How to Determine the Best Equipment for Your Home Gym
Creating a home gym is an investment in health and convenience. The challenge is deciding which pieces of equipment will give you the most value without overwhelming your space or budget. Fitness Supply carries premium brands that cover everything from commercial‑grade treadmills to space‑saving strength trainers. Below is a guide on how to evaluate your needs and choose equipment from trusted brands like Star Trac, True Fitness, Body Solid, Echelon, Matrix, Life Fitness and Schwinn.
In addition to these marquee names, Fitness Supply’s catalogue spans dozens of other well‑respected manufacturers. The company curates products from a broad range of strength and cardio brands so customers can build a tailored workout space with equipment they know and trust fitnesssupply.com.
Start with Your Fitness Goals and Space
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Identify your primary goals. Are you looking to improve cardiovascular endurance, build strength, or get a balanced full‑body routine? Your goals determine whether a treadmill, exercise bike, multi‑station gym or functional trainer should be the centrepiece of your home gym.
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Measure your space. Multi‑station strength systems like Body Solid’s G9B take up more than 11 × 7 ft of live working area, while compact solutions like Echelon’s Strength + fold up into a wall‑mirror. Knowing your room size will help you choose appropriately sized equipment.
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Consider the number of users. Dual‑user systems, such as Body Solid’s G9B, let multiple people train simultaneously. If family members or training partners will share the gym, opt for equipment with multiple stations or adjustable settings.
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Set a realistic budget. Commercial‑quality machines come at a higher price, but they last longer and provide a smoother workout experience. Brands like Matrix and Star Trac are known for their durability.
Cardio Equipment: Brands and Features
Choosing a cardio machine depends on your preferred exercise style and the features that motivate you. Here are highlights of cardio equipment from each brand carried by Fitness Supply:
| Brand | Cardio Category | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Star Trac | Treadmills, spin bikes, ellipticals, recumbent bikes | Powerful motors and ergonomic designs provide smooth runs; advanced entertainment and tracking features enhance motivation. Spin bikes deliver immersive rides with durable builds. Ellipticals offer adjustable strides and multimedia integration. |
| True Fitness | Treadmills, ellipticals, bikes | TRUE’s home treadmills are comfortable, reliable and easy to use. The company builds home models with the same quality and performance standards as their commercial machines. TRUE ellipticals are designed based on biomechanics to provide a natural, stable workout and have a small footprint. |
| Horizon | Treadmills, ellipticals, indoor cycles, rowers | Horizon treadmills use a Rapid Sync drive system that eliminates lags when changing speed or incline. Intuitive controls let you adjust settings without breaking stride. Their heavy‑duty folding frames include supportive cushioning and are backed by a lifetime warranty. |
| Schwinn | Upright and recumbent bikes, Airdyne bikes, ellipticals, treadmills | Schwinn cardio machines feature user‑friendly interfaces, adjustable settings and built‑in workout programs. They are designed for durability and performance while focusing on comfort and efficiency, making them suitable for users of all fitness levels. |
| Matrix | Treadmills, ellipticals, upright bikes, hybrid and HIIT trainers | Matrix cardio equipment is known for multi‑functionality; their machines adapt to a variety of training needs. A hybrid treadmill combines self‑powered and motorised modes, while Total Body Trainer machines deliver full‑body engagement. Ergonomic features like handrails, low step‑up heights and adjustable inclines prioritise safety. |
| Echelon | Connected treadmills, bikes, rowers, ellipticals | Echelon cardio equipment integrates live and on‑demand classes with entertainment and gamified workouts. Their FitOS platform streams media and tracks performance, while Echelon AI personalises training plans. Many models also incorporate auto‑adjusting resistance for scenic rides and races. |
How to Decide on Cardio Machines
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Running enthusiasts: Choose a treadmill with a responsive drive system, intuitive controls, and durable deck. Horizon’s Rapid Sync system offers smooth speed transitions, while Star Trac treadmills provide club‑quality motors and shock absorption.
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Cyclists: Indoor bikes vary from simple upright designs to immersive spin bikes. Schwinn’s bikes offer adjustable resistance and built‑in programs, while Star Trac spin bikes deliver immersive rides with cutting‑edge technology.
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Low‑impact cardio: Ellipticals from TRUE and Matrix provide natural, stable movement that’s gentle on the joints. Star Trac recumbent bikes also prioritise comfort.
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Interactive training: Echelon cardio machines offer connected workouts with live classes and gamified experiences. If you want streaming classes and performance tracking, these are excellent options.
Final Thoughts
Building a home gym is about aligning equipment with your fitness goals, available space and budget. With club‑quality cardio machines from Star Trac, ergonomically designed ellipticals and treadmills from True Fitness and Horizon, compact yet powerful strength solutions from True Fitness and Echelon, multi‑station gyms from Body Solid, versatile, eco‑friendly designs from Matrix, and user‑friendly bikes from Schwinn, Fitness Supply offers the tools to create a customised home gym. By considering your needs and studying the features above, you’ll be well on your way to choosing equipment that will keep you motivated and fit for years to come.
