By Hannah Dylan Pasternak and Amy Eisinger, M.A., C.P.T.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Small Dumbbell Set
We’ve always believed that great workouts can happen just about anywhere: your driveway, a local park, or even your bedroom floor. Two and a half years after the start of a pandemic that changed what exercise looked like for many of us, we’re even more confident in that fact.
While leaving our beloved gyms and studios for a while was difficult to do, we found new ways to make movement fun and exciting. For some, the shift made working out less expensive, or easier to fit into their day. Perhaps you’ve discovered the beauty of a 15-minute routine in between meetings, or feel more comfortable and confident getting sweaty in your own space. If redefining your exercise regimen is an ongoing project, you’re probably asking the million dollar question: What gear do you need to get it done?
Enter the inaugural SELF Home Fitness Awards, honoring the best equipment to help you create your home gym, whether it’s a revamped garage or a corner of your living room. Our 42 winners span everything from big-ticket items like treadmills and stationary bikes to resistance bands you can toss in your suitcase to apps and streaming services to guide you along the way. These stellar, editor- and expert-approved products prove that you can get a great workout wherever you are.
Since the pandemic began, it’s often felt like everyone and their mother acquired a stationary bike that helped replicate a studio experience at home—namely, the Peloton Bike+ and the SoulCycle At-Home Bike. While not everyone who enjoys cycling may need a bike with this many frills, both of these are the closest you’ll get to replicating a true class experience without actually being in a studio—excellent for busy people, introverts, or those who might not live close to accessible group fitness classes.
Whether you opt for the Peloton or SoulCycle model will likely depend on your taste. One notable difference is the digital workout program each brand requires you to sign up for in order to use the bike’s streaming software: Peloton uses Peloton Digital, and SoulCycle uses Equinox+. Both offer a plethora of fitness classes aside from cycling, which you can access by downloading the app on your phone. Riders may prefer one brand’s cycling teachers and class offerings over the other based on any number of individual predilections. (Were you a SoulCycle die-hard before? Peloton instructors are known for having various styles—is there one who really calls to you?) Another differentiating factor: While both bikes allow you to stream live classes, Peloton has a front-facing camera so you can see and communicate with friends and classmates during your ride, strengthening the community experience. Ultimately, it all comes down to preference: You can’t go wrong with either.
Read our full reviews of the Peloton Bike+ here and the SoulCycle At-Home Bike here.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
If you’re ready to get started with cycling, but not fully on board with shelling out top dollar for the Escalade equivalent of a bike, consider this your family van option. It’s affordable, reliable, sturdy, and will definitely get the job done. The Echelon bike offers 32 levels of resistance and a subscription app that will allow you to track your metrics if you’re interested. The bike also comes with a toe cage (versus requiring clip-in bike shoes), which means you can comfortably ride even if you’re wearing a beat-up pair of sneakers. The only thing missing is some old snacks hidden under the seat and an old Celine Dion album.
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City apartment dwellers, rejoice! This folding upright exercise bike is just the thing you need to turn your tiny home into a gym—without having to swap out your living room couch for a bike. Our tester loved this because it was easy to wheel in front of the TV, and you simply pop out the pin to unfold it and start riding. You’ll also find an LCD display, wide seat for comfort, and eight tension levels so you can customize your workout.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
An under-the-desk bike is a nice way to keep your legs moving if you find yourself sitting for most of the day. Pedaling while you respond to emails or sit through a Zoom meeting can add a little bit of fun and energy to what might otherwise be a monotonous day. This well-loved model from DeskCycle—which has eight levels of resistance to up the ante on your workout—made our previous list of the best under-the-desk exercisers, and still reigns supreme on Amazon, where it’s racked up more than 7,200 reviews and a 4.5-star rating.
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Treadmills aren’t always synonymous with “space saving” but that’s not the case with this winning pick, which folds up so you can stand it vertically against a wall when it’s not in use. This treadmill also boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display, and comes with a 3-year iFit Family Membership, which provides access to live-streaming fitness classes. On top of all that, this treadmill is also durable, high-quality, and one of the most affordable picks on this list.
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Winter is coming. And for much of the country, that means icy, snowy roads that can quickly turn your favorite outdoor, rolling hills route into an unnecessarily slippery slope. That’s where this treadmill can really come in handy. Not only does the NordicTrack 2950 fold up so you can easily move it out of the way, but you can set the incline as high as 15% and decline as low as a -3%, which means you don’t have to pause your training when the weather is bad. The treadmill also comes with a 30-day iFit Family membership trial so you can experience live workouts with trainers who will even text you in real time with tips.
