Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, make sure it has all the requisite elements for the exercises you want to perform. A power rack and bench press are crucial for building strength.
For those with limited space, think about a home gym like Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help you maintain your fitness when it's too cold, rainy or dark to take a walk. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that can encourage you to get on the treadmill even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and a stunning construction that makes it a showstopper in any home gym. It comes with a huge, tilting touchscreen for workout stats and high-energy streamed classes that are guided by an online trainer. But its high price tag and monthly subscription costs could be too expensive for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option nonetheless packed with advanced 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 it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handles for heart rate monitoring, as well as quick speed buttons to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that works your lower and upper body an elliptical is the ideal choice. They're great for a stand-alone cardio session as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which can help prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Look for a machine that offers a comfortable stride length, moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Look into an elliptical with a a built-in sound system for your music. And if you're using your equipment in the living room or other public spaces, think about a machine with a portable design that lets you take it away when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical, because of its advanced features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It is also small and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without the noise of your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio exercise for the entire body that will build strength and endurance, without putting excessive strain on your joints. It is also low-impact, in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who cannot do intense exercises or have a pre-existing injury.
Rowers are common in gyms however they're also a fantastic piece of fitness equipment for your home. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be incorporated into smaller areas.
If you're looking for a smarter model, go for one with touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and a great assurance, but it does not offer the features (like an integrated tablet stand or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is a low-cost rower that has 22" monitor that plays iFit exercises, which include rowing classes taught by trainers as well as live peer-topeer races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space for your workout and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells is a great addition to your home gym. It is important to choose a set that matches your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of weights so that you can advance and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be stored easily. Kelli McGrane Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, suggests a set like 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 like those from Cap Barbell are a second option that works well in a home gym. They are designed to resist rolling, which is beneficial when you need to relocate dumbbells between sets, or keep from flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be utilized to burn calories in many ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate as much energy as running a six-minute mile. It is important to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made with quality materials that don't rattle or tip over during swings and snatches. The handle is wide for an ergonomic grip. If you're looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are standardized and color-coded to comply with specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll be able to easily progress to a challenging kettlebell workout that's comparable to a class in person. You can even take your kettlebells with you on vacation! you!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms, however, they offer a full body workout that is just as effective as many 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.
Choose bumpers that resist damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift easily. These ones from Iron Bull are a top choice, since they're made of virgin rubber that's durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, consider this squat rack and functional trainer combo. It's fully assembled, includes an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms, and can be upgraded with additional accessories like landmine attachments, a dip pad as well as an insulated row pad and band pegs. It also comes with a 210-pound weight stack and a compact footprint that fits the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can boost core strength. If you plan to use them at home or on the go pick one that is simple to use and durable. This model by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than most of them, and handles that are large but plush enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
If you're looking to take your core workouts to the next level, consider an ab roller with two wheels that work in tandem. They test your stability more than a single unit and work your obliques the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is built to last and features carbon-steel springs that hold up over time. It also includes a small cushion to keep your knees comfortable. The application that comes with it that includes strength training as well as yoga flow and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts can help to energize the muscles of your core in ways you won't get from barbell or bench, Braun says. It is essential to choose the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls are difficult to hold. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect size.
The best stability ball has an incredibly supportive, thick surface and a durable outer. They also feature an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and deflating quickly. Experts suggest looking for a texture that is sufficient grippy to prevent slippage but not so sticky that it grips loose hairs or attracts dust.
A smart home gym enables you to connect to an interactive fitness program that isn't limited to the equipment you have. The most efficient options let you train on a treadmill rower, elliptical or a rower and then add kettlebells or dumbbells.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and efficient way to build strength without the need to purchase complete sets of weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors that indicate the range of tension, and some feature a unique safety mechanism that prevents the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
stationary bicycles for sale comes with six tubes for less than $30. These bands range from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most needs--and you can pack them in your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are made from top-quality materials that can stand up to repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. These bands may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to less expensive alternatives. However most resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to keep their shape. They also emit a strong smell of latex, which isn't ideal for people with sensitivities or allergies.