Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to buy workout equipment for your home ensure that it includes all the necessary elements for the exercises that you're planning to perform. A bench press and power rack are essentials to build strength.
For those with limited space, consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of exercises and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by putting a treadmill in your home if it's too cold, rainy, or dark to run. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that can inspire you to take advantage of the treadmill even when 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 features a large tilting touchscreen that displays the workout statistics, and it also streams high-energy classes led by an instructor who is virtual. But its high price tag and monthly subscription fee could be prohibitive for some users.
stationary bike exercise is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivoted to recreate a real-world class setting, and the it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also features pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons that can help you increase your speed.
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. They can be used as an exercise that is not a separate one to warm up, or to "workout your entire body prior to strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, recommends looking for a treadmill that has a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals and handles that move or are stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. If you're using the equipment in your living room or another public space, consider a machine with the ability to move it around so that you move it out of sight when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for best overall elliptical because of its innovative features, such as integration with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to exercise without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without placing too much strain on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that increase your heart rate, and so it's a great option for those who cannot perform high-impact exercises or have injuries that are already present.
You'll find rowers in most gyms however they're also a great piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, and therefore can be placed in smaller space.
If you're looking for a better rower, choose one with touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great warranty 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 great budget option with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, which include instructor-led rowing classes as well as live races between peers. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space to do your workouts A good set of dumbbells could be a great addition to your home fitness center. It's important to select one that is compatible with your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of thumb is that you want to own a range of weights to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. For instance the rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are small enough to fit into most cubbies, according to Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to the ones from Cap Barbell are a different option that works well in a home gym. Their block shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be useful when you need to reposition them between sets or dodge the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in a variety of ways. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can burn as many calories as running a mile for six minutes. It's important to choose a 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 or snatches. The handle is wide to allow for an easy grip. If you like to compete, select kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. You can build up to a high level kettlebell exercise, like a class in person. You can also carry your kettlebells wherever you go, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they give you a full-body workout exactly as effective as other machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench press exercises and clean and jerks with them as well as accessories such as Biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that resist damage, have a small bounce, and are able to fit on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift comfortably. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of pure rubber, which is tough and can stand up to many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a great all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift a lot of weight. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever, and can be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and a compact footprint that fits the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can increase the strength of your core. They can be used for an at-home workout or to take when traveling, make sure you choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This model from Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than most of them, and handles that are wide but comfortable enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you want to take your core workouts to the next level, try an ab roller with two wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single one, and they target your obliques and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models, is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that can last for a long time. It also comes with a small pad to keep your knees comfortable. The application that comes with it that includes strength training as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will help you to work your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench can't. But picking the right size is important; a smaller one will make exercises more difficult and a larger one can be difficult to maintain. Check out a sizing chart in order to find the perfect fit.
The most stable stability balls feature a thick, supportive texture and an extremely durable exterior. The material is anti-burst which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest choosing a texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it attracts lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym enables you to connect to the latest fitness programs that is not limited to the equipment you use. The most effective options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with huge sets of free weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors that indicate the tension range and some come with a unique security mechanism that stops the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
Iron Bull Strength comes with a set of six tubes under $30. These bands are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily put them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are made from top-quality materials that can endure repeated 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 options. However most resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to keep their shape. They are known to smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.