Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to buy workout equipment for home use, make sure that it has all the essential parts for the exercises you plan to do. A power rack and bench press are crucial for building strength.
For those with limited space, consider a smart home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety 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 go for a run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can motivate you to get on the treadmill even when you're not feeling the best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful construction that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting screen that displays your workout stats and it broadcasts high-energy classes led by an instructor who is virtual. But its high price tag and monthly subscription fee could be too much 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 flipped and tilted to simulate a real-life class environment, while it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you walk or run anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handlerails to allow heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that will strengthen your upper and lower body, an elliptical is the way to go. They are ideal for a single cardio session as a warm-up or "a full-body workout prior to strengthening exercises, which helps prevent injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests looking for a machine with a stride that is comfortable, large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or remain stationary. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system that can play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public space, such as the living room, you might be interested in a device that is portable, so you can easily move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for best overall elliptical because of its tech-savvy features, including the ability to connect to 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
It's a great cardio exercise for the entire body that builds endurance and strength without putting too much stress on joints. It's also relatively low-impact compared to other exercises that boost your heart rate, and so it's an ideal option for those who cannot perform high-impact exercises or have injuries that are already present.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. the advantage than treadmills and ellipticals making them fit in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when not being used.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated rower, you should look for one with touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated choice that offers classic workouts and a great warranty, but it lacks the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of classes). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option that has a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, including trainer-led rowing classes and live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to do your workouts, a good pair of dumbbells can be a great addition to your home fitness center. It's crucial to pick the right set to meet your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of the thumb is to own a range of weight sizes so that you can progress and reverse exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells can be easily stored. Kelli McGrane Healthline's fitness and nutrition 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 small enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those produced by Cap Barbell are also a great option for an at-home gym. They are designed to prevent rolling, which is helpful when you have to reposition dumbbells in between sets or to avoid flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of workout equipment that will help you burn calories at a high rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate the same number of calories as a six minute mile. However, it is important to choose kettlebells of the highest quality that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be made of high-quality materials to ensure they don't rattle during swings or snatches. They also have a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you prefer competing in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are color-coded and standardized to match particular competition regulations.
Whether you're a beginner or a professional athlete, you should invest in an entire kettlebell set. You can progress to a higher level kettlebell exercise, similar to a class person. And you can carry your kettlebells wherever you go, even during your vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as flashy as a rower or a smart home gym, but they can deliver a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. You can do everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses, clean and jerks with them, plus accessories like biceps curls, good mornings, and biceps.
Look for bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell to ensure a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of natural rubber that is strong and able to stand up to many drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in one home gym. It allows you to lift heavy. It's fully assembled, and includes the pull-up bar as well as lever arms. It can also be upgraded with additional accessories, such as landmine attachments dip pads, the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also comes with a 210-pound weight stack and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers can be an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also help increase the strength of your core. If you're looking for them for a workout at home or to take on travel, look for one that's durable and simple to use. This model by Vinsguir features a thicker central wheel than the majority, and handles that are large but soft enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you want to take your core exercise routine to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they will work your lower back and obliques. Although it is more expensive than other models, this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be long-lasting and has carbon steel springs that is able to withstand the test of time. It also has a small pad to ensure your knees are comfortable. The application that comes with it, which has strength workouts, yoga flow and HIIT sessions is a bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can help you to work your core muscles in a way that a bench or a barbell will not. It is important to choose the right size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls are difficult to hold. Check out a sizing chart in order to determine the ideal size.
The best stability ball has a thick, supportive surface and a durable outer. The material is anti-burst which stops the ball from deflating or puncturing. Experts advise looking for a texture that's sufficient grippy to prevent slippage, but not too sticky that it grips loose hairs or draws dust.
A smart home gym will give you access to fitness-related programming that's not restricted to the equipment you have. The best options allow you to exercise on a treadmill, rower, elliptical or a rower and then add kettlebells or dumbbells.
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 complete sets of weights. The most effective ones are available in a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some come with an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are stretched beyond their limits.
Iron Bull Strength comes with six tubes for less than $30. These bands range from light to x-heavy which means they'll meet most needs--and you can pack them in your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials that are able to endure repeated stretching without losing their elasticity or snapping. They could also have handles or anchor points with reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity over time than lesser alternatives. However, most resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They also smell heavily of latex, which isn't ideal for people who have sensitivities or allergies.