The Most Significant Issue With Gym Equipment, And How You Can Fix It
How to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment
It's a significant investment, but often cheaper than paying for a gym membership. Before you start shopping, decide what type of exercises you want to do. Also, think about the space you have.
If you're limited on space, consider using smaller equipment like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower or a smart home fitness system like Tonal.
Space
Having the right equipment at home can make it much easier to stick to your fitness program. If you're pressed for time, don't have the time to drive to a gym, or do not want to deal with crowds, having a designated space in your house or garage can allow you to get a workout at your own pace.
You will need to invest funds to build the ideal training zone. This will depend on your space's size and the equipment you select. It is also a good idea to start small and build up over time, so that you can determine the type of equipment you really need to accomplish your goals.
The most effective equipment you can use in your home gym will offer a variety of exercises that target the main muscles. A power rack is a piece equipment that lets you perform bench presses, lat pulldowns and squats. Many of them, like the SR-4000 by REP Fitness, have been designed to be compact without losing durability or functionality. It features a two-post stand design, which helps reduce the footprint and is compatible with a range of attachments that can be added to increase its capacity.
You can also maximize your space by choosing equipment that can be stacked, such as the TRX system. These portable suspension trainers were designed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to be used on the battlefield. They're a practical and easy method of getting an all-body workout while on the move. They can be folded up and nested to save space. Some even have attachments to specifically target muscles or to provide an additional level of resistance.
Another versatile option is a vibration plate, that can be used to enhance bodyweight workouts and provide an extra challenge for those who are more advanced in their lifting. For example the AXV Vibration Plate has the option of a remote control as well as 120 speed settings that provide a personalised experience. It can also be used with resistance bands for different muscle groups or a bungee cable to add a dynamic element.
Capacity for Weight
The size of your home gym equipment can range from a basic power tower to a smart home gym. Whatever you pick, make sure that the capacity of the equipment is high enough to perform a wide variety of exercises. If you're a beginner, start small with something like a set of dumbbells or a single pair of barbells that will aid in building strength for your upper body and work your back muscles. If you're a committed lifter then consider a heavy duty power rack that can hold large dumbbells as well as a variety of other accessories like lever arms, dip bar and a landmine accessory seal row pad and more.
A bench should be included on your list of home gym essentials, and if you're a minimalist lifter, look for an adjustable bench that lets you perform incline and decline presses without taking up too much room in your garage. A bench that is flat will also work, but you'll need to include barbells or dumbbells if you're looking to do isolated exercises like chest presses or bicep curls.
If you're a fan of functional training and the plate stack resistance functional trainer is a great piece of equipment for you. This kind of machine targets multiple muscles simultaneously with a combination squats and bench presses. The top functional trainers offer an array of options such as cable attachments that allow you to perform flyes and triceps pushdowns and the ability to change the resistance level at your own discretion.
Although it might seem obvious, the type of equipment you purchase is a major factor in how enjoyable and effective your exercises are. It is important to ensure that the equipment that you purchase is constructed from materials that are durable and can withstand regular use. Particularly for those on a 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 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 whole body and can save you money over time.
Versatility
Whether you have a dedicated 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 your search begin by assessing the space you have in your home and what exercises you'd like to concentrate on most. Then, consider what kind of equipment would best serve those needs. For instance, an all-in-1 machine such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym allows for user-defined movement and more than 55 exercises within an area smaller than the size of the queen-sized mattress. Some machines can be folded up and stowed away to save more space.
If you are looking to keep your budget in check, then consider resistance bands. They can be used both for stretching and strength training and are also lightweight and easy to carry around. These can also be a great addition to your existing set-up, such as adding some lightweight resistance bands to a dumbbell set, or pairing them with a bench for lower body exercises.
A high-quality exercise mat will complete your home gym. It provides a stable surface for performing exercises that require standing and minimizes the chance of falling. Most mats are lightweight and portable so they can be easily stored when not in use. A set of adjustable dumbbells will provide versatility to your home fitness center. You can perform exercises such as bench presses and seated dumbbell rowing while varying weights based on your fitness level.
Smart home gym equipment such as the Peloton Guide can be a fantastic addition to your home gym, providing a variety of guided workouts and a relatively small footprint. It's also simple to navigate and compatible with many different monitors and TVs.
A budget-friendly 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 as well as hip thrusts. It can support users as tall as 7 feet and comes with 12 different adjustments.
Aesthetics
There's no doubt that home fitness equipment is a bit different than it did in the past. Some brands have modern designs that are compatible with wellness apps and appeal to those who value both aesthetics and functions. While home gym workout equipment has become so comprehensive that it is able to substitute an exercise session (and even track and adjust to your fitness gains).
As space concerns continue to be a major concern for many, we've also noticed an increase in the variety of home gym options that offer a lower footprint and cost. For instance, we love the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical because of its reasonable price and limited footprint. This elliptical features preset workouts and a shorter stride, making it perfect for those who reside in apartments or tight spaces that don't allow the space for big machines.
Another home gym option that we like is the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer. This full-trainer has a compact footprint, but has enough power to exercise your entire body. Additionally, it comes with two doors that open to hide the machine from pets or children. The Torque also has wood grain design to add to the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Consider adding a powerrack your home gym in case you are looking for something that goes beyond tracking your progress. These pieces of equipment allow you to lift heavy weights with a variety of movements, which helps you build strength and endurance. We like the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 but is able to increase in price depending on the customizations you make. It is also easy to use and has a sturdy design, which is vital for heavy lifting.
Of course, no home gym setup is complete without the essentials: dumbbells and a bench. A standard bench can be purchased in any home-supply store but we suggest purchasing one specifically designed for home gyms. The benches that are included in these models have some tweaks that make them ideal for home workouts with a sturdy rubber coating and moderate knurls to stop your hands from sliding off the bar after you've been working out for a while.