Essential Home Gym Equipment for 2021
Living a healthy lifestyle is the goal of many. Burning fat, building muscle or gaining strength doesn’t require a fancy gym or an expensive membership to a health club. While that’s a viable option for some there are those who prefer working out in the comfort of their home. If you’re one of those people this article is for you. We’ve compiled a list of the most best, most essential home gym equipment on the market today.
Whether you’re a beginner just getting started and want to learn the type of training that you can do at home, someone looking for new and creative exercises to try or simply someone interested in finding the best machines then keep on reading. We’ve gathered quite a bit of information to help you on your journey. Let’s get started!
Training that can be done at home
No matter what your goal is nearly every type of training can be accomplished in the comfort of your home. All it requires is some space, the right equipment and a can do attitude. With today’s advancements in technology and increased ability to supply consumers with the goods they desire almost all types of training from strength training to cardiovascular training can be accomplished in the comfort and safety of your happy bodega.
When you think of strength training most people think of dirty grungy gyms with tons of iron and power racks laying about. Or maybe even a posh health club where the fittest of the fit strut their stuff in the latest fitness fashion. Well, strength training comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of the more popular variations of strength training are things like weighted exercises such as squats, bench presses, deadlifts, rows and overhead presses. However let’s not forget that gaining strength can come from a variety of methods and exercises, even bodyweight training or resistance band training.
If you have the space and the budget then the sky is truly the limit. With almost all commercial fitness equipment readily available you could easily deck out your pad with the cream of the crop. This might be ideal for some but not realistic for most. Luckily some of the best workout machines for home don’t break the budget. They vary from all-in-one solutions, to simple power towers and body weight machines, all the way down to resistance training bands. So don’t fret. There’s an option for everyone.
Alongside strength training another popular form of exercise is cardiovascular training. Cardiovascular training or cardio for short is when you train the heart and lungs to efficiently pump blood and oxygen through the body. It’s also a great way to shred fat. When you think of cardio most people immediately think of running but there are a slew of other methods like cycling, rowing, skiing and more. Cardio also doesn’t require tons of open space or a fancy gym membership. With the right tools and equipment almost any form of cardio can be done at home as well.
Let’s take a look at what to consider when selecting the best workout machines for home or anywhere else to be quite frank.
What to look for in the best Home Gym Equipment
There are tons of brands like Bowflex, Body-Solid, Total Gym, Marcy, NordicTrack and Sunny Health just to name a few. How do you know what to look for? And which ones are the best? Well that really depends. This happens to be a golden age of home gym equipment as they come in a full range of prices and features. Depending on your budget you can get exactly what you need.
The first thing to look for is whether or not this machine is going to do what you need it to do. If your goal is strength training or bodybuilding do you need an all-in-one solution or can you piece your home gym together? If so, how much space do you have to offer to these machines? Is it a large room or a small space in your apartment? Footprint is probably going to be a major factor outside of your goal.
Once you’ve established what your goal and available space is you’re going to want to consider whether or not this piece of equipment is going to grow with you. If it’s a treadmill or an indoor bike is it going to give you the freedom and flexibility to get stronger, leaner and faster? Does it have the technological features you might want like a heart rate monitor or even a built in display for keeping you entertained?
Simply put this is how you chose the best workout machines for home:
- How much does it cost? Determine how much you can spend on the right machines. Prices can range from ten dollars to thousands of dollars.
- How much space does it take up? With all the options available, you can make anything work, but be aware of your needs before buying.
- What’s its function? Cardio, strength training or bodyweight resistance training whichever it is make sure you’re getting the right machine for the job.
Essential Home Gym Equipment reviews
Without further ado let’s look at some of the best workout machines for home ranging from strength training, to body weight resistance training and cardio training. There’s something here for every budget and level of fitness.
