Whether you’re an experienced lifter or just starting your fitness journey, a home gym is a great way to improve your strength and endurance. But, when it comes to buying the equipment, it’s important to consider what kind of workouts you want to do and what space you have available. If you love cardio, invest in a treadmill or elliptical; if you prefer strength training, invest in a barbell and dumbbells.
Those who need to save space and have a limited budget should opt for the Gold’s Gym XRS 50, which offers a full body workout in a relatively compact footprint. Its resistance is a bit lower than other options, but it will suit most users just fine. Anyone who wants to add a little variety can also use this unit for suspension training, which requires a TRX-branded product.
For those with more room to work, the Bowflex REP FT 3000 is a good choice. It’s a free-standing rack that accommodates a number of different attachments. It includes all the basic components of a power rack, including a baseboard with a variety of anchor points for ankle straps and foot stirrups, push-up handles, door anchors, ab roller wheels, a post landmine sleeve, and more. The kit even comes with a detailed instruction booklet filled with ideas and tips.
The rower is a staple piece of cardio equipment for many fitness enthusiasts, as it provides both a good cardiovascular workout and an effective strength training session. It’s a particularly popular option for those looking to build muscle, as it can be used to perform both traditional and compound exercises. This particular model offers one of the most compact dimensions and highest levels of portability on our list, making it a great pick for those who travel or want to keep their home gym portable.
Medicine balls are a versatile addition to any home gym, allowing for various strength and balance exercises. They’re a top pick on Amazon with reviews that speak to their durability, value, and ease of use. These weighted balls come in sets of two in sizes ranging from 1 lb to 12 lbs, and they can be stored easily in a medicine ball tree rack.
If you’re not sure where to start or just need some guidance, there are plenty of exercise apps and subscription services to choose from, many of which offer free trials. Apps like Aaptiv, Fitbod, Sworkit and more provide a range of workouts from beginner to advanced, and they’re all designed to be used in conjunction with a variety of equipment and fitness goals. There are also countless guided workout videos on YouTube, which can be especially useful for beginners or those who don’t have access to an instructor. In our opinion, however, no app or subscription service is as user-friendly as the popular YMCA Fitness app. It allows users to choose their own personalized workout plan and track progress in a convenient way.
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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