Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you plan to buy workout equipment for your home ensure that it includes all the necessary parts for the exercises you're planning to perform. A bench press and power rack are crucial for building strength.
If you are limited in space, you can opt for a high-quality home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms offer a full-body workout and a variety workouts in the smallest footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness level up by having a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, rainy, or dark to run. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes, which can encourage you to step on the treadmill even when you're not feeling your best.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It has an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats, and it also streams high-energy classes that are led by an instructor online. The price is high and the monthly fee could be prohibitive to some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's nevertheless packed with features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivoted to simulate a real-life class environment, and its it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has handrails with pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a excellent choice for those who want an exercise that's low impact and will work both your upper and lower body. They are ideal for a stand-alone cardio session, a warm-up, or "a full-body workout prior to strengthening exercises, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Find a bike that offers a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Look into an elliptical with a a built-in sound system for your music. If you're using the equipment in the living room or other public spaces, think about a machine with an adjustable design that lets you move it out of sight when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for the best overall elliptical, because of its innovative features, such as integration with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. stationary cycle for exercise is also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio workout for the whole body that will build strength and endurance, without putting too much stress on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other exercises that boost your heart rate, which is why it's a great option for those who aren't able to perform high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injuries.
Rowers are common in gyms however, they're also an excellent piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a better rower, you should look for one that has a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a great warranty, but it lacks the features that make other smart options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of class). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower that comes with a 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, such as 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 a designated space to exercise then a set of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi suggests that you select dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can also be easily stored. For example, a set 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 produced by Cap Barbell are also a great option for an at-home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is useful when you need to move dumbbells between sets or avoid flying equipment after an exercise.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in a variety of ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn as many calories as running a six-minute mile. It's crucial to find the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, to ensure they don't rattle during swings or snatches. They also feature a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, select kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that conform to specific competition regulations.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll quickly progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's comparable to a live class. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver a full body workout that is just as effective as a lot of machines. You can perform everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks with them and accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumper plates that are resistant to the effects of abrasion, have a low bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. The ones from Iron Bull are a top pick, as they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
To get a home gym that allows you to lift heavy, check out this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combo. It is fully assembled, with lever arms and a pull-up and can be upgraded to include other accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a compact footprint to fit the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. Whether you need them for an at-home workout or to take with you when traveling, make sure you choose one that's durable and easy to use. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than others models, and handles that are wide but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you want to take your core exercise routine to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they target your obliques and lower back muscles. Although they are more expensive than some models such as this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that holds up over time. It also has a foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it which has strength workouts, yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can assist you in strengthening your core muscles in a way that a barbell or bench can't. But picking the right size is crucial because a smaller ball can make exercises more difficult and a larger one can be difficult to keep on. Check out the chart of sizes to determine the right fit.
The most stable stability balls have a thick smooth, supportive texture and an extremely durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts advise looking for a texture that's sufficient grippy to prevent slippage, but not too sticky that it grips loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym enables users to access interactive fitness programming, which isn't restricted to the equipment you have. The best options allow you to train on a treadmill, rower, elliptical, and even add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and space-saving method to build strength without the need to purchase complete sets of weights. The best ones are made available in a variety of colors to show the tension range and some come with an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping when stretched beyond their limits.
If you're on a tight budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for under $30. These bands are available in a variety of sizes from light to heavy, so they'll suit most needs--and you can pack them in your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are made from top-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They might also come with anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity with time than less expensive alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They also tend to smell heavily of latex which isn't a good thing for those with sensitivities or allergies.