How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a significant investment, but it's usually cheaper than the cost of a gym membership. Before you begin shopping, figure out what type of workouts you want to perform and the amount of space you have available.
If you have limited space, you can opt for smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or an intelligent home fitness system like Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a training program if you have the appropriate equipment at home. If you're strapped for time, don't have the time to go to a gym, or don't want to deal with crowds, a space in your house or garage could 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 dimensions and the type of equipment you choose. It is also a good idea to start small and gradually build up gradually so that you can determine what type of equipment you will require to meet your goals.
The best equipment to use in your home gym will offer various exercises that target the main muscle groups. A power rack is a piece of equipment that lets you perform bench presses, lat pulldowns, and squats. A lot of units, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been made to be small without sacrificing durability and functionality. It features a two-post stand profile that reduces the footprint and is compatible with a variety of accessories that can enhance its capacity.
You can also maximize the utilization of your space by choosing equipment that can be multi-functional and can be stacked together, such as the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used on the battlefield. They're a practical and easy method of getting an all-body workout while on the move. They can be nested and folded to save space, and some even come with attachments that let you focus on specific muscle groups or add additional resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate that can be used to boost bodyweight workouts and also provide a challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. For instance the AXV Vibration Plate comes with the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings to give you a personalized experience. It can also be used with resistance bands for various muscle groups or a bungee cord to add a dynamism element.
Weight Capacity
Home gym equipment can vary in size from a basic power tower to a complete smart home gym, but regardless of what type of machine you choose, the weight capacity should be sufficient to allow you to do various exercises. For beginners, you can start with a simple dumbbell set or barbells for building 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 as a range of other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars, a landmine attachment, seal row pad, and much more.
If you have a small garage, you may think about an adjustable bench. This will allow you to perform decline and incline presses without taking up much space. A bench that is flat will also work, but you'll want to include barbells or dumbbells when you're looking to do isolation exercises like chest presses or Bicep curls.
If stationary cycle for exercise 're a fan of exercise that is functional, a plate stack resistance trainer is the perfect piece of equipment to bring to your home. This kind of machine is designed to target multiple muscle groups at once using the combination of squats and bench presses, and pull ups. Functional trainers are available in many options. They come with cables for tricep flyes and pushdowns and the capability to alter the resistance on your own.
While it may appear obvious, the kind of equipment you buy is a major factor in how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. You must ensure that the equipment that you purchase is made of materials that are durable and can endure regular use. It is crucial for those with a tight budget to prioritize equipment made of quality materials.
If you are on a tight budget, invest in a home gym that combines an exercise bike with a rowing device. This type of home gym provides an amazing workout for all body types and can save you the most money in the end.
Versatility
There are many options for your fitness goals and budget regardless of whether you have a home gym that is specifically for your needs or are training in your living space. Begin by assessing the space you have at home, and the types of exercises you'd like to concentrate on. Consider the kind of equipment that is best suited to your requirements. For example, an all-in-one machine such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym allows for user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises within a footprint smaller than the size of the queen-sized mattress. Some machines can even be folded and stored away to make space.
If you are looking to stay within a budget, then consider resistance bands. They can be used for strength training and stretching, and are lightweight and easy to transport. They are also a great addition to your existing equipment by adding light resistance bands to a dumbbell set or combining them with a bench for lower body exercises.
A high-quality mat for exercising is another essential to have a complete home gym that provides a firm surface for workouts that require standing, as well as lessening the chance of slipping or falling off. The majority of mats are light and portable, so they can be stored easily when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells will provide flexibility to your home fitness center. You can perform exercises like bench presses and rowing dumbbells in a seated position while varying weights according to your fitness levels.
Smart home gym equipment such as the Peloton Guide can be a excellent addition to your home gym, offering a variety of guided workouts with a small footprint. It's also easy to navigate and compatible with various TVs and monitors.
A great value 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 accommodate users with a height of up to 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments that are easy to read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different from what it was in the past. Some brands offer sleek designs and integrate with wellness apps that draw in those who appreciate aesthetics as much as functionality. Other equipment is so comprehensive it could almost replace a gym visit (and monitor and adjust to improve fitness).
While space concerns continue to be a major concern for many, we've seen an increase in the variety of home gym options that save on both size and cost. We like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its affordable price and small footprint. This elliptical features preset workouts and a short stride which is ideal for people who live in apartments or other tight spaces that don't allow space for large machines.
Another home gym option that we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer has a small footprint, yet has enough power to train your entire body. Additionally, it comes with two doors that close to keep the machine safe from children or pets. The Torque also comes with wood grain to increase the visual appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack to your gym equipment in case you are looking for an option that does more than track your progress. As the name suggests these racks let you to lift heavy weights through a variety moves, helping you build serious strength and endurance. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but is able to increase in price according to your personalizations. It is also easy to use and has a solid design, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
The home gym cannot be complete without dumbbells and benches. A standard bench can be found in any home-supply store however we suggest buying one specifically designed for home gyms. These benches have been upgraded to make them more suitable for exercises at home. They have a rubberized coating and a moderate knurl that prevents your hands from sliding down the bar after a while.