Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to buy workout equipment for your home, make sure that it comes with all the required components for the exercises you plan to do. A power rack and bench presses are essentials to build strength.
If you have a small space, look into a home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of exercises and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can allow you to maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills provide streaming studio classes that can motivate you to take advantage of the treadmill even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful build that make it a showstopper in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays the workout statistics, and it broadcasts high-energy classes taught by a virtual instructor. However, its price and monthly subscription costs could be prohibitive for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be flipped and tilted to recreate a real-world class environment, while it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handlerails to allow heart rate monitoring as well as speed buttons that can help you increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that will strengthen your upper and lower body an elliptical is the way to go. They can be used for an individual cardio workout for warm-ups, or to "workout your entire body prior to strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Look for a machine with a slouch-like stride length, moving or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system that can play your music. If you're using the equipment in your living room or another public spaces, you should consider an exercise machine with the ability to move it around so that you remove it from view when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its innovative features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It is also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic workout that builds endurance and strength without putting too much strain on joints. It's also low-impact in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it an ideal choice for those who cannot do high-impact exercises or have an injury that is already present.
You'll see rowers in a lot of gyms however they're also a fantastic piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller spaces.
If you want a smarter rower, look for one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other smart options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget pick with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, including trainer-led rowing classes and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have an established space for your workout and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells can be an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi says it's important to pick dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of weight sizes so that you can advance and regress as you need to."
The best dumbbells can also be stored easily. For example, a set of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells such as the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are small enough to fit in most cubbies, according to Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells, like those made by Cap Barbell, are another option that work well in the home gym. They are designed to prevent rolling, which is helpful when you have to reposition dumbbells in between sets or to avoid falling equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in various ways. Research has shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout will produce the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It's important to choose an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed with quality materials that don't rattle or tip over during swings and take snatches. The handle is large to allow for an easy grip. If you're looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are color-coded and standardized to conform to specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, it's a good idea to invest in an entire kettlebell set. You can build up to a more intense kettlebell workout that is like a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they can deliver a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks and accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift easily. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from natural rubber that is strong and able to stand up to many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in one home gym. It lets you lift a lot of weight. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and can be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound pile of weights, and a compact footprint that can fit in the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that can boost 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 sturdy. This model by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than others of them, and handles that are large but comfortable enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to improve your core fitness, consider using a pair of wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit, and they work your lower back muscles and obliques. While pricier than some models, this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features carbon steel springs that will last for a long time. It also has a foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. Its companion app that offers strength workouts as well as yoga flows 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 barbell or bench can't. But picking the right size is essential because a smaller ball can make exercises more difficult and larger ones can be hard to stay on. Check out a sizing chart in order to find the perfect fit.
The best stability ball has a firm, supportive surface and a durable exterior. They also come with an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts suggest looking for a texture that's smooth enough to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it binds loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym will allow you to access interactive fitness programming, which isn't restricted to the equipment you have. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical and rower, and then add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving way to build strength without having to use complete sets of weights. The best ones come in multiple colors to indicate the range of tension and some come with an exclusive safety mechanism that keeps the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
If you're on a budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for just $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 to train on the move.
Web Site are made of high-quality materials that are able to stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity with time compared to less expensive alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They are known to emit a strong smell of latex which is not a good choice for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.