Which exercise machine is better to choose for home – 2022 rating

Choosing and buying the best exercise machine for your home is not as easy as it seems at first glance. It will be especially difficult for a beginner who has never dealt with exercise equipment before and has decided to purchase for the first time.

We'll tell you which model is better to take for weight loss, and which one for quickly pumping up your relief and muscles. We will also focus on the pros and cons of the models, price, and share tips for training.

Tips for choosing and purchasing a simulator

• Decide on the purpose of the exercise - it could be losing weight, pumping muscles, improving endurance, etc. Based on this, think about which models of exercise equipment will best suit your goals.
• How much time are you willing to devote to training? You shouldn't buy an expensive exercise machine if you don't plan to work out on it regularly. Better pay attention to inexpensive models.
• Think about where in the apartment the exercise machine will be placed. Will it fit there, will it fit into the interior?
• Set aside a budget for your purchase. Try not to fall for advertising, choosing a machine based solely on your needs. Amateurs definitely don’t need sophisticated models.
• If you are not working out alone, then take into account the profiles and training options programmed inside the simulator. It is also worth paying attention to the load capacity; some exercise machines are not designed for users weighing more than 100 kilograms.

Varieties

Most often, a variety of cardio equipment is used at home. They are suitable for almost all people, regardless of age and level of physical fitness. The following types of simulators are considered the most popular:

1. Elliptical. It is capable of simulating skiing, so it is suitable for athletes who prefer this particular style of training. The workouts involve all muscles from the shoulder girdle to the feet, working the legs, arms, and body. Many models are equipped with displays that help monitor heart rate, calorie consumption and other indicators.
2. Rowing machine. It involves performing the same movements as when rowing with oars, hence the name. The exercises are quite complex and time-consuming, but effective for losing weight if you follow the correct technique. During the classes, the body, arms, and legs are worked. Training is contraindicated for people with pathologies and spinal injuries.
3. Treadmill. The most popular home exercise machine allows you to run and walk at any convenient time, regardless of the weather outside. Mechanical and electrical designs are available. The latter are more practical and easy to use. Regular exercise has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and improves posture.
4. Exercise bike. The equipment simulates riding a two-wheeled bike. During the training process, the load is applied to all muscle groups, especially the legs and buttocks. The effectiveness of exercises increases significantly if the design is equipped with a heart rate monitor and display, with which you can track your own progress.
5. Stepper. The most compact exercise machine that simulates walking up stairs. The small size allows you to take the projectile on trips and trips. The design consists of a pair of pedals, thanks to the transfer of body weight from one limb to another, it allows you to train the muscles of the buttocks, legs, and abs.

When choosing the appropriate type of equipment, you need to determine the required functionality.

As a rule, members of the same family use a home exercise machine designed for all muscle groups. Therefore, the equipment must be universal, suitable for solving different problems. With the help of training, you can strengthen the cardiovascular system, pump up your muscles, and improve your posture. However, classes should be as comfortable as possible, then the result will appear faster.

Elliptical

Treadmill

Exercise bike

Rowing machine

Stepper

Training Recommendations

• Exercise regularly, 3-4 times a week. The duration of the lesson depends on the level of physical fitness, you can start with 25-30 minutes.
• Always warm up before starting your workout. This will help avoid unnecessary injuries and warm up the muscles and joints before exercise.
• Don't overload your body. If you feel ill during exercise, stop immediately.
• Watch your breathing during exercise. It is recommended to inhale while the muscles are tense, and exhale should coincide with the moment of their relaxation.
• In addition to physical activity, start eating right and watching your diet. Eat food 2 hours before training.
• Drink during exercise and stay hydrated.

Step platforms

REEBOK RAEL-40170BL 121.3x34.7x35.5

REEBOK RAEL-40170BL 121.3x34.7x35.5 Photo: REEBOK

This platform can be used as an aerobic step, incline bench or stand - it can be installed in most positions necessary for a complete full-body workout, and can be used with resistance bands, stability balls and dumbbells.

The bench has an adjustable backrest, and a non-slip rubber surface provides maximum safety during exercise. On this platform you can carry out cardio training, perform strength exercises, pump up the muscles of the legs, abs, back and shoulders.

