Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to invest in workout equipment for your home, be sure it's equipped with the right parts for all the exercises you'd like to do. For example a bench press and power rack are essentials that will help you build strength.
If you have limited space, you can opt for a high-quality home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as a variety workouts in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness even when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that will encourage you to get on the treadmill when you are not feeling well.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes supervised by an online trainer. The high cost and monthly fee could be too much for some users.
For a budget-friendly option 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 simulate a real-life class environment, and its it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails that have pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that works your lower and upper body an elliptical machine 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 is an exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, recommends looking for a machine with a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals and handles that can move or remain stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. And if you're using your equipment in the living room or another public spaces, think about the option of an adjustable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its advanced features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It 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 builds strength and endurance, without putting too much stress on joints. It's also low-impact in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who can't do high-impact exercises or have pre-existing injury.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, and therefore can be placed in smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a better rower, choose one that has touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality assurance, but it does not come with the advanced features (like an integrated tablet stand or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that has 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, including rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-topper races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space for your workout and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells could be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. It is important to choose a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "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 also be easily stored. For instance an assortment of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage area and are long enough to fit into most cubbies, says Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell, are another option that work well in a home gym. They are designed to prevent rolling, which is helpful when you need to move dumbbells between sets, or keep from flying equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that will help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Research has shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout will produce the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. But it's important to find kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak during swings or snatches. They also have a wide handle window to allow for a comfortable grip. If you like to compete, pick kettlebells with standardized colors and markings to match specific rules of competition.
If you're a beginner, or an advanced athlete, it's a good idea to invest in the complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll be able to easily build up to a rigorous kettlebell exercise that's similar to an in-person class. You can even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as stylish like a rower or smart home gym, but they give you a full-body workout equally effective as the majority of machines. inside bike trainer are a great option for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press, clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that resist damage, have a small bounce, and are able to fit onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from pure rubber, which is tough and can withstand many drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, consider this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combo. It comes fully assembled with lever arms and a pull-up, and can be upgraded to include additional accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a compact footprint that will fit into the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and simple piece of fitness equipment. They also increase the strength of your core. Whether you need them to do your workout at home or to take on your travels, you should choose one that's durable and simple to use. This model from Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than the majority models, and handles that are wide but plush enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercises to the next level, consider the ab roller 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 others but is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that will hold up over time. It also comes with a small foam pad which keeps your knees in a comfortable position. The app that comes with it which has strength workouts as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will fire up the muscles of your core in ways you wouldn't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is essential to choose the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls are difficult to hold. Look up a chart of sizes to determine the perfect fit.
The best stability balls have a thick soft, supportive texture as well as an extremely durable exterior. They also have an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts recommend choosing a texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not so sticky as to attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym will allow you to access the latest fitness programs that is not limited to the equipment you have. stationary bike let you 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 large sets of free weights. The most effective ones are available in various colors to indicate the tension range, and some have an safety mechanism that stops them snapping when they are stretched beyond their limits.
Iron Bull Strength offers a set of six tubes for less than $30. These bands range from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most requirements. You can also put them in your bag for training on the go.
The most durable bands are constructed from top-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. These bands may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity with time compared to cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They can smell strongly of latex, which is not a good choice for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.