How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's an investment that's huge, but it's usually cheaper than the cost of a gym membership. Before you start shopping determine what kind of exercise you'd like to perform and the amount of space you have.
If you're limited on space, choose compact equipment like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system like Tonal.
Space
A gym that is equipped at your home can make it easier to follow your exercise program. If you're short on time or don't have the time drive to the gym or don't like crowds, you can dedicate the space in your garage or at home to exercise at your own leisure.
It is crucial to remember, however, that you'll likely need to invest some money to build your ideal space for training based on the dimensions of your space and what equipment you purchase. It is recommended to start small and gradually build up over time so that you can determine what type of equipment you need to accomplish your goals.
The most effective equipment to use in your home gym will provide a variety of exercises that target major muscles. 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 sacrificing durability and functionality. It features a two-post stand profile, which helps reduce the footprint. It is compatible with a variety of attachments that can be added to increase its capacity.
You can also maximize your space by selecting equipment that can be stacked, such as the TRX system. Designed 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 nested and folded to make space. they can even have attachments that allow you to concentrate on specific muscle groups or add an additional level of resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibration plate that can be used to boost exercises with body weight and provide an extra challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate, for example comes with a remote control with 120 speed settings, which allows users to tailor their experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands to target different muscles or a bungee cord to provide an element of active movement.
Capacity for Weight
Home gym equipment can range in size from a simple power tower to a full-on smart home gym, but no matter what kind of machine you choose, the weight capacity should be sufficient to allow you to do a variety of exercises. Beginners can begin 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 lifter, consider a heavy-duty power rack that can accommodate large dumbbells as well as a range of other attachments like lever arms, dip bars, a landmine attachment, seal row pad, and much more.
A bench should also be in your list of essentials for your home gym, and if you're a space-conscious lifter, look for an adjustable bench that lets you do decline and incline presses without taking up a lot of space in your garage. A flat bench will also work, but you'll want to add a set of barbells or dumbbells if you're looking to do isolation exercises like chest presses or bicep curls.
If you're interested in functional training and a plate stack resistance functional trainer is a great piece of equipment for you. This type 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 such as cable attachments that allow you to perform flyes and tricep pushdowns, and the ability to change the amount of resistance by yourself.
While it may appear obvious, the kind of equipment you purchase will play a significant role in how enjoyable and efficient your exercise routine is. You should ensure that the equipment you purchase is made of high-quality materials that are able to stand up to daily use. Especially for the budget-conscious people, it's essential to choose the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't degrade after just a few hours of use.
If you are on a tight budget, invest in a home gym which combines an exercise bike with an exercise device that can row. This kind of home gym can provide a great total-body workout and can help you save the most money in the end.
Versatility
If you have a dedicated space for a home gym or you plan to work out in your living room There are many options to meet your fitness goals and budget. Start by taking a look at the space you have at home, and the types of exercises you would like to focus on. Consider the kind of equipment that is best suited to your needs. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, for example, offers more than 55 exercises and user-defined movements within a footprint smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and tucked away to make more space.
If you want to keep your budget in check, then consider resistance bands. They can be used for strength training and stretching and are also lightweight and easy to travel with. They can be affixed to existing equipment, like an exercise set that includes a dumbbell and lightweight resistance bands or a bench for lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat will complete your home gym. It offers a solid surface for performing exercises that require standing and minimizes the chance of slipping. In addition, many mats are also light and portable, making them simple to store when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will provide flexibility to your home fitness center. You can do exercises like bench presses or rowing dumbbells in a seated position while varying weights based on your fitness levels.
Smart home equipment for fitness, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center in the home. It provides a range of guided workouts with a relatively tiny footprint. It's also easy to navigate and compatible with many different monitors and TVs.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a multi-functional machine that lets you perform Nordic hamstring curls, glute-ham raises and hip thrusts. It can hold 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 fitness equipment is a bit different from what it was in the past. Certain brands have sleek designs that integrate with fitness apps that appeal to those who appreciate both aesthetics and function. Meanwhile, other equipment has become so comprehensive that it could even substitute a trip to the gym (and even track and adjust to your fitness goals).
We've seen a rise in the number of home gyms that are affordable and compact. We love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its affordable price and small footprint. The elliptical comes with preset exercises, a shorter stride, and is ideal for those living in small apartments or other areas.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is a great home fitness option that we like. This full-trainer is compact yet powerful enough to train the entire body. It also comes with two doors that can be closed off from pets or children. The Torque also comes with a wood grain look to increase the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack your gym equipment if you want an option that goes beyond tracking your progress. These pieces of equipment let you lift weights in a variety moves that will help you build strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack starts at $600, but the price may increase based on the customizations. It is also simple to use and has a sturdy design, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the staples: dumbbells and a bench. While a standard bench can be found at any home-supply store, we recommend going with one specifically designed for home gyms. These benches have been upgraded to make them more suitable for home workouts. They come with a rubberized coating and a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding down the bar after an extended period of time.