The step has two height levels: the first, which is usually used by beginners, and the second, which is usually used by those who want to work with increased load.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

You can conduct a full workout at home, compact, rubberized surface - your foot will not slip during exercise

High cost, difficult to unfold, plastic is susceptible to scratches

show more

It is important to know

The best steppers

START UP NT18061 68x28x15 cm

START UP NT18061 68x28x15 cm Photo: START UP

This exercise machine is made specifically for those who want to keep their body in shape, increase endurance and lose weight. On this bench you can not only do step aerobics, but also perform other exercises: push-ups, lunges, and pump up your abdominal muscles.

The START UP platform is made of special durable plastic that can withstand a user’s weight up to 100 kg, and in order to protect a person from accidental injuries during exercise, its surface is equipped with a special anti-slip coating.

Step provides several levels of load: beginners can exercise at a “basic” height, and more experienced athletes can increase it through additional levels.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

Convenient size, feet do not slip, budget price, in fact, even those who weigh more than indicated in the specifications can exercise - the platform will withstand

Strong plastic smell from the platform, the edges are poorly processed - may scratch the floor covering

Starfit SP-205 108x41.5x20 cm

Starfit SP-205 108x41.5x20 cm Photo: Starfit SP-205

A step platform that will help you lose weight and get your body into the desired shape. It has three height levels - the user decides what load to work with. Withstands weight up to 150 kg.

The top of the step is covered with a special rubberized layer - you don’t have to worry about your foot slipping during class and the person getting injured. Using the platform, you can carry out cardio training, pump up your legs, hips and buttocks, and work on your abs and upper torso.

The step platform is easy to use, reliable, and safe. Made from quality materials.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

Convenient size, rubberized coating, functionality, ease of assembly and use

The top covering becomes loose due to frequent training - bumps and waves appear that you can catch your foot on, the plastic quickly gets scratched

Best posts about sports

• The best strength training equipment to exercise at home. The most popular manufacturers on the market
• The best elliptical trainers for home. Rating of the best manufacturers
• Exercise machines for women - review of manufacturers, types of exercise equipment and recommendations for selection
• The best cardio machine for home
• The best rowing machines for home – rating 2020
• Walking trainer for home – rating of the best, pros and cons, effectiveness, tips for choosing
• Which elliptical trainer to choose for your home?
• The best treadmills - 2022 ranking

Comparison with gym classes

A multifunctional home exercise machine allows you to save time on visiting fitness centers and play sports at any convenient time. Despite this, using the equipment has its drawbacks:

• bulkiness of structures;
• high price.

Before purchasing a suitable simulator, you should consult a professional instructor.

A home exercise machine is chosen by people who dream of exercising in a comfortable environment with other family members. However, fitness clubs employ experienced trainers and provide an individual approach. All equipment can be divided into several categories:

• for commercial use, gyms and other professional organizations;
• for non-intensive commercial use, the equipment is found in the halls of various companies;
• for studying at home.

The most powerful are representatives of the first category. Home models will be the simplest and most affordable.

A multifunctional home exercise machine allows you to save time on visiting fitness centers, play sports in a comfortable environment and at any convenient time.

The advantages of training in the gym using professional powerful equipment and the opportunity to exercise under the supervision of an experienced trainer

Contraindications

Various exercise machines bring invaluable benefits to the human body. With them, health is strengthened, well-being improves, and one or another muscle group is worked out. Home equipment is considered safe, however, before starting training, you should consult a doctor to identify possible contraindications:

• hypertensive crisis;
• tachycardia, angina pectoris;
• cardiac asthma;
• tendency to swelling;
• diabetes;
• cardiovascular failure;
• thrombophlebitis;
• benign and malignant neoplasms.

The most effective simulators should only bring benefits. It is for this reason that you should refuse training if there are contraindications. This will help avoid serious negative consequences.

Another important point that it is advisable to take into account when choosing the best exercise equipment for your home. Before making a final decision, it is worth consulting not only with a representative of the retail outlet, but also with a professional trainer. An experienced specialist will explain in more detail the need to purchase equipment that allows you to lose weight without harming your own body. And for users with health problems, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor who will help determine both contraindications and the intensity of training.

