El mejor equipo de gimnasio en casa para todos los objetivos de fitness, según el editor Testing

Estas 17 piezas de equipo probado por el editor te ayudarán a alcanzar tus objetivos de entrenamiento, directamente desde tu propia plataforma.

Ya sea que levante pesas, corra, se estire o tenga otro método preferido para hacer ejercicio, lo más importante es que se asegure de que sea parte de su rutina. Las investigaciones muestran que, además de ayudarte a alcanzar tus objetivos físicos, el ejercicio en realidad te ayuda a vivir más tiempo , por lo que encontrar una manera de hacerlo es una excelente opción a largo plazo.

Si no puede asistir a un gimnasio comercial, aún puede aprovechar los beneficios del ejercicio comprando equipos de gimnasio en casa. Según Jacob Sharf, entrenador personal corporativo y a domicilio, vale la pena construir un gimnasio en casa, especialmente si es su única opción de entrenamiento. Hesh Elberger, preparador físico del Iron Culture Gym en North Bergen, Nueva Jersey, está de acuerdo en que puedes hacer un buen ejercicio con una cantidad mínima de equipo, e incluso puedes hacerlo desde la comodidad de tu propio sótano o garaje.

Para encontrar el mejor equipo de entrenamiento para equipar su gimnasio en casa, probamos una amplia gama de productos de fitness para hacer las mejores recomendaciones en 17 categorías. Nos centramos principalmente en factores como la facilidad de uso, el almacenamiento, la durabilidad y el valor general, así como en la facilidad de montaje y la calidad del agarre cuando corresponde. Ya sea que desee equipo cardiovascular, equipo de entrenamiento de fuerza o cualquier cosa intermedia, esta lista lo tiene cubierto.

Las mejores mancuernas: Juego de 2 mancuernas de goma hexagonales CAP Barbell

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Por qué nos gusta

Desde el principio, nos encantaron las mancuernas de goma hexagonales Cap Barbell por su diseño básico, a diferencia de las opciones más llamativas y coloridas del mercado. También son duraderos y tienen un precio razonable . Fabricados en hierro fundido macizo con mangos cromados, nos parecieron excepcionalmente cómodos y fáciles de usar . El moleteado del mango nos ayudó a mantener un buen agarre, incluso cuando teníamos las manos sudorosas.

Las mancuernas cuentan con un revestimiento de goma que demostró ser particularmente duradero y no sufrieron ningún daño cuando las dejamos caer sobre concreto. Además, demostraron ser precisos con respecto al peso indicado, hasta la onza. La forma hexagonal ayuda a evitar que las mancuernas rueden cuando se colocan en el suelo y están disponibles en 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 y 60 libras. opciones para proporcionar un entrenamiento completo para cualquier objetivo de acondicionamiento físico.

Vale la pena señalar

Las mancuernas no son ajustables, por lo que si quieres más peso tendrás que comprar más, lo que significa más dinero gastado y más espacio de almacenamiento.

Detalles de producto:

• Qué incluye: un par de mancuernas
• Tamaño: 9,30 x 6,20 x 2,70 pulgadas (para la opción de 20 libras)
• Peso : opciones de 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 y 60 libras
• Material: Hierro fundido, cromado, revestimiento de goma
• Nuestra calificación general: 4,8

Las mejores mancuernas económicas: par de mancuernas hexagonales con carcasa de goma BalanceFrom

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Por qué nos gusta

Aunque no son ajustables, un solo par de estas mancuernas no nos ocupó mucho espacio en las pruebas, ya que encajaron perfectamente en un rincón de la habitación. Además, el revestimiento de goma los mantuvo perfectamente protegidos cuando los dejamos caer directamente sobre el hormigón. Están disponibles en incrementos de 5 libras, de 5 a 50 libras , o puede comprar un juego de 150 libras, que incluye mancuernas de 5 a 25 libras y un soporte para sostenerlas.

