If you’re looking to save a buck and get that perfect beach bod or simply trying to outsmart a heart attack, we’ve been doing some digging on the best home gym equipment.
Although gym memberships can be helpful with class instruction and a place to meet new people, its also filled with germs and a pain to get to during the colder months.
Are you more likely to work out for 10-15 minutes at home or drive 20 minutes in the dark before or after work to get a 30-minute workout in? But if you do decide to sign up for an overpriced gym, consider creating a stretching station at home for achy joints or a place where you can lift weights while on yet another online call that could have been an email.
For those who live in smaller city apartments or homes shared by roommates, pets or kids, investing in a large stationary bike or treadmill is no small feat. At-home equipment takes up a lot of real estate in your living room-turned-home-office-now-turned-gym.
In order to stay fit from the confines of your own home, there are much smaller exercise devices that still pack the punch of full-sized equipment.
From resistance bands to under-the-desk ellipticals, below is a list of all the fun-sized products to help you get fit from the comfort of your own home, no gym membership required.
Check out our FAQ for more burning questions.
Pros:
- It includes a Performance Monitor 5 to watch your stroke rate
- There is a device holder for either a Smart Phone or Tablet to watch shows or tune into your favorite fitness app
- Best gym equipment for weight loss at home
Cons:
- It has a 500-pound user capacity
If you’re looking for home gym fitness equipment machines, this is your one-and-done.
Rowing is incredibly healthy for your heart, tones your arms and helps burn calories. Two caster wheels are located in front to move it around your space. It also separates into two pieces, making it easy to carry or move out of the way when you have company and need that blowup mattress space. The seat lifts up to 14 inches in height and has adjustable straps for your feet.
Plus, it has a device holder to place your phone or tablet.
Weight: 500 pounds | Dimensions: 24 inches deep by 96 inches wide by 14 inches high
Pros:
- These weights are available on Amazon with fast, free shipping for Prime members
- Bala is more comfortable than traditional ankle weights
Cons:
- At only one or two pounds, these weights might not provide enough resistance for those who need more intensity in their workouts or are aiming for significant muscle building.
These are not your mother’s ankle weights.
Sold conveniently at Amazon with fast, free shipping for Prime members, the set of two Bala weights is super stylish, coming in two beautiful colors: charcoal and sage. You have a choice of one or two-pound weights at checkout. If you can’t decide which to buy, consider how long your workouts will be while wearing these. The longer you wear them, the more fatigued you’ll be.
They make a great addition to any workout routine or to wear around the house for a bit of added toning on the go. If you want more Amazon fitness ideas, from trackers to clothing, we found some great choices suitable for the task.
Pros:
- It can be a great way to track progress over time
- Offers an affordable way to test out personalized coaching without committing to a long-term gym membership
- All you need is a phone
Cons:
- While the texts can be motivating, they may not provide the level of real-time feedback or adjustment you’d get in an in-person or live virtual session
Ready for a “How was your workout” text?
This top-rated personal training app is all you need to get in shape, so say goodbye to bulky equipment or an expensive gym membership. Future Fitness is a monthly membership that provides you with on-demand workouts personalized for you by one of their Future Coach personal trainers.
Coaches communicate directly with clients via text and calls. Leave it to the professionals to be your personal cheerleaders while offering guidance along your health journey.
The monthly cost is $199, but if you sign up for the year, it’ll reduce your monthly cost to $149.
Pros:
- Tonal’s AI technology tracks your form and provides instant feedback, helping you avoid injury and ensuring you’re performing exercises correctly
- Great for a wide range of users, from beginners to more advanced lifters
Cons:
- It requires internet access
Tonal is an innovative, AI-powered smart gym that takes your home workouts to the next level. With 17 built-in sensors, it analyzes your form and tracks your progress in real-time, ensuring you stay on track throughout every session.
This compact device, resembling a flat-screen, features two arms that offer up to 200 pounds of digital resistance, allowing you to build strength across your upper and lower body. So, if you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Tonal adapts to your fitness level, offering personalized workouts and precise guidance to help you reach your goals faster.
Pros:
- Bench is adjustable and easy to use
- Only weighs 28.7 pounds
- It can be angled at 30, 45 or 70 degrees
Cons:
- According to customers, there aren’t user instructions in the box that show all the ways one can use this
Step class, weight lifting, cardio and more, this small board can do it all.
The Fitness Deck may look unassuming, but it packs a punch as an adjustable board to do an array of activities with. Keep it as is for step classes, stretching and toning exercises, or prop it up to “ramp mode” to get some incline going. It has 16 different configurations and can also be used for storage, as the inside of the board has space for dumbbells, resistance bands and more, making it even better for small spaces.
Pros:
- The DB Method website offers workout videos and guides
- Best home gym equipment for legs because it focuses on toning your booty
Cons:
- If you have knee, back, or hip issues, the machine’s range of motion and positioning might not be suitable for you
- You must have this machine to follow the workout routines
Get the best booty without leaving your house to go to the gym, with the DB Method.
