Staying active is important for your body and mind, especially when you're stressed. Regular exercise can improve your mood, decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease, and help control your weight. But between work, family obligations, and daily life chores, it can be hard to find time to hit the gym. Luckily, a home workout isn't as hard as you think if you have the right equipment to help you accomplish your goals.
We've poured a lot of research into the topic and picked the 10 best pieces of equipment to complete your home workout your way. A great starting place is Gaiam's Essentials Premium Yoga Mat, which can be used for balance and flexibility workouts, strength training, floor work, and more. We've also included a buying guide at the end of the article to help you choose the right equipment for you!
Quick List - Top At Home Workout Equipment
Nordic Track
Best for Improving Your Cardio
I am the manager and head personal trainer for a local fitness facility. I graduated from college with my bachelor's in Exercise Science and have been in the industry for the past 5 years since. I am super passionate about fitness and how our bodies work!
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There are several things to consider when buying workout equipment. Aside from your budget, let's look at some other factors to help you choose the right products.
All exercise has benefits, but if you have specific goals in mind, think about those before deciding what equipment will help you get there.
There are a lot of cardio workouts that you can do at home. First, you need to ask yourself whether or not you want to use equipment to enhance your workouts. If your answer is no, you can do some basic exercises like jumping jacks, dancing, jogging in place, and so on.
However, if you want to add some portable equipment to your workout, a jump rope, a pair of light dumbbells, a hula hoop, or a boxing sandbag can be good options. These can all help take your cardio sessions to another level without taking up much space.
If you want something more substantial, then you can look at bigger equipment, like a punching bag stand, treadmill, elliptical machine, exercise bike, or rowing machine. We would suggest comparing multiple sources and checking both positive and negative reviews before making a decision.
While larger equipment can be an investment, it will last for many years. Treadmills have a lifespan of seven to 12 years, while ellipticals and exercise bikes can last up to 20. Of course, this requires regular maintenance, but most equipment also comes with a warranty.
You can absolutely do cardio with or without equipment! Cardio can look different in so many ways. This can include running, powerlifting, HIIT, and more. Some may choose to use equipment while others don't. Either way, you are still getting a great workout that is even better for your heart health.
If you’re more interested in improving your muscle mass, then strength training is your answer. You can use your own bodyweight or add some equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, or an ab wheel to your workout. Using your own body weight is the easiest way to start and can help you avoid injuries.
If you're a beginner, you can gain muscle without any equipment if you use the right techniques and exercises. A quick search online should you give you some pointers on where to start. However, gains will be limited for those who already have experience in weight training.
On the other hand, if you want to add equipment to your workout, there are several things to consider. In the case of dumbbells and kettlebells, you should know what skill level you're at, whether it's beginner, intermediate, or advanced. This can help you decide what weight is right for you.
Beginners should start with light weights and focus on form. If you start too heavy, you run the risk of injury. More experienced lifters can choose a weight that's more challenging and build on what has been lifted previously. It's also good to have multiple weights to use for different muscle groups, as some may be stronger than others.
In addition, muscle growth and strength building require progressive overload, which means increasing the weight, frequency, or number of repetitions in your routine as you get stronger. Adjustable dumbbells are a great option for this and take up less space than having multiple pairs.
No matter what exercise level you are at, you can basically use the same equipment. Some who are more experienced or comfortable using equipment might use more than someone who has just begun working out, and that's okay! Use what you are comfortable with, when you are ready, and when you become familiar with a new piece of equipment.
Yoga and pilates are popular choices for at-home workouts. Aside from improving balance, flexibility, and posture, they can also help to reduce joint pain. These types of workouts suit everyone because they can be easily tailored to your skill level.
The 2012 National Health Interview Survey found that 94 percent of Americans who practice yoga do it for health reasons. Moreover, over 36 million Americans practiced yoga in 2016, which accounted for roughly 15 percent of American adults.
