Best Exercise Equipment for Your Home

If your goal is to increase your strength and muscle tone, an all-in-one home gym is a good place to start. These machines often utilize a cable and pulley system that allows you to achieve a total-body workout through a variety of exercises. Individual weights are best for those with limited space.

All-in one gyms generally feature a weight stack with a pin. You can set the pin to proper weight level for the exercise you’re performing. The more adjustments and settings an all-in-one unit has, the more exercises you’ll be able to do. A wide range of exercises will help you create a more varied training program.

• Some home gyms feature multiple weight stacks so two people can work out at the same time.
• Home gyms with “spotting” devices help keep you safe during your workout.
• Adjustable weight benches allow you to perform many different exercises with the help of dumbbells and barbells.
• Hex dumbbells are less likely to roll away when resting on the ground.
• Multiple dumbbells and weight plates will allow for maximum workout flexibility.
• If your space is limited, resistance bands can offer an effective workout.

A number of different machines can help improve cardiovascular health. They include
elliptical machines, treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines and stair steppers.

Prices vary greatly. Cost can be affected by the number of features a machine has. Another price factor is the technology a machine features. For example, some machines have electronic displays that include options for programming workouts. These can be more costly, but you might find the feature is worth it.

Elliptical Machines

An elliptical machine:

• Has foot pedals move that in an elliptical, or ovular, motion, while its handles move back and forth.
• Provides a total-body workout.
• Tones muscle while improving cardiovascular health.
• Is less likely to cause stress to joints.
• Is adjustable, with resistance and incline can be increased for a tougher workout.

• Typically features a single wheel in the front and no back wheel.
• Designed for lower body workout. Some stationary bikes have movable handles to provide an upper body workout.
• Cushioned seats and pedal straps increase comfort and stability.
• Solid or enclosed front wheels help prevent accidental injury.
• A stationary bike's design may be upright, recumbent or semi-recumbent.
• A recumbent bike can be used as you recline. Some people prefer this type of bike because of the comfort and stability it offers.

• A rowing machine simulates the experience of rowing. It places equal emphasis on working out the upper and lower body.
• Some machines fold so they require less space when stored.
• Rowing is a low-impact workout helps minimize pressure on joints.

• A treadmill features a conveyor-style belt that rotates at varying speeds, providing a low-impact running workout indoors.
• Treadmills focus primarily on lower body workouts.
• Various speeds allow for individually tailored workouts.
• Inclines and interval training increase the variety of workout options.
• Safety keys help prevent treadmill accidents.

Gloves and lifting straps: Available in different sizes, workout gloves are usually fingerless. They typically have padding that helps prevent blisters. Lifting straps are designed for use when lifting particularly heavy objects. They’ll come in handy if you’re into heavy-duty weight training.

Wristbands and headbands: When you’re in the middle of an intense workout, the last thing you need is sweat in your eyes or a slippery grip on a barbell. Headbands and wristbands absorb sweat, helping you stay focused on the task at hand.

Weight belts: If you’re lifting weights, a weight belt can provide extra support for your back. It can help you maintain proper form and posture to prevent injury.

Heart monitors: One of the keys to achieving improved cardiovascular health is to reach your target heart rate during workouts. Heart monitors help you determine if you’ve reached that rate. Once you know your heart rate, you can increase or decrease the intensity of your workout accordingly.

Gloves and lifting straps: Available in different sizes, workout gloves are usually fingerless and provide padding that helps prevent blisters. Lifting straps are designed for use when lifting particularly heavy objects, so they’ll come in handy if you’re into heavy-duty weight training.

Wristbands and headbands: When you’re in the middle of an intense workout, the last thing you want is for sweat to sting your eyes or to lose your grip on a barbell. Headbands and wristbands absorb sweat before it can get to either place, helping you stay focused on the task at hand.

Weight belts: If you’re lifting weights, a weight belt can provide extra support for your back, helping you maintain proper form and posture to prevent injury.

Heart monitors: One of the keys to achieving improved cardiovascular health is to reach your target heart rate during workouts. Heart monitors allow you to determine whether or not you have reached that rate, making it easy to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout accordingly.