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 begin shopping, determine what kind of exercise you'd like to perform. Also, consider the space you have available.
If you're confined to space, go for smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a smart home gym like Tonal.
Space
The right equipment at home can make it much easier to stick with your training plan. If you're strapped for time or don't have the time to go to the gym or do not want to deal with crowds, a dedicated space in your house or garage can help you work out at your own pace.
You'll need to put in money in order to create the ideal training zone. This will depend on the space's size and the equipment you choose. It is recommended to start small and work your way up gradually, so that you can determine the type of equipment you will require to meet your goals.
The best equipment to use in your home gym will offer an array of exercises that target the major muscle groups. A power rack, for example, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that allows you to bench press, perform lat pulldowns, and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact, without the loss of durability and performance. It features a two-post stand profile that reduces the footprint and is compatible with a range of accessories that can enhance its capacity.
You can also maximize the space you have by selecting equipment that is multi-functional and can be stacked together for example, a TRX system. Created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield, these portable suspension trainers are an ideal method to get a full body exercise while on the move. They can be folded down and nested to save space. Some include attachments to target specific muscles or add an additional level of resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibrating plate that can be used to boost the bodyweight exercises and also provide a challenge for advanced lifters. The AXV Vibration Plate, for example, has an adjustable remote control with 120 speed settings that allow you to personalize your experience. It can also be paired with resistance bands to target different muscle groups or an bungee cord for an element of dynamic movement.
Capacity of Weight
Home gym equipment can vary in size, from a basic power tower to a complete smart home gym, but no matter what type of machine you pick, the weight capacity should be sufficient to allow you to do 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 aid in building strength in your upper body and strengthen your back muscles. If you are a serious lifter then consider a heavy duty power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well as a variety of other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars, a landmine accessory, seal row pad and many more.
If you have a tiny garage, you may want to consider an adjustable bench. This allows you to perform decline and incline press exercises without taking up much space. A flat bench is suitable, but you'll need to add dumbbells or bars if want to do isolation exercises such as chest press or biceps curls.
If you are a fan of functional exercises then a plate stack resistance trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to bring to your home. This kind of machine targets different muscle groups at once using a combination of squats as well as bench presses. Functional trainers are available in many options. They have cable attachments for tricep flyes and pushdowns, as well as the ability to alter the resistance on your own.
While it may appear obvious, the kind of equipment you purchase will be a big factor in how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. You must ensure that the equipment that you purchase is constructed from materials that are durable and able to be used regularly. Particularly for those on a budget, it's important to prioritize the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't break down after a couple of uses.
If you're on a budget, invest in a home gym that combines an exercise bike and a rowing device. This kind of home fitness equipment provides an ideal workout for your entire body and can help save money over time.
Versatility
Whether you have a dedicated space for a home gym or you plan to work out in your living room there are many options to meet your fitness goals and budget. Begin by taking a look at the space you have at home, and the types of exercises you would like to focus on. Then, think about the kind of equipment that will best meet your requirements. For instance, an all-in-1 machine like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym provides user-defined movements and more than 55 exercises in a footprint smaller than the size of the queen-sized mattress. Some machines can even be folded and stored away to save even more space.
If you're looking to keep within your budget look into using resistance bands. They can be used both to build strength and stretch as well as being small and easy to travel with. These bands can be affixed to existing equipment, like the dumbbell set, along with lightweight resistance bands or a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat is a must to have a complete home gym and provides a solid surface for workouts that require standing, and decreasing the chance of sliding or falling off. Additionally, the majority of mats are also light and mobile, making them easy to store away when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add flexibility to your gym at home and allow you to perform exercises like bench presses and seated dumbbell rows while altering the weight of your workout according to your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment like the Peloton Guide can be a excellent addition to your home gym. It offers various guided workouts and a relatively tiny footprint. It's also easy to navigate and is compatible with a variety of televisions and monitors.
A budget-friendly home gym option like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile exercise machine that can support Nordic hamstring curls as well as glute ham raises. 45-degree back extensions and hip thrusts. It can support users who are up to 7 feet tall and features 12 different adjustments, all with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home gym equipment looks a lot different than it did in the past. Certain brands have modern designs that are compatible with fitness apps that appeal to those who value both aesthetics and functions. Other equipment is so advanced it could almost replace an exercise session (and track and adapt to your fitness goals).
We've seen an increase in the number of gyms at home that are affordable and compact. For example, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and small footprint. The elliptical comes with preset workouts, a short stride, and is ideal for people living in apartments or other smaller spaces.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home gym option that we adore. This full-trainer is compact yet powerful enough to train your entire body. It also has two doors to hide it from pets or children. The Torque has wood grain finishes to improve the look of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack to your home gym if you want something that can do more than just track your progress. These racks let you lift weights in a variety moves that will help you build strength and endurance. fitness bikes for sale love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but is able to increase in price depending on the customizations you make. It also has a sturdy construction that makes it easy to use, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home-gym setup is complete without the basic equipment such as dumbbells and a bench. While the standard bench is available at any home-supply shop We recommend getting one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that come with these models have a few tweaks that make them ideal for home workouts with a sturdy rubber coating and a moderately knurls to stop your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for awhile.