How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment can be a significant purchase, but it's usually cheaper in the long run than paying for gym memberships. Before you start shopping, determine what kind of exercises you want to do. Also, consider the space you have available.
If you're short on space, opt for compact equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a home gym that is smart like Tonal.
Space
The right equipment at your home can make it easier to follow your fitness program. If you're short on time or don't have the time to go to the gym, or aren't a fan of crowds, you can dedicate a space in your garage or at home to workout at your own pace.
You will need to invest money in order to create the perfect training space. This will depend on the space's size and the equipment you choose. It is also a good idea to start small and build up with time, so that you can determine the type of equipment you will require to achieve your goals.
The best equipment for your home gym must provide a variety of workouts for the major muscle groups. A power rack is a piece equipment that lets you perform bench presses, lat pulldowns, and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact, without the loss of durability and performance. It features a 2-post design which reduces the footprint and is compatible with a variety of accessories that can boost its capacity.
You can also make the most of your space by selecting equipment that can be stacked 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 convenient and simple way to get an all-body workout while you're on the move. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some include attachments to specifically target muscles or to provide extra resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate that can be used to enhance the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenge for advanced lifters. For instance, the AXV Vibration Plate features the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings to provide a personalised experience. You can also pair it with different resistance bands to target different muscles, or a bungee cable to add a dynamism element.
Weight Capacity
Home gym equipment can range in size from a simple power tower to a complete smart home gym, but no matter what kind of machine you pick the weight capacity must be sufficient that you can perform many different exercises. Beginners can begin with a simple dumbbell set or barbells for building upper body strength. They will also work the back muscles. If you're an avid lifter think about a high-end power rack that can handle large dumbbells, as well as a range of other 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 think about an adjustable bench. This allows you to perform decline and incline presses without taking up much space. A bench with a flat surface can also be a good option, but you'll need to include barbells or dumbbells if you're looking to do isolation 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 kind of machine is designed to target different muscles at once with a combination of squats, bench presses, and pull ups. Functional trainers are available with many options. They have cables for tricep flyes and pushdowns as well as the ability to alter the resistance yourself.
While it may seem obvious, the type of equipment you purchase will be a big factor in how enjoyable and efficient your exercise routine is. You should make sure that the equipment you purchase is made of high-quality materials that can stand up to the demands of daily use. It's important for budget-conscious people to prioritize equipment made of quality materials.
If you're on a tight budget, invest in a home fitness equipment that is a combination of an exercise bike with a rowing device. This kind of home gym offers an excellent workout for the entire body and will save you the most money in the end.
Versatility
If you have a designated space for a home gym or plan to train in your living room, there are many options to meet your fitness goals and budget. To narrow down your search, start by assessing the space you have in your home and what exercises you'd like to concentrate on the most. Then, think about what kind of equipment would best serve those needs. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is a good example. It offers more than 55 exercises and user-defined moves with a footprint 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, you might want to consider resistance bands, which can be used for stretching and strength training. They are also compact and travel-friendly. They can be affixed to existing equipment, such as an exercise set that includes a dumbbell and light resistance bands or a bench for lower body exercises.
A quality exercise mat is a must for a well-rounded gym at home and provides a solid surface for workouts that require standing, as well as lessening the chance of slipping or falling off. As a bonus, most mats are also light and mobile, making them easy to store away when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells will add flexibility to your home fitness center. You can do exercises like bench presses or rowing dumbbells in a seated position while varying weight loads 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 simple to navigate and compatible with various televisions and monitors.
A budget-friendly home gym like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile fitness machine that can accommodate Nordic hamstring curls as well as glute ham raises. 45-degree back extensions, and hip thrusts. It can be used by people who are taller than 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that fitness equipment is a bit different from what it was in the past. Certain brands sport modern designs that are compatible with wellness apps that appeal to those who value both aesthetics and functionality. Other equipment is so comprehensive it can almost replace a gym visit (and monitor and adjust to improve fitness).
There has been a surge in the number of home gyms that are affordable and compact. For instance, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its reasonable price and compact footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set workouts and a shorter stride which makes it ideal for people who reside in apartments or other restricted spaces that don't have space for large machines.
Another home gym option that we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is lightweight but powerful enough to train the entire body. It also comes with two doors that can be closed off from children or pets. The Torque has wood grain finishes to add a touch of elegance to your space.
If you're looking for a home-gym solution that can do more than simply track your progress, consider adding a power rack to your set-up. Like the name suggests, these pieces of equipment allow you to lift heavy weights using a variety of moves, helping you build up strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack starts at $600, but the price may increase based on customizations. It is also simple to use and has a sturdy design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the essentials such as dumbbells and a bench. A standard bench can be found at any home-supply shop, but we recommend buying one specifically designed for home gyms. These benches have been modified to allow for more exercises at home. They have an elastomer coating and a moderate knurl that prevents your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.