How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is a big investment, but it's often cheaper in the long run than paying for gym memberships. Before you shop, figure out what type of workouts you want to do and the space you have.
If you have limited space, consider using smaller equipment like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
A gym that is equipped at your home can make it easier to stick to your fitness program. If you're in a hurry or don't have the time go to the gym, or aren't a fan of crowds, you can create an area in your garage or at home to exercise at your own leisure.
It is important to remember, however, that you will likely require some investment to build your ideal training zone according to the size of your space as well as the equipment you buy. It is also a good idea to start small and gradually build up over time so that you can determine the type of equipment you need to accomplish your goals.
The ideal equipment for your home gym should provide a variety of workouts for the main muscle groups. A power rack, for example, is a foundational piece of strength equipment that lets you bench press, do lat pulldowns, and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact, without losing durability or functionality. It features a 2-post stand design, which reduces the footprint and is compatible with a variety of optional attachments to enhance its capacity.
You can also maximize your space by choosing equipment that can be stacked, like the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used in the field. They're a practical and easy method of getting an all-body workout on the move. They can be folded down and placed in a nested position to save space. Some even have attachments to target specific muscles or add additional resistance.
A vibration plate is a versatile option. It can be used for bodyweight exercises as well as to add an extra challenging experience for those who are already skilled in lifting. The AXV Vibration Plate, for example comes with the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings that allow you to personalize your experience. It can also be used with resistance bands for various muscle groups, or a bungee cable to add a dynamism element.
Weight Capacity
Home gym equipment can range in size, from a basic power tower to a full-on smart home gym, but no matter what kind of machine you pick, the weight capacity should be sufficient to allow you to do various exercises. Beginners can begin with a simple dumbbell set or barbells to build upper-body strength. They can also help strengthen the back muscles. If you're a serious lifter think about a high-end power rack that can handle large dumbbells as well in a variety of attachments, such as lever arms dip bars as well as a landmine-like attachment, seal row pad, and much more.
A bench should be included on your list of essentials for your home gym If you're a space-conscious lifter, look for an adjustable bench that allows you to perform incline and decline presses without taking up too much room in your garage. 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 such as chest press or Bicep curls.
If you're interested in functional training and a plate stack functional trainer is the perfect piece of equipment for you. This type of machine is designed to target different muscle groups at once using a combination of squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. Functional trainers are available in many options. exercise bike for sale include cables that can be attached to triceps pushdowns and flyes, and the capability to adjust the resistance yourself.
Although it might seem obvious, the type of equipment you purchase will be a big factor in how enjoyable and efficient your exercise routine is. It is important to ensure that the equipment you purchase is made of materials that are durable and able to endure regular use. It's crucial for people with limited funds to choose equipment made from high-quality materials.
If you are on a tight budget, invest in a home fitness machine that combines an exercise bike with a rowing device. This type of home fitness equipment provides a great workout for the entire body and can help save you money over time.
Versatility
If you have a dedicated space for a home gym or you plan to work out in your living room there are plenty of options to fit your fitness goals and budget. To narrow down your search begin by determining how much room you have in your home and the exercises you want to focus on most. Then, think about what kind of equipment would best serve those needs. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is a good example. It offers more than 55 exercises and user-defined movements in a footprint that is smaller than the size of a queen-sized bed. Some machines can even be folded and stored away to make space.
If you're looking to stick with a tighter budget, consider options like resistance bands that can be used for both stretching and strength training. They are also compact and travel-friendly. These bands can be affixed to existing equipment, such as the dumbbell set, along with lighter resistance bands, or a bench to do lower body exercises.
A quality mat for exercising is another essential for a well-rounded gym at home and provides a solid surface for exercises that require standing, as well as reducing the risk of slipping or falling off. As a bonus, most mats are also light and portable, making them easy to store away when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells can add flexibility to your gym at home, allowing 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 gym equipment such as the Peloton Guide can be a excellent addition to your home gym. It offers numerous guided workouts, and a small footprint. It's also simple to use and is compatible with a variety of TVs and monitors.
A great value home gym, such as the REP PR-4000 is a versatile exercise machine that can support Nordic hamstring curls glute ham raises, 45-degree back extensions and hip thrusts. It can be used by people as tall as 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands have elegant designs that work with fitness apps and appeal to those who appreciate both aesthetics and functions. Other equipment is so comprehensive it can even replace an exercise session (and monitor and adjust to improve fitness).
There has been a surge in the number of gyms at home that are affordable and compact. For example, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and limited footprint. It comes with preset workouts and a shorter stride which is ideal for those who reside in apartments or other restricted spaces that don't have the space for big machines.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home gym option that we adore. The full-trainer is compact in footprint, but is powerful enough to work out your entire body, and it has two doors that open to hide the machine from children or pets. The Torque also has a wood grain look to increase the visual appeal of your space.
You should consider adding a powerrack to your gym equipment If you're looking for an option that does more than track your progress. As the name suggests these racks allow you to lift weights using a variety of moves, helping you develop a serious amount of 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 strong design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the basic equipment that include dumbbells and a stool. A standard bench is available at any home-supply shop, but we recommend buying one that's designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models come with a few tweaks that make them ideal for workouts at home, such as a durable rubber coating and moderate knurls to stop your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for a while.