How to Work Out at Home and Still Get the Results You Want
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Working out at home can be a challenge, but if done correctly, a very satisfying, efficient and time-saving way to get your daily movement in. We’ve previously written about our favorite weighted jump ropes, how to build a home power rack, and the best exercises you can do at home, but we wanted to create a more comprehensive guide to fitness if you prefer to workout at home, or want to expand your equipment collection heading into the new year.
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Thanks to the influx of fitness and wellness products over the last decade, technology is now working in our favor to provide a variety of apps and methodologies for working out at home in safe, fast and efficient ways. Shoot, you can even workout while working thanks to devices like the Cubii.
No matter how much space you have available to you, you can find home fitness equipment and workout recovery products for your level of activity. We’ve included a variety of options and recommended equipment below for all fitness levels and budgets. Regardless of why you’re stuck indoors, with our guide below, you’ll be able to get your sweat on.
In this piece we’ll be discussing how to work out at home step by step:
The best workout apps for working out at home
A guide to practicing yoga at home
The best strength training equipment for your home including dumbells, kettlebells and resistance bands
Where to find cardio equipment and fitness bikes for your home
The Best Home Workout Apps
OpenFit
OpenFit is an on-demand fitness app with all types of classes including cardio, strength training, bodyweight workouts, barre, pilates, yoga and more.
There are also live, interactive classes you can join in the app with top fitness trainers. You can set your goals and receive support from fitness trainers who keep you on track throughout your structured program. There’s also nutritional support available for those looking to take it one step further.
There’s a seven-day free trial for new members after which you have the option of a few different payment plans starting at $13/month.
Buy: OpenFit Starting at $13/month
Nike Training
The Nike Training Club app is an on-demand fitness app from Nike with workouts, nutrition tips and holistic wellness advice designed by trainers for every kind of athlete. It’s super easy to use and perfect for a workout routine at home.
They have over 200 workouts for cardio, strength and endurance training. What’s more, they vary the workouts based on equipment requirements, from none to full-equipment, so you can find a workout that works with your specific setup.
You earn badges and celebrate milestones in the app, and have the option to receive daily encouragement towards meeting your personalized fitness goals.
The app is offered for free with an option to pay for premium access (starting at $14.99/month) that includes programs led exclusively by trainers, premium workouts and in-depth nutritional guidance. In short, if you’re trying to learn how to work out at home during quarantine, the Nike Training Club is a great resource for all types of athletes.
Buy: Nike Training Starting at $14.99/month
Peloton
Peloton is a stationary exercise bike we’ll discuss later in this article, but they also have a fitness app with a variety of on-demand workouts. The workouts range from five to 60 minutes and include cycling, running, yoga, outdoor exercises, strength training, bodyweight workouts and meditation.
You can access the fitness library from your smartphone, tablet, television or web browser, making following your daily workout routine from home easier and more fun than ever before.
Classes are set to upbeat music and led by top-rated fitness instructors who offer helpful guidance, encouragement and motivation throughout your time with them.
Peloton offers a free trial for all new members and then charges $12.99/month for the use of their fitness library via the app.
Buy: Peloton Starting at $12.99/month
Practicing Yoga at Home
Ah, yoga. The beautiful thing about this calming and strengthening practice is that you can do it anywhere, and it does wonders for your body. It tones, strengthens and balances while pushing and working every muscle over the course of your practice. The only space you need? About the size of your yoga mat should do it, making it easy to exercise at home. Check out these top-rated yoga mats below.
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
This top-rated Manduka PRO yoga mat is eco-friendly, chemical free, has high performance grip and dense cushioning so you’ll feel supported and stabilized as you push your balance, endurance and strength.
This brand sports unmatched grip support and a lifetime warranty with each of their products. This mat comes in a variety of colors to match your style. For best results, wipe it down with mat spray after every use to maintain durability and freshness.
Buy: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat $106.05 (orig. $129.00) 18% OFF
Crown Sporting Goods 5/8-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat
If you’re looking for more support and don’t want to commit to yoga quite yet, this exercise mat from Crown Sporting Goods is highly-rated and 5/8-inch thick so your knees, elbows, hands and feet will feel plenty supported as you move through your flow.
