How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is a big investment, but it's often cheaper in the long run than gym memberships. Before you start shopping, determine what kind of exercise you'd like to perform. Also, think about the 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
A gym that is equipped at home can make it much easier to stick with your training plan. If you're pressed for time or don't have the time to go to the gym, or you don't like crowds, you can create a space in your garage or home to exercise at your own leisure.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that you will likely require some investment to build your ideal training zone based 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 until you know what you require.
The best equipment to use in your home gym will provide an array of exercises that target the main muscle groups. A power rack is a piece of equipment that allows you to perform bench presses, lat pulldowns, and squats. A lot of units, such as the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as they can without sacrificing functionality and durability. It features a two-post stand profile, which helps reduce the footprint. It is compatible with a range of accessories that can increase its capacity.
You can also make the most of your space by selecting equipment that can be put together, like the TRX system. It was designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield and in the field, these portable suspension trainers provide a convenient way to get a full-body exercise while on the move. They can be folded up and nested to save space. Some come with attachments that focus on specific muscles or provide extra resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibrating plate which can be used to enhance the bodyweight exercises and also provide a challenge for advanced lifters. For stationary cycling bike , the AXV Vibration Plate comes with a remote control and 120 speed settings to provide a personalised experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands for various muscle groups or a bungee cord to add a dynamism element.
Capacity for Weight
Home gym equipment can range in size, from a basic power tower to a fully smart home gym, but no matter what type of machine you pick the weight capacity must be sufficient to allow you to perform various exercises. Beginners can start with a basic dumbbell set or barbells for building upper body strength. They also work the back muscles. If you are a serious lifter then consider a heavy duty power rack which can hold large dumbbells as well as a variety of other accessories such as lever arms, dip bar as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad and more.
A bench should be included on your list of home gym essentials If you're a tight-knit lifter, you should look for an adjustable bench that can perform incline and decline presses without taking up too much room in your garage. A bench that is flat is suitable, but you'll need to add dumbbells or bars in case you would like to do exercises that are isolated like chest presses or Biceps curls.
If you're a fan of functional training and a plate stack resistance functional trainer is an ideal piece of equipment for you. This kind of machine targets multiple muscle groups at once using the combination of squats and bench presses. The top functional trainers offer various options such as cables that allow you to perform flyes and tricep pushdowns, and the capability to alter the resistance level on your own.
It might seem obvious, but the equipment you select will have a significant effect on how enjoyable and effective your exercise routine is. It is important to ensure that the equipment you purchase is made from materials that are durable and can endure regular use. It's important for budget-conscious people to choose equipment made of high-quality materials.
If you're on a tight budget, invest in a home fitness machine that combines an exercise bike and an equipment for rowing. This kind of home gym offers an excellent workout for the entire body and will save you the most money in the end.
Versatility
If you have a designated space for a gym at home or plan to train in your living room, there are plenty of options to fit your fitness goals and budget. To narrow your search begin by determining the space you have in your home and the exercises you'd like to focus on the most. Then, think about what type of equipment can best meet your needs. For example, an all-in-one machine like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym offers user-defined movement and more than 55 workouts in a footprint smaller than a queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and tucked away to make more space.
If you're looking to stick with a tighter budget, you might want to consider resistance bands, which can be used for both strength training and stretching and are also compact and travel-friendly. These bands can be added to existing equipment, such as a dumbbell set with some light resistance bands or a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat is a must for a well-rounded home gym, providing a stable surface for workouts that require standing, and reducing the risk of slipping or falling off. The majority of mats are lightweight and portable so they are easy to store when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can add versatility to your home gym that allows you to do exercises like bench presses and seated dumbbell rows, while varying the weight load based on your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for gym, like the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center at home. It provides a variety of exercise programs that are guided with a tiny footprint. It's also simple to use and compatible with various televisions and monitors.
A good value home gym, such as the REP PR-4000 is a versatile fitness machine that can accommodate Nordic hamstring curls as well as glute ham raises. 45-degree back extensions, and hip thrusts. It can accommodate users with a height of up to 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands have elegant designs that work with fitness apps and appeal to those who value both aesthetics and functionality. While other equipment is now so extensive that it is able to replace an exercise session (and even track and adapt to your fitness gains).
We've seen a rise in the number of home gyms that are affordable and compact. For instance, we like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set exercises and a stride that is short which makes it ideal for people who reside in apartments or other small spaces that don't have enough the space for big machines.
Another home gym option that we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is compact in footprint but still offers enough power to train your entire body. In addition, it comes with two doors that can close to hide the machine from pets or children. The Torque also has wood grain design to increase the aesthetic appeal of your space.
If you're looking for an at-home gym solution that does more than just monitor your progress, think about adding a power rack to your setup. As the name suggests, these pieces of equipment allow you to lift weights with a variety of moves, helping you build serious strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at $600, however the price may increase based on customizations. It is also simple to use and has a solid design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
The home gym cannot be complete without benches and dumbbells. A standard bench can be purchased at any home-supply store but we suggest purchasing one specifically designed for home gyms. These benches have been upgraded to be more suitable for exercise at home. They feature a rubberized coating and a moderate knurl that prevents your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.