Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, be sure it has all the requisite parts for all the exercises you'd like do. A bench press and power rack are crucial for building strength.
If you have a small space, consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of exercises and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness high by having a treadmill in your home when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that will encourage you to get on the treadmill even if you're not feeling well.
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 for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes that are guided by a virtual trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription costs could be too much for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 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 simulate a real-life class environment, while it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handrails to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that works your lower and upper body an elliptical is the way to go. These machines can be used as an individual cardio workout, as a warm-up or to "workout the entire body before strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a machine with a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals and handles that move or sit stationary. Think about an elliptical that comes with a built-in sound system for your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public area, such as the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is portable, so you can move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, which is a great choice with its high-tech features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our choice for the most efficient elliptical overall. It's also compact and comes with a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to exercise without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio workout for your entire body that builds strength and endurance, without putting undue stress on your joints. It's also low-impact compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who can't do high-impact exercises or have an injury from which they are suffering.
Rowers are common in gyms however, they're also an excellent piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals which means they can be incorporated into smaller spaces.
If you want a smarter rower, look for one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great guarantee however, it doesn't offer the features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower that has 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, which include training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to do your workouts, a good pair of dumbbells could be a great addition to your home fitness center. It's important to select the right set to meet your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be stored easily. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's fitness and nutrition editor, suggests a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take up much space in your storage area. They're also compact enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells, like the ones from Cap Barbell, are another option that can be used in the home gym. Their block shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is beneficial when you have to move them around between sets or dodge 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 high rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn as many calories as running a six-minute mile. It is important to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed using high-quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings or snatches. They also have a wide handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you like to compete, pick kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that conform to specific competition regulations.
It's best to buy kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll easily progress to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to an in-person class. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as glamorous as a rower or smart home gym, but they can provide a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. They can be used for everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks and accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and fit snugly onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift with ease. These ones from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed from virgin rubber that's tough and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift weights that are heavy. It is fully assembled, with lever arms and a pull-up, and can be upgraded to include additional accessories, such as landmine attachments. exercisebikesonline has the 210-pound weight stack, and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. Whether you need them for a workout at home or to take when traveling, make sure you choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This one by Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than the majority models, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking to increase your core workouts, consider using a pair of wheels that work together. They challenge your stability more than a single unit and work your obliques transverse abs, and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that will hold up over time. It also comes with a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. 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 assist you in strengthening your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench cannot. However, picking the right size is essential because a smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, while larger ones are difficult to maintain. Check out the chart of sizes to determine the ideal fit.
The best stability balls have a firm soft, supportive texture as well as a 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 to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it can attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym gives you access to fitness-related programming that's not restricted to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you exercise using an elliptical, treadmill, and rower and add in dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic 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 most effective ones are available in different colors to indicate the tension range and some come with an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are stretched too far.
If you're looking to save money take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for under $30. The bands are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily carry them in your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials that can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may also feature handles or anchor points with reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than cheaper options. Most resistance bands have to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They also be a bit sour which isn't the best choice for those with sensitivities or allergies.