Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment for your home, ensure it's got all the necessary parts for all the exercises you want to do. A power rack and bench presses are vital to build strength.
If you have a small space, think about a home gym like Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a complete body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness up by putting a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to take to the treadmill even when you're not feeling your best.
A top treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive build that make it an absolute showpiece in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats and high-energy streamed classes guided by an online trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription costs could be too expensive for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, yet smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also has handrails with pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate, and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your upper and lower body an elliptical machine is the best choice. They can be used as an individual cardio workout for warm-ups, or to "workout your entire body prior to strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Look for a machine that offers a comfortable stride length, moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, consider an elliptical that has a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. And if you're using your equipment in your living room or other public space, consider an exercise machine with the ability to move it around so that you take it away when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, such as integration with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and comes with a quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
It's a great cardio workout for your entire body that builds endurance and strength without putting excessive strain on your joints. It is also low-impact, when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who cannot do high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injury.
They are common in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. 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 better rower, you should look for one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that comes with classic workouts and a great warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option with an 22-inch display that shows iFit workouts, as well as instructor-led rowing classes as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated area for your workouts, then a pair of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi says it's important to select dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "As a general rule you should have a variety of weight sizes to allow you to increase and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. For instance the rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are small enough to fit into most cubbies, says Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those from Cap Barbell are a different option that can be used in the home gym. They are designed to resist rolling, which is beneficial when you have to reposition dumbbells between sets, or keep from flying equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in a variety of ways. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute kettlebell exercise can generate as much energy as running a mile for six minutes. It's important to choose a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak during swings or snatches. They also feature a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you like to compete, pick kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings to match specific competition regulations.
It is best to purchase kettlebells in a complete set regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. You can begin to build up to a higher level kettlebell workout that is similar to a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as stylish as a rower or a smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press, clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that are resistant to damage, have minimal bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with natural rubber that is durable and can endure a lot of drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one 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 is able to be upgraded to include other accessories such as landmine attachments. It also has the 210-pound weight stack, and the compact footprint is suitable for most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's user-friendly and robust. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's more robust than others and handles that are comfortable but narrow enough to comfortably fit your hands.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single one, and they will work your lower back and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models, is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that will stand the test of time. It also comes with a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. The companion app that offers strength workouts 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 the muscles of your core in ways you wouldn't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is essential to choose the correct size. A smaller ball can make exercises harder, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out a chart of sizes to find the ideal fit.
The best stability balls have a thick smooth, supportive texture and a tough exterior. They also have an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts suggest looking for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not so sticky that it sticks to loose hairs or attracts the lint.
A smart home gym allows users to access the latest fitness programs that isn't limited to the equipment you have. exercise bicycle let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add in dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great 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 come in a variety of colors that indicate the range of tension and some come with a unique safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're on a tight budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for under $30. These bands are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them into your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They might also come with handles or anchor points with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. However, most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for people who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.