Top 4 In-home Fitness Equipment for 2018

As 2017 is coming to a swift end, it’s time to enjoy the winter holidays as much as possible. With a brand-new year ahead of us, it’s to be expected that you might want to change some things in your life. And what better way to get your life back on track than starting to work out? Being healthier and more active in 2018 should be everyone’s New Year’s resolution.  In this post, you'll learn more about the 4 top-rated in-home fitness equipment.

This post comes from guest writer Mike Jones, a health and fitness-focused blogger for over two years.

Fitness Equipment for 2018
Regardless of whether you just want to shed off those pesky extra pounds that you gained during Christmas dinner, or you want to reinvent yourself completely in 2018, starting a steady training routine for getting into shape and losing weight is a great choice. 

Many people enjoy working out in a gym. However, exercising at home can be far more efficient and time-saving. All you need to do is get a few bits of equipment. It does not have to be expensive either, and you can even ask Santa to bring them to you. Below are the top four exercise machines for staying in shape at home.

​1.    Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine
For those who are looking to get a full-body workout at home in 2018, but have limited space to do so, investing in this high-quality rowing machine is a cost-effective way to do so. Rowing is an activity that uses your full body, and while a leisurely row can be good for relaxation, Eric Cressey of T Nation explains that a good rowing machine can be used for interval training. Plus, it engages 86 percent of your muscles, making it more versatile than most cardio machines available.

The Concept 2 Model D includes the Performance Monitor 5 to give you a complete record of your performance. This feature is especially helpful for competitive rowers, but it can also help non-competitors track their strength and endurance. You can even download performance data to a USB drive for storage and analysis. This machine has the unique ability to be folded away when not in use, making it ideal for the person with very limited space to engage in physical activity. 

​2.    Body Solid EXM 3000 Home Gym
TheBody Solid home gym is one of the most complete home gym setups on the market. It allows you to get a full-body strength workout, which is important for maintaining bone density as you age. While it may take up slightly more space than your average setup, it also offers unparalleled functionality. With two 210-pound weight stacks, it allows for higher-weighted movements than most setups. Additionally, certain stations, like the Perfect Pecs station, allow for precise adjustments in order to give you a more focused workout.

One issue with some smaller home gym setups is the fact that they limit users regarding either the weight they can move, the number of exercises they can do, or both. The EXM 3000 avoids these pitfalls with precise adjustment technology, more weight, and a variety of stations to choose from. Its weight stacks are also covered for a more aesthetic appearance and better safety.

The EXM 3000 includes the following stations:

• Multi-press station for chest, back, and shoulder work
• Leg and calf press
• Precise-adjusting pec station
• Lat pulldown/high pulley station
• Leg curl and extension
• Low pulley/seated row

​3.    Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Rack with Lat Pull Attachment
While most home gym systems provide a variety of opportunities for isolation, few of them allow for barbell work. If you are someone who wants to do squats, deadlifts, and bench presses at home, a power rack like this one can be a good choice. In order to expand the lifts you can do, it's a good idea to find a high-quality weight bench that allows you to do incline, flat, and decline bench presses as well.
Compound lifts (lifts that engage multiple joint systems) like the squat, deadlift and bench press have many benefits for health and aesthetics, and you can get a full-body workout using compound lifts alone. Thus, if you are inclined to prioritize compounds over isolation work, the BD-7 is a great choice either as a standalone gym or as an addition to your existing home gym system.

This power rack, while it requires you to purchase your own barbell and plates, is equipped with more functions than most lifting setups. It comes with the following:

• A space-efficient 2' by 2' frame
• A plate-loading lat pulldown attachment
• Plate storage pegs
• 500-pound capacity j-cups
• Steel safety bars

4.    Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells
Training with free weights offers numerous advantages over its machine-based counterpart. When you lift with free weights, you recruit more muscle fibers and improve your ability to deliver explosive power. Free weights are also generally less expensive and take up less space than a whole home gym setup.

The SelectTech dumbbells offer a space-saving alternative to purchasing a whole rack of weights. Using a unique dial system, these dumbbells can go from five to 52.5 pounds. Mark Bixby of The Sweethome has called these the best adjustable dumbbells because they are convenient and easy to use. If you’re looking for a smooth transition in order to get started on your New Year’s objectives, then these might just be your perfect solution. 

Conclusion
Any of these four home workout machines will help you achieve your fitness goals in 2018. Depending on what type of exercise routine you prefer, you have plenty to choose from and begin living healthier. Just keep in mind that you need to push your limits to be successful, and don’t give up too easily. Exercising at home can be challenging and sleeping in or quitting may seem easier than ever, but a little determination will take you far.