Best home exercise equipment in terms of benefits and cost

Home exercise equipment information about many types of home exercise equipment here. These qualify as the best home exercise equipment for effectiveness, quality, and cost. This includes super cheap alternatives to the Total Gym. There are many great items in the exercise equipment realm to have for home use. I have invested in ones that I love and ones that, conversely, were mistakes.

If you have an exercise in mind, but don’t know what equipment you would like to use for it. This may help…

Exercise equipment that is valuable to know

Total Gym information

This is my big favorite… the Total Gym… I have an entire page devoted to this equipment. Consider yourself invited to go there! There is a wide range of models now and the low end prices may surprise you.

Stepper block – for cardiovascular benefit

The best exercise equipment buy I ever made was my simple foam stepper block. Sadly, this stepper I got back in the 1980s is not possible to get easily anymore. I use it all the time, and have even used it to do exercise variations with my Total Gym machine.

There are lots of modern stepper block designs. This exercise duplicates climbing flights of stairs. The use of a block simplifies this so that you can do complex aerobic workouts safely and adding fun as well. You can also do stepper exercise anywhere you want.

Height is very important

I started my home stepper block exercise using a plastic milk crate. Then I came across information that made me realize that this was creating a 90 degree angle for my knee that was putting many times my body weight in destructive force on the knee. It really is important to use a stepper at a height lower than 90 degrees for your knee when you step onto it. PLEASE do NOT use a Plyometric box for this!

Modern Stepper Blocks & Workouts

There are many styles of stepper block sets. Most sets have pieces which make it possible to set the stepper to whatever elevation is desired. With a long history of exercise routines set to many types of music, there is no limit in what routines to find online to use.

“No brainer” stepper workout

 

 

KLB Sport Adjustable Exercise Equipment Step Platform For Sports & Fitness. 11″ X 27″ surface area and 4″ or 6″ high. Supports up to 500 lbs.
4.5 out of 5 stars for over 1,100 reviews.

The KLB Sport 31″ Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper In Fitness & Exercise. 11″ X 31″ surface area and 4″, 6″, or 8″ high. Supports up to 550 lbs.
4.6 out of 5 stars with over 3,400 reviews

Actually, this one is the best selling stepper block. 16″ X 43″ surface area and 4″, 6″, or 8″ high. This one supports up to 300 lbs. 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 3,200 reviews.

 

 

Exercise trampoline – has lymph system benefits

The trampoline is of course fun exercise. Additionally, this exercise can improve your balance. Trampolines give low impact and surprisingly high intensity exercise. You may only be capable of 10 minutes at first, but you can work your way up to longer sessions.

There are benefits that are not obvious beforehand! Just sit on the trampoline and get a bounce going that has your bottom as the sole contact area, and leaning back a small amount to make a V. This simple maneuver is incredibly great exercise for your core muscles!

Highly beneficial to the Lymph system

Another great benefit of the trampoline is the improvement in your lymph system circulation. This system does not have a pump like the heart to circulate fluid. It relies on the movement of the body to achieve this. Jumping activity circulates it remarkably more effective. This circulation improvement can eliminate fluid retention that causes things like eye bags and thickening around the ankles.

Women

IF YOU USE THE TRAMPOLINE AND YOU ARE A WOMAN, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A HIGH-IMPACT DESIGN BRA. This support is absolutely essential for any size. Without this you will experience damage and pain that is totally unnecessary to endure. This is something that you may not realize if you have not been on a trampoline since you were a child.

Design possibilities

There are designs that allow the legs to fold for easy storage. Many have a safety handle. The handle is there to catch yourself if you need it. It can also help you with your balance while exercising. There is the option of removing it if you like. In addition, you should not get a child’s trampoline for this usage. They may not be designed for the weight of an adult.

Portable & Fold-able Trampoline – 40″ Diameter Durable And Safe Construction with Padded Frame Cover and Handle. The handle is removable. 4.5 out of 5 stars for over 7,000 reviews.

