Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase a fitness equipment for your home ensure that it has all the essential elements for the exercises that you're planning to do. A power rack and bench press are essentials to build strength.
If you have a small space, think about a home gym like Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of exercises and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness even when it's cold, dark, or rainy to go for a run. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that can inspire you to use the machine even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning construction that makes it a standout in any home gym. It comes with a huge 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 prohibitive for 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 rotated and angled to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also features pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that will strengthen your upper and lower body an elliptical is the best choice. These machines are perfect for a stand-alone cardio session, a warm-up, or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Choose a model with a slouch-like 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. If you plan to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you may be interested in a device that is mobile so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic exercise that builds endurance and strength without putting too much stress on your joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who cannot do high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injury.
Rowers are found in most 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 in use.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, you should look for one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts and a long-lasting warranty, but it's missing the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of class). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget pick with an 22-inch display that shows 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 impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to exercise, then a pair of dumbbells can be an ideal addition to your home gym. It's crucial to pick a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "As an overall rule you should have a range of weight sizes to allow you to advance and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells can also be easily stored. For example the rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage area and are short enough to fit in most cubbies, according to Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to the ones from Cap Barbell are a different option that work well in a home gym. Their block shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which can be beneficial when you have to move them around between sets or dodge the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that will help you burn calories at a rapid rate. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate as much energy as running a six-minute mile. It's important to choose an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of high-quality materials to ensure they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. cycle workout bike feature a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you prefer competing with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are standardized and color-coded to match particular competition regulations.
It's best to buy kettlebells in a complete set regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you can easily build up to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's comparable to an in-person class. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. You can perform everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench press exercises and clean and jerks with them and accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of virgin rubber, which is tough and can withstand many drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, check out this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combination. It's fully assembled, and includes a pull-up bar and lever arms. It can also be upgraded with additional accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads, the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They can also help increase the strength of your core. If you're looking for them for a workout at home or to take with you on your travels, you should choose one that's durable and simple to use. This model from Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than others of them, and handles that are wide but soft enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking to improve your core workouts, consider using two wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit, and they target your obliques and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models but is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that can stand the test of time. It also includes a small cushion to ensure your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it that offers strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will help you build the core muscles in ways you wouldn't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Consult the chart of sizes to find the ideal size.
The most stable stability ball comes with a firm, supportive surface and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it can attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym gives you access to interactive fitness programming that's not limited to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you train with a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also include resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any home gym, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the tension range and some come with a unique safety mechanism that keeps them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're looking to save money, consider Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. They are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily carry them into your bag for training on the go.
The most durable bands are made of high-quality materials, which can endure repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They might also come with handles or anchor points with reinforced seams and are less likely to lose their elasticity over time than cheaper alternatives. However most resistance bands require periodic retensioning to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities.