How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is a big investment, but it's cheaper over the long term than gym memberships. Before you begin shopping, determine what kind of exercise you'd like do. Also, think about the space you have available.
If you're short on space, opt for compact equipment like the Bells of Steel cable tower or a home gym that is smart like Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a workout plan if you have the appropriate equipment in your home. If you're pressed for time or don't have the time to go to the gym, or you don't like crowds, you can dedicate the space in your home or garage to exercise at your leisure.
It is essential to remember that you'll likely need to invest some money to build your ideal space for training according to the size of your space as well as the equipment you buy. It is also a good idea to start small and gradually build up with time, so that you can determine the type of equipment you really need to accomplish your goals.
The ideal equipment for your home gym should provide a variety of workouts for the main muscles. A power rack, for instance, is a foundational piece of strength equipment that allows you to bench press, perform lat pulldowns and perform squats. Many units, such as the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact without the loss of durability and performance. It features a 2-post stand profile, which reduces the footprint and is compatible with a variety of accessories that can enhance its capacity.
You can also make the most of the space you have by choosing equipment that is multi-functional and able to be stacked for example, the TRX system. Designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield, these portable suspension trainers are an ideal method to get a full body workout while on the go. They can be folded down and nested to save space. Some have attachments to specifically target muscles or to provide extra resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate that can be used to enhance the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. The AXV Vibration Plate, for example comes with the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings, which allows you to customize your experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands to target various muscles, or a bungee cord to provide an element of dynamic movement.
Weight Capacity
The size of your home gym equipment can range from a basic power tower to an advanced smart home gym. But no matter what you pick, make sure that the capacity of the equipment is high enough to perform many different exercises. Beginners can begin with a basic dumbbell set or barbells to build upper body strength. They will also work the back muscles. If you're a committed lifter then consider a heavy duty power rack which can accommodate large dumbbells and many other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad and many more.
A bench should be on your list of essentials for your home gym, and if you're a tight-knit lifter, look for an adjustable bench that can perform incline and decline presses without taking up a lot of space in your garage. A flat bench will also work, but you'll need to include barbells or dumbbells when you're planning to perform isolation exercises like chest presses or bicep curls.
If you're a lover of functional exercises, a plate stack resistance trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to have at your home. This kind of machine is designed to target multiple muscle groups simultaneously using the combination of squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. Functional trainers are available with many options. They have cables for tricep pushdowns and flyes, and the capability to alter the resistance on your own.
It might seem obvious, but the equipment you choose will have a significant impact on how enjoyable and effective your exercise routine is. You must ensure that the equipment you purchase is made from materials that are durable and can be used regularly. It is crucial for those with a tight budget to choose equipment made of high-quality materials.
If you're shopping on the tightest budget, you should consider buying home gyms that are a hybrid of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of fitness equipment for home use provides an excellent workout for the whole body, and could save money over time.
Versatility
There are many options for your fitness goals and budget regardless of whether you have a home gym dedicated to your needs or you train in your living room. To narrow down your search, start by assessing the space you have in your home and the exercises you'd like to concentrate on the most. Then, consider the kind of equipment that will best serve those needs. For instance, an all-in-one machine such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym allows for user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises within the footprint of less than that of a queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and stored to save even more space.
If you're looking to stay within a budget, then consider resistance bands. They can be used for stretching and strength training, and are lightweight and easy to carry around. These bands can be affixed to existing equipment, for example, a dumbbell set with some lighter resistance bands, or a bench for lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat is another must-have for a well-rounded gym at home, providing a stable mat for workouts that require standing and lessening the chance of slipping or falling off. Most mats are lightweight and portable, so they can be stored easily when not being used. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add versatility to your home gym that allows you to do exercises like bench presses and seated dumbbell rows varying the weight load based on your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment such as the Peloton Guide can be a great addition to your home gym, offering numerous guided workouts and a relatively small footprint. It's also easy to use and compatible with a wide range of monitors and televisions.
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 support users who are taller than 7 feet and can be adjusted to 12 different levels.
best home exercise machine
There's no doubt that home fitness equipment is a bit different than it did in the past. Certain brands feature sleek designs and integrate with fitness apps to draw in those who appreciate aesthetics as much as functionality. Other equipment is so extensive it can even replace a gym visit (and track and adapt to fitness gains).
We've seen an increase in the number of gyms at home that are affordable and compact. For instance, we like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and limited footprint. It comes with pre-set workouts, a short stride, and is ideal for those who live in apartments or other smaller areas.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home gym option that we adore. This full-trainer is compact yet powerful enough to exercise the entire body. It also comes with two doors that can be closed off from children or pets. The Torque features wood grain to enhance the aesthetics of your space.
You should consider adding a powerrack to your gym equipment If you're looking for an option that does more than track your progress. These equipments let you lift heavy weights in a variety of moves that help you build endurance and strength. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack starts at $600, but the price can increase depending on customizations. It is also simple to use and has a sturdy design, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the essentials such as dumbbells and a bench. While benches of standard size can be found from any home-supply store, we recommend going with one designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been upgraded to be more suitable for exercise at home. They come with an elastomer coating and an elongated knurl that stops your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.