Best Home Gym Equipment in 2022 – SI Showcase

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Whether you’re new to working out or a seasoned fitness enthusiast with years of experience, having a well-designed home gym is a fool-proof way to make sure you never miss a workout. But what’s the best equipment for your home gym? We’ve done the research for you and selected the best pieces of home gym equipment on the market. From high-tech workout mirrors to space-saving adjustable dumbbells, you’ll find equipment to match any budget and any room size. Home workouts are more popular than ever, with treadmill sales soaring 135% and stationary bike sales nearly tripled following the pandemic. This is the perfect time to invest in the gear you need to build your ideal home gym. 

Our top picks include:

1. Best Workout Mirror: Tonal
2. Best Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
3. Best Rower: Concept 2 Model D Rower
4. Best Home Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i
5. Best Elliptical Machine: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
6. Best Weight Benches: REP AB-5100 Adjustable Bench
7. Best Dumbbells: PowerBlock Elite Series Dumbbells
8. Best Kettlebells: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
9. Best Speed Rope: Rogue SR-2S Speed Rope 3.0
10. Best Resistance Bands: RenoJ Resistance Bands
11. Best Exercise Mat: BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat
12. Best Foam Roller: Amazon Basics High-Density Foam Roller
13. Best Barbell: CAP OB-86B Beast Barbell
14. Best Barbell Collars: Rogue USA Aluminum Collars
15. Best Slam Balls or Medicine Ball: Yes4All Slam Ball

Smart home workouts are all the rage, and with a new athletic partnership with Serena Williams, Tonal is getting a lot of attention. Tonal is a wall-mounted fitness device that offers full-body workouts and uses artificial intelligence to automatically adjust the weights to match your strength levels.

Tonal enables multiple users to share the equipment, so everyone in your household can take advantage of this cutting-edge workout system. Your workouts are automatically recorded, and you can attend live classes and receive real-time instruction from a trainer. The machine also provides automatic form suggestions during each training session.

Tonal starts at $2,995, but most users and reviews recommend purchasing the “smart accessories,” which cost an additional $495. You can use Tonal without the smart accessories, but many of the advertised features require the accessories to properly work. Yes, that price might give you sticker shock, but consider that you would have to buy multiple pieces of equipment to replace this one when building your home gym. Plus, other luxury smart home gym equipment comes in at a similar price point, such as the Mirror Pro at $,1795.

If you have the space and budget, Tonal is a fantastic option to provide a full-body workout at home, with the option to join live classes if they fit your schedule.

Tonal ($2,995, tonal.com)

The treadmill is a classic staple in nearly every gym, but the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 takes training to a new level. This is a high-quality, durable, tech-powered machine that will help you reach your training goals while having fun along the way.

The 1750 features iFIT on a 14” HD touchscreen for a hands-free training experience. Your treadmill will automatically adjust your speed and incline as you follow along with one of NordicTrack’s elite trainers, who guides you through scenic runs all over the world. If you have a Bluetooth heart rate monitor, you can also take advantage of ActivePulse technology, which adjusts your speed and incline to keep your heart rate in your desired training zone.

Weighing more than 300 pounds, this treadmill is quite sturdy, though its heavy frame can make it difficult to move around. With iFIT, a beautiful 14” display, built-in cooling fans and automatic adjustment settings that deliver a hands-free workout, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 makes a fantastic addition to any home gym.

Want more options? Check out the best treadmills for your home gym.

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 ($1,599, amazon.com)

When it comes to ergonomic rowers, Concept continues to produce long-lasting, high-quality machines. The Concept 2 Model D rower is no exception. It was designed to withstand the training demands of fitness enthusiasts, physical therapy clinics, high-level athletes and everyone in between.

The Concept 2 Model D includes a PM5 Performance Monitor, which includes preset workouts. It also tracks metrics like calories, watts, pace and distance. You can pair it with your phone to record your workouts and it features Bluetooth compatibility, which enables you to pair your favorite wireless heart rate monitor.

Out of the box, the Concept 2 Model D rower can be easily assembled. It folds up easily for storage as well. This is one of the most versatile, space-saving and long-lasting pieces of equipment on our list.

Concept 2 Model D Rower ($1,170, amazon.com)

If you’re in the market for a home exercise bike, look no further than the NordicTrack S22i. It is our choice as the most innovative, high-quality bike on the market.

This cutting-edge bike includes NordicTrack’s iFIT technology. You can follow your favorite instructor on scenic rides around the world or join a live studio class. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy the built-in AutoAdjust technology, which automatically adjusts your resistance and incline based on the ride you’re doing.

