Best Home Gym Equipment 2024

Best Home Gym Equipment 2024

Whether you’re a regular at your local gym or prefer breaking a sweat in the comfort of your home, there comes a point where investing in the best home gym equipment just makes sense. Maybe you’re eyeing those adjustable dumbbells for a customizable workout experience or dreaming of a versatile Bowflex trainer that does it all–either way, the benefits and convenience are hard to beat. Having your own equipment means no more waiting for your turn on the stairmaster or compromising on your routine. It’s fitness on your terms, right at your fingertips.

But where do you start? “It’s important to accept that you are building a home gym, not a commercial fitness center,” says Doug Sklar, a certified personal trainer and founder of PhilanthroFIT in New York City. As enticing as it may be the invest in every piece of the latest equipment, a streamlined approach can reap the same benefits as a machine-packed gym floor.

Now, let’s talk money. Sure, the upfront cost of home gym equipment might raise an eyebrow, but think long term. No more gym membership fees, no commuting costs—the savings add up. Investing in your fitness space becomes an investment in your health and a wallet-friendly move over time.

We scoured a list of products recommended by several fitness experts—and added a few choices of our own—to help you find the top gear for your home gym. From high-tech machines designed to elevate your cardio sessions to portable accessories for a muscle-quivering session, these are the best pieces of home workout equipment to amplify your space.

The Tempo Studio puts an entire weight room (virtual trainer included) into one compact package. The main component is a self-standing touchscreen for queuing up classes anytime, anywhere. But what really sets it apart is its AI, which tracks your moves via 3D sensors and gives you real-time feedback on your form. There’s also automatic rep counting, weight guidance and personalized training plans that’ll help you make the most of your workout, as if you were working with a live trainer.

The Tempo Studio is available in three different packages, from the basic Starter set to the weight room-worthy Pro package. To stream workouts, you’ll have to purchase a Tempo membership, too (it’s $39 a month and offers up to six accounts). That said, both the app and the entire Tempo Studio are eligible for a 30-day trial period so you can feel confident about your investment.

What the reviews say: “Tempo is a great investment for people who want a quality way to exercise at home. The programs and videos can engage any user from novice to the most experienced. The weights are very high quality and the frame is not only used for displaying the video but provides storage for the weight plates and bars all within a very small footprint.”

Pros:

  • An all-in-one home gym
  • Compact for saving on space
  • Infused with the latest technology

Cons:

  • It’s pricey and therefore an investment piece

As long as you have a solid interior door, a hook screwed into a stud or a sturdy tree branch, you can execute dozens of different exercises—every one of them tailored to your abilities in terms of strength and mobility—using TRX straps.

Danielle Hirt, an NASM-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified running coach with Formula Running Center says: “TRX straps offer a total body workout for any level. They’re a great foundational piece of equipment because all workouts can be modified. TRX straps are also great for recovery and mobility training, allowing you to use your own body weight to stretch your muscles more than you can on the floor alone.” 

Jess Glazer, former celebrity personal trainer and physical education instructor, adds that she’s “also a huge fan of the TRX home suspension system because it allows you to focus on all body parts and a variety of workouts from cardio and plyometrics to strength and stability.”

What the reviews say: “I have a smaller home so I hang mine on a hall door where it’s easy to use and reminds to do so. The TRX is so WELL made it was worth the extra expense! When I travel I just pack it into my suitcase and it takes very little space.” 

Pros:

  • Super versatile for various workouts
  • Compact and portable
  • Also a useful stretching tool

Cons:

  • Requires installation or a sturdy door for safe use

forbes.comAmazon Promo Codes | 30% Off In January 2024

MOST POPULAR

An elliptical is a form of low-impact cardio that can be “good for those with knee, ankle or back issues that find running uncomfortable or painful,” Sklar says. To choose the right one, Albert Matheny, R.D., C.S.C.S., co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab, recommends basing your decision on what you’ve liked using at the gym and the features you’ll most likely need for an impactful workout at home.

The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 delivers all the extras, including smart features for an efficient and powerful workout. Not only is it sleek in its award-winning design (it received the Plus X Award across five categories), it also boasts 20 resistance levels, 4-grip handlebars, heart rate hand grips and a Bluetooth armband to track your heart rate and other metrics. Bluetooth speakers allow your favorite songs to blare as you workout. It also has bragging rights to an HD touchscreen (Wi-Fi enabled) to catch up on your streaming.