Barre is another good option that's inspired by a combination of yoga, pilates, strength training, and dance. Barre is perfect for pregnant women because it's full of low-impact, controlled movements. It can also help with weight loss as well as increasing muscle strength.
In general, you only need a yoga mat for this type of workout but a pair of light dumbbells, a resistance band, foam roller, yoga ball, or medicine ball can be good options if you want to add intensity. Beginners can get extra support by adding in yoga blocks to aid with stretches until your flexibility improves.
It is important for everyone to incorporate balance and flexibility exercises into their weekly workout routine, no matter what age or exercise level you are at. This will help you move better, live better, and be less sore on a day-to-day basis. This does not need to be very long though; I would recommend sticking to 10 minutes.
You can get a great HIIT workout with nothing but your own body weight. But if you want to take the intensity up a notch, try adding equipment, like dumbbells, kettlebells, a battle rope, or an exercise bike.
HIIT provides a lot of benefits to your health. First, it burns more calories in a shorter time. One study found that HIIT could burn 30 percent more calories than weight training and running for the same amount of time. You’ll also get the “afterburn effect,” which helps you burn even more calories after your workout is done, too!
Second, HIIT can help you lose body fat while maintaining muscle. You may even gain muscle mass in areas that you use a lot during your workout, like your legs and trunk. And third, HIIT can help reduce blood sugar in both healthy and diabetic people, as well as heart rate and blood pressure in overweight individuals.
Home workouts don't need to be too difficult. As long as you are moving, you are accomplishing something! One of my favorite home workouts is using mini bands.
These are super cheap bands that you can order online, but you can do so many exercises with them that make a huge difference! My favorite mini band exercises include triceps extensions, clamshells, and band walks. If you want a good burn, do mini walks for one minute.
This is one of the most important factors when you decide to work out at home. Take stock of where you're likely to exercise and how much space you have and keep this in mind when you choose any equipment.
If you have limited space, you want to choose a type of exercise where you don’t have to move around a lot such as yoga, lifting weights, or doing jumping jacks. You should also consider what equipment you have room for, both when you're exercising and when you're not. A yoga mat is easy to store when not in use and an adjustable set of dumbbells can fit in any small corner.
If you have a bigger space, then you will have more options. You may even have enough space for larger machines such as treadmills and exercise bikes, as well as a set of weights. However, be sure to pick equipment that you’ll enjoy using otherwise it will just take up room in your home for no reason.
Neighbors may not be an issue if you live in a big house. On the other hand, if you live in an apartment or condominium, your workouts can bother your neighbors if you make a lot of noise. Thankfully, there are a lot of apartment-friendly workouts such as strength training, balancing, and flexibility workouts.
Cardio isn’t a good choice, especially those exercises that include a lot of jumping like jump squats, burpees, jumping jacks, and lunge and switches. Any exercises that involve you lifting your feet from the floor and putting them back down at a high speed or energy level are likely to make noise. and this is also the case with running on a treadmill.
However, there are steps you can take to minimize the noise. An easy option is to restrict your cardio exercises to daylight hours when your neighbors are less likely to be annoyed by any noise. There are also accessories available, such as shock and noise absorbing mats, that can soften the sounds of your exercise.
You should make sure to read and follow all the safety instructions carefully before you begin to use any equipment. If you live with children or pets and use equipment like a treadmill or elliptical equipment, you should keep it unplugged when you’re not using it or not at home. Some of these machines can even be folded down for easy storage so you can ensure no small hands can get to them.
If you do have young children at home, you should also try to keep them away during your workout time. They can be a distraction or even try to interfere with your workout, potentially causing an injury risk. If you have older children or teens, you should educate them on how to use machines properly and tell them things they must do in case of an emergency situation.
If you have seniors at home who also like to work out, you should make sure to have someone with them in order to support them should the need arise. It's also important to know your limits when exercising and to not push yourself too hard. Exercising too frequently or for too long can also put your safety at risk.
