Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to invest in workout equipment for your home, be sure it has all the requisite parts for all the exercises you want to do. For example a bench press and power rack are crucial equipment that will aid in building strength.
If you're limited on space, you could opt for a high-quality home fitness center, such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide the full body workout and numerous workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can allow you to maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, wet or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that will encourage you to take advantage of the treadmill when you are not feeling well.
A premium treadmill, such as the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and attractive design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen that displays your workout stats and it also streams high-energy classes that are led by a virtual instructor. The price is high and the monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option still packed with smart features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be flipped and tilted to simulate a real-life class environment, and its 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 speed buttons to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is great option for those who want a low impact workout that will work both lower and upper body. They're great for a single cardio session as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which can help prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
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. Think about an elliptical that comes with a built-in sound system for your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public area, such as the living room, you may want to consider a machine that is mobile so you can move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for the best overall elliptical, because of its tech-savvy features, including the ability to connect to the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body aerobic exercise that builds endurance and strength without placing too much stress on joints. It's also relatively low-impact in comparison to other workouts that increase your heart rate, so it's a great choice for those who aren't able to perform intense exercise or who have injuries from previous exercise.
They are common in gyms. They're also great home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals which means they can be incorporated into smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, opt for one that has touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it's missing the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a good budget option with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, which include trainer-led rowing classes and live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are great.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space where you can exercise, a good pair of dumbbells could be a great addition to your home fitness center. It is important to choose one that is compatible with your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can advance and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. For example the rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are small enough to fit into the majority of cubbies, recommends Healthline marketing and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a great option for an at-home gym. Their blocked shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which can be helpful when you need to move them between sets or dodge the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of workout equipment that helps you burn calories at an impressive rate. Research has shown that a 20 minute kettlebell workout will burn the same amount of calories as a 6 minute mile. But it's important to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of high-quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing them or grab them. The handle is long to provide a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings that conform to specific rules of competition.
If you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, it's a good idea to invest in the complete kettlebell set. This way, you can quickly progress to a challenging kettlebell exercise that's similar to a live class. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver full body exercise that is as effective as many machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks to accessories such as biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that are resistant to damage, have minimal bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of pure rubber, which is strong and able to withstand many drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer 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 is able to be upgraded to add other accessories like landmine attachments. It has a 210-pound pile of weights and a small footprint to fit most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy, affordable and effective fitness equipment that will help increase core strength. If you intend to use them at home or on the go make sure you choose one that's easy to use and durable. fitness bikes for sale from Vinsguir comes with an inner wheel that's larger than most and handles that are plush but still narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to increase your core exercises, think about using two wheels that work together. They test your stability more than a single one and engage your obliques, the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. Although it is more expensive than other models, this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that is able to withstand the test of time. It also comes with a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it that has strength-training exercises yoga flow, strength workouts and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts can help to energize the core muscles in ways you won't get from bench or barbells, Braun says. It is crucial to select the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises harder, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect fit.
The best stability balls have a thick, supportive texture and an extremely durable exterior. They also feature an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts recommend choosing the texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not so sticky as to attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym will allow you to connect to an interactive fitness program that is not limited to the equipment you use. The most effective options let you exercise using an elliptical, treadmill, and rower and include resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
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 different colors to indicate the tension range and some even have an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are stretched too far.
If you're on a tight budget look into Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for less than $30. These bands vary from light to x-heavy and will meet your requirements. You can also put them in your bag for training on the go.
The top bands are made from top-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They may also have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to less expensive alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They can smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for people who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.