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Finding the right brands of fitness equipment can be tough because there are so many brands to choose from. While we have to say that many of the brands out there are trustworthy, you’re here because you want to know the best brands for gym equipment. We’re going to split this into several different topics that you know the best brands for: dumbbells, weight plates, cardio, and much more.
Dumbbells
Weight Plates
Treadmill
Exercise Bike
Home Gym
Fitness Trackers
Resistance Bands
Dumbbells
This was a tough one because there are so many different brands of exercise equipment for dumbbells. These are useful for both compound and isolated lifting exercises, and it really depends on your preferences whether you want adjustable weights or static weights.
The three top brands of gym equipment we found are:
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Easily one of the most popular adjustable dumbbells around, Bowflex SelectTech makes it easy to change from one weight to another. Not only that, but this avoids you having to buy other dumbbells in the future. Anyone who owns dumbbells knows that this can be annoying because you’ll have to lay out a lot of money for a whole new set when you get stronger.
The most popular product here would be both looks like Tech 552 adjustable dumbbells. We’ve done Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbell reviews, so be sure to read for more info.
These have a weight range from 5 lb all the way up to 52.5 lb. You’ll have no problem switching between each weight, and you can do a range of exercises with ease.
ProForm Weight Dumbbells
If you’re looking for more affordable adjustable dumbbells, then you might like ProForm weight dumbbells. This is a very popular brand, and it makes dumbbells that are affordable and safe. not only that, but many people say that they rival Bowflex.
Their adjustable dumbbells range from 10 lb up to 50 lb. They increase 10 lb each time, and you should have no problem changing from one weight set to another. You can go from 10 lb for lateral raises, 20 lb for bicep curls, and 40 or more pounds for bench press within seconds.
Cap Barbell Dumbbells
For those looking for static dumbbells, there’s no better than Cap Barbell. Despite the name, they create some of the world’s most popular hex dumbbells. You can get these in many different weights, but we would say the 20 lb are probably the most popular.
These black iron hex dumbbells feel great in your hand due to the etching on the handle, and they are extremely durable because they are made entirely out of metal.
If you want dumbbells that last a lifetime, or even one that you can pass on to younger generations, then Cap Barbell is the way to go.
Weight Plates
For those who like lifting with barbells or doing very serious lifting for muscle growth or bodybuilding, then weight plates are exactly what you need. Finding the right weight plates can be extremely difficult because there are many brands, but not all of them are made equally. Let’s take a look at the best brands of fitness equipment for weight plates.
Cap Barbell Plates
Here we see Cap Barbell again. Just like with dumbbells, they’re one of the best weight plate providers. They manufacture some of the best Olympic weight plates that you can find. These 2-inch Olympic grip plates come in weights ranging from 2.5 lb all the way up to 45 lb for each individual plate.
The plates are solid cast iron and have a 2-inch machined hole in the center. They get their black color from a baked enamel finish that makes them more durable. The plates are designed to have three grips around them. This makes it safe and easy to handle them whether you’re loading or unloading them on the bar.
HulkFit Olympic Weight Plates
Not only does HulkFit have perhaps one of the best names for fitness equipment, it’s also one of the best brands of sports equipment for those that like barbell lifting. Their weight plates are made to an Olympic standard and are extremely durable.
HulkFit weight plates range from 2.5 lb up to 45 lb per plate. They have ergonomic grip handles for safe handling when loading or removing weight plates from the bar. They’re made from a durable cast iron that has been coated in enamel for better protection. These plates will last for a long time, ensuring you get your money’s worth with them.
BalanceFrom Cast Iron Plate
If you’re looking for weight plates with a smooth design, then the BalanceFrom weight plates are right for you. This fitness brands equipment can be used in a home gym or professional gym, and they’ve been designed to Olympic standards and made for 2-inch bars.
Their plates range from 2.5 lb up to 45 lb, and they have a black baked enamel finish to prevent rust or corrosion. The plates are well labeled so that you know which is which, and they have a thick lip so you can easily move them around.
Treadmills
For those who want to do cardio at home, there’s nothing better than a treadmill. You can get some great home treadmills that rival gym quality if you know where to look, and these three fitness brands are the best of the best.
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
NordicTrack makes some of the finest home treadmills that you can buy. The 20”x55” tread gives you plenty of legroom along with elbow space as you run. It also uses FlexSelect cushioning so that your joints feel almost no impact.
The treadmill has a max speed of 10 mph, and has incline controls for up to a 10% incline. You also get a 30-day iFit membership completely free that can next to you which professional trainers that can adjust the treadmill during the fitness session.
Once you’re finished running, walking, or jogging, the EasyLift Assist makes it simple to lift up the tread and store the treadmill anywhere. This makes it an ideal treadmill for home gyms and it will only take up space when you’re ready to use it.
GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
This 2-in-1 folding treadmill can be used in your home gym, under your desk, in your office, or anywhere else. That’s because it has a very compact design and you can easily fold up when you’re all finished.
