Working Out at Home: Smarter, Cheaper, and Just as Effective

Exercising at home is one of the most efficient ways to stay fit—without the hassle of crowded gyms, expensive memberships, or tight schedules. You get to move at your own pace, on your own time, and in your own space. While classic bodyweight workouts can be incredibly effective, incorporating the right equipment into your home setup can add variety, boost motivation, and help you reach your fitness goals faster.

From space-saving essentials to high-tech machines, having the right gear can turn your living room, garage, or spare corner into a powerful training zone. Whether you’re just starting out or building a serious setup, it’s worth investing in a few key tools to keep your workouts fresh, challenging, and fun.

To find the very best gear out there, we explored dozens of online retailers, combed through customer reviews, and personally tested a wide range of products as part of SELF’s Home Fitness Awards. We also consulted certified personal trainers, physical therapists, and fitness tech experts to ensure each recommendation is effective, safe, and worth your investment.

Our Top Picks for At-Home Gym Equipment

  • Best Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
    Smooth, durable, and packed with interactive features via iFit.
  • Best Exercise Bike: Peloton Bike+
    A cult-favorite for good reason—high-quality build with engaging classes.
  • Best Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave Rower
    Sleek design with immersive waterway workouts and powerful resistance.
  • Best Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i
    Compact and versatile, great for low-impact cardio and joint support.
  • Best Dumbbells: BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
    A compact solution that replaces 15 sets of traditional dumbbells.
  • Best Kettlebell: BowFlex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
    Adjustable weight dial for quick changes between moves.

In This Article:

  • The Benefits of At-Home Gym Equipment
  • How to Choose the Right Equipment for Your Space and Goals
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Top Equipment Categories:
    • Treadmills
    • Exercise Bikes
    • Rowing Machines
    • Ellipticals
    • Under-Desk Exercisers
    • Smart Home Gyms
    • Dumbbells & Kettlebells
    • Resistance Bands
    • Medicine Balls & Weighted Gear
    • Jump Ropes & Cardio Tools
    • Yoga Mats & Recovery Gear
    • Foam Rollers & Massage Tools
    • Suspension Trainers

No matter your budget or how much space you’re working with, there’s something on this list that can help elevate your routine. Whether you’re looking to crush cardio, build strength, improve flexibility, or simply move more throughout the day, these home-friendly fitness tools are designed to support your goals—and make the whole process a lot more enjoyable.

Let’s break down what makes each category worth considering, and help you build the home gym of your dreams—one piece at a time.

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