Best Gym Equipment and Weight Machines
Kettlebell and bodyweight workouts might be all the rage in gyms right now, but there’s no reason to stop using exercise machines. In fact, exercise machines can be helpful for people returning to fitness after a hiatus or regaining strength from injuries. They’re also easier to use than free weights, which require a bit of skill to get the hang of and can be dangerous for beginners. Plus, you won’t have to worry about dropping and losing a heavy barbell or dumbbell that could injure yourself or others.
If you want to add some variety and challenge to your home workouts, try adding suspension training. These pieces of equipment create a smooth sliding surface for upper- and lower-body workouts that engage your core, while challenging balance and stability. They’re easy to store and require no assembly, but it’s important to make sure you’ve read the instructions thoroughly and have the proper form. If you’re new to suspension training, we recommend working with a personal trainer or taking a class at a studio before you attempt a full workout on your own.
The Ohio Bar, from Rogue Fitness, is an affordable option for upgrading your home gym. It has a high-quality finish with bronze brushings and knurling that work as bearing surfaces between the bar sleeve and shaft. The bars are made in the United States and are strong enough to handle a large amount of weight. They’re available in pairs or sets that range from 10 to 45 lb (4.5 to 20.4 kg).
An excellent choice for an all-in-one home gym, the Force USA G15 is a multitrainer and power rack in one. It has plenty of attachments to give you the versatility of a Smith and pulley machine as well as a bench press. It can hold a lot of weight, up to 990 pounds, and is able to accommodate a wide range of users, from novice lifters to experienced powerlifters.
The ProForm Cabon HIIT H7 is an interesting pick for a smart home gym that can do both cardio and strength training. Its compact vertical design won’t take up a lot of space in your living room, and it can even double as an elliptical or stair master, making it a good option for small spaces. It’s also compatible with iFit, which offers a galaxy of streaming on-demand strength workouts to keep your progress on track. It doesn’t have a full set of classes, though, so it might not be a great fit for those who want guided guidance and motivation from a trainer.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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