A JRNY membership gives you access to on-demand classes as well as 200+ scenic routes to inspire your workout. Rather than pay upfront, Best Buy has the option to pay in installments of $83 a month (over 24 months).

What the reviews say: “The M9 is smooth, easy to control, and gives a great workout. The audio is excellent and the touch screen visuals make training fun and go by quickly.”

Pros:

  • Adjustable 10-inch HD touchscreen
  • 20 resistance levels
  • Textured pedals for a secure workout

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • JNRY membership not included

If you have the space, a treadmill can be a great piece of cardio equipment to have at home. “Look for durability above all else,” Sklar advises. “Treadmills take a pounding, and they’re not cheap. Investing in something with strong reviews on longevity with minimal repair will give you a solid return on investment.” Another important thing to consider, if you like to go fast: Check the machine’s speed capacity. “Ability to incline and simulate hills is also a great perk, and fairly standard,” Sklar says.

The NordicTrack T Series is an Amazon bestseller featuring 10% OneTouch incline, belt speeds up to 10 mph and a foldable design for easy storage. Most notable, though, are its smart capabilities. It has a built-in 10-inch touch screen (there’s also the 5-inch screen model, if you want to save a couple hundred bucks) and is compatible with iFit, a service that lets you stream workouts. As mentioned above, an iFit subscription costs extra, but this package includes a free 30-day membership so you (and the fam) can try it out.

What the reviews say: “You get what you pay for and a bit more. All things being equal this is as good as it gets in this price range for a home treadmill. It’s not intended for heavy duty, high impact use, though sturdy. It’s more for walking and jogging. Sprinting in spurts.”

Pros:

  • Wide tread platform
  • Compatible with the iFIT app
  • Foldable to save on space

Cons:

  • Assembly can be tricky
  • The treadmill is heavy (198 pounds)

Although rowing machines are known for giving an upper-body burn, they also offer total-body training. That makes them an excellent alternative if you’re looking for something beyond the typical treadmill or elliptical. If you’re shopping for a fuss-free rower that will get your heart rate pumping, the YOSUDA Rowing Machine may just fit the bill. The machine gives 16 levels of firey resistance via a non-contact magnetic resistance system that’s quiet—a must for working at home.

It also features an LCD monitor to track your date, as well as a phone or iPad holder for videos and shows as your row. You can shift it from A to B via transportation wheels. Plus, despite it being relatively lightweight at 58 pounds, it supports users 4”5 to 6”2 and up to 350 pounds.

What the reviews say: “Workouts on the rower are great. The tension is really good and the higher settings are going to give you a good challenge. The machine itself is very quiet when in use.”

Pros:

  • Many reviews attest it’s quiet
  • Simple assembly
  • Built-in tablet holder

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth connectivity

Plenty of people love ballistic and strength training with kettlebells thanks to their versatility. While you can use them as free weights, you can also easily swing kettlebells during jumping and explosive exercises. “If you do a lot of movements like planes and snatches, and train with kettlebells more often, you’ll want to look at buying three or four weights of standard,” says Matheny.

Another thing to consider: your floors. Kettlebells are often made of cast iron which, while incredibly durable, can damage floors if handled roughly. Kettlebells from Yes4All run from 5 to 50 pounds with vinyl coating to help protect your flooring.

What the reviews say: “The build quality is sturdy, and the grip feels comfortable in my hands. The weight distribution is even, which allows for smooth and controlled movements during my exercises.”

Pros:

  • Affordable addition for your home gym
  • Made from sturdy cast iron
  • Vinyl-coated layer protects floors

Cons:

  • A few reviews note the handle is too rough for tight gripping

The HolaHatha Neoprene Dumbbell Rack is ideal for a lightweight resistance workout, cardio-strength combined session or for throwing into your Yoga or Pilates workout too for an extra burn. The dumbbell rack keeps the five sets of weights (3, 5, 8, 10 and 12-pounders) organized and tidy—very important to keep your space decluttered. Simply pop the rack in the corner and grab the weights as and when you need them. 

