There’s nothing like being able to work out in the convenience of your own home. There’s no commute, no membership fees, no worrying about which machines are free – in short, no excuses! If you’re setting up a DIY home gym in your apartment, you want machines that are an efficient use of your space. Whether you’re creating a dedicated gym space or fitting a machine into your living room, you want to be able to get a great workout without needing a lot of equipment. These 7 machines are our top recommendations for setting up a great apartment or condo home gym.
- Rowing Machine
You may think of rowing as something only college students do, but it’s a fantastic, well-rounded workout that helps you get in cardio while building muscle. Rowing machines, also known as urging machines, work your arms, chest, glutes, and legs, all at once.
- Stationary Bikes
Stationary bikes have always been one of the most popular pieces of home workout equipment: they’re compact, provide a great cardio workout, and are easy to use at all levels of fitness. Today, spin and biking classes have soared in popularity. But with gyms and fitness classes closing down, you can get a similar experience at home, especially if you choose a stationary bike with a built-in video system.
- Ellipticals
Whether you’re at a professional gym or a home gym, ellipticals are one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment. They provide a great cardio workout with low impact, meaning they’re great if you have bad knees. Ellipticals will let you adjust the resistance to adjust the workout for your arms and legs.
- Treadmills
Of course, we can’t mention cardio without talking about treadmills. This go-to machine allows you to walk or run in your home, no matter the weather. If you’re looking for a twist on the traditional treadmill, look for one that inclines to add intensity. And if you’re short on space in your apartment, you could choose a folding treadmill.
- Stair Climbers
Even if you live in a one-story home, you can get a great workout going up the stairs with a stair climber. Stair stepping workouts burn calories while working the glutes, quads, and hamstrings, so you can improve your cardiovascular health while you tone your lower body. If you’re trying to lose weight, a stair climber is a great option.
- Multi-Gyms
If strength training is your game and you’re tight on space, a multi-gym may be the best way to build muscle at home. Multi-gyms use level and pulley systems to provide targeted strength training. You’ll be able to use a multi-gym to get in many of the same exercises you would do at a commercial gym, all at one versatile machine.
- Smith Machines
If you love squats, you need a smith machine. Smith machines feature a barbell within a steel frame, plus adjustable weights. When paired with a bench, smith machines also support chest presses and other upper body exercises.