Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to invest in workout equipment for your home, ensure it has all the requisite components for the exercises you'd like perform. A power rack and bench presses are crucial to build strength.
For those with limited space, think about a home gym like Tonal or Tempo which offers a range of exercises and a full body workout in a compact footprint.
1. Treadmill
Running a treadmill at home can help maintain your fitness even when it's too cold, wet or dark to go for a run. Many treadmills have streaming studio classes that can inspire you to take advantage of the treadmill even when you're not feeling well.
A premium treadmill like the Peloton Tread+ offers a sleek design and impressive construction that makes it a standout in any home gym. It comes with a huge tilting touchscreen that displays fitness statistics and high-energy streaming classes guided by an online trainer. The high price and monthly subscription fees could be prohibitive for some users.
For a budget-friendly model that's 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 pivot to recreate a real-world class setting, and the it's integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anyplace in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails with pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring and quick speed buttons on the handrails to boost your pace.
2. Elliptical
If you're looking for a low-impact workout that works your upper and lower body an elliptical is the way to go. These machines are perfect for a cardio session on their own or a warm-up session, or "a full-body workout prior to strength training, which can help prevent injuries," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Cara D'Orazio.
Kate Meier, GGR's head for content, suggests you look for a bike that has a comfortable stride with large, textured feet pedals and handles that move or are stationary. Also, think about an elliptical with a a built-in speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public space like the living room, you might think about a machine that is mobile so you can easily move it away when you're not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our choice for the best overall elliptical, because of its advanced features, such as compatibility with the iFIT platform, which offers live and on-demand workouts. It is also compact and has a quiet magnetic drive system. This allows you to exercise without disturbing your roommates or children.
3. Rower
Rowing is an excellent cardio exercise for the entire body that will build endurance and strength without putting too much stress on joints. It is also low-impact, compared to other exercises which increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who can't perform high-impact workouts or have a pre-existing injury.
Rowers are found in most gyms. They're also excellent home fitness equipment. Best workout equipment for home than treadmills and ellipticals making them fit in smaller spaces and require less floor space when they're not in use.
If you're looking to get a more advanced model, opt for one that has touchscreen. The Concept2 RowErg is a top-rated option that provides classic workouts as well as a solid warranty, but it is lacking the features that make other smart options stand out (like an integrated tablet holder or live class streaming). The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a great budget pick with a 22-inch screen that streams iFit workouts, including trainer-led rowing classes and live races between peers. Its quiet operation and smooth magnetic resistance are also top-quality.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated space for your workout then a set of dumbbells can be an excellent addition to any home gym. Zocchi suggests that you select the right set of dumbbells that fits your fitness goals. "A general rule of general application is to own a range of weights to allow you to progress and regress as you need to."
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 will not take up much space in your storage area. They're also compact enough to fit into most cubbies.
Hex-style dumbbells like those manufactured by Cap Barbell are an excellent choice for an at-home gym. Their block shape allows them to avoid rolling on the floor, which can be beneficial when you have to move them around between sets or avoid the flying equipment post-set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells can be used to burn calories in many ways. Studies have shown that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can generate as much energy as running a mile for six minutes. It's crucial to select a set that is safe for your body.
The best kettlebells will be constructed of top quality materials, so that they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. They also feature a large handle opening for a comfortable grip. If you are looking to compete, select kettlebells with standardized colors and markings to match specific rules of competition.
It's best to buy kettlebells that are complete regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or just a beginner. You can begin to build up to a more intense kettlebell workout, like a class in person. You can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even on vacation!
6. Weight Plates
Weight plates may not look as glamorous as a rower or a smart home gym, but they deliver a full-body workout that's exactly as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for anything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press, clean and jerks, as well as accessories such as biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that are resistant to damage, are low in bounce and can be easily fitted onto an Olympic barbell for a comfortable lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made of virgin rubber, which is strong and able to stand up to many drops without cracking.
This squatrack and functional trainer combo is a fantastic all-in-one home gym. It allows you to lift weights that are heavy. It's fully assembled, includes an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms, and can be upgraded by adding other accessories like landmine attachments, dip pads as well as the seal row pad, and band pegs. It also has a 210-pound weight stack and an incredibly compact footprint that will fit in most workout space.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are a simple, affordable and effective fitness equipment that will help increase the strength of your core. If you plan to use them at home or on the road, choose one that is easy to use and durable. This one by Vinsguir comes with a larger central wheel than others, and handles that are large but plush enough to comfortably fit into your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercises to the next level, consider the ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They are more stable than a single unit and they work your obliques and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others it is built to last and features carbon-steel springs that hold up over time. It also has a foam pad that ensures your knees are comfortable. The app that comes with it that offers strength workouts, yoga flows, and HIIT sessions, is an added 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 barbell can't. However, choosing the right size is important because a smaller ball could make exercises more difficult and larger ones can be hard to stay on. Check out a sizing chart in order to determine the ideal size.
The best stability ball has a firm, supportive surface and a durable exterior. They also have an anti-burst coating that stops puncturing and ballooning up easily. Experts say to look for a texture that is grippy enough to reduce slippage but not so sticky that it sticks to loose hairs or attracts the lint.
A smart home gym provides you access to interactive fitness programming that's not restricted to the equipment you own. The best options let you train using an elliptical, treadmill, and rower and add in resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells, kettlebells, or a functional trainer.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to any gym at home they offer a flexible way to build strength without taking up space with full sets of free weights. The best ones are available in a variety of colors that indicate the range of tension and some have an exclusive safety mechanism that prevents the bands from snapping if stretched too far.
Iron Bull Strength comes with six tubes for less than $30. The bands are available in a range of weights ranging from light to heavy. They'll meet your needs in all ways and you can easily pack them into your bag to train on the go.
The best bands are made 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 the cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be tightened on a regular basis to keep their shape. They tend to smell strongly of latex which is not ideal for people who suffer from sensitivities or allergies.