How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is an expensive purchase, but it's usually more affordable in the long run than gym memberships. Before you begin shopping determine what kind of exercise you'd like to perform and the amount of space you have.
If you're confined to space, consider compact equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a smart home gym like Tonal.
Space
Having the right equipment at home can make it much easier to follow your exercise program. If you're strapped for time, don't have the time to drive to a gym, or do not want to face crowds, having a designated space in your house or garage could help you get a workout at your own pace.
It is crucial to remember that you will likely have to spend some money to create your ideal training space based on the size of your space as well as the equipment you buy. It's a good idea as well, to start with a smaller amount and then increase your equipment until you know what you need.
The best equipment for your home gym must offer a range of exercises for the major muscle groups. A power rack is a piece of equipment that lets you perform bench presses, pulldowns of the lat, and squats. A lot of units, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact without sacrificing durability and functionality. It features a 2-post stand profile that helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a variety of accessories that can enhance its capacity.
You can also make the most of the utilization of your space by selecting equipment that is multifunctional and able to be stacked for example, the TRX system. Created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield and in the field, these portable suspension trainers are an ideal method to get a full body workout while on the go. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some even include attachments to focus on specific muscles or provide an additional level of resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibration plate that can be used to enhance bodyweight workouts and also provide a challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate is a good example, has the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings that allow you to customize your experience. You can also pair it with different resistance bands to target different muscles or a bungee cable to add a dynamic element.
Capacity of Weight
The size of home gym equipment can range from a simple power tower to a smart home gym. However, regardless of stationary bikes exercise bikes pick, ensure that the weight capacity is sufficient to carry out a wide variety of exercises. For beginners, you can start with a basic dumbbell set or barbells to build upper body strength. They will also work the back muscles. If you're a serious weightlifter think about a high-end power rack that can accommodate large dumbbells, as well in a variety of attachments like lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine-like attachment, seal row pad, and much more.
A bench should also be in your list of home gym essentials If you're a tight-knit lifter, look for an adjustable bench that can do decline and incline presses without taking up a lot of room in your garage. A bench that is flat is suitable, but you'll need to add dumbbells or bars if want to do isolation exercises like chest presses 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 type of machine targets multiple muscles simultaneously with a combination squats and bench presses. Functional trainers are available in a variety of options. They include cables that can be attached to triceps pushdowns and flyes, as well as the capability to adjust the resistance yourself.
It may seem obvious, but the equipment you select will have a significant impact on how effective and fun your exercise routine is. It is important to ensure that the equipment that you purchase is constructed from materials that are durable and can endure regular use. Especially for the budget-conscious buyers, it's crucial to select the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't deteriorate after just a few hours of use.
If you're shopping with the tightest budget, you should consider purchasing a home gym that's a mix of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This type of home gym provides an excellent workout for the entire body and can save you the most money in the long run.
Versatility
If you have a designated 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. To narrow your search, start by assessing the space you have in your home and the exercises you'd like to focus on most. Then, think about what kind of equipment would best meet your requirements. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is a good example. It offers more than 55 exercises and user-defined moves with a footprint smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and stowed to save even more space.
If you are looking to keep your budget in check, then consider resistance bands. They can be used to build strength and stretch and are also compact and easy to transport. These bands can be affixed to existing equipment, such as a dumbbell set with some light resistance bands or a bench to do lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat is another must-have for a well-rounded gym at home, providing a stable surface for exercises that require standing, and reducing the risk of slipping or falling off. Most mats are lightweight and portable, which means they can be easily stored when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can add versatility to your home gym and allow you to perform exercises like bench presses and seated dumbbell rows while altering the weight of your workout according to your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for gym, like the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center at home. It offers a variety exercise programs that are guided with a small footprint. It's also easy to navigate and compatible with many different TVs and monitors.
A great value home gym option like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile workout machine that supports Nordic hamstring curls as well as glute ham raises. 45-degree back extensions as well as hip thrusts. It can support users who are up to 7 feet tall and features 12 different adjustments, all with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different than it was in the past. Some brands have elegant designs that work with wellness apps and appeal to those who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality. Other equipment is so extensive it can almost replace a gym visit (and track and adapt to improve fitness).
We've seen a rise in the number of gyms at home that are affordable and compact. We like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its affordable price and small footprint. It comes with preset exercises and a stride that is short, making it perfect for those who reside in apartments or small spaces that don't have enough room for bulky machines.
Another home gym option that we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer is compact yet powerful enough to train your entire body. It also comes with two doors to hide it from children or pets. The Torque also has wood grain design to add to the visual appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack to your home gym setup if you want something that can do more than just track your progress. Like the name suggests, these racks allow you to lift heavy weights with a variety of moves, helping you build up strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack starts at $600, but it can cost more based on customizations. It is also simple to use and has a solid design, which is essential for heavy lifting.
A home gym would not be complete without benches and dumbbells. While benches of standard size can be found from any home-supply store, we recommend going with one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that come with these models have a few tweaks that make them more suitable for workouts at home with a sturdy rubber coating and a moderate knurl to keep your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for a while.