How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a significant investment, but it's usually cheaper than paying for a gym membership. Before you start shopping decide on the kind of workouts you want to do and the space you have.
If you are limited in space, consider using smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a workout plan when you have the appropriate equipment at home. If you're pressed for time or don't have time to travel to the gym or do not want to face crowds, a dedicated space in your house or garage could help you get a workout at your own leisure.
It is important to remember, however, that you'll likely need to invest some money to create your ideal space for training, depending on the size of your space as well as the equipment you choose to purchase. It is recommended to start small and work your way up gradually, so that you can decide what kind of equipment you really require to achieve your goals.
The best equipment for your home gym needs to provide a variety of workouts for the major muscle groups. A power rack is an piece of equipment that lets you perform bench presses, pulldowns of the lat, and squats. A lot of units, such as the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as possible without sacrificing performance and durability. It features a two-post stand profile, which reduces the footprint and is compatible with a range of accessories that can increase its capacity.
You can also make the most of your space by choosing equipment that can be stacked, like the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used on the battlefield. They are a convenient and easy way to get an all-body workout while you're on the move. They can be folded and nested to make space. some come with attachments that allow you to focus on specific muscle groups or add extra resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate, that can be used to enhance exercises with body weight and offer a new challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. For instance the AXV Vibration Plate comes with an adjustable remote control and 120 speed settings that give you a personalized experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands to target various muscles or a bungee cord to add an element of active movement.
Capacity for Weight
The size of home gym equipment can range from a simple power tower to a smart home gym. But no matter what you decide to purchase, ensure that the weight capacity is sufficient to carry out various exercises. If you're a beginner, start small with something like a set of dumbbells or a single pair of barbells to 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 attachments such as lever arms, dip bar and a landmine accessory seal row pad and more.
A bench should also be on your list of home gym essentials, and if you're a space-conscious lifter, look for an adjustable bench that allows you to do decline and incline presses without taking up too much space in your garage. A flat bench is also suitable, but you will require dumbbells or bars if want to do isolation exercises like chest press or biceps curls.
If you're a lover of functional training and want to improve your fitness, then a plate stack functional trainer is the perfect piece of equipment for you. This type of machine is designed to target different muscle groups simultaneously using the combination of squats, bench presses, and pull ups. Functional trainers come with various options. They come with cable attachments for tricep flyes and pushdowns, and the capability to alter the resistance yourself.
Although it might appear obvious, the kind of equipment you purchase will play a significant role in how effective and enjoyable your workouts are. You must ensure that the equipment you purchase is constructed from materials that are durable and able to endure regular use. Particularly for those on a budget, it's important to prioritize the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't break down after a few uses.
If you're on a tight budget, invest in a home fitness equipment which combines an exercise bike with an exercise device that can row. This type of fitness equipment for home use provides a great workout for the entire body and can help save you money over the course of time.
Versatility
If you have a dedicated 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 options, start by assessing the amount of space in your home and what exercises you want to focus on the most. Think about the type of equipment that best meets your 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 be folded and stored to save even more space.
If you're looking to stick with a tighter budget, think about options like resistance bands, which can be used for both stretching and strength training. They are also lightweight and easy to travel with. They are also a great addition to an existing setup by adding lightweight resistance bands to your dumbbell set or combining them with a bench for lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat is a must to have a complete home gym, providing a stable surface for exercises that require standing, as well as lessening the chance of slipping or falling off. In addition, many mats are also light and mobile, making them easy to store when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells will provide versatility to your home fitness center. You can do exercises like bench presses or seated dumbbell rowing while varying weight loads according to your fitness levels.
Smart home gym equipment such as the Peloton Guide can be a great addition to your home gym. It offers numerous guided workouts and a relatively small footprint. It's also easy to use and compatible with a wide range of monitors and televisions.
A good value home gym, such as 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 hold users with a height of up to 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments, all with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
Home gym equipment is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands sport sleek designs that integrate with fitness apps and appeal to those who value both aesthetics and functionality. Other equipment is so extensive it can even replace the need to go to the gym (and monitor and adjust to your fitness goals).
We've seen a rise in the number of gyms at home that are affordable and compact. For example, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical for its affordable price and small footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set workouts and a short stride, making it perfect for those who reside in apartments or small spaces that don't have enough the space for big machines.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another smart home gym option that we adore. This full-trainer has a small footprint but still is powerful enough to exercise your entire body, and it comes with two doors that open to keep the machine safe from pets or children. stationary cycling bike comes with wood grain to increase the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack your home gym if you want something that goes beyond tracking your progress. As the name suggests these racks allow you to lift weights with a variety of moves, helping you build serious strength and endurance. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack that starts at $600 but will increase in price based on your customizations. It also has a solid structure that makes it simple to use, which is essential for serious lifting.
Of course, no home-gym setup is complete without the staples: dumbbells and a bench. A standard bench can be found in any home-supply store, but we recommend buying one specifically designed for home gyms. These benches have been upgraded to make them more suitable for exercise at home. They come with an elastomer coating and a moderate knurl that prevents your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.