Staying physically active and getting regular exercise are widely known to have major health benefits. These benefits include the obvious, such as losing unwanted weight and increasing strength, but also more subtle ones, such as psychological well-being and feeling more self-confident. There are consistent ways to remain in shape, such as participating in team sports and regularly going to the gym.
However, not everyone has the time or comfort level to put their quest for physical fitness in a public place. Between the time spent traveling and the inconveniences of trying to use equipment in a packed gym, the experience can be a bit underwhelming. Home gyms bring the benefits of regular exercise into the comfort and convenience of home. Unfortunately, not all home gyms are truly equipped to help people stay in shape and enjoy their lives. We’ve selected four of the best home gyms to make the search a little easier.
Finding the Right Home Gym
The ideal gym varies depending on the person. There are numerous concerns, such as price, types of equipment, how much space they take up, and how suited they are for beginners. Given how different each of these concerns is, it’s worth looking at the best machines that suit these different needs.
Best Affordable Home Gym
For those operating on a budget, it’s essential to strike the balance between affordability and quality. The TRX Home2 System brings a variety of exercises into your home gym using elastic bands and tension equipment rather than bulky weights. This reliance on tension equipment keeps material and shipping costs low, as well as makes it easy to move the gym around to the perfect spot in the home.
Best Quality Home Gym
For a home gym that has it all, the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio makes it easy to get into an exercise routine. The machine’s footprint is relatively small and also uses tension equipment to keep the machine’s weight down. Unlike the TRX Home2 System, however, the Fusion CST’s design simplifies the process of learning exercises and improves form. Those who are beginners can rely on the complex, elegant design to help them avoid needless injuries. Additionally, the high-quality materials ensure that this home gym will remain in working condition for a long time.
Best Home Gym for Small Spaces
The FT-3000 Compact Functional Trainer punches above its size to bring an intense gym workout into a small space. Dense weights that can be used incrementally give the user full control over how much effort they want to use. The simple handle design also makes it easy to target specific muscles and groups with a variety of exercises. However, the machine’s simplicity will demand more attention, precision, and experience from the user to get the most benefit without risking injuries due to bad form.
Best Intense Home Workout
To have the most gym-like experience at home, the Force USA X20 Pro Multi Trainer Full Rack system unlocks nearly every area of the gym floor. The barbell rack is perfect for squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, featuring a system of interchangeable weights to give the user precise control. The integrated weight rack also promotes safe usage and can be adjusted according to height and body composition. Additionally, the system has built-in tension weights and brings all the benefits of the FT-3000, but it will need significantly more space in the home.
Making the Most of a Home Gym
Just like with going to the gym, the most important part of using a home gym is actually using it. Make it a routine to stop by the designated workout space, and don’t bring other activities into the area. Once someone establishes a habit with these machines, they’ll start to feel many improvements in their life.
When planning for the machine itself, most people will find that additional equipment, such as floor mats and towels, will make the space much more inviting and easier to keep clean. Further, adding a TV or quality speaker system can make the time pass by more enjoyably. While the above machines are the heart of a home gym, remember that a few pieces of added equipment can make the difference between a boring obligation and a positive way to maintain focus and health on a daily basis.