Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment for home use, make sure that it comes with all the required parts for the exercises you're planning to perform. A bench press and power rack are vital for building strength.
For those with limited space, consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes, which can encourage you to step on the treadmill even when you're not feeling the best.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive build that make it a showstopper in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays your workout stats and it streams high-energy classes led by a virtual instructor. The high price and monthly subscription fee may be prohibitive to some users.
For a budget-friendly option that's nevertheless packed with features Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be tilted and pivoted to create a realistic class setting, and the integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails with pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a excellent choice for those looking for an exercise that's low impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower bodies. They are ideal for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which can help prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests you look for a machine with a comfortable stride and large, textured foot pedals and handles that move or are stationary. Look into an elliptical with a a built-in sound system for your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you may want to consider a machine that is mobile so you can easily move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for best overall elliptical because of its innovative features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It's 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 cardio exercise that builds strength and endurance without putting too much strain on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, which is why it's an ideal option for those who aren't able to perform intense exercise or have pre-existing injuries.
cycle workout bike are common in gyms however, they're also an excellent piece of home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they fit into smaller spaces and require less floor space when they're not in use.
If you're looking for a smarter model, choose one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a great warranty, but it lacks the features that make other intelligent options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that comes with a 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, which include rowing classes led by trainers as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to do your workouts and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells could be an ideal addition to your home fitness center. Zocchi says it's important to choose a set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "As a general rule you should have a range of sizes of weights to allow you to advance and slow down your workouts if necessary."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. For example an assortment of rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much space in your storage space and are small enough to fit into most cubbies, recommends Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells, like those from Cap Barbell, are another option that work well in a home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is helpful when you have to reposition dumbbells in between sets or to avoid falling equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that help you burn calories at a high rate. In fact, studies show that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can burn as many calories as running a mile for six minutes. It's crucial to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed of top quality materials, to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing them or grab them. They also feature a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings that match rules of competition.
If you're a beginner or a professional athlete, it's a good idea to purchase a complete kettlebell set. You can build up to a more intense kettlebell exercise, similar to a class in person. You can take your kettlebells with you everywhere, even when you're during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as stylish as a rower or smart home gym, but they can give you a full-body workout just as effective as most machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks with them, plus accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that resist damage, have a small bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift comfortably. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with pure rubber, which is strong and able to withstand many drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that lets you lift heavy, check out this squat rack and trainer combo. It is fully assembled, with lever arms and a pull-up and is able to be upgraded to add other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of workout space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. If you're looking for them to do your workout at home or to take with you on your travels, you should choose one that's durable and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir comes with a central wheel that's more robust than others and handles that are soft but narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to increase your core fitness, consider using two wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they will work your obliques and lower back muscles. Although they are more expensive than some models such as this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features carbon steel springs that holds up over time. It also includes a small cushion to keep your knees comfortable. The companion app that includes strength training, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your core muscles in a way that a barbell or bench cannot. It is crucial to select the right size. A smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls can be difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect size.
The best stability balls feature a thick, supportive texture and a tough exterior. exercise bicycle come with an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and deflating easily. Experts suggest looking for a texture that's sufficient grippy to prevent slippage but not so sticky that it binds loose hairs or attracts lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness programs that are interactive that's not limited to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you train with a treadmill, elliptical and rower, and then add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any gym at home, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The best ones are made available in different colors to indicate the tension range and some come with an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping when stretched too far.
If you're on a budget look into Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. They are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily put them in your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials that can withstand repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They might also come with anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams and are less likely to lose elasticity over time than cheaper options. Most resistance bands have to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They are known to emit a strong smell of latex which is not ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.