The Best Exercise Equipment
Getting a quality workout doesn’t necessarily have to mean braving traffic and going to the gym. Many gyms can be pricey and crowded, but there’s another option for staying fit. If you prefer the privacy of your own apartment, you can get still get a great workout at home with the right equipment. If you’re not sure where to begin building a home gym, don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of the best exercise equipment so you can start out on the right foot.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best exercise equipment on the market, we considered practicality, price, target muscle area, and efficiency. For example, if you want to start small, the Amazon Basics neoprene workout dumbbell is a practical and straightforward option for beginners and pros alike. If you want something for cardio, the UREVO 2-in-1 electric treadmill is a great tool for getting the blood pumping. Read on to see all our top picks and find the exercise equipment that’s right for you.
Amazon Basics Neoprene Workout Dumbbell
Building muscles
Dumbbells are consistently popular in gyms and weight rooms around the world, and for good reason. These simple weights are incredibly versatile and can work for curls, squats, presses, kickbacks, deadlifts, farmer’s walks, and more. There’s almost no end to the number of exercises you can do with dumbbells, and these ones from Amazon are some of the most practical ones around. They’re affordable, good quality, and have a neoprene coating for a solid grip. They may not be the flashiest weights out there, but they are one of the most useful.
Pros:
- Offers more than 10 color options
- Plenty of weight options and customizable quantities
- Neoprene coating for a non-slip grip
- The hexagonal shape keeps the dumbbell from rolling away
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer much in terms of heavier weights, so it’s mainly for beginners
UREVO 2 in 1 Electric Treadmill
Keep running
Getting a great cardio workout is an important part of staying in shape and burning calories, and this treadmill from Urevo is the perfect addition to any home gym. This treadmill has five layers in its non-slip running belt and a silica gel column support to help relieve the impact on joints. It has an LED display, making it easy to track speed and distance, and a remote control to adjust the settings as you run. The treadmill folds, so you can use it with or without the frame extended. Best of all, it comes fully assembled, so you can use it right out of the box.
Pros:
- Comes in different colors, which is rare for treadmills
- LED display
- Max speed of 7.6 miles per hour
- Works with the frame up or down
Cons:
- Not as fast as other treadmills on the market
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary Bike
Feel the burn
If you want a good leg workout but you don’t want to go on a stroll around the block, this stationary bike from Yosuda gives you everything you need to exercise at home. It has a sturdy steel frame at only 35 pounds, so it’s light enough to move but still heavy enough to support a lot of weight. The belt-drive system is quieter and more durable than chain systems, so it won’t annoy anyone around you while you’re working out. It has two handlebar settings, four different seat settings, and three ways to grip for an ultra-adjustable ride. For a real cardio workout in the comfort of your home, this bike is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Options for upgraded magnetic resistance
- The belt system is smooth and quiet
- Weight capacity of 270 pounds
- Includes an iPad holder
Cons:
- The flywheel is locked to the pedals, so you have to gradually slow down instead of just stopping your pedaling
Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Elliptical Machine
Working hard
If you’re a multi-tasker and you’re looking to get a good workout while you’re at work, this under-desk elliptical machine can help you get toned while you’re bringing home the bacon. This compact elliptical machine is small enough to fit under most desks, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less effective than a standard-sized machine. It has a sturdy steel construction, belt-drive resistance, a seven-inch forward stride movement that’s less stressful on your joints, and a digital monitor to track your stats. For all the perks of a full-size elliptical in a small frame, you can’t go wrong with this miniature machine.
Pros:
- Has motorized and manual modes
- Eight levels of resistance
- Compact size can easily fit under most desks
- Non-slip pedals
Cons:
- May become noisy with consistent use
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stair Stepper
Pressure is on
If you’re looking for a full-body workout in one machine, this stair stepper and resistance band combo is the full package. It offers cardio with the stair stepping machine, as well as weight training with resistance bands. The stepping is smooth and steady with hydraulic resistance to make the workout lighter on joints. Even though operating this machine is straightforward, the workout potential is great for busy people that need a full body exercise in just a few minutes. If you can handle a lot at once, this compact machine can provide a tough workout during your lunch break, morning routine, or anytime throughout the day.
Pros:
- Hydraulic drive system for smooth stepping
- The LCD monitor can track your calories
- Height adjustment changes steps for shorter or longer strides
- Doesn’t take up much floor space
Cons:
- The user manual states that you shouldn’t use it for more than 15 minutes a day to prevent hydraulic cylinders from overheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between dumbbells and kettlebells?
Dumbbells have an evenly distributed weight with a bar in the middle, whereas kettlebells have weight that’s not evenly distributed. This uneven weight can be more difficult to lift and prove more useful in targeting specific muscle groups. Kettlebells are shaped like bells, hence their name.
Are resistance bands more effective than lifting weights?
Although certain workouts are almost interchangeable with weights and resistance bands, dumbbells have more versatility when it comes to exercises. Resistance bands are more portable and affordable, but dumbbells are better for building muscle, lifting heavier weights, and doing exercises you can’t do with resistance bands. They both have their place, but dumbbells are typically more useful.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.