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Close your eyes and imagine being rich and famous: You’ve got your caviar, your private jet, your diamond-studded platinum jewelry. And your treadmill? Well, that’s gotta be a Woodway. Sure, at around $14,000 this treadmill isn’t for the casual runner—or for people without an Amex Black Card, quite honestly. But it comes highly recommended from a number of experts we spoke with.
The innovative design of the Woodway sets it apart. Rather than a typical solid belt, this treadmill uses segmented shock-absorbing slat belts. Think of it as a moving boardwalk of sorts. The design is intended to more closely mimic outdoor running and it’s a difference you can absolutely feel. The Woodway 4Front Smart Treadmill also comes with a touchscreen so you can stream movies or workouts, and Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor your heart rate. And if you’re not in the market for such an investment, Woodways are used in several boutique gyms and studios nationwide, so at least you have the chance to enjoy them while you’re out.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
If you’ve ever done interval training on a treadmill—switching up your speed or incline several times throughout a single workout—you know how critical it is to have a responsive treadmill. The Technogym treadmill’s ability to quickly increase or decrease speed or incline is a big part of what landed it on our list. So if your workouts are targeted around intervals that may last for only 15 to 30 seconds, this is the buy for you.
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Standing desks? So 2020. What you really need to perk up your home office (or actual office, if you’re lucky enough) is this under-the-desk treadmill from Treadly. The Treadly 2 maxes out at 5 mph (which for many people will be a light jog), but because of the lack of handrails or monitor, it’s really designed for easy, slow strolls while you’re at your desk. It’s perfect for getting in extra movement throughout your day, or if you’re the type of person who thinks better on their feet, literally. Upgrade to the Treadly 2 Pro, and you’ll also get a range of smart features with a connected app.
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The future is here with the smart home gym—usually a sleek, wall-mounted, all-in-one system that offers everything from classes to responsive physical assessments and additional AI features that take your workout to the next level, all without the need for an in-person trainer or instructor (or a lot of floor space). Of those on the market, we’re partial to two: the Tonal and the NordicTrack Vault.
Tonal, which counts Serena Williams and LeBron James as investors, focuses largely on strength training. The reflective display comes with handles that function as smart weights: the system can temporarily reduce the weight if it can tell that you’re struggling, and can also shift the feel of the resistance to mimic different types of weight training. Tonal uses your first workout as an assessment, and programs your resistance for future workouts from there. Users can choose from a variety of workout plans, and classes are blown up on the flatscreen exterior of the machine.
The Nordic Track Vault is a more traditional gym system that utilizes standard equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and the like, which you can conveniently store inside of the machine (almost like a medicine cabinet). The system doesn’t have the ability to assess performance at this time. At the end of the day, the Vault is best for anyone looking to master foundational movements and progressively increase their strength and technique from the comfort of their home with the help of high-quality guided classes, while the Vault is a more high-tech, hands-on approach to increasing strength.
Read our full reviews of the Tonal here and the NordicTrack Vault here.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Get the experience of being on the water—even if you’re landlocked, thanks to this rower which is designed to make you feel like you’re doing the damn thing. The Hydrow comes with a ton of immersive classes, both live and streaming on-demand, that are shot in locations around the world, including the Thames River in London, and alongside whales, seals, and glaciers in Alaska.
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A no-frills rower that won’t take up much space and costs just $100? Sign us up. You won’t find many bells and whistles on this simple, lightweight design, but if you’re looking to round out a home gym that already includes other equipment, or just looking to test the waters (sorry, had to) with rowing, consider this your first step.
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Some things are made to last, and, dear reader, this rower is one of them. The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower can be found in gyms and pro training facilities across the country and everywhere, the consensus is the same: This thing is durable—even decades after purchase. The digital display is simple and straightforward, so that nothing gets in the way of your workout.
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Ellipticals can be an excellent addition to your workout routine for so many reasons. The low-impact machine can offer a great cardio workout that’s easy on joints and also perfect for those just starting out with exercise, or for anyone recovering from an injury. If you’re building out a home gym, or just looking for a way to mix up your cardio routines, consider this streamlined option from Schwinn. This elliptical features 25 levels of resistance, plus an optional subscription (for $60 per year) that provides access to more than 50 global routes on its LCD screen.
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Full-body workouts just got easier thanks to this elliptical machine option from Life Fitness. This particular cardio machine has plenty of bells and whistles—and is often intended for use at the club level, hence the significantly higher price tag. However, for those looking to make an investment, this machine won’t disappoint. You’ll get a super smooth ride that offers limited ankle flexion (ideal if you’re looking for low-impact cardio workouts that will be comfortable on your joints), Bluetooth connectivity, a 16-inch color display, and 25 pre-loaded on-demand workouts.