Vale la pena señalar

Una cosa a tener en cuenta con estas mancuernas es que hay un poco de disparidad y cierta inexactitud con algunos de los pesos. Si bien esto es bastante normal con las pesas, una de las pesas de 10 libras pesaba casi una libra menos, pesaba 9,14 libras.

Detalles de producto:

• Qué está incluido: un juego de mancuernas o un juego de bastidor con 150 libras de pesas
• Tamaño: 11,18 x 9,06 pulgadas
• Peso : 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 o estante con 150 libras en total
• Material: metal fundido, revestimiento de goma
• Nuestra calificación general: 4,8

Las mejores mancuernas ajustables: mancuerna seleccionable ETHOS de 50 lb

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Por qué nos gusta

Las mancuernas ajustables son una forma muy conveniente de acceder a más pesas sin tener que convertir su casa en un gimnasio comercial lleno de mancuernas. Las mancuernas seleccionables Ethos de 50 libras brindan un rango de peso de 5 a 50 libras, ajustable en incrementos de cinco libras. Las pesas están hechas de acero y plástico. Descubrimos que eran cómodos en nuestras manos, con un grosor que se adaptaba tanto a manos grandes como pequeñas. Eran fáciles de agarrar incluso cuando teníamos las manos mojadas.

El perfil más pequeño de estas mancuernas ocupa aproximadamente tanto espacio como una silla, y el estante de almacenamiento era liviano y fácil de mover, sin dejar de ser resistente y seguro. Todo lo que tienes que hacer para ajustar el peso es colocarlos en el estante de almacenamiento y girar un dial para cambiar el peso, que descubrimos que gira suavemente.

Vale la pena señalar

Hubo un leve ruido con estas mancuernas durante el uso, pero no fue nada que nos hiciera sentir que no fueran seguras o estuvieran mal hechas. A veces, también era necesario mover un poco para volver a colocar las mancuernas en el estante de almacenamiento. Otra cosa a tener en cuenta es que, si bien 50 libras pueden ser suficientes para los principiantes, es posible que los levantadores más avanzados no encuentren que esto sea suficiente para ellos.

Detalles de producto:

• Qué incluye: dos mancuernas de 5 a 50 libras, estante de almacenamiento
• Tamaño: No listado
• Peso : 5-50 libras
• Material:Steel and plastic
• Our Overall Rating:5

Best Kettlebell: CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Kettlebell Weight

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Why We Like It

If you’re a CrossFitter or someone who loves implementing kettlebells into a workout, Cap Barbell’s Cast Iron Competition Kettlebellis our pick for you. We found the grip on this kettlebell to be the perfect combination of smooth and rough. It’s easy on the hands, but you won’t feel like you’ll lose your grip. Even compared to more expensive options, we found these kettlebells never got slippery when wet.

Made of cast-iron with no welds or seams, as well as an industrial coated powder finish, we found this kettlebell to be particularly durable in testing. They’re available in weights of 9, 13, 18, 26, 35, 44, 53, 62, 70, 80, and 88 pounds.

It’s Worth Noting

The kettlebells are sold individually, and while they are a great value, the cost adds up if you want multiple weights.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:One kettlebell
• Size:7.25 x 7.875 x 5 inches
• Weight: 9, 13, 18, 26, 35, 44, 53, 62, 70, 80, 88 pound increments
• Material:Cast Iron
• Our Overall Rating:4.94

Best Adjustable Kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell

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Why We Like It

Kettlebells can get a bit expensive when you have to purchase more than one. We liked Bowflex’s SelectTech 840 Kettlebellbecause it’s adjustable and budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. The compact design comes with six weight increments: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds.

A simple turn of the weight adjustment dial enables you to easily adjust the kettlebell. It’s made from composite and earned high marks for its durability. And unlike other adjustable weight options, we appreciate that this one is not bulky at all and takes up minimal space when not in use.

