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 begin shopping, make a decision about the type of exercise you'd like to do. Also, consider the space you have.
If you are limited in space, consider using smaller equipment like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or an intelligent home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
The right equipment at your home can make it easier to stick to your exercise program. If you're pressed for time or don't have the time drive to the gym, or you don't like crowds, consider putting aside an area in your garage or at home to exercise at your own pace.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that you will likely require some investment to create your ideal training zone, depending on the size of your space and the equipment you choose to purchase. It is recommended to start small and work your way up with time to help you determine the type of equipment you require to achieve your goals.
The most effective equipment to use in your home gym is one that offers various exercises that target the major muscles. A power rack, for instance, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that allows you to bench press, do lat pulldowns, 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 profile that reduces its footprint and is compatible with various optional attachments that enhance its capacity.
You can also make the most of the use of your space by choosing equipment that can be multi-functional and able to be stacked for example, a TRX system. It was designed 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 up and placed in a nested position 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 boost the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. For example the AXV Vibration Plate comes with an adjustable remote control and 120 speed settings that provide a personalised experience. It can also be used with resistance bands for various muscles, or a bungee cable to add a dynamic element.
Weight Capacity
The size of your home gym equipment can range from a simple power tower to an advanced smart home gym. Whatever you choose, you should make sure that the capacity of the equipment is sufficient to carry out various exercises. Beginners can begin with a basic set of dumbbells or barbells to build upper body strength. They also work the back muscles. If you're a committed lifter, then you should consider a heavy duty power rack that can hold large dumbbells and many other accessories such as dip bar, lever arms as well as a landmine attachment, seal row pad, and more.
stationary cycling bike should be on your list of home gym essentials, and if you're a space-conscious lifter, consider an adjustable bench that lets you perform incline and decline presses without taking up too much room in your garage. A flat bench is suitable, but you will require dumbbells or bars in case you would like to do exercises that are isolated such as chest press or Biceps curls.
If you're interested in functional training, then a plate stack resistance functional trainer is a great piece of equipment for you. This kind of machine is designed to target different muscles at once with the combination of squats and bench presses, and pull-ups. The most effective functional trainers provide various options for cables that allow you to perform flyes and tricep pushdowns, and the capability to alter the resistance level at your own discretion.
Although it might seem obvious, the type of equipment you buy will be a big factor in how enjoyable and efficient your workouts are. It is important to ensure that the equipment you buy is constructed from top-quality materials that can stand up to daily use. Especially for the budget-conscious buyers, it's crucial to select the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't degrade after a couple of uses.
If you're shopping with a tight budget, consider investing in home gyms that are a hybrid of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This type of home gym offers a great total-body workout and can save you the most money in the end.
Versatility
There are plenty of options for your fitness goals and your budget, whether you have a gym at home specifically designed for your needs or are training in your living room. Start by assessing the space you have at home, and the types of exercises you'd like to concentrate on. Then, consider what type of equipment can best meet those requirements. For instance, a Life Fitness G7 Home Gym for instance, provides more than 55 workouts 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 looking to stick on a budget, think about options like resistance bands that can be used for both stretching and strength training. They are also lightweight and easy to travel with. These can also be a great addition to your existing equipment for example, adding lightweight resistance bands to your dumbbell set or combining them with a bench for lower body exercises.
A quality exercise mat can add to the fitness of your home. It provides a stable surface for performing exercises that require standing, and reduces the risk of slipping. As a bonus, most mats are also lightweight and portable, making them easy to store away when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells will provide versatility to your home fitness center. You can do exercises like bench presses or rowing with dumbbells while sitting, adjusting the weight loads according to your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment such as the Peloton Guide can be a great addition to your home gym, providing a variety of guided workouts with a tiny footprint. It's also easy to navigate and compatible with many different TVs and monitors.
stationary bike exercise -4000, a good value home gym, is a versatile machine that lets you perform Nordic hamstring curls, glute-ham raises, and hip thrusts. It can hold users with a height of up to 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home fitness equipment is a bit different from what it was in the past. Some brands offer sleek designs and integrate with wellness apps to attract those who value aesthetics more than function. Other equipment is so advanced it could almost replace an exercise session (and track and adapt to your fitness goals).
As space considerations remain a concern for many, we've also seen an increase in the number of home-gym options that save on both size and cost. For instance, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its reasonable price and limited footprint. The elliptical comes with preset exercises, a shorter stride and is perfect for those who live in apartments or other smaller areas.
Another great home gym option we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer has a compact footprint, but has enough power to work out your entire body, and it has two doors that close to keep the machine safe from children or pets. The Torque comes with wood grain finishes to improve the look of your space.
If you're looking for a home gym solution that can do more than just monitor your progress, you should consider adding an electric rack to your set-up. These pieces of equipment let you lift weights in a variety of moves, which helps you build strength and endurance. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack that starts at $600 but will increase in price according to your personalizations. 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 basic equipment that include dumbbells and a stool. 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 few modifications that make them better for workouts at home for example, a tough rubber coating and moderate knurl to keep your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for awhile.