The home workout contraption is loved by Kim Kardashian and her family of those with equally famous backsides. While you might not get a Kardashian keister, this machine is easy to use and even easier to fit into your home gym set-up, as it folds away and doesn’t require any tools to assemble. The machine itself goes for $329 and the other accessories like the mat, a belt and other workout enhancements can be purchased as add-ons.
Whether you use this for squats, cardio, and even for abs and arms, make sure to check out the workout page of the site for calorie-burning and muscle-toning videos to use once the machine comes in the mail.
Pros:
- Everything you need, from slide mittens to booties, come with this kit
- Made with a chic design and easy-grip handle to conveniently store anywhere
- Designed to work on all surfaces and best home gym equipment for abs
Cons:
- Price is a little high but very convenient and a great workout
Feel the burn.
Actually it’s spelled “Brrrn” when you hop on the Brrrn Board for your home workout. Easy to slide under your bed or couch when not in use, this is the ultimate small workout machine that uses sliding and lunging motions to get the best workout with minimal equipment. The kit comes with the board itself, as well as booties and access to workout classes.
Looking for other ideas on how to get a 6-pack? Check out these ab machines.
It adjusts easily from 6 feet to 5 feet and ships in 7-11 days after ordering.
Pros:
- Helps promote stability
- There is an anti-slip material over the top of the board
- It’s great for circulating blood and engaging muscles
Cons:
- Maximum weight can only hold 360 pounds
Finding a work-life balance is hard when working from home, but now it’s so easy to get on board (if you will).
This balance board is a great way to take a break from bad posture at your desk and stand up, while also working on your balance and core strength. Once you’ve mastered stepping on and off, increase or decrease the amount of air in the balance ball to change the level of movement and difficulty.
Weight Max: 360 pounds | Dimensions: 20.9 inches long, 13.8 inches wide, and 2.4 inches high
Pros:
- The Cubii JR1 is easy to use and doesn’t require complicated setup
- It operates quietly, so it won’t disturb your work or your environment
- Affordable and good value
Cons:
- While it’s great for low-impact cardio, the Cubii JR1’s resistance levels may not provide enough intensity for more experienced or advanced exercisers
Get to stepping, but stay seated, as this workout is the easiest way to stay fit, even while you are sitting down.
The seated elliptical from Cubi combines the stepping motion of the full-sized machine but without the bulk, offering a compact stepper that fits nicely under a desk or coffee table. Simply place your feet in the peddles and start burning calories, tracking it all with the built-in digital monitor that tracks calories burned, distance traveled and more. It also has adjustable resistance to add in some steep hills and smooth roads to your covert workout.
The Cubi device is available on Amazon and offers free shipping as well as payment plans and free returns.
Weight Max: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 23.2 inches deep, 17.56 inches wide, and 10 inches high
Pros:
- Doesn’t take up much space
- Cheap home gym equipment
Cons:
- Some customers that gave it high reviews wish they were less flexible so they felt more durable
Slide your way into the new year with toned arms and a rock-solid core.
This set of sliders sold on Amazon makes great compact home gym equipment. It strengthens your core and allows variations on pushups and lunges. Customers find these slide across all surfaces, including carpet. If you want to strengthen weaker joints, these slides will help your flexibility with minimal impact on your joints.
Pros:
- Over 2,000+ purchased this last month on Amazon with a 4.7 rating
- It is compact, portable and easy to store
Cons:
- Only goes up to 50 pounds per hand
Pump some iron this year, but with much less space and easier storage.
These adjustable hand weights are great for those who want to bulk up without the bulky chest press or free-weight equipment. Simply pull out the pin and decide how much weight to put on each of the two hand-held blocks. Then replace the pin and get to work.
This is a 50-pound set per hand.
FAQ
What equipment do I need to start a home gym?
Starting a home gym can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. For a basic setup, you’ll need items like dumbbells, resistance bands, a yoga mat, and a jump rope, which are versatile and allow for a variety of bodyweight and strength exercises.
If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, adding an adjustable bench, kettlebells, and a foam roller for recovery can enhance your workouts. For a larger investment, machines such as a squat rack, treadmill, or cable machine provide even more exercise options, though they require more space and a bigger budget.
How do I maximize space in my small home gym?
- Use multi-functional equipment: Consider adjustable dumbbells, foldable equipment that can be folded away when not in use., or fitness apps that don’t require anything but a can-do attitude.
- Go vertical: Install wall-mounted racks or shelves for storing equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, or kettlebells.
- Choose all-in-one machines: Consider a versatile piece of equipment, like a row machine or a cable machine, that allows for multiple exercises in one.
- Use the corners: Set up your workout area in corners or unused spaces to create more room for movement.
- Keep it tidy: Invest in storage solutions like bins, hooks, or bags to keep everything organized and off the floor.
How much does a starter home gym cost?
A basic starter home gym can cost as little as $50 —$150 if you focus on smaller, essential items like a yoga mat, dumbbells, and resistance bands. For a more comprehensive setup with a wider range of equipment, the cost can range anywhere from $300 to $3,000+, depending on the quality and variety of items you choose.
Ultimately, your total investment will depend on how comprehensive and high-quality you want your home gym to be. The choice is yours!
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