Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it's equipped with the right elements for the exercises you want to do. A power rack and bench press are crucial to build strength.
Those with limited space can look into a home gym like Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardio fitness high by having a treadmill in your home when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can motivate you to take advantage of the treadmill even when you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive construction that makes it an absolute showpiece in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats and high-energy streamed classes that are guided by a virtual trainer. However, its high cost and monthly subscription cost may 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 setting, and the it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also has handrails with pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that works your upper and lower body an elliptical is the best choice. They can be used as an exercise that is not a separate one to warm up, or to "workout your entire body prior to exercise" Cara D'Orazio is an exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a bike with a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals and handles that move or sit stationary. Think about an elliptical that comes with a built-in sound system for your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public area like the living room, you may be interested in a device that is mobile so you can move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for best overall elliptical because of its advanced features, such as the ability to connect to the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It's also small and has a quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that helps build endurance and strength without putting too much strain on your joints. It's also low-impact when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who can't perform high-impact workouts or have a pre-existing injury.
stationary bikes exercise bikes are common in gyms, but they're also a fantastic piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals and therefore can be placed in smaller areas.
If you're looking for a smarter model, opt for one that has a 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 smart options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower with 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, which include rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space for your workout and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells will be an excellent addition to any home gym. Zocchi suggests that you pick a set of dumbbells that are appropriate for your fitness goals. "A general rule of general application is to have a variety of sizes of weights, to allow you to progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, recommends an option similar to the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that will not take up much space in your storage area. They're also compact enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those from Cap Barbell are a different option that work well in the home gym. Their blocked shape helps them resist rolling on the floor, which can be useful when you need to move them between sets or dodge flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in various ways. Research has shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout will generate the same number of calories as a six minute mile. It's crucial to find the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed from high-quality materials that won't slide or tip over during swings or take snatches. The handle is wide to allow for an ergonomic grip. If you are looking to compete with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are standard and color-coded to match particular competition regulations.
If you're a beginner or a professional athlete, it's best to invest in a complete kettlebell set. This way, you'll easily build up to a high-level kettlebell workout that's similar to an in-person class. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they can deliver a full-body workout that's equally effective as the majority of machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press, clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that are resistant to damage, are low in bounce, and are able to be slid onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made with virgin rubber, which is strong and able to endure a lot of drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a great all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift weights that are heavy. It's fully assembled, and includes a pull-up bar and lever arms. It can also be upgraded by adding other accessories such as landmine attachments, a dip pad and the seal row pad, and band pegs. It has a 210-pound pile of weights and a compact footprint to fit most workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. They can be used to do your workout at home or to take with you on your travels, you should choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's thicker than others and handles that are plush but narrow enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you're looking for ways to improve your core workouts, consider using two wheels that work together. They challenge your stability more than a single unit and engage your obliques, the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. Although it is more expensive than other models the one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be long-lasting and has a carbon steel spring that is able to withstand the test of time. It also comes with a small pad to keep your knees comfortable. The application that comes with it, that has strength-training exercises, yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a plus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing 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 important to choose the correct size. A smaller ball can make exercises more difficult, while larger balls are difficult to hold. Consult a sizing chart to find the perfect size.
The best stability balls feature a thick smooth, supportive texture and a tough exterior. They also come with an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts suggest selecting a texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky as to attract lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym enables users to access an interactive fitness program that is not limited to your equipment. The most effective options let you exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical, and even add dumbbells or kettlebells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They provide a versatile and efficient way to build muscle without the need to purchase the entire set of weights. The best ones come in multiple colors to indicate the tension range, and some feature a unique security mechanism that stops them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're on a budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for under $30. They are available in a variety of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily carry them in your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are constructed of high-quality materials, which can endure repeated stretching without losing 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. However the majority of resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to keep their shape. They can smell strongly of latex which is not a good choice for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.