We are dealing with unique circumstances these days. The fear of contracting the coronavirus has people avoiding their favorite gyms and workout centers. This pandemic is forcing fitness enthusiasts to look beyond the clubhouse in their apartment or the local gymnasium. Luckily, you can set up a gymnasium at home.
Reasons to buy home gym equipment
- You can exercise even when the weather outside is unfriendly.
- A home gym makes it easy for those who have erratic work schedules. So, you can hit the gym whenever it suits you.
- A home gym is private, so you can shed your inhibitions and focus only on getting in shape.
- You can customize the gym according to your needs. The entire family can access the space without making things expensive.
Types of home gym equipment
Design the perfect home gym with the best equipment available in the market today. However, it is important to know about some common machines you can choose:
- Cardio machines
You must have at least one cardio machine in your home gym. Whether you prefer the good-old treadmill, stair stepper, elliptical trainer, or stationary bicycle, pick the one that will work for you. Jump ropes are perfect as they can replace the cardio machines while giving you a heart-pumping workout. Some of these jump ropes feature weights that are neatly tucked into the handles. - TRX bands
This home gym equipment wonderfully works for building strength. So, if you’re looking to add this to your workout routine, make sure you have a sturdy door or a wall that these bands can be anchored to. The TRX fit systems are complete as they allow you to work on strength as you correct your posture and alignment. You can adjust or change the angles to kick up the level of difficulty. - Medicine balls
They are a part of every gymnasium and are great for conditioning and strength. You may consider adding a medicine ball to your home gym equipment as it allows you to workout extensively without using much space. You can create your own workout regime that involves throwing, lifting, and balancing the ball. - Dumbbells and kettlebells
Not everyone has the space required to set up a weight rack. Consider adding the adjustable dumbbells to your home gym equipment collection. An easy-adjust system allows you to add or remove weights according to your workout plan. On the other hand, enjoy the new-age designs that make deadlifts and swings a lot more interesting. Kettlebells will elevate and challenge your body and mind. - Mats
Consider equipping your home gym with the right mat(s). You may not actually work out a lot on mats. However, if you need to share the space with a partner, then these come in handy. Besides, you can always use one when you wake up with Yoga on your mind. - Sliders, benches, and exercise dice
It is always good to make your workout fun and unique. Make those mountain climbers count as you use the sliders to elevate the challenge. Use benches to add jumps, lifts, and other explosive cardio moves. Finally, consider using exercise dice to make your workout sessions interesting. Throw the dice, and follow the instructions to become your very own personal trainer.
Recommended home gym equipment
Here are some strength and cardio equipment that will fir well in your home gym.
- Elliptical trainers
These machines use a circular motion that is a cross between a ski machine and stair stepper. The biggest benefit of these machines is that your workout remains mostly impact-free. As you scour for the best one, ensure the handlebars are comfortable. The pedals must be covered with a non-slip material. Always make sure you try the models at different speeds and settings to ensure that it feels stable. - Treadmills
You may find models that are made for minimal impact. And a motorized treadmill is certainly better. In this case, look for a good motor as it will ensure that it lasts. Besides, pay attention to the belt and ensure that it is sufficient for long strides. Find a model that has a sturdy frame with front rails and an emergency stop button. - Rowing machine
As far as rowing machines are concerned, it is important to buy one that replicates the actual action as closely as possible. So, between pulley and piston models, the pulley models work better in giving you the best rowing action. Always ensure the display panel is hi-tech, offering you a good analysis of your workout. The handles must be sturdy and comfortable. - Stair steppers
If you are looking for a good stair stepper machine, ensure that you have a wide stepping area. It improves comfort. Also, you must pay attention to the landing area as it must feature a non-slip covering. Some may feature hand grips that will help you work your arms too. It is better to look for independent foot action. - Stationary bicycles
Toe clips are important in stationary bikes. Make sure the design you pick is comfortable, and the seat can be adjusted according to comfort. Pay close attention to the options and settings in each of the models so you can pick the best one. - Mats
Non-slip and heavily padded mats offer comfort and make the surface safe. This is especially true when you are talking about holding postures for extended periods. Difficult postures that involve pressure on the joints are a tad bit easier when you have the right mats. - Hand and ankle weights
D-shaped weights and dumbbells with padding in the center are easier to work with. If you have room, you can always think about buying weighted bars. You can add weights to each end as you build strength. - Resistance bands and tubing
They are essential for home gym equipment collection. The bands are designated by color and feature varying resistance levels. Gradually progress from the lightest to the heaviest as you move up in strength. Look for tubes with sturdy handles. Some of these tubes can be anchored to the door handles to accomplish difficult maneuvers.