Before starting home workouts, you should consult your doctor for possible contraindications.

Jump rope

Price: with counter from 200 rubles, with weighting from 500 rubles.

Accelerated calorie burning, stronger bones, brain training (due to the need to concentrate and maintain coordination), a variety of sports activities, strengthening muscles and a sense of balance - and this is not all the benefits of a small jump rope. And if your relative or friend lives on the ground floor or in his own house - there is no price at all! =)

Ellipsoid

Unlike previous exercise machines, the advantage of the ellipsoid is that it uses all the muscles of the body, giving an even load on both the upper and lower parts. In addition, it is almost impossible to get injured or sprained on it, so the ellipsoid is quite a candidate for the role of a simulator with which you should start getting acquainted with the gym.

Typically, the elliptical has ten possible load levels built into it, with 1 being the lightest and 10 being the heaviest. For the first workout, you should not choose a high level, stop at 3 or 4. If after 10 minutes you feel active and alert, you do not have shortness of breath or feel tired, you can increase the load to level 5-7 and train in this mode for another 5- 15 minutes, after which you need to gradually reduce the load for 10 minutes until the end of the workout. If the load is poorly tolerated, you should not increase it even more or continue to exercise despite feeling unwell. For beginners, it is absolutely normal that the first workout lasts 10-15 minutes, since the cardiovascular system needs time to get used to and reconfigure. Over time, you can easily withstand 40-60 minutes or more.

Determining the optimal load on an elliptical trainer is easy. If you can maintain it for 20-40 minutes, while your heart rate is between 130-140 beats per minute, and you move quickly, then the load is appropriate for your level of training and helps burn fat.

An hour of exercise on an ellipsoid allows you to burn 700-800 kcal, provided that the exercise is performed intensively at the same pace without slowing down or stopping.

Rating of the best free weight strength training machines

Let's review the models of free weight exercise machines that are most popular among users.

DFC D7002

This multifunctional model allows you to perform chest presses, upper and lower rows, and leg extension exercises. Additionally, bars are installed. If necessary, you can adjust the height and height of the seat. Heavy-duty load, work area designed for one user. The weight of the model is 110 kg, and the stack is 45 kg. The maximum permissible load is up to 120 kg. Price - about 40,000 rubles.

DFC D7002

Advantages:

• Low price;
• Easy installation;
• Stepper with two cylinders.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

DFC HOMEGYM HM019

This type of machine is suitable for training the shoulder girdle and back muscles, as well as traction of the upper and lower blocks. For user comfort, the seat and bolsters are height adjustable. The steel frame has a diameter of 1.5 cm. The disc load is installed, the seat for the disc is 26 mm. The maximum load for which the model is designed is no more than 100 kg. One work area. Sports equipment weighs only 43 kg, the average price is about 18,000 rubles.

DFC HOMEGYM HM019

Advantages:

• Light weight of the model;
• Low price;
• Adjustment of seat and bolsters.

Flaws:

• Discs are not included.

Small equipment

In home workouts, inexpensive and compact equipment is often used.

We list the most common exercise equipment for losing weight at home:

1. Gymnastic roller

Roller exercises work the abdominal and back muscles, but indirectly involve almost all the major muscles - legs, buttocks, arms and shoulders.

However, to perform the movement technically correctly, you need at least an average level of training.

1. Gymnastic hoop

From time to time there is a buzz around hoops. Sellers of sports equipment manage to convince ordinary people who are far from sports that this is a working tool for reducing waist size.

In fact, the hula hoop is absolutely useless for weight loss.

The energy consumption when exercising with it is small and, contrary to the beliefs of many, it does not shape the waist.

However, it can be used in home workouts as an additional exercise.

1. Fitball

A healthy and quite effective home exercise machine for weight loss and more.

Despite its simple appearance, almost all major muscle groups are pumped using a fitball.

They also do basic movements with it, which help burn a lot of calories.

There are even entire training methods with this equipment.

