How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is an expensive investment, but it's often cheaper in the long run than gym memberships. Before you shop determine what kind of exercise you'd like to do and the space you have.
If you're limited on space, consider using smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a training program if you have the right equipment in your home. If you're in a hurry or don't have the time to drive to the gym, or don't like crowds, consider putting aside an area in your garage or home to exercise at your leisure.
You will need to invest funds to build the perfect training area. This will depend on the space's size and the equipment you choose. It is also a good idea to start small and gradually build up with time to help you determine the type of equipment you will require to meet your goals.
The most effective equipment you can use in your home gym will offer various exercises that target the major muscles. A power rack, for example is a fundamental piece of strength equipment that allows you to bench press, do pulldowns with lats and squats. Many units, like the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as they can without sacrificing quality and functionality. It features a 2-post stand profile that helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a range of optional attachments to increase its capacity.
You can also maximize space by selecting equipment that can be stacked like the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were developed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used in the field. They're a practical and simple way to get an all-body workout while you're on the move. They can be folded and nested to reduce space, and some even come with attachments that allow you to focus on specific muscle groups or add additional resistance.
Another option that is versatile is a vibrating plate which can be used to enhance exercises with body weight and provide an extra challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate is a good example comes with a remote control with 120 speed settings, which allows you to personalize your experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands to target different muscle groups or a bungee cord to provide an element of dynamic movement.
Weight Capacity
The size of your home gym equipment can range from a simple power tower to a smart home gym. But no matter what you decide to purchase, ensure that the weight capacity is sufficient to allow for various exercises. If you're just beginning begin with a small amount like a set of dumbbells or just a single pair of barbells that can help you build strength in your upper body and strengthen your back muscles. If you're a serious weightlifter think about a high-end power rack that can hold large dumbbells, as well in a variety of attachments like lever arms, dip bars, a landmine attachment, seal row pad, and much more.
A bench should be on your list of essentials for your home gym If you're a tight-knit lifter, you should look for an adjustable bench that lets you perform incline and decline presses without taking up a lot of room in your garage. A flat bench is ideal, but you'll require dumbbells or bars if you want to do isolation exercises like chest presses or biceps curls.
If you're a fan of functional exercise 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 simultaneously using a combination squats and bench presses. The best functional trainers offer various options for cables that allow you to perform tricep pushdowns and flyes, and the ability to change the resistance level on your own.
While it may seem obvious, the type of equipment you purchase will be a big factor in how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. You'll want to ensure that the equipment you buy is made of high-quality materials that can stand up to daily use. It's crucial for people with limited funds to select equipment made of high-quality materials.
If you're on a budget, consider investing in a home fitness equipment that is a combination of an exercise bike with an equipment for rowing. This type of home fitness equipment offers an ideal workout for your whole body, and could save money over time.
Versatility
There are many options for your fitness goals and budget, whether you have a home gym that is specifically for your needs or are training in your living room. Begin by taking a look at the space you have at home and the exercises you would like to focus on. Then, consider what type of equipment can 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 queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and stored away to free more space.
If home gym workout equipment looking to stick with a tighter budget, consider options like resistance bands, which can be used for both strength training and stretching and are also lightweight and easy to travel with. They can also be ideal additions to an existing setup for example, adding light resistance bands to a dumbbell set or pairing them with a bench for lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat is a must for a well-rounded home gym that provides a firm surface for exercises that require standing, and decreasing the chance of sliding or falling off. As a bonus, most mats are also lightweight and mobile, making them easy to store away when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells can add flexibility to your home fitness center. You can perform exercises like bench presses or rowing dumbbells in a seated position while varying weights based on your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for fitness, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center at home. It provides a variety of exercises that are guided and have a tiny footprint. It is also simple to use and is compatible with a large range of monitors and televisions.
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 support users who are taller than 7 feet and can be adjusted to 12 different levels.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that gym equipment looks a lot different than it did in the past. Certain brands have sleek designs and integrate with fitness apps to attract those who value aesthetics as much as functionality. In addition, other equipment is now so extensive that it is able to replace a trip to the gym (and even track and adapt to your fitness gains).
There has been a surge in the number of gyms at home that are affordable and compact. For example, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical for its affordable price and small footprint. This elliptical has preset workouts, a short stride, and is ideal for people living in apartments or other smaller space.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home gym option that we love. The full-trainer is compact in footprint, but offers enough power to train your entire body, and it has two doors that close to hide the machine from children or pets. The Torque comes with a wood grain finish to improve the look of your space.
If you're looking for a home-gym solution that can do more than simply track your progress, consider adding an electric rack to your set-up. These pieces of equipment let you lift weights in a variety of moves that will help you build endurance and strength. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack priced at 600 dollars but can grow in cost depending on the customizations you make. It also has a sturdy structure that makes it simple to use, which is important for serious lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the essentials such as dumbbells and a bench. While a standard bench is available at any home-supply store however, we suggest you purchase one designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been modified to be more suitable for exercise at home. They feature a rubberized coating and a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.