One good-to-know feature is the hexagonally shaped head which keeps the weight from rolling (or stable if you’re tackling renegade rows). Also, handles are contoured for a non-slip grip, even if your workout has you breaking out in a sweat. And, let’s be honest, the multi-colored palette will spruce up any home gym.

What the reviews say: “I must say I was extremely surprised at how well manufactured this product is. The stand is made of very heavy metal and the weights are a wonderful neoprene for easy gripping.”

Pros:

  • Compact for smaller spaces
  • Range of weights to mix and match
  • Hexagon head shape stops weights from rolling

Cons:

  • Light weights not suitable for heavy strength training

A multi-functional weight bench does exactly what it says on the box–it serves multiple workout styles including strength training, bodyweight and core-focused exercise. With eight back pad and support pad positions, three seat settings and four calf alternations, the Finer Form Multi-Functional Weight Bench allows you to alternative and perfectly set the decline, flat surface and incline depending on if you want to pump the biceps, work your chest or set a new PB for your incline sit-ups.

More than your run of the bench workout bench, the hyperextension add-on tackles your core and back muscles for an added punch to any workout. The bench is made from alloy steel and supports an impressive 1,000-pound capacity.

What the reviews say: “It’s exactly what I wanted. Gives me the ability to do back workouts, inclined sit ups, bench press, and myriad other workouts with relative ease.”

Pros:

  • Multi-functional for various workouts
  • Seven adjustable positions
  • 1,000-pound capacity

Cons:

  • Some reviews suggest it wobbles during heavier lifts

If you’re new to the world of yoga, a quality yoga mat and accessories are essential in elevating your practice. And it doesn’t need to be flashy. Gaiam’s beginner kit is $30 and includes a 4mm colorful mat (latex-free), foam block and a yoga strap—along with a one-hour yoga workout to get you started.

As your skills develop, you can purchase add-ons when you need them—yoga balls, knee pads and grippy socks included. But as you begin your journey to gaining the title of ‘yogi,’ save on the clutter and narrow it down to the necessities.

What the reviews say: “I’ve been using the mat almost daily for the past month now and it seems to be holding up well. I appreciate the markings that you can use to help line up your feet and hands- they are more useful than I expected them to be.”

Pros:

  • Super affordable
  • Multi-functional for many workout styles
  • Latex free

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for high impact workouts

With nothing more than your body and a yoga mat, you can execute hundreds of exercises, from planks to lunges and crunches to yoga poses, safely and comfortably. Glazer encourages exercise using your body as the gear, saying: “I personally believe you can have incredibly effective workouts at home with your own body weight. Being a competitive gymnast my entire life, I know the importance, power and function our bodies have on their own.”

The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat boasts many benefits, not least its 6mm which cushioning for ample joint support. Mats are handmade (with zero waste) from 100% latex-free material (polyvinyl chloride in case you’re wondering) and feature a textured top layer for supreme grip—without sticking to it either. The brand also claims its ‘closed-cell technology’ stops dirt and moisture from seeping in a ruining your mat over time. It’s also easy to wipe clean to preserve over time.

Keep in mind, with all that dense padding comes added weight—7.5 pounds of it. Something to keep in mind if you plan on lugging it around outside of your home gym.

What the reviews say: “One of the key highlights of the Manduka PRO mat is its superior grip. The mat stayed secure and non-slippery even during intensive sessions or hot yoga classes that resulted in sweating. This greatly minimized any worry of slipping, letting me concentrate fully on my practice.”

Pros:

  • 6mm-thickness to pad joints
  • Latex free
  • Textured top layer that won’t get sticky

Cons:

  • It’s hefty at 7.5 pounds

If you’re in a pinch for space or plan to workout in your yard, resistance bands pack a weighty punch for strength training. Veick Resistance Bands come in a pack of five, each with a different width and a total tension ranging between 8-125 pounds.

One of the main advantages is you can alternate between muscle groups in a flash and challenge your entire body, such as a squat overhead press to bicep curl. In fact, your exercise catalog is endless. And don’t forget to use them to stretch out from head to toe after.

Lightweight for transporting, compact for storing, made from natural latex and skin friendly, these resistance bands more than pay for themselves.

What the reviews say: “I don’t think I fully realized what a valuable find these were until I explored other bands. So far, these are top shelf and comparable to quality bands at a much higher price. I have had mine for over two years and they’re still going strong.”

