How to Work Out at Home and Still Get the Results You Want
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 during quarantine and other times when you may be stuck at home.
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
$120
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 $48.14
How To Lift Weights at Home
A set of hand weights is another great addition to your home workout arsenal. Pop them in and out of the closet for a quick 10-minute arm toning workout or as an addition to longer HIIT circuits. These weights from Amazon are high quality, affordable and will last for a long time.
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: j/fit Dumbbell Set w/Durable Rack | Solid Design | Double Neoprene Coated Workout Weights Non-Chip and Flake | Dumbbells Sets For Gyms, Pilates, MMA, Training (32lb Set) $102.53
PowerBlock Personal Trainer Set
If you want variety and have different athletes in your home of varying strength levels, it’s worth the investment in this adjustable barbell set.
You can move from five to 50 pounds, adjusting in 2.5-pound increments all the way up. Switch between exercises where you need different weight easily and get rid of the clutter with one, easy-to-use tool.
Buy: PowerBlock Personal Trainer Set, 5 to 50 Pounds per Dumbbell
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: RitFit Neoprene Coated Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell
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.
Letsfit Resistance Loop Bands
These resistance bands from Letsfit include weights from extra light to extra heavy, are made with 100% natural latex and come with a carrying case and instruction manual.
Activate your glutes, core and hip muscles among others easily with these simple and strong rubber bands.
Buy: Letsfit Resistance Loop Bands $10.95
LetsFunny Resistance Bands With Handles Set
This set from LetsFunny includes more heavy-duty resistance bands that go from ten to 30 pounds, with a maximum weight equivalent of 100 pounds when layered on top of one another.
The set also comes with a set of handles and a loop for ankle exercises against a door frame or other at-home anchors. They’re color coded so you can be sure of which weight you’re using, and the included instruction manual can act as a guide when starting out.
Buy: LetsFunny Resistance Bands Set $15.99
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 $359.00
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 reoxygenating 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 $334.99
Peloton Stationary Bike
The Peloton isn’t cheap. Prices start at $2,245 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. Of course, you can also explore these affordable Peloton alternatives instead.
Buy:
Peloton Stationary Bike
$2,245
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.
MaxKare Electric Foldable Running Treadmill
This foldable treadmill is great for getting a quick workout in or working while walking and folds up whenever you’re done.
It’s got an adjustable display panel that keeps you updated on your speed, incline, mile time and other important metrics. The speed ranges vary between 0.5-8.5 miles per hour to accommodate all fitness levels and the machine includes 15 preset programs to choose from if you want a more structured path to tread on.
Whenever you’re done, activate the Soft-Drop system to raise the deck and store it safely until you’re ready to workout again.
Buy: MaxKare Electric Foldable Running Treadmill $323.99
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.
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
This rower from MaxKare has an LCD screen that displays time, calories burned, ground covered and overall progress.
It works off of magnetic resistance that’s easily adjusted using a dial, and it offers 16 different levels so you can easily dial it up or back depending on your home workout routine for the day. The machine has 45 available inches of slide rail for you to move on, and wheels so you can move it throughout your home easily.
The non-slip foot pedals will keep you safe during your cardio session and the straps will keep you locked in so you can focus on getting faster and stronger. It also has a cushioned seat and padded handles to keep you as comfortable as possible while you crush it.
Buy: MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine $215.99
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.
ANCHEER Magnetic Elliptical Machine
This elliptical machine from Sunny Health & Fitness is another great piece of fitness equipment built for home use with eight levels of magnetic resistance to choose from and a digital monitor for keeping track of your progress.
The machine tracks your speed, time, distance covered, calories burned and your pulse. The magnetic resistance works against you as you grip the anti-slip handlebars and convenient foot pads, making for a safe and stable workout.
It’s got dual power motion that works your upper and lower body at the same time and is designed to keep movements as smooth and quiet as possible.
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