How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a big investment but is often less expensive than the cost of a gym membership. Before you begin shopping, determine what kind of exercise you'd like to do. Also, consider the space you have available.
If you have limited space, you can opt for smaller equipment like 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 when you have the right equipment in your home. If you are pressed for time, don't have the time to drive to the gym or don't want to deal with crowds, having a designated space in your house or garage can allow you to break a sweat at your own pace.
It is crucial to keep in mind that you'll require some investment to build your ideal training space based on the size of your space as well as what equipment you 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 must provide a variety of exercises for the major muscles. A power rack is a piece of equipment that lets you 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 losing durability or functionality. It features a 2-post design that reduces its footprint and is compatible with a variety of accessories that can boost its capacity.
You can also make the most of your space by selecting equipment that can be put together, like the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were developed 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 up and placed in a nested position to save space. Some even have attachments to target specific muscles or add additional resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate that can be used to boost exercises with body weight and also provide a challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. For example, the AXV Vibration Plate features an adjustable remote control and 120 speed settings to give you a personalized experience. You can also use it with different resistance bands to target different muscle groups or a bungee cable to create a lively element.
Capacity for Weight
The size of home gym equipment can range from a basic power tower to an advanced smart home gym. Whatever you pick, ensure that the capacity of the equipment is sufficient to allow for various exercises. If you're a beginner, start small with something 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're a serious lifter, then you should consider a heavy duty power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well as many other accessories such as lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad and many more.
A bench should also be included on 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 a lot of space in your garage. A bench that is flat will also be a good option, but you'll need to include barbells or dumbbells if you're planning to perform isolation exercises like chest presses or bicep curls.
If you're a lover of functional exercises and resistance training, a plate stack trainer is the perfect piece of equipment for your home. This kind of machine is designed to target different muscles at once with a combination of squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. Functional trainers are available in various options. stationary bike exercise include cable attachments for tricep flyes and pushdowns and the capability to adjust the resistance yourself.
While it may appear obvious, the kind of equipment you purchase will play a significant role in how enjoyable and effective your workouts are. You'll need to make sure that the equipment that you purchase is made of materials that are durable and can endure regular use. Especially for the budget-conscious buyers, it's crucial to select affordable equipment made from quality materials that won't degrade after just a few hours of use.
If you're on the tightest budget, you should consider buying home gyms that are a mix of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home fitness equipment provides a great workout for the entire body and can help save you money over the course of time.
Versatility
There are many options for your fitness goals and budget regardless of whether you have a home gym dedicated to your needs or you train in your living area. Start by assessing the space you have at home and the exercises you would like to focus on. Then, consider what type of equipment can best meet your requirements. For instance, an all-in-1 machine such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym allows for user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises within the footprint of less than the size of a queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded up and tucked away to make more 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 also compact and travel-friendly. They can be affixed to existing equipment, such as a dumbbell set with some lightweight resistance bands or a bench for lower body exercises.
A good mat for exercising is another essential for a well-rounded gym at home, providing a stable mat for workouts that require standing, as well as lessening the chance of slipping or falling off. As a bonus, most mats are also light and portable, making them simple to store when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells can provide versatility to your home gym, allowing you to perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows, while altering 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. It provides a range of exercises that are guided and have a tiny footprint. It is also simple to use and compatible with a wide selection of TVs and monitors.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a multi-functional machine that lets you perform Nordic hamstring curls, glute-ham raises and hip thrusts. It can support users as tall as 7 feet and can be adjusted to 12 different levels.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands have sleek designs and integrate with wellness apps that appeal to those who value aesthetics more than function. Meanwhile, other equipment has become so advanced that it could even replace an exercise session (and even track and adjust to your fitness goals).
There has been a surge in the number of home gyms that are both affordable and compact. We are awestruck by the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. This elliptical features preset exercises and a stride that is short, making it perfect for those who live in apartments or other tight spaces that don't allow room for bulky machines.
Another home gym option that we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer is compact but powerful enough to exercise all over your body. It also comes with two doors to hide it from children or pets. 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 want a solution that does more than track your progress. These equipments let you lift weights in a variety of moves that will help you build strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack starts at $600, but the price may increase based on customizations. It is also easy to use and has a sturdy design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
No home gym is complete without benches and dumbbells. While the standard bench can be found at any home-supply shop however, we suggest you purchase one specifically designed for home gyms. These benches have been upgraded to make them more suitable for home workouts. They come with the rubberized coating as well as a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.