18 Best Home Gym Equipment & Machines of 2023

You don’t have to purchase a gym membership or leave your house to get into shape. You can develop an entire exercise program with workout equipment set up in your home. We cover the best home gym equipment from all angles and detail their advantages and disadvantages.

So when you are looking to start or upgrade your home gym equipment, this will be a one-stop-shop. Here is a list of the best home gym equipment on the market today.

Best Home Gym Equipment

Best Home Gym Overall: Bowflex

Regarding Bowflex’s machines, we couldn’t pick the best home gym equipment model, so we’re focusing on all four.

The Bowflex Revolution Home Gym is the most expensive model, costing $2,899. This piece of home fitness equipment is worth its price since it boasts more than 100 potential exercises.

The Bowflex Revolution has:

• An incline bench press
• A leg developer
• A preacher curl attachment
• A five-way hand grip and ankle cuffs
• Aerobic rowing capabilities
• A workout DVD

The Revolution fits best in an area that’s 10 feet by 7 feet. The warranty covers parts for ten years and labor for 90 days.

Specs

Dimensions: 112″L X 37.8″W X 73″H

Workout Area Needed: 120″L X 84 “W

Machine Weight: 336 pounds

Max Capacity: 300 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy

• You’re able to perform over 100 exercises
• A 10-year warranty gives you peace of mind
• Low monthly payments are available

1 Reason Not To Buy

• It is one of the most expensive home gym equipment on the market.

Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym equipment is the middle-of-the-road option for cost, priced at $1,499. It offers 70 potential exercises and includes:

• A vertical bench press
• A leg developer
• An optional preacher curl attachment
• An optional gym-style ab attachment
• A five-way hand grip and ankle cuffs
• No-change cable pulley system

The Xtreme 2 SE fits nicely in an area of at least 8 feet by 6 feet 5 inches. The machine has a 7-year warranty, and the power rods have a lifetime warranty.

The Revolution and Xtreme 2 SE home gyms include add-on in-home assembly for $299.

Specs

Dimensions: 53L X 49″W X 83.25″ H

Workout Area Needed: N/A

Machine Weight: 185 pounds

Max User Capacity: 300 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy

• More affordable than the Bowflex Revolution home gym equipment
• If you are not handy, you can pay $299 for assembly
• This doesn’t take up as much space as the Bowflex Revolution

1 Reason Not To Buy

• It is harder to change the resistance.

Bowflex Blaze

The Bowflex Blaze has a foldable design that offers more than 60 exercises and is the only Bowflex machine with a horizontal bench press. Its Power Rod Resistance is 210 pounds, with the potential to upgrade it to 410 pounds. The machine also has an instructional placard, a squat bar, and an aerobic rowing station.

The Bowflex Blaze isn’t available through the company’s website, but it is sold through Bowflex’s retail partners.

Specs

Dimensions: 190″L X 38″W X 83″ H

Workout Area Needed: 100″L X 78 “W

Machine Weight: 191 pounds

Max Use Capacity: 300 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy

• You’re above to fold it up for easy storage.
• You can upgrade to 410 pounds of resistance.
• It gives you a visual aid on how to do some of the exercises,

1 Reason Not To Buy

• You’re limited to 60 exercises and are less versatile than the other Bowflex machines.

Bowflex PR3000

The Bowflex PR3000 home gym is the company’s budget option, priced at $1,099. The PR3000 has a vertical bench press, instructional placard, and a quick-change cable system, so you don’t have to change cables between sets. The home gym offers more than 50 strength exercises.

Specs

Dimensions: 64″L X 41″W X 83″

Workout Area Needed: 1o0″L X 78 “W

Machine Weight: 210 pounds

Max User Capacity: 300 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy

• The most affordable Bowflex home gym on the market.
• You’re able to change the resistance quickly and easily.
• It’s a compact, space-saving design.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• Not as versatile as the other three Bowflex machines mentioned above.

Best Complete Home Gym: Total Gym XLS

You can do more than 80 exercises at six resistance levels with the Total Home Gym XLS. The home gym includes free access to Total Gym TV, allowing you to stream workout videos wherever and whenever.

Every Total Gym XLS comes with a range of accessories:

• Leg pull and ankle cuffs
• A ribbed squat stand
• Wing attachment
• A training deck for a personal training system
• An exercise wall chart with 35 exercises
• A nutrition program and meal plan

The Total Gym XLS is $999.50 and arrives completely assembled. It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 6-month warranty for all parts.

Specs

Dimensions: 19″ W x 90″ L x 43″ H

Workout Area Needed: N/A

Machine Weight: N/A

Max Capacity: 410 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy

• No assembly is required.
• Lifetime warranty on the frame and six months on the parts.
• Able to perform over 80 resistance exercises.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• You’re lying down for many exercises that may decrease the calorie burn.

Best Smith Machine Home Gym: Marcy Smith Machine

The Marcy Smith Machine is designed to provide everything you need for an entire home workout, and when it comes to smith machines is the best home gym equipment on the market. The unit includes:

• Olympic Smith Bar
• Free weight squat rack, so you complete squats safely without a spotter
• Pec deck station
• Low pulley with footrest
• Cable crossovers
• A weight bench with a Dual Function leg developer and preacher curl pad, so you build your biceps and quadriceps

We must note that the Marcy Smith Machine does not include weight plates, though it has a storage area for them. The machine’s accessories include a lat bar, shiver bar, v-bar, ankle strap, triceps rope, and pulley cable handles.

A Marcy Smith Machine is $999.99, with a 2-year warranty after registering your product online.

Specs

Dimensions: 93.3″L X 77.5″W X 84.6″H

Workout Area Needed: N/A

Machine Weight: Able to handle 2000 pounds

Max User Capacity: 300 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy

• The cable system can handle up to 2000 pounds.
• Lower price point than other Bowflex machines.
• You can perform squats and bench presses.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• You need to buy your own weight plates.

Best Portable Home Gym: TRX Home Gym

We love the TRX Home Gym because it’s inexpensive and easy to take with you piece of gym equipment. As the company says on the product’s webpage, “Work out anytime, anywhere.” This makes it the best home gym equipment for portability on the market today.

The TRX Home Gym includes:

• A suspension trainer
• A door anchor
• A suspension anchor
• A mesh carry bag

The barrel lock adjusters help you quickly transition between workouts, while the padded straps and soft yet sturdy foam handles keep you feeling comfortable. Plus, you can exercise with your hands and feet with the adjustable foot cradles.

A TRX Home Gym costs $199.95 and includes a free one-year subscription to TRX’s personalized fitness app.

Specs

It weighs under two pounds and can handle up to 1400 pounds.

3 Reasons To Buy

• It’s a gym in a bag that can perform 100 or more exercises.
• Portable and light, and easy to take on the road.
• It’s great for beginner to advanced exercisers.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• You’re only using your body weight for resistance and are limited in that respect.

Best Strength Training Home Gym: NordicTrack Fusion CST

The NordicTrack Fusion CST combines classic resistance training cables with the latest digital technology. The Fusion offers 20 digital power resistance training levels, providing the tools to put on muscle, improve strength, and for fat loss.

The NordicTrack Fusion CST is $1,599 and includes a one-year family membership to iFit. iFit offers streamed videos from personal trainers, walking you through strength-building exercises without leaving the house. Check out the beginner classes, boot camps, and 2-in-1 workouts.

Specs

Dimensions: 73.5 H x 60.5 W x 41.5 D

Workout Area Needed: 120″L X 84 “W

Machine Weight: 178 pounds

Max Capacity: 300 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy

• Twenty digital resistance levels, which are easily changeable.
• One year of access to personal training on-demand classes.
• It gives you high-intensity strength training

1 Reason Not To Buy

• If you’re a beginner, there is better home gym equipment you can buy, which is cheaper and less complicated.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells: Rogue Powerblocks

The Rogue Powerblock adjustable dumbbells eliminate the need for buying individual free weights and a dumbbell rack. They are convenient, compact, easy to use, and go up in increments of 2.5 to 50 pounds. These are a solid addition to any home gym. Plus, Rogue offers expansion kits to increase the weight to 70 or 90 pounds per hand as you get stronger.