Strength Training
Big Budget, Lots of Space – T3-X – Ultimate Home Gym
This high quality home gym is for the serious fitness enthusiast with a huge budget and some extra space. The Tytax T3-X features 7 independent training stations giving you the flexibility to perform over 200 exercises. A sliding, multi-angle bench lets you target all those hard to reach spots. This home gym is nearly indestructible. This would definitely be one the best workout machines for home in my dream!
Big Budget, Compact Design – TYTAX S6 – Home Gym
Compact and sleek the Tytax S6 is one of the smaller complete home gym systems. Taking up only 40 square feet it’s the perfect addition for any fitness junkie looking to build a serious garage gym. Boasting high quality construction the Tytax S6 is just as flexible allowing you to perform over 200 exercises. It also comes in a stylish finish with cherry colored upholstery.
Big Budget, Fitness Enthusiasts – Commercial Home Gym
This machine can do it all. With built in weights up to 160 kilograms and an adjustable cable system that allows you to perform every exercise from lat pull downs, bench press, pull ups, dips, squats and a variety of other leg exercises. It’s unique spotter bar will keep you safe while you get pumped up. Bench and plates are sold separately.
Moderate Budget, Tons of Technology – NordicTrack Fusion CST
If you love technology then this home workout machine is for you. With a 10 inch high definition screen and a 1-year subscription to iFit you’ll be able to shred the pounds and build serious muscle fast. Combine powerful strength exercises and heart pumping cardio all in one with fluid resistance. With your subscription to iFit you’ll have access to some of the best training classes on the market.
Moderate Budget, Compact Design – Bowflex PR3000
Bowflex has been the leader in compact, full-body home gym equipment. With their revolutionary design this machine can provide over 50 gym quality exercises to workout every muscle in the body. Their power rod resistance ranges from 5 pounds all the way up to 210 pounds. Which can even be upgraded to 310 pounds for the really strong ones out there. Heavy duty steel construction will keep this workout machine in tip top shape for a long time.
Bodyweight Training
Big Budget, Minimalist Design – Marcy Power Tower
Get pumped with the Marcy Power Tower. Featuring multiple stations so you can build strength in your upper and lower body in the comfort of your home. A vertical knee raise station lets you blast your abs and build a terrific set of triceps with its built in dip attachment. The ergonomically designed pads keep you comfortable while you perform a variety of exercises. With the Marcy Power Tower you’ll never have to worry about stability as its triangular based design keeps it solid and on the ground.
Moderately Priced, Versatile Design – Total Gym APEX G5
When most people think of compact, versatile home gyms the Total Gym comes to mind. A staple in the fitness industry Total Gym has been paving the way for years. Perform a variety of workouts with 10 levels of resistance all in one convenient machine. 15 minutes a day 3 to 4 times a week is all you need to make a difference. Using the total body method you’ll tone and strengthen your entire body. Even better its space saving design folds for compact storage.
Moderately Priced, Latest Technology – OYO Personal Gym
Designed with NASA spiraflex technology the OYO Gym is one of the most advanced and compact personal training systems on the market. Perform total body workouts anywhere, anytime. Used for over 10 years by astronauts on the International Space Station the OYO Gym is great for getting lean and fit fast. Adjustable in 5 pound increments the all in one portable gym’s resistances is smooth all the way through range of motion.
Low Budget, Serious Calisthenics – Mipageco Power Tower
Workout whenever you want you don’t need a fancy gym membership or professional fitness equipment. Have your own private gym! With this multifunctional power tower, you can perform tons of exercises. Such as dips, pull-ups, push-ups, knee lift, ring pulls and more. Made out of steel and a figure-eight base this power tower is stable and safe. Holding up to 330 pounds.
Low Budget, Low Maintenance – S-D Power Tower
Simple and easy to use the S-D Power Tower is built out of heavy duty square steel coated in a scratch resistant finish. Able to support up to 440lbs and adjustable to over 10 levels of height suitable for all athletes. It is a multi-functional power tower that supports knee raises, push-ups, push- ups, and pull-ups, which can help you become stronger.
