Smart Home Gym Basics

Home workout equipment with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Losing weight and getting in better shape often top the list of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Close behind are things like saving money and making more time for family and friends. By investing in your health and wellness with a home gym, you can save the time commitment and the expense of a gym membership. Smart fitness machines represent some of the best overall exercise equipment for a home.

Benefits of smart fitness equipment.

Health and fitness spearhead the benefits provided by smart exercise equipment. Other advantages include:

Privacy
Scheduling convenience
Accessibility
Personalization

Exercising on home gym equipment offers convenience and accessibility that fitness clubs can't match. Your workout doesn't depend on someone else's class time. You need not fret over traffic or foul weather. Workouts accommodate your schedule and being in the comfort of home eases any self-consciousness you might feel.

Personalization sets smart fitness equipment apart. The individualized workouts respond to your body. Smart equipment tracks your goals and your progress while monitoring your vital signs. The best-value models of this equipment allow catered workouts without subscriptions, although some subscription online services offer an impressive slate of options.

How does smart exercise equipment work?

The best smart equipment has built-in health monitors to track your body's biometric data ― heart rate, blood pressure and more ― and uses the feedback to speed up or slow down a workout. Too little exertion, you won't burn calories; too much and you could injure yourself. The "Goldilocks Zone" (just right) maximizes your workout time and your results.

Connectivity is essential, as biometric data feeds into the machine to create an optimal workout. Some fitness equipment features integrated trackers, but many sync with your fitness tracker.

Connectivity also enables access to extensive workout options, with some being live and others coming to you prerecorded through streaming media subscription The displays on smart equipment simulate a walk, run or ride through exotic locations. Units at more approachable price points will offer fewer of these elements, but they can still deliver an intense sweat session.

Type of smart fitness equipment.

Smart exercise equipment offers a range of devices. Many represent connected variations of traditional devices. Others bring bold, innovative elements to modern fitness.

Smart mirrors.

Home gyms have added a new dimension thanks to connected equipment like smart mirrors. These touchscreens allow you to watch on-demand or live workouts while watching your own reflection. Smart mirrors combine the elements of a tablet, a television and a mirror together in one product for optimum efficiency. Some strength training systems incorporate elements of the smart mirror into their interactive screens.

Smart machines.

Smart fitness machines combine the established benefits of exercise equipment with the catered attention your body and regimen require. Each type has unique benefits for your workout regimen.

Treadmills.

With models for every budget, smart treadmills simulate outdoor walking and running. Look for models that elevate the platform to create the calorie-burning effects of moving uphill. Many value models offer broad running surfaces for an unconstrained atmosphere.

Exercise bikes.

Resistance levels provide exercise bikes with light, moderate and challenging workouts. Consider a folding smart bike for value and for minimal impact on your living space.

Rowing machines.

Ideal for building stamina, a rowing machine provides a full-body workout. Smart rowers simulate being part of a crew out on the water. Look for models with handle controls for seamless tension adjustment. A good-value choice connects to your tablet rather than featuring a built-in monitor.

Elliptical machines.

Like rowing machines, ellipticals provide total-body exercise with minimized impact. Value-oriented elliptical machines lean toward a slenderer profile, which is a bonus for smaller workout spaces or for fitting more equipment in your home gym. All smart ellipticals can provide personalized, calorie-burning cardio workouts.

What should you consider before buying smart exercise equipment?

What is the most effective piece of home exercise equipment? That depends on a few factors, most critically, your needs and your space.

Choose the smart home exercise equipment that meets your needs.

Are you after a cardio workout or strength training? Traditional weights and resistance bands are better for building muscle mass, while bikes, treadmills and ellipticals get your heart pumping.

Treadmills offer the most challenging workout while ellipticals target all major muscle groups in your body. Exercise bikes benefit everyone, but especially those recovering from injury. Rowing machines build stamina by challenging your cardiovascular system. Your body's needs ― and your personal goals ― establish what home exercise equipment is the most effective for you.

Another benefit is the flexibility that most smart equipment offers. Adjustable resistance can add strength training elements with the touch of a screen. Smart mirrors have the benefit of working with both strength and cardio training.

Keep your space considerations in mind.

Many pieces of equipment can monopolize the elbow room in your workout area, especially ellipticals and treadmills. If space is at a premium, look into models that collapse or roll away for convenient storage. Smart mirrors are thin devices that hang on the wall, so they can help you maximize any workout space.

Additionally, you can find fitness accessories that complement your smart cardio equipment. Check out the options available then choose the best smart exercise equipment for you to get fit and healthy.

Additional information:

These statements and any information contained herein are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. Carefully review product labels for instructions and important safety information and consider consulting with a health care professional regarding your use of health and wellness products.