How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment can be a significant investment, but it's often more affordable in the long run than gym memberships. Before you begin shopping, decide what type of exercise you'd like do. Also, think about the space you have available.
If you're limited on space, opt for compact equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a smart home gym like Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a fitness program if you have the appropriate equipment at home. If you're short on time or don't have the time to drive to the gym, or don't like crowds, you can create an area in your garage or home to workout at your leisure.
You will need to invest money in order to create the perfect training area. This will depend on the space's size and the equipment you select. It is also a good idea to start small and work your way up over time to help you decide what kind of equipment you really need to accomplish your goals.
The ideal equipment for your home gym needs to provide a variety of workouts for the main muscle groups. A power rack is a piece of equipment that allows you to perform bench presses, pulldowns of the lat, and squats. Many units, such as the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been made to be small without the loss of durability and performance. It has a 2-post profile that reduces the footprint, and it is compatible with many accessories that will enhance its capacity.
You can also maximize space by choosing 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 way to get a full-body exercise while on the move. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some include attachments to specifically target muscles or to provide an additional level of resistance.
A vibration plate is another versatile option. It can be used for bodyweight workouts and also to provide an additional challenge for advanced lifters. The AXV Vibration Plate is a good example, has a remote control with 120 speed settings, which allows users to tailor their experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands for different muscle groups, or a bungee cable to create a lively element.
Weight Capacity
Home gym equipment can range 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 must be sufficient that you can perform a variety of exercises. If you're just beginning, start small with something like an assortment of dumbbells or just a single pair of barbells to aid in building upper body strength and work your back muscles. If you're a serious lifter look into a powerful power rack that can accommodate large dumbbells, as well 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 may think about an adjustable bench. This will allow you to perform decline and incline presses without taking up too much space. A bench with a flat surface can also work, but you'll need to add dumbbells or barbells if you're looking to do isolation exercises like chest press or bicep curls.
If you're a lover of functional exercises, a plate stack resistance trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to bring to your home. This kind of machine targets different muscles simultaneously with the combination of squats and bench presses. Functional trainers come with many options. They come with cables for tricep pushdowns and flyes, and the capability to alter the resistance on your own.
It may seem obvious, but the equipment you choose will have a significant effect on how effective and enjoyable your workouts are. You'll want to ensure that the equipment you buy is constructed from top-quality materials that are resistant to regular 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 break down after a few uses.
If you're shopping with a tight budget, consider investing in a home gym that's a combination of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home fitness equipment provides a great workout for the entire body and can help save money over time.
Versatility
If you have a dedicated space for a gym at home or plan to train in your living room, there are numerous options to suit your fitness goals and budget. Start 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 will best suit your requirements. For instance, 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 the size of a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and stored away to make space.
If you're trying to stay on a budget, you might want to consider resistance bands, which can be used for strength training and stretching and are also lightweight and easy to travel with. These bands can be added to existing equipment, for example, the dumbbell set, along with lighter resistance bands, or a bench for lower body exercises.
A quality exercise mat is a must for a well-rounded home gym and provides a solid surface for workouts that require standing, as well as decreasing the chance of sliding or falling off. As a bonus, most mats are also lightweight and portable, making them simple to store away when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells will add versatility to your home gym, allowing you to perform exercises like bench presses and seated dumbbell rows, while varying the weight load according to your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for gym, like the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center in the home. It provides a variety of exercises that are guided and have a small footprint. It is also simple to use and is compatible with a large range of monitors and televisions.
A budget-friendly home gym like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile workout machine that supports Nordic hamstring curls glute ham raises, 45-degree back extensions as well as hip thrusts. It can accommodate users as tall as 7 feet and can be adjusted to 12 different levels.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home fitness equipment is a bit different from what it was in the past. Certain brands sport sleek designs that integrate with wellness apps that appeal to those who value both aesthetics and function. In addition, other equipment has become so comprehensive that it is able to substitute an exercise session (and even track and adjust to your fitness gains).
While space concerns continue to be a major concern for many, we've seen an increase in the number of home-gym options that are smaller in size and cost. For instance, we like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its low cost and compact footprint. It comes with preset workouts and a shorter stride which makes it ideal for people who reside in apartments or restricted spaces that don't have room for bulky machines.
Another smart home-gym option we love is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. The full-trainer is lightweight but powerful enough to work the entire body. It also comes with two doors that can be closed off from children or pets. The Torque also comes with wood grain to increase the visual appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack your home gym setup if you want something that does more than track 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. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at 600 dollars, but the price may increase based on the modifications. It is also easy to use and has a sturdy design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the staples: dumbbells and a bench. While benches of standard size can be found at any home-supply shop however, we suggest you purchase one designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been modified to make them more suitable for home workouts. They feature a rubberized coating and an elongated knurl that stops your hands from sliding down the bar after an extended period of time.