It’s Worth Noting

One drawback of these kettlebells was the grip. We felt they could have come with more of a textured feel to make them easier to hold onto while working out.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:One adjustable kettlebell, with weights ranging from 8-40 pounds
• Size: ‎8.8 x 7 x 12.5 inches
• Weight: 40 pounds max
• Material:Composite
• Our Overall Rating:4.6

Best Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 10

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Why We Like It

If your preferred method of cardio is running on a treadmill, our pick is Bowflex’s Treadmill 10. It’s easy to operate and includes a handful of features that make it a stand-out product. The built-in user interface in an adjustable HD touchscreen enables you to track metrics, follow trainer-led videos, stream shows, experience outdoor settings, get virtual coaching, and play music through Bluetooth speakers. Do note, though, that some of these features require a JRNY membership.

You can adjust the incline up to 15% or set a 5% decline, which is rare in treadmills. You can also set the speed as high as 15 miles per hour. We like that it provides three separate ways to adjust the incline/decline and speed, with two number pads, two handlebars, and two handrails. Additionally, we found this option to be comfortable to use, with a spacious running belt that has great traction and shock absorption. We didn’t experience any rattling or shaking when running on this machine, and we love that it comes with a built-in fan.

It’s Worth Noting

The treadmill proved difficult for us to assemble. For starters, it comes in a box that weighs more than 400 pounds, and the screen was a bit difficult to put together. For taller people it can also be a bit awkward to look down at the metrics while riding.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:Treadmill, HD screen, metrics, fan, media shelf, Bluetooth HR armband
• Size:85 x 39.6 x 65.3
• Weight: 323 pounds assembled
• Material:Not listed
• Our Overall Rating:4.63

Best Budget Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill with Device Holder

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Why We Like It

For a budget-friendly treadmill that has less features but still left us impressed, the Sunny Health and Fitness Premium Folding Incline Treadmillis the way to go. It’s much easier to assemble than the Bowflex option, requiring only a few pieces be screwed together.

This is more of a no-frills option and is great for someone who just needs a treadmill. It doesn’t feature a lot of options, but you also don’t have to connect it to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to use it, though you can connect it to the brand’s app. Instead, you simply choose how many miles you want to run and then press go. The left handle allows you to start and stop the track, while the right handle gives you freedom to adjust the speed. The speed adjusts rather quickly, going from 4 to 9 miles per hour in just 24 seconds and then back down to 4.5 miles per hour in just 13 seconds.

It’s Worth Noting

There’s a bit of noise when running on this treadmill, and in testing we found we needed subtitles if watching television while using it. Additionally, you can set up an incline, but you have to do it manually, which makes it less enticing. Lastly, while 9 miles per hour may be perfectly fine for beginners, more advanced runners may find it’s not enough speed.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:Treadmill, digital monitor, app, pulse sensor, bottle holder
• Size:63 x 26.2 x 50.2 inches
• Weight: 112 pounds
• Material:Alloy steel
• Our Overall Rating:4

Best Weight Bench: FLYBIRD Adjustable Bench

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Why We Like It

If you’re looking to maximize your home gym setup, a sturdy bench is an essential component. Flybird’s Adjustable Bench checked off a lot of boxes for us and earned its spot on our list during our testing. For starters, it’s easy to assemble and comes folded in one piece, and it’s also lightweight. Both the back of the bench and the seat are adjustable, with six back positions(19°, 32°, 44°, 58°, 76°, flat) and four seat positions(9°, 17°, 26°) to give you the ability to do flat bench, incline bench, and shoulder presses at your own comfort level.

This option can also be folded and we found it to be particularly easy to carry when we needed to transport it. Despite its lighter weight, it is still made from commercial grade steel and has a 600-pound weight limit. The padding proved to be particularly comfortable.