Heavy Duty 40″ trampoline indoor use. VERY sturdy – max weight of 450 lbs. This does not have the border cover or safety handle, but it is really built more sturdy than other trampolines… It is highly rated and popular. There are comments about how quiet it is and favorable for customer services. 4.4 out of 5 stars for over 2,500 reviews.

Pelpo folding mini – trampoline in a choice of 38″, 40″, or 45″ trampoline… run from ~$70 to ~$130. Comes with safety handle and out rim cover. Max weight of 330 lbs.

4.5 out of 5 stars with over 3,800 reviews.

 

 

Exercise balls – can be used for so many kinds of exercise

This is another inexpensive exercise product. The one that I love and use is a big inflated exercise ball. If you wish to do exercises that have added weight, you should consider the smaller, more solid medicine balls. There is a half exercise ball that has a platform base (Balance trainer), or a Wobble cushion (the cheaper alternative), if the exercise ball seems too unstable.

3 types of exercise I love

There are many types of exercise that are possible on the inflated exercise ball. The 3 that are most important to me are: Straight and diagonal sit-ups resting on the ball, Passing the ball back and forth from hands to legs while lying, and Passing the ball side to side while seated and legs up (Russian twist). These are all impressively beneficial.

 

 

Another type…

The exercise ball can also be used for a type of exercise called back extensions. For these you drape yourself hips down on the ball (if necessary plant your feet against a wall), and lift your upper body from near the floor upward with your arms behind your neck. Usually a special bench with support bars is used for this. The ball engages even more muscles for balance. There are many more than these I have listed…

Incredible stretch for back decompression

If you drape yourself over the ball on your stomach and relax your body, this lengthens and decompresses the spine. It is a stretch that feels great and works remarkably well. The stretch is most effective with the large size exercise ball though.

Exercise balls – another use is wall throws

Another very popular strength building exercise that increases explosive power is the wall throw.  The ball for this exercise is a little softer and lighter then the medicine ball. There are many muscles you can focus upon. You can work your body in every plane of motion with this exercise and even in rotation. Wide range of possible exercises.

The exercise balls – all highly rated and thousands of reviews

URBNFit anti-burst Swiss balance ball in choice of 9 colors. Handles up to 600 lbs. Size choice from 18 to 34 inches diameter balls. 4.6 out of 5 stars for over 39,700 reviews

Trideer Exercise ball in choice of 6 colors and a choice of 5 sizes. Handles up to 330 lbs. 4.6 out of 5 stars for over 24,000 reviews

The medicine ball – all highly rated and hundreds of reviews

Amazon basics medicine ball for exercise and balance training. Comes in 5 sizes from 4 to 10 lbs.

4.8 out of 5 stars for over 12,600 reviews

Yes4All is a medicine ball that is built really tough and can also be used for a wall slam workout ball. Comes in 10 to 40 lbs weight and in 5 colors. 4.7 out of 5 stars for over 9,800 reviews.

Gazelle – for low impact cardio

 

 

The Gazelle is a very affordable home exercise machine. It is low impact and the level of intensity depends of how fast you go and the stride you use. The platform contains swinging gliders for the feet. Handles are connected to the top end of these peddle frames. Platform and peddle levers all fold up flat to store more easily. It is a simple design. The machine is sturdy and lightweight.

Exercise possibilities

You can work both your arms and legs in the swing of each stride on this machine. If you are comfortable with your motion, you can leave your legs as the sole propulsion and work your arms independently. It is also possible to stand sideways and swing your legs in a side to side motion. This can be adapted for either inner or outer thigh muscle emphasis.

