Trying to sort out your physical health is a lot of work. It’s not as simple as just waking up early and actually doing the exercise, because you have to try and make it a habit. It’s tough, but it’s a lot easier to manage if you’ve got the right tools for the job, and if you find a form of exercise you actually enjoy. While gyms are good and all, you might not feel comfortable going to one for a plethora of reasons. So, we’ve taken a look at some of the best home fitness equipment around, and we’re making our recommendations right here.
Best For Recovery: LifePro Legra Hand Massager
If you’re leaning in hard to your new fitness routine, you’re gonna need to invest in some recovery time too. For this, I’d recommend the LifePro Legra Hand Massager. It’s really simple to use, since you just press Power, followed by the clearly labeled buttons (Intensity, Mode, Pressure, Heat) to find the setting you’re looking for. Intensity and Mode have five unique settings, while vibration offers two. As for heat: The LifePro Hand Massager heats up to just over 100°F, which is enough to be notably warm/soothing without being uncomfortable. (Think more car seat warmer than sauna.) I think the math on that means there are 100 possible combinations for hand therapy-slash-relief. It comes with a set of acupressure coils, too. Overall, it’s just a useful tool to have during a training journey.
Best Desk Elliptical: LifePro FlexStride Plus
Once I managed to set this up, I ended up actually enjoying it. The exercise the LifePro FlexStride Plus provides is the right amount of challenging, and doesn’t require too much focus to accomplish, which is nice. The pedals were a little stiff at first, but that’s mostly because I had the resistance knob cranked up too far at the beginning (oops). The monitor display is simple, with a screen that can toggle between distance, RPM, time used, estimated calories burned (and more). The screen turns on and off automatically, and the exerciser’s carrying handle makes it easy to pick up and put down wherever it is you want to use it. So it might not be life-changing, but it’s a nice thing to have around for someone like me. I can totally see myself making it a regular part of TV or work time to sneak fitness into the day.
Best Yoga Mat: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Mat
Yoga: It’s important. It’s good for increasing strength and flexibility, as well as helping to regulate your breathing and center your mind. I like the Balance From GoYoga All-Purpose Mat ($16 at Amazon right now) because at 1/4in., it’s thick enough to be supportive but thin enough to be lightweight. It’s double-sided and non-slip, so it’ll stay in place while you attempt whatever pose you’re trying this week. Plus, the mat rolls up for easy storage. If you fell asleep on it after watching Yoga With Adriene, I wouldn’t judge you. And when you’re ready to take a class with other real-life humans, the carrying strap is included.
Best Weights (Small): Amazon Basics Dumbbell Hand Weight Set
Even though a magazine definitely once told me that two big water bottles were sufficient, it turns out that when incorporated into your regular workout, hand weights are actually a better tool for effective tone. I like the $35 Amazon Basics Dumbbell Hand Weight Set for a few reasons. One of them is that the weights are coated in neoprene, which makes them durable and easy to hold. Another is that they’re colorful, which is fun; you can almost trick your brain into actually wanting to use them. The final reason is that they come with their own stand. This makes any home gym setup (or apartment fitness corner) feel very official.
Best Weights (Big): Soges Adjustable Dumbbell Set
If you’re looking for weights, but slightly heavier ones, then you’d do well to grab the Soges Adjustable Dumbbell Set. This set comes with two dumbbell rods and one barbell one, which is great for allowing more variety in exercises. The weights are shaped to stop rolling, which is ideal in nearly every situation, and comes with an array of different plates to allow you to mix and match them all the way up to a total of 66 pounds. It’s a great choice for those moving up from the lighter weights, and all for under $100.
Best Ab Roller: EnterSports Ab Wheel Roller
The best part of the EnterSports Ab Wheel Roller is that it’s over 3" wide, which is more than double the standard width for similar products. That means that it offers extra support and stability while you work out your core. (Like, a lot of stability: According to the manufacturer, it won’t wobble at all, even up with up to 600 lbs. on it. Pretty good.) And, unlike other ab rollers, this one comes with two EnterSports resistance bands, a set of pushup bar handle grips, and a knee pad to center yourself on, so you don’t, you know, break your body apart while trying to strengthen it. Currently priced below $30 for everything included, this easy-to-store set is an absolute steal.
Best Stationary Bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
Spin classes? Too loud. Pelotons? Too expensive. A regular stationary bike? Now you’re talkin’ my language. At $316, the Yosuda Indoor Cycle Bike is an ideal option. First and foremost: It’s compact enough to fit in an apartment. We love this. It’s also comfortable and adjustable, which you won’t get from every inexpensive stationary bike on the market. Based on reviews, the Yosuda bike is easy to set up, which is important, but my second-favorite feature (after its size) is that it has a built-in mount for your iPad. Deal with that, Peloton!
Best Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial Series Treadmill
Treadmills!!!!! A classic of the home fitness genre. Simple, elegant, and easy to use, they’re an effortless way to transition from sedentary to Instagram Fitness Babe. This NordicTrack Commercial has everything you need: One billion workout customization options, an HD display screen, and a mega cooling vent because getting healthy be sweaty. This model can be paid for in installments, and even includes a 30-day trial to iFit to help you kick off your new fitness routine. Probably better if you have access to a basement or garage, but being so committed to working out that you replace your living room furniture with a treadmill would be a pretty good bit.
This story was originally published by Sophy Ziss on 02/14/2022 and was updated with new information by Jason Coles on 03/17/2022.