How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a big investment but is often less expensive than the cost of a gym membership. Before you shop determine what kind of exercise you'd like to do and how much space you have.
If you have limited space, choose compact equipment like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
The right equipment at your home can make it easier to stick with your fitness program. If you are pressed for time or don't have time to travel to the gym or do not want to deal with crowds, a dedicated space in your house or garage can allow you to break a sweat at your own leisure.
It is essential to keep in mind, however, that you will likely need to invest some money to build your ideal training zone based on the size of your space and what equipment you purchase. It is also a good idea to start small and gradually build up over time to help you determine the type of equipment you need to accomplish your goals.
The best equipment for your home gym needs to provide a variety of workouts for the main muscle groups. A power rack is a piece of equipment that lets you perform bench presses, lat pulldowns, and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact without sacrificing durability and functionality. It features a 2-post design that reduces the footprint, and is compatible with various accessories that can boost its capacity.
You can also maximize your space by selecting equipment that can be stacked such as the TRX system. It was designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield, these portable suspension trainers are a convenient way to get a full-body exercise while on the move. They can be folded and nested to save space, and some even come with attachments that let you concentrate on specific muscle groups or provide additional resistance.
A vibration plate is another versatile option. It can be used for bodyweight workouts and also to provide an additional challenge for lifters who are more advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate for instance, has an adjustable remote control with 120 speed settings that allows users to tailor their experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands to target different muscle groups or a bungee cord to add an element of active movement.
stationary bicycle exercise can range in size from a simple power tower to a fully smart home gym, but no matter the type of equipment you select the weight capacity must be high enough that you can perform many different exercises. If you're just beginning begin small with something like dumbbells or a single pair of barbells that will aid in building upper body strength and work your back muscles. If you're a serious weightlifter look into a powerful power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well in a variety of attachments such as lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine-like attachment, seal row pad, and much more.
A bench should be in your list of home gym essentials If you're a minimalist lifter, look for an adjustable bench that can do decline and incline presses without taking up a lot of room in your garage. A flat bench is also suitable, but you will require dumbbells or bars in case you would like to do exercises that are isolated like chest press or Biceps curls.
If you're a fan of exercise that is functional and resistance training, a plate stack trainer is the perfect piece of equipment for your home. This kind of machine targets multiple muscles simultaneously with a combination of squats as well as bench presses. Functional trainers are available with a variety of options. They have cables that can be attached to triceps flyes and pushdowns, as well as the ability to alter the resistance yourself.
It may seem obvious, however, the equipment you choose will have a significant effect on how effective and enjoyable your exercises are. You'll want to ensure that the equipment you purchase is made of high-quality materials that can stand up to regular use. Particularly for those with a tight budget buyers, it's crucial to select low-cost equipment made of high-quality materials that won't degrade after just a few hours of use.
If you are on a budget, invest in a home fitness machine that combines an exercise bike with an equipment for rowing. This type of home gym offers an amazing workout for all body types and can save you the most money over the long term.
Versatility
Whether you have a dedicated space for a gym at home or plan to train in your living room, there are numerous options to suit your fitness goals and budget. Begin by assessing the space you have at home and the exercises you would like to focus on. Think about the kind of equipment that is best suited to your needs. For instance, a Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, for example, offers more than 55 exercises and user-defined movements with a footprint smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and stored away to free more space.
If you're trying to stay with a tighter budget, you might want to consider resistance bands, which can be used for strength training and stretching and are also compact and travel-friendly. They can also be an excellent addition to your existing equipment by adding light resistance bands to a dumbbell set or pairing them with a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat will add to the fitness of your home. It offers a solid surface for performing exercises that require standing and also reduces the risk of falling. The majority of mats are lightweight and portable, so they can be easily stored when not being used. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can provide versatility to your home gym, allowing you to perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows altering the weight load according to your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for gym, like the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. It provides a variety of guided workouts with a relatively tiny footprint. It's also easy to navigate and is compatible with a variety of monitors and TVs.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a multi-functional machine that allows you to perform Nordic hamstring lifts, glute-ham stretches and hip thrusts. It can be used by people up to 7 feet tall and can be adjusted to 12 different levels.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands feature sleek designs and integrate with wellness apps that appeal to those who value aesthetics as much as functionality. Other equipment is so advanced it could almost replace the need to go to the gym (and track and adapt to fitness gains).
As space concerns continue to loom large for many, we've also noticed an increase in the variety of home gym options that save on both size and price. For instance, we like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its reasonable price and small footprint. It comes with pre-set exercises, a shorter stride and is perfect for those living in apartments or other small spaces.
Another home gym option that we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is lightweight but has enough power to train the entire body. It also has two doors that can be closed off from pets or children. The Torque also comes with wood grain to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space.
You should consider adding a powerrack to your gym equipment in case you are looking for something that does more than track your progress. As the name suggests these racks let you to lift weights using a variety of moves, allowing you to develop a serious amount of strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack starts at $600, but the price can increase depending on the customizations. It is also simple to use and has a solid design, which is essential for heavy lifting.
The home gym cannot be complete without dumbbells and benches. While the standard bench can be purchased at any home-supply store We recommend getting one designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been modified to make them more suitable for exercises at home. They have a rubberized coating and an elongated knurl that stops your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.