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An under-the-desk elliptical lets you pedal and push at an incline like a standard elliptical does. This Cubii model isn’t necessarily cheap, but we’ve recommended it twice in the past, and for good reason. It’s whisper-quiet, so it won’t distract your office mates or anyone on the other side of your Zoom calls. We particularly like its LCD screen, and that you can connect your Fitbit or Apple Health app to track your progress as you pedal through your day.
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Around here, we like to think of resistance bands as a kind of secret weapon. You can get a great, full-body workout using them, and they’re small enough to bunch up and fit inside a backpack, let alone a suitcase, which makes them perfect for travel. They’re ideal for beginners—no worries about accidentally dropping something heavy on your feet—and are also a great go-to if you’re coming back from an injury. It’s tough to pick just one winner in this category, since your own personal goals will help you decide which band is right for you. With that in mind, we’re recommending three great options.
The Te-Rich Fabric Workout Loop Bands Set is a mini-band set—meaning they’re small loops (instead of open-ended bands) that you can slide around your thighs, calves, or ankles, or use on your arms for a variety of exercises. The lighter resistance is great for recovery and rehab (think: clam shells to strengthen your hips; or pointing and flexing your feet to strengthen your ankles); while the heavier resistances can be used for squats, banded pull-aparts (which will work your upper back), and lateral walks.
If you’re looking for something a bit more comprehensive, try the Taimasi 23-Piece Resistance Bands Set, which has just about every type of band you can think of. You’ll find five stackable bands that come with handles (meaning you can mix and match the bands to create an even more challenging workout), plus a jump rope, door anchor, and looped bands. Best of all, the whole thing folds up and fits into a small bag that is included in the set. Think of it as your own portable personal gym.
Last on our list is the Bodylastics Resistance Band Set, which is similar to the Taimasi. Stackable bands with handles that you can clip and unclip mean it’s easy to make your workout as challenging as you need it to be. Handles, like the ones included with the Taimasi and Bodylastics options, are also key if you’re interested in doing more traditional weight lifting moves (think: biceps curls or flyes) where you want the “feel” of gripping a dumbbell. Bodylastics Resistance Band Set also includes a neat feature: Each band is designed with an interior cord, so if the rubber happens to break, the band won’t snap back and hit you. Cool, right? At just over $100, Bodylastics is our most expensive option, but according to Amazon reviewers, these are also top quality and worth the investment.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Influencer, registered dietician, and NASM-certified personal trainer Rachael DeVaux launched Recreation Sweat, her own line of fitness accessories, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic after realizing how effective, inspiring, and downright energizing home workouts could be. These bands prove to be super durable so matter how intense your workout gets. Power bands serve many purposes—for resistance training, strength support (hello, pull-ups), and stretch sessions—so we can't recommend them enough.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
It need not go by any other name—yes, this is The Mat. While Lululemon originally designed it with yoga in mind, their trademark mat is comfortable and suitable for most, if not all, types of exercise. It’s reversible, so you can opt for a grippier or smoother finish depending on what your workout entails on any given day. At 26 inches, it’s wider than many standard mats and durable enough to last several years, even with heavy use.
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Sweaty palms are no match for the traction finish on this Manduka mat. While the leather-like outer surface material might seem strange at first, it’s certainly effective at preventing slip, even during your steamiest flows. The Lite version, awarded here, is slightly less expensive than its 6mm counterpart with just as good results.
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JadeYoga—beloved for its classic, no-frills, crunchy ethos—makes an excellent grippy mat beloved by experienced practitioners. Jessamyn Stanley—yoga instructor, author of Every Body Yoga, and founder of The Underbelly—recommends the XW Fusion for regular practice. It has a larger footprint, and while its high cost reflects that, Stanley swears t that it’s worth every penny.
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When creating a home gym setup, space is always something to keep in mind. Smaller items like dumbbells can quickly add up and feel cluttered, especially if you like to have a variety of weights on hand. We recommend investing in an adjustable pair if you’re able: You’ll save on space and perhaps, over time, on equipment overall. The Bowflex set is adjustable in 2.5-pound increments, while many other adjustable sets only let you jump five pounds in either direction. You can buy them at a slightly lower price ($400) with just a storage tray, but the stand bundle is worth it, if you ask us.
