Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you plan to buy workout equipment for home use, make sure that it includes all the necessary elements for the exercises that you're planning to perform. For example a bench press and power rack are essentials that will help you build strength.
If you have a small space, look into a home gym like Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a complete body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness level up by having a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, wet or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can motivate you to take to the treadmill even if you're not feeling your best.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes guided by a virtual trainer. But its high price tag and monthly subscription cost may be too expensive for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows users to run or walk anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also features pulse sensors on the handlerails for heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons to increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that will strengthen your lower and upper body an elliptical machine is the way to go. They can be used for an exercise that is not a separate one, as a warm-up or to "workout your entire body prior to strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Choose a model that has a comfortable stride length, either moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Think about an elliptical that comes with an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you may think about a machine that is portable so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live as well as on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the most efficient elliptical overall. It's also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
It's a great cardio exercise for the entire body that builds endurance and strength without putting excessive 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 injuries that are already present.
You'll find rowers in most gyms, but they're also a great piece of fitness equipment for your home. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals making them fit in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when they're not being used.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, go for one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great assurance, but it does not come with the advanced features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower that comes with a 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, which include training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-topper races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established space to exercise then a set of dumbbells will be a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi says it's important to choose the right set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of weights to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be stored easily. For instance, 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 in most cubbies, recommends Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those from Cap Barbell are a different option that works well in the home gym. Their rounded shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which can be useful when you need to reposition them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can produce as much calories as running a six-minute mile. It's important to choose an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of high-quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing them or grab them. The handle is large for an easy grip. If you prefer competing in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are color-coded and standardized to conform to specific competition rules.
It is best to purchase kettlebells in a complete set regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or just a beginner. You can begin to build up to a higher level kettlebell exercise, like a class in person. And you can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they give you a full-body workout equally effective as the majority of machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that resist damage, have a low bounce, and fit snugly onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift easily. stationary bike exercise from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from natural rubber that is durable and can endure a lot of drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, try this squat rack and functional trainer combination. It's fully assembled, includes an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms, and can be upgraded by adding other accessories like landmine attachments, dip pads, an insulated row pad and band pegs. It comes with a 210-pound stack of weights, and a compact footprint that will fit into the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, efficient and simple piece of fitness equipment. They also increase the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or while on the road, choose one that is user-friendly and robust. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority, and handles that are wide but soft enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you want to take your core workouts to the next level, try the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They challenge your stability more than a single unit and work your obliques the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. Although it is more expensive than other models the one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features a carbon steel spring that is able to withstand the test of 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 yoga flow, strength workouts and HIIT sessions is a bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts can help to energize the core muscles in ways you won't get from barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is crucial to select the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises harder, while larger balls can be difficult to hold. Look up a chart of sizes to find the perfect size.
The most stable stability balls have a firm smooth, supportive texture and a durable exterior. The material is anti-burst which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts say to look for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it grips loose hairs or attracts dust.
A smart home gym will allow you to connect to the latest fitness programs that isn't limited to the equipment you use. The most effective options let you exercise using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym 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 tension range and some come with a unique security mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're on a budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for just $30. The bands range from light to x-heavy and will meet your requirements. You can also put them in your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are constructed from high-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They also tend to smell heavily of latex, which isn't ideal for people who have allergies or sensitivities.