Simple design and simple maintenance

I got this machine in the early days when it was a simple, uncomplicated basic model. Now the base model comes with a fitness computer. They will develop a squeak with time and usage. Here is the simple maintenance for that problem. It is important to lubricate with something that is not destructive to plastic. In this video, they demonstrate this simple process and use bicycle lubricant:

There are now 3 types of Gazelles. These are the Supreme, Freestyle, and Edge. The Gazelle is a great cardio exercise machine for the money! It is fun, low impact exercise, and lightweight equipment that folds away easily.
These all have 4 out 5 stars and over 200 reviews

Edge (base Gazelle model)

Total Body Workout DVD (Basic workout DVD)
Fitness computer

Handles up to 250 lbs
Dimensions: 43” L x 29.25” W x 53.75”H
Folded Dimensions: 66” L x 29.25” W x 8.5”H
4.4 out of 5 stars for over 3,600 reviews

Freestyle (middle Gazelle model)

Total Body Workout DVD (Basic workout DVD)
Tony Little’s Buttkickin’ Workout DVD
Fitness computer that can measure your pulse by your thumb
Handles up to 300 lbs
Cup holder and 22 oz. Water bottle

Dimensions: 44″L x 33.5″W x 53.5″H
Folded Dimensions: 66″L x 33.5″W x 10.5″H
4.6 out of 5 stars with over 650 reviews

Supreme (top Gazelle model)

Total Body Workout DVD (Basic workout DVD)
Tony Little’s Lower Body Solutions Workout DVD
Tony Little’s Crosstrainer Workout DVD
Fitness computer that can measure your pulse by grip
Handles up to 300 lbs
Cup holder and 22 oz. Water bottle

Has pistons so that you can set for the resistance you want
Dimensions: 44″L x 31.5″W x 55″H
Folded Dimensions: 65″L x 29.5″W x 13″H
4.3 out of 5 stars with over 750 reviews

 

 

Dumbbells – for muscle building

Dumbbells are a good investment. They do not cost much and are incredibly valuable to your exercise program. Resistance exercise for muscle building is very important for fitness, strength, and weight loss. I highly recommend the ones that have rubber, neoprene, or vinyl coating on the outside of them. This gives you a better grip and is protection from the hard metal of the dumbbell.

Optimizing your weight lifting

If you are concerned about the climbing to a high weight dumbbell in the long term, you can employ variety in your exercise routines. You can do low reps and sets, high reps and sets, and sessions where you go slow on the downward motion (eccentric focus) exercise. Just mix it up.

Low reps and sets combination gives muscle building, high reps and sets give strength. The eccentric part of the motion is the part of the movement where the muscle is contracting (getting shorter). When you slow this movement, you challenge the muscle in a way that strengthens it faster with faster recovery and increased metabolic rate.

If you also want kettlebells… this converts them for you!

This converts dumbbell to kettlebell weight. Made in the USA. 4.5 our of 5 stars for over 8,100 reviews

Converts barbell plates to Kettlebell weight. 4.3 out of 5 stars for over 900 reviews.

Dumbbell sets

Neoprene coated dumbbell set with stand… 3, 5, and 8 lbs. 4.6 out of 5 stars for over 2,600 reviews.

This dumbbell set is a total of 150 lbs. The stand for this set comes in a choice of 5 colors. Comes with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 lb sets. 4.8 out of 5 stars for over 100 reviews

ADJUSTABLE weight sets for easy change of the weight. 5 to 52.5 lbs are the weights you can set them. 4.8 out of 5 stars for over 18,000 reviews.

Weight gloves

If you want to get weight gloves for handling the dumbbells better while you are getting sweaty exercising. They can give you a better grip. I prefer the ones that have mesh on the outside to breath well.

Lightweight/breathable gloves – available in S to XL

4.5 out of 5 stars for over 2,900 reviews.

These gloves are available in size XS to XXL. 4.4 out of 5 stars for over 190 reviews.

Breathable gloves with gel pad. Comes in S to XL, a choice of blue-grey or black-grey. 4.4 out of 5 stars for over 660 reviews.

Resistance bands – alternative to pulley exercises

Resistance bands are great for a variety of exercises. They are commonly used as tools for physical therapy. You cannot find a more easily transported and versatile exercise tool than these! They are a good alternative for exercises that use a pulley system. The ones here are flexible loops, and complex frameworks. Some can be used in a framework that can be anchored.

Best selling small loop band set 4.5 out of 5 stars for over 84,000 reviews.