The textured surface provides more traction and the mat is made of lightweight yet durable foam that’s easily portable and still rolls up for easy storage.
Buy: Crown Sporting Goods Extra Thick Yoga Mat $34.98
Gaiam Yoga Mat
Gaiam makes an excellent affordable yoga mat that’s lightweight and thick for cushioning your joints during practice. It’s got a reversible design as well as a textured, non-slip surface for great traction and grip. It’s made free of toxic chemicals and is perfect for yoga anytime, anywhere.
Gaiam Essentials Set
Gaiam also makes a set of yoga props that’s perfect for stability, balance and helping you achieve alignment during your practice. It comes with two lightweight but supportive foam blocks, made with beveled edges for easier gripping. The strap helps you sink deeper into stretches, or capture holds you need a bit more room for.
Buy: Gaiam Essentials Yoga Prop Set $25.50
How To Lift Weights at Home
A set of hand weights is another great addition to your home workout arsenal. Pop light ones in and out of the closet for a quick 10-minute arm toning workout or pick up heavier adjustable dumbbells for a heartier strength training workout.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
These adjustable dumbbells from Bowflex are a fan-favorite amongst SPY readers, and are designed to replace 15 sets of weights in one compact package, making them perfect for working out from home. They can adjust between 5-52.5 pounds in 2.5-5 pound increments, and the easy-to-read dials make your selection easy. They come with intuitive storage trays for keeping your weights from rolling around on the floor, and they’re perfect for upper, lower and full body workouts.
Buy: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells $399.00
Buy: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell (Single $199.00
j/fit Dumbbell Set
This dumbbell set includes three sets of weights and are made of a durable neoprene that will last through years of sweaty sessions indoors and outdoors.
The set also comes with its own rack for easy storage, and the shapes are hexagons so they won’t roll away when not in use. Build arm, leg and core strength all by doing the right moves with this set of versatile, high-quality weights.
Buy: JFIT Dumbbell Set w/Durable Rack, 32 LB Set $55.87
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a simple piece of machinery that can tone your entire body. You can work your abs, arms, lower body, shoulders and back muscles with a few simple movements, making them a great piece of home gym equipment.
Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebells
These kettlebells come in weights ranging from 5-50 lbs made of solid cast iron built to last with no seams, welds or weak spots. They all have a durable vinyl coated finish to prevent corrosion and reduce noise. Each one has a wide, smooth handle with a textured handle and a flat bottom for stability. The flat bottom enables upright storage making them safer and easier to store and ideal for mounted pistol squats.
Buy: Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell Weights $25.76
BalanceFrom Wide Grip Kettlebell Exercise Weight Set
This kettlebell set comes with three weights, at 10, 15 and 20 pounds. All of them have wide, comfortable, ergonomic handles that make them easy to maneuver with, and they’re made with a durable vinyl coating that’s rust-free.
Buy: BalanceFrom Wide Grip Kettlebell Exercise Set $59.90
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
This is basically Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells in kettlebell form. The the turn of a dial, you can change the resistance of the bell betweek 8-40 pounds, making it easy to transition from one exercise to the next. It’s got a space-efficient design, and is made to replace six different pairs of kettlebells. It’s got an ergonomic handle that’s easy to hold, as well as durable molding around the metal plates.
Buy: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell $119.99 (orig. $199.00) 40% OFF
Resistance Bands
Adding a resistance band to your workout adds a strengthening component to a wide variety of movements including bridges, squats and leg raises. They lie almost flat and are super compact so space will not be an issue when figuring out where to store them. They’re also very lightweight and easy to bring with you anywhere.
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
If you’re going to purchase a set of resistance bands, let it be this one. It’s got a 4.5-star rating after over 100,000 (!) reviews and is a #1 best seller on Amazon. The 12″ by 2″ resistance band loops are perfect for adding an extra layer of difficulty to a strength training, pilates, barre, yoga or HIIT workout. The set comes with five different resistance levels, and they all come in a handy storage bag that’s easy to travel with.
