What are some of the best home gym equipment options?

Budget, space, and health goals can all influence the type of home exercise equipment that suits a person best. Luckily, there are many options to choose from.

It is often possible to get a thorough workout at home, and finding new gear can help a person expand their options.

For anyone starting to work out from home, it is always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional about safe types of exercise. Also, a range of online videos and apps can add variety, support progress, a help a person maintain proper form.

In this article, we explore types of home gym equipment for a diverse range of workouts and budgets.

Types of home gym equipment

Some common varieties of home gym equipment include:

• Balance or stability ball: Also known as a Swiss ball, this is an oversized rubbery ball that can double as a bouncing seat. A person might use it for exercises such as wall lunges or abdominal crunches.

• Dumbbells: These come in various weights to help with resistance training. Learn more about dumbbells here.

• Kettlebells: This dumbbell alternative is a weighted ball with a rounded handle. Learn more about kettlebells here.

• Resistance Bands: These stretchy bands are also an alternative to dumbbells. A person can use them to strengthen the arms and legs.

• Rowing machine: This large machine helps a person mimic rowing to strengthen multiple muscle groups, including those in the back, legs, and buttocks. Learn more about rowing machines here.

• Stationary Bike: This provides a low-impact way to strengthen the legs and buttocks and enhance cardiovascular health. Learn more about home exercise bikes here.

• Treadmill: This helps a person walk, jog, or run at home. Some offer an increased incline to enhance the workout of the legs and buttocks. Learn more about treadmills here.

• Exercise mat: These are square or rectangular and larger than a typical yoga mat. Learn more about workout mats here.

The options above are just some examples of equipment that can help a person reach and maintain various fitness goals at home.

How to choose

Because there are so many types of equipment available, deciding what to choose may be daunting at first. Below are some tips to help get started:

• Set a budget: First, figure out how much to spend on home exercise equipment. This can help determine what equipment will offer the best value.

• Identify a space: The space available for exercise can be a major factor in choosing home gym equipment. A rowing machine, for example, requires a lot of floor space, while some dumbbells can be easy to tuck away.

• Start with the basics: Most people benefit from having a stable, supportive exercise surface, such as a yoga mat. Some type of resistance training equipment, such as a resistance band or set of dumbbells, is generally also helpful.

• Health and safety: Health considerations should be the top priority. Check with a doctor for advice and recommendations.

• Do some research: Customer reviews, product demonstration videos, and the presence of a warranty can make all the difference.

It may help to start with lower-cost items. Later on, with an established routine, a person may have a better idea of what home gym equipment they need.

The best gym exercise machines and how to use them

1. Treadmill

As the poster machine for any cardiovascular gym exercise, the treadmill is one machine that’s seen as a must-have for any gym for beginners. Treadmill workouts seem like a cakewalk that burns minimal calories? Here are tips on how to use the Electric Treadmill effectively to shed those calories.

How to:

Setting an incline – While you could just set the incline to zero and walk on a flat surface, doing so would be counterproductive since the treadmill’s belt propels you forward. This would make your workout less effective than walking outside.

Safety – Avoid grabbing onto handrails or plodding your feet on the treadmill! Since a Mechanical Treadmill use is meant to mimic outdoor runs, the last thing you’ll want is a workout that’ll ruin your actual running form. Ultimately, an improper form could result in problems like weakened ankle muscles or knee pain. The right running shoes will also help with absorbing shock and making your run more comfortable.

Tuning in – Distract yourself from the monotony of a static surrounding with some music! Equip yourself with quality wireless earphones and conquer any run to the cadence of your favorite workout playlist.

2. Exercise bike

Don’t like running? Exercise Bikes are a fantastic alternative to burning calories! As the second most popular cardio exercise at the gym for beginners and pros alike, many exercise bike users also appreciate how it’s less strenuous on your joints and lower back compared to running. Operation is also easy enough — simply strap on and peddle away! There are two types of exercise bikes you’ll commonly see in the gym: upright bikes and recumbent bikes.

Upright bike:

Upright Spinning Bikes are closer to traditional bicycles as the pedals are positioned under your body and have a saddle-like seat. This forces you to activate your core muscles as you sit upright and adopt a healthy spinal posture.

Recumbent bike:

Recumbent bikes allow you to sit back in a reclined position as the pedals are ahead of your body. The larger seat also makes the workout more comfortable since you won’t be facing the issue of saddle discomfort. This allows users to go for longer cycling sessions since there’ll be less upper body and core muscle soreness.