Similar to lifting free weights, you’ll want to find a band that’s not so resistant you struggle to get one rep but also not light enough that you can do 100 with ease. A good rule of thumb is to use a load that has you failing two to three reps past your intended rep count. Time how long it takes you to complete eight reps of the first movement and rest for that amount of time before doing the next move (about 100 seconds). You’ll then time how long it takes you to complete the second move and rest for one-and-a-half that amount of time — e.g. if it takes you 60 seconds, rest for 90 — before completing another circuit.
Push-Ups
The Beyond Power Voltra I is very compact and lightweight compared to your average home gym, even though the price is a bit higher than the typical range. Although the Voltra I excelled in many aspects, the price left us questioning the value of the cable system at times. The Beyond Power Voltra I packs all the benefits of a cable machine into a portable design, though it comes with a high price tag.
DUMBBELLS
We have categorized them into beginner, intermediate, and advanced fitness levels for programming purposes. However, they are easily customizable and can be modified based on your goals and experience. We don’t all have time to train like high-performance athletes, unfortunately.

Home and No-Equipment Options
A well-balanced diet with enough protein, calories, and rest is the foundation. If needed, supplements like whey protein, creatine, or vitamin D can support your training. While food is helpful in recovering from workouts and building muscle, it also plays a key part in fuelling your workouts. Eating carbohydrates before your workout can boost your energy and ensure you can really deliver your best each workout.
A good home workout makes you sweat, lose weight, and gain strength – just like you would with a traditional workout. Anyone can follow a home workout program for health and exercise benefits. The YogiApproved program provides customized programs for healing, fitness, and even awakening the chakras. However, the big appeal of the classes are that, for every streamed class, a tree is planted by Trees for the Future and YogiApproved. The service is available from any smart device and can be used at home or in a yoga studio.
Bent Knee Push-up
With a low price tag, it’s affordable for most budgets and built to last, earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating for value. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the REP PR-1100 is a great piece of home gym equipment and our pick for the best home gym overall. Rich (whose brand is called Kichgo) recently began posting live daily workouts to her YouTube channel. The Body Coach TV (free)The more than 250 workouts on The Body Coach TV, formulated by host Joe Wicks, are engaging and upbeat.
COBRA PUSHUP
Consumers need to supply their own equipment, but the program shows how to effectively use them. But not all online fitness programs and workouts are created equal. Faulty technology, difficult interfaces, or a lack of medical backing can contribute to an inefficient or unhelpful program. The workouts combine the strengthening elements of Pilates with the flexibility-enhancing benefits of yoga, and the moves are done at a nonstop, fluid pace to get your heart rate up. (So there’s no holding yoga poses for long periods of time.) The program includes seven workouts, a 60-day workout calendar, and an eating plan.
- Exercise also may help keep depression and anxiety from coming back once you’re feeling better.
- It might take as little as a few hours or several days to become proficient at using the programs.
- You can also import your materials or objects to use in any design.
- But not all online fitness programs and workouts are created equal.
- Another form of gymnastics and acrobatics is pole dancing, but taking this up at home is quite the investment.
- “You can feel a real difference between the two modes,” Sam Presley, GGR’s operations manager and an expert product tester, told me after trying it out.
One common mistake people make when performing multi-joint exercises like deadlifts is squatting (and bending the knees too much) instead of hinging at the hips. Another mistake is arching or rounding the back instead of engaging the upper body and core muscles. Not being in proper form can lead to a lower back injury because of the pressure it causes on your back. You also need to be mindful not to overextend your neck and head and should keep it in a straight line.
Hotel Workout Level 2:

Consumers can find kettlebell workouts and high-intensity cardio, featuring celebrity trainers. While some classes require Peloton equipment, many strength, yoga, and mobility workouts can be done with minimal gear, making the app useful even without owning a bike or treadmill. Kristin McGee is ideal if your goal is feeling more connected to your body through intentional movement.
A more empowered you starts with Sweat
We aren’t just talking about home gym essentials; these home gym machines allow for multifunctional use, addressing multiple muscle groups and allowing for a full-body workout. Some may balk at the nearly $550 price tag, and we understand that, but if you have the budget for it, we think it’s well worth it and give the value a 4 out of 5. The home gym system also comes with a 12-week workout program that shows you how to make the most of the X3 Bar, along with expert nutrition advice. Along with digital resistance, the Speediance Gym Monster provides basic feedback during workouts in the form of tracking metrics—total weight, calories burned, and more.
If you’re more experienced, you may prefer to use free weights or a mix of both. If you’re struggling with form, certain pieces of equipment, like a weight training belt, might help. Spencer Cartwright is a personal trainer at PureGym Bristol Brislington. Here, he shares his top advice for creating the perfect muscle-gaining workout routine. If you’re planning to buy exercise equipment, choose something that’s practical, fun and easy to use. You may want to try out some types of equipment at a gym or fitness center before buying your own equipment.
Forge Fitness and Nutrition Coaching
Improved glute strength and endurance was found to play a role in preventing athletic-related injuries. It also enhances functional performance in everyday tasks such as squatting to lift heavy objects and walking. Plank holds are a beneficial compound exercise that works nearly every muscle in your body. They primarily target the core but also engage the back muscles, shoulders, legs, and arms. Planks are a valuable addition to ab workouts at home engaging multiple core muscles as a beneficial core stability exercise. The core and spinal muscles also engage throughout each movement to provide lower-back support and stability.
Best Home Gym Overall: REP PR-1100 Home Gym Power Rack
If you don’t have milk in the house for the rows, find madmuscles something of roughly the same weight with a good handle. The above is what we call “circuit training,” with the objective being to run through the workout sequence once, and then again. It helps improve coordination and balance by challenging the body to remain steady and upright. It also encourages spinal stabilization to keep the back strong and stable. This can help reduce low back pain related to spinal muscle fatigue and imbalances. Knee push-ups are a modified version of the traditional push-up that primarily targets your shoulders, arms, and chest.