Cardio Training
Big Budget, Full of Features – Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill
This BXT116 is Amazon’s Choice and loaded with features. The built in JRNY personalized coaching technology creates daily custom workouts and has in-workout coaching giving you the motivation you need. Dozens of virtual training courses replicate stunning scenery. Adjust this treadmill up to 15% for tougher intensities. The 9 inch LCD screen has an easy to use interface getting your up and running quick.
Big Budget, Trusted Brand – Nautilus Treadmill T618
From Nautilus is the T618. This treadmill features Bluetooth connectivity that syncs with popular fitness apps to track your training. A 15% motorized incline supports runners up to 350 pounds. With 26 customizable training programs, a backlit LCD and integrated handrail controls make this treadmill really easy to use.
Moderate Budget, Best Seller – NordicTrack T 6.5S
Get fit at home with the NordicTrack T 6.5S treadmill. Amazon’s #1 Best seller in Treadmills. Featuring interactive personal training with iFit, a 10 inch HD touchscreen display, cushioned grips with built in pulse sensors, a 2.6 hp motor and a 10% automatic incline. Sleek, compact, designed to take up the least amount of space necessary there’s no question why this one is a crowd favorite.
Low Budget, Highly Rated – Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill features 9 built-in workouts, convenient handrail controls plus an area for your phone or tablet. It’s easy to use soft-drop design helps when opening the treadmill making it easier to unfold. The built in LCD screen will track your speed, time, distance, pulse and calories which makes it easier to track your fitness goals.
Bikes
Big Budget, High Tech – NordicTrack S22i Commercial Studio Cycle
Built in high-energy training sessions led by top trainers who can control your bike’s settings in real-time. Tour tons of exciting locations as iFit technology automatically adjusts your resistance and incline to match the terrain. Plus you can hop off your bike and participate in high intensity total body workouts. Built in workout stats use your heart rate, elevation, and intensity to help visualize your progress.
Rowers
Big Budget, Highly Rated – Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
The best-selling rowing machine for over 40 years the performance of the Concept2 Model D is used by elite athletes, fitness facilities and home gyms around the world. The Model D is perfect for any goal or budget. Designed to fit most users. Track your progress with real-time data. Easily collapses into two pieces for storage. Easy to move and easy to reassemble.
Moderate Budget, Full Performance – Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5856 Magnetic Rowing Machine
Ramp up your cardio training with this rowing machine from Sunny Health. Supporting up to 285 pounds, with large foot pedals, a comfortable seat and a stable base for safety and comfort. Conveniently move the compact rower with built in wheels. Or fold it up and put it away when not being used.
Moderate Budget, Smart Technology – Fitness Reality 2000F Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
Enjoy a full-body workout in the comfort of your home with the Fitness Reality 2000F Magnetic Rower. With wider handlebars and adjustable foot pedals for a comfortable training session. 14 levels of magnetic resistance make this the ultimate training machine. The large LCD console makes viewing your workout easier. It’s built in technology allows you to measure your pull, your distance and resistance level you are using.
Moderate Budget, Life-like Resistance – MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Water Rower
The MaxKare water rowing machine is designed to mimic real life rowing. Making your workouts more realistic and tough. The easy to use and operate design is suitable for all ages. The steel frame makes this a sturdy and safe rowing machine for users up to 264 pounds. Track all of your workouts on the built in LCD screen.
Low Budget, Best Seller – Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
Get into the best shape of your life with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515. The smooth and quiet magnetic tension system features 8 levels of tension for varying levels of intensity. The built in digital monitor makes tracking your progress easy while the non-slip pedals and comfortable seating make this rower a dream to use.
Elliptical
Big Budget, Big Features – Bowflex Max Trainer Series
Personalized workouts starting at 4 minutes a day. Bowflex JRNY coaches you through daily customized workouts that adjust as you improve. Combines full-body, low-impact movements of an elliptical with the high intensity of a stair stepper to melt away the fat. Smaller than most ellipticals and treadmills the space saving design makes it easy to store anywhere in your home.
