Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to buy workout equipment for home use be sure it has all the essential parts for the exercises you're planning to perform. A power rack and bench presses are crucial to build strength.
If you have a small space, think about a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, rainy or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that can encourage you to get on the treadmill even when you're not feeling well.
A top treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive construction that makes it an absolute showpiece in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes supervised by a virtual trainer. However, its price and monthly subscription fee could be too expensive for some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's still packed with smart features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivot to recreate a real-world class environment, while it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handrails for monitoring heart rate, and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that strengthens your upper and lower body, an elliptical is the best choice. These machines can be used as a standalone cardio session, as a warm-up or to "workout your entire body prior to strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Look for a machine with a slouch-like stride length, movable or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you're using your equipment in your living room or another public spaces, you should consider a machine with a portable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, including the ability to connect to the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio exercise for the entire body that builds endurance and strength, without putting undue strain on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's an ideal option for those who cannot perform high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injuries.
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 or ellipticals so they can fit into smaller areas.
If exercise equipment looking to get a more advanced model, go for one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic guarantee, but it does not offer the features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option that has a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, as well as trainer-led rowing classes and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space where you can exercise, a good pair of dumbbells is an excellent addition to your home gym. Zocchi suggests that you select the right set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "As a rule of thumb, you should have a variety of sizes of weights to allow you to advance and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. For example an assortment of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are short enough to fit into most cubbies, according to Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are also a good option for home gyms. Their block shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be helpful when you need to move them around between sets or avoid 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 kettlebell workout can burn as many calories as a 6-minute mile. However, it is important to choose a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of high-quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing or grab. The handle is long to provide an easy grip. If you like to compete, choose kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings to match specific rules of competition.
It is best to purchase kettlebells that are complete, whether you're an advanced athlete or a beginner. You can build up to a more intense kettlebell workout that is similar to a class in person. And you can take your kettlebells with you wherever you go, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as flashy like a rower or smart home gym, but they can 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, plus accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Choose bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a minimal bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of virgin rubber, which is durable and can stand up to many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift a lot of weight. It comes fully assembled with a pull-up and lever arms, and can be upgraded to add other accessories like landmine attachments. It comes with a 210-pound stack of weights and a compact footprint that will fit into most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that will help increase core strength. If bikes exercise for sale looking for them to do your workout at home or to carry on travel, look for one that's durable and simple to use. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority models, and handles that are wide but soft enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking for ways to improve your core workouts, consider using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They will 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 other models it is constructed to last and comes with a carbon-steel spring that will hold up over time. It also includes a small cushion to ensure your knees are in good condition. The companion app that includes strength training as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will help you build the muscles of your core in ways you wouldn't get from a bench or barbells, Braun says. But picking the right size is essential because a smaller ball will make exercises more difficult, while larger ones are hard to stay on. Consult a sizing chart to determine the ideal size.
The most stable stability balls have a thick smooth, supportive texture and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which prevents puncturing or deflating. Experts say to look for a texture that is smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it binds loose hairs or attracts the lint.
A smart home gym allows you to connect to an interactive fitness program that isn't limited to your equipment. The most efficient options let you train on a treadmill, rower, elliptical and add dumbbells or kettlebells.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with large sets of free weights. The best ones are made available in a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some come with a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping if they are overstretched.
If you're looking to save money look into Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for under $30. These bands are available in a range of weights, 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 most durable bands are constructed from top-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. These bands may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They tend to emit a strong smell of latex which is not ideal for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.