Pros:

  • Multi-functional for different workouts
  • An ideal stretching accessory
  • Compact for storing or taking on the go

Cons:

  • Require a sturdy and secure fixture for attaching

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

When it comes to building your ideal home gym, we don’t just throw out recommendations; we put various pieces of equipment through rigorous testing, ensuring that what we endorse meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. But that’s not all—we also dive deep into customer reviews, which allows real-world experiences to shape our recommendations.

Our expertise in the field of fitness sets us apart from the rest. We’re not just casual weekend warriors; we’re active participants who use our professional backgrounds and experiences to shape our understanding of the latest equipment to hit the market. And we go the extra mile by consulting with other experts in the field, gathering additional thoughts and advice to ensure that our suggestions are comprehensive and well-rounded. These experts include: Doug Sklar, a certified personal trainer and founder of PhilanthroFIT, Danielle Hirt, a NASM-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified running coach; and Jess Glazer, former celebrity personal trainer and physical education instructor.

We regularly update this story to reflect the latest and highly rated products on the market. This round-up was last updated in January 2024.

How We Chose The Best Home Gym Equipment

We’ve conducted thorough research to find the best home-gym equipment to stock up your space. Aside from combing through customer and expert reviews, we also spoke to industry professionals for their scoop on what to invest in.

This article is reviewed regularly to bring you updated availability, prices and ratings. We also re-evaluate the selected products to bring you the best options to level-up your home gym. This story was last updated in November 2022.


What’s The Best Home Gym Equipment Brand?

The home gym equipment market is a treasure trove of brands such as Peloton, Mirror, Tempo and Hydrow touting sleek products to streamline your fitness space. But these brands can rack up a hefty bill. Truth be told, the price of equipment only reflects its quality to an extent. There are plenty of lesser-known home exercise bikes on the market that compete with big brand names for less money, and the same goes other home fitness products. Rather than splurging on high-end gym equipment for the sake of brand recognition, think about the layout of your home gym, what types of exercise spark your motivation and the essential pieces you want to feature in your gym, while sticking to your budget.

What Equipment Is Most Essential For A Home Gym?

If you’re carving out a design for your home gym, think about the layout and where equipment can fit without overwhelming your space. Then ask yourself—what do I want to achieve from exercise and what do I really need for my workouts? If yoga is your forte, an assortment of cardio gear won’t be top of your list. Rather, a mat, blocks and yoga bands will be the priority. Whereas, if you’re working on pumping thos muscles, you may consider investing in a barbell, plates and a weight bench.

When starting out, keep it simple with a non-slip exercise mat, a set of resistance bands and adjustable dumbbells. These are key items that have a place in a diversity of workouts.

Is It Cheaper To Build Your Own Gym At Home?

Depending on what a gym membership will set you back, a home gym may or may not be a cheaper option. On average, a gym membership is about $600-ish a year. Weighed against the cost of kitting out your home space—especially if you invest in cardio or lifting equipment—you might just find it equals out over the years. Another factor is how often you work out. If you’re dedicated to daily workouts, your gym cost per use declines. If you go through phases of hard workouts or no exercise at all, you may find it a wasted expense.

But it’s not only about saving money. If you work remotely, a home gym can be a huge advantage when you’re crunched for a spare moment. Whether it’s a quick sweat session before opening your inbox or a lunchtime lift, there are many benefits to building your own gym at home.

Of course, there’s a flip side to that argument as well. Leaving the house to go to a physical gym can separate your home space from your workout space, and provides a social aspect if you attend classes or develop a community at the gym. Perhaps you can find a balance between your own setting and a low-cost, flexible gym membership to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Can I Build A Home Gym On A Budget?

When manifesting a home gym, you can perform an effective and challenging workout with a simple assortment of equipment. For example, the Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebells alongside the Gaiam Yoga For Beginners Kit are budget finds that work for a myriad of workouts. If your price point can stretch to mid-range equipment, a rowing machine (like the YOSUDA Rowing Machine) is an affordable alternative to the more tech-savvy rowers on the market. For under $500, you can really create a well-equipped home gym that makes for a heart-racing workout whenever it’s pencilled into your schedule.


link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *