As more people look to stay fit and healthy from the comfort of their own homes, home gyms have become an increasingly popular option.
With various brands offering different types of equipment, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you.
This article will provide an overview of some of the top home fitness brands on the market today, outlining each brand’s strengths and weaknesses so that you can make an informed decision when the time comes to purchase your gym setup.
Quick Summary
- Brand reputation is a significant consideration for home gym owners shopping for equipment.
- Many fitness apps offer live classes offering a social aspect that can be lost when not attending commercial gyms.
- Whether you want to lift weights or boost your cardio, countless equipment options allow you to exercise in your own home.
What to Look for in Home Gym Brands
You’ll want to assess your needs and goals when shopping for home gym brands.
You should regularly incorporate some strength training into your routine, as it is critical to overall fitness [1].
Additionally, keep these three criteria at the top of your list: safety, warranty, and reputation.
Safety
Look for machines that feature safety mechanisms such as safety bars and weight safety clips.
Also, consider the gym equipment’s construction; look for solid welds and a solid frame.
Additionally, check whether the machine has been certified by safety testing organizations like UL or ETL, which indicates it meets safety standards.
Warranty
In addition to safety, you should consider the warranty your gym equipment offers.
Reputable companies usually provide a long-term warranty as a sign of confidence in their product’s quality. Look for brands with at least a 5-year warranty, though some offer lifetime warranties.
Reputation
Finally, research the company’s reputation before making a purchase. Be sure to read reviews from other customers and research the brand online.
Check to see how long the brand has been in business and what kind of customer service they offer should you experience any issues down the line.
Some companies offer a lifetime guarantee on their gym equipment, which boosts their trustworthiness.
Doing this due diligence will help you find reliable brands that stand by their products and commit to providing quality home gym equipment.
Here is a quick overview of some well-known gym equipment brands.
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Fitness is one of the most popular home fitness equipment brands that offers high-quality, safety-tested products.
The company has been around since 2005 and provides a lifetime warranty on many fitness equipment models.
Some pros of purchasing Rogue Fitness equipment include their safety features, long-term warranties, and reputation for customer service.
However, some people might need to find a price tag that is more affordable for their budget. Their brand isn't known for having cheap gym equipment.
Additionally, while they offer safety mechanisms on their machines, they are not certified by safety testing organizations like UL or ETL, which may concern some customers.
Check out these articles on some great Rogue Equipment:
REP Fitness
REP Fitness has been a leading brand helping fitness enthusiasts since 2010. REP offers a wide range of exercise equipment, including cardio equipment, quality power racks, top weight plates, and good adjustable weight benches.
In addition to its home equipment range, REP sells heavy-duty commercial-gym-grade CrossFit rigs designed for certified personal trainer-led fitness classes.
REP builds products using heavy-duty materials like steel or powder-coated frames designed to last over time.
REP Fitness offers high-quality exercise equipment at an affordable price, and you’ll find excellent support from top-notch customer service.
They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their products.
A few drawbacks to REP Fitness include no pre-programmed workout routines or tracking software.
Also, cardio equipment, such as rowing machines and ellipticals, may be too bulky to fit in smaller spaces.
Tonal
Tonal is a revolutionary home fitness system that is taking the fitness world by storm.
This unique and innovative equipment combines virtual training, free weights, and machines to create a comprehensive workout experience.
The advantage of Tonal equipment is convenience. Instead of having multiple pieces of equipment, Tonal provides everything in one easy-to-use machine.
Tonal features tons of built-in challenges, progression measuring, tracking, and a library of hundreds of workouts that allow customization based on your fitness level. Tonal is expensive compared to traditional gym equipment.
Life Fitness
Life Fitness is one of the most recognizable and trusted names in this space, offering strength training and cardio machines.
Life Fitness machines offer a lot of versatility in terms of programming options and customizability features and provide innovative features like integration with popular virtual apps such as iFit Coach or Peloton, allowing users to access hundreds of workouts.
Life Fitness constructs its gym equipment from top-of-the-line materials and components, and you will pay the price for this exceptional quality, which can be a deterrent for some home gym owners.
Tempo
Tempo Studio is another popular gym equipment brand, offering a wide range of machines and accessories to suit the needs of various fitness goals.
One of the biggest advantages of Tempo gym equipment is its affordability.
With prices ranging from budget-friendly models to more expensive ones depending on your needs, it’s easy to find something that fits your budget.
