How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is a big purchase, but it's usually cheaper in the long run than paying for gym memberships. Before you shop, figure out what type of workouts you want to do and how much space you have.
If you're confined to space, consider compact equipment such as 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 follow your fitness program. If you're in a hurry or don't have the time go to the gym, or you don't like crowds, you can dedicate an area in your garage or home to workout at your leisure.
It is crucial to remember, however, that you'll have to spend some money to build your ideal training space, depending on 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 the equipment you require.
The ideal equipment for your home gym should offer a range of exercises for the main muscle groups. A power rack is a piece of equipment that allows you to perform bench presses, pulldowns of the lat, and squats. A lot of units, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact, without sacrificing durability and functionality. It features a 2-post profile that reduces its footprint and it is compatible with many accessories that can increase its capacity.
You can also make the most of the utilization of your space by selecting equipment that is multifunctional and can be stacked together, such as the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used in the field. leg exerciser are a convenient and easy way to get an all-body workout on the move. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some include attachments to target specific muscles or add extra resistance.
A vibration plate is a flexible option. It can be used for bodyweight workouts and also to provide an additional challenging experience for those who are already skilled in lifting. For instance, the AXV Vibration Plate comes with the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings to provide a personalised experience. You can also use it with resistance bands for various muscles or a bungee cord to create a lively element.
Capacity of Weight
Home gym equipment can range in size from a simple power tower to a full-on smart home gym, but regardless of the type of equipment you choose, the weight capacity should be sufficient to allow you to perform many different exercises. Beginners can begin with a simple dumbbell set or barbells for building upper body strength. They can also help strengthen the back muscles. If you are a serious lifter, you might want to consider a heavier power rack that can accommodate large dumbbells and various other accessories like lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad and more.
A bench should also be in your list of home gym essentials, and if you're a space-conscious lifter, consider an adjustable bench that lets you do decline and incline presses without taking up too much space in your garage. A bench with a flat surface can also be a good option, but you'll need to include barbells or dumbbells when you're planning to perform isolation exercises like chest presses or bicep curls.
If you're a fan of functional exercise and resistance training, a plate stack trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to bring to your home. This type of machine targets a variety of muscles simultaneously with the combination of squats and bench presses. Functional trainers come with various options. They include cables for tricep flyes and pushdowns, as well as the ability to adjust the resistance yourself.
It may seem obvious, however, the equipment you choose will have a significant effect on how effective and enjoyable your exercises are. You should make sure that the equipment you purchase is made of high-quality materials that are able to stand up to the demands of daily use. Particularly for those on a budget buyers, it's crucial to select low-cost equipment made of high-quality materials that won't degrade after a few uses.
If leg exerciser on a budget, invest in a home fitness equipment that combines an exercise bike with a rowing device. This kind of home fitness equipment provides an ideal workout for your whole body and can save you money over the course of time.
Versatility
If you have a dedicated space for a home gym or you plan to work out in your living room, there are numerous options to suit your fitness goals and budget. Begin by taking a look at the space you have at home, and the types of exercises you'd like to focus on. Then, think about the kind of equipment that will best serve those needs. For instance, a Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, for example, offers more than 55 workouts and user-defined movements in a footprint that is smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and tucked away to make more space.
If you're looking to stick with a tighter budget, think about options like resistance bands that can be used for strength training and stretching and are compact and portable. These bands can be added to existing equipment, for example, an exercise set that includes a dumbbell and lighter resistance bands, or a bench for lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat will make your home gym more complete. It provides a sturdy surface to perform exercises that require standing and reduces the risk of falling. As a bonus, most mats are also lightweight and portable, making them simple to store away when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells can add versatility to your home gym, allowing you to perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows while varying 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 in the home. It provides a variety of exercise programs that are guided with a small footprint. It's also simple to use and is compatible with a variety of televisions and monitors.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a versatile machine that allows you to perform Nordic hamstring lifts, glute-ham stretches and hip thrusts. It can accommodate users up to 7 feet tall and has 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different than it was in the past. Certain brands feature elegant designs and integrate with fitness apps to attract those who value aesthetics as much as function. Other equipment is so comprehensive it can almost replace a gym visit (and track and adapt to fitness gains).
There has been a surge in the number of gyms at home that are affordable and compact. We are awestruck by the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its affordable price and small footprint. The elliptical comes with preset workouts, a short stride and is perfect for those living in small apartments or other space.
Another smart home-gym option we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is lightweight yet powerful enough to train your entire body. It also comes with two doors to hide it from pets or children. The Torque also has a wood grain look to add to the visual appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack your home gym if you want a solution that can do more than just track your progress. These pieces of equipment let you lift heavy weights in a variety moves that help you build endurance and strength. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack that starts at $600 but is able to increase in price based on your customizations. It also has a solid construction that makes it easy to use, which is important for heavy lifting.
The home gym cannot be complete without dumbbells and benches. A standard bench is available in any home-supply store, but we recommend buying one that's designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been modified to allow for more exercises at home. They feature the rubberized coating as well as a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.