Big Budget, Trusted Name – Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer
Explore the world while you shred the calories on your Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer. With built in trainer apps that let you trek through tons of magical locations. Bluetooth connectivity syncs with all your favorite fitness apps helping you keep track of every workout. The easy to use design makes for smooth and efficient workouts.
Moderate Budget, Best Seller – SNODE Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
Blast off the pounds with the SNODEE20 elliptical machine. Featuring 8 levels of magnetic resistance to provide you with a variety of intensities to make training more efficient. You’ll never have to worry about a sound with the precision balanced flywheel. Built-in displays let you see real-time data during each workout.
Low Budget, Highly Rated – Marcy Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
The Marcy Magnetic Elliptical Trainer provides a total body workout. Get all your workout data on the easy to read built-in LCD. Plus a built in heart rate monitor to keep track of it all. Large textured pedals provide enough space to stay safe.
Low Budget, Feature Rich – MaxKare Elliptical Machine
The MaxKare elliptical machine is great for efficient total body workouts in the comfort of your home. At an affordable value this elliptical is perfect for getting fit while avoiding injuries, protecting joints and improving cardio. Due to its space age technology, the adjustable resistance levels and anti-gravity pedals, this elliptical recreates a natural slope so joint pressure is reduced keeping your knees safe.
Climbers
Big Budget, Commercial Quality – StairMaster 10G Gauntlet 10 Series Stepmill
Not for the faint of heart the StairMaster 10G with OverDrive is a commercial grade stepper combining real-world technology and high intensity interval training for the ultimate cardio machine. The innovative design simulates carrying or pushing a load up stairs. Choose from either manual or one of the pre-programmed workouts. The built in handrails provide three hand positions for holding on tight. This stepper is designed for the best climbing experience ever.
Big Budget, Trusted Brand – Precor CLM 835 Commercial Series Stair Climber
A low-maintenance durable design makes the CLM 835 climber one of the best Precor Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainers available. The two-step powder coating is perfect for keeping this machine looking brand new after each training session. U-shaped handrails for proper posture and technique.
Moderate Budget, Full of Features – Bowflex TreadClimber TC1000
The redesigned TreadClimber TC100 combines a treadmill, stair stepper and an elliptical all in one for an easy, low-impact workout with high-impact results. Getting in the best shape of your life is as easy as going for a walk. The Interactive backlit LCD display shows you your speed, distance, time and calories. While the built in heart rate monitors let you know how hard you’re working.
Moderate Budget, Top Choice – ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer
Unearth a massive library of on-demand workouts led by trainers who can control your ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer’s resistance in real-time for a personalized workout. The compact design of this elliptical takes up half the space of a normal elliptical machine. The cushioned pedals help reduce stress on your joints and back for a zero-impact experience. Twenty-four levels of resistance, a 7 inch screen, 10 inch vertical climb and magnetic resistance make this the only elliptical you need.
Low Budget, Space Saving Design – Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stepper Step Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper provides a high intensity workout without pressure on your joints. The twist action will tone and sculpt your whole body. This adjustable stepper comes with attached handle bars to help keep you balanced. The LCD computer keeps track of elapsed time, calories burned, and number of steps.
As you can see there are a variety of the best workout machines for home out there for you to suit all your budgets and needs. Remember when looking to deck out your home gym keep in mind how much it costs? Determine how much you can spend on the right machines. Prices can range from ten dollars to thousands of dollars. How much space does it take up? With all the options available, you can make anything work, but be aware of your needs before buying. What’s its function? Cardio, strength training or bodyweight resistance training whichever it is make sure you’re getting the right machine for the job.
We hope you liked our selection of the best workout machines for home. Be sure to check out our blog for more articles to help you along your fitness journey. And if you’re new to working out checkout our getting started section where we breakdown everything you need to know.
