How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment can be a significant investment, but it's cheaper in the long run than paying for gym memberships. Before you begin shopping determine what kind of exercise you'd like to do and how much space you have.
If you have limited space, you can opt for smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a workout plan if you have the right equipment in your home. If you're strapped for time, don't have the time to go to a gym, or do not want to face crowds, a space in your house or garage can help you break a sweat at your own pace.
It is important to keep in mind that you'll require some investment to create your ideal space for training based on the size of your space as well as the equipment you buy. It is a good idea too, to start small and then gradually increase the amount of equipment to figure out what you require.
The most effective equipment to use in your home gym will provide various exercises that target major muscle groups. A power rack is a piece of equipment that allows you to perform bench presses, lat pulldowns and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been made to be small without losing durability or functionality. It features a 2-post stand design, which helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a variety of attachments that can be added to increase the capacity.
You can also make the most of your space by choosing equipment that can be stacked like the TRX system. Created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield and in the field, these portable suspension trainers are a convenient method to get a full body workout while on the go. They can be folded and nested to save space. Some include attachments to specifically target muscles or to provide extra resistance.
Another option that is versatile is a vibration plate, which can be used to boost bodyweight workouts and also provide a challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. For instance the AXV Vibration Plate has the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings that provide a personalised experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands for different muscle groups, or a bungee cable to add a dynamic element.
Weight Capacity
Home gym equipment can vary in size from a simple power tower to a complete smart home gym, but no matter what kind of machine you select, the weight capacity should be high enough to allow you to do various exercises. If you're a beginner begin with a small amount like a set of dumbbells or just a single pair of barbells that can help you build strength in your upper body and strengthen your back muscles. If you are a serious lifter then consider a heavy duty power rack which can accommodate large dumbbells and various other accessories like dip bar, lever arms, a landmine accessory, seal row pad and many more.
A bench should also be on your list of essentials for your home gym If you're a minimalist lifter, look for an adjustable bench that lets you do decline and incline presses without taking up a lot of space in your garage. A bench that is flat will also work, 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 exercises then a plate stack resistance trainer is the ideal piece of equipment for your home. This kind of machine targets different muscles simultaneously with a combination squats and bench presses. Functional trainers are available with a variety of options. They include cable attachments for tricep pushdowns and flyes, and the capability to alter the resistance on your own.
It may seem obvious but the equipment you select will have a major impact on how enjoyable and effective your workouts are. You should make sure that the equipment you purchase is constructed from top-quality materials that can stand up to regular use. It's crucial for people with limited funds to select equipment made of high-quality materials.
If you're shopping on the tightest budget, you should consider buying home gyms that are a combination of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home gym can provide a great total-body workout and will save you the most money over the long term.
Versatility
There are plenty of options for your fitness goals and budget, whether you have a home gym dedicated to your needs or train in your living space. To narrow your search, start by assessing the space you have in your home, and what exercises you'd like to focus on the most. Consider the kind of equipment that will best suit 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 stored to save even more space.
If you're trying to stay on a budget, you might want to consider resistance bands, which can be used for strength training and stretching and are also lightweight and easy to travel with. They can also be ideal additions to your existing set-up by adding lightweight resistance bands to your dumbbell set or combining them with 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 surface for exercises that require standing and decreasing the chance of sliding or falling off. In addition, many mats are also light and mobile, making them easy to store when not being used. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add flexibility to your gym at home that allows you to do exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows, while changing the weight load based on your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. exercise equipment provides a range of exercises that are guided and have a tiny footprint. It is also easy to use and is compatible with a large range of monitors and televisions.
A great value home gym like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile exercise machine that can support Nordic hamstring curls as well as glute ham raises. 45-degree back extensions as well as hip thrusts. It can accommodate users who are up to 7 feet tall and features 12 different adjustments that are easy to read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different than it was in the past. Certain brands have sleek designs that integrate with wellness apps and appeal to those who value both aesthetics and function. In addition, other equipment has become so comprehensive that it is able to substitute a trip to the gym (and even track and adjust to your fitness gains).
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 because of its reasonable price and limited footprint. It comes with pre-set exercises, a shorter stride, and is ideal for those living in apartments or other smaller areas.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is a great home gym option that we adore. This full-trainer has a compact footprint, yet has enough power to train your entire body, and it comes with two doors that can close to protect the machine from pets or children. The Torque also has wood grain design to enhance the visual appeal of your space.
If you're looking for a home gym solution that does more than just monitor your progress, think about adding the power rack to your gym. As the name suggests these racks allow you to lift weights with a variety of exercises, helping you build serious strength and endurance. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but will increase in price depending on the customizations you make. 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 basic equipment that include dumbbells and a stool. A standard bench is available in any home-supply store, but we recommend buying one that's designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that come with these models have some tweaks that make them ideal for workouts at home for example, a tough rubber coating and moderate knurl to keep your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for a while.