An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Gym Equipment
How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
Home gym equipment is an expensive purchase, but it's usually cheaper over the long term than gym memberships. Before you begin shopping decide on the kind of workouts you want to do and how much space you have.
If you're confined to space, consider compact equipment like the Bells of Steel cable tower or a home gym that is smart like Tonal.
Space
It is much easier to stick to a training plan if you have the right equipment in your home. If you're pressed for time, don't have the time to drive to the gym or do not want to face crowds, a space in your house or garage can allow you to work out at your own leisure.
You'll need to invest money in order to create the ideal training zone. This will depend on your space's dimensions and the type of equipment you select. It is a good idea too, to start small and gradually increase your equipment to figure out the equipment you require.
The best equipment to use in your home gym is one that offers various exercises that target the main muscle groups. A power rack, for example is a fundamental piece of equipment for strength that allows you to bench press, do lat pulldowns, and squats. A lot of units, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact, without sacrificing durability and functionality. It features a 2-post stand profile that helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a variety of optional attachments to increase its capacity.
You can also maximize your space by choosing equipment that can be stacked, like the TRX system. Created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick for use on the battlefield These portable suspension trainers provide a convenient method to get a full body workout while on the go. They can be folded up and nestled to reduce space. Some even have attachments to target specific muscles or add an additional level of resistance.
Another option that can be used is a vibrating plate which can be used to boost the bodyweight exercises and provide an extra challenging experience for lifters who are advanced. The AXV Vibration Plate for instance comes with a remote control with 120 speed settings that allows you to customize your experience. You can also pair it with different resistance bands to target different muscles or a bungee cord to create a lively element.
Capacity of Weight
The size of your home gym equipment can range from a basic power tower to an advanced smart home gym. But no matter what you pick, ensure that the weight capacity is high enough to perform various exercises. Beginners can start with a basic set of dumbbells or barbells to build upper body strength. They can also help strengthen the back muscles. If you're an avid lifter think about a high-end power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well with a variety of other attachments such as lever arms, dip bars and a landmine attachment seal row pad, and more.
A bench should be included on your list of home gym essentials If you're a minimalist lifter, consider an adjustable bench that allows you to do decline and incline presses without taking up too much room in your garage. A flat bench is also suitable, but you'll need to add dumbbells or bars if would like to do exercises that are isolated like chest presses or Biceps curls.
If exercise bikes are a fan of functional exercise and resistance training, a plate stack trainer is the ideal piece of equipment for your home. This type of machine is designed to target different muscles at once with a combination of squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. The most effective functional trainers provide an array of options, including cable attachments that let you perform tricep pushdowns and flyes, and the ability to change the resistance level at your own discretion.
Although it might appear obvious, the kind of equipment you purchase will play a significant role in how enjoyable and efficient your exercises are. It is important to ensure that the equipment you purchase is constructed from materials that are durable and able to endure regular use. Particularly for those with a tight budget, it's important to prioritize the most affordable equipment that is made of quality materials that won't degrade after a couple of uses.
If you're shopping with a tight budget, consider purchasing an at-home gym that's a mix of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This type of home fitness equipment offers an excellent workout for the whole body, and could save you money over time.
Versatility
There are plenty of options for your fitness goals and budget regardless of whether you have a gym at home dedicated to your needs or train in your living space. Start by taking a look at the space you have at home and the workouts you'd like to concentrate on. Then, consider what kind of equipment would best meet your needs. For instance, an all-in-one machine like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym offers user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises within the footprint of less than that of a queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded up and stored away to free more space.
If you're looking to keep your budget in check you should consider using resistance bands. They can be used both for strength training and stretching, and are lightweight and easy to travel with. These can also be an excellent addition to your existing set-up, such as adding some light resistance bands to a dumbbell set or combining them with a bench for lower body exercises.
A good exercise mat is a must for a well-rounded gym at home, providing a stable surface for workouts that require standing, as well as decreasing the chance of sliding or falling off. The majority of mats are lightweight and portable so they can be stored easily when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells can provide versatility to your home gym that allows you to do exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rows, while changing the weight load according to your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment, such as the Peloton Guide can be a great addition to your home gym, offering numerous guided workouts and a relatively tiny footprint. It's also simple to use and compatible with many different televisions and monitors.
The REP PR-4000, a good value home gym, is a versatile machine that lets you perform Nordic hamstring curls, glute-ham raises and hip thrusts. It can be used by people as tall as 7 feet and has 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home gym equipment looks a lot different from what it was in the past. Some brands have sleek designs that integrate with wellness apps that appeal to those who appreciate both aesthetics and functions. Other equipment is so extensive it can almost replace the need to go to the gym (and monitor and adjust to fitness gains).
There has been a surge in the number of home gyms that are affordable and compact. For instance, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical for its affordable price and small footprint. The elliptical comes with preset workouts, a short stride, and is ideal for those living in apartments or other small spaces.
Another great 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 has two doors to keep it from pets or children. The Torque comes with 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. These equipments allow you to lift heavy weights with a variety of movements, which helps you build endurance and strength. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but will increase in price according to your personalizations. It also has a strong construction that makes it easy to use, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
No home gym is complete without benches and dumbbells. A standard bench is available in any home-supply store, but we recommend buying one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models have a few tweaks that make them better for working out at home for example, a tough rubber coating and moderate knurls to stop your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for awhile.