How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment can be a significant purchase, but it's usually more affordable in the long run than paying for gym memberships. Before you shop decide on the kind of exercise you'd like to do and the space you have available.
If you're limited on space, choose compact equipment like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
Having the right equipment at home can make it much easier to stick with your training plan. If you're pressed for time or don't have time to drive to the gym, or aren't a fan of crowds, consider putting aside an area in your garage or home to workout at your own pace.
You'll need to put in money in order to create the perfect training area. This will depend on your space size and what equipment you select. It is a good idea as well, to start with a smaller amount and then increase your equipment to figure out what you need.
The best equipment to use in your home gym will offer an array of exercises that target the major muscle groups. A power rack, for instance, is a foundational piece of strength equipment that lets you bench press, perform lat pulldowns, and squats. Many units, like the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as they can without sacrificing quality and functionality. It has a 2-post stand profile, which reduces the footprint and is compatible with a range of accessories that can increase the capacity.
You can also maximize your space by selecting equipment that can be stacked like the TRX system. It was designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield, these portable suspension trainers are an ideal method to get a full body exercise while on the move. They can be folded and nested to save space, and some even come with attachments that allow you to concentrate on particular muscle groups or to add additional resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibrating plate that can be used to enhance bodyweight workouts and provide an extra challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate is a good example comes with a remote control with 120 speed settings that allows users to tailor their experience. You can also use it with resistance bands for various muscle groups, or a bungee cable to add a dynamic element.
Capacity for Weight
Home gym equipment can vary in size, from a basic power tower to a fully smart home gym, but no matter the type of equipment you pick the weight capacity must be sufficient that you can perform various exercises. Beginners can start with a simple dumbbell set or barbells to build upper body strength. They can also help strengthen the back muscles. If you're an avid lifter look into a powerful power rack that can handle large dumbbells, as well with a variety of other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine-like 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 will allow you to do decline and incline presses without taking up too much space. bicycle for workout that is flat will also be a good option, but you'll need to add barbells or dumbbells if you're planning to perform isolation exercises like chest press or Bicep curls.
If you're a fan of functional training and a plate stack functional trainer is a great piece of equipment for you. This kind of machine is designed to target different muscle groups simultaneously using the combination of squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. The best functional trainers offer various options, including cables that allow you to perform flyes and triceps pushdowns and the ability to alter the amount of resistance by yourself.
It may seem obvious, but the equipment you select will have a significant effect on how enjoyable and effective your workouts are. It is important to make sure that the equipment you purchase is constructed from top-quality materials that are able to stand up to the demands of daily use. Particularly for those on a budget buyers, it's crucial to select affordable equipment made from quality materials that won't break down after a few uses.
If you're shopping on the tightest budget, you should consider purchasing home gyms that are a mix of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home gym can provide an excellent workout for the entire body and can save you the most money in the end.
Versatility
There are a variety of options to meet your fitness goals and budget, whether you have a home gym that is specifically for your needs or are training in your living area. Begin by looking at the space at home, and the types of exercises you'd like to concentrate on. Think about the type of equipment that best meets your requirements. For instance, a Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is a good example. It offers more than 55 workouts and user-defined movements in a footprint that is smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can even be folded and stowed to make room.
If you're looking to stick with a tighter budget, consider options like resistance bands that can be used for both strength training and stretching and are compact and portable. These bands can be added to existing equipment, for example, an exercise set that includes a dumbbell and light resistance bands or a bench for lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat is another must-have for a well-rounded gym at home that provides a firm surface for workouts that require standing and lessening the chance of slipping or falling off. Most mats are lightweight and portable, so they can be stored easily when not being used. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add versatility to your home fitness center. You can do exercises such as bench presses and rowing with dumbbells while sitting, adjusting the weight loads according to your fitness levels.
Smart home equipment for gym, like the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center at home. It offers a variety guided workouts with a relatively tiny footprint. It is also easy to use and compatible with a wide range of monitors and televisions.
A great 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 support users with a height of up to 7 feet and features 12 different adjustments that are easy to read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands feature sleek designs and integrate with fitness apps to attract those who value aesthetics as much as functionality. Other equipment is so advanced it can even replace an exercise session (and monitor and adjust to improve fitness).
While space concerns remain a concern for many, we've noticed an increase in the number of home-gym options that are smaller in size and price. We are awestruck by the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its low cost and compact footprint. It comes with preset workouts and a short stride which makes it ideal for people who live in apartments or other small spaces that don't have enough the space for big machines.
Another home gym option that we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. It is small but has enough power to train all over your body. It also comes with two doors to keep it from children or pets. The Torque also has a wood grain look to increase the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack your home gym setup in case you are looking for something that goes beyond tracking your progress. Like the name suggests, these racks let you to lift heavy weights through a variety moves, allowing you to build serious strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at $600, however the price can increase depending on the modifications. It is also easy to use and has a sturdy design, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
No home gym is complete without dumbbells and benches. A standard bench is available in any home-supply store however we suggest buying one that's designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models have some tweaks that make them better for workouts at home, such as a durable rubber coating and moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for a while.