That’s right, we said incline. The NordicTrack S22i is the only bike that includes both incline and decline, which simulates the feeling of riding up and down countryside hills, creating the most immersive ride ever.

Thanks to a 22”, 360-degree rotating touch screen, 30W premium audio and dual WiFi connectivity, you can enjoy a beautiful, immersive experience from the comfort of your home. There are plenty of home stationary bikes on the market, but we’ve yet to find one that beats the NordicTrack S22i.

NordicTrack S22i ($2,199, amazon.com)

Keeping with NordicTrack tradition, the Commercial 14.9 elliptical is a commercial-grade, tech-focused elliptical that would make the perfect addition to any home gym setup. This elliptical uses NordicTrack’s iFIT technology, enabling you to follow virtual workouts led by trainers who remotely control your resistance and intensity.

The Commercial 14.9 elliptical also features an auto-adjusting incline and resistance, with an incline that goes up to 20 percent. It features SMR, or silent magnetic resistance, which allows for quiet, smooth adjustments as you cycle between 26 resistance levels.

Finally, this elliptical is comfortable and smooth, with built-in cooling fans, a water bottle holder and EKG pulse monitors built into the grips, so you can track your heart rate in real time.

NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 ($2,997, amazon.com)

If strength training is your main focus, you need an adjustable bench. A staple in nearly every gym and fitness center on the planet, an adjustable bench enables you to train any muscle group with a variety of exercises.

This is a heavy-duty bench that’s made to last, with both incline and decline adjustments as well as a 1,000-pound weight capacity. Whether you’re just starting out or a serious weight-lifter, if you’re looking for the best home gym equipment, the REP AB-5100 should be the only adjustable bench you consider.

REP AB-5100 Adjustable Bench ($499, amazon.com)

Adjustable dumbbells are a must-have for any home gym, especially if you’re worried about space. These all-in-one adjustable dumbbells enable you to use anywhere from 2.5 to 50 pounds per hand, with optional expanders that increase the weight to 70 pounds per hand.

With a welded steel construction, PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells are designed for heavy use—and they’ll last for years. The square design and padded handles make these the perfect choice for a variety of exercises at any strength level.

Adjustable dumbbells often make it difficult to quickly change the weights. But PowerBlock’s magnetic selector pin creates easy, smooth transitions between weights. If building lean muscle and getting stronger is your goal, adjustable dumbbells are necessary and the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells are the best on the market.

PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells ($449, amazon.com)

Kettlebells are a fantastic way to torch fat and build some serious explosive power. They’re also small enough to fit in any home gym. The Bowflex SelectTech 840 kettlebell takes things a step further, enabling you to adjust your resistance from 8 to 40 pounds with the simple turn of a dial.

This adjustable kettlebell features an ergonomic handle for comfortable use and an easy-to-use dial for choosing between 8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 pounds of resistance. This the perfect choice for first-timers and seasoned kettlebell-users alike. At only $99, your home gym and wallet will thank you.

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell ($199, amazon.com)

The Rogue SR-2S speed rope completely changes the game. The lightweight, tapered handles made from aircraft-grade aluminum are built to last and provide a smooth workout.

The ball-bearings use high-speed oil instead of sticky grease and you can easily adjust the length of your jump rope. This is portable, extremely lightweight and provides a fantastic cardiovascular workout. You can use it in your home gym, outside or the road. This high-quality speed rope is the perfect accessory for any fitness enthusiast.

Rogue SR-2S Speedrope 3.0 ($42.50, roguefitness.com)

Whether you’re rehabbing an injury, working on your posture or looking for the easiest way to get started with home workouts, resistance bands make a fantastic and affordable addition to your home gym.

The RenoJ Resistance Bands give you everything you need for a perfect home workout. You’ll receive five exercise bands, a door anchor, two foam handles, two ankle straps and a carrying bag to take your bands anywhere.

These bands are heavy-duty, affordable and take up next to no space in your home gym. Resistance bands are notorious for snapping and breaking. But RenoJ makes the highest quality, durable bands we’ve found, at a price that won’t break the bank.

RenoJ Resistance Bands ($29.99, amazon.com)

Doing exercises on the floor is a fantastic way to improve your mobility and core strength. But there’s just one problem: Trying to train your core muscles on the ground can be downright painful.