It’s Worth Noting

One thing to be mindful of with this option is that while it is sturdy when laying down on it, we found it wobbled slightly when we used it for exercises like step ups.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:One bench with adjustable back and seat
• Size:42.3 x 15.1 x 16.5 inches
• Weight: 23.89 pounds
• Material:Commercial grade steel
• Our Overall Rating:5

Best Resistance Bands: Chareada Resistance Bands Set

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Why We Like It

If you don’t like to use barbells and dumbbells to get a workout, resistance bands are another great option, especially when you’re on the go. Chareada’s 23-Pack Resistance Bands were our best pick when it came to quality and affordability. These resistance bands are made with an eco-friendly natural latex and come with a surprising amount of gear inside, including loop bands, a glider disk for ab workouts, a jump rope, ankle anchor, door anchor, wrist guards, two styles of handles to attach to the tubes, and a microfiber towel. The color-coded bands come in weights of 10 (yellow), 20 (green), 30 (red), 40 (green), and 50 (black) pounds.

We found the main bands to be versatile and easy to use. Taller people should have no issue with them as they are plenty long, and shorter people can just wrap them around their wrist to decrease the length as needed. Everything is intuitive, including the attachments. Additionally, we found the handles had great cushioningand worked just as well with sweaty hands as they did with dry hands. A small travel pouch makes the set super compact and easy to put in a bag or a backpack. And as an added bonus, there’s no latex smell.

It’s Worth Noting

We didn’t find much use for the microfiber towel.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:5 resistance tube bands, 5 durable resistance bands, 2 double sided core sliders, 2 handles, 2 ankle straps, 1 door anchor, 1 cooling towel, 2 wrist wraps, 2 carrying bags
• Size: ‎13.66 x 9.72 x 3.82 inches
• Weight: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 pounds
• Material:Latex
• Our Overall Rating: 5

Best Indoor Cycle: Bowflex Velocore Bike 16”

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Why We Like It

We were impressed by Bowflex’s Velocore Bike 16” for a few reasons. For starters, thanks to the stabilizers and mat, we didn’t experience any wobbling while using it, even when we transitioned from the seated to the standing position, increased our speed dramatically, or changed the resistance level. It also comes with a one-year membership to JRNY, providing a slew of ways to work out. While it didn’t come assembled, we found it was easy to put together and the instructions were helpful.

You can seamlessly hook your feet into the pedals of this bike with ease, and we found they stayed perfectly in place throughout our rides. Additionally, the display impressed us with its large size and the option to toggle the brightness and volume with ease. This bike also made it easy to track our workout metrics, such as time, distance, cadence, calorie burn rate, heart rate, and resistance level. You can measure heart rate with the included armband via Bluetooth. You also have the option to choose from recordings of actual trainers or an AI coach that talks you through the entire workout to help keep you engaged.

It’s Worth Noting

Although the seat can be adjusted up or down as well as forward and back, the handlebars are completely stationary. However, they’re also designed to accommodate different hand positions, so you’ll be able to make them work for you. We also felt that the seat left something to be desired in terms of comfort and was comparable to a standard bike seat, causing some mild soreness for the first two or three workouts.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:Stationary bike, digital screen, a mat
• Size:59.8 x 24.1 x 55.3
• Weight: 158.3 pounds
• Material:Not listed
• Our Overall Rating:5

Best Budget Indoor Cycle: Schwinn 190 Upright Exercise Bike

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Why We Like It

If cycling is your preferred method of exercise for weight loss or aerobic purposes, we found Schwinn’s 190 Upright to be the way to do it from home without breaking the bank. We found the base is wider than the previous model and did a good job of avoiding wobbling even at maximum speeds. The bike comes with an included JRNY app subscription that’s compatible with your phone to allow you to control every aspect of the workout. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners who don’t know where to start, since it comes with instructor-led programs that offer insights into cadence, resistance, burn rate, foot positioning, hand placement, and posture.

