So, you’ve decided you want to get in shape, or lose that belly. Or maybe all you want to do is keep mobile during the day. Whatever the case may be, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the enormous amount of equipment on the market today.

We’ve decided to go ahead and take our first-hand experience along with countless other consumers’ and bring you the best home exercise equipment for beginners.

No matter what your goals are, we’re sure you’ll find at least a few pieces you’ll love to keep at home.

Best Beginner Home Exercise Equipment

#1 Adjustable Dumbbells – Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

Specs for the Bowflex Selectech:

Why you need them:

Adjustable dumbbells are great if you’re tight on space in your home gym as you can adjust the weight on them rather than purchasing multiple sets of differently weighted dumbbells. Not only that, but they are great for full-body workouts. Set them to a lighter weight for the upper body, heavier for the lower body, etc.

Our Take:

Bowflex is one of the most respected fitness brands in the world due to their consistent innovation and high level of quality. Their SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells exemplify this. Right when you first pick them up, you can tell they’re made to be thrown around yet feel nice and smooth in the hand.

Each dumbbell adjusts anywhere from 5 to 52.5 pounds in 2.5-pound increments for the first 25 pounds. These are the easiest adjustable dumbbells to use due to the convenient dial system which lets you quickly twist to a heavier or lighter weight, depending on your exercise.

No more having to keep going back to the weight rack for a new set whenever you switch exercises. The dial is safe and secure, however, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally bumping it into a different weight.

Finally, you get a durable molded rack which is quiet and will keep your weights in place when not in use.

See our other reviews of adjustable dumbbells here.

#2 Resistance Bands – Whatafit Resistance Bands Set

Specs for the Whatafit Resistance Bands Set:

Why you need them:

They are perfect for keeping in shape at home, no matter if you’re a professional athlete or recovering from an injury.

They’re a low impact way to strengthen the muscles, build lean muscle, and tone the body. They come in a wide array of different resistance levels/weights yet are very compact and easy to stow away or transport.

Our Take:

The Whatafit Resistance Bands Set come with everything you need to shape up. You get a band of 10 pounds, 20 pounds, 30 pounds, 40 pounds, and 50 pounds. Use them alone or combined to create incredibly versatile workouts to address every part of the body.

For easy transportation and storage, the brand also throws in a handy travel pouch to place them all in. Each band is made to hold up through heavy use, including a steel metal buckle and non-slip handle for optimum efficiency and performance.

We appreciated how the handle seemed to absorb moisture within seconds so it never felt soggy nor slippery.

See our other reviews of resistance bands here:

#3 Recumbent Bike – Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bike

Specs for the Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bike

Why you need it:

Recumbent bikes are excellent for anyone who would like to improve their overall health, lose weight, or improve mobility. They feature large, well-cushioned seats, rest close to the ground, and come with seat backs.

This makes them ideal for those with balance challenges, back pain, and more. They’re very low impact as well, making them easier on the spine and joints.

Our Take:

Schwinn is quite possibly the most well-known brand of cycles and cycling equipment out there, so it’s no surprise that their recumbent bike is one of the best out there. You have everything you need to get in a great workout with full entertainment, smooth operation, and more.

With Bluetooth connectivity, you can sync it up to the free Schwinn Trainer app along with various other apps to track your performance and accomplish your goals.

We personally love pairing it with the RideSocial app which lets you immerse yourself in innumerable virtual worlds and ride with friends from around the globe, too.

However, the built-in programs definitely aren’t lacking. With 29 included programs you get 12 profile, 9 heart rate control, 4 custom, 2 fitness tests, and a quick start option.

Offering versatility and ensuring you don’t get bored, you have 25 levels of resistance to keep yourself challenged and the results coming.

The DualTrack LCD displays make it easy to make adjustments to settings, along with a media shelf, built-in speakers, MP3 input, USB port for charging, and an adjustable fan.

Easily one of the smoothest-operated recumbent bikes out there, the high speed, high inertia drive comes with a weighted flywheel so you don’t feel stuttering or inconsistencies.

See our other reviews of recumbent bikes here:

#4 Suspension Bands – TRX GO Bundle

Specs for the TRX GO Bundle:

Why you need it:

Suspension bands have been shown to help improve mobility, muscular strength, reduce the risk of injury, tone muscles, improve balance, and even grow lean muscle.

They’re quick and easy to set up and are great if you don’t have a lot of space in your home for a full traditional home gym setup. You are relying solely on your body weight here, so no worries about adjusting weight throughout workouts.

Our Take:

TRX is the original manufacturer of these suspension systems and are also known to be the most durable and effective. Their GO Bundle comes with everything you need: the GO Suspension Trainer, Training Xmount, Training Set with 4 Mini Bands, and TRX Training Stainless Steel Water Bottle.

