Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, make sure that it has all the essential elements for the exercises that you're planning to do. For example the bench press and power rack are vital equipment that can help you build strength.
For those with limited space, look into a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of exercises and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness level up by having a treadmill at your home when it's too cold, wet or dark to exercise. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to get on the machine even when you're not feeling your best.
A top treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning construction that makes it an absolute showpiece in any home gym. It comes with a huge tilting touchscreen that displays fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes supervised by a virtual trainer. The high cost and monthly subscription fee may be too much 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 create a realistic class environment, while integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has handrails with pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a ideal choice for those who want an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both your lower and upper bodies. These machines can be used for a standalone cardio session to warm up, or to "workout the entire body before strength training" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, recommends looking for a machine that has a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals, and handles that move or are stationary. Consider an elliptical that has a built-in sound system for your music. If stationary bikes exercise bikes using your equipment in the living room or another public space, consider the option of a portable design that lets you take it away when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its innovative features, such as integration with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It's 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 great cardio workout for the whole body, which will build endurance and strength, without putting excessive stress on your joints. It's also relatively low impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, so it's a great choice for those who aren't able to perform intense exercise or who have injuries from previous exercise.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be incorporated into smaller space.
If you're looking for a smarter model, go for one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality guarantee, but it does not have the smart features (like an integrated tablet stand or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a great budget option with a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, as well as trainer-led rowing classes and live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space where you can exercise, a good pair 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, according to Zocchi. "As a rule of thumb you should have a range of weight sizes to allow you to progress and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells are also easily stored. For example, a set of rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage space and are small enough to fit into the majority of cubbies, according to Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for home gyms. Their block shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is helpful when you need to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of equipment for workouts that can helps you burn calories at an impressive rate. Studies have shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will produce the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. But it's important to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built from high-quality materials that won't rattle or tip over during swings or snatches. They also have a wide handle window for comfortable gripping. If you're looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are standardized and color-coded to match particular competition regulations.
If you're a beginner, or an advanced athlete, you should purchase a complete kettlebell set. You can progress to a more intense kettlebell workout, similar to a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as stylish as a rower or smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's just as effective as most machines. They can be used for everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks with them and accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a small bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift with ease. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from pure rubber, which is strong and able to stand up to many drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, check out this squat rack and trainer combo. It's completely assembled, comes with a pull-up bar and lever arms and can be upgraded with additional accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads, a seal row pad and band pegs. It has a 210-pound stack of weights, and a compact footprint that can fit in the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. Whether you need them for an at-home workout or to carry when traveling, make sure you choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This model from Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than the majority, and handles that are large but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you want to take your core exercises to the next level, you should try an ab roller with two wheels that work in tandem. They test your stability more than a single unit and will work your obliques transverse abs and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others it is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that will last for a long time. It also has a small foam pad that keeps your knees comfortable. The app that comes with it which has strength workouts as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts can help to energize the muscles of your core in ways you wouldn't get from a bench or barbells, Braun says. It is crucial to select the right size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, while larger balls can be difficult to hold. Look up the chart of sizes to determine the right size.
The best stability balls feature a thick soft, supportive texture as well as an extremely durable exterior. They also have an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts recommend choosing a texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it can attract hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym enables users to access an interactive fitness program that is not limited to the equipment you have. The best options allow you to exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical or a rower and then add dumbbells or kettlebells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and efficient way to build strength without having to use complete sets of weights. The best ones come in a variety of colors that indicate the amount of tension that is available and some come with a unique security mechanism that stops them from snapping when overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength comes with a set of six tubes under $30. They are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily put them in your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials, that can be able to withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to less expensive alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They also be a bit sour which isn't a good thing for those with sensitivities or allergies.