Resistance training involves using some sort of opposing force to make your muscles contract and strengthen. Bodyweight resistance training involves using one’s own body weight as resistance, ultimately to increase strength and build muscle without being as strenuous on the joints like some other strength-building methods. This type of home gym equipment is typically budget-friendly and takes up very little space.
5 Best Home Workout Equipment
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Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
Best Home Cardio Training Equipment
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TRX GO Suspension Bodyweight Trainer
Best Home Resistance Training Equipment
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Steelbody Strength Training Power Tower
Best All-in-One Home Training Equipment
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MVN Resistance Bands
Safety.com Top Pick
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Schwinn AD6 Airdyne
Safety.com Top Pick
Factors You Should Consider Before Buying Home Gym Equipment
- Cost – What is your home gym budget? Start crunching the numbers and determine how much you can reasonably spend on equipment and supplies. Equipment, depending on its function, can range from ten dollars to several thousand dollars. Determining your budget is the starting point for putting together your home gym.
- Space – How many square feet of space do you have for your home gym? If you have 1000 square feet to work with, your options for equipment will be more vast than if you have 200 square feet. However, with all the compact gym equipment options available today, you can make either situation work, but you should be aware of your space needs before making your purchases.
- Function – What do you intend to achieve with your home gym equipment? Maybe you’ve already got your cardio needs covered and are only looking for weight lifting and bodyweight resistance training. Perhaps you’ve already got your bodyweight resistance equipment but want to add in some cardio. Before you make any purchases, determine what your individual needs and goals are. What do you intend to achieve with your home gym equipment?
The 10 Best Home Workout Equipment
Our take
The Concept2 Model D can be put up or taken down with only eight simple screws. At 8 foot by 2 foot assembled measurement, it stores away at only 25 in x 33 in x 54 in! Aside from a space-friendly design, this row machine can challenge you to an intense cardiovascular workout. How intense? You decide!
Stand-out features include
- Controlled by air-resistance, this machine is very low noise
- Wireless bluetooth capability
- Comes with a free app and interactive online challenges
Our take
The TRX Go Suspension Bodyweight Trainer is portable and can be used to help you train at almost any location. It is designed with multiple anchors for training outdoors. The TRX Go Suspension Bodyweight Trainer can safely support up to 350 pounds and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Stand-out features include
- Multiple anchors for safe training outdoors
- Can support up to 350 pounds
- Comes with a 30-day trial for additional workouts
Our take
What if you could hop on one single machine and get an intense upper body and core workout without ever leaving home? With the Steelbody Strength Training Power Tower you can do just that and not even break the bank! Between pull-ups, push-ups, and vertical knee raises using your own body weight, you will be beach-ready in no time. And while it is a super sturdy piece of equipment made from heavy-duty steel, it doesn’t take up much space making it perfect for a home gym.
Stand-out features include
- Durable steel construction that holds up to 300 lbs.
- Includes multiple workout stations for various exercises
- Adjustable handle bars to fit your needs
4. MVN Resistance Bands
Our take
These might look like average bands, but the MVN Resistance Bands take resistance training to a new level. At 100% latex, they are made to hold up through repetitive full-body workouts. The exercises printed on each band are an added bonus for beginners or for avid exercises who are interested in stepping up their game. The price is on point and you simply won’t find a more affordable and convenient low-impact full-body workout.
Stand-out features include
- Comes with four different bands and resistance levels
- Each band has its own workout instructions showing the type of workouts you should start with at that resistance but you can add lots of new exercises depending on your needs
- Anywhere you go, your bands can go too as they’ll easily fit in any bag or purse
5. Schwinn AD6 Airdyne
Our take
We love “the more you give, the more you get” design of this wind-resistant machine that lets you determine how intense your workout is. Holding up to 300 lbs, this bike is also 49.7” (L) x 25.7” (W) x 50.9” (H) and is easily stowed away when needed thanks to its transport wheels. When using this machine, it is no surprise that Schwinn has been building bikes since 1895. They definitely knew what they were doing when they made the AD6 Airdyne!
Stand-out features include
- Wind-resistant and low noise
- Includes a small fan, powered by the machine itself, to help keep you cool
- Tracks daily distance, pulse, speedometer, trip time and calories burned
6. BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0
Our take
If you desire a full body at-home workout, no matter your fitness level, the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 might just be your soulmate. And to add some icing to your cake (sugar-free cake, of course), this equipment is so compact and affordable you’ll think it is too good to be true.