Specs

Dimensions: 12L x 6″ W x 6″ H.

3 Reasons To Buy

• Easily changeable resistance.
• Eliminates the need to buy individual dumbbells.
• Frees up space for other home gym equipment.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• It only goes to 50 pounds, and you must purchase additional weights as you get stronger.

Best Resistance Bands: Bodylastics Resistance Bands

No home gym is complete without resistance bands, and the Bodylastics resistance bands are the best. It comes in a kit with handles, ankle straps, and a door anchor. These durable latex bands range in resistance from 3 to 30 pounds and can be used together for a total resistance of 404 pounds. All this comes in handy carrying a pouch to use in your home gym or on the road. 

3 Reasons To Buy

• These resistance bands are more durable than most on the market.
• Able to do many band exercises at an affordable price.
• They are portable and can be used on the road and in your home gym.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• No matter how durable they are, bands are always in danger of snapping.

Best Jump Rope: Crossrope Get Lean

The Crossrope Get Lean, an innovative design and workout app with trainer-led workouts, makes this the best home gym equipment jump rope on the market. This jump rope comes with two interchangeable ropes that weigh four and eight ounces. The handles are unique in supporting those with small and large hands. Plus, you can spend a bit more for a membership ($79.99 annually or $9.99 per month), but there’s plenty of content in the free app. In terms of cardio equipment, it’s hard to go past the jump rope.

Specs

Two weight jump ropes (4 and 8 ounces) with two handles

3 Reasons To Buy

• It comes with a workout app with on-demand classes.
• 2 interchangeable ropes and a travel bag.
• . It comes with a paid membership with on-demand workouts to up your gains.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• It’s not the cheapest jump rope on the market.

Best Indoor Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is not the cheapest indoor exercise bike, but it is undoubtedly among the best home gym equipment on the market. The best features about the bike are the incline and decline options— which is not something you often see on an indoor bike. You can simulate riding hills on a -10% decline and a 20% incline, and it comes with 24 levels of resistance for your training pleasure.

This model comes with integrated Google Maps technology, which means you can ride through the Grand Canyon or along the streets of France. This all comes with a price and requires a monthly membership with iFIT. But you get a free 30-day trial membership of iFIT, granting you access to countless live and on-demand workouts with a certified iFit personal trainer.

Specs

Dimensions :22.01″D x 60″W x 62.99″H

Maximum Height: 49.6″H

3 Reasons To Buy

• It has Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth headphone access, dual-sided pedals, dual water bottle holders, and a cooling fan.
• It has a 30-day free membership to IFit with access to high-intensity interval training workouts.
• Simulates riding up and down hills.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• It’s not the cheapest indoor exercise bike on the market.

Best Workout Mat: Gaiam Premium Extra-Thick Yoga Mat

The Gaiam Yoga Mat is a great yoga mat in a market saturated with workout mats. This extra-thick yoga mat is an excellent addition to your home gym because it is affordable, comes in various colors and styles, and is easy to clean. And this yoga mat features a textured nonslip surface to keep you secure while you sweat.

Specs

It weighs 3 pounds, with 6 millimeters of padding.

3 Reasons To Buy

• It has a non-slip surface for safety.
• It has a variety of colors and styles.
• This yoga mat has extra padding for sensitive joints.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• There is no good reason not to buy this mat.

Best Rowing Machine Hydrow Rower

The Hyrdow rower brings the river to you to give you an impressive rowing experience. It has a 22-inch touchscreen with a front-facing speaker to bring the river to your home. This rower provides a smooth, quiet ride and is sturdily built using an aluminum and steel frame.

Unlike many other rowers, all of Hydrow’s rowing classes are filmed on the water and led by rowing experts. All this is yours with a $38 monthly subscription fee that allows you access to on-demand workouts.

