Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you plan to purchase a fitness equipment for home use ensure that it comes with all the required components for the exercises you're planning to do. For instance a power rack and bench press are crucial equipment that will help you build strength.
Those with limited space can consider a smart home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a complete body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness up by putting a treadmill in your home when it is too cold, wet, or dark to run. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that will motivate you to use the machine even if you're not feeling well.
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 features a large tilting screen for fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes supervised by a virtual trainer. The high price and monthly subscription fee may be prohibitive to some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be angled and repositioned to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run anywhere in the world (requires iFit membership). It also has handrails with pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that strengthens your lower and upper body an elliptical is the way to go. These machines can be used as an individual cardio workout for warm-ups, or to "workout the entire body prior to strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist and personal trainer.
Find a bike that offers a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also consider an elliptical with a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you're using your equipment in your living room or another public spaces, think about an exercise machine with a portable design that lets you take it away when you're not working out.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for best overall elliptical because of its tech-savvy features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio workout for your entire body, which will build strength and endurance, without putting excessive stress on joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate, so it's a great choice for people who can't perform intense exercise or who have injuries from previous exercise.
You'll find rowers in most gyms however, they're also an excellent piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller space.
If you want a smarter rower, look for one with a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great warranty, but it does not offer the features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that has a 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, which include training classes for rowers led by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space to exercise and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi says it's important to pick dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "A general rule of the thumb is to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can advance and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. For example, a set 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, according to Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are also a good option for home gyms. Their rounded shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which is beneficial when you have to reposition them between sets or avoid flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that will help you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can produce the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. However, it is important to choose a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed with quality materials that don't shake or tip over during swings and grabs. The handle is large to allow for a comfortable grip. If you're looking to compete with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are color-coded and standardized to comply with specific competition rules.
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 even take your kettlebells on vacation with you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates aren't as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms however they provide an all-body workout that's just as effective as a lot of machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats to dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, to accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumpers that resist damage, have a small bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift with ease. The ones from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and withstands plenty of drops without cracking.
stationary bicycle exercise and squatrack combo is a great all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift heavy. It is fully assembled, with an arm pull-up and lever and is able to be upgraded to add other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also has an 210-pound weight stack as well as the compact footprint is suitable for the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, efficient and simple piece of fitness equipment. They also increase core strength. Whether you need them for an at-home workout or to carry when traveling, make sure you choose one that's sturdy and easy to use. This model from Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than others models, and handles that are large but plush enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you're looking to increase your core fitness, consider using a pair of wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single one, and they work your lower back and obliques. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than other models, is built to last and has a carbon-steel spring that can stand the test of time. It also comes with a small foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The 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 help you to work your core muscles in a way that a barbell or bench will not. It is important to choose the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, while larger balls can be difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect size.
The best stability balls feature a thick soft, supportive texture as well as a tough exterior. They also have an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and deflating easily. Experts suggest selecting the texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it can attract hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to fitness programs that are interactive that isn't limited to the equipment you own. The most effective options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical, and rower and add resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands make a great addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and space-saving way to build muscle without the need to purchase the entire set of weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the amount of tension that is available and some come with an exclusive safety mechanism that keeps them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're on a tight budget look into Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for just $30. These bands are available in a range of weights, from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily pack them into your bag for on-the-go training.
The top bands are made from top-quality materials that can withstand repetitive stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. These bands 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 re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They can emit a strong smell of latex which is not a good choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.