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If you want to strength train at home, a pair of one- or two-pound dumbbells probably aren’t going to cut it, especially as you look to increase resistance over time. This BalanceForm set, which comes with 5-pound, 8-pound, and 12-pound sets of weights, is better equipped to power you through several months of gains, if not more. They’re made of cast iron and covered in neoprene to help support grip.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
For the same reasons we love an adjustable dumbbell set, we love an adjustable kettlebell: It saves space, enables you to have more dynamic workouts from the comfort of your home, and encourages you to get stronger and experiment with increasing your resistance. All you have to do is turn a dial and you can set this Bowflex kettlebell anywhere from 8 to 40 pounds.
Looking for a kettlebell workout to get started? Check out 15 beginner moves to try here.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
TRX kettlebells come in a range of weights and are built with comfort in mind. A wider handle makes the weight easier to maneuver, particularly for people newer to working with kettlebells. The bottom of the weight is flat for stability—you don’t want that thing rolling around while you’re doing burpees—and a gravity-cast finish creates a smooth but still grippy handle.
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If you use it wisely, the TRX Suspension Trainer could be the only piece of workout equipment you need. Plenty of TRX training programs and guides exist on the internet and elsewhere—both those that are officially associated with the company and not—so while the strappy system may not seem the most intuitive at first, there’s plenty of available guidance to get you started. Plus, the TRX is easy to set up and store anywhere in your home. Minimalists rejoice.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
In reality, you probably don’t need a jump rope with all the frills. But you should still use one that’s right for you, which is why we’re privy to options with adjustable or alternate cables that you can swap in depending on your height. This speed rope comes with two cable lengths and also has a silicone grip for comfort and slip prevention.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
This is not the part of the article where we encourage all new parents to “get back out there” and “jump back into a workout routine” after a tiny human has seemingly commandeered every moment of free time you once had. This is the part where we tell you about a life-changing stroller that can really, genuinely be your go-to for so many activities. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Running Stroller is phenomenal for jogging—and comes complete with hand brakes for quick stops, and an option to lock the front wheel for easy maneuvering—but it’s also a great stroller for everyday use. You don’t have to be a runner to appreciate how the Thule Urban Glide 2 is perfect for traversing any terrain that’s not a smooth sidewalk (think: cobblestone streets, dirt paths, grassy fields, gravel—you name it). The stroller also features a wide bed and oversized shade, making it an ideal spot for bebé’s nap.
Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey
Part podcast and part training app, the Nike Run Club app has plenty to offer and is beloved by all levels of runners—which is exactly why it’s on our list. The app includes a challenge feature where users can create their own challenges (think: 10 miles in 10 days) and connect with friends who may want to participate as well.
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The OG social networking app fit fitness enthusiasts still stands up. Whether you’re a runner, hiker, or cyclist, a total newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a way to use the Strava app to record and share your journey. Find clubs, log your workouts, set goals, and most important: Connect with other enthusiasts.
We've listed the annual subscriber price below. Strava also offers a free plan.
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One of our editors called Future App “one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time.” The app pairs you with a coach (who is—yes—a real person!) based on your movement goals, interests, and available space and equipment (e.g. are you working out with a few dumbbells at home, or do you have access to a full gym membership?). Together, you and your trainer will determine a custom workout schedule. While you’ll do the workouts on your own (and not on FaceTime or Zoom with your trainer), they’ll still create all your workouts for you. Plus, you always have the ability to chat with your coach and send them questions and form videos for quick feedback. At $150/month, Future is an excellent way to create an expert-guided exercise routine that is likely to cost significantly less than sessions with an IRL personal trainer at the same cadence would.
Read our full review of the Future App here.
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Sky Ting is an NYC-based yoga studio beloved by many SELF editors—but anyone can experience their wide range of classes with their digital platform, Sky Ting TV. Subscribers can play pre-recorded classes a la carte or tune into daily Zoom classes to get more of Sky Ting’s signature community feel. The smorgasbord of offerings includes targeted flows for areas like tight hips or shoulders; mood-based flows (for energy, after traveling, etc.); strength flows; meditation classes; and pre- and post-natal flows. It’s difficult to replicate the atmosphere of an in-person yoga class when you’re home alone, but Sky Ting makes it as warm, friendly, and creative as it could possibly be.
We've listed the annual membership price below.
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Jessamyn Stanley and Mary Carr co-founded The Underbelly to create an inclusive space where every body can feel welcome to reap the benefits of yoga. Using the “Air,” “Earth,” and “Fire” tracks, beginners to the app can build their practice from the ground up by focusing on skills like breathing, balance, and more. And while the class selection and teaching style remains gentle and extremely accessible for a variety of skill levels, don’t be fooled—you’ll still feel challenged and encouraged to grow your practice.
Rubber Coated Kettlebells We've listed the annual membership price below.