Specs

Dimensions: 86″L x 25″W x 47″H

Stored dimensions: 25″W x 33″D x 86″H. Upright Storage Kit (sold separately) required for vertical storage

Weight: 145 lbs

Weight limit: Holds up to 375 lbs

3 Reasons To Buy

• It has a quiet, smooth rowing stroke.
• On-demand classes are all filmed on the water.
• It is built to last.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• The price point is high.

Best Kettlebell: Rogue Rubber Coated Kettlebell

Another essential piece of home fitness equipment is the Rogue Kettlebells, with a protective rubber coating to protect your floor from wear and tear. The rubber coating helps prevent the scuffs and chips that can happen with regular kettlebells. These are made with a single-piece cast iron for ultimate durability.

Rogue kettlebells are color-coded to help you identify your weight and are available in 5 weight increments: 26, 35, 44, 53, and 70 lb (12, 16, 20, 24, and 32 kg).

3 Reasons To Buy

• Rubber coating protects the KB and your floor.
• They are built to last from a single piece of cast iron.
• The handle is textured to hold chalk well but with enough grip to be used without it. 

1 Reason Not To Buy

• They are not the cheapest KB on the market.

Best Weight Bench: AB-4100 Adjustable Weight Bench

The REP AB-4100, adjustable weight bench, offers almost the same amount of back pad and seat adjustments as more expensive options and only weighs 85 pounds. This bench features 7 back positions and 3 seat positions, all for under $400. This bench is available in white, green, and purple, and it’s great for tall and short people. A solid addition to any home gym.

Specs

Dimensions: 51.3” L x 20.3” W x 17” H

Pad Dimensions: 36” L x 12” W

Weight:85 lbs

Weight Capacity: 700 lbs

3 Reasons To Buy

• High-quality bench for the price.
• 7 incline options and 3 different sets of angles.
• Hold up to 700 pounds.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• At around $400, it is not the cheapest weight bench on the market.

Best Weight Plates: Rogue Fitness Echo Bumper Plates V2

The Rogue Fitness Echo Bumper Plates V2 has a standard 450MM diameter, minimal surface imperfections, and a weight within 1% of its target. These plates are made with stainless steel inserts, and quality virgin rubber offers durability rarely seen in an economical plate. The thin width of the plates makes it easy to maximize weight loads on the barbell. These plates are available in pairs from 10 to 45 lb or sets ranging from 160 to 260 lb total.

3 Reasons To Buy

• Echo bumpers plates are available in pairs or as sets.
• It allows you to load multiple plates onto a barbell.
• Durable and last for a long time.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• Cast iron plates are cheaper in you’re not interested in bumper plates

Best Treadmill For Home Use: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill is a great cardio machine packed that benefits both walkers and runners. The 14-inch HD touchscreen is loaded with iFit, which is NordicTrack’s interactive on-demand training program. With its integration with Google Maps, it has walking and running programs that take you all over the country if you like that kind of thing. 

The IFit adjusts the speed and the incline and decline. Yes, that’s right, the decline is one of the reasons it’s our top pick: it gives your legs the benefits of incline and decline running.

Specs

Dimensions: 72.25″ L X 34″ W X 61″ H

Weight: 310 pounds

Weight Capacity: N/A

3 Reasons To Buy

• It’s a treadmill with incline and decline training.
• Expansive running deck to reduce the risk of you falling off.
• An excellent treadmill for walkers and runners.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• Have to buy a membership to IFit to use this treadmill.

Best Squat Rack: PRx performance profile squat rack

When looking for the best multi-purpose squat rack that doesn’t take up a lot of space, the PRx performance profile squat rack is your go-to. With a pull-up bar for all your chin-up needs, you can mount this squat on the wall and fold it up when you’re done, and it almost takes up no space. And like all squat racks, you can squat and bench in their up to 1000 pounds. If you like to lift heavy and free weight training with barbells, you’ll want to consider this rack from PRx Performance.

