How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment can be a significant purchase, but it's usually cheaper over the long term than paying for gym memberships. Before you start shopping, figure out what type of exercise you'd like do and how much space you have.
If you are limited in space, consider using smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or an intelligent home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
A gym that is equipped at your home can make it easier to follow your fitness program. If you are pressed for time, don't have the time to travel to a gym or simply do not want to face crowds, a dedicated space in your home or garage can allow you to get a workout at your own leisure.
It is crucial to remember that you will likely require some investment to create your ideal training zone according to the size of your space and the equipment you choose to purchase. It's a good idea, too, to start small and gradually increase your equipment to determine what you require.
The ideal equipment for your home gym must provide a variety of exercises for the main muscles. A power rack, for example is a key piece of strength equipment that lets you bench press, do pulldowns with lats and squats. Many units, like the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as they can without sacrificing performance and durability. It features a two-post stand profile that reduces the footprint and is compatible with a range of optional attachments to increase the capacity.
You can also maximize space by selecting equipment that can be stacked, like the TRX system. Created by you can find out more for use on the battlefield and in the field, these portable suspension trainers are a convenient way to get a full-body exercise while on the move. They can be nested and folded to save space, and some come with attachments that let you focus on specific muscle groups or provide an additional level of resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibration plate that can be used to enhance bodyweight workouts and provide an extra challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. For example the AXV Vibration Plate features a remote control and 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 of Weight
The size of home gym equipment could range from a simple power tower to an advanced smart home gym. However, regardless of the type you pick, ensure that the capacity of the equipment is sufficient to carry out many different exercises. For beginners, you can start with a basic set of dumbbells or barbells to build upper-body strength. They can also help strengthen the back muscles. If you're a serious lifter then consider a heavy duty power rack which can hold large dumbbells and a variety of other accessories such as dip bar, lever arms, a landmine accessory, seal row pad and more.
A bench should also be included on your list of essentials for your home gym, and if you're a tight-knit lifter, consider an adjustable bench that lets you perform incline and decline presses without taking up a lot of space in your garage. A bench with a flat surface can also be a good option, but you'll need to add dumbbells or barbells if you're planning to perform isolation exercises like chest press or Bicep curls.
If you're a lover of functional exercise then a plate stack resistance trainer is the perfect piece of equipment to bring to your home. This type of machine targets different muscles simultaneously with the combination of squats and bench presses. Functional trainers are available with various options. They come with cables that can be attached to triceps flyes and pushdowns and the capability to alter the resistance yourself.
While it may seem obvious, the type of equipment you purchase is a major factor in how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. It is important to ensure that the equipment you buy is made of high-quality materials that are able to stand up to daily use. It's important for budget-conscious people to prioritize equipment made of quality materials.
If you're on a tight budget, invest in a home gym that is a combination of an exercise bike and an exercise device that can row. This kind of home fitness equipment provides an excellent workout for the whole body and can save you money over the course of time.
Versatility
There are a variety of options to meet your fitness goals and your budget regardless of whether you have a gym at home specifically designed for your needs or you train in your living space. Begin by taking a look at the space you have at home, and the types of exercises you'd like to focus on. Think about the kind of equipment that best meets your needs. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym for instance, provides more than 55 exercises and user-defined moves with a footprint smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and stored to make room.
If you're looking to stick on a budget, think about options like resistance bands that can be used for both stretching and strength training. They are also lightweight and easy to travel with. These bands can be affixed to existing equipment, for example, a dumbbell set with some lighter resistance bands, or a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat is another must-have for a well-rounded home gym and provides a solid mat for workouts that require standing, as well as lessening the chance of slipping or falling off. The majority of mats are lightweight and portable, so they are easy to store when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can add versatility to your home gym and allow you to perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows, while changing the weight load based on your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment like the Peloton Guide can be a excellent addition to your home gym, providing numerous guided workouts, and a tiny footprint. It is also simple to use and is compatible with a large variety of televisions and monitors.
A good value home gym option like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile fitness machine that can accommodate Nordic hamstring curls, glute ham raises, 45-degree back extensions and hip thrusts. It can accommodate users who are up to 7 feet tall and features 12 different adjustments with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home gym equipment looks a lot different now than it did in the past. Some brands offer sleek designs and integrate with wellness apps that draw in those who appreciate aesthetics as much as function. Other equipment is so comprehensive it can even replace an exercise session (and track and adapt to your fitness goals).
We've seen a rise in the number of home gyms that are affordable and compact. We like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its low price and small footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set workouts and a shorter stride which is ideal for people who live in apartments or other restricted spaces that don't have the space for big machines.
Another smart home-gym option we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is lightweight but has enough power to exercise the entire body. It also comes with two doors to hide it from pets or children. The Torque has a wood grain finish to enhance the aesthetics of your space.
You should consider adding a powerrack to your home gym If you're looking for a solution that can do more than just track your progress. These pieces of equipment allow you to lift heavy weights in a variety moves that will help you build strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at $600, however it can cost more based on the modifications. It is also easy to use and has a sturdy design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the staples such as dumbbells and a bench. While benches of standard size is available at any home-supply shop, we recommend going with one designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been modified to allow for more exercise at home. They come with an elastomer coating and a moderate knurl that prevents your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.