With the variety of strength-training equipment, it can be intimidating to choose the best ones to meet your fitness goals and budget. Besides the traditional pieces, like dumbbells and barbells, there is a range of other gear like Bosu balls, resistance bands, and suspension trainers.
Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle mass or tone up, the best strength-training equipment will help you find suitable matches. The initial purchase costs for equipment like the TRX All-in-One Body Suspension Trainer will be well worth it because it will pay dividends in your health and well-being.
Before purchasing strength-training equipment, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these popular options to figure out which ones could best meet your needs:
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
What you need to know: These adjustable dumbbells combine 15 sets of weights into one dial system for a variety of strength exercises, making them ideal for those with little space at home.
What you’ll love: The dial system in the dumbbells allows you to make them lighter or heavier in 2.5-pound increments, from 5 to 52.5 pounds. You can rapidly switch from one exercise to the next while getting a challenging workout with different ranges of motion. The purchase comes with a two-year warranty.
What you should consider: The handle may not fit all hand sizes.
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TRX All-in-One Body Suspension Trainer
What you need to know: This training system is designed for all fitness levels and allows you to do strength moves that hit all your muscle groups.
What you’ll love: The TRX suspension trainer is portable and can be easily installed anywhere from doors, trees or outdoor posts. The training system comes with a suspension trainer and anchor, a door anchor, a starting guide and the TRX Training Club app. You can use these to do foundation moves that target resistance training and your core.
What you should consider: The manual provides a limited number of moves that you can do with the suspension trainer.
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FitCord X-Over Resistance Bands
What you need to know: Made with the highest-quality materials, these durable resistance bands are designed for those who want to maximize their upper-body strength and tone up.
What you’ll love: The FitCord bands up to 55 pounds in resistance and is designed for several strength-training workouts like CrossFit, physical therapy and bodybuilding. Available in seven resistance levels, it can be used as a single band or be crossed over to form an X. Made with weather-resistant latex, it has a scrunched nylon safety sleeve that offers protection in case the band snaps during use.
What you should consider: Some users may not find the cords long enough in the crossover symmetry.
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Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell Weights
What you need to know: This blue-hued kettlebell is well-priced and built for durability and longevity.
What you’ll love: The kettlebells are made with solid cast iron and have a coating that protects the weight from damage and scratches while training. The kettlebells are sold individually and are available in weights that range from 5 to 50 pounds. Designed for a softer landing, its flat bottom and smooth handle provide a comfortable workout experience.
What you should consider: Some buyers found the bottom of the kettlebell to be wobbly and rounded and not flat, as indicated in the description.
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Black Mountain Products 2000-pound Static Strength Exercise Stability Ball
What you need to know: These stability balls can hold up to 200 pounds and will challenge anyone looking to strengthen and tone.
What you’ll love: The exercise ball is made with dense walls that provide plenty of support and durability. It comes in five different size options: 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm and 85 cm. The package includes a pump if you need to reinflate and a starter guide.
What you should consider: The ball should be stored in a secure place, as the plastic can react with furniture and diminish the finish.
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What you need to know: Use these well-made ankle weights for a variety of resistance lower-body training moves.
What you’ll love: The ankle weights are made with soft and durable fabric and come with a black travel pouch. Each piece weighs 5 pounds and has an adjustable strap to make it fit around your ankles and wrists.
What you should consider: Some wearers did not find the material strong enough and said it could not withstand wear and tear.
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CAP Barbell 6-foot Solid Olympic Bar
What you need to know: This smaller version of the full-sized Olympic bar won’t take up as much room but can still give you a full-body workout.
What you’ll love: The barbell is made with high-quality solid cold steel with a chrome finish. It has rotating sleeves that reduce pressure on forearms and wrists and a medium-depth diamond knurling for a secure grip. Compact yet effective, it’s 6 feet long and weighs 28 pounds.
What you should consider: Some buyers did not receive the barbell in good condition.
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What you need to know: This popular piece of workout equipment offers over 50 gym exercises for a full-body workout.
What you’ll love: The machine features a workout bench, cable pulley system and seated leg press. This durable and sturdy piece is made with a solid heavy-duty steel construction frame and offers between 5 to 210 pounds of resistance. Designed for flexibility and high performance, it has a multiuse hand grip and ankle cuffs.
What you should consider: With its hefty price tag, the equipment may not suit every budget.
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Seline Shenoy writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