Specs

Dimensions: Folded Down: 52″ x 73″ x 26.75″ · Folded Up: 52″ x 91″ x 9″

Weight: N/A

Weight Capacity: 1000 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy

• A great price compared with the other squat racks on the market.
• It has a weight limit of 1000 pounds.
• It folds against the wall to free up space when not used.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• You need wall space, and you need to be moderately handy to install.

Best Barbell Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar

If you’re not purchasing an all-one-gym machine, then a barbell for your home gym is essential, and there is no better barbell going around than the Ohio Bar from Rogue Fitness. This steel bar is made in the U.S.A. and features high-quality knurling (grip marks) and bronze brushings (the sleeves on the end of the barbell). What this means for the buyer is a high-quality, durable bar built to last and handle heavy loads. It is a little more expensive, but it is worth it.

Specs

Bar weight: 44.1 pounds

Bar Length: 86.25″

3 Reasons To Buy

• An attractive-looking barbell that fits well in your home or garage gym.
• It is durable and can handle heavy loads.
• This barbell can handle power and Olympic lifting movements.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• This barbell is an investment, and there are cheaper versions on the market.

Best Foam Roller AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller

A foam roller is an essential item for any gym, and the AmazonBasics high-density round foam roller is a great foam roller for the price. It comes in lengths of 12″, 18″, 24″, and 36″, which fits most body types. It only comes in black and is strong, durable, lightweight, and easy to clean.

3 Reasons To Buy

• It is excellent for balance, strengthening, flexibility, and rehab exercises.
• It comes in a variety of sizes.
• This foam roller is to clean and transport.

1 Reason Not To Buy

• It only comes in black.

What is a Home Gym?

People who are just starting to work out more may think that a home gym is a workout equipment area set up in your home. Sometimes, that is precisely what the term means.

However, “home gym” often refers to a large piece of workout equipment you can work out in various ways. This type of equipment may also be called a multi-gym, and it’s a great way to make the most of limited space.

Why choose a home gym over other exercise equipment, such as a treadmill, elliptical, or air bike? Because many home gyms offer dozens of different workout routines, you can burn more calories and improve muscles than you would on a treadmill, which has a more narrow focus.

What to Look For in a Home Gym

There are a few different components that make up the average home gym:

• Sturdy frame
• Adjustable bench
• Resistance bands, usually as part of a pulley system
• Pullup bar
• Dumbbells
• Barbells and addable weights, typically iron plates
• Power rack or squat stand
• Yoga mat

However, you should consider more than just the parts when deciding on a home gym. Remember to compare prices, sizes, assembly time, the number of potential workouts, and warranties.

Affordable Price

Home gyms span a wide price range, from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand. The price depends on whether you choose an upscale model with numerous features or a basic one lacking bells and whistles.

Many people buy a home gym to save money on a membership. Consider how many months of a local gym membership your equipment is equivalent to, and ask yourself if that’s a fair price.

Living Space Limitations

Before you purchase a home gym, take out a measuring tape, and estimate how much space it will take up in your home. Some machines fold up, perfect for a small space. Others may take up almost an entire room.

Also, consider how structurally sound your floor is, particularly if you’re not on the first floor. Is the foundation sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the gym and your workouts? For example, if you repeatedly clank heavy-duty weights against the floor, you may cause severe damage.

Assembly

How long it takes to set up a home gym may not be the most pressing question, but it’s still worth considering. Is it the work of a few minutes, or will you have to dedicate an entire day off to put your home gym together? Plus, some home gyms are bulky and require multiple people to set up.

If you are still waiting for an estimated assembly time listed, contact the company. The company may also offer an in-home assembly for an additional fee.

Potential Workouts

Companies often list the number of potential workouts or the muscle groups you can exercise under a home gym machine’s specs. An ideal machine should provide different stations for aerobic exercises, resistance training, and flexibility improvement.

