The Best Home Exercise Machine
The most effective home exercise equipment will help you achieve your goals, whether you want to burn calories or build strength. The PASYOU weight bench can be used to perform an entire body workout, which includes incline chest press as well as decline situps and the stepping up with weights.
For those with limited space, the smart Tonal home gym is an excellent choice that can take training to a new level at a price point. It requires an area of 7'x7.
1. Elliptical
Elliptical machines give you a full body exercise that increases endurance, stamina, your lungs, heart and muscles. They also burn a lot of calories - 400-270 calories per 30 minutes based on your weight.
Many ellipticals have large screens where you can view your workout statistics (like your heart rate, the amount of calories you've burned, and the amount of time left in your session) and also watch television shows or movies while you pedal. Certain ellipticals have handles you can hold onto to exercise your upper body. Others allow you to pedal in reverse to work different leg muscles.
Ellipticals are also less impactful than running and can help those suffering from knee, hip, or ankle pain to avoid injury. However, if you practice the same elliptical exercise routine repeatedly, it could cause knee joint stress that could cause osteoarthritis, he adds.
Long says that ellipticals don't work suitable for running because the forward-backward movement they simulate doesn't target the same muscles that are used for outdoor walking and jogging. She suggests ellipticals that feature a more natural forward-backward motion and that also include moving arms, which work your upper-body and core. Also, ellipticals won't aid in building the balance and coordination that treadmills or outdoor running and jogging can because the machine is geared to support your body.
2. Climbing Machine
A favorite among professional athletes and celebrity gym-goers the vertical climber provides high-intensity training that targets every major muscle group. "They are extremely effective in terms of calorie burn and boosting your VO2 max which is the rate that your body uses oxygen during exercise," says Coop. A 30-minute session on a vertical climber can produce more than 800 calories and you can alter the intensity level to achieve your fitness goals.
Climbers can also be utilized by people who have back or joint problems because they do not require the same impact on the joints that running does. The stepping motion is similar to climbing steps and can help tone your lower body without impact. It's a great alternative to traditional treadmills, which can be tough on ankles and knees.
The elliptical/climber combination is a different alternative. It offers the benefits of cardio and strength training however it is not as powerful than a traditional climbing machine. The ROEPFLEX Apex RX 4400, for example, combines a climbing machine with a weight-bearing incline trainer and resistance. It's a powerful machine that's a good investment if you're looking for an indoor climbing machine, but it's still expensive.
For a budget-friendly option, try the Sole CC81. It has an onboard screen that displays key metrics, as well as six built-in programs that can be used for a guided workout. It also supports the largest tablet and has an attached mount that allows you to watch videos or stream classes on demand.
3. Kettlebell
Kettlebells are becoming more popular in gyms and boutique studios. They can also be effective at home. They provide both a cardio and strength training all at once, burning more calories in a shorter amount of time. Kettlebells are also a great way to add variety to your exercise routine, keeping things exciting while working all major muscles.
The portability of kettlebells has been cited as the primary benefit. Kettlebells are small enough to carry in your car, or store at home, and they're easy to set up anywhere (provided it's safe, of course!). They can be used for full body exercises such as swings, cleans, snatches and presses. They are also excellent for metabolic conditioning and fat loss.
However, because kettlebell exercises require active movements and multiple muscle contractions, they aren't suitable for beginners or those returning to exercise after a long hiatus. Ailments to the wrists or shoulders can result from improperly using kettlebells. ACE recommends starting with lighter weights, then gradually increase the weights.
4. Rowing Machine
In the cardio section, rowing machines can be found along with treadmills and exercise bikes. They provide a high-intensity full-body workout, strengthening both endurance and strength. They also provide a wonderful cardiovascular workout, increasing the health of your heart.
If done correctly when done correctly, rows target major muscle groups. This includes your quadriceps (for the leg drive) and hamstrings (for the hamstring drive), and glutes (for the leg pull). They also target your shoulders, back and biceps when you pull the handle towards your body. The exercise is also low-impact, which makes it a great choice for those with hip or knee problems.
The fluid motion of a rowing machine skips the joint strain that can come with running or jumping, and makes it an effective workout for those who want to strengthen their core and build endurance without the joint-pounding effects. However, novices must be aware of the correct form to avoid injury and achieve the best results.
One drawback is the limited range of motions. Contrary to treadmills that allows you to adjust the speed or incline however, you're restricted to the motion of rowing on a machine. Some people may find this boring. A rowing machine can be used to cross-train with other strength and cardio exercises. One excellent choice is the Echelon Row Connected Rower, that comes with a variety of workout programs and uses your smartphone to stream rowing-focused videos.
5. Cable Machine
The cable machine is a great piece of home gym equipment to exercise your entire body. It's also an excellent tool to introduce people to weightlifting, since you can get a full-body exercise with just a few attachments.
Another benefit of a cable machine is that it provides a constant tension throughout the entire movement that can help you build muscle. Cable machines unlike free weights which offer a lesser resistance at the top and bottom of a movement, keep your muscles under tension throughout the entire movement. This ensures that your muscles are fully exhausted, which is crucial for building strength.
One thing that some may not like about the cable machine is that it doesn't provide the same kind of energy as free weights, such as the tiny amount of elastic energy you get from the bench press or swing in a kettlebell. This is because the cables in the machine don't work in the similar way as a barbell or dumbbells.
The Titan wall-mounted pulley is a flexible and cost-effective cable machine that is ideal for home use. It features a pair of adjustable pulleys that can be set to any height you want, and it's compatible with most of the top weight plates. It's not built for every workout, however it doesn't come with swiveling pulleys, which could hinder your ability to do some exercises.
6. Bodyweight
Bodyweight exercise machines are easy to use, cheap and can be stowed away easily. Although they're not as sophisticated and smooth-sliding as the machines in pay-to-play gyms, they still provide a powerful workout.
Bodyweight exercises, unlike free weights or other machines that require stability and balance to work, use your muscles in their normal movements - pulling and pushing. But they can be harder on the joints and limit your range of motion.
A quality machine for bodyweight should include a variety of options to increase or decrease the resistance, as well as the incline, which allows you to work different muscle groups, or change your exercise to keep it interesting and enjoyable. It should also come with a screen that shows your heart rate, time, and other data so you can remain engaged throughout your workout.
While the most effective home exercise equipment for weight loss doesn't have to be a specific piece of equipment, the best one will help you develop the stamina you need to burn calories and increase endurance. It will also make you want to go back to the gym again and again. Consistency is the key to losing weight. The most effective way to achieve that is to use a machine that you like enough to keep going with whether it's a brisk spin class or long runs on the treadmill. The best fitness equipment for you will depend on your individual goals and fitness level.