How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment can be a significant investment, but it's more affordable in the long run than paying for gym memberships. Before you start shopping, determine what kind of exercise you'd like perform. Also, think about the space you have available.
If you're limited on space, you can opt for smaller equipment like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or an intelligent home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a workout program if you have the appropriate equipment at home. If you're pressed for time or don't have time to go to the gym, or you don't like crowds, you can create a space in your garage or at home to work out at your own leisure.
It is essential to keep in mind, however, that you'll require some investment to build your ideal space for training according to the size of your space as well as the equipment you buy. It is recommended to start small and build up over time, so that you can decide what kind of equipment you need to accomplish your goals.
The ideal equipment for your home gym needs to provide a variety of exercises for the major muscles. A power rack is a piece equipment that allows you to perform bench presses, lat pulldowns, and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as possible without sacrificing functionality and durability. It features a 2-post stand profile that reduces the footprint and is compatible with a range of attachments that can be added to enhance its capacity.
You can also maximize the space you have by choosing equipment that is multifunctional and able to be stacked like the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were developed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used in the field. They're a convenient and easy method of getting an all-body workout while on the move. They can be nested and folded to reduce space, and some come with attachments that let you concentrate on specific muscle groups or provide additional resistance.
Another option that is versatile is a vibration plate that can be used to enhance bodyweight workouts and also provide a challenge for advanced lifters. For example, the AXV Vibration Plate features a remote control and 120 speed settings to give you a personalized experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands for various muscles or a bungee cable to create a lively element.
Capacity for Weight
The size of home gym equipment can range from a basic power tower to a smart home gym. But no matter what you decide to purchase, ensure that the capacity of the equipment is high enough to perform a wide variety of exercises. If you're just beginning, start small with something like a set of dumbbells or a couple of barbells that can help you build strength for your upper body and work your back muscles. If you're a serious lifter, consider a heavy-duty power rack that can accommodate large dumbbells as well in a variety of attachments such as lever arms, dip bars and a landmine attachment seal row pad, and more.
If you have a small garage, you might think about an adjustable bench. This will allow you to perform decline and incline presses without taking up much space. A flat bench is also suitable, but you'll need to add dumbbells or bars if you are looking to perform isolation exercises like chest press or Biceps curls.
If you're a fan of functional training, then a plate stack resistance functional trainer is an ideal piece of equipment for you. This kind of machine targets different muscles simultaneously with a combination squats and bench presses. Functional trainers are available in various options. They include cables that can be attached to triceps flyes and pushdowns and the capability to alter the resistance on your own.
While it may seem obvious, the type of equipment you buy will be a big factor in how enjoyable and effective your workouts are. It is important to ensure that the equipment that you purchase is made of materials that are durable and can be used regularly. It's important for budget-conscious people to choose equipment made from high-quality materials.
If you're shopping on a tight budget, consider buying a home gym that's a combination of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This type of home gym offers an amazing workout for all body types and will save you the most money in the long run.
Versatility
There are a variety of options to meet your fitness goals and budget regardless of whether you have a home gym that is specifically for your needs or train in your living area. Start by looking at the space at home, and the types of exercises you would like to focus on. Then, consider the kind of equipment that will best serve those requirements. For instance, an all-in-one machine such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym provides user-defined movements and more than 55 workouts in an area smaller than the size of a queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and stowed away to save more space.
If you are looking to keep within your budget look into using resistance bands. They can be used both for strength training and stretching, and are compact and easy to carry around. They are also a great addition to your existing set-up for example, adding lightweight resistance bands to your dumbbell set or combining them with a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat will complete your home gym. It provides a sturdy surface for exercises that require standing, and reduces the risk of falling. As a bonus, most mats are also light and portable, making them easy to store when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can add versatility to your home fitness center. You can perform exercises such as bench presses and rowing with dumbbells while sitting, adjusting the weights based on your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment, such as the Peloton Guide can be a great addition to your home gym, offering a variety of guided workouts and a relatively small footprint. It is also simple to use and compatible with a wide variety of televisions and monitors.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a multi-functional machine that lets you perform Nordic hamstring curls, glute-ham raises, and hip thrusts. It can accommodate users who are up to 7 feet tall and comes with 12 different adjustments, all with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that fitness equipment is a bit different now than it did in the past. Some brands have sleek designs that integrate with wellness apps that appeal to those who value both aesthetics and function. In best home gym equipment , other equipment has become so advanced that it could even replace an exercise session (and even track and adjust to your fitness progress).
As space considerations remain a concern for many, we've also observed an increase in number of gyms at home that offer a lower footprint and price. For instance, we like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set exercises and a stride that is short which makes it ideal for people who reside in apartments or tight spaces that don't allow space for large machines.
Another great home gym option we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer has a compact footprint, but is powerful enough to work out your entire body. Additionally, it has two doors that open to hide the machine from pets or children. The Torque also comes with wood grain design to increase the visual appeal of your space.
If you're looking for an at-home gym solution that does more than just track your progress, consider adding a power rack to your set-up. These pieces of equipment let you lift weights in a variety of moves that help you build endurance and strength. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but is able to increase in price according to your personalizations. It also has a solid construction that makes it easy to use, which is important for serious lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the essentials that include dumbbells and a stool. A standard bench can be found at any home-supply shop however we suggest buying one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that come with these models have a few tweaks that make them better for workouts at home, such as a durable rubber coating and moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for awhile.