Honestly, the only downside is having to pony up for each pair individually or invest in one of the brand’s sets: 5-50 lbs, 5-75 lbs, 5-100 lbs, 55-75 lbs, and 80-100 lbs. (Just keep in mind that racks are sold separately.)
Pros
- Hex shape prevents rolling
- More compact than the previous model
- Great for garage gyms
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Limited weight range
- Expensive to buy multiple pairs
- Racks sold separately
Endlessly versatile and lightweight, these loop-style bands are clutch for barbell bros who want to add a new stimulus to their resistance training.
What Our Expert Testers Said
A no-brainer for any home gym, regardless of your fitness level or goals, there’s no shortage of what you can do with these budget-friendly strength bands. Use the lighter ones in warmups and speed work. Loop heavier bands across a bar and around the bottom of your sneakers to help assist with chin-ups and pull-ups. Feeling brave? Experiment with draping the band across a barbell and stepping or lying on it to intensify back squats and bench presses. Or pack them on trips to up the effort on any bodyweight move.
Whether you choose an individual color-coded band or one of three wide-ranging sets, their natural latex design will retain the original shape and tension and make them less susceptible to tearing. But honestly, you don’t need to worry about that because this brand offers a lifetime warranty on each and every band.
Pros
- Durable material
- Multiple resistance options
- Versatile training tool
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No mini bands available
- Loop style is not ideal for all exercises
For tech lovers who don’t mind shelling out major coin, this new device delivers a versatile, high-resistance tool with an exceptionally small footprint. It takes the design of your go-to cable trainer at the gym and pares it back into one portable package.
What Our Expert Testers Said
The design and engineering are beyond top-notch–NASA scientists would be impressed by this innovative cable machine. It weighs a mere 13 pounds while creating up to 200 pounds of resistance (the same as the much bulkier Tonal smart gym). That’s honestly a wild amount of power in a tiny footprint. “Compared to the standard aluminum pulley system, this was super smooth,” says Tyree Booker, Lionel University certified personal trainer and former college football player. “The fact that it can replicate chain weight variations, resistance band tension, and add additional weight on the eccentric movement is one of the most awesome features of this machine.”
After extensive testing, the price and limited warranty will be the biggest deterrents for most people. That said, we’d for sure include this in our dream “money-is-no-object” minimalist setup, combining it with the REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack for easy set-up.
Pros
- Compact, portable design
- Durable construction
- Easy to attach & detach
- Up to 200 pounds of resistance
Cons
- Expensive
- Essential mounts are sold separately
- One-year warranty
- Need two units if you want to do bilateral movements
Say goodbye to that cheap door-mounted bar you’ve had since college. This durable upgrade is as solid as a rock and half the price of its competitors.
What Our Expert Testers Said
Unlike over-the-door pull-up bars, you’ll bust out high-quality reps without worrying about whether they will suddenly fall, slip, or break. The heavyweight 11-gauge steel construction is noticeably solid and provides a secure foundation that won’t budge or flex. And sure, some assembly is required, but as long as you’ve got a drill, level, and know where your wall studs are, it will take you less than 15 minutes.
Pros
- Easy install
- Sturdy construction
- 400-pound weight capacity
Cons
- May not work for kipping movements
- Limited warranty
If you haven’t jumped rope since grade school, it’s time to reconsider. This high-quality rope will whip you into shape—fast.
What Our Expert Testers Said
At less than $20, this speed rope is one of the best jump ropes on the market. Made from kink-resistant nylon-covered steel cable and equipped with swivel ball bearings (giving you seamless 360-degree rotation), our testers noted the lightweight and smooth performance delivers a five-out-of-five workout experience each and every time. Oh, and this sucker will last. Having endured rigorous CrossFit workouts and conditioning sessions, one of our product testers has used this rope for years without issue.
Pros
- Affordable
- Knot-resistant cable
- Customizable length
- Durable & long-lasting
Cons
- Wire cutter needed
- For use on smooth surfaces only
For the guy who enjoys picking up and setting down heavy objects, this quick-lock belt will keep you locked and loaded through all your hardest sessions.
What Our Expert Testers Said
This is a great example of a product that outperforms its price tag. “I don’t use a belt often, but when I do, this would be the preferred option,” says one tester, a former collegiate football player. “It’s very simple and effective locking mechanism ensures confidence in bracing.” Comfortable, easy to use, and stays in place rep after rep, there’s no break-in period required or risk of cutting into your skin like leather lifting belts. Another tester noted that the overall durability is quite good as well, noting it has held up to over nine months of repeated use with only a few minor cosmetic dings.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Uniform fit
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not as supportive as leather belts
- May run small
Space-saving just got a whole lot easier. Keep your at-home gym space streamlined and stylish with a single pair of weights that adjust from 10 to 80 pounds.
What Our Expert Testers Said
These adjustable dumbbells solve a major hurdle for home gym owners: space. If you don’t have room for a complete set of weights (and let’s be honest, that’s most of us), these pack 80 pounds of variable resistance into one streamlined package. Simply use the dial on the side of the handle to control weight adjustments on both sides, starting as light as 10 pounds.
Pros
- Saves space
- Drop-proof
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- 10-pound adjustments only
- May not be heavy enough
An American-made iron meant to help you go hard, every detail was considered when constructing the best barbell on the market.
What Our Expert Testers Said
From bench press and squats to deadlifts and cleans, our tester—a former collegiate football player with decades of experience around barbells—said it best: “This is one of the most solid bars you can own.”
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