
A top treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful construction that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen that displays workout stats, and it broadcasts high-energy classes that are led by an instructor who is virtual. The price is high and the monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive to 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. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be adjusted and angled to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that strengthens your upper and lower body an elliptical is the ideal choice. They can be used as an exercise that is not a separate one to warm up, or to "workout your entire body prior to exercise" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests you look for a bike with a stride that is comfortable with large, textured feet pedals and handles that can move or sit stationary. Also consider an elliptical with an integrated speaker system that can play your music. If you plan to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you may be interested in a device that is portable so you can take it out 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 most efficient elliptical overall. It is also small and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic workout that builds endurance and strength without putting too much stress on joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, which is why it's a great choice for people who can't perform intense exercise or have injuries that are already present.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. exercise bicycles for sale . They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals so they fit into smaller spaces and take up less floor space when in use.
If you're looking for a smarter model, opt for one that has touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great assurance however it doesn't come with the advanced features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option that has a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, as well as training classes led by a trainer and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space where you can exercise, a good pair of dumbbells could be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi suggests that you pick the right set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of sizes of weights, so that you can progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can also be stored easily. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition marketing editor, recommends a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage area. They're also small enough to fit in most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for home gyms. Their block shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be helpful when you need to move them around between sets or avoid flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in a variety of ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate as much energy as running a six-minute mile. It is important to select an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made using high-quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings and grabs. They also have a large handle window for comfortable gripping. If you're looking to compete, choose competition kettlebells that are standard and color-coded to conform to specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, you should purchase an entire kettlebell set. You can begin to build up to a higher level kettlebell exercise, similar to a class person. And you can take your kettlebells with you anywhere, even during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous as a rower or smart home gym, but they can give you a full-body workout exactly as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press and clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that resist damage, have a small bounce, and are able to fit onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift easily. These ones from Iron Bull are a top pick, as they're made from virgin rubber that's tough and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in one home gym. It lets you lift weights that are heavy. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever and can be upgraded to include other accessories like landmine attachments. It also has the 210-pound weight stack, and the compact footprint is suitable for most workout space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, efficient and simple piece of fitness equipment. They also increase the strength of your core. Whether you need them to do your workout at home or to take with you when traveling, make sure you choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This one by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than others of them, and handles that are wide but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to increase your core fitness, consider using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit, and they work your lower back and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is built to last and has a carbon-steel spring that will hold up over time. It also has a foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The companion app that offers strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will aid in working your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench will not. But picking the right size is essential because a smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, while larger ones can be difficult to keep on. Check out a chart of sizes to find the ideal size.
The best stability balls feature a thick, supportive texture and a durable exterior. They also come with an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating easily. Experts say to look for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not so sticky that it sticks to loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym will allow users to access interactive fitness programming, which is not limited to the equipment you have. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add in resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The most effective ones are available in a variety of colors to show the tension range and some even have a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched too far.
Iron Bull Strength comes with a set of six tubes under $30. These bands range from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most requirements. You can even put them in your bag for training on the move.
The top bands are made of high-quality materials that are able to withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They might also come with anchor points or handles with reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. However, most resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to keep their shape. They also tend to be a bit sour, which isn't ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.