Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it's equipped with the right components for the exercises you'd like do. For example the bench press and power rack are crucial equipment that will help you build strength.
For those with limited space, look into a home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of exercises and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can help keep up your cardio fitness when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes that can encourage you to step on the treadmill even when you're not feeling great.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning construction that makes it an absolute showpiece in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats, and it streams high-energy classes led by an instructor who is virtual. The price is high and the monthly fee could be prohibitive to some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly, yet smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivot to simulate a real-life class environment, while integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons to increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a excellent choice for those looking for an exercise that is low-impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower bodies. These machines can be used for an exercise that is not a separate one for warm-ups, or to "workout the entire body prior to strength training" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Look for a machine that has a comfortable stride length, moving or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, consider an elliptical that has a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you may be interested in a device that is portable so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical due to of its tech-savvy features, such as the ability to connect to the iFIT platform, which offers 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 roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio exercise that builds endurance and strength without placing too much strain on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's a great choice for those who aren't able to do high-impact exercise or have pre-existing injuries.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, making them fit in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when they're not in use.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, go for one with a 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 smart options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of class). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option with a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, as well as instructor-led rowing classes as well as live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated area for your workouts then a set of dumbbells will be a great addition to any home gym. Zocchi advises you to select a set of dumbbells that match your fitness goals. "As a rule of thumb, you should have a variety of sizes of weights to allow you to advance and regress your exercises as necessary."
The best dumbbells are also simple to store. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition marketing editor, suggests an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage space. They're also small enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those from Cap Barbell are a second option that works well in a home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is useful when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets or avoid falling equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of equipment for workouts that can help you burn calories at a high rate. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can generate as much energy as running a mile for six minutes. It's important to choose the right set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are built from high-quality materials that won't slide or tip over during swings and snatches. The handle is long to provide an ergonomic grip. If Best equipment for home workout want to compete, choose kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings to match specific competition regulations.
It's best to buy a complete set of kettlebells, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you can quickly progress to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to a live class. And you can carry your kettlebells everywhere, even when you're on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver full body exercise that is as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks to accessories such as biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and are able to fit onto an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift with ease. The ones from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of virgin rubber that's durable and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that allows you to lift heavy, check out this squat rack and trainer combo. It comes fully assembled with a pull-up and lever arms, and can be upgraded to include additional accessories like landmine attachments. It also has an 210-pound weight stack as well as the compact footprint is suitable for most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can increase the strength of your core. If you want to use them at home or on the go make sure you choose one that's user-friendly and sturdy. This model by Vinsguir has a more substantial central wheel than most of them, and handles that are wide but comfortable enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you're looking for ways to improve your core fitness, consider using two wheels that work together. They test your stability more than a single unit and engage your obliques, transverse abs, and lower back muscles. Although it is more expensive than other models, this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features carbon steel springs that holds up over time. It also comes with a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The companion app that includes strength training, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your core muscles in a way that a bench or a barbell can't. It is essential to choose the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out a sizing chart in order to find the perfect fit.
The most stable stability balls have a firm, supportive texture and an extremely durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts advise looking for a texture that is sufficient grippy to prevent slippage, but not too sticky that it grips loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym allows you to access an interactive fitness program that isn't restricted to your equipment. The best options allow you to train on a treadmill, rower, elliptical and add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They provide a versatile and efficient way to build strength without the need to purchase full sets of weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the amount of tension that is available and some come with a unique security mechanism that stops the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
If you're looking to save money look into Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. The bands range from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most requirements. You can even put them in your bag to train on the go.
The top bands are made from top-quality materials that can endure 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 their elasticity over time than cheaper alternatives. However most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to keep their shape. They also tend to emit a strong smell of latex, which isn't ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.