Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase workout equipment for your home, be sure it has all the requisite components for the exercises you'd like to do. A power rack and bench presses are essentials to build strength.
If you're limited on space, you could opt for a home fitness center such as Tonal or Tempo. These gyms provide an all-body workout as well as a variety workouts in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
You can keep your cardiovascular fitness high by having a treadmill at your home when it's too cold, rainy, or dark to run. Many treadmills offer streaming studio classes that can inspire you to take advantage of the treadmill even if you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive build that make it a showstopper in any home gym. It features a large tilting touchscreen that displays workout stats and high-energy streamed classes guided by an online trainer. The high price and monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive to 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. The 14-inch HD touchscreen can be adjusted and angled to create a class-like environment. Google Maps technology allows you to walk or run anywhere on the planet (requires iFit membership). It also has pulse sensors on the handlerails to allow heart rate monitoring and quick speed buttons to increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical machine is great option for those who want an exercise that is low-impact and will strengthen both your upper and lower bodies. These machines can be used for an individual cardio workout for warm-ups, or to "workout the entire body before exercise" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Kate Meier, GGR's director of content, suggests looking for a bike that has a comfortable stride, large, textured foot pedals and handles that move or remain stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public space, such as the living room, you may want to consider a machine that is mobile so you can move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, which is a great choice with its high-tech features and compatibility with iFIT's live as well as on-demand workouts, is our choice for the most efficient elliptical overall. It's also compact and has a hyper-quiet magnetic drive system that allows you to work out without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. inside bike trainer is a full-body cardio workout that builds strength and endurance without putting too much stress on joints. Suggested Looking at 's also relatively low-impact compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate, which is why it's a great choice for those who cannot perform intense exercise or have pre-existing injuries.
You'll find rowers in most gyms however, they're also an excellent piece of home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills or ellipticals and therefore can be placed in smaller space.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated model, opt for one that has touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that comes with classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it's missing the features that make other innovative options stand out (like the tablet holder that is integrated or live streaming of class). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is an excellent budget option with an 22-inch display that shows 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 great.
4. Dumbbells
If you've got a dedicated space for your workout and you have a gym that is well-equipped, a pair of dumbbells is an ideal addition to your home gym. It is important to choose the right set to meet your fitness goals, according to Zocchi. "As an overall rule you should have a range of sizes of weights to allow you to progress and reverse your workouts as necessary."
The best dumbbells are also 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 small enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those made by Cap Barbell are a different option that work well in the home gym. Their blocked shape makes them less likely to roll on the floor, which can be beneficial when you have to reposition them between sets or avoid flying equipment after a set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can will help you burn calories at a high rate. In fact, research shows that a 20-minute workout with kettlebells can produce as much calories as running 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 quality materials to ensure that they don't squeak when you swing or grab. They also have a wide handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, choose kettlebells with standardized colors and markings to match specific competition rules.
It is best to purchase kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or a beginner. You can begin to build up to a higher level kettlebell workout that is similar to a class in person. You can carry your kettlebells wherever you go, even when you go on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not be as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms, however they provide a full body workout that is just as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, as well as accessories like biceps curls or good mornings.
Find bumpers that are resistant to damage, have a low bounce, and can be slid onto an Olympic barbell. This allows you to lift with ease. The 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.
This functional trainer and squatrack combo is a great all-in one home gym. It allows you to lift weights that are heavy. It comes fully assembled with an arm pull-up and lever, and can be upgraded to add other accessories, such as landmine attachments. It comes with a 210-pound stack of weights, and a compact footprint to fit the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are an affordable, effective and easy piece of fitness equipment. They can also boost the strength of your core. If you're looking for them for an at-home workout or to take on your travels, you should choose one that's durable and simple to use. This one from Vinsguir features an inner wheel that's larger than the majority and handles that are soft but still narrow enough to fit your hands comfortably.
If you're looking for ways to improve your core workouts, consider using two wheels that work in tandem. They will test your stability more than a single one and work your obliques transverse abs and lower back muscles. Although they are more expensive than some models, this one from Perfect Fitness is designed to be durable and features a carbon steel spring that holds up over time. It also has a small pad to ensure your knees are in good condition. The app that comes with it that includes strength training as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions as an added benefit.
8. Stability Ball
Utilizing an exercise ball during your workouts will help you build the core muscles in ways you won't get from barbell or bench, Braun says. It is crucial to select the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises harder, while a larger ball can be difficult to hold. Check out a sizing chart in order to find the perfect size.
The most stable stability balls have a firm smooth, supportive texture and an extremely durable exterior. The material is anti-burst, which means it is not prone to puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest choosing the texture that is grippy to reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it can attract hairs or loose lint.
A smart home gym enables you to connect to interactive fitness programming, which isn't restricted to your equipment. The best options let you train using a treadmill, elliptical, and rower and add in resistance bands, dumbbells 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 space-saving way to build strength, without having to invest in complete sets of weights. The best ones come in multiple colors to indicate the amount of tension that is available and some have a unique safety mechanism that prevents them from snapping when stretched to the max.
If you're on a budget look into Iron Bull Strength for a set of six tubes for just $30. They are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. They'll fit most needs and you can easily pack them in your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are made from high-quality materials, that can be able to withstand repeated stretching without losing the elasticity or snapping. They may also feature anchor points or handles that have reinforced seams, and are less likely to lose their elasticity over time than cheaper options. However, most resistance bands require periodic re-tensioning to maintain their shape. They tend to emit a strong smell of latex which is not a good choice for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.