Depending on the type of exercise you’re into — from legs to arms to abs — your ideal workout machine will differ from that of another person. Our comprehensive buying guide covers everything you need to know when buying a workout machine for your specific needs. Let’s take a look!
Having a workout machine in your home can be incredibly helpful. It lets you get in your workout at any time of day when it works for you rather than having to coordinate with gym hours, traffic, and busy work schedules. A workout machine in your own home can also help you cut down on fuel and transportation costs and save time since you won’t have to commute to the gym. Plus, this one-time investment beats paying for gym memberships in the long run. If you’re a shy person who feels intimidated by others during your workout sessions, you can exercise in peace at home and take things at your own pace with these handy machines.
Here are some of the most important things to consider when buying a workout machine:
Whether you like pilates, strength training, cardio or CrossFit, the ideal workout machine should accommodate your preferred type of exercise. Most workout stations have anywhere from 25 to 80 workouts possible, giving you plenty of opportunities to meet your gym goals.
Next, check whether your workout machine includes the necessary equipment for your exercises, such as bench press bars, a set of leg pulleys, and resistance weights. Read through the included items carefully to get a good sense of what you’re buying.
Workout machines tend to either have free weights for resistance or structured rods. Free weights give you adjustable resistance that has some inertia to it. This is the traditional method of adding resistance to your exercises. Resistance rods give you the same resistance without inertia so you can practice maintaining your form.
Home gym equipment should be comfortable so you feel encouraged to use it more. Look for workout stations with padding and comfortable grips so you don’t bruise yourself while working out. Good stations have ergonomic seats and backrests to protect your spine and promote good posture when exercising.
Your guests might not be interested in seeing your workout station in the far corner of the living room. We recommend choosing a machine that’s easy to store and reassemble so that you can put it away when needed and set it up effortlessly when it’s time to use it again.
Knowing the weight capacity of your machine is essential. If you choose a machine with a lower weight capacity you might end up injuring yourself. This is why you should always buy machines compatible with your weight and ability.
Most don’t have the luxury of setting aside a separate space for their exercise equipment. Finding the perfect place to set up your home workout machine is significant. Here are some qualities of an ideal location:
If you’re looking for a gym station that gives you an upper body and lower body workout at home, the Marcy Workout Machine is the perfect fit for you. This machine has a 150-pound stackable weight capacity that can be incorporated into many exercises to build strength and tone your muscles. Speaking of strength, it has a solid steel construction with reinforced guard rods and padding in all the critical areas. Plus, because it has an ergonomic backrest and seat and curling pads on the arms, this machine is perfect for isolated muscle exercises. We’ve chosen this workout machine as our best overall pick due to its sturdy build and multipurpose use.
The Star Uno Ab Squat Workout Machine is an excellent choice for anyone looking to tone and firm their muscles. This workout machine is designed with a Power Assist Spring System (PASS) that allows users to use their own body weight to adjust the intensity of the workout, making it a great choice for all levels of fitness. The handlebar support and seat height adjustment make this machine perfect for any size user. The machine folds up for convenient storage when not in use.
The ab squat machine also comes with an exercise chart which provides plenty of guidance for users to maximize their workouts. The chart contains clear instructions and diagrams to help users get the most out of their exercise time. It also includes a range of suggested exercises to target specific muscles in the abdominal, gluteal, and thigh areas. It provides a comfortable and safe way to work out while allowing users to adjust their workout intensity depending on their fitness level. Not only is this machine ideal for personal use in the home gym, but it’s also lightweight and portable enough to bring along on trips or during other activities.
There are hardly as many workout machines that offer as many all-in-one gym benefits as the Bowflex Workout Machine. This machine can help you do over 25 different types of exercises thanks to its multiple individual parts and overall integrated design. It’s suitable for rowing, pectoral and chest muscle exercises and isolated muscle exercises. Plus, you can enjoy the same resistance as free weights without the added inertia impacting your workout. What’s more, a top feature of this workout machine is that its bench can be folded vertically to save space around the house. This impressive workout machine is perfect for those who are short on space but have many fitness goals in mind.
If you’re looking for a workout station that gives you cardio, strength training and stretching, look no further than the Total Gym Workout Machine. This gym equipment is equipped with enough gear to support around 80 workout routines, all of which help you get a full-body workout at home. To maximize your workouts, this machine comes with free video access to online workouts and a diet plan so you can achieve your ideal results. With a weight capacity of 400 pounds, this machine is perfect for anyone trying to get fit, from novices to gym enthusiasts. Plus, this workout machine requires no assembly since it’s packed in a compressed form.
Sometimes the most beneficial workout is a cardio-based workout that focuses on the glutes. The Sunny Health & Fitness Workout Machine gives you the cardio and strength benefits of a rowing machine and an exercise bike combined. This machine helps you tone your whole body through various modes and exercises. Plus, it also lets you record your calories and time on the digital LCD monitor. Thanks to the non-slip pedal, which makes sure you don’t lose your footing, you can even do a variety of squats with this machine. This workout machine is an excellent option for those who prefer glute workouts to strength training or lifting weights.
The Fitlaya Fitness Workout Machine lets you do professional ab workouts from home. With a weight capacity of up to 440 pounds, this machine is perfect for dedicated people who are looking to lose weight. It tones your upper, lower and middle abs while involving your hips and inner thighs. This gives the user an overall lower body and core strength workout. What’s more, the comfortable foam-covered handles make it easier to use the machine without bruising your arms and legs. If you’re looking to improve your core strength and get rock-hard abs this is the perfect workout machine for you!
A: Although workout machines do not need to be cleaned often, we suggest you wipe off any sweat or moisture after each workout. Doing so will keep your machine from rusting and smelling.
A: Since workout machines are easy to carry around and set up, you can keep them on the balcony for your daily workout. We recommend covering it when not in use to avoid any weather damage and bringing it inside during storms, windy weather and rain.
A: Resistance training at home can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it. We recommend starting with low resistance and increasing it every week or so.