Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're planning to purchase workout equipment for your home, make sure it has all the requisite elements for the exercises you'd like perform. A power rack and bench press are essentials to build strength.
If you have a small space, look into a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that provides a variety of workouts and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness level up by having a treadmill in your home when it's too cold, wet or dark to exercise. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to take to the treadmill even if you're not feeling great.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a sleek and impressive design that makes it a show-stopper in any home gym. It features a large tilting screen for workout stats and high-energy streamed classes that are guided by a virtual trainer. However, its high cost and monthly subscription costs 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 angled and repositioned to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows you to run or walk wherever you are on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also includes pulse sensors on the handrails for monitoring heart rate, and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your speed.
2. Elliptical
If you're seeking a low-impact workout that strengthens your lower and upper body an elliptical is the ideal choice. These machines can be used as a standalone cardio session, as a warm-up or to "workout the entire body prior to strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a machine that has a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or are stationary. Look into an elliptical with a 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 may be interested in a device that is portable so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live and on-demand workouts, is the best choice for the best overall elliptical. It's also small and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is a great cardio exercise for the entire body, which will build endurance and strength, without putting undue strain on your joints. It is also low-impact, when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who are unable to perform high-impact workouts or have a an injury from which they are suffering.
They are common in gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, so they can fit into smaller spaces.
If you're looking for a better rower, choose one with touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts and a great warranty, but it lacks the features that make other intelligent options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live streaming of class). The NordicTrack RW900 is a budget-friendly rower that has 22" screen that shows iFit exercises, which include rowing classes led by trainers and live peer-topeer races. Its quiet operation and the smooth magnetic resistance are excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated area for your workouts and you have a gym, then a set of dumbbells is an excellent addition to any home gym. It is important to choose a set that matches your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "As a general rule you should have a range of weight sizes to allow you to advance and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells are easy to store. For instance, a set of rubber or neoprene-coated dumbbells like the Amazon Basics Neoprene weights won't take up much room in your storage area and are short enough to fit in most cubbies, according to Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells like the ones from Cap Barbell are a second option that works well in a home gym. They are designed to resist rolling, which is helpful when you need to move dumbbells between sets or avoid falling equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a useful piece of equipment for workouts that can help you burn calories at a rapid rate. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate as much energy as running a mile for six minutes. But it's important to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are constructed of top quality materials, so that they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. The handle is wide to provide a comfortable grip. If you want to compete, pick kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings that conform to specific competition rules.
It is recommended to purchase a complete set of kettlebells, whether you're an advanced athlete or just a beginner. This way, you can easily build up to a rigorous kettlebell exercise that's similar to a class in person. You can also carry your kettlebells anywhere, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they can provide a full-body workout that's equally effective as the majority of machines. Weight plates are a great option for everything from dumbbell backsquats with barbells, bench press and clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that resist damage, are low in bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of virgin rubber, which is durable and can stand up to many drops without cracking.
For a complete home gym that lets you lift heavy, try this squat rack and trainer combination. It's completely assembled, comes with the pull-up bar as well as lever arms, and can be upgraded with other accessories such as landmine attachments, dip pads, the seal row pad, and band pegs. It comes with a 210-pound stack of weights and a compact footprint that will fit into the majority of workout areas.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are easy, affordable and effective fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. If you intend to use them at home or on the road make sure you choose one that's simple to use and durable. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's more robust than the majority and handles that are plush but still narrow enough to allow your hands to be comfortably.
If you're looking to increase your core fitness, consider using two wheels that work in tandem. They will test your stability more than a single one and work your obliques the transverse abs, as well as your lower back muscles. While pricier than some models such as this one comes from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that holds up over time. It also comes with a small pad to keep your knees comfortable. The application that comes with it that has strength-training exercises yoga flow, strength workouts and HIIT sessions, is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts can help to energize the muscles of your core in ways you can't get from a barbell or bench, Braun says. But picking Exercise Bikes Online is essential; a smaller one will make exercises more difficult, while larger ones can be difficult to keep on. Consult a chart of sizes to find the perfect size.
The most stable stability balls have a firm, supportive texture and a tough exterior. They also have an anti-burst material that prevents puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts suggest selecting a texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it attracts hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym enables you to access interactive fitness programming, which isn't limited to your equipment. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical and rower, and then add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
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 the need to purchase full sets of weights. The best ones are made available in different colors to indicate the tension range, and some have an extra safety feature that prevents them from snapping if they are stretched beyond their limits.
Iron Bull Strength offers six tubes under $30. They are available in a range of weights, ranging from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily put them in your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are constructed of high-quality materials that can endure repeated stretching without losing elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on the handles or anchor points and will lose less elasticity over time as compared to cheaper alternatives. However the majority of resistance bands require regular re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They also emit a strong smell of latex, which isn't ideal for people who have allergies or sensitivities.