If you get your fitness on in the comfort of your own home, good for you! What used to be viewed as an excuse to not acquire a gym membership is now the excuse of the pandemic and a reason to stay fit even when you’re not comfortable working out in a public space. We rounded up the best at-home fitness equipment to take your New Year’s resolutions to the next level in 2022.
More and more people are joining the work-out-from-home bandwagon—and it doesn’t look like this at-home fitness craze is going anywhere any time soon. In fact, nine out of 10 Americans say they plan on continuing their at-home fitness regimen even after it becomes safe to return to in-person fitness classes and gyms, according to a survey by Beachbody, and 87 percent of those who do plan to return to in-person fitness say they will also carry on with their at-home regimen at least some of the time.
“The COVID-19 pandemic took the gym out of the equation for so many people, making at-home workouts no longer one choice, but the only choice,” says Jamie Bacharach, Dipl.Ac of Acupuncture Jerusalem and yoga instructor. “While plenty of people have been eager or happy to return to the gym, there are also many people who now swear by working out at home, having tried it for the first time during lockdown.”
Pandemic aside, the prospect of not having to leave your house and factor in any commuting time, getting the chance to create your own fitness schedule and avoid expensive monthly fees, as well as not having to pack a gym bag, has always been attractive.
Here’s some of the best at-home fitness equipment to take your at-home workouts to the next level.
The Peloton Tread ($2,495, onepeloton.com)
You’re probably familiar with the Peloton bike, but may not realize that they also have a treadmill version that’s seriously top-notch. It has a fairly compact design for a treadmill of its caliber and comes with a giant (we’re talking huge) screen where you can stream their live or recorded classes. It goes up to 12.5 mph and inclines all the way up to 12.5 percent—both can be altered using the knobs on the left and right (left is for the incline and right is for the speed).
It has a fairly quiet motor, which comes in handy if you’re sharing a space with a roommate or have napping kiddos in another room. The best part about having the Peloton Tread is that you can tune into the Peloton classes via a $39/month subscription, which offers classes, as well as scenic runs that let you virtually jog in locations all over the world.
JFIT Dumbbell Hand Weight Pairs and Sets ($51.54; amazon.com)
Adding a little weight training to your workouts can go a long way for your health. In fact, it has been linked to everything from improved posture and weight loss to better bone density and enhanced sleep. It’s a good idea to have variety, so you can switch between varying amounts, depending on your workout. Melanie Kotcher, HIIT Pilates instructor and AFAA Group-certified wellness coach, prefers a set that includes 3 lb, 5 lb and 8 lb, like this one from JFIT, which also comes with a storage rack to keep everything organized and to prevent any injury while working out.
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell Pair ($329; amazon.com)
If you’re really short on space, adjustable dumbbells are your best bet. They look like they’re only a single pair (which they are), but they can vary between weight amounts. This one by NordicTrack, for example, can range from 10 to 55 pounds! Not only is this a budget-friendly piece of home gym equipment, but it will save you money and help you build progress in the long-run, explains Bacharach.
“Thanks to the adjustable settings, not only will you be able to work out and engage different muscle groups from the get-go, you’ll also be able to scale up in terms of weight as you progress and get stronger – which will be necessary without the access to a full dumbbell set you would find at the gym,” she says.
Weider Platinum Adjustable Bench ($129; amazon.com)
If you’re serious about lifting weights, you’re going to need more than just your couch or bed to lean on. In fact, you’re going to want to, since a real workout bench helps you maintain optimal posture and helps prevent injury. “A proper, adjustable bench, like this one from Weider, will ensure you can do all of the exercises involved in your routine efficiently and safely,” says Bacharach.
We Are 100% Here for Snackable Workouts
Lululemon The Reversible Mat 5mm ($88; shop.lululemon.com)
You don’t have to be a yogi to benefit from a yoga mat. In fact, they can come in handy for a myriad of exercises, including cardio kickboxing, pilates, weight lifting and any type of floor work. When searching for a yoga mat, it’s important to consider materials, as some are made with harsh chemicals that you don’t exactly want to be breathing in, let alone working out on. Lululemon’s mats are made from natural rubber, which grips to the floor, as well as an antimicrobial additive to help prevent mold and mildew growth over time.
Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike ($799; schwinnfitness.com)
Tom Holland, exercise physiologist, certified sports nutritionist and fitness expert, is a big fan of this stationary bike, which he says can serve as your cardio solution to be used on a daily or weekly basis. Like Peloton, you can join in on classes through their JRNY app (works on phones and tablets), which they only charge $149 per year for—and the first year is free with your purchase. With 100 resistance levels, dual-sided pedals, a backlit LCD metric console, a bluetooth-enabled heart rate armband monitor and a free pair of 3-pound dumbbells included, this bike is a steal for the price.
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands ($12; amazon.com)
Resistance bands might not look like much, but they’re one of the simplest—and most effective—pieces of workout equipment out there. Not only do they help enhance the quality of whatever exercise you’re performing, but they also help you hone in on your control, which helps tone and stabilizes your muscles. They’re incredibly lightweight, which makes them convenient for use at home or on the go. “Don’t be fooled; you can use them for more than building your booty, as they are great for arm and ab workouts,” adds Stephanie George, certified yoga instructor and personal trainer.
Yes4All Plastic Wobble Balance Board ($21.49; amazon.com)
If you’re looking for a simple, yet effective, piece of workout equipment that can help enhance your balance and sense of self-movement, this is a great choice. To help strengthen your core, Allen Conrad, BS, DC, CSCS, Montgomery County Chiropractic Center in North Wales Pennsylvania, suggests performing 2-leg and 1-leg exercises as well as push ups for upper body core stability. “This sturdy plastic design is durable and easily storable when not being used,” he adds.
Ab Roller Wheel ($20; amazon.com)
This piece of workout equipment has been around since your parents were picking each other up at the gym. It’s still around—and for good reason. It works your abs unlike almost anything else. It’s so effective at targeting these muscles that Bacharach recommends incorporating it into any at-home workout. “It’s so good at helping you break a sweat that it should be a staple of any home gym,” she says.
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