What is a 2-in-1 folding treadmill? This usually means that the treadmill has both a walking/jogging mode and a running mode. With running mode, there’s usually a raised handrail that you can hold onto when you’re running. This handrail is lowered or completely removed when you’re in jogging mode. The GoPlus folding treadmill is able to reach speeds of 1-4 km per hour in jogging mode and 1-12 km per hour in running mode.
The running belt is a spacious 40”x16” design that is also padded to keep your joints safe. It comes with an LED display that shows your speed, time run, distance, and calories burned. There are also Bluetooth speakers, app support, and a phone holder. This makes it a convenient and fun treadmill that you can fold up and fit anywhere when you’re done.
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
This gym quality home treadmill features a large tread and many different speed settings to ensure that you’re going at the right pace. It comes with 12 preset programs, 3 incline settings, and the treadmill can fold up with an easy pull knob when you’re done with your cardio routine.
The tread itself is 16”x50”. This is more than enough room for comfortably walking or running. You’ll also find that the handrail is supportive if you need something to hold onto. We loved the 5-inch LCD display as it’s intuitive and has easy-to-understand buttons. You can see real-time stats on your speed, time, incline, distance, heart rate, and calories burned.
If you want a high-quality basic treadmill to use at home, then this might be the right one for you.
Exercise Bike
Another great cardio option is an exercise bike. Cycling can be easier on the joints, and also helps you build up your breathing ability as it isn’t as hard on the body as running or jogging can be. We found some top-tier fitness bikes that will go great in your home gym.
Peloton Bike
Peloton has become the leader in exercise bikes, and it’s easy to see why. The bike itself is great, but they’re really known for their amazing cycling classes that go far beyond simple cardio. You’ll be able to improve your strength, breathing, flexibility, and more with these fun fitness classes.
With a compact 4 ft by 2 ft footprint, this bike is easy to fit just about anywhere. It has a surprisingly large screen, along with an adjustable seat and handlebar. Whether you have a specific room for this bike or not, you’ll have no problem finding it in your home or apartment.
The 22-inch screen does more than connect you with inspiring mentors and exciting classes. It also tracks your progress so that you can see your speed, heart rate, current resistance setting, and it can connect to your Apple watch for even better tracking.
If you have room in your budget for a premium exercise bike, then give Peloton a shot.
NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle
This gym quality exercise bike will be the perfect new addition to your home gym. It’s very similar to Peloton, and some say it’s made even better. The major difference is that the classes are different, but NordicTrack iFit does give you access to many great cycling courses and other Fitness videos you’re short of love.
With an upgraded 22-inch touchscreen display, you can stream on-demand iFit workout programs and display your progress such as your speed, distance, calories burned, and more. The iFit trainers can also adjust your incline and resistance to fit the class. It even has fast WiFi connectivity along with Bluetooth headphone connectivity.
If you want a commercial quality bike at a great price, then the commercial NordicTrack s22i is ready for you.
Bowflex C7
Last up is Bowflex C7 bike and it’s one that we’ve written about quite a bit. Be sure to check out our Bowflex C7 reviews for more information, and to see how it directly compares with other similar exercise bikes.
This includes a one-year JRNY membership and you’ll be able to enjoy the many fun classes and cycling routines through there. The 7-inch HD touchscreen displays your progress, and the bike works with many third party cycling apps such as Zwift and Peloton. Like the other displays, this one connects to Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, and other entertainment options that will keep you engaged as you do your cardio routine.
It has 100 different levels of resistance, and the JRNY fitness classes allow you to explore exotic locations on the display. It’s a fitness bike made for home gyms that you can fit anywhere, and get a good workout from.
Home Gym
A home gym system combines the best strength training exercises together so that you can improve the muscle mass on your arms, legs, back, chest, and everywhere else. Instead of buying a bunch of dumbbells or barbells and weight plates, and instead of going to the gym and using all the machines there, a home gym gives you a similar experience from home.
Bowflex Xceed
Bowflex is the top brand when it comes to home gyms. This is because they’re recognized for it and because their gyms are top quality. They have many different home fitness systems, and the Bowflex Xceed seems to be the most popular. You can read more about Bowflex home gym reviews here as we have talked about Xceed, PR1000, PR3000, and more.
This is a compact home gym that offers more than 65 different exercises. The Bowflex Power Rods can be set for as little as 5 lb of resistance or up to 210 lb of resistance. You can also upgrade it to 310 lb of resistance. There is a leg extension attachment that you can also remove to perform squats.
This is an affordable alternative to paying monthly gym membership fees, and it allows you to do a variety of different workouts from your home.
Marcy Multifunctional Home Gym Station
Marcy is well known in the strength training industry, but they also make many amazing home gyms that help train your body to perfection. Made with heavy duty steel, this home gym is sure to last for years while keeping you safe even during heavy workouts.