This is the best selling long loop band set. 4.7 out of 5 stars for over 1,400 reviews.

 

 

There are good options for doing the exercise above… both a wheeled coaster(s) or sliding discs will do this well. I feel that the roller wheel device is too specialized for ONLY THIS exercise, while the other 2 devices can do many other kinds of exercise too. That to me is more cost effective. The easier position is with toes touching the floor.

Core Coaster – alternative to Total Gym

 

This is a triangular coaster with wheels under each of the 3 corners. When you have a pair of these coasters, you can do most of the exercises possible on the rolling platform of the Total Gym or Pilates Reformer. You can use them under your hands or your feet, depending on the exercise you want to do.

Range of motion exercises

Coasters are great for many exercises where you are rolling through a range of motion. Range of motion exercises can reach a wide range of muscles and be a lot of fun. These are great for the kneeling position roll-out exercises that work all the core muscles. They can help in performing many Pilates exercises. With these, it possible to do rolling motion lunges.

The design of this one is an even safer than the ones with which I am most familiar. Rollers are made to be compact and low to the floor to make it easier to control. This design is even easier to pack up in a bag. It is highly rated and has an impressive number of reviews.

This is a really cool exercise tool… with such a great design, very versatile, so many exercises possible with this fun exercise tool… 4.5 our of 5 stars for over 80 reviews.

Set of 2 that you can use for your either your hands or your feet. Very affordable set. 4.4 out of 5 stars for over 550 reviews.

Sliding pads or Glider discs – alternative to Total Gym

This is another tool like the Core Coaster in use. Range of motion exercises are easy and fun with these pads. Their sliding pad designs are popular for a method of moving heavy furniture as well, so there is another purpose in having them around. Sliding pads and Glider discs work well on carpets and wood floors.

This one is popular with many celebrities

Valslides – 4.6 out of 5 stars and 190 reviews. These are green, but they also come in black and pink. There are many celebrity reviews for Valslides which I found to include Jennifer Garner.

Core sliders work well on carpet or hardwood floors. 4.5 out of 5 stars for over 16,300 reviews

Work well on carpets or other blanket, and the foam material side for hard floor, wood or tile. 4.4 out of 5 stars for over 4,500 reviews.

Thighmaster set – a classic tool I enjoy

These are the spring exercisers made famous by Suzanne Somers. I have the set that includes the inner thigh and outer thigh exercisers. They are a large, hinged spring device with foam insulation cover. These are very simple devices that work extremely well. They are very powerful springs. I have a loose hip socket problem now because of going to a high a weight on the thigh machine at the gym. This is a safe, valuable, and easy home tool.

Holds up well long term

I have consistently used my set since I got them back in the 1990s. These are a very focused exerciser so they should be a tool to add into your leg exercise routine. They are holding up through all this usage very well. This is an equivalent, very inexpensive set. 4.1 out of 5 stars for over 3,700 reviews.

SIDE NOTE: Another personal reason I appreciate these exercise devices now. I used to use the thigh machine at the gym (Induction/Abduction). When I got up to a higher weight on using this… my hips started to slip out of the joint! They have always done this more easily since.

This is NOT a natural movement exercise. It DOES stress that joint. This exercise set can keep you toned and does it in a safe range where you will not get hurt like I did. I continue to use these after all these years… I will not go near a thigh machine again!

Wobble cushion – cheaper solution to the balance trainer

This is a far more affordable alternative to the Bosu or Balance trainer equipment. Balance trainers are like a half an exercise ball with a platform base. Wobble cushions are inflatable, but disc shaped. They can be used in the very same way.

Like the Bosu, they are more stable for usage than the exercise ball. The wobble cushion is the most of all. These are a more cost effective alternative to the Bosu, which are about 5 times or more on the cost. They are very comparable to the exercise ball on cost. There ARE exercises in the middle ground between balance training for joints and the big exercise ball that the Bosu is IDEAL for usage.

