How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is an expensive investment, but it's cheaper over the long term than paying for gym memberships. Before you begin shopping, make a decision about the type of exercises you want to perform. Also, consider the space you have available.
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
A gym that is equipped at your home can make it easier to stick with your exercise program. If you're strapped for time or don't have the time to drive to a gym or simply do not want to deal with crowds, a space in your home or garage can allow you to break a sweat at your own pace.
It is important to remember that you will likely need to invest some money to create your ideal space for training according to the size of your space as well as what equipment you purchase. It is recommended to start small and build up with time so that you can determine what type of equipment you will require to meet your goals.
The ideal equipment for your home gym needs to offer a range of exercises for the major muscle groups. A power rack, for instance, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that can enable you to bench press, perform lat pulldowns and perform squats. A lot of units, such as the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as possible without sacrificing quality and functionality. It features a 2-post design that reduces its footprint and it is compatible with many accessories that can enhance its capacity.
You can also make the most of your space by selecting equipment that can be stacked such as the TRX system. Created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield, these portable suspension trainers are a convenient method to get a full body exercise while on the move. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some include attachments to focus on specific muscles or provide extra resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate which can be used to boost the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. The AXV Vibration Plate for instance, has an adjustable remote control with 120 speed settings that allow users to tailor their experience. It can also be used with resistance bands for various muscles or a bungee cable to add a dynamic 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 the type of equipment you pick the weight capacity must be sufficient that you can perform various exercises. Beginners can start with a basic set of dumbbells or barbells to build upper-body strength. They will also work the back muscles. If you're a serious weightlifter look into a powerful power rack that can hold massive dumbbells, as in a variety of attachments such as lever arms, dip bars, a landmine attachment, seal row pad, and much more.
If you're in the market for a smaller garage, you might be interested in an adjustable bench. This will allow you to do decline and incline presses without taking up a lot of space. A flat bench is also ideal, but you'll require dumbbells or bars if would like to do exercises that are isolated like chest press or Biceps curls.
If you are a fan of functional exercise and resistance training, a plate stack trainer is the perfect piece of equipment for your home. This kind of machine is designed to target different muscle groups at once using the combination of squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. The best functional trainers offer various options for cable attachments that allow you to perform flyes and triceps pushdowns and the capability to alter the amount of resistance at your own discretion.
It might seem obvious, but the equipment you choose will have a significant effect on how effective and enjoyable your exercises are. You'll want to ensure that the equipment you purchase is made of high-quality materials that can stand up to regular use. It's crucial for people with limited funds to select equipment made of high-quality materials.
If you're on a tight budget, consider buying home gyms that are a combination of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This type of home gym provides an amazing workout for all body types and can help you save the most money in the long run.
Versatility
If you have a designated space for a gym at home or you plan to work out in your living room there are many options to meet your fitness goals and budget. To narrow down your options begin by determining the amount of space in your home and the exercises you want to focus on the most. Think about the kind of equipment that is best suited to your needs. For instance, a Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, for example, offers more than 55 exercises and user-defined moves in a footprint that is smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded up and stored away to free more space.
If you're looking to stick with a tighter budget, consider options like resistance bands that can be used for stretching and strength training. They are also lightweight and easy to travel with. They can be affixed to existing equipment, like a dumbbell set with some light resistance bands or a bench to do lower body exercises.
A quality exercise mat can add to the fitness of your home. It offers a solid surface for exercises that require standing, and minimizes the chance of slipping. Most mats are lightweight and portable, which means they can be easily stored when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells can add flexibility to your fitness center. You can perform exercises such as bench presses and rowing dumbbells in a seated position while varying weights according to your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment like the Peloton Guide can be a great addition to your home gym, offering a variety of guided workouts, and a tiny footprint. exercise bicycle 's also easy to navigate and compatible with many different televisions and monitors.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a multi-functional machine that lets you perform Nordic hamstring lifts, glute-ham stretches and hip thrusts. It can support users up to 7 feet tall and has 12 different adjustments, all with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home gym equipment looks different from what it was in the past. Some brands offer sleek designs and integrate with wellness apps to draw in those who appreciate aesthetics more than function. Meanwhile, other equipment has become so advanced that it can nearly replace the need to go to the gym (and even track and adjust to your fitness goals).
As space concerns continue to be a major concern for many, we've also seen an increase in the number of gyms at home that are smaller in size and cost. We love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its low price and small footprint. It comes with pre-set workouts, a short stride, and is ideal for those who live in apartments or other small spaces.
Another great home gym option we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is compact in footprint, but offers enough power to work out your entire body, and it comes with two doors that open to hide the machine from children or pets. The Torque also has a wood grain look to enhance the aesthetics of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack to your gym equipment If you're looking for a solution that can do more than just track your progress. As the name suggests these pieces of equipment allow you to lift weights using a variety of moves, allowing you to build serious strength and endurance. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack that starts at $600 but can grow in cost based on your 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 basic equipment such as dumbbells and a bench. A standard bench is available 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 better for workouts at home, such as a durable rubber coating and a moderate knurl to keep your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for a while.