Whereas the previous model only allowed you to mildly adjust the handlebars and move the seat slightly forward and back, with this model you can tilt and adjust the handlebars as well as tighten the handlebars and the seat. With a quick-lock seat adjustment, you can raise and lower the seat easily with one hand, even while in use. But what stood out to us with this model was the comfort of the seat. The adjustable foam comfort seat is slightly larger and more padded than the previous model.

It’s Worth Noting

One place this option left us desiring a bit more was the display. When connected to the app, the screen of the display goes blank. Additionally, there’s no tablet holder, so if you want to watch something on your tablet while riding, you’ll block some of the display. It also can’t connect to your watch to track your vitals.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:Adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars, water bottle holder, 7” LCD Display
• Size:Not listed
• Weight: Not listed
• Material:Not listed
• Our Overall Rating:4.7

Best Plyo Box: Ultra Fitness Gear Anti-Slip Wood 3-in-1 Plyo Box

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Why We Like It

For the plyometric exercise lover, Ultra Fitness Gear’s Plyo Boxis a great way to get that workout in right from home. It’s available in small, medium, and large size options, but for our testing we used the smallest choice. We found it to have excellent stability, not moving or slipping even when used on grass. While the ¾-inch thick plywood is thinner than other models, the wood didn’t warp or buckle, even when jumped on. The boxes have also been tested to withstand weights of up to 450 pounds.

Additional features we appreciate with this box include the handle cutouts and how easy it was to lift and move. It’s also adjustable, ranging between heights of 12, 14, and 16 inches depending on how you rotate the box. Do be aware that the smaller size is quite small, making it a good choice for beginners, but not quite enough for intermediate or advanced users.

It’s Worth Noting

This option is suited for beginners but isn’t ideal for more advanced users.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:One plyometric box
• Size:16.7 x 15 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 15.49 pounds
• Material:Plywood
• Our Overall Rating:4.9

Best Free-Standing Bag: FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag

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Why We Like It

As far as reasonably priced free-standing punching bags go, the FITVEN Freestanding punching bag proved to be the best choice in our testing. The all-inclusive set features not only a freestanding punching bag but also a set of gloves. It’s easy to set up, with no additional tools required. It also features suction cups to keep the bag anchored to the ground.

In our experience, the suction cups kept the bag in place without having to add sand, though we did find it to move slightly with some punches, such as upper hits. With a height range of 47 to 73 inches, the bag is a good choice for every member of the family. We found it was neither too hard nor too soft, and the price is just right.

It’s Worth Noting

As you get stronger, the suction cups on the bottom may not be enough to keep the bag secure on the floor.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:Punching bag, gloves
• Size: ‎9.84 x 55.51
• Weight: 205
• Material:Stainless steel, EPE foam, faux leather
• Our Overall Rating:4.8

Best Exercise Mat: lululemon The Workout Mat 6mm

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Why We Like It

We love Lululemon’s The Workout Matfor its quality material and amount of thickness. We’ve tested thinner options in the past, and we found the 6mm thickness of this mat provided more cushion and comfort when doing poses that put our joints directly into contact with the floor. At 71 inches long, the mat can accommodate taller people, even during fully extended yoga positions like a plank or downward facing dog.

The top layer of this mat is made with recycled PVB to eliminate waste, and it features a raised textural design for added traction. In testing, we found the texture provided great grip, even when our hands were sweaty.

It’s Worth Noting

As is often the case with yoga mats, we found this option had a slight chemical odor at first, but fortunately it dissipated quickly. Additionally, although the 6mm thickness provides exceptional support and comfort for most exercises and yoga poses, it might not be enough for sessions that include extended time lying on your back.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:One mat
• Size:26 x 71 inches
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Material:Recycled PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral)
• Our Overall Rating:4.8

Best Ab Bench: XMark Fitness Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench

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Why We Like It

XMark’s Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench features 12 different levels of decline. The 14-gauge steel mainframe is durable and left us feeling secure and safe. The adjustability makes it a highly versatile choice for beginners and advanced lifters alike.

