The best home workout equipment is the equipment that you'll use on a regular basis, fits in the space you have available and stays within your budget. Luckily, most equipment does a reasonable job of providing an effective workout --- you just have to use it to take advantage of the benefits. Sit down before shopping to make a list of the types of exercise you enjoy and how much you're willing to spend. Once that's done, you'll have an easier time finding the best home exercise equipment for you.
Small Budget / Small Space
When you've got a tight budget and a tight workout space, you need to think carefully about your exercise choices. Purchase a few small, inexpensive items that you can easily store away. "Fitness" suggests items like bands, dumbbells and a stability ball for an efficient, effective home gym for under $50.
Cardio Equipment
When choosing a piece of home cardio equipment, the best piece of equipment will be the one that you enjoy using. There's no point in purchasing a bike if you hate to cycle. When picking out your machine, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends always testing the equipment first. You want all of the moving parts to move smoothly, and you want to feel that the equipment is sturdy. Double-check the warranties and service agreements --- if you're investing money in a cardio machine, a quality piece of equipment will guarantee its functionality for at least a year.
Weight Equipment
While dumbbells provide you with an inexpensive, storable option for strength training, if you have a larger budget, consider investing in a cable tower or cable crossover machine. "Fitness" recommends these machines as being among the five best pieces of equipment for women, but they're equally good for men. Not only do they allow you to adjust the resistance level easily, you can also perform a full-body routine on just one piece of equipment.
Free Workout Equipment
If you want to work out at home because you can't afford a gym membership, you can save even more money by putting your household goods to work as workout equipment. For instance, if you need a weight bench, use a sturdy chair or trunk instead. If you need an aerobic step, use your stairs. In place of gliders, stand on paper towels and perform gliding exercises on a hard surface. Need a jump rope? Hold water bottles in your hands and rotate them in circles as you jump up and down. You can even perform balance exercises while standing on a pillow. You don't necessarily need to purchase equipment to have your best home workout ever.
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