Tips to maintain home gym equipment
These tips are quite important when it comes to making sure your home gym stays in shape too.
- Wipe it down
Almost all sports stores sell cleaners. Use these along with disposable wipes to clean your equipment thoroughly. Before you buy any of the cleaning products, ensure you pay attention to the manuals provided by the manufacturers. Make sure you dust the surface and ensure that any open spots on the machine are cleaned at the end of each day. While this may sound like extra work, it will save a whole lot of trouble. Dust can accumulate over a period, leading to the machine malfunctioning. This will probably be more expensive and painful to take care of. - Greasing
This is a simple process that must be done as per the instructions available in the manual. The oil or grease is generally applied to the weight tracks every month unless provided otherwise. Spray a silicone-based solution onto a rag and guide it along the area. This is better than directly spraying, which may lead to overdoing the grease. Almost all cardio equipment manuals will have the instructions when it comes to oiling or greasing the pivot points. Some of these machines may also feature oil reservoirs. It may need to be checked and refilled where necessary. - Servicing the machines
Typically, it is not until something malfunctions that you think about servicing home gym equipment. However, it is best to keep an eye out for cracks, bends, and irregular movement of a machine. There are numerous weld points in these machines, and with constant use, they may crack or bend. If ignored, there are chances of getting injured. Besides this, pay attention to the cables and resistance cables in your machine. Check for breakage or fraying, and if you detect any, ensure that it is replaced as soon as possible. - Update any software
These days, cardio machines are designed enough to cater to hi-tech users. Hi-tech means that all these machines have software. The software allows you to customize your workouts, track performance, and some even analyze your regime and offer feedback. For instance, treadmills will suggest the right speed and duration on the basis of your body weight, height, and fitness levels. Maintaining such home gym equipment requires regular software updates. Besides this, it is important to keep the surfaces/circuits protected from water and sweat. - Track usage and check manuals
The fact of the matter is that these machines are made for usage. If left unused for long periods, it can lead to an erratic performance of the machines. Having said that, you must also note if it is being used excessively. If so, ensure that you are servicing and greasing them appropriately. Check the manual before you begin using the machine. It is best to avoid exercises not mentioned in the manual. You can extend the life of the machine by using it correctly.
Best branded home gym equipment
Here’s some of our recommended gear:
- BodyCraft X2 Dual Stack Gym
This home gym calls for a big investment but it incorporates everything that you may ever need, regarding home gym equipment. The price tag becomes worth it when you realize that you can do everything you do at a commercial gym outside. Strength training is covered as you can do shoulder and bench presses at the press station. Pulleys are provided for arm and leg workouts and cables take care of free weights. The design is simple and effective as two people can work out at the same time. Further, the machine makes it easy for you to work out the various muscle groups in several ways. - NordicTrack Fusion CST Strength Training Machine
While the previous one is a more traditional looking machine; this one is more like a double-arm cable machine. The well-oiled and designed cable machine comes with six adjustable cables that take care of your muscles as you find new ways to challenge them. Cable machines are known to provide constant resistance, making it more challenging and effective. The machine is equipped with arms that allow you to work diverse muscle groups in different vectors. What makes it the best is the addition of a tablet that gives you access to the on-demand workouts. - Xterra Fitness TR200 Folding Treadmill
It is hard to imagine any home gym equipment collection without a treadmill. If you are going to get one, then only the best will do. This is one of the more affordable and reliable machines in the market. It features a cushioned-deck technology that provides great shock absorption. The treadmill is sturdy, reliable and the best part of the design is that it folds up quite easily too. - Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes are great as they leave a minimal footprint, and when not in use, can be stowed away easily. It can support people weighing up to 300 pounds. The bike can easily be used by people in the height range of 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 1 inch. The working of the machine is quite simple as it offers about 8 levels of tension. You can adjust the difficulty level according to your comfort, effortlessly. It features a cool LCD display that allows you to track everything, including your heart rate.
Home gym equipment products are the best way to ensure that you do not miss your workouts even if you can’t step outside regularly. Whether it is a heavy shower or the coronavirus, your home gym will always be accessible and available. Just pick the equipment based on your workout routine and you will stay fit easily.