The bench also comes with an ergonomic leg holder with 4-inch contoured roller pads and 2.5-inch vinyl cushions. These comfort features combined with the decline option enable you to get into positions you wouldn’t be able to access without an ab bench. We highly recommend it, especially for advanced lifterswho are looking to add new exercises to their routine.

It’s Worth Noting

One drawback we found with this bench is that it cannot lie completely flat. While it is a decline bench, we feel that adding this ability would make it even more versatile.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:Decline ab bench
• Size:61 x 20 x 47
• Weight: 38 pounds
• Material:Alloy steel
• Our Overall Rating:4.8

Best Fitness Mirror: lululemon Studio The Mirror

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Why We Like It

Mirror workouts provide a fun and novel way to get your exercise in at home. In particular, Lululemon’s The Mirror included a handful of features that made it stand out in our testing. It provides you with the option to do plenty of workouts as well as live classes. The app is able to recommend classes based on what you’ve done before, and it also offers 15-minute workouts. You can do workouts that are tailored to specific body parts, such as upper body or glutes and legs.

The best thing about this mirror is its versatility. There’s no shortage of workouts to choose from, including barre, kickboxing, dance studio, vinyasa, strength, and more. It also offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, and we found the instructors to be helpful and encouraging. Lastly, an added bonus is that when it’s not in use, this is a sleek and stylish mirror that adds to the overall aesthetic of whatever room you put it in.

It’s Worth Noting

One tricky thing to be aware of with this mirror is that it needs to be near an outlet, so you might need to reconfigure your space. You also have to pair your phone with the mirror every time you want to do a workout.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:Mirror, mirror stand, mirror lens cap
• Size: 1.4 x 22.4 x 56 inches
• Weight: 70 pounds
• Material:Carbon steel frame
• Our Overall Rating:4.9

Best Foam Roller: Trigger Point Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller

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Why We Like It

You may be asking yourself, how different could one foam roller be from another? Well, we found the TriggerPoint Grid Patented Multi-Density Foam Massage Roller to impress us with its design, which is more forgiving and accommodating for beginners. We found it to have softer grooves than competing foam rollers, allowing it to work into muscle knots without overly digging in. We also found the shorter length worked well for rolling your inner legs.

The roller doesn’t take up much space,and we even used the inside to store things when we needed to. The firmer core of this foam roller is a hollow and plastic tube, which we felt gave us good control over how much pressure we applied.

It’s Worth Noting

The smaller profile of this foam roller may make it hard to target larger areas like your back.

Product Details:

• What’s Included:One foam roller, exercise instructions on packaging
• Size:13.03 x 5.47 x 5.43 inches
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Material:Foam
• Our Overall Rating:5

More Home Gym Equipment to Consider

• Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells: These dumbbells came fully assembled and were easy to use. With half pound increments between 5 and 52.5 pounds, they work well for every level of lifter. However, we felt that they wouldn’t work for people with smaller hands as the grips are a bit large. Also, the storage rack slipped off a few times during testing, which we feel poses a safety hazard during movement.
• NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle: This bike is stable, and we found it to make minimal noise and keep the floor safe, even at higher speeds. It also offers a wide range of workouts and great locations to ride like Jamaica, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, as well as beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. That being said, we found the cushion on the seat to become uncomfortable on longer rides.
• Tempo Suite: We liked the Tempo Suite Mirror for its core and barre classes, its super simple setup, and the fact that it lets you stream your own music. Additionally, we loved that with some weight classes, Tempo will check your form and alert you if you’re lifting too heavily. Unfortunately, we found the app to be pretty useless as it doesn’t stream to the mirror, and the heart monitor also felt cheap.

