To help you find the best exercise equipment and the best home gym equipment, we have tried out a multitude of top products, testing them for durability, ease-of-use and build quality. We liked exercise equipment that offered a superior workout while still being simple to set up and to use, taking care to choose pieces of equipment that shined during strength training, full body workouts and cardio workouts, in addition to maximizing calories burned.
The best exercise equipment that we tried was easily the Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench. This high-grade workout bench offers extreme versatility, with an adjustable seat position and a comfortable, yet durable, build. Keep reading to learn more about other great exercise equipment available for purchase.
Top 7 Best Exercise Equipment
#1 Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic choice for the best home gym setup, thanks to a compact design that can fold away when not in use and a 620 pound maximum weight capacity, making it excel for when you are looking to build muscle.
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- 620 lb max load capacity
- Comfortable and adjustable seating area, with 2” foam padding
- Folds away when not in use
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- Height limit of 6’2”
- No transport wheels
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The Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench is one of the best indoor exercise equipment products you can buy, with a massive 620 pound weight capacity, ensuring it can be used to perform just about any bench press or related exercise. The two inch foam padding along the exterior is comfortable and the seat is adjustable along seven positions, making it perfect for a number of exercise types. We also loved that this bench folds away into an extremely compact size when not in use, so it can be tucked away in the corner somewhere.
Related: To ensure your exercise room remains safe and tidy, you need to acquire the best dumbbell rack.
Though this is a highly adjustable piece of home workout equipment, it is recommended to be only used by folks 6’2” and under, which may limit functionality with taller consumers. Additionally, there are no transport wheels built onto this bench, so moving it around can be difficult. You should also take a look at some of our best health & wellness appliances that ensure a healthy mind and healthy body.
#2 Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Easy-to-use exercise bike with plenty of adjustability options, to suit a variety of workouts, and a foldable design that can be stowed away when not being used.
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- Foldable design is easy to store
- 8 levels of adjustability, for varying workouts
- Easy-to-read LCD display
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- Tension level may not suit professional athletes
- Requires a fair amount of assembly
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The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike is a great example of the best home exercise equipment for weight loss, as the large cushioned seat and maximum weight capacity (300 pounds) make it easy to perform beginner workouts. We loved the eight levels of adjustability and the easy-to-read LCD screen, which delivers a variety of useful information as you exercise. You could use this with the best fitness tracker for activity tracking. This exercise bike is also foldable, for easy stowaway when not in use.
This bike does require a fair amount of assembly upon receipt, however, though we got it done in around a half hour. Also, the eight levels of tension available are perfect for home exercise enthusiasts, but may not offer enough challenge for professional athletes. For heart patients, this exercise bike should be used with the best heart rate monitor in the market.
#3 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
Award: BEST FOR RUNNERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Great choice for treadmill runners, with a built-in heart rate monitor and an automatic incline functionality, which adjusts degrees of incline as you run to keep the workout challenging.
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- Built-in heart rate monitor
- Automatic incline functionality
- Bluetooth connectivity and media port
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- Max weight 250 lb
- Does not fold away when not in use
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The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill is a fantastic choice for frequent runners, joggers and walkers, thanks to a durable design and automatic incline functionality, which adjusts along 12 percent increments as you work out. We loved the built-in heart rate monitor, which we found to be accurate and easy-to-use, and the various ways in which this treadmill allows users to access music and other media. Alternatively, you could use this treadmill with the best Fitbit to track your steps and heart rate. Also, the best running watches can help you keep track of your running times, plus heart rate and calories burned. This smart treadmill is also Bluetooth capable, and features built-in speakers and a media port, in addition to offering a place to store your smartphone.
Related: To avoid lower back injuries, always wear the best lifting belt.
Though this treadmill is just about the best piece of women’s gym equipment you can buy, it may not be great for larger-sized men, as the maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds. Be sure to have a dedicated space for this treadmill, however, as it does not fold away to become more compact when not in use.
#4 Star Uno Ab Squat Workout Machine
Award: BEST FOR BODY SLIMMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Designed to work a number of muscle groups, including abs, glutes, thighs and calves. The easy-to-use soft squat design is perfect for muscle toning and body slimming.
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- Sturdy handlebar support
- Foldable for easy storage
- Helps to protect joints during use
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- Soft squats only
- Max weight 220 lb
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The Star Uno Ab Squat Workout Machine helps to slim the body down and tone muscles by working a number of different muscle groups, including the core, thighs, glutes, and more. And with the best body fat monitor, you can regularly check your fat gain/loss. We loved the durable and solid design, which includes handlebar support, and the fact that it primarily uses your own body weight as tension, thus reducing potential joint injuries. This machine can also easily be folded away and tucked in a closet when not being used.
The Star Uno is among the best home exercise equipment for beginners, thanks to the muscle groups that are involved with the exercise, but this machine can only perform “soft squats” and, as such, may not be useful for professional athletes. Also, the recommended maximum weight here is 220 pounds, which is on the lower side.
