Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, make sure it's equipped with the right elements for the exercises you want to perform. For example the power rack and bench press are essentials that will aid in building strength.
Those with limited space can consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of exercises and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness level up by having a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, wet or dark to exercise. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes, which can motivate you to step on the treadmill even when you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill, such as the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and attractive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It features a large tilting screen that displays your workout stats and it also streams high-energy classes led by a virtual instructor. The price is high and the monthly fee could be prohibitive for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option still packed with smart features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be flipped and tilted to simulate a real-life class setting, and the integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that strengthens your lower and upper body an elliptical machine is the way to go. They can be used as a standalone cardio session, as a warm-up or to "workout the entire body before strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Find a bike with a slouch-like stride length, moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Think about an elliptical that comes with a built-in sound system for your music. If you plan to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you might think about a machine that is portable, so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, which is a great choice with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live as well as on-demand workouts, is our choice for the best overall elliptical. It is also compact, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio exercise that builds strength and endurance without putting too much strain on joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are unable to perform high-impact workouts or have a pre-existing injury.
Rowers are common in gyms however, they're also a great piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals which means they can be incorporated into smaller spaces.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, choose one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality guarantee however, it doesn't come with the advanced features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower that comes with 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, which include rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-topper races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space where you can exercise and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells can be a great addition to your home gym. Zocchi advises you to select the right set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "As a rule of thumb you should have a variety of weights sizes that allow you to increase and slow down your workouts if necessary."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, suggests an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take up much space in your storage space. They're also compact enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like the ones from Cap Barbell are a different option that work well in the home gym. They are designed to resist rolling, which is beneficial when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets, or keep from flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of equipment for workouts that can helps you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies show that a 20 minute kettlebell workout can burn the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It is important to select an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built with quality materials that don't slide or tip over during swings or take snatches. The handle is large to allow for an easy grip. If you want to compete, pick kettlebells with standardized colors and markings to match specific rules of competition.
If you're a beginner, or a seasoned athlete, you should purchase the complete kettlebell set. You can build up to a higher level kettlebell workout, similar to a class in person. stationary cycling bike can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as stylish as a rower or a smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell 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 ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a great all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift a lot of weight. It's fully assembled, and includes the pull-up bar as well as lever arms and can be upgraded with other accessories such as landmine attachments, a dip pad, an insulated row pad and band pegs. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and a compact footprint that fits the majority of workout space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost the strength of your core. If you intend to use them at home or while on the road make sure you choose one that's user-friendly and sturdy. This model from Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority, and handles that are wide but comfortable enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercises to the next level, try the ab roller wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit and they will work your obliques and lower back muscles. Although it is more expensive than other models, this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that will last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it, that has strength-training exercises as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will assist you in strengthening your core muscles in a way that a barbell or bench can't. However, choosing the right size is important as a smaller size can make exercises more difficult, and larger ones can be difficult to keep on. Check out stationary cycle for exercise in order to find the perfect fit.
The best stability balls feature a thick, supportive texture and a durable exterior. They also come with an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts advise looking for a texture that's sufficient grippy to prevent slippage, but not too sticky that it sticks to loose hairs or draws dust.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness programs that are interactive that's not limited to the equipment you own. The best options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill, and rower and 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 best ones are made available in a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some even have a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping if they are stretched too far.
If you're looking to save money, consider Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. The bands vary from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most needs--and you can pack them in your bag for training on the move.
The top bands are made from high-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also feature anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than cheaper alternatives. However, most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They also tend to emit a strong smell of latex which isn't a good thing for those with sensitivities or allergies.