This is a suitable option for home exercises, which is especially suitable for those who have problems with the spine.

1. Balancing disc

The exercises performed on such devices are classified as static-dynamic. This means little energy consumption.

However, the equipment will help strengthen the body stabilizers. These include the core muscles, the development of which increases the protection of the spine and joints from injury.

In general, the balancing disc is suitable as an addition to the main part of the workout, both in the gym and at home.

Rating of the best strength training machines with built-in weights

Let's consider the most popular models of power equipment that operate on the basis of built-in weight.

WEIDER 9900 I

Load-type load, stack (block plate) weighs 65 kg and is protected by an additional casing. Exercises that can be performed on this equipment include: traction of the lower and upper blocks, working out the pectoral muscles and shoulder girdle, leg extension. For user convenience, the seat can be adjusted to the desired height. The maximum permissible load is 135 kg, while the weight of the simulator itself is 163 kg. The price is about 70,000 rubles.

WEIDER 9900 I

Advantages:

• Stack protection;
• Seat adjustment.

Flaws:

• Fragile and thin frame;
• Heavy weight.

Hasttings HasPower 300

This model differs from the others in having a 100 kg stack. The Y-shaped frame design allows the simulator to be as stable as possible, so it does not require floor mounts. It is considered a fairly compact model. This machine allows you to perform exercises for different muscle groups: for upper, lower and horizontal traction, butterfly, as well as many exercises for training the legs, chest and shoulder girdle. The Cattle desk is adjustable to the required height required by the user. The weight of the equipment itself is 154 kg. In this case, the maximum permissible load is up to 125 kg. The price varies between 70,000 rubles.

Hasttings HasPower 300

Advantages:

• Large stack weight;
• Compactness;
• Multifunctionality.

Flaws:

• High price.

DFC D7000

On such a weight-block model, you can perform exercises to train the muscles of the chest, abdomen, as well as for the legs and arms - extending and bending. The block slab weighs 45 kg, and the equipment weighs 139 kg. The maximum load supported by the simulator reaches 120 kg. There are 10 plates installed on the device. Its price is about 20,000-21,000 rubles.

DFC D7000

Advantages:

• Low price;
• Compact.

Flaws:

• Under maximum load, the manufacturing material is deformed.

Treadmill

Ideal to keep your figure in excellent condition. It can be used for both running and walking – that is, to perform natural movements for humans. It allows you to spend quite a lot of energy without a particularly heavy load, strengthens the lungs, heart and blood vessels, and increases muscle tone.

The treadmill does not require any preliminary preparation.

Minuses:

• Expensive.
• High noise level during operation.
• Quite large in size and weight.
• Not recommended for people with problem joints and spine.

Stepper

This is the best exercise machine for home. Its advantage is its compact size and low price. It perfectly allows you to get rid of excess weight and pump up your leg muscles.

The downside is that there is a large load on the knee joints, which makes their use undesirable for older people.

Remember that no matter what home exercise machine you choose, the training program must be appropriate to your level of health and meet the recommendations of your doctor or trainer.

Exercise bike

This is another variation of cardio exercise. The exercise machine is aimed at developing and strengthening leg muscles and allows you to effectively burn calories. Of course, you won’t be able to pump up beautiful, sculpted muscles on an exercise bike, but after 2-3 weeks of regular training, you can notice how the inner thighs, calf muscles and buttocks have tightened up, which, together with getting rid of excess weight, makes the exercise bike one of the best choices for developing a beautiful body. and a slender body.

You should start training at a speed of 14-15 km/h, after which you can smoothly move to an average load level of 17-20 km/h for half an hour. For the first lessons this may be enough. Over time, the body will get used to it and it will be possible to increase the speed to 22-24 km/h or more. Some simulators have built-in training modes that allow you to select the cycling of the load and select the optimal speed, do not neglect them. Alternating the pace will help increase the effectiveness of the lesson and prevent overwork.

An hour of exercise on an exercise bike helps burn 550-600 kcal, but you should not try to squeeze the maximum out of yourself from the first session. A workout lasting 30-40 minutes will also bring the desired effect and at the same time prevent the development of overtraining.