Buy: Fit Simplify Resistance Exercise Bands Set $11.00 (orig. $16.95) 35% OFF
WALITO Resistance Bands Set
These resistance bands are a bit different from the set above, as they’re strict bands rather than loops. They come with varying resistance levels of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 pounds, and they come with clip-in handles that make grabbing, pulling, stretching and strengthening easy. You can use each of them on their own, or group them together for resistance levels up to 150 pounds total. The set comes with a secure door anchor for easy setup, as well as a carrying case for taking them on the go.
Buy: WALITO Resistance Bands Set $18.60 (orig. $24.89) 25% OFF
Home Workout Benches
If you’ve got a bit more room in your place and want a designated bench to help you exercise at home, the following is a great option. You’ll want something you can adjust depending on the type of exercise you want to be doing, something comfortable and a bench that is somewhat portable in case you need to shift things around in your home from time to time.
XMark Adjustable Weight Bench
This home bench includes a seven-position adjustable back and a 3-position seat ergonomically designed for comfort so you can work multiple muscle groups at the same time.
It’s constructed with extra thick Duracraft padding that’s covered in tear and sweat resistant Duraguard vinyl fabric. Easily transport it throughout your place with the easy-to-use handle and wheels. It also has a foothold bar for keeping your feet in place during movements.
Buy: XMark Adjustable Weight Bench $216.00
FLYBIRD Adjustable Utility Bench
This workout bench is a fan-favorite amongst SPY readers, and is a bestseller on Amazon after more than 15,000 reviews. It’s made of commercial thickness steel and has a triangular structure for added strength. It’s got a 600 pound weight capacity and comes with six different back positions and four seat positions for a total body workout. The seat is made with anti-slip foam and durable leather, and there’s no assembly required.
Buy: FLYBIRD Adjustable Utility Bench $139.99
SuperMax Adjustable Weight Bench
This weight bench is currently available at a major discount, and comes with an 800 pound weight capacity and a triangular support structure. The construction is powder-coated steel and the large seat and backrest come with 12 different positions you can smoothly transition between. It also has a detachable leg hold you can place in three different positions for stability during your workout, and it’s got transportation wheels so you can easily store it between at-home workouts.
Buy: SuperMax Adjustable Weight Bench $107.31 (orig. $149.00) 28% OFF
The Best Home Exercise Bikes
When it comes to getting a quick but effective cardio fix, a spin class is a surefire way to get your heart pumping with minimal space. Many of the bikes out there require little to no setup and only a wipe down after every class to keep them in tip-top shape. Some require spinning shoes, but many come with slips you can fasten around sneakers or running shoes. Although a bit more expensive than other options on this list, you’ll use an exercise bike, like the one featured below, for years.
PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Stationary Bicycle
This newly revamped indoor spin bicycle from PYHIGH is designed to fit most riders ranging from 4’9 to 6’5 and features a 35 lb bidirectional flywheel that will keep you moving. Train hills, sprints and endurance all while increasing blood flow, improving your vascular system and re-oxygenating the blood in your body. This bike is also super quiet and the anti-loosing belt provides a smoother ride than other chain devices.
Choose your own resistance level with the easy-to-use knob, stay stable with non-slip handlebars and feel comfortable as the built-in heat dissipation capabilities keep you as going throughout your workout.
Buy: PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Stationary Bicycle $289.97 (orig. $449.97) 36% OFF
Peloton Bike+
Peloton’s second iteration of their original Bike, the Bike+, isn’t cheap. Prices start at $2,495 plus a membership to the company’s fitness video library for $39 a month (monthly financing is also available). However, if you want to enjoy all the benefits of a spin class in the comfort of your own home, then Peloton is an all-in-one home fitness solution that’s 100% worth it — read our in-depth Peloton reviews.
