How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a significant investment, but it's usually cheaper than paying for an exercise membership. Before you shop decide on the kind of exercise you'd like to do and 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
Having the right equipment at home can make it much easier to stick to your training plan. If you're in a hurry or don't have the time drive to the gym, or aren't a fan of crowds, you can dedicate a space in your garage or at home to workout at your leisure.
You'll need to put in money to create the perfect training space. This will depend on the space's size and the equipment you select. It's a good idea too, to start small and then gradually increase the amount of equipment until you know what you require.
The ideal equipment for your home gym needs to offer a range of exercises for the main muscles. A power rack, for example is a key piece of equipment for strength that can enable you to bench press, perform lat pulldowns and perform squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact, without sacrificing durability and functionality. It has a 2-post profile that reduces the footprint, and it is compatible with many accessories that will boost its capacity.
You can also maximize the use of your space by selecting equipment that is multifunctional and stackable for example, 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 exercise while on the move. They can be folded and nested to save space. Some even include attachments to specifically target muscles or to provide additional resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibration plate, which can be used to boost the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. For example, the AXV Vibration Plate has the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings that give you a personalized experience. You can also pair it with resistance bands for various muscles or a bungee cord to add a dynamism element.
Weight Capacity
Home gym equipment can vary in size from a basic power tower to a full-on smart home gym, but no matter what type of machine you pick the weight capacity must be sufficient to allow you to perform many different exercises. If you're a beginner, start small with something like dumbbells or a couple of barbells to help you build upper body strength and work your back muscles. If you're a serious lifter, then you should consider a heavy duty power rack which can accommodate large dumbbells and many other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars and a landmine accessory seal row pad and more.
If stationary bikes exercise bikes in the market for a smaller garage, you might think about an adjustable bench. This will allow you to do decline and incline press exercises without taking up much space. A bench with a flat surface can also work, but you'll want to include a set of barbells or dumbbells when you're planning to perform isolation exercises like chest presses or Bicep curls.
If you're a lover of functional exercises then a plate stack resistance trainer is the perfect piece of equipment to bring to your home. This type of machine targets different muscles simultaneously with a combination squats and bench presses. The most effective functional trainers provide a range of options for cables that allow you to perform flyes and tricep pushdowns, and the capability to alter the amount of resistance on your own.
It might seem obvious, but the equipment you select will have a significant effect on how effective and fun your workouts are. You should make sure that the equipment you purchase is constructed from top-quality materials that can stand up to the demands of daily use. It's important for budget-conscious people to select equipment made of quality materials.
If you're shopping with an extremely tight budget, think about buying home gyms that are a combination of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home gym provides an excellent workout for the entire body and can save you the most money over the long term.
Versatility
There are many options for your fitness goals and your budget, whether you have a home gym that is specifically for your needs or you train in your living area. Begin by taking a look at the space you have at home, and the types of exercises you'd like to concentrate on. Then, think about the kind of equipment that will best meet those needs. A Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is a good example. It offers more than 55 workouts and user-defined movements with a footprint smaller than the size of a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded up and stored away to free more space.
If you're looking to keep your budget in check look into using resistance bands. They can be used for stretching and strength training and are also small and easy to travel with. They can also be a great addition to your existing set-up, such as adding some light resistance bands to a dumbbell set or pairing them with a bench to perform lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat will add to the fitness of your home. It provides a stable surface to perform exercises that require standing, and reduces the risk of slipping. Most mats are lightweight and portable, so they can be easily stored when not being used. A pair of adjustable dumbbells will add versatility to your home fitness center. You can do exercises like bench presses or seated dumbbell rowing while varying weights according to your fitness levels.
Smart home gym equipment like the Peloton Guide can be a excellent addition to your home gym. It offers numerous guided workouts and a relatively tiny footprint. It is also simple to use and compatible with a wide selection of TVs and monitors.
A good value home gym like 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 hold users up to 7 feet tall and comes with 12 different adjustments with easy-to-read laser-etched numbers.
Aesthetics
The equipment for home gyms is different from what it was in the past. Certain brands sport modern designs that are compatible with wellness apps, appealing to those who value both aesthetics and functionality. In addition, other equipment is now so extensive that it could even substitute the need to go to the gym (and even track and adjust to your fitness goals).
As space considerations continue to be a major concern for many, we've also observed an increase in variety of home gym options that save on both size and price. We like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its affordable price and small footprint. It comes with pre-set exercises, a shorter stride and is perfect for those living in apartments or other small areas.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home fitness option that we like. The full-trainer is compact in footprint but still has enough power to exercise your entire body. Additionally, it comes with two doors that can close to keep the machine safe from children or pets. The Torque also comes with wood grain to add to the aesthetic appeal of your space.
If you're looking for a home-gym solution that does more than just track your progress, think about adding a power rack to your gym. These equipments allow you to lift heavy weights in a variety moves that help you build strength and endurance. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack that starts at $600 but will increase in price according to your personalizations. It is also simple to use and has a sturdy design, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
A home gym would not be complete without dumbbells and benches. While the standard bench can be purchased at any home-supply store We recommend getting one designed specifically for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models come with few modifications that make them more suitable for home workouts, such as a durable rubber coating and moderate knurls to stop your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for a while.