Our Testing Process

To find the best home gym equipment, we spoke with several fitness experts to get their advice on which items are most essential for a good home workout. Because of the wide range of products on our list, we conducted unique research for each item, rating each product on a scale of one to five. Here are some of the qualities we considered for each home gym item:

• Dumbbells:We tested each set 2-3 times a week for at least a month, using them for movements like bent over rows, curls, forward lunges, front squats, and bench presses. We focused on factors like ease of use, grip, storage, durability, overall value, and accuracy of the amounts listed on the weights. We noted results at one, three, and six months.
• Adjustable Dumbbells:With adjustable dumbbells, we paid attention to the ease of setup and unboxing as well as adjustability between exercises, which we timed and tested with both wet and dry hands while following a circuit. Then we tested ease of use by running the same circuit, paying attention to details like comfort. We then dropped the dumbbells from waist high onto both gym floors and concrete slabs to test for durability. Finally, we tested grip with both sweaty and dry hands and made notes of how compact they were.
• Kettlebells:We followed a similar regimen for kettlebells, assembling them according to any manufacturer’s instructions and also being sure to measure them for accuracy in weight. We also measured them with a tape measure to see how much space they took up. We then ran them through a circuit of kettlebell swings, single-leg deadlifts, goblet squats, and kettlebell snatches, timing the adjustable options to see how long they took to adjust between sets. We also tested durability by dropping them from waist height onto concrete and gym flooring while wearing safety goggles, and noted how they handled the damage.
• Treadmills: To test the best treadmills, we started with a five-minute warmup on a zero incline at low speed, paying attention to stability, security, pace accuracy, and whether the treadmill felt balanced. Next, we increased the speed to a slight jog for one minute. Then we stepped off and timed how long it took the treadmill to go from two miles per hour to its maximum speed, then back down to four miles per hour. For treadmills with incline, we tested gradual levels and eventually the highest incline. We also tested decline for two minutes before setting the machine back to a zero incline and doing a five-minute cool down.
• Weight Benches:As we unboxed and assembled each weight bench, we rated its ease of setup. During use, we paid special attention to stability, adjustability, portability, and whether we felt safe while doing a variety of exercises. In the longer term, we made note of whether there were any dings or scratches after use and whether the pad experienced any sort of peeling. At the six-month mark, we re-evaluated the comfort of the padding and whether or not it got squished over time, as well as how easy the bench was to keep clean.
• Resistance Bands:We start testing the best resistance bands by noting any odor upon opening the box and any accessories that came with the bands. We noted if they felt well made or cheap and flimsy, as well as if they had any scuffs or damage. We worked with an on-site personal trainer to ensure that we used the bands correctly, paying attention to the quality of the bands and how they affected the movements. After completing a circuit and taking a pause, we sprayed our hands with water to mimic the feeling of sweat, then ran through the circuit again to check the grip quality. Then we packed the bands up and brought them home for at-home testing, using the bands at least three times each week and noting our observations.
• Indoor Cycling Bikes:We timed how long it took to unbox and assemble each bike, noting whether the instructions were clear and how many people were needed for setup. For indoor cycling bikes that came assembled, we made note of the ease of setting up an appointment, if the setup team showed up on time, and how quickly they were able to get it into the home. Then we connected to Wi-Fi and set up an account on the bike’s streaming service, connecting the bike to any health apps. We sat on each bike and noted whether the seats tipped up or down and if the seat was cushioned enough for longer rides. We also checked if there was a bottle holder, clip-on pedals or caged pedals, and other design features. We did at least eight different workouts on the bikes, or at least two per week for four weeks. We took note of how smoothly the bikes rode, the number of resistance levels, ability to track factors like heart rate and speed, clarity and helpfulness of the display, and overall stability. We also paid attention to the variety of workouts offered and how easy it was to adjust the seats, handlebars, and resistance during a workout.
• Plyo Boxes: We paid attention to ease of setup, if the box was usable right away, and whether there was any learning curve. During workouts, we noted how stable each box felt, how well it grew with us as we advanced, sturdiness of the box, and whether we could adjust our speed and still feel secure. At the six-month mark, we examined the quality, noting whether the surface material began to fray, the box became squishier, or there were any other effects on overall quality and stability.
• Punching Bags: We paid attention to the materials, mounting style, and special features such as a Bluetooth app. We then tested the punching bags for twenty minutes, starting with five minutes of easy activity and using both our upper and lower body to get a feel for the bag. Then we did five minutes at a brisk tempo, using a faster pace and increased intensity. We ended with ten minutes of higher intensity to determine the appropriateness of the bag for longer activity. We also paid attention to other features like the type of bag and whether it was a freestanding or hanging punching bag. We also noted the height, weight, and stability of each bag.
• Yoga Mats:To test the best yoga mats, we made note of how flat each mat laid out and if we noticed any odors. We then rated padding, thickness, grip, and portability. We tested each mat with wet and dry hands and noted whether or not they come with mat straps or carrying bags.
• Ab Machines:We tested a variety of ab machines, including exercise balls, ab rollers, and rowing machines. To test the decline bench that made our list, we performed Russian Twists using 6-pound medicine balls for added resistance. Next, we tested the decline bench by doing decline sit ups, adjusting to the decline we were most comfortable with. Lastly, we repeated our testing with wet ankles to simulate sweat.
• Fitness Mirrors:We started by unboxing each fitness mirror or having them assembled if white glove service was included. Then we created an account with the proprietary service, noting the cost and whether the service connects to Apple Health or any other health apps. We also checked whether we were able to stream our own music, choose which muscle group we wanted to target, or add user profiles. After completing the first workout, we noted how we felt during the session, how clear the instructions were, whether or not we could track metrics, and how we felt afterward. We used each mirror for a minimum of three times per week for a variety of workouts.
• Foam Rollers: We used each foam roller for at least 30 seconds on our calves, quadriceps, hips, hamstrings, and glutes, noting how we felt afterward. We repeated this routine every day for seven consecutive days, using the roller after our workouts. At the end of the week, we noted if our muscles feel more loose, knots were more relaxed or gone, and if we felt more agile.

