So You've Bought Gym Equipment ... Now What?
How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's an investment that's huge, but often cheaper than the cost of a gym membership. Before you begin shopping decide on the kind of exercise you'd like to do and how much space you have available.
If you're short 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 short on time or don't have the time to drive to the gym, or aren't a fan of crowds, you can create a space in your garage or at home to work out at your own leisure.
You will need to invest funds to build the perfect training area. This will depend on your space's size and the equipment you select. It's a good idea too, to start small and gradually increase your equipment to determine what you need.
The best equipment to use in your home gym is one that offers various exercises that target the major muscle groups. A power rack, for instance, is a foundational piece of equipment for strength that lets you bench press, perform lat pulldowns and perform squats. A lot of units, such as the SR-4000 from REP Fitness, are built to be as compact as possible without sacrificing functionality and durability. It has a 2-post stand design, which helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a range of optional attachments to increase its capacity.
You can also maximize space by selecting equipment that can be put together, such as the TRX system. Designed 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 nested to save space. Some include attachments to target specific muscles or add additional resistance.
A vibration plate is another flexible option. It can be used for bodyweight exercises and to provide an additional challenging experience for those who are already skilled in lifting. For example, the AXV Vibration Plate comes with the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings that give you a personalized experience. It can also be paired with resistance bands to target various muscles, or a bungee cord to add an element of active movement.
Weight Capacity
The size of your home gym equipment could range from a simple power tower to a smart home gym. But no matter what you choose, you should ensure that the capacity of the equipment is high enough to perform various exercises. If you're just beginning, start small with something like a set of dumbbells or a single pair of barbells that can help you build strength in your upper body and strengthen your back muscles. If you're an avid lifter look into a powerful power rack that can handle large dumbbells as well as a range of other attachments, such as lever arms dip bars, a landmine attachment, seal row pad, and more.
If you're in the market for a smaller garage, you may be interested in an adjustable bench. This will allow you to do decline and incline presses without taking up much space. A bench with a flat surface can also work, but you'll need to include barbells or dumbbells when you're planning to perform isolation exercises like chest presses or Bicep curls.
If you're a fan of functional exercise and resistance training, a plate stack trainer is the ideal piece of equipment to have at your home. This type of machine is designed to target different muscle groups simultaneously using a combination of squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. Functional trainers are available with various options. They include cable attachments for tricep flyes and pushdowns as well as the ability to adjust the resistance yourself.
It might seem obvious, but the equipment you select will have a significant effect on how enjoyable and effective your exercise routine is. You'll need to make sure that the equipment you purchase is made of materials that are durable and can withstand regular use. It is crucial for those with a tight budget to select equipment made of high-quality materials.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, think about purchasing home gyms that are a hybrid of an exercise bike and a rowing machine. This kind of home fitness equipment provides a great workout for the whole body and can save you money over time.
Versatility
If you have a dedicated space for a home gym or are planning to exercise in your living room There are many options to meet your fitness goals and budget. Begin by taking a look at the space you have at home, and the types of exercises you'd like to concentrate on. Think about the type of equipment that is best suited to your needs. For instance, a Life Fitness G7 Home Gym for instance, provides more than 55 exercises and user-defined moves with a footprint smaller than a queen-sized bed. Some machines can be folded and stored to make room.
If you're looking to keep within your budget you should consider using resistance bands. They can be used both for strength training and stretching as well as being small and easy to travel with. These can also be an excellent addition to an existing setup, such as adding some lightweight resistance bands to your dumbbell set or combining them with a bench for lower body exercises.
A quality exercise mat can complete your home gym. It offers a solid surface for performing exercises that require standing, and minimizes the chance of falling. As exercise equipment , most mats are also lightweight and portable, making them easy to store when not being used. A set of adjustable dumbbells can add flexibility to your fitness center. You can perform exercises like bench presses and seated dumbbell rowing while varying weights according to your fitness levels.
Smart home equipment for fitness, such as the Peloton Guide, can be an excellent addition to your fitness center in the home. It provides a range of exercises that are guided and have a small footprint. It's also easy to navigate and compatible with various TVs and monitors.
A good value home gym like the REP PR-4000 is a versatile workout machine that supports Nordic hamstring curls as well as glute ham raises. 45-degree back extensions, and hip thrusts. It can be used by people as tall as 7 feet and can be adjusted to 12 different levels.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home gym equipment looks a lot different now than it did in the past. Certain brands feature sleek designs and integrate with fitness apps to draw in those who appreciate aesthetics as much as functionality. Other equipment is so comprehensive it can even replace the need to go to the gym (and monitor and adjust to improve fitness).
We've seen an increase in the number of gyms at home that are both affordable and compact. For instance, we like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical for its affordable price and limited footprint. This elliptical comes with pre-set exercises and a stride that is short, making it perfect for those who live in apartments or other tight spaces that don't allow space for large machines.
Torque F9 Foldaway Functional Trainer is another great home gym option that we love. The full-trainer is lightweight but has enough power to exercise your entire body. It also comes with two doors to keep it from children or pets. The Torque comes with wood grain finishes to enhance the aesthetics of your space.
If you're looking for a home-gym solution that can do more than simply track your progress, you should consider adding a power rack to your gym. These pieces of equipment let you lift heavy weights in a variety of moves, which helps you build strength and endurance. We love the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but can grow in cost depending on the customizations you make. It is also simple to use and has a strong design, which is crucial for heavy lifting.
No home gym is complete without benches and dumbbells. A standard bench is available at any home-supply shop but we suggest purchasing one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models come with few modifications that make them more suitable for home workouts with a sturdy rubber coating and a moderately knurl to keep your hands from sliding off the bar after having been working out for awhile.