#5 Dynapro Exercise Resistance Bands
Award: MOST VERSATILE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Highly effective in a number of exercise types that can work nearly every muscle group in the body, with a durable build, comfortable handles and a large variety of resistance levels.
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- Double dipped latex for durability
- Large variety of resistance levels available
- Comfortable handle built for repetitive motions
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- Ships with a chemical odor, though it fades
- Adjusting band length can be difficult at first
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The Dynapro Exercise Resistance Bands are a must if you are looking to build the best home gym setup, as they can help you perform dozens of exercises that work nearly every muscle group in the body. These bands are highly durable, made from double dipped latex, and feature premium handles that are comfortable while performing repetitive motions. We also loved the sheer number of resistance levels available, suiting professionals and amateurs alike. And talk of building resistance, the best recumbent bike for seniors with 25 resistance levels might just be the ultimate home gym equipment.
These resistance bands are easy to use to perform exercises, though we found adjusting them to a particular height to be somewhat difficult until we got the hang of it. Additionally, these bands shipped with a chemical odor, though it faded in a few days.
#6 Nordic Lifting Ankle Weights
Award: BEST FOR OUTDOOR USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: These high-grade ankle weights contain reflective trim, making them excel during outdoor use, and feature reinforced stitching and neoprene padding. A must have for cross training and related workouts.
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- Reflective trim to increase safety
- Durable reinforced stitching
- Comfortable neoprene padding great for extended use
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- Different weights must be purchased separately
- Not waterproof
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These Nordic Lifting Ankle Weights are perfect for cross training, jogging and related outdoor activities, thanks to safety-enhancing reflective trim located throughout the exterior. We loved the durable reinforced stitching and the comfortable neoprene padding, which is adjustable and can easily fit around most standard-sized ankles. The attention to comfort and durability also make these a fine choice for physical therapy exercises. For a more a more fun exercise gadget, check out the best knee scooter for both indoors and outdoors.
Though there are different weights, up to five pounds, to suit different fitness levels, these weights must be purchased separately. Also, these ankle weights are not waterproof, so it is not recommended to wear them in the pool to perform aquatic exercises.
#7 Simari Workout Gloves
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly workout gloves with plenty of high end features, including a light and breathable air mesh along the exterior and built-in loops for easy removal.
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- Breathable lightweight air mesh
- Loops for easy fit and removal
- Sweat-resistant terry cloth near thumb
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- Not for machine washing
- Can be difficult to find the right size
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These Simari workout gloves come in at a budget-friendly price point while still offering features found with higher priced competitors, including a lightweight and breathable air mesh and a terry cloth thumb pad that helps reduce sweat during intense workouts. We also loved the built-in loops that makes it easy to both remove and put on the gloves
There are many sizes available to purchase to suit adults and teenagers, though finding the right size for your hand can be tricky. Additionally, these gloves should be hand washed in cold water and not placed in the washing machine.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we took great care to pick items intended for use in home exercise routines and those that were perfect for outdoor use. We admired workout gear that increased efficiency and successfully targeted sought after muscle groups, such as the core, the thighs and the legs.
We liked exercise equipment that was made with long-lasting and ultra-durable components, such as stainless steel and microfiber, and items that easily fit into the active lifestyle of men, women and teenagers. To that end, we chose pieces of equipment that were intended to help with weight loss or to act as centerpieces in a home gym.
Versatility was also a primary concern. We chose products that could excel in a wide variety of exercise types, including cross training, jogging and related activities. Finally, we liked exercise equipment that offered a minimal form factor or those that could be folded away for storage when not in use.
Best Exercise Equipment Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Durability
You are going to want to make sure that whatever piece of exercise equipment you choose, it is manufactured using durable and long-lasting components. To that end, look for gear made from stainless steel or from tear-resistant microfiber. You may want to also consider water-resistance, as the human body tends to sweat profusely while actively engaged in fitness activities. - Versatility
Some pieces of exercise equipment, such as exercise bikes, do one thing and do it well. Others, however, err on the side of versatility. Resistance bands, for example, can be used in dozens upon dozens of different exercises. The same goes for ankle weights, workout gloves and many of the other items we chose for the above list. - Compact Form Factor
If you are looking to build a home gym, space will no doubt be limited. To that end, make sure to choose pieces of exercise equipment that can easily be folded away when not in use, helping you to maximize the room at your disposal. Also, many of the above pieces of gear are on the smaller side, which can also help if you are turning a basement into a workout center.
If you love to work out in your home gym, Gadget Review informs you with the latest and the best home gym equipment and fitness accessories including resistance bands, dumbbells, exercise bikes, and yoga mats. The best fitness tracker can keep you informed about your goals, how hard your body is working, and how far you have to go. The best heart rate monitor keeps an eye on your heart during workouts. In short, the best fitbit or other device gives you the info you need for effective exercise. That’s why we feature devices like the best running watches, so you can get the most from your workout.
