How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's an investment that's huge, but often cheaper than an exercise membership. Before you begin shopping, figure out what type of workouts you want to do and the space you have.
If you're limited on space, opt for compact equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a smart home gym like Tonal.
Space
The right equipment at your home can make it easier to stick with your training plan. If you are pressed for time or don't have the time to drive to a gym, or don't want to deal with crowds, having a designated space in your house or garage could help you get a workout at your own leisure.
You'll need to put in funds to build the perfect training space. This will depend on the space's size and the equipment you choose. It is recommended to start small and gradually build up with time so that you can determine what type of equipment you require to achieve your goals.
The most effective equipment you can use in your home gym will provide a variety of exercises that target major muscle groups. A power rack, for example is a fundamental piece of strength equipment that lets you bench press, perform lat pulldowns and perform squats. Many units, such as the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact, without sacrificing durability and functionality. It has a 2-post stand profile, which helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a variety of optional attachments to increase the capacity.
You can also maximize space by choosing equipment that can be stacked such as the TRX system. Designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield and in the field, these portable suspension trainers are a convenient way to get a full-body exercise while on the move. They can be folded and nested to reduce space, and some come with attachments that allow you to concentrate on particular muscle groups or to add extra resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate that can be used to boost exercises with body weight and provide an extra challenge for advanced lifters. For instance the AXV Vibration Plate comes with 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 to target various muscles, or a bungee cord to add an element of active movement.
Capacity for Weight
The size of home gym equipment could range from a simple power tower to an advanced smart home gym. Whatever you pick, ensure that the capacity of the equipment is sufficient to carry out many different exercises. If you're a beginner begin with a small amount like an assortment of dumbbells or just a single pair of barbells that can help you build strength for your upper body and work your back muscles. If you are a serious lifter, you might want to consider a heavier power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well as many other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad and many more.
If you have a small garage, you might be interested in an adjustable bench. This allows you to perform decline and incline press exercises without taking up too much space. A flat bench will also be a good option, but you'll need to include a set of barbells or dumbbells if you're looking to do isolated exercises like chest presses or Bicep curls.
If you are a fan of exercise that is functional, a plate stack resistance trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to bring to your home. This kind of machine targets different muscles simultaneously with a combination squats and bench presses. The most effective functional trainers provide an array of options, including cable attachments that let you perform flyes and triceps pushdowns and the ability to change the resistance level at your own discretion.
While it may seem obvious, the type of equipment you purchase will be a big factor in how effective and enjoyable your exercises are. You'll want to make sure that the equipment you purchase is made of high-quality materials that are resistant to the demands of daily use. Particularly for those on a budget, it's important to prioritize low-cost equipment made of high-quality materials that won't degrade after a few uses.
If you're on a budget, consider investing in a home gym that combines an exercise bike with an equipment for rowing. This kind of home fitness equipment offers an ideal workout for your whole body, and could save you money over time.
Versatility
There are many options for your fitness goals and your budget regardless of whether you have a gym at home that is specifically for your needs or are training in your living room. Start by assessing the space you have at home and the exercises you'd like to concentrate on. Think about the kind of equipment that best meets your needs. For instance, an all-in-one machine like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym provides user-defined movements and more than 55 workouts in a footprint smaller than the size of a queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and stowed 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 compact and portable. These can also be an excellent addition to your existing equipment, such as adding some lightweight resistance bands to your dumbbell set or combining them with a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat will make your home gym more complete. It provides a stable surface to perform exercises that require standing, and reduces the risk of falling. Additionally, the majority of mats are also light and portable, making them easy to store when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add versatility to your home fitness center. You can perform exercises like bench presses or seated dumbbell rowing while varying weights according to your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment such as the Peloton Guide can be a excellent addition to your home gym, providing various guided workouts, and a small footprint. It's also simple to use and compatible with various televisions and monitors.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a multi-functional machine that lets you perform Nordic hamstring lifts, glute-ham stretches and hip thrusts. It can accommodate users as tall as 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different from what it was in the past. Suggested Looking at sport sleek designs that integrate with fitness apps, appealing to those who value both aesthetics and functions. Other equipment is so advanced it could almost replace the need to go to the gym (and track and adapt to fitness gains).
While space concerns continue to be a major concern for many, we've also noticed an increase in the number of home-gym options that are smaller in size and cost. For example, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and small footprint. It comes with pre-set exercises, a shorter stride, and is ideal for those who live in apartments or other smaller areas.
Another smart home-gym option we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is lightweight but powerful enough to exercise all over your body. It also has two doors to keep it from pets or children. The Torque also has wood grain design to increase the visual appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack your home gym setup if you want an option that goes beyond tracking your progress. As the name suggests, these racks let you to lift weights with a variety of moves, allowing you to build up strength and endurance. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but will increase in price according to your personalizations. It also has a solid design that makes it easy to use, which is crucial for serious lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the essentials such as dumbbells and a bench. While the standard bench can be purchased at any home-supply store, we recommend going with one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that come with these models have some tweaks that make them more suitable for working out at home for example, a tough rubber coating and moderate knurl to keep your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for awhile.