It has a large weight stack going up to 150 lb. It comes with dual action press arms so that you can perform chest press, butterfly, curls, and much more to train your whole body. With both arm and leg stations, you can do both compound and isolated workouts with ease.
Sporzon! Home Gym System Workout Station
If you’re looking for a home gym for powerlifters and bodybuilders, then the Sporzon home gym might be right for you. Heavy duty steel allows it to support a maximum user weight of 400 lb, and a total maximum weight of 1000 lb. This is due both to the steel and aircraft quality cables used in this machine.
Includes a 125 lb vinyl weight stack, resistance levels that go up to 330 lb, and various pulley systems and cables that allow you to work your entire body and every muscle group. While the system can be used by anybody, it’s really designed for those that want to push the limits of their body.
If you’re looking to gain strength, then this might be the right home gym for you.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers have become a huge part of everyone’s life. Whether you’re looking to slim down, build muscle, or just maintain how you look right now, fitness trackers give you indispensable information about your overall well-being.
Fitbit Charge 5
As an Iconic brand, Fitbit is one of the best fitness trackers around. There are many different Fitbits to choose from, but we found the Charge 5 is currently the most popular model. It does more than just track your steps, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
This Fitbit comes with a Daily Readiness Score. This lets you know if you should exercise or recover today, which is something that you don’t get with nearly any other Fitness tracker. It even gives you a daily Stress Management Score to see how your body is responding to stress.
Not only that, but the battery lasts for seven full days and it tracks your sleep, has 20 exercise modes, allows you set personal goals, and will be your permanent fitness accessory.
Amazon Halo View
The Amazon Halo View fitness tracker is similar to Fitbit in both looks and function. What we found is that it goes beyond just counting steps and heart rate. This has some unique features that you won’t find with any other fitness tracker.
It judges sleep score, blood oxygen levels, activity points, and more. The most interesting feature though is being able to measure your body fat percentage. By connecting your smartphone to Amazon Halo fitness tracker, you can make a detailed 3D model of yourself and it will be able to judge how much fat is on your body.
If you want some very interesting features that you won’t find anywhere else, then Halo from Amazon might be right for you.
Amazfit Band 7 Fitness & Health Tracker
The best budget fitness tracker, this works far better than you’d expect given its price tag. We found in our Amazfit reviews that it actually did fairly well even against top-tier fitness trackers while being a half or third of their price.
While it doesn’t have many unique features, it has many of the best features found in other fitness trackers. This includes app support, many activity modes, the ability to track your steps and heart rate, and much more. Plus, it actually looks very good especially when you consider the price.
If you want an affordable fitness tracker that doesn’t look like you’re on a budget, then give Amazfit a try. This is the cheapest fitness equipment, but it’s very effective for all your tracking needs.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are great because they’re highly portable, and you get 50 lbs or more resistance band that barely weighs 1lb. Not only are they convenient, but they also provide some excellent benefits that you don’t get from traditional dumbbells and barbells. They’re great for overall fitness and muscle growth.
We covered even more in our Top 5 Exercise Bands for Shoulders for Massive Gains article.
Whatafit Resistance Bands Set
Currently the most popular resistance band set on Amazon, this comes with several different resistance bands that provide resistance levels of 10 lbs, 20 lb, 30 lbs, 40 lb, and 50lbs. Each band is 36 inches in length, and they can even be stacked together for a total resistance of 150 lb.
This also comes with a door anchor, carrying bag, handles, and other accessories to improve your overall fitness routine. It’s easy to use at your office, gym, home, or anywhere else where you can do some extra lifting.
Made from natural latex, this provides strong wear resistance and is comfortable and easy to use.
VEICK Resistance Bands Set
This is very similar to the other resistance band set, but some people prefer that this brand is made from natural rubber. It comes with five different resistance bands that provide resistance levels of 10 lb, 20 lb, 30 lb, 40 lb, and 50 lbs. They can also be stacked for up to 150 lb of resistance.
These bands are longer as they are 48 inches long, and some people will prefer that. Along with strength training, this is good for Pilates, yoga, and nearly any other fitness routine you can think of. It’s like a mobile gym you can take around with you to build muscle and improve your fitness.
If you want to burn extra fat and have a convenient strength training system to carry around with you, then this is the resistance bands set for you.
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
This resistance loop set, also known as booty bands, provides a heavy duty loop-type resistance band that is useful for many different exercises. Usually worn between the legs for lower body workouts, they can actually be adjusted for upper body workouts as well.
This comes with five different bands that range from extra light to extra having. They’re all 2” thick and 12” in length. They’re even easier to carry around than other resistance bands, and can be used for nearly any type of fitness routine you can think of.
Final Thoughts
These are the top brands of gym equipment that we were able to find, but we know that there are plenty more out there and many other categories. What other categories and types of equipment would you like us to cover? Be sure to let us know.