Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, ensure it's got all the necessary components for the exercises you'd like do. A power rack and bench press are crucial to build strength.
For those with limited space, look into a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can help you maintain your fitness when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to get on the treadmill when you are not feeling well.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It features an enormous tilting touchscreen that displays the workout statistics, and it broadcasts high-energy classes that are led by a virtual instructor. However, its high cost and monthly subscription costs could be too expensive for some users.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option nevertheless packed with 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 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 to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails to increase your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your upper and lower body, an elliptical is the ideal choice. They're great for a stand-alone cardio session or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which helps to avoid injury," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Look for a machine with a slouch-like stride length, either moving or stationary handles, as well as large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Consider an elliptical that has an integrated sound system that can play your music. And if you're using your equipment in your living room or any other public space, consider the option of an adjustable design that lets you remove it from view when you're not exercising.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our top pick for best overall elliptical because of its innovative features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and comes with a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio exercise for the entire body that will build strength and endurance, without putting undue strain on your joints. It's also low-impact in comparison to other exercises that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who are unable to do intense exercises or have a an injury that is already present.
You'll see rowers in a lot of gyms however they're also a fantastic piece of home fitness equipment . They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, making them fit in smaller spaces and require less floor space when they're not being used.
If you want a smarter rower, you should look for one that has a touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout with a high-quality guarantee, 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 rower is an excellent budget option with a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, as well as training classes led by a trainer and live races between peers. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space to do your workouts A good set of dumbbells could be a great addition to your home gym. It's important to select one that is compatible with your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of sizes of weights, to allow you to progress and regress exercises as needed."
The best dumbbells are also easily stored. For instance, 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 long enough to fit into most cubbies, says Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are also a good option for home gyms. Their block shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them around between sets or avoid flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of equipment for workouts that can helps you burn calories at an impressive rate. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout will burn the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. But it's important to find the best kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed of top quality materials, so that they don't rattle during swings or snatches. The handle is long to allow for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete in competition, you should choose kettlebells for competition that are standard and color-coded to conform to specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase kettlebells in a complete set, whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you'll be able to easily build up to a challenging kettlebell workout that's comparable to a live class. And you can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates might not be as glamorous like a rower or smart home gym, but they provide a full-body workout that's equally effective as the majority of machines. You can perform everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench presses and clean and jerks, plus accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Choose bumpers that resist damage, have a minimal bounce, and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift comfortably. These ones from Iron Bull are a top pick, as they're made from virgin rubber that's tough and can withstand a lot of drops without cracking.
For an all-in-one home gym that lets you lift heavy, try this squat rack as well as a functional trainer combo. It comes fully assembled with lever arms and a pull-up, and can be upgraded to include other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It also has the 210-pound weight stack, and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in the majority of workout spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, efficient and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost core strength. If you intend to use them at home or while on the road, choose one that is user-friendly and durable. This one by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than the majority of them, and handles that are wide but soft enough to comfortably fit in your hands.
If you're looking to improve your core exercises, think about using two wheels that work together. They are more stable than a single unit and they target your obliques and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others it is constructed to last and comes with carbon-steel springs that hold up over time. It also has a small pad to ensure your knees are in good condition. The application that comes with it that includes strength training yoga flow, strength workouts and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball will assist you in strengthening your core muscles in a way that a bench or a barbell can't. However, choosing the right size is crucial; a smaller one will make exercises more difficult, while larger ones can be hard to stay on. Use a sizing chart to find the perfect size.
The best stability ball has a firm, supportive surface and a durable exterior. They also come with an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and deflating easily. Experts suggest choosing the texture that is grippy to minimize slippage, but not too sticky that it attracts lint or loose hairs.
A smart home gym will allow users to access the latest fitness programs that isn't restricted to the equipment you use. The most effective options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill and rower, and then include dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
The resistance bands make a great addition to any home gym. They offer a flexible and space-saving method to build strength without having to use full sets of weights. The best ones are available in multiple colors to indicate the tension range and some come with an exclusive security mechanism that stops them from snapping when overstretched.
Iron Bull Strength comes with a set of six tubes under $30. They are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag for on-the-go training.
The top bands are made from high-quality materials that can 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 cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be re-tightened periodically to maintain their shape. They can smell strongly of latex, which is not a good choice for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.