Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to buy workout equipment for home use, make sure that it includes all the necessary elements for the exercises that you plan to do. A power rack and bench press are vital to build strength.
For those with limited space, consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness even when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to go for a run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can encourage you to take to the treadmill even when you're not feeling your best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats and high-energy streamed classes supervised by a virtual trainer. The price is high and the monthly subscription fee may be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly option 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 adjusted and angled to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also includes handrails with pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a great option for those looking for a low impact workout that will strengthen both your upper and lower body. These machines can be used as a standalone cardio session, as a warm-up or to "workout your entire body prior to strength training" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests you look for a treadmill with a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals, and handles that move or remain stationary. Also consider an elliptical with a built-in speaker system to play your music. If hybrid bikes for women plan to use your equipment in a public area, such as the living room, you may be interested in a device that is portable so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our pick for the most effective elliptical. It is also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio workout for the whole body, which will build strength and endurance, without putting too much stress on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, so it's a great option for people who can't do high-impact exercise or who have injuries from previous exercise.
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 areas.
If you're looking for a smarter model, go for one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that comes with classic workouts and a great warranty, but it's missing the features that make other smart options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option with a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, which include trainer-led rowing classes and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space for your workout and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi suggests that you pick a set of dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "As a general rule you should have a variety of weight sizes to allow you to advance and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. For instance an assortment of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage area and are short enough to fit into most cubbies, recommends Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are also a great option for an at-home gym. Their blocked shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them around between sets or dodge the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can helps you burn calories at a high rate. Studies have shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout can burn the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It's crucial to find kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, to ensure that they don't squeak during swings or snatches. The handle is large to allow for an easy grip. If you like to compete, pick kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that conform to specific rules of competition.
If you're a beginner, or a professional athlete, it's best to purchase a complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's similar to an in-person class. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver an all-body exercise that is as effective as many machines. You can do everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench press exercises and clean and jerks as well as accessories such as Biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a low 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 endure a lot of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift weights that are heavy. It's fully assembled, and includes an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms, and can be upgraded with other accessories such as landmine attachments, a dip pad and an insulated row pad and band pegs. It also comes with an 210-pound weight stack as well as an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that can boost core strength. If you intend to use them at home or on the go, choose one that is simple to use and sturdy. This model from Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than most of them, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, consider an ab roller with two wheels that work together. They test your stability more than a single one and engage your obliques, the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others, is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that can last for a long time. It also comes with a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The app 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 can aid in working your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench cannot. But picking the right size is crucial as a smaller size will make exercises more difficult, while a larger one can be difficult to keep on. Check out the chart of sizes to determine the right size.
The most stable stability ball comes with an incredibly supportive, thick surface and a durable outer. They also come with an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it can attract hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym will allow you to connect to interactive fitness programming, which isn't limited to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you train on a treadmill rower, elliptical and add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to any gym at home and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some come with an safety mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched beyond their limits.
If you're looking to save money take a look at Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. These bands range from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most needs--and you can pack them in your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are constructed of high-quality materials that are able to 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 their elasticity over time than lesser options. The majority of resistance bands must be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They also emit a strong smell of latex, which isn't ideal for people who have allergies or sensitivities.