How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a big investment but often cheaper than an exercise membership. Before you start shopping, determine what kind of exercise you'd like to perform. Also, think about the space you have.
If you're limited on space, consider 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 to your exercise program. If you're in a hurry or don't have the time to drive to the gym or you don't like crowds, you can create a space in your home or garage to work out at your own pace.
It is important to remember that you'll require some investment to create your ideal training space according to the dimensions of your space and the equipment you buy. It is recommended to start small and gradually build up gradually, so that you can decide what kind of equipment you require to achieve your goals.
The most effective equipment you can use in your home gym will offer a variety of exercises that target the major muscle groups. A power rack, for instance is a fundamental piece of strength equipment 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 possible without sacrificing quality and functionality. It features a 2-post stand profile that helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a variety of attachments that can be added to increase the capacity.
You can also maximize space by selecting equipment that can be put together, such as the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used in the field. They're a practical and easy method of getting 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 target specific muscle groups or add additional resistance.
A vibration plate is another flexible option. exercise bikes can be used for bodyweight workouts as well as to add an extra challenge for lifters who are more advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate, for example comes with the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings that allow you to personalize your experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands to target various muscle groups or a bungee cord to add an element of dynamic movement.
Capacity for Weight
The size of home gym equipment could range from a simple power tower to an advanced smart home gym. But no matter what you choose, you should make sure that the capacity of the equipment is sufficient to carry out a wide variety of 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 aid in building upper body strength and work your back muscles. If you're a serious lifter, then you should consider a heavy duty power rack which can hold large dumbbells and many other accessories like dip bar, lever arms as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad and more.
If you have a tiny garage, you might think about an adjustable bench. This allows you to perform decline and incline presses without taking up too much space. A bench that is flat will also work, but you'll need to include a set of dumbbells or barbells if you're looking to do isolated exercises such as chest press or Bicep curls.
If you're a fan of functional exercise, a plate stack resistance trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to have at your home. This type of machine is designed to target different muscle groups simultaneously using the combination of squats and bench presses, and pull-ups. Functional trainers are available in various options. They come with cable attachments for tricep flyes and pushdowns, and the capability to adjust the resistance yourself.
While it may seem obvious, the type of equipment you buy is a major factor in how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. You must ensure that the equipment you purchase is made of materials that are durable and able to endure regular use. It's important for budget-conscious people to choose equipment made of quality materials.
If you're shopping on an extremely tight budget, think about purchasing home gyms that are a hybrid of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home gym offers an amazing workout for all body types and can help you save the most money in the end.
Versatility
Whether you have a dedicated 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. To narrow down your search begin by determining the amount of space in your home and what exercises you'd like to focus on the most. Then, consider the kind of equipment that will best serve those needs. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is a good example. It offers more than 55 exercises and user-defined movements in a footprint that is smaller than the size of a queen-sized bed. Some machines can even be folded and stored away to save even more space.
If you're looking to keep within your budget, then consider resistance bands. They can be used for stretching and strength training, and are lightweight and easy to carry around. These bands can be affixed to existing equipment, for example, an exercise set that includes a dumbbell and lighter resistance bands, or a bench for lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat will complete your home gym. It provides a sturdy surface for exercises that require standing, and minimizes the chance of slipping. Additionally, the majority of mats are also light and portable, making them simple to store when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells can provide flexibility to your gym at home, allowing you to perform exercises like bench presses and seated dumbbell rows changing the weight of your workout according to your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment, such as the Peloton Guide can be a fantastic addition to your home gym, providing various guided workouts and a relatively tiny 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 allows you to perform Nordic hamstring curls, glute-ham raises and hip thrusts. It can be used by people up to 7 feet tall and has 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different from what it was in the past. Some brands have modern designs that are compatible with wellness apps and appeal to those who value both aesthetics and functions. While other equipment has become so comprehensive that it could even substitute the need to go to the gym (and even track and adapt to your fitness gains).
There has been a surge in the number of home gyms that are both affordable and compact. We are awestruck by the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its affordable price and small footprint. This elliptical features preset workouts and a short stride which makes it ideal for those who reside in apartments or tight spaces that don't allow room for bulky machines.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home gym option that we adore. The full-trainer is lightweight but powerful enough to exercise the entire body. It also has two doors to keep it from pets or children. The Torque also has wood grain to enhance the aesthetics of your space.
If you're looking for an at-home gym solution that can do more than just track your progress, consider adding a power rack to your gym. As the name suggests, these racks allow you to lift weights using a variety of moves, allowing you to build up strength and endurance. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack that starts at $600 but is able to increase in price depending on the customizations you make. It also has a strong design that makes it easy to use, which is essential for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home-gym setup is complete without the essentials that include dumbbells and a stool. A standard bench can be purchased in any home-supply store however we suggest buying one that's designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models have some tweaks that make them more suitable for workouts at home with a sturdy rubber coating and a moderately knurl to keep your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for awhile.