How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is a big investment, but it's often more affordable in the long run than gym memberships. Before you shop decide on the kind of exercise you'd like to do and how much space you have available.
If you're confined to space, consider 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 training program if you have the right equipment in your home. If you are pressed for time or don't have time to drive to a gym, or do not want to deal with crowds, a space in your home or garage can allow you to get a workout at your own pace.
It is important to remember that you'll likely have to spend some money to build your ideal training space, depending on the dimensions of your space and the equipment you buy. It is also a good idea to start small and gradually build up over time so that you can determine what type of equipment you will require to meet your goals.
The most effective equipment to use in your home gym is one that offers an array of exercises that target the main muscles. A power rack, for example, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that lets you bench press, perform lat pulldowns, and squats. A lot of units, such as the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as they can without sacrificing functionality and durability. It features a two-post stand design, which helps reduce the footprint. It is compatible with a variety of optional attachments to enhance its capacity.
You can also maximize the use of your space by selecting equipment that is multifunctional and able to be stacked for example, a TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were developed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used in the field. They're a convenient and simple way to get an all-body workout while on the move. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some have attachments to target specific muscles or add an additional level of resistance.
Another option that is versatile is a vibrating plate that can be used to enhance the bodyweight exercises and offer a new challenge for advanced lifters. For instance the AXV Vibration Plate features the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings to allow for a customized experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands to target various muscle groups or a bungee cord to add an element of active movement.
Capacity for Weight
Home gym equipment can range in size, from a basic power tower to a full-on smart home gym, but no matter the type of equipment you select the weight capacity must be high enough that you can perform various exercises. If you're a beginner, start small with something like a set of dumbbells or a single pair of barbells to aid in building upper body strength and work your back muscles. If you're a serious lifter then consider a heavy power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well as various other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars, a landmine accessory, seal row pad and many more.
If you have a small garage, you might think about an adjustable bench. This allows you to perform decline and incline press exercises without taking up a lot of space. A bench with a flat surface can also be a good option, but you'll need to add in barbells or dumbbells if you're planning to perform isolation exercises like chest press or bicep curls.
If you are a fan of functional exercise, a plate stack resistance trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to bring to your home. This kind of machine is designed to target multiple muscle groups at once using the combination of squats and bench presses, and pull-ups. Functional trainers are available in various options. They include cables for tricep flyes and pushdowns, and the capability to alter the resistance on your own.
It may seem obvious, but the equipment you choose will have a significant impact on how enjoyable and effective your workouts are. It is important to make sure that the equipment you purchase is made of high-quality materials that can stand up to daily use. Especially for the budget-conscious, it's important to prioritize affordable equipment made from quality materials that won't break down after just a few hours of use.
If you are on a budget, invest in a home gym which combines an exercise bike and an exercise device that can row. This kind of home gym can provide an excellent workout for the entire body and can help you save the most money over the long term.
Versatility
If you have a designated space for a gym at home or you plan to work out in your living room, there are plenty of options to fit your fitness goals and budget. Begin by assessing the space you have at home and the workouts you would like to focus on. Then, think about what kind of equipment would best serve those needs. For instance, an all-in-one machine like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym offers user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises within an area smaller than the size of the queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and stowed to make space.
If you're trying to stay to a smaller budget, consider options like resistance bands that can be used for stretching and strength training. They are compact and portable. home gym equipment are also an excellent addition to your existing equipment by adding lightweight resistance bands to your dumbbell set, or pairing 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 performing exercises that require standing and minimizes the chance of falling. The majority of mats are lightweight and portable, so they are easy to store when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can provide flexibility to your gym at home, allowing you to perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows changing the weight load based on your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for fitness, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center at home. It offers a variety exercises that are guided and have a tiny footprint. It's also easy to use and is compatible with a large range of monitors and televisions.
A budget-friendly home gym, such as 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 accommodate users who are taller than 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different than it was in the past. Certain brands sport sleek designs that integrate with wellness apps, appealing to those who value both aesthetics and functionality. In addition, other equipment has become so advanced that it could even substitute an exercise session (and even track and adapt to your fitness goals).
We've seen a rise in the number of home gyms that are both affordable and compact. We love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set workouts and a short stride, making it perfect for those who reside in apartments or small spaces that don't have enough space for large machines.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another smart home gym option that we adore. It is small yet powerful enough to train all over your body. It also has two doors that can be closed off from children or pets. The Torque also comes with a wood grain look to add to the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack to your home gym if you want something that can do more than just track your progress. These equipments let you lift heavy weights in a variety moves that will help you build strength and endurance. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack priced at 600 dollars but is able to increase in price based on your customizations. It also has a sturdy structure that makes it simple to use, which is essential for heavy lifting.
A home gym would not be complete without benches and dumbbells. While the standard bench can be purchased from any home-supply store, we recommend going with one designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that come with these models come with a few tweaks that make them ideal for home workouts for example, a tough rubber coating and a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for a while.