A machine with more potential workouts isn’t always better than a basic model. If you’re starting your fitness journey, you might want one with fewer features for a more streamlined experience. Consider your fitness goals and let them guide you to a fitting machine.

Warranties

Warranties for a home gym span a wide range of coverage periods. Some warranties last only a couple of years, while others extend to 10 years or even a lifetime. It’s common for the frame to be covered much longer than any parts. Companies may charge you for labor to fix your machine, even if the pieces are covered.

Our advice? We recommend warranties that last at least 5 to 6 years. Often, that’s how long you need to use a home gym to spend less money than you would have on a regular gym membership.

Going to a Gym vs. Working Out At Home

Home gyms offer benefits you won’t experience at a regular gym. However, home gyms also have unique drawbacks.

Advantages of Home Gyms

One of the most significant advantages of a home gym is exercising whenever you want, at the best time for you. Some gyms are open 24 hours and seven days a week, but this schedule is not universal. Whether you’re a morning person who likes to start exercising the second you’re out of bed, or a shift worker who’s awake at odd hours, a home gym helps you make exercise a part of your daily life.

Having a home gym is also a time-saver. Instead of commuting to a gym, you walk over to your workout area.

While a home gym is a big purchase, it’s also a one-time investment. A membership is a monthly or yearly expense adding up over time (depending on your plan).

For example, let’s say you’re debating between a $20 monthly membership or a $1,500 home gym. If you use the home gym for more than six years, you will eventually save money that would have gone toward gym fees.

There’s also the simple fact that once you buy the equipment, it’s yours entirely. You don’t have to wait for someone else to finish using it unless you share it with a family member or roommate. No more wondering how many strangers touched a piece of equipment before you used it.

Finally, home gyms offer solitude and privacy. While many people enjoy working out in a group, others prefer to exercise alone. They may feel better about their performance if they’re not comparing themselves to people around them or simply being solitary.

Disadvantages of Home Gyms

It takes discipline to develop and follow any new exercise routine, but some people struggle more with working out at home and find it easier to exercise at a gym.

One big disadvantage is that your home gym might be too close to home. Go to a gym, and it’s usually easy for your mind to focus on working out. When you start your workout routine at home, your mind might fly to the dishes you need to wash or groceries you need to buy. You might feel tempted to cut your routine short and catch up on a TV show or chores.

Your exercise routines may become too familiar after weeks or months of working out. Most of us won’t be able to set up a home gym that matches a gym’s variety. Some people are okay with switching between a few different workout routines, but others may get bored and wish they could mix it up more.

Home gyms take up valuable living space. If you don’t have much room for your own gym, you may constantly be squeezing around your exercise equipment. Plus, a home gym space often requires regular maintenance and cleaning.

A home gym can also get lonely if you regularly work out with a friend. A gym is great if you want the encouragement and camaraderie from group workouts. A 2017 study found that exercising in a group reduced stress more than exercising alone.

Gyms offer a sense of community and classes where you work in a group with a teacher or receive one-on-one instruction. You have to learn on your own at home.

Setting up a Budget Home Gym

Only some people have the money to drop on an expensive multi-gym, but that doesn’t mean you’re barred from working out at home. You can create a decent home workout routine with careful shopping, research, and creativity.

A great workout routine has three parts:

• Aerobic exercises to get your heart pumping and work out your large muscles
• Stretching exercises to increase flexibility and range of motion
• Strength training for stronger muscles and bones

You also need to warm up your muscles before exercising and slowly unwind after your routine is finished. For a warm-up or cooldown exercise, spend 5 to 10 minutes on a low-level aerobic activity like walking or simple stretches.

Are you transitioning from a sedentary lifestyle to a more physically active one? Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. They may have suggestions to set up a smart home gym.

Inexpensive Workout Equipment

First, consider an exercise mat for warm-up stretches and floor exercises, such as crunches, planks, and pilates. Strictly speaking, a mat isn’t necessary, but it does keep you more comfortable as you work out.

If you don’t have an exercise mat, you can improvise with a towel, bath mat, or blanket. You can also go outside and work out on a grassy surface.

