Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, be sure it's equipped with the right parts for all the exercises you'd like to perform. For instance the bench press and power rack are essentials that will aid in building strength.
If you have a small space, consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of exercises and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness even when it's cold, rainy or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can encourage you to get on the treadmill even if you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a must-have in any home gym. It has an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it also streams high-energy classes led by a virtual instructor. The high price and monthly subscription fee may be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly option that's nonetheless packed with advanced features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be rotated and angled to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also includes handrails with pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate, and quick speed buttons on the handrails to increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a great option for those seeking an exercise that is low-impact and will strengthen both lower and upper bodies. They are ideal for a cardio session on their own as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which helps prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head of content, suggests looking for a bike with a stride that is comfortable, large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or remain stationary. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system to play your music. If you're using your equipment in your living room or any other public spaces, you should consider a machine with an adjustable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i with its advanced features and compatibility with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is our choice for the most efficient elliptical overall. It is also compact, and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This lets you exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic exercise that helps build strength and endurance without putting too much strain on joints. It's also relatively low impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, which is why it's a great choice for those who cannot perform high-impact exercises or have injuries that are already present.
Rowers are common in gyms however, they're also an excellent piece of home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be tucked away in smaller spaces and require less floor space when not being used.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, choose one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it lacks the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower that comes with a 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, which include rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-to-peer races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space where you can exercise and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells could be a great addition to your home fitness center. It's crucial to pick a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. For instance an assortment of rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage area and are small enough to fit into most cubbies, recommends Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells, like those made by Cap Barbell are a second option that works well in a home gym. They are designed to prevent rolling, which is useful when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets or avoid flying equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in various ways. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can generate as much energy as running a six-minute mile. It's important to choose a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made using high-quality materials that don't slide or tip over during swings and snatches. They also feature a large handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you like to compete, select kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings that conform to specific competition regulations.
If you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, it's a good idea to purchase a complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to easily progress to a rigorous kettlebell workout that's similar to a live class. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as stylish as a rower or a smart home gym, but they give you a full-body workout equally effective as the majority of machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a minimal bounce, and are able to fit on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift with ease. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with natural rubber that is durable and can endure a lot of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in one home gym. It allows you to lift heavy. It is fully assembled, with a pull-up and lever arms and can be upgraded to add other accessories such as landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound pile of weights, and a compact footprint to fit the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They also increase the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or while on the road make sure you choose one that's easy to use and robust. This one by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than others models, and handles that are wide but comfortable enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If Best workout equipment for home looking to take your core exercises to the next level, consider an ab roller with two wheels that work together. They test your stability more than a single unit and will work 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 carbon-steel springs that hold up over time. It also comes with a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it that includes strength training yoga flow, strength workouts and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will aid in working your core muscles in a manner that a bench or barbell can't. It is important to choose the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out a sizing chart in order to determine the ideal fit.
The best stability ball features an incredibly supportive, thick surface as well as a tough outer. The material is anti-burst which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it attracts hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to interactive fitness programming that's not restricted to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you exercise using a treadmill, elliptical, and rower and add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any gym at home they offer a flexible way to build strength without taking up space with huge sets of free weights. The most effective ones are available in a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some even have a safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched beyond their limits.
If you're looking to save money, consider Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. These bands are available in a variety of sizes from light to heavy and will meet your needs--and you can pack them in your bag for training on the go.
The top bands are made from high-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also feature anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity with time than less expensive options. Most resistance bands need to be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They also tend to emit a strong smell of latex which isn't a good thing for people with sensitivities or allergies.