By signing up for the streaming video classes, you can enjoy the camaraderie of fitness classes and the support you get from expert instructors. It comes with a killer sound bar audio system, a sturdy frame to ride on and a rotating screen that makes transitioning from the bike to the floor easy. Of course, you can also explore these affordable Peloton alternatives instead, if the price tag is just too high.
Buy: Peloton Bike+ $2,495.00 + $39.00/month
NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle
NordicTrack makes a pretty solid Peloton competitor that comes with all the same components you need for a great workout at home. It’s got a 15-inch interactive touchscreen display that streams the entire iFit library as well as live classes. The screen is adjustable and can be rotated up to 360 degrees. The bike also comes with automatic trainer control during workouts, so your resistance level changes automatically with the instructor, and the flywheel is made with Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) so your workout isn’t disruptive to others.
Buy: NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle $1,964.00
Using Home Treadmills
The best quiet treadmills for your home offer a chance to run and work on your mile time without stepping foot out the door. Adjust your speed and incline depending on the type of road you’d like to work on and also track your progress closely using built-in metrics like average mile time and ground covered.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness makes great workout equipment for exercising at home, and this foldable treadmill is perfect if you like to run. It’s got a 2.20 peak HP drive system for speeds of 0.5-9 miles per hour, and it’s got three different manual resistance level options between 0-5%. It’s easy to fold and store, and has a soft drop system so you can unfold your treadmill hands free whenever you’re ready to workout. It’s got convenient handrail controls as well as nine built-in workout programs for keeping you on track.
Buy: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill $384.99
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
This top-rated treadmill from NordicTrack has 10% OneTouch incline control as well as 10 miles per hour SMART OneTouch speed control so your trailer can automatically adjust your speed and incline during the streaming iFit workout. It’s got a SMART-response motor for top-notch endurance training and a 20″ x 55″ belt that gives you plenty of leg and elbow room to run. It also has a SpaceSaver design and EasyLift for folding up your treadmill for compact storage between workouts.
Buy: NordicTrack T Series Treadmills $649.00
Using Rowing Machines at Home
Rowing is another fantastic source of cardio you can do with just one simple machine in your home. Get lost in the rhythmic movements that tone your arms, shoulders, back, core and legs all while you get lost in the moment.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
This magnetic rower from Sunny Health & Fitness has a large LCD monitor for displaying time elapsed, calories, reps, distance and more. The slide rail is 48 inches total, so you’ve got plenty of room to row with proper form. It also has eight levels of magnetic resistance you can easily adjust between with the twist of a dial.
Buy: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine $240.91 (orig. $399.00) 40% OFF
Hydrow Rowing Machine
Hydrow is the Peloton of rowing machines, with elevated technology and a bright screen that streams in classes from all over the world. It’s got a 22″ touchscreen display with front-facing speakers so you’re completely immersed in the location you’re rowing in, and they’ve got a patented drag system designed to mimic the elements of being out on the water. The roller seat is ergonomically-designed for comfort, and they’ve got a library of hundreds of classes led by Olympians and professional rowers.
Using Ellipticals at Home
Elliptical machines are another great source of cardio in your home. The machine takes up relatively little space and provides a great workout for your upper and lower body simultaneously.
Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Cross Trainer
Sunny Health & Fitness’ elliptical makes it easy to adjust the intensity of your workout between eight levels of magnetic resistance. It’s got a digital monitor with pulse sensors for keeping track of your heart rate, as well as onboard stabilizers so you can move with confidence through your workout. It comes pre-assembled so there’s very little setup necessary, and it’s made compact so it’s perfect for home gyms where space is at a premium.
Buy: Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Machine $142.45 (orig. $179.00) 20% OFF
Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical
Schwinn also makes an excellent elliptical machine that’s built with Bluetooth connectivity so you can track your workouts and stream in routes through their app. The adjustable ramp comes with 10 degree incline control for fun, challenging workouts and there are 25 levels of resistance available. The Precision Path Stride is a full 20″ long so you’ve got plenty of space, and it’s got a DualTrack backlit LCD system with 29 different workout programs.
Buy: Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical $999.00
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