Purchase two sets of dumbbells for strength training, one lighter than the other. Weightlifting builds muscles that help you burn calories more effectively. To find the best dumbbells for you, consider the brand’s reputation, user reviews, cost, and the dumbbell’s shape and grip.

A jump rope is another low-cost way to get into shape. A 10 to 20-minute-long jump rope workout:

• Challenges your core muscles, along with your arms, legs, and back muscles
• Increases your flexibility and strength
• It gets your heart pumping

An exercise ball often costs under $20; you can structure a few different workout routines around one. Use it for strengthening exercises, stretches, and core workouts.

Stationary bikes are relatively inexpensive, often costing only a few hundred dollars. However, you can spend less if you own an outdoor bike. Instead, buy a bike trainer stand, which often costs under $100. The rack keeps the bike in place while you pedal.

People who can afford to spend a few hundred dollars on workout equipment might consider a rowing machine. Rowing machines do more than work out your upper body. They’re aerobic machines where you push your legs while you pull your arms, giving you a full-body workout.

However, a rowing machine isn’t for everyone, such as people with back issues or beginners. Using a rowing machine requires coordination and strong core muscles. If you’re beginning your journey toward getting in shape, work up to a rowing machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get fit without going to the gym?

Yes, you can get in shape without a membership. However, building a home workout routine requires self-discipline and independent research. Some people prefer the know-how and outside motivation of having fitness experts nearby.

Still, you no longer have to pay for classes if you want to learn new stretches and exercise routines. A quick web search will pull up numerous how-to fitness guides with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and even helpful videos—no need to invest in a personal trainer.

If you want a sense of community with a gym membership, consider jogging with a friend or signing up for volunteer activities involving physical activity. Cleaning up a park or road can help you work up a sweat and burn calories.

Can you lose weight by walking every day?

You can manage your weight better if you walk a significant amount daily. A 1987 study observed women who worked their way up to walking an hour every day over six months. These women lost 10 percent of their weight without following a restricted diet.

Similarly, a 2014 study observed obese women who walked 50 to 70 minutes three days a week. The study concluded that walking is an excellent way to prevent belly fat.

You can burn more calories if you swing your arms while walking.

Why do bodybuilders use machines?

Bodybuilders use machines to target specific muscles they want to grow. Other bodybuilders prefer free weights. The equipment you use matters less than you might think. Your muscles bulk up through classic resistance exercises, thanks to triggered hormones.

Why would I set up a home gym instead of getting a membership nearby?

A common reason people set up home gym equipment is to save money. While purchasing a membership instead of exercise equipment costs less in the short term, buying your workout equipment costs less in the long run. You can look up the prices for a local gym membership and the home gym cost and figure out how many months or years at the gym would be equivalent to a piece of equipment.

Other individuals might set up a home gym for the convenience of working out whenever they want. It can be tough to get into a gym if you work odd hours or lead a hectic lifestyle. Privacy is another concern; some people prefer to work out without anyone watching them.

Lastly, some people might set up home gym equipment to motivate themselves. You may find it easier to work out if your equipment is right at hand. Of course, this is only sometimes universal, as other people might find they’re too distracted at home to focus on exercising.

Can I get a better (or equivalent) workout at home?

Yes, working out just as well at home as at the gym is possible. An effective fitness routine has warm-up, cardiovascular or aerobic exercises, resistance training to build strength, flexibility exercises, and a cooldown.

Of course, you don’t necessarily need to choose between the two. Some people find it best to work at home and at a gym. Working out at home helps you adopt regular fitness as part of your lifestyle, while gyms are good places to learn more and interact with others.

Conclusion

With planning and the right home gym workout equipment, you can work out just as well at home as at the local gym. Though home gym equipment can be expensive, over time, the machines pay for themselves as you save money that would otherwise go toward a gym membership.

Remember that a good exercise program increases your flexibility, builds muscles, and gets the heart pumping. A varied routine will get you in better shape than repeating a few exercises.