A lot of people lack of motivation to exercise alone and some think that typical workouts are boring! So why don’t you and your family join in the same workout? This way, working out can be more fun and you can enjoy spending time together too.
Don’t underestimate video games for workouts. Even though they can’t replace traditional workouts, they can make you tired and sweat a lot too. There are many games on the market that have well-structured workouts and programs that are also fun.
Some examples are Ring Fit Adventure on the Nintendo Switch or VR games such as Beat Saber on the PlayStation 4 and PC. These games offer a variety of types of workouts such as dancing, boxing, and sports. In addition, some offer adventure, fighting, and role-playing games that will get you on your feet.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | SPRI Deluxe Vinyl Dumbbells|8 lbs. | ![]() | Best for Weight Training | |
2 | Nordic Track 3-Piece Kettlebell Set With Storage Rack|T 6.5 S Treadmill, 5 in. display | ![]() | Best for Improving Your Cardio | |
3 | Multifun Jump Rope|White | ![]() | Best for the Entire Family | |
4 | Fitven Resistance Loop Bands | ![]() | Best for Strength Training and Stress Relief | |
5 | Marcy T 9.5 S Treadmill|ME-709 | ![]() | Best Cardio Equipment for the Elderly and Those With Weak Joints | |
6 | Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat with Carrier|Green | ![]() | Best for Flexibility | |
7 | Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure | ![]() | Best for Having Fun While You Exercise | |
8 | Beachbody Insanity Base Kit | ![]() | Best High Intensity Program | |
9 | BalanceFrom Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder|0.5 in. thick, 24 sq. ft. | ![]() | Best for Protecting Your Floors and Reducing Noise | |
10 | Brian Keane The Fitness Mindset|Paperback | ![]() | Best Introduction to Home Fitness and Nutrition |
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When it comes to strength-training equipment, people usually think of dumbbells. They're small and they don't take up much home space. These dumbbells are sold in a pair, and the weights are available from one pound up to 20 pounds.
Some reviewers point out that the dumbbells had a bad odor or say the material quickly gets slippery from sweat when working out. This can easily be solved with workout gloves. Still, many reviewers say they're easy to hold and perfect for beginners.
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Treadmills are a popular home exercise machine and a great way to increase your cardio. This treadmill from Nordic Track includes a one-month subscription to their iFIT service, which gives you access to trainer lead workouts from the comfort of your home.
There are comments from some reviewers that there were parts missing, making it impossible to assemble the treadmill out of the box, although customer service was quick to replace them. The subscription service may not be for everyone, but whether you subscribe or not this treadmill can greatly improve your cardio!
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This jump rope is a great way to get youngsters excited about exercise. The rope is made from steel and is coated with PVC and attached with high-quality ball bearings to make the rope durable and stable. Included in the handles is a digital counter to monitor jumps and calories burned.
Some reviewers say that the counter isn't accurate and stopped working after a few uses. However, most users are pleased with this rope. They like that it comes with a storage bag and can be adjusted so it can be used by the entire family and all ages. It's also lightweight and easy to hold.
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Boxing is not only a great strength and cardio workout, it can also be a fun way to relieve some stress. This punching bag is secured in place by both the suction cups under the base and the ability to weigh it down by filling the base with sand or water.
There are reports from some reviewers of missing pieces and the bag not lasting long under heavy and frequent punching. However, most reviewers found the bag to be sturdy and easy to use. The recoil on the bag once punched is especially praised.
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This exercise bike is a recumbent-style bike. The position of the seat means it is less stressful on the knee joints and easier to mount and dismount than an upright bike. The tension of the bike can be adjusted also, making this a good choice for beginners to cardio or those that are elderly or have weak joints.
Some reviewers found assembling this bike to be difficult due to missing parts. There are also a few reports of the tension not working correctly or failing after only a few uses. However, many reviewers love this bike, saying it is very quiet and perfect for the elderly!
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A yoga mat is ideal home workout equipment because it can suit every user, type of workout, and fitness level. There are many free workouts available through social media that you can take advantage of without spending your own money.
