Even with the end of the pandemic in sight, many people still aren’t quite ready to return to the gym. While some are working out at home out of an abundance of caution, others have found that the convenience of a home gym is simply unbeatable. Another one of the pros of canceling your gym membership is the cost savings. Gym memberships can range from $10 to $300 a month, so you can pocket that cash by investing in your own equipment. Even if you choose to spend a fortune on top-of-the-line equipment, it’s a one-time investment that will still likely cost less than a year at the gym.
Moreover, you don’t even need a lot of room for your workout area. Just focus on some vital pieces of equipment that will do you the most good and meet most of your personal exercise needs. To get your blood pumping at home, check out these five pieces of exercise equipment that everyone needs in their small home gym.
NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer
The NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer is perfect if you’re looking for a challenging run as it perfectly simulates running in the hills. While most treadmills stop at an incline of 15, the NordicTrack X22i can reach up to a 40 percent incline. Moreover, it’s programmed with videos from scenic locations and automatically adjusts its angle to mimic the views of going up one down various terrains. Finally, the machine records all the statistics so you can keep track of your results and track your progress. We highly recommend this for hikers who want to get in a little training on days they can’t make it to the trails.
Peloton Bike
Investing in a Peloton bike is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an investment. The bike isn’t cheap, so this certainly isn’t the pick for anyone looking to work out on a budget. With that said, the bike is well worth the cost, featuring a large screen that rotates 360 degrees so that you can follow along with the off-bike workouts as well. Plus, it automatically adjusts resistance to match your instructor’s program, and it integrates smoothly with the Apple Watch. While you can free bike without paying for the subscription, the on-demand and live classes taught by world-renowned trainers are what sets the Peloton Bike apart from the others.
Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Exercise Bike
The Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Exercise Bike is the more affordable alternative to the premium exercise bikes from Peloton and Soul Cycle. This bike is an upgraded version of the wind-powered air bikes that were initially popular back in the 70s and 80s. It’s a low-impact workout that engages the upper and lower body. It’s unbelievably simple to set up and use, and you don’t have to worry about a motor or any other heavy-duty mechanics.
ElliptiGO Fluid 365 Stationary Trainer
Suppose you’re a runner who wants a low-impact way to get fit while reducing stress on your joints. In that case, the ElliptiGO Fluid 365 Stationary Trainer is the one for you. It perfectly mimics the feel of an outdoor run without straining your ankles and knees, and other joints that are prone to overuse injury. Plus, you can easily change the resistance of the trainer just as you would the gears on a bike.
WaterRower Rowing Machine
Rowing machines are the ultimate total body workout, elevating your heart rate, burning fat, and working out most major muscle groups in the body. The WaterRower Rowing Machine engages your lower and upper body while providing a more natural feeling workout than the electric models.
The final word
As gyms begin to reopen to full capacity, it’s time to consider if it’s really worth going back. If you prefer all the bells and whistles of an establishment like personal trainers, high capacity squat racks, and group fitness classes, then renew your membership! That being said, many exercise routines are doable from home — all you need is the right equipment.
With a little bit of reorganizing and possibly remodeling, you can transform your garage, apartment, or house into a fitness space that’s perfect for your needs. With the right home gym equipment, you can meet and exceed your fitness goals at your convenience.
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