Not only that, but you get 2 digital workouts, a training poster, and a mesh carry bag. The digital workouts and training poster will ensure you know what you’re doing and lend ideas so you aren’t left in the dark.

Realistically, you should be able to set up the entire set in less than a minute – that’s how easy it is.

No matter if you’re really out of shape or love a good challenge, you will see real results from the TRX GO Bundle. Planks, pushes, pulls, and more are all there to help strengthen every part of your body.

See our other reviews of suspension trainers here:

#5 Medicine Ball – J/Fit Medicine Ball

Specs for the J/Fit Medicine Ball

Why you need it:

Medicine balls are great ways to strengthen your body, improve balance, and improve body composition. They are convenient in that they don’t take up a lot of room, and are much more unique than dumbbells. If you’re into plyometrics or just need a new way to challenge your body, this is an excellent option.

Our Take:

Coming in anywhere from 4 to 30 pounds, the J/fit medicine balls are versatile to suit your needs and strengths best. From anything to stretching and rolling out tight muscles to strength training and plyometrics, it’s a great fit.

Made out of heavy-duty, laser-cut, triple-stitched softshell covering, just holding it you can tell it’s premium in every way.

It feels super soft to the touch, but is still durable enough to be thrown around, balanced on, and more. Even after years of use, it will still retain its original shape.

We should mention that this is not a slam ball and should not be used as such. If you do, you can expect it to start to break down, rip, or begin to deform quite rapidly.

See our other reviews of medicine balls here:

#6 Exercise Ball – Black Mountain Products Exercise Stability Ball

Specs for the Black Mountain Exercise Ball

Why you need it:

Stability balls are not only good for increasing balance, but can also help boost flexibility, spinal stability, increase muscular endurance and strength, posture, coordination, and more. However, they’re most often used to target the abdominals and lower back muscles, so if you need to strengthen your core this is a key piece of equipment to keep handy in your home gym.

Our Take:

There are tons of different brands of stability balls out there, but the crowd favorite is the Black Mountain Products 2000lbs Static Strength Exercise Stability Ball.

As you can probably guess by the name, it’s capable of supporting up to 2000 pounds, making it great to sit, lean, lay, or even stand on (if you are really advanced). Choose between 5 different colors: Black, Blue, Purple, Green, or Red.

In order to use the product correctly and ensure it lasts as long as possible, you must stretch it. When it first arrives, you’re probably going to think you got the wrong size or that it’s too small for you.

What you have to do is let it stretch. Inflate it up until you think it’s going to burst, and let it sit away from where it can be messed with at least for a day. It will gradually start expanding and get larger.

Included, is a ball pump and starter brochure which fills you in on the setup details as well as ways you can use it if you’re a beginner.

See our other reviews of exercise balls here:

#7 Treadmill – XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

Specs for the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

Why you need it:

This model is lightweight, easy to put away when you’re done using it, yet still sturdy enough to use for years to come. Folding treadmills are an excellent option for most who don’t have the space to leave their treadmill out 24/7.

Our Take:

XTERRA Fitness’ TR150 Folding Treadmill is one of the best-selling models on the market today, and for good reason! Many folding models skimp a bit on power or technology, but this machine has them both.

First off, you get a large 16” x 50” walking/running surface. We recommend getting yourself a treadmill with a platform at least 50” long so you can run with your regular stride without restraining yourself. It is a tiny bit narrow, so if you’re larger you may feel like the handlebars are kind of close.

It’s also one of the most versatile, both for a folding model and for the price. Adjust the speed anywhere from 0.5 to 10 MPH, letting you walk, jog, or run.

You can adjust the include to 3 different settings, though we should mention that it’s manual only so you’ll have to stop, get off, adjust, then get back on to do so which can be a bit of a hassle.

With 12 included workout programs, you’re sure to find a few that work well with your fitness goals and will help put you on to new styles of working out.

The 5” LCD console makes it easy to track your progress, displaying your time traveled, speed, distance, calories, and pulse (which is measured with the hand pulse grip sensors).

See our other reviews of folding treadmills here:

#8 Vibration Plate Machine – LifePro Turbo 3D Vibration Plate

Specs for the LifePro Turbo 3D Vibration Plate

Why you need it:

While vibration plates initially started drawing attention due to how well they seemed to aid people in losing body fat, they’ve since become used to help relieve back pain.

They’ve been handy in helping users concentrate at work and melt away stress as well, so if you find yourself constantly distracted you may want to grab one.

Our Take:

The LifePro Vibration Plate Exercise Machine is high-quality and made to last. Coming in either All-Black, Blue, or White, it looks sleek and is compact enough for you to keep in your living room without it taking up too much room.