Stand-out features include
- Intended to simulate gym equipment except lightweight, compact, and portable
- Offers over 300 exercises available through live and recorded videos
- Budget-friendly and space-conscious
7. Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station
Our take
The Valor Fitness BD-62 might be small in size at only 24.5” wide, 25” deep and 80” tall, but don’t let that fool you. This machine is a dynamo for home gyms! Presses, rows, curls, extensions, and more, oh my! While it won’t do every single thing cable machines in commercial gyms will do, the Valor Fitness BD-62 is a happy medium between cost, at-home convenience, and functionality.
Stand-out features include
- Wall-mount design that provides stability and safety
- Maximum weight load is 250 lbs (weights are not included)
- 16 adjustment positions allowing a wide variety of exercises and muscle group focus
8. Body-Solid StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym
Our take
The Body-Solid StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym is the perfect machine to get a complete at-home weight training workout. The 210 lb. weight stack is suitable for all levels of skill and strength, and the heavy-duty steel, thick Durafirm pads, and strong cables means this machine will help you workout for years to come. If you do have any problems, not to worry because Body-Solid offers a lifetime warranty on every part.
Stand-out features include
- This equipment gives focus to more than 12 different muscle groups and a 210-pound weight stack offering wide versatility
- Body-Solid offers a lifetime warranty on the equipment and all of its parts so you could say that they’re in this for life
- Made from heavy-duty high tensile strength steel, thick DuraFirm pads, and military spec steel aircraft cables, this beast provides the strength and durability needed for a safe but hardcore workout
9. Bosu Balance Trainer
Our take
You can do just about anything on a Bosu Balance Trainer. Add in some free weights to improve strength, do exercises like lunges to improve balance, incorporate plyometric exercises to improve speed and power! It also comes with some exercise recommendations to encourage proper form and avoid injury. This equipment is a (half) ball of fire for your home gym because it offers variety, space savings and is definitely a great bang for your buck.
Stand-out features include
- Small, compact and easy to store
- Encourages strength building by encouraging controlled movements on an unsteady surface
- Holds up to 300 lbs
10. Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill
Our take
Choosing a treadmill for your home gym can be a daunting task. There are so many on the market at different price levels and features. After reviewing many, we decided the Sole Fitness F80 offers the best bang for your buck. While it isn’t an inexpensive machine, we believe you get what you pay for with treadmills. The F80 includes a wider than usual (compared to cheaper models) belt deck which was one of the biggest complaints we found in other treadmills. The Custom Flex Whisper Deck is a great feature, aimed at improving the shock absorbency of your walk or run. Oh, and it’s foldable so you can easily stow it away when needed!
Stand-out features include
- Custom Flex Whisper Deck to minimize impact to joints
- Chest strap heart-rate monitoring
- Tech-friendly design with an MP3 sound system, 7.5 inch LCD display, and several program options
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Showing 10 of 10 products
The Bottom-Line on Home Gym Equipment
It is easy to get lost in the sea of home gym equipment options available to consumers today. However, we have narrowed them down for you in hopes to make your home gym building easier and more affordable. When making your own selections, don’t forget to consider your budget, your space and your personal fitness goals.
Congratulations! You’ve now taken your first step to creating a healthier and fitter future! Now, let’s get to work!
FAQs About Home Gym Equipment
How can I be sure my home gym-equipment is safe?
Look for safety ratings on any equipment you purchase as well as safety features related to the sturdiness of the machine, ergonomic-friendly features, and other safety controls. Do not hesitate to ask the manufacturer for more information. Equally as important, do your research on proper form before beginning any workouts.
What if my new equipment breaks?
At some point in time, you are likely to have parts of your equipment need replacement. Before buying, thoroughly review the products warranty offering. How long does the warranty last? What does it cover? What exclusions are there? And be sure to follow proper maintenance recommendations on the equipment. If you aren’t sure, ask the manufacturer.
I am using this new equipment so why have I not lost any weight?
Remember that there is more to physical fitness than exercise. Diet is a critical factor in weight loss or weight gain and must be monitored to achieve specific individual results. Do some research on what exercise and diet plan most fits your needs. You can also consider consulting with a professional trainer to discuss a fitness and diet plan to kickstart your success.
How many pieces of home gym equipment should I purchase?
This is specific to your individual needs and goals. We recommend having at least one of each type of equipment addressed here if you are not already meeting these needs elsewhere: bodyweight resistance equipment, weight equipment, and cardio equipment.
