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Budget, space, and health goals can influence the type of home exercise equipment best suits a person. A vast range of options is available, so a person should consider the factors most important to them before committing to a purchase.
A quick look at the best home gym equipment:
- Best dumbbells: Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbells
- Best exercise bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
- Best kettlebells: Rogue Kettlebells — Powder Coat
- Best rowing machine: Ergatta Rower
- Best stability ball: TRX Stability Ball
- Best resistance bands: TRX Exercise Bands
- Best treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 22
- Best exercise mat: Gxmmat Large Exercise Mat
Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
- Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strength.
- Connectivity: Where fitness equipment has fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures variation in classes and services that benefit a person’s health.
- Materials: MNT chooses products that have safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If set-up is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a set-up or installation service.
- Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
- Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and that offer reliable customer service and support.
Getting a thorough workout at home is often possible, and finding new gear can help a person expand their options.
Some health conditions can increase the risk of injury when exercising. People should work with a healthcare professional to help determine a safe exercise regimen, mainly if they do not already participate in regular physical activity.
People can then use online videos and apps to add variety, support their progress, and help them maintain proper form.
In this article, we explore different types of home gym equipment that a person can use for a diverse range of workouts.
Some common pieces of home gym equipment include:
- Balance or stability ball: Also known as a Swiss ball, this oversized rubbery ball can double as a bouncing seat. A person might use it for exercises such as wall lunges or abdominal crunches.
- Dumbbells: These come in various weights to help with resistance training.
- Kettlebells: This dumbbell alternative is a weighted ball with a rounded handle.
- Resistance bands: These stretchy bands are also an alternative to dumbbells. A person can use them to strengthen various parts of the body, including the arms and legs.
- Rowing machine: This large machine helps a person mimic rowing to strengthen multiple muscle groups, including those in the back, legs, and buttocks.
- Stationary bike: Stationary bikes provide a low impact way to strengthen the legs and buttocks and enhance cardiovascular health.
- Treadmill: A person can use this equipment to walk, jog, or run at home. Some models offer an adjustable incline to enhance the workout of the legs and buttocks.
- Exercise mat: These mats are square or rectangular and often larger than a typical yoga mat.
The options above are just some examples of the equipment that can help a person reach and maintain various fitness goals at home.
Below, we provide more information about specific pieces of home gym equipment.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best dumbbells: Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbells
- Price: from $20 per pair
- Pro: They do not roll or scratch floors.
- Con: The larger dumbbells have a bigger handle circumference which may make gripping them difficult.
These dumbbells are floor-friendly, as their hexagonal shape keeps them from rolling, and their rubber coating means that they do not scratch the floor.
They are available in weights of 2.5-65 pounds (lb).
The chrome-plated handles are ergonomically designed, which according to the brand, makes them easy to grip.
Best Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
- Price: $1,999
- Pro: Users can participate in iFit classes with automatic adjustments.
- Con: iFit family membership is only free for 30 days.
The design of this bike mimics that of stationary bicycles in traditional spin classes.
It has a rotating touch screen that offers various iFit exercise programs.
A person can also join live workouts.
The machine features adjustable inclines and resistance to increase the challenge. During a live class, the instructor can control these settings.
Read our review of the S22i here.
Best Kettlebells: Rogue Kettlebell — Powder Coat
- Price: $30–145, depending on the weight.
- Pro: The powder coating enhances grip.
- Con: The heavier weights have thicker handles, potentially making them more difficult to hold.
Each Rogue Kettlebell is powder-coated to prevent damage and enhance grip.
They are available in various weights, with the lowest being 9 lb and the highest 88 lb.
A person can use them for a range of resistance training exercises, such as jerks and squats.
Best Rowing Machine: Ergatta Rower
- Price: $2,499
- Pro: It has a digital touch screen with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- Con: The Ergatta membership is not included.
This rowing machine has a screen with an internet platform that offers game-based fitness workouts.
Ergatta posts at least six new rowing routines a week.
A person can also use the touch screen to track their workouts and connect with other users.
The machine has adjustable resistance, allowing a person to vary their workouts.
Best Stability Ball: TRX Stability Ball
- Price: $27.95–31.95
- Pro: It is burst-resistant up to 1,000 lb.
- Con: It does not come with an air pump.
A person can choose either a 55-centimeter (cm) or a 65-cm diameter. The company recommends that those who are 5 feet (ft) 8 inches (in) tall or taller select the larger ball.
This stability ball is made from nonslip vinyl using “anti-burst technology,” so it can withstand up to 1,000 lb of pressure.