With a lifetime guarantee, you can be sure that you aren’t taking any risks when you purchase it nor be left with a poorly functioning device.

The low impact machine works by gently vibrating and oscillating, engaging the muscles throughout the body. This will not only burn calories, but can help boost muscle strength, bone density, and even help improve balance.

With a whopping 99 speed settings and 8 program settings, you can choose the exact specific speed and intensity that feels most comfortable to you. You don’t even have to adjust it by leaning down, you can use the included remote for optimum convenience. Choose pulse, oscillation, or both at once!

Sit down and rest your feet on it while watching TV or working, stand on it, or use it for balancing – it’s all up to you! 2 robust motors with a 3D range of motion will be sure to help accomplish your fitness goals and/or pain relief.

See our other reviews of vibration plate machines here:

#9 Multi-Gym – BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Gym

Specs for the BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Gym

Why you need it:

If you need to get in shape or improve your body composition but don’t have a lot of space, multi-gyms are excellent. They are oftentimes even ideal for traveling so if you spend a lot of time in Airbnbs or hotels then these should be added into your arsenal.

Our Take:

The BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 Collapsible model comes in an array of different colors to ensure you find something that suits your tastes.

Consisting of resistance bands, collapsible resistance bars, handles, and more, you have everything you need for a solid full-body workout. To set it up takes just a couple of minutes so you can spend your time wisely.

Use them all together or separately – you’re able to perform up to over 300 different exercises with these to increase or decrease the level of difficulty. The Fold-Up Platform lets you shorten or lengthen the resistance bands, and you can even add additional bands on either side of you to make it more challenging.

For lat exercises, tricep extensions, chest flies and more, you have door anchors which are easy to set up yet very reliable.

Each handle is a bit adhesive so you never lose your grip, and even helps absorb moisture for improved security. Ankle and wrist bands are all padded for comfort and sweat resistance as well.

See our other reviews of compact home gyms here:

#10 Weighted Jump Rope – Crossrope Get Lean – Weighted Jump Rope Set

Specs for the Crossrope Get Lean – Weighted Jump Rope Set

Why you need it:

Your average jump rope is already a great tool for getting in shape and losing body fat. Boxers, among many other athletes use jump ropes as one of their main tools for keeping their stamina up.

As they’re so compact and easy to pack in a bag, you can use them almost anywhere too. They offer an excellent cardio workout and the risk of injury is low. Weighted ropes offer even more of a challenge!

Our Take:

The Crossrope Get Lean Weighted jump Rope comes with a ¼-pound rope and a ½-pound rope. The ¼-pounder is made to be more lightweight and designed for intense cardio and double-unders.

The ½-pound rope is made for a more difficult cardio experience while also melting away fat, though it’s great if you’re just learning how to jump rope as well.

The slim handles look really cool and modern but are also very comfy and ergonomic so you don’t have to worry about getting hand cramps or losing your grip.

To switch between ropes you have their Fast Clip System which makes it seamless and quick to do so without letting your heartrate drop too low.

This set definitely isn’t the cheap rope that you played with as a kid, though. With braided steel construction, they will hold up in all types of weather and won’t get tangled up or coiled. This helps to retain the straightness of the rope as well.

To help you achieve your goals, you can download their free app where they offer hundreds of workouts. This ensures you’re always changing up your routine and continue getting real results!

#11 Balance Board – Revolution FIT 3-in-1 Exercise Balance Board

Specs for the Revolution FIT 3-in-1 Exercise Balance Board

Why you need it:

Balance boards are great for all walks of people and all fitness levels. They’re commonly used in rehab due to how well they can aid people in restoring their balance and coordination. However, they’re also used for extreme athletes to obtain better control over their bodies.

Our Take:

The Revolution FIT 3-in-1 Exercise Balance Board is one of the most versatile to use and is great for anyone. Its sleek, modern design comes in 4 different colors: Blue, Magenta, Teal, and Yellow.

Made with precision to engage your entire body, you can get a whole workout in with the tool on its own, use it while watching TV or working, or incorporate it into more complex workouts.

It’s called a 3-in-1 because you can use it with 3 different accessories, depending on what your goals are. You’ll not only receive the board, but a rocker, air cushion, and a roller.

The rocker is the most stable of the trio and is ideal if you’re a newbie looking to get acquainted with the setup.

The air cushion offers full 360-degree motion which really challenges the body; specifically the joints and core. Finally, the roller is the most difficult, but definitely fun and effective when you get good enough!