That’s where the BalanceFrom Folding Exercise Mat comes in. Unlike flimsy yoga mats that don’t provide much cushion of any kind, this is a thick, 2-inch padded mat, which provides a comfortable, pain-free workout experience.

With a tri-fold design and carrying handles, this exercise mat is a breeze to store. It’s also made from a moisture-resistant material, making it easy to clean with soap and water after a sweaty workout.

BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Exercise Mat ($26.99, amazon.com)

Foam rollers are a fantastic tool to improve your mobility and relieve stiff, tight, achy muscles. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the Amazon Basics high-density foam roller is the best one we’ve found—and it’s very affordable.

The high-density foam was built to last and resist flattening or changing shape after repeated use. It’s sold in four sizes, ranging from 12 to 36 inches, so if space is an issue in your home gym, the 12-inch size is very easy to store just about anywhere.

If you’re tired of tight, painful muscles and can’t seem to get the knots out no matter how often you stretch, the Amazon Basics High-Density foam roller is the perfect piece of equipment for your home gym.

You can check out more options in our guide to the best foam rollers.

Amazon Basics High Density Foam Roller ($21.31, amazon.com)

If you’re serious about strength training, a high-quality barbell is a must-have for your home gym. When choosing a barbell, you need to find one that’s built to last, which is why we suggest the CAP Barbell family.

Low-quality barbells can take a beating with regular use, and they may even bend a little over time, making it difficult to use safely. The CAP barbells are made with 110,000 PSI tensile strength Japanese steel, which means they’ll withstand up to 110,000 pounds of pressure per square inch.

Compatible with any 2-inch Olympic lifting plates, this versatile barbell is made to last for years.

CAP Barbell (starting at $241, amazon.com)

You should never use a barbell without safety collars. Rogue’s aluminum collars are a fantastic investment for your home gym because they are some of the highest-quality collars on the market.

While most traditional gym collars stretch and bend over time, the Rogue aluminum collars are made from aircraft grade aluminum and feature a secure lever-lock system. Having your plates slide around on the bar while lifting is dangerous, so pick up a pair of Rogue collars to make your home training as safe as possible.

Rogue USA Aluminum Collars ($55, roguefitness.com)

Whether you’re looking to build an iron-clad core or give your cardiovascular system an explosive workout, slam balls provide a versatile way to enjoy a home workout. They’re small enough to fit in any home gym, too.

The Yes4All Slam Balls are a best-seller for a reason–they’re tough, durable and available in a variety of weights and colors, ranging from 10 to 40 pounds. There are countless ways to spice up your workout with a slam ball and Yes4All offers a budget-friendly weight option for any fitness level.

Yes4All Slam Ball (starting at $32.99, amazon.com)

What to Consider When Choosing Home Gym Equipment

What are your fitness goals?

Are you looking to build lean muscle? If so, you’ll want to stock up on strength training equipment.

Maybe you’re training for an endurance event or want to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Meeting these goals requires a spin bike or treadmill. No matter your goal, however, make sure you’re choosing the equipment that matches your area of focus, as there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when designing a home gym.

What’s your budget?

Naturally, certain pieces of equipment are more expensive than others. Make sure you’ve determined your budget before you start buying equipment. Costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful, so it’s important to remain disciplined throughout the purchasing process.

Know what you need. Know what you can afford to spend. And know when to say when.

How much space do you have?

If you’re setting up a garage or basement gym, space is likely not much of an issue. If you’re limited to a small room or corner of your apartment, you’ll need to prioritize small, yet versatile pieces of equipment.

Home Gym Pros and Cons

Working out at home is a fantastic option that offers unbeatable convenience. Like anything else, however, it has its benefits and disadvantages. Before you decide to invest in setting up a home gym, consider some of the pros and cons to make sure it’s the right choice for you and the goals you’re aiming to meet.

Pros:

● Work out anytime

● No dealing with crowded gyms or lines to use equipment

● No gym membership fees

● Privacy

Cons:

● A home gym can be expensive and time-consuming to build

● Possible maintenance

● Equipment takes up space

You may choose to build a fully equipped garage gym or invest in just a few pieces of equipment to supplement your gym routine. There’s no right or wrong way to work out at home, so be sure to spend time thinking about your goals, budget and available space.

Final Thoughts

Training from the comfort of your home is a fantastic way to stay in shape, as you’ll never have to worry about crowded gyms, traffic, or waiting to use gym showers.

Plan your budget, choose your equipment and you’ll soon have the perfect home gym setup for any fitness goal.

Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.