Many great uses

This can be added under your foot as you do a lunge. Like the exercise ball, it makes you use more muscles to keep your balance. In the case of lunges, they work many additional muscles including ones that strengthen ankles. They can be used for many exercise ball moves and balance trainer exercises. Just stepping on and off of this is a good starting point to strengthens the ankle and improves balance.

Handles up to 1000 lbs. 4.3 out of 5 stars for over 6,200 reviews.

Choice of 5 colors. Handles up to 450 lbs. 4.5 out of 5 stars for over 4,300 reviews.

 

 

Bosu/Balance Trainer

The balance trainer is like a half of a balance ball built into a platform. It can be used both with the ball side up and the platform size up for many exercise options. It is a very handy exercise tool. This is useful for challenging joint areas to build better balance and strength. Balance trainers are often used for recovery from ankle sprains. The better usage is to do these kind of exercises to prevent such an injury.

If you are wanting to do exercises in that middle ground between joint strength training and the big inflatable exercise ball, this is what you need. There are exercises that are ideally suited for this piece of exercise equipment. It can also be used with the inflatable side up or platform side up depending on what you need.

You may be able to substitute the cheaper wobble cushion in some cases, evaluate the exercise that you want to accomplish carefully.

Handles up to 660 lbs. 4.5 out of 5 stars for over 2,100 reviews.

 

 

Pilates or Yoga ring

This is another very inexpensive exercise tool and it is used for Pilates. There are many exercise routines where this item is handy. Many of its uses are easily replaced by an exercise ball that will hold up better over time. If you have a feel for what exercise you want to do, you can evaluate the value of this piece of exercise equipment. They can be an alternative to the Thighmaster set and can be found at a very low price.

4.5 out of 5 stars for over 2,000 reviews

 

 

Simply Fit Board – a handy tool

I love the fun, versatility, and effectiveness of this exercise equipment. These are all highly rated and an incredibly simple design. This can be used to do a swiveling twist kind of exercise in a standing position, to works the core muscles.

So many uses

The Simply Fit Board is a great platform for doing push-ups that forces your core to be even more involved at the same time, for balance. You can even use the platform to do many other kinds of exercises and engage your core muscles more. Unlike the exercise ball, you have much better stability. This device can give unique variations for planks. You get a very good idea of the versatility and possibilities from this video:

Simply Fit Board workout DVD
4.2 stars out of 5 stars with 130 reviews

Simply Fit Board – The Abs Legs Core Workout Balance Board with A Twist. This comes in blue, but there are also magenta, orange, and purple here too…
4.2 out of 2,300 reviews

Board plus resistance bands

Solofit Balance Board-Fitness Board for Abs, Legs, Core, Back and Shoulders Workout-Yoga Twist Board with Resistance Tubes for Toning, Strengthening, Weight Loss + Instructions–Fit Board for Exercise. Choice of 5 colors.
4.1 out of 5 stars out of over 1,300 reviews

 

 

Power Tower for body weight exercise – MY FAVORITE TOOL FOR THE BEST TYPE

I sooooooo love these things! They are one of my biggest favorite pieces of equipment at any gym. You can do many types of body weight exercises on these. They are tall and have a small footprint for your floor space too. There are many choices here. My personal favorite is the one that is also capable of doing inversion table things. It is not much more than the standard ones too!

Body weight exercise is unsurpassed

This is exercise that is SUPER efficient! You will PROBABLY have to work your way up to the strength to be able to do them. THEY ARE SO WORTH IT! Do what you can and keep at it. You will improve. This exercise will get you lean and muscular more quickly and effectively than any exercise I know.

Here are some body weight exercises that do not require any equipment really… planks, push ups, lunges, squats, squat jumps, sit ups, jumps, crawls/crab walk, hand stands, wall sits.

Bodyweight exercise for doing on the power tower…

My TOP FAVORITE is hanging leg lifts! I hang from resting forearms for this one. You can do these forward and angled to work more muscles… The BEST way to your 6 pack. You can also do dips, chin ups, pull ups, and crunches. The slower you do these exercises, the stronger and fitter you have become.

