How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is a big investment, but it's more affordable in the long run than paying for gym memberships. Before you shop decide on the kind of exercise you'd like perform and the amount of space you have available.
If you're short on space, opt for compact equipment like the Bells of Steel cable tower or a smart home gym like Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a training plan when you have the right equipment in your home. If you're pressed for time or 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 could help you break a sweat at your own pace.
You will need to invest money in order to create the perfect training area. This will depend on the space's size and the equipment you select. It is also a good idea to start small and build up over time to help you decide what kind of equipment you will require to meet your goals.
The ideal equipment for your home gym should provide a variety of workouts for the major muscle groups. A power rack, for example is a key piece of strength equipment that can enable you to bench press, do lat pulldowns and perform squats. Many units, like the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as is possible without sacrificing functionality and durability. It features a 2-post design that reduces the footprint, and is compatible with a variety of optional attachments that boost its capacity.
You can also maximize space by choosing equipment that can be put together, like the TRX system. cycle workout bike were developed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used on the battlefield. They're a convenient and simple way to get an all-body workout while on the move. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some come with attachments that target specific muscles or add additional resistance.
A vibration plate is another flexible option. It can be used to perform bodyweight exercises and also to provide an additional challenge for lifters who are more advanced. For instance the AXV Vibration Plate has the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings that give you a personalized experience. You can also use it with different resistance bands to target different muscles or a bungee cord 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 choose, the weight capacity should be high enough to allow you to perform many different exercises. For beginners, you can start with a basic set of dumbbells or barbells to build upper-body strength. They also work the back muscles. If you're a serious lifter, then you should consider a heavy duty power rack which can hold large dumbbells and a variety of other accessories like lever arms, dip bar and 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 space-conscious lifter, consider an adjustable bench that can perform incline and decline presses without taking up too much space in your garage. A flat bench will also be a good option, but you'll need to add a set of dumbbells or barbells if you're looking to do isolation exercises like chest presses 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 kind of machine targets different muscle groups at once using a combination squats and bench presses. Functional trainers are available in many options. They include cable attachments 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 impact on how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. You must ensure that the equipment that you purchase is made of materials that are durable and able to be used regularly. Especially for the budget-conscious, it's important to prioritize low-cost equipment made of high-quality materials that won't degrade after a couple of uses.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, think about investing in an at-home gym that's a combination of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home gym can provide an amazing workout for all body types and will save you the most money in the end.
Versatility
If you have a dedicated space for a gym at home or are planning to exercise in your living room there are numerous options to suit your fitness goals and budget. Begin by looking at the space at home and the exercises you would like to focus on. Think about the type of equipment that best meets your requirements. 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 stored to make space.
If you're trying to stay on a budget, consider options like resistance bands that can be used for stretching and strength training. They are also lightweight and easy to travel with. These bands can be added to existing equipment, like an exercise set that includes a dumbbell and lighter resistance bands, or a bench to do lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat will complete your home gym. It provides a stable surface to perform exercises that require standing, and also reduces the risk of falling. Most mats are lightweight and portable, so they can be easily stored when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can provide versatility to your home gym and allow you to perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows, while altering 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 tiny footprint. It is also simple to use and compatible with a wide variety of televisions and monitors.
A good value home gym like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile workout machine that supports Nordic hamstring curls, glute ham raises, 45-degree back extensions and hip thrusts. It can support users with a height of up to 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments that are easy to read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that fitness equipment is a bit different than it did in the past. Certain brands feature sleek designs and integrate with wellness apps that attract those who value aesthetics more than function. Meanwhile, other equipment has become so advanced that it can nearly replace a trip to the gym (and even track and adjust to your fitness progress).
We've seen a rise in the number of home gyms that are both affordable and compact. We like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set workouts and a shorter stride, making it perfect for those who reside in apartments or restricted spaces that don't have room for bulky machines.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another smart home gym option that we love. This full-trainer has a compact footprint but still is powerful enough to work out your entire body, and it has two doors that close to keep the machine safe from children or pets. The Torque comes with a wood grain finish to enhance the aesthetics of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack to your home gym setup If you're looking for a solution that does more than track your progress. As the name suggests these pieces of equipment allow you to lift heavy weights using a variety of moves, allowing you to develop a serious amount of strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at $600, however the price may increase based on the customizations. It is also simple to use and has a sturdy design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
No home gym is complete without dumbbells and benches. While benches of standard size can be found at any home-supply store however, we suggest you purchase one designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models come with some tweaks that make them ideal for workouts at home for example, a tough rubber coating and a moderately knurl to prevent your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for a while.