Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to invest in workout equipment for your home, make sure it's equipped with the right components for the exercises you'd like to perform. A power rack and bench presses are essentials to build strength.
If you have a small space, think about a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a complete body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can allow you to keep up your cardio fitness even when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes that can inspire you to step on the treadmill even if you're not feeling your best.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a must-have in any home gym. It features a large tilting screen that displays your workout stats and it streams high-energy classes that are led by an instructor online. However, its high cost and monthly subscription costs could be too much for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, but smart choice recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be adjusted and angled to simulate a class. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that strengthens your lower and upper body, an elliptical is the way to go. They're great for a single cardio session as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior strengthening exercises, which helps to avoid injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Look for a machine that has a comfortable stride length, either moving or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you may be interested in a device that is mobile so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, such as integration with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and comes with a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio workout that builds endurance and strength without placing too much stress on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's a great option for people who can't perform high-impact exercises or have injuries that are already present.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they fit into smaller spaces and take up less floor space when being used.
If you're looking for a smarter model, go for one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great guarantee, but it does not have the smart features (like an integrated tablet stand or live streaming of classes) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget pick with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, including training classes led by a trainer and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are outstanding.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established area for your workouts and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells will be a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi advises you to select the right set of dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "A general rule of thumb is that you want to have a variety of sizes of weights, so that you can progress and regress as you need to."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. For example the rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage space and are small enough to fit in most cubbies, recommends Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for home gyms. They are designed to stop rolling, which is useful when you have to reposition dumbbells in between sets or to avoid falling equipment after an exercise.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in various ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate the same number of calories as a 6 minute mile. It is important to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, so that they don't rattle during swings or snatches. They also have a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, select kettlebells with standardized colors and markings that match competition regulations.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or beginner. You can progress to a high level kettlebell workout, similar to a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as stylish as a rower or smart home gym, but they can provide a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift with ease. These bumpers from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that lets you lift heavy, try this squat rack and functional trainer combination. It's completely assembled, comes with an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms. It can also be upgraded with other accessories, such as landmine attachments a dip pad as well as the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also comes with the 210-pound weight stack, and a compact footprint that fits the majority of gym spaces.
7. indoor road bike trainer are simple inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that can boost core strength. They can be used for an at-home workout or to carry on your travels, you should choose one that's durable and easy to use. This one by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than most, and handles that are wide but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to improve your core fitness, consider using a pair of wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit and they target your lower back muscles and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models but is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that can hold up over time. It also comes with a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The companion app that offers strength workouts yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench can't. It is important to choose the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Use indoor cycling trainer to determine the ideal fit.
The best stability ball features a thick, supportive surface and a durable exterior. They also feature an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts say to look for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage but not so sticky that it binds loose hairs or draws the lint.
A smart home gym will allow you to connect to the latest fitness programs that is not limited to the equipment you use. The best options allow you to exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical, and even add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any gym at home and offer a variety of ways to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The best ones are available with a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some have a unique security mechanism that stops them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're looking to save money, consider Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. The bands are available in a range of weights ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag for on-the-go training.
The best bands are constructed of high-quality materials, which can be able to withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. These bands may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time compared to less expensive alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require periodic retensioning to keep their shape. They also tend to smell heavily of latex which isn't the best choice for people with sensitivities or allergies.