Best At-Home Workout Equipment for 2024: Our 8 Picks

If you’re looking to up your home exercise routine with the help of at-home workout equipment, there are a ton of options available to help you stay in shape from the comfort of your home. 

Whether you’re looking to invest in a large piece of exercise equipment to bring your home gym to life or smaller pieces of workout gear, here are our top eight recommendations for the best pieces of at-home workout equipment, including: 

• Rowing machine

• Treadmill 

• Elliptical trainer

• Resistance bands

• Adjustable dumbbells

• Kettlebells

• Yoga blocks

• Yoga mats

Let’s dive in!

1. Rowing machine

No doubt, there are plenty of ways to break a sweat, but if you’re after an exercise tool that consistently delivers a high-intensity, low-impact workout while being gentle on your body, a rowing machine should be at the top of your list.

Good-quality, compact indoor rowers, such as the Hydrow rowing machine, offer a full-body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Besides offering an effective cardio workout, rowing machines are great for:

• Strengthening and toning muscles in the arms, legs, and core 

• Improving flexibility and posture

• Providing stress relief and promoting mental wellness. Case in point, the Hydrow Rower’s realistic on-water experience can induce a meditative quality during your workout sessions.

• Performing a wide range of workouts, like interval training, endurance training, and strength training.

The best part? A rowing machine can be adjusted for intensity, making it suitable for both beginners and those who’ve been working out for a long time.

2. Treadmill

While jogging and running are excellent cardio workouts, pounding the pavement can take a toll on your joints. With treadmills, you don’t have to run on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete; you can conveniently reap the benefits of running, jogging, or walking right from the comfort of your home.

These machines are available in different designs and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that suits your space and preferences. Many models offer built-in programs and features like a heart rate monitor to track progress. Some have adjustable speed and incline settings, while others offer multiple connectivity options.

If you prefer the convenience of running in a controlled environment and on a surface that’s gentle on your joints, consider adding a treadmill to your home gym.

3. Elliptical trainer

Ellipticals are fantastic low-impact exercise machines that provide a solid cardio workout while toning both your upper and lower body. What’s great about them is that they mimic the motion of walking, running, or climbing stairs without putting too much strain on your joints.

These machines are great home workout equipment for several reasons:

• They work your arms and legs simultaneously, targeting multiple muscle groups at once.

• Like rowing machines, elliptical trainers are low-impact and gentle on your body, which reduces the risk of workout-related injuries.

• Many models come with built-in workout routines, giving you the flexibility to mix up your workouts whenever you want.

Some models come with preset programs that automatically adjust incline, resistance, and stride length during your workout, while others are simpler. 

4. Resistance bands

When it comes to a versatile and lightweight exercise tool to amp up your home workouts, resistance bands are your best bet. These compact bands are perfect for strength training at home without the need for bulky equipment.

Typically, they are crafted from elastic or fabric materials that provide varying levels of resistance when stretched. This way, they engage multiple muscles and improve physical strength, balance, and core stability.  Plus, they’re incredibly portable, so you can use them in a smaller space or for on-the-go workouts.

Resistance bands are especially suitable if you’re seeking low-impact workouts, as they place less strain on joints compared to traditional weightlifting.

But that’s not all.

These bands are also great for stretching and rehabilitation exercises, making them a great choice if you’re seeking support and assistance in recovery. They provide targeted resistance for specific muscle groups.

Ready to add resistance bands to your home gym setup? Check out our Multi-Resistance Band Kit, complete with a variety of resistance bands tailored for your at-home workout needs.

Related: How to Use Your Hydrow Accessories

5. Adjustable dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells are a must-have for any home gym. They are cheap, versatile, and offer space-saving convenience. These pieces of equipment allow you to change their weight with a simple adjustment, making them perfect for a wide range of strength-training exercises targeting different muscle groups. Whether you’re looking to tone your arms, build leg strength, or sculpt your core, adjustable dumbbells have you covered.

Using mechanisms such as knobs, levers, dials, or pins, you can easily customize the weight to suit your workout needs.

Despite their compact size, adjustable dumbbells offer the same benefits as traditional dumbbells, with a retaining mechanism and removable weights on the ends. This versatility makes them ideal for anyone looking to optimize their home workouts without sacrificing space or functionality.

6. Kettlebells

Kettlebell workouts are mostly about high intensity, targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously. With their ballistic or explosive movements, these exercises often require coordination and control to master.

Some common exercises you can do at home with these compact exercise tools include:

• Swings

• Deadlifts

• Squats

• Lunges

• Shoulder press

It’s important to listen to your body before using a kettlebell. If you have arthritis or knee and back pain, it’s best to proceed with caution, as kettlebell exercises can be high-impact and potentially worsen existing issues.

7. Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are versatile props that take your yoga practice to the next level. These blocks offer support, stability, and comfort during a variety of poses. Available in different materials like cork, foam, and recycled cork, it’s easy to find a block that suits your preference.

Yoga blocks are especially beneficial for those with physical limitations or injuries. They help improve alignment, deepen stretches, and modify exercises to accommodate individual needs. This way, they ensure a safe and effective practice for you.

Ready to up your yoga or Pilates practice? Grab a yoga block from our On the Mat Workout Kit and maximize the benefits of your at-home workouts.

8. Yoga mats

If yoga is your thing or you tend to do more Pilates exercises, it makes perfect sense to invest in a good-quality yoga mat.

Here’s why.

A yoga mat provides a comfortable and non-slip surface for yoga, Pilates, and stretching exercises. It cushions your body and provides traction to prevent slipping during poses and movements. Yoga mats come in various thicknesses, textures, and materials, such as rubber PVC and natural materials like cork.

Using them during your home workouts ensures balance and stability, especially during yoga and Pilates exercises.

Related: How to Clean a Yoga Mat: A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking to invest in at-home workout equipment? 

If you want a top-tier piece of workout equipment for your home gym, look no further than Hydrow rowing machines. Rowing offers the perfect blend of full-body, low-impact workouts that help with cardio, strength, and recovery in one. 

Each rowing stroke works 86% of the muscles in your body, meaning you can squeeze in a highly effective workout in less time when compared to other workout types. Plus, our extensive library of workouts will transport you to stunning waterways around the world and keep you motivated with instructions from our team of world-class Athletes.

Get the best of cardio and strength training from your home with a Hydrow rowing machine.