How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's an investment that's huge, but it's usually cheaper than paying for an exercise membership. Before you shop, figure out what type of exercise you'd like to do and how much space you have.
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
A gym that is equipped at your home can make it easier to follow your fitness program. If you're short on time or don't have the time drive to the gym, or you don't like crowds, you can dedicate an area in your garage or home to exercise at your own pace.
It is essential to keep in mind that you'll have to spend some money to build your ideal training zone based on the dimensions of your space and the equipment you choose to purchase. It's a good idea too, to start small and then gradually increase the amount of equipment to determine what you require.
The most effective equipment to use in your home gym will provide a variety of exercises that target the main muscle groups. A power rack, for example, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that allows 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 quality and functionality. It features a 2-post profile which reduces the footprint and is compatible with various optional attachments that enhance its capacity.
You can also make the most of the utilization of your space by selecting equipment that can be multi-functional and able to be stacked for example, the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were developed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used on the battlefield. They are a convenient and easy method of getting an all-body workout on the move. They can be folded and placed in a nested position to save space. Some include attachments to target specific muscles or add an additional level of resistance.
A vibration plate is a versatile option. It can be used for bodyweight workouts and also to provide an additional challenge for advanced lifters. home exercise equipment best is a good example, has a remote control with 120 speed settings that allows you to personalize your experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands for different muscle groups, or a bungee cable to create a lively element.
Capacity of Weight
Home gym equipment can vary 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 high enough that you can perform many different exercises. If you're just beginning begin with a small amount like a set of dumbbells or a couple of barbells to aid in building strength for your upper body and work your back muscles. If you're a serious lifter, you might want to consider a heavier duty power rack which can hold large dumbbells and a variety of other attachments such as lever arms, dip bar as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad and more.
If you have a small garage, you might want to consider an adjustable bench. This will allow you to do decline and incline press exercises without taking up much space. A bench with a flat surface can also be a good option, but you'll need to add barbells or dumbbells when you're looking to do isolation exercises such as chest press or bicep curls.
If you're a fan of exercise that is functional then a plate stack resistance trainer is the perfect piece of equipment to have at your home. This type of machine targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously using a combination of squats as well as bench presses. Functional trainers are available in many options. They include cables that can be attached to triceps pushdowns and flyes, and the capability to adjust the resistance yourself.
It may seem obvious, however, the equipment you choose will have a major impact on how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. You'll need to make sure that the equipment that you purchase is constructed from materials that are durable and can withstand 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 shopping with an extremely tight budget, think about purchasing an at-home gym that's a mix of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This type of home gym can provide an excellent workout for the entire body and can save you the most money in the end.
Versatility
If you have a designated space for a home gym or are planning to exercise in your living room there are plenty of options to fit your fitness goals and budget. Start by assessing the space you have at home and the workouts you would like to focus on. Then, consider what kind of equipment would best serve those requirements. For instance, a Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, for example, offers more than 55 exercises and user-defined movements with a footprint smaller than the size of a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and stored to make room.
If you're trying to stay to a smaller budget, think about options like resistance bands, which can be used for both strength training and stretching and are also compact and travel-friendly. They can also be a great addition to an existing setup for example, adding lightweight resistance bands to a dumbbell set or pairing them with a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat is a must for a well-rounded home gym and provides a solid surface for workouts that require standing, as well as decreasing the chance of sliding or falling off. Most mats are lightweight and portable, which means they are easy to store when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add flexibility to your gym at home, 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 a excellent addition to your home gym, offering a variety of guided workouts with a small footprint. It's also easy to navigate and compatible with various televisions and monitors.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a versatile machine that allows you to perform Nordic hamstring curls, glute-ham raises, and hip thrusts. It can be used by people as tall as 7 feet and comes with 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different than it was in the past. Some brands offer sleek designs and integrate with fitness apps to appeal to those who value aesthetics more than function. Other equipment is so extensive it can almost replace a gym visit (and monitor and adjust to improve fitness).
While space concerns continue to loom large for many, we've noticed an increase in the variety of home gym options that are smaller in size and price. For instance, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its reasonable price and small footprint. The elliptical comes with preset workouts, a short stride, and is ideal for those who live in apartments or other small areas.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home fitness option that we like. This full-trainer has a compact footprint but still is powerful enough to train your entire body. In addition, it has two doors that open to keep the machine safe from children or pets. The Torque has a wood grain finish to add a touch of elegance to your space.
If you're looking for an at-home gym solution that can do more than just monitor your progress, think about adding a power rack to your setup. These racks let you lift weights in a variety moves, which helps you build endurance and strength. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at $600, however it can cost more based on customizations. It is also easy to use and has a sturdy design, which is essential for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home-gym setup is complete without the essentials: dumbbells and a bench. A standard bench is available in any home-supply store but we suggest purchasing one that's designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that come with these models come with some tweaks that make them more suitable for workouts at home with a sturdy rubber coating and a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for a while.