However, because Tempo is relatively inexpensive compared to other home fitness equipment brands, it may offer less longevity and durability.
“Strength training, also called weight training or resistance training, is an important part of any fitness routine. It helps make you stronger and also builds muscle endurance.”
- Emily Cronkleton, Certified Yoga Teacher
Peloton
Peloton targets users looking for a high-end cardio machine for home workouts like running and cycling, but anyone who enjoys high-intensity interval training or yoga can also benefit from a Peloton subscription.
Peloton grew in popularity for its live and on-demand classes, giving users a studio-style spin class at home.
Some users may consider Peloton a bit pricey with a monthly subscription on top of the equipment cost; overall, it may still be cheaper than a monthly gym membership.
NordicTrack
NordicTrack is trusted in the home fitness industry, offering a wide selection of affordable gym equipment without compromising durability and longevity.
Many models are compatible with apps like iFit Coach and Peloton.
Some machines come with adjustments like incline/decline to simulate natural outdoor terrain when exercising at home.
Related Article: NordicTrack Fusion CST Review
TRX
Invented by a former Navy Seal, TRX revolutionized home workouts with its unique suspension system that helps users build core strength, stability, and mobility.
TRX is easy to store away when not in use and lightweight enough to take traveling to work out anywhere.
Unlike resistance training using traditional weights and machines, you use TRX equipment with your body weight to perform hundreds of different exercises, giving you freedom and flexibility in your workouts.
Although TRX equipment is highly versatile because it relies heavily on bodyweight exercises, it may only be ideal for some users, not bodybuilders who lift heavier weights or those who want to gain quickly.
Mirror
Mirror is an interactive workout experience that provides users with a comprehensive exercise routine, custom programs, and instruction from certified trainers.
A space-saving, wall-mounted device that accommodates even the smallest of workout spaces.
The Mirror allows users to customize their workouts based on their fitness goals and level of expertise without needing additional machines or weights.
The cost associated with a Mirror may be prohibitive for some people.
At the same time, the machine is relatively affordable compared to other gym equipment, but it still requires an ongoing subscription to access all features and classes.
Bowflex
Bowflex is one of the leading brands that revolutionized working out at home.
Whether you are looking for a good exercise bike, rowing machine, or resistance training equipment, Bowflex offers a wide range of gym equipment that can meet individual fitness-related needs and budgets.
One important pro, as well as a con, of Bowflex equipment relates to its JRNY app. While it offers a generous 1-year trial on the app, it lacks live-class options.
Best Home Gym for Small Spaces
REP Fitness offers the FT3000 Compact Trainer, which gives you everything you need for a complete workout with a small footprint.
Even with a small footprint, this unit provides a pull-up bar and a pair of 180-lb. weight stacks.
Related Article: Small Home Gym Ideas
Best Home Gym for the Money
REP Fitness offers a basic, affordable, yet durable power rack in the PR-1100, which is a great place to start and add accessories as the budget allows.
The 700-lb weight capacity is enough for most users.
There are many positive customer reviews recounting the ease of assembly and the flexibility of adding accessories based on personal needs and goals.
Related Article: How To Build a Cheap Home Gym
Best Smart Gym Equipment
NordicTrack offers a solid, smart piece of equipment in its Fusion CST Studio, which includes a 10-inch tablet and a 70-inch full-length mirror.
You’ll have twenty resistance settings from 10 to 100 pounds and class options offering body sculpting, boot camps, cross-training, and HIIT.
Related Article: Best Smart Home Gyms
Best Starter Equipment
The TRX Home2 is a great suspension trainer offering a bodyweight workout adaptable to all fitness levels.
The Home2 is an excellent system to test out exercising at home before investing in more expensive equipment.
Pair this with a yoga mat, and you have what you need for full-body workouts.
Related Article: How to Build a Home Gym
Find the Best Equipment Brand to Save Space and Money
Finding the best equipment brand can be challenging, whether you are looking for resistance bands, power racks, adjustable dumbbells, squat racks, or cardio equipment.
Safety, durability, and brand reputation should be top priorities when researching different brands, along with the price tag and gym space.
If you want to get out of commercial gyms and purchase a setup for your home, we are constantly testing crossfit home gym equipment to find the best and make your search a bit easier.
This list will ensure you equip your gym with safe, durable gear from reputable brands.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/strength-training/art-20046670
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