The Experts

• Jacob Sharf, In-home and Corporate Personal Trainer
• Hesh Elberger, Fitness trainer at Iron Culture Gym in North Bergen, New Jersey

Your Questions, Answered

Is investing in a home gym worth it?

Elberger says investing in a home gym is absolutely worth it, noting that you can get a great workout with a minimal amount of equipment. Sharf agrees that a home gym is worth the time and money, especially if you don’t plan on getting a gym membership.

¿Cuánto cuesta montar un gimnasio en casa?

¿Qué equipo de ejercicio en casa es más eficaz?

Según Elberger, una barra, un press de banca y una rejilla para sentadillas te permitirán realizar una amplia variedad de ejercicios. Las opciones multifuncionales como una barra también son efectivas porque te permiten realizar diferentes ejercicios como press de hombros y curls. Las mancuernas también pueden proporcionar mucha variedad, especialmente las ajustables que le permiten sobrecargar progresivamente y desarrollar fuerza con el tiempo.

Elberger nos dice que si puedes hacer press de banca, peso muerto y sentadillas, puedes crear un programa de entrenamiento sólido. También señala que las bandas pueden ser buenas para estirar y hacer ejercicios de resistencia. En opinión de Sharf, las bandas de resistencia son el camino a seguir, especialmente si eres principiante. Son asequibles, portátiles y le permiten progresar rápidamente. Si tienes más experiencia, a Sharf le gustan las mancuernas ajustables para desarrollar músculos y fuerza.

Quienes somos

Jack Byram es un escritor independiente que cubre todo lo relacionado con la salud y el hogar. Es un ávido fanático del ejercicio que constantemente investiga y habla con expertos sobre cómo aprovechar al máximo su ejercicio. También siempre está probando nuevos equipos de ejercicio para hacer mejores recomendaciones en su trabajo.

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