Some reviewers say the mat has a bad odor like chemicals or a burnt smell, while others found it to be too slippery. However, many reviewers like its additional length and thickness, as this makes it suitable for tall people and protects your floor. As long as you have space for the mat, you have space to do yoga.
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Video games can also be used for exercise, as proven in this game where you take control of the main character and fight against enemies. It requires lots of squats, jogging in place, high-knees, knee-to-chest movements, and more, so you'll get to do a full-body workout with cardio, strength training, balance, and flexibility.
Some reviewers ran into issues with the usability of the controllers and straps. Others say that the game grew repetitive quickly. On the other hand, many do enjoy this game and say that it's a fun experience and they get to burn a lot of calories.
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Insanity is one of the hardest workouts available on DVD and covers HIIT, cardio, and strength training. It's an intense 60-day workout program that takes about 20 to 60 minutes a day, six days a week. You'll also get the meal plan together with the workout DVD.
You'll be using your own body weight for all workouts, so no equipment is required. As the workouts are intense, this is not suitable for beginners to exercise or anyone with health issues or injuries. However, most reviewers enjoy these workouts, and saw quick results!
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This pack of floor mats includes six squares and 12 end borders. They can be fitted together as you like and the borders added to give the mats a more finished look. They act to both protect your floor and reduce the noise level of your equipment and movements.
You have a choice of colors, size, and thickness and they can be easily slotted together and moved around as needed. Some reviewers report that the mats aren't as heavy-duty as they would have liked. However, reviewers are pleased with the noise-cancellation properties and say they're easy to clean.
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If you want to ensure that you're doing your workouts right and are getting the most out of them, then this book is a great starting point. It consists of lots of good information that'll benefit your physical and mental health.
It explains nutrition, the differences between types of workouts, ways to reduce your anxiety and stress, and how to boost energy by changing your habits. A couple of reviewers point out that this book contains basic information that most people already know; however, most people support the claim that it's easy to understand and good for beginners.
Get your sweat on with this high-intensity cardio workout from the folks at Self! They'll take you through scissor steps, jumping jacks, skaters, pop squats, and planks, with a warmup included. All you need is a yoga mat or soft surface for the planks.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to at-home workout equipment.
When choosing what kind of exercise to try at home, an important consideration is how effective it will be. This is especially a concern with low-impact exercise. Any exercise that doesn't put a strain on your joints, such as swimming, yoga, or cycling, is considered low impact and many people wonder how effective it is at losing weight or improving fitness levels.
The answer is that yes, low-impact exercise can be just as effective as other types of exercise and can offer just as many benefits. Low-impact exercise can also be intense, but it has the benefit of not putting strain on your joints.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week and this can easily be achieved with low-impact workouts.
If you live in an apartment building, then you'll already be aware of how sound can travel from apartment to apartment and floor to floor. One of the worst culprits for noise when it comes to exercise is treadmills, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the noise.
Some treadmills have specially designed decks to reduce the sounds of your feet as you run. This is usually seen in extra shock absorbers and is usually highlighted in the product description. If you want more information on how noisy a treadmill is compared to others, we would recommend checking the reviews to see what previous purchasers think of the noise levels.
Another option is to invest in a mat that can be placed underneath your treadmill to absorb some of the noise. We've included one in our 10 best list, but there are many more available. Shock and noise-absorbing mats are a great way to protect your floors and keep your neighbors happy.
Many workouts can be done without any equipment; however, added equipment can increase your workout intensity. Check out these other links for our suggestions!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: SPRI|Deluxe Vinyl Dumbbells|8 lbs.
No. 2: Nordic Track|3-Piece Kettlebell Set With Storage Rack|T 6.5 S Treadmill, 5 in. display
No. 3: Multifun|Jump Rope|White
No. 4: Fitven|Resistance Loop Bands
No. 5: Marcy|T 9.5 S Treadmill|ME-709
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