Are You Getting The Most Out The Use Of Your Best Workout Equipment For Home?
Best Workout Equipment For Home
If you're going to purchase fitness equipment for your home, make sure it has all the requisite components for the exercises you want to perform. A power rack and bench press are essentials for building strength.
Those with limited space can look into a home gym such as Tonal or Tempo that offers a variety of exercises and a full body workout within a small footprint.
1. Treadmill
A treadmill at home can allow you to keep up your cardio fitness when it's too cold, rainy or dark to run. Many treadmills also feature streaming studio classes, which can inspire you to take to the treadmill even when you're not feeling your best.
A premium treadmill such as the Peloton Tread+ offers a elegant design and a powerful build that make it a showstopper 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. The high price and monthly fee could be prohibitive for some users.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a budget-friendly and smart option recommended by Forbes Vetted Gear Editor Cam Vigliotta. Its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen can be flipped and tilted to simulate a real-life class environment, while integrated Google Maps workout technology lets you run or walk anywhere in the world (requires an iFit membership). It also includes handrails with pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate and speed buttons on the handrails that can increase your pace.
2. Elliptical
The elliptical is a ideal choice for those seeking a low impact workout that will work both your lower and upper body. They can be used as an individual cardio workout to warm up, or to "workout the entire body before strengthening exercises" says Cara D'Orazio, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer.
Find a bike that has a comfortable stride length, movable or stationary handles, and large, textured pedals, says GGR head of content Kate Meier. Also, consider an elliptical that has a an integrated speaker system to play your music. If you intend to use your equipment in a public place, such as the living room, you might think about a machine that is portable, so you can move it away when you are not using it.
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is our pick for the best overall elliptical due to of its tech-savvy features, including compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts. It's also compact and has an ultra-quiet magnetic drive system that lets you to work out without disturbing kids or roommates.
3. Rower
Rowing is a full-body cardio exercise that helps build strength and endurance without putting too much stress on joints. It is also low-impact, when compared to other workouts that increase your heart rate. This makes it a great option for those who can't do high-impact exercises or have an injury that is already present.
Rowers are commonly found in gyms. They are also excellent home fitness equipment. They are smaller than treadmills and ellipticals, and therefore can be placed in smaller spaces.
If you want a smarter rower, look for one with touchscreen monitor. The Concept2 RowErg offers a classic workout and comes with a fantastic warranty however, it doesn't come with the advanced features (like an integrated tablet stand or live class streaming) that make other smart rowers stand out. The NordicTrack RW900 rower is a great budget option that has a 22-inch monitor that plays iFit workouts, which include instructor-led rowing classes as well as live peer-to-peer races. Its smooth magnetic resistance and quiet operation are also excellent.
4. Dumbbells
If you have a designated area for your workouts then a set of dumbbells will be an excellent addition to any home gym. It is important to choose the right set to meet your fitness goals, says Zocchi. "A general rule of general application is to have a variety of sizes of weights, so that you can advance and regress as you need to."
The best dumbbells are also easy to store. 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 in most cubbies, recommends Healthline nutrition and fitness marketing editor Kelli McGrane.
Hex-style dumbbells similar to those made by Cap Barbell are a different option that can be used in the home gym. They are designed to resist rolling, which is useful when you need to move dumbbells between sets, or keep from falling equipment after the set.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a versatile piece of equipment for workouts that can helps you burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies show that a 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn the same amount of calories as a six minute mile. But it's important to find a set of high-quality kettlebells that are safe for your body.
The best kettlebells are made of quality materials to ensure they don't rattle when you swing them or grab them. The handle is large for an ergonomic grip. If you want to compete, pick kettlebells that have standardized colors and markings that match competition rules.
It is best to purchase kettlebells in a complete set regardless of whether you're an advanced athlete or beginner. This way, you can easily build up to a challenging kettlebell workout that's comparable to an in-person class. And you can carry your kettlebells anywhere, even on vacation!
6. stationary bicycle are not as stylish as rowers or smart home gyms however, they offer a full body exercise that is as effective as other machines. Weight plates can be used for everything from barbell backsquats, dumbbell bench press and clean and jerks, to accessories such as biceps curls and good mornings.
Find bumper plates that are resistant to damage, have minimal bounce and fit snugly on an Olympic barbell for a comfortable and easy lift. These bumper plates from Iron Bull are the best because they're made from pure rubber, which is tough and can endure a lot of drops without cracking.
To get a home gym that allows you to lift heavy, consider this squat rack and functional trainer combination. It's completely assembled, comes with an adjustable bar for pull-ups and lever arms, and can be upgraded with additional accessories such as landmine attachments, a dip pad and a seal row pad and band pegs. It has a 210-pound stack of weights and a compact footprint to fit the majority of gym spaces.
7. Ab Wheels
Ab rollers are simple inexpensive and efficient fitness equipment that can boost core strength. If you're looking for them for an at-home workout or to take with you on your travels, you should choose one that's durable and easy to use. This one from Vinsguir features a central wheel that's thicker than others and handles that are comfortable but slim enough to comfortably fit your hands.
If you're looking to take your core exercises to the next level, try a pair of ab roller wheels that work in tandem. They challenge your stability more than a single one and work your obliques transverse abs and lower back muscles. This model from Perfect Fitness, while more expensive than others but is built to last and features a carbon-steel spring that will stand the test of time. It also comes with a small pad to ensure your knees are in good condition. Its companion app, which includes strength workouts as well as yoga flows and HIIT sessions is a nice bonus.
8. Stability Ball
Using an exercise ball for your workouts will help you build the muscles of your core in ways you can't get from a barbell or a bench, Braun says. It is essential to choose the correct size. A smaller size ball could make exercises more difficult, whereas larger balls are difficult to hold. Consult a sizing chart to find the perfect size.
The best stability ball features an incredibly supportive, thick surface and a durable outer. The material is anti-burst, which prevents puncturing or deflating. Experts suggest choosing the texture that is grippy, which will reduce slippage, but not too sticky that it attracts hairs that are loose or lint.
A smart home gym will allow you to access interactive fitness programming, which isn't restricted to the equipment you use. The most effective options let you exercise using a treadmill, elliptical and rower, and then include resistance bands, dumbbells kettlebells or an exercise trainer that is functional.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a fantastic addition to any home gym 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 to show the range of tension and some even have a safety mechanism that prevents them snapping when they are stretched beyond their limits.
If you're on a budget take a look at Iron Bull Strength for six tubes for less than $30. The bands vary from light to x-heavy and will meet your requirements. You can even put them in your bag for training on the go.
The best bands are made of high-quality materials, which can withstand repeated stretching without losing the elasticity or snapping. They may have reinforced seams on handles or anchor points, and will lose less elasticity over time compared to the cheaper alternatives. Most resistance bands need to be tightened regularly to keep their shape. They also tend to emit a strong smell of latex, which isn't ideal for people with sensitivities or allergies.