How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment can be a significant investment, but it's often cheaper in the long run than gym memberships. Before you begin shopping, make a decision about the type of exercise you'd like do. Also, think about the space you have.
If you're short on space, consider compact equipment like 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 stick to your exercise program. If you're pressed for time or don't have time to go to the gym or don't want to deal with crowds, having a designated space in your house or garage could help you break a sweat at your own pace.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that you'll require some investment to build your ideal training space, depending on the dimensions of your space and the equipment you buy. It's a good idea also, to begin with a small amount and then gradually increase the amount of equipment until you know what you need.
The most effective equipment you can use in your home gym will provide various exercises that target the main muscles. A power rack, for example, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that lets you bench press, do lat pulldowns, and squats. Many units, such as the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been made to be small without losing durability or functionality. It features a two-post stand profile that helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a variety of optional attachments to increase the capacity.
You can also make the most of your space by choosing equipment that can be put together, like the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used on the battlefield. They're a practical and easy way to get an all-body workout while you're on the move. They can be folded and nested to save space. Some even come with attachments that focus on specific muscles or provide extra resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibration plate that can be used to enhance the bodyweight exercises and offer a new challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate for instance, has the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings that allow users to tailor their experience. It can also be used with different resistance bands to target different muscles or a bungee cord to add a dynamic element.
the advantage can vary in size from a basic power tower to a fully smart home gym, but no matter what kind of machine you choose the weight capacity must be high enough that you can perform various exercises. For beginners, you can start with a simple dumbbell set or barbells to build upper body strength. They also work the back muscles. If you're a serious weightlifter, consider a heavy-duty power rack that can handle massive dumbbells, as with a variety of other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine-like attachment, seal row pad, and more.
If you're in the market for a smaller garage, you might think about an adjustable bench. This allows you to perform decline and incline press without taking up too much space. A bench with a flat surface can also work, but you'll need to add in barbells or dumbbells if you're looking to do isolation exercises such as chest press or bicep curls.
If you're a fan of functional training and want to improve your fitness, then the plate stack resistance functional trainer is the perfect piece of equipment for you. This kind of machine is designed to target different muscles at once with the combination of squats, bench presses, and pull ups. Functional trainers are available in many options. They include cable attachments for tricep flyes and pushdowns as well as the capability to alter the resistance yourself.
It may seem obvious however, the equipment you choose will have a major impact on how effective and enjoyable your exercises are. You'll need to make sure that the equipment you purchase is made of materials that are durable and can withstand regular use. It is crucial for those with a tight budget to prioritize equipment made from high-quality materials.
If you're on a budget, consider investing in a home gym which combines an exercise bike and an equipment for rowing. This kind of home gym can provide an amazing workout for all body types and can help you save the most money over the long term.
Versatility
There are plenty of options for your fitness goals and budget regardless of whether you have a gym at home that is specifically for your needs or train in your living space. To narrow down your search begin by determining the amount of space in your home, and what exercises you'd like to concentrate on the most. Then, think about the kind of equipment that will best serve those requirements. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, for example, offers more than 55 workouts and user-defined movements with a footprint smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and stored away to make space.
If you want to keep within your budget you should consider using resistance bands. They can be used for strength training and stretching, and are small and easy to travel with. They can also be an excellent addition to an existing setup for example, adding lightweight resistance bands to a dumbbell set or pairing them with a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A quality exercise mat can complete your home gym. It offers a solid surface for exercises that require standing and reduces the risk of slipping. Most mats are lightweight and portable, so they can be stored easily when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells will add versatility to your home gym that allows you to do exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows while varying the weight load according to your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment like the Peloton Guide can be a great addition to your home gym, offering numerous guided workouts, and a small footprint. It's also simple to use and compatible with various monitors and TVs.
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 and hip thrusts. It can support users as tall as 7 feet and can be adjusted to 12 different levels.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home gym equipment looks different from what it was in the past. Some brands offer sleek designs and integrate with fitness apps to appeal to those who value aesthetics more than function. Other equipment is so comprehensive it could almost replace a gym visit (and track and adapt to your fitness goals).
While space concerns continue to be a major concern for many, we've also seen an increase in the number of gyms at home that save on both size and cost. For example, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. This elliptical has preset exercises, a shorter stride and is perfect for people living in small apartments or other areas.
Another great home gym option we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer has a compact footprint, but offers enough power to exercise your entire body, and it comes with two doors that close to keep the machine safe from pets or children. The Torque also comes with a wood grain look to add to the aesthetics of your space.
If you're looking for an at-home gym solution that can do more than just track your progress, consider adding an electric rack to your gym. As the name suggests these pieces of equipment allow you to lift heavy weights through a variety moves, allowing you to build serious strength and endurance. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but is able to increase in price based on your customizations. It is also easy to use and has a sturdy design, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
The home gym cannot be complete without benches and dumbbells. A standard bench can be purchased at any home-supply shop however we suggest buying one that's designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been modified to be more suitable for exercise at home. They feature an elastomer coating and a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding down the bar after a while.