With the proper power rack (larger & NOT a power tower), the framework also have support and stops for bench work weight-lifting safety. That is a much larger, more powerfully built framework than what is covered here. It must support your weight and barbell weight too.

Standard Power Towers

This one is highly rated and the good quality, best seller. Handles up to 400 lbs.
4.5 out of 5 stars for over 11,900 reviews

89 x 35.4 x 26.4 inches with 9 levels of height adjustment 58.5-89”. Handles up to 330 lbs.
4.6 out 5 stars for over 5,800 reviews

The Inversion Power Tower

The exercise machine that I would have come up with if I designed one! This has all the power station functions that I love, plus it is an inversion table too! It can handle up to 250 pounds. The multi-angle inversion table with many exercise station options. This works well for folks 5 feet to nicely over 6 feet 3 inches or better.

High dip bars: chin ups, pull ups, hanging tricep dips

Low dip bars: tricep bench dip, modified push-ups, modified pull-ups

Arm rests: (hanging Roman chair exercises) straight orientation knee lifts and leg lifts, diagonal knee lifts and leg lifts, scissor kicks, leg circles

Inversion table: this can be used for angled inversion, inverted crunches, also the angled bench style Roman chair exercises as well

4.5 out of 5 stars for over 230 reviews

 

 

Parallel bars – cheaper, easier storage, alternative to the power tower

OK… my dream was to get a Power station for chin ups, dips, etc. I used to have the space for one. That is no longer true. It is simple to find some fantastic workouts with parallel bars that accomplish the same things. I got some and I LOVE them. They are easy to pack away, which is also valuable.

This one is what I have gotten… Height is adjustable 30.31-34.25 inch. Quality of this is really great, the washers are even curved for an exact fit and the paint coating is beautifully done. The equipment is very strong, stable, and sturdy.

Exercises

Some of the exercises that you can do with these: Push ups, Inverted rows (pull up and chin up version), Tricep dips, Shoulder dips, Planche holds, Leg lifts, and even Leg lifts through an arc motion to hit more muscles.

Each bar has padded grips is 24″ wide, 31″ high, and is adjustable up to 35″. 4.6 out of 5 stars for over 5,200 reviews.

This one is well built and can hold 1100 lbs.

3 levels for the height: 30.7”- 35.43”, 6 levels for the width: 35”- 41”

4.4 out of 5 stars for over 700 reviews

Height is 31.11-35.04 inch. Handles up to 300 lbs. 4.5 out of 5 stars for over 2,700 reviews.

Valuable exercise aid items that cost very little & are a great partner for your exercise equipment and your fitness program

This is an item that is a great companion for your home gym and I love very much. Neoprene bands are made out of the material that you see in wet suits. These can be wrapped around problem area that you want to focus on better. It will heat up that area more (while you exercise especially). This can increase your fat burning success.

The set includes ones for both arms and legs.

4.2 out of 5 stars for over 2,200 reviews.

STOMACH BELT – Women

Waist band for women. 4.7 out of 5 stars for over 171,000 reviews.

STOMACH BELT – Men

4.3 out of 5 stars for over 15,300 reviews.

Neoprene shorts that are the top seller and very, very highly rated. These are high waisted and aiming at fitting both men and women with sizes from small to 3 XL. 4.5 out of 5 stars for over 700 reviews.

There are of course other home exercise equipment items that cost next to nothing

I am a huge fan of hiking out in beautiful natural areas. If hiking sounds intimidating, just substitute the word walking there. Jumping rope is fantastic cardio and is actually very intense exercise. Marching in place is better than walking and akin to stepper block work, and just as simple. You could use any solid, stable item of proper height for doing stepper block exercise too.

Yoga and floor exercises are great, and you can do them on a carpeted floor, a mat, or a towel if you do not have a yoga mat. Leg lifts and pull ups can be done on the monkey bars in the park.

DIY exercise equipment

If you like to work out on parallel bars, you can find DIY designs online. They can be made of PVC pipes very nicely. You can even do this kind of a build for a Roman chair design or framework to do pull ups. Maybe you can find a structure that is versatile enough for all of these.