Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you are going to buy workout equipment for home use be sure it comes with all the required components for the exercises you're planning to do. A power rack and bench presses are essentials to build strength.
If you have a small space, look into a home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of workouts and a complete body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Having a treadmill at home can help you maintain your fitness even when it's cold, wet or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes, which can motivate you to get 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 comes with a huge, tilting touchscreen for workout statistics as well as high-energy streamed classes supervised by an online trainer. The high price and monthly subscription fees could be too much for some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's nonetheless packed with advanced features, Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta recommends the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be rotated and angled to simulate a class environment. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (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
The elliptical machine is ideal choice for those seeking an exercise that is low-impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower bodies. They can be used for a standalone cardio session, as a warm-up or to "workout your entire body prior to strengthening exercises" Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Find a bike with a slouch-like stride length, either moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also consider an elliptical with an integrated speaker system that can play your music. If you plan to use your equipment in a public place like the living room, you may be interested in a device that is portable, so you can move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, with its advanced features and integration with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the most efficient elliptical overall. It's also compact and comes with a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio workout for your entire body, which will build endurance and strength, without putting undue stress on your joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that increase your heart rate, which is why it's a great choice for people who can't perform intense exercise or who have injuries from previous exercise.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, which means they can be incorporated into smaller areas.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, go for one with a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality guarantee, but it does not come with the advanced features (like the tablet stand that is integrated or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option that has a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, including training classes led by a trainer and live races between peers. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are also outstanding.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated area for your workouts then a set of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. Zocchi suggests that you choose a set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "A general rule of thumb is that you want to have a variety of weight sizes so that you can progress and regress as you need to."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. For example, a set of rubber or neoprene coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage space and are short enough to fit in most cubbies, says Healthline fitness and nutrition editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are a second option that can be used in the home gym. They are designed to stop rolling, which is beneficial when you need to move dumbbells between sets or avoid falling equipment after an exercise.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of exercise equipment that can will help you burn calories at a high rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can produce as much calories as running a six-minute mile. It is important to select an exercise that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing or grab. They also feature a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you want to compete, select kettlebells that are standardized in color and markings that match competition rules.
If you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, it's best to purchase a complete kettlebell set. You can build up to a higher level kettlebell workout that is like a class in person. You can also take your kettlebells with you anywhere, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates are not as flashy as rowers or smart home gyms but they deliver full body exercise that is as effective as a lot of machines. You can do everything from barbell back squats to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks with them and accessories like Biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. These ones from Iron Bull are a top pick, as they're made of rubber that's virgin, which is durable and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that lets you lift heavy, try this squat rack and functional trainer combo. It's completely assembled, comes with a pull-up bar and lever arms, and can be upgraded with other accessories like landmine attachments, a dip pad, an insulated row pad and band pegs. It has a 210-pound pile of weights and a small footprint to fit the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost core strength. If you intend to use them at home or on the go pick one that is simple to use and sturdy. This one from Vinsguir features an inner wheel that's larger than most and handles that are soft but still narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to take your core exercise routine to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work together. They challenge your stability more than a single one and will work your obliques the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others it is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that can last for a long time. It also has a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. best workout machine for home that offers strength workouts yoga flows, yoga workouts, and HIIT sessions, is an added bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will fire up the core muscles in ways you wouldn't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is crucial to select the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls are difficult to hold. Consult the chart of sizes to determine the perfect fit.
The best stability ball features a thick, supportive surface and a durable outer. The material is anti-burst, which prevents puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest selecting a texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it can attract hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym enables you to access interactive fitness programming, which isn't limited to the equipment you have. The most effective options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add in dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands are a great addition to any home gym. They are a flexible and efficient way to build muscle without having to use the entire set of weights. The most effective ones are available in different colors to indicate the range of tension, and some have an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are overstretched.
If you're looking to save money look into Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. These bands vary from light to x-heavy, so they'll suit most requirements. You can also put them in your bag for training on the move.
The best bands are constructed from high-quality materials, that can endure repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. These bands may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity with time compared to cheaper alternatives. However most resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They are known to smell strongly of latex which is not a good choice for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.