Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you plan to purchase a fitness equipment for home use ensure that it has all the essential parts for the exercises you plan to do. For example a bench press and power rack are vital equipment that can help you build strength.
If you are limited in space, you can opt for a smart home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide the full body workout and numerous workouts within small footprints.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help you maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, dark, or rainy to run. Many treadmills also offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to get on the treadmill even if you're not feeling great.
A top treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ has a elegant and striking design that makes it a standout in any home gym. It has a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats and high-energy streamed classes guided by a virtual trainer. The price is high and the monthly subscription fees could be too much 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 simulate a real-life class environment, while 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 and quick speed buttons to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your upper and lower body an elliptical machine is the way to go. These machines are perfect for a cardio session on their own, a warm-up, or "a full-body workout prior strength training, which can help prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head of content, suggests looking for a bike that has a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals and handles that can move or sit stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you are planning to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you might want to consider a machine that is portable so you can take it out when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its tech-savvy features, including the ability to connect to the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to exercise without disturbing your children or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a total-body cardio exercise that builds strength and endurance without putting too much stress on joints. It's also low-impact when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great choice for those who cannot do intense exercises or have a an injury from which they are suffering.
You'll see rowers in a lot of gyms, but they're also a great piece of home fitness equipment. They're smaller than treadmills and ellipticals making them fit in smaller spaces and take up less floor space when in use.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, opt for one that has a touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic guarantee however it doesn't have the smart features (like an integrated tablet stand or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 is an affordable rower with a 22" monitor that can play iFit exercises, including training classes for rowers led by trainers as well as live peer-topper races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are impressive.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a dedicated space for your workout A good set of dumbbells can be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. It is important to choose one that is compatible with your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of thumb is that you want to have a variety of sizes of weights, to allow you to progress and regress as you need to."
The best dumbbells are easily stored. Kelli McGrane, Healthline's nutrition and fitness marketing editor, suggests a set like the Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights that won't take much space in your storage area. They're also compact enough to fit in the majority of cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those made by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for a home gym. Their block shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which is useful when you need to move them between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can helps you burn calories at an impressive rate. Studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. It's important to choose an exercise that is 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 provide a comfortable grip. If you're looking to compete with kettlebells, select competition kettlebells that are color-coded and standardized to conform to specific competition rules.
If you're a beginner, or a seasoned athlete, you should purchase the complete kettlebell set. You can build up to a high level kettlebell workout, like a class in person. You can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as glamorous as rowers or smart home gyms, however, they offer full body exercise that is as effective as other machines. You can do everything from back squats with barbells to dumbbell bench press exercises and clean and jerks as well as accessories such as Biceps curls and good mornings.
Look for bumpers that resist damage, have a small bounce, and can be slid on an Olympic barbell. This will allow you to lift comfortably. These ones from Iron Bull are a top option, since they're constructed of virgin rubber that's durable and withstands a variety of drops without cracking.
This functional trainer and squatrack combination is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It lets you lift weights that are heavy. It's fully assembled, includes the pull-up bar as well as lever arms. It can also be upgraded by adding other accessories such as landmine attachments, dip pads, the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also comes with the 210-pound weight stack, and a compact footprint that fits the majority of gym space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple inexpensive and effective fitness equipment that can boost the strength of your core. If you're looking for them for an at-home workout or to take with you on travel, look for one that's sturdy and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir has a central wheel that's thicker than the majority and handles that are comfortable but narrow enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you're looking to increase your core exercises, think about using a pair of wheels that work together. They will test your stability more than a single unit and will work your obliques transverse abs and lower back muscles. Although hybrid bikes for women are more expensive than some models, this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be sturdy and features carbon steel springs that will last for a long time. It also includes a small cushion to ensure your knees are comfortable. The companion app, which includes strength workouts as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Braun says that using an exercise ball can aid in working your muscles in a way that a barbell or bench cannot. It is essential to choose the correct size. A smaller ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Consult the chart of sizes to determine the right size.
The most stable stability ball comes with a thick, supportive surface and a durable exterior. They also have an anti-burst layer that keeps them from puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts suggest looking for a texture that's grippy enough to reduce slippage, but not so sticky that it binds loose hairs or attracts dust.
A smart home gym allows you to access interactive fitness programming, which is not limited to the equipment you use. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical as well as a rower. You can also add dumbbells, resistance bands kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any gym at home, providing a versatile way to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The best ones come with a variety of colors to show the range of tension and some come with an exclusive security mechanism that stops them from snapping when overstretched.
If you're looking to save money look into Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for under $30. The bands are available in a range of weights, from light to heavy. They'll satisfy most needs and you can easily carry them into your bag to train on the go.
The most durable bands are constructed of high-quality materials that are able to 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 compared to the cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands have to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex, which is not ideal for those who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.