See our other reviews of balance boards here:

#12 Ab Machine – Fitlaya Fitness Ab Machine

Specs for the Fitlaya Fitness Ab Machine

Why you need it:

Sometimes it can be difficult to effectively isolate the abdominal muscles and really strengthen them. As our abs are already made to be incredibly resilient, we have to be smart about how to address them, and an ab machine is a great way of doing so.

Our Take:

The Fitlaya Fitness Ab Machine is very versatile and made to work with just about any height or weight of user.

The professional ab machine is great for any physical fitness level, though probably better suited for those who are bored with planks, sit ups, and other “regular” ab exercises. Taking less than 5 minutes to assemble, you’ll be on your way to a tighter middle in no time.

Made of ultra-tough steel, the frame is made to last and ensures comfort with foam-covered handgrips, and a durable, comfortable knee cushion that feels great even during extended sets.

The max weight capacity is an impressive 440 pounds as well, so anyone can use it. To adjust difficulty, you have 4 different settings depending on if you’re working the upper abs, lower abs, entire midsection, hip flexors, and so on.

Choose the exercise mode that works best for you: knee sliding, knee mountain climbing, and side waist all are designed to focus on different parts of the midsection. Track your progress with the convenient LCD screen located between the handlebars.

See our other reviews of ab machines here:

#13 Exercise Mat – GXMMAT Extra Large Exercise Mat

Specs for the GXMMAT Extra Large Exercise Mat

Why you need it:

Exercise mats are not only great for tying a home gym room together, but for offering protection to you and your flooring. You can use these for performing yoga, meditating, stretching, core work, plyometrics, light cardio, and more.

Our Take:

The Gxmmat Extra Large Exercise Mat is useful, no matter what kind of workouts you partake in. Measuring 6 x 8 feet, it’s extra large to accommodate you, even all stretched out. If you have wanted to create your own home yoga studio or use it for meditation, then you’ll absolutely love this one.

Made of non-toxic memory foam, it’s eco-friendly and safe to use around kids and animals. As it’s 7mm thick, it’s nice and cushy yet still firm enough to offer protection and stability. It will keep your spine and other harder parts of your body well-protected from unforgiving surfaces.

The double-sided non-slip surfaces will make sure that it’s not slipping all over the floor and that you also keep steady footing on top of it. The soft top layer feels wonderful underfoot but still provides supreme traction.

See our other reviews of exercise mats here:

#14 Ankle Weights – Sportneer Ankle Weights

Specs for the Sportneer Ankle Weights

Why you need them:

Ankle weights are a great way to get in shape without really “working out”. For example, if you don’t have time to go to the gym or fit in a proper workout, you can strap these onto your ankles and walk around.

The extra weight will cause your body to have to work harder, burning calories in the process which can help you lose body fat.

Our Take:

The Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights come with a pair of 2 weights. Each one can be adjusted anywhere from 0.5 pounds up to 3.5 pounds by adding or removing the inserts. The inserts are filled with sand, making them comfortable against the skin and pliable.

The neoprene exterior is durable, comfortable against the skin to reduce the chance of chafing, and helps absorb and wick moisture away from the skin.

The Velcro closures are easy to use and ensure the perfect fit each time, no matter who’s using them. The strong metal D-rings will make sure the straps stay firmly in place until you’re ready to take them off.

See our other reviews of ankle weights here:

#15 Rowing Machine – Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine

Specs for the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine

Why you need it:

A rowing machine is the perfect piece of cardio gear to have in your home. If you have knee injuries or for whatever reason can’t perform cardio standing up, this is an excellent alternative.

Contrary to how it may appear, rowing offers a full-body workout as well so if you want to tone up and lose fat, don’t miss out on this one.

Our Take:

The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is easy to assemble with just 8 screws needed; perfect if you’re not particularly DIY-savvy. Offering durability, smooth operation, and a variety of workout program capabilities, you’ll never be bored with this piece of equipment.

Including smooth caster wheels, it’s perfect to have it you need something that you can move easily from room-to-room or need to stow away when it’s not in use. If you’d like, you can also separate it into 2 different sections to make it more simple for storage.

Using an air-resistance flywheel, it’s ultra-smooth and responsive. All you have to do to change the intensity is alter the dampers from 1-10 levels.

Noise production is minimal, making it great to use in the early morning or late at night without bothering anyone else.

To keep track of your progress, you get a backlit LCD display along with wireless Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility for heart rate monitoring. The system even includes an array of fun games to keep you entertained and motivated!

See our other reviews of rowing machines here:

Summary

Now that you know all about the best home exercise equipment for beginners, do you know which piece you’ll be using first? What’s great about this selection is that you can combine and mix different pieces of gear together depending on what your goals are. We hope that our guide has helped you to select the best ones for you. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again shortly!