Best Resistance Bands: TRX Exercise Bands
- Price: $22.95 for a set of four.
- Pro: The material is durable.
- Con: They are not suitable for those with latex allergies.
The complete set consists of four color-coded bands that offer the following amounts of resistance:
- 2–8 lb
- 5–12 lb
- 6–17 lb
- 10–25 lb
A person can also purchase them separately if they only want one or two bands.
The foot-long bands are soft, durable, and easy to store.
Best Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 22
- Price: $2,699
- Pro: The treadmill comes with a 1-year JRNY membership.
- Con: The price is higher compared to competitors.
This treadmill has an adjustable incline and an impact-absorbing belt.
Through its touch screen, a person can access a variety of running classes, music playlists, and video streaming platforms.
A person can also use the speed and incline controls to adjust the belt’s movement while they are running or walking.
Best Exercise Mat: Gxmmat Large Exercise Mat
- Price: about $180 depending on the color.
- Pro: It is suitable for a range of exercises.
- Con: The size may not suit everyone.
This mat is 6 ft by 4 ft, with a thickness of 0.28 inches.
With these dimensions, it can support a wide range of activities, including aerobics, plyometrics, jumping rope, and stretching.
People who are choosing between a yoga mat and an exercise mat may prefer the larger workout area that this product offers.
The following table compares the top home gym equipment in this article on key features:
| Type | Price | Type of exercise | Pro | Con | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue dumbbells | dumbbells | from $20 | resistance training | non-scratch | may be difficult to grip |
| NordicTrack | exercise bike | $1,999 | stationary cycling | iFit classes | only offers a 30-day iFit trial |
| Rogue kettlebells | kettlebells | $30–145 | resistance training | enhanced grip | heavier weights may be difficult to hold |
| Ergatta | rowing machine | $2,499 | game-based fitness workouts | digital touchscreen with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi | does not include membership |
| TRX Stability Ball | stability ball | $27.95–31.95 | • wall squats • crunches • hip thrusts | burst-resistant up to 1,000 lb | does not include an air pump |
| TRX Exercise Bands | resistance bands | $22.95 | • squats • lateral raise • leg press • bicep curl | durable material | not suitable for people with latex allergies |
| Bowflex | treadmill | $2,699 | running | 1-year JRNY membership | expensive |
| Gxmmat | exercise mat | $180 | • aerobics • plyometrics • stretching | suitable for any exercise | may not be suitable for every size |
As there are so many types of equipment available, deciding what to choose may be daunting at first. Below are some tips to help people get started:
- Set a budget: It is important to start by determining how much to spend on home exercise equipment. This can help a person identify what equipment will offer the best value.
- Identify a space: The space available for exercise can be a major factor in choosing home gym equipment. A rowing machine, for example, requires a lot of floor space, while some dumbbells can be easy to tuck away.
- Start with the basics: Most people benefit from having a stable, supportive exercise surface, such as an exercise mat. Having some resistance training equipment, such as a resistance band or a set of dumbbells, is generally also helpful.
- Health and safety: Health considerations should be the top priority. A person can ask a doctor for advice and recommendations.
- Do some research: Customer reviews, product demonstration videos, and the presence of a warranty can help provide peace of mind when making a purchase.
It may help to start with lower-cost items. Later on, with an established routine, a person may have a better idea of what home gym equipment they need.
The following are common questions and answers about home gym equipment:
Which gym equipment is best for home?
People can use different gym home tools, so it depends on their preferences. They may consider the price and workout space.
For example, people with limited space may prefer stability balls or kettlebells rather than treadmills. If they travel frequently, they may wish to purchase resistance bands, which are easy to store and carry.
What should a beginner home gym have?
People who are new to workouts may buy different home gym equipment suitable for resistance training, body weight, and cardio exercises. These include:
- a yoga mat
- foam rollers
- jump rope
- push-up handles
- resistance bands
Is home gym equipment worth buying?
Home gym equipment can be worth buying if they are compatible with the individual’s fitness goals and the exercises they want to do.
They come in different prices and sizes, so a person may consider these factors before purchasing.
Home gym equipment can benefit those who prefer working out at home or do not have time to visit the gym.
Home gym equipment helps a person expand their exercise options. Some equipment provides access to tailored programs and classes. Online programs and apps can add variety to a home workout routine and provide new challenges.
It is best for those with chronic conditions to consult a healthcare professional to help identify the most appropriate exercise types and intensities.