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, decide what type of exercise you'd like do. Also, consider the space you have.
If you're limited on space, opt for compact equipment such as the Bells of Steel cable tower or a home gym that is smart like Tonal.
Space
A gym that is equipped at home can make it much easier to stick with your fitness program. If you're pressed for time or don't have the time to drive to the gym or aren't a fan of crowds, you can dedicate an area in your garage or home to workout at your own leisure.
You will need to invest money to create the ideal training zone. This will depend on the space size and what equipment you select. It is a good idea as well, to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase your equipment to determine what you require.
The most effective equipment you can use in your home gym will offer various exercises that target major muscle groups. A power rack, for example, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that can enable you to bench press, perform pulldowns with lats and squats. Many units, such as the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact, without losing durability or functionality. It has a 2-post profile that reduces the footprint, and is compatible with a variety of optional attachments that increase its capacity.
You can also make the most of the utilization of your space by selecting equipment that can be multi-functional and can be stacked together, such as a TRX system. Created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield, these portable suspension trainers are a convenient method to get a full body workout while on the go. They can be folded down and placed in a nested position to save space. Some even have attachments to target specific muscles or add additional resistance.
Another option that is versatile is a vibrating plate that can be used to enhance the bodyweight exercises and also provide a challenge for advanced lifters. The AXV Vibration Plate, for example, has the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings, which allows you to personalize your experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands for various 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 fully smart home gym, but no matter the type of equipment you select, the weight capacity should be sufficient that you can perform many different exercises. If you're just beginning begin small with something like dumbbells or a single pair of barbells that can help you build upper body strength and work your back muscles. If you're a serious weightlifter, consider a heavy-duty power rack that can handle large dumbbells, as well as a range of other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars as well as a landmine-like attachment, seal row pad, and many more.
A bench should also be in your list of essentials for your home gym, and if you're a space-conscious lifter, consider an adjustable bench that allows you to perform incline and decline presses without taking up too much space in your garage. A bench with a flat surface can also be a good option, but you'll need to include dumbbells or barbells if you're looking to do isolated exercises like chest press or bicep curls.
If you're interested in functional training, then a plate stack resistance functional trainer is a great piece of equipment for you. This type of machine is designed to target multiple muscle groups simultaneously using the combination of squats and bench presses, and pull ups. Functional trainers are available in various options. They have cables that can be attached to triceps flyes and pushdowns as well as the capability to adjust the resistance yourself.
Although it might appear obvious, the kind of equipment you buy is a major factor in how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. You'll need to make sure that the equipment you purchase is made of materials that are durable and able to endure regular use. It's important for budget-conscious people to choose equipment made of high-quality materials.
If you're on a budget, invest in a home fitness machine which combines an exercise bike and an exercise device that can row. This type of home fitness equipment provides an excellent workout for the whole body, and could save you money over the course of time.
Versatility
If you have a designated space for a home gym or plan to train in your living room there are plenty of options to fit your fitness goals and budget. To narrow down your search begin by assessing the amount of space in your home and what exercises you'd like to concentrate on most. Then, think about what kind of equipment would best meet your needs. For instance, an all-in-1 machine like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym provides user-defined movements and more than 55 exercises within an area smaller than the queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded up and stowed away to save more space.
If you're looking to stay within a budget look into using resistance bands. They can be used to build strength and stretch as well as being lightweight and easy to travel with. These bands can be added to existing equipment, like an exercise set that includes a dumbbell and light resistance bands or a bench for lower body exercises.
A quality exercise mat can add to the fitness of your home. It provides a stable surface to perform exercises that require standing and reduces the risk of slipping. In addition, many mats are also lightweight and mobile, making them easy to store away when not in use. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add versatility to your home gym, allowing you to perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows, while varying the weight load according to your fitness level.
Smart home equipment for fitness, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center at home. It offers a variety exercise programs that are guided with a small footprint. It's also simple to navigate and compatible with various televisions and monitors.
A good value home gym like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile fitness machine that can accommodate Nordic hamstring curls glute ham raises, 45-degree back extensions and hip thrusts. It can accommodate users who are taller than 7 feet and comes with 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different today than it was in the past. Certain brands have elegant designs and integrate with fitness apps to attract those who value aesthetics as much as functionality. Other equipment is so advanced it could almost replace the need to go to the gym (and monitor and adjust to fitness gains).
As space considerations continue to loom large for many, we've also seen an increase in the variety of home gym options that offer a lower footprint and price. For instance, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its reasonable price and limited footprint. It comes with pre-set exercises, a shorter stride and is perfect for those who live in apartments or other small space.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home fitness option that we like. This full-trainer is compact but powerful enough to exercise all over your body. It also comes with two doors to keep it from pets or children. The Torque features wood grain to enhance the aesthetics 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 heavy weights through a variety moves, allowing you to develop a serious amount of strength and endurance. The Bells of Steel Manticore Power Rack is priced at $600, however the price can increase depending on the customizations. It is also simple to use and has a solid design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
No home gym is complete without dumbbells and benches. While a standard bench is available at any home-supply shop We recommend getting one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that come with these models come with some tweaks that make them better for home workouts with a sturdy rubber coating and a moderate knurl to prevent your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for a while.