How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is a big purchase, but it's usually cheaper over the long term than paying for gym memberships. Before you start shopping, decide what type of exercise you'd like to perform. Also, consider the space you have available.
If you're limited on space, consider using smaller equipment such as the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system such as Tonal.
Space
The right equipment at home can make it much easier to stick to your training plan. If you are pressed for time or don't have the time to travel to a gym or simply don't want to deal with crowds, having a designated space in your house or garage could help you work out at your own leisure.
You'll need to invest money to create the perfect training area. This will depend on the space's size and the equipment you choose. It's a good idea also, to begin with a small amount and then increase your equipment to determine the equipment you require.
The most effective equipment you can use in your home gym will offer an array of exercises that target the major muscle groups. A power rack, for example, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that can enable you to bench press, do lat pulldowns, and squats. Many units, such as the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been made to be small without sacrificing durability and functionality. It has a 2-post stand design, which helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a range of optional attachments to enhance its capacity.
You can also maximize the use of your space by choosing equipment that can be multi-functional and able to be stacked for example, the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used on the battlefield. They're a convenient and easy way to get an all-body workout on the move. They can be folded down and nested to save space. Some even include attachments to specifically target muscles or to provide additional resistance.
A vibration plate is a versatile option. It can be used to perform bodyweight exercises as well as to add an extra challenge for lifters who are more advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate for instance comes with the option of a remote control that has 120 speed settings, which allows you to personalize your experience. It can also be used with different resistance bands to target different muscles, or a bungee cable to create a lively element.
Capacity for Weight
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 pick, the weight capacity should be sufficient to allow you to perform many different exercises. Beginners can start with a basic dumbbell set or barbells to build upper body strength. They also work the back muscles. If you're a serious lifter then consider a heavy duty power rack which can hold large dumbbells and a variety of other attachments such as dip bar, lever arms, 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 minimalist lifter, consider an adjustable bench that can perform incline and decline presses without taking up a lot of room in your garage. A flat bench is also suitable, but you will require dumbbells or bars if would like to do exercises that are isolated like chest presses or biceps curls.
If you're a fan of exercise that is functional, a plate stack resistance trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to bring to your home. This kind of machine targets different muscle groups at once using a combination of squats as well as bench presses. The top functional trainers offer various options for cable attachments that allow you to perform flyes and triceps pushdowns and the capability to alter the amount of resistance on your own.
It may seem obvious, but the equipment you select will have a major impact on how enjoyable and effective your exercise routine is. You must ensure that the equipment you purchase is made of materials that are durable and able to be used regularly. It is crucial for those with a tight budget to select equipment made from high-quality materials.
If you're shopping on an extremely tight budget, think about investing in a home gym that's a combination of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This type of home fitness equipment provides an ideal workout for your entire body and can help save you money over the course of time.
Versatility
If you have a designated space for a gym at home or you plan to work out in your living room there are many options to meet your fitness goals and budget. Start by looking at the space at home and the workouts you'd like to concentrate on. Then, consider the kind of equipment that will best serve those requirements. For example, an all-in-one machine such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym allows for user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises within the footprint of less than the size of the queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded and stowed away to save more space.
If you are looking to keep your budget in check look into using resistance bands. They can be used for stretching and strength training and are also lightweight and easy to transport. They are also ideal additions to your existing set-up by adding lightweight resistance bands to your dumbbell set or pairing them with a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat will add to the fitness of your home. It offers a solid surface to perform exercises that require standing and reduces the risk of falling. The majority of mats are lightweight and portable, so they are easy to store when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells will add flexibility to your fitness center. You can perform exercises like bench presses and rowing dumbbells in a seated position while varying weights according to your fitness levels.
Smart home gym equipment, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your home fitness center. It provides a range of exercises that are guided and have a tiny footprint. It's also simple to use and compatible with many different TVs and monitors.
A good value home gym, such as the REP PR-4000 is a versatile workout machine that supports Nordic hamstring curls glute ham raises, 45-degree back extensions, and hip thrusts. It can support users up to 7 feet tall and has 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that gym equipment looks different than it did in the past. Certain brands have sleek designs and integrate with wellness apps that attract those who value aesthetics as much as function. In addition, other equipment is now so extensive that it could even replace an exercise session (and even track and adapt to your fitness goals).
We've seen an increase in the number of gyms at home that are affordable and compact. We are awestruck by the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical due to its affordable price and small footprint. This elliptical has preset exercises, a shorter stride, and is ideal for those living in small apartments or other areas.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home fitness option that we like. The full-trainer is lightweight but has enough power to exercise your entire body. It also has two doors to keep it from children or pets. The Torque also comes with wood grain to add to the visual appeal of your space.
You should consider adding a powerrack to your gym equipment if you want a solution that can do more than just track your progress. These pieces of equipment let you lift weights in a variety moves that help you build endurance and strength. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack priced at 600 dollars but is able to increase in price according to your personalizations. It also has a strong construction that makes it easy to use, which is essential for serious lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the essentials such as dumbbells and a bench. stationary bicycle exercise can be found in any home-supply store but we suggest purchasing one that's designed specifically for home gyms. These benches have been modified to make them more suitable for exercise at home. They feature a rubberized coating and an elongated knurl that stops your hands from sliding down the bar after some time.