Ah, January. The time of year when we convince ourselves that this is the year we’re finally going to stick to our workout goals. But let’s be real: The thought of braving a packed gym full of overzealous resolutions with poor gym etiquette is enough to make you want to hibernate until spring. So why not skip the chaos and bring the sweat session to your living room?
At-home gym machines and equipment make working out more convenient, flexible, and personal. It allows you to fit in a sweat session without leaving the comfort of your house—or even changing out of your pajamas. Plus, you can skip the hassle of waiting for machines or dealing with crowded gyms, making it easier to focus on your fitness goals without distractions. And while the initial cost of a new treadmill or fancy rowing machine might give you sticker shock, it might be cheaper in the long run than weekly studio classes.
In this month’s Well Worth It, we’ve rounded up the crème de la crème of home gym gear, from stackable, small-space-friendly dumbells to spin bikes that make sweating at home feel, dare we say, fun. Sure, these pieces are an investment, but so is your health—and you’ll save yourself the monthly gym membership fees (and the awkward locker room encounters).
So, whether you’re chasing that runner’s high or just trying to make your Apple Watch stop yelling at you, these editor-approved picks are here to help you crush your goals—without stepping foot inside an actual gym. And if you need even more motivation to add one of these editor-approved options to your cart, sign up for our latest Good Moves Winter Workout Challenge and get four weeks of new workouts in your inbox. Happy sweating!
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The best at-home gym machines, according to editors
Zwift Ride — $1,299.00
Now $1,100
“Cycling is hands down one of my favorite ways to cross-train. As winter training begins, cold weather can be a deterrent to getting outside—but the Zwift Ride makes it easy to get the miles in while staying inside. The unique thing about Zwift is the gamification of cycling while still replicating the outdoors. The Zwift experience can (and should!) be shared with others, and it ranges from casual rides to structured training programs. There’s something for every kind of athlete!” – Ciara Lucas, Sr. Fitness Writer + Correspondent
Hydrow Core Rower — $1,995.00
“So excited to glide back into rowing with the Hydrow Core, and with no membership required, it just makes the deal so much sweeter. The stroke is super smooth and the seat slides easily from catch to finish—it’s definitely one of the quietest rowers I’ve ever used, which aids in its meditative experience. I can also add unlimited users to it, so I can teach my fiancé the proper form. Since no membership is required, I can’t access instructor-led workouts, badges, or milestones, so it is definitely a more casual and self-guided workout (which I find refreshing coming from a competitive rowing background). Maybe in the future I will upgrade to the monthly membership, but for now, I really like having a new workout to break up my fitness routine!” – Rebecca Ambrose, Commerce Analyst
PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells — $199.00
“When I moved to the U.S. some years ago, I purchased my second pair of PowerBlock dumbbells—I love them that much. I live in a small New York apartment, and these dumbbells are perfect for my *quaint* living space. The dumbbells nest into one another, and it’s easy to switch between different weights using the selector pin. My latest pair goes up to 50 pounds per piece. The dumbbells have a square shape, which some might be deterred by, but I personally like it. They don’t dig into my shoulders, for example, and they stay put when I place it on my hips. They’re pretty durable, too. Apart from some regular wear and tear, the first pair I purchased is still going strong—it hasn’t gotten dinged or rusted after over five years,” – Danielle Calma, Commerce Writer
Peloton Bike — $1,445.00
Now $1,145
“The Peloton Bike makes getting a solid workout from the comfort of your own home a dream. With over 30 instructors and a library of over 1,000 cycling workouts to choose from (not to mention live on-demand classes), you’ll never get bored or run out of options. You can pick classes that focus on climbing, speed, endurance, upper-body strength, and more, all while jamming to upbeat, motivating playlists chosen by the instructors,” – Danielle Zickl, Sr. Fitness Editor
Echelon Stride 6 Treamill — $1,701.00
Now $1,399
“A compact treadmill with all the features of a big one is a tall order, but the Echelon Stride 6 comes close. This treadmill folds down flat and allows for vertical storage. Unlike many other compact options, it also lets you change the incline and feels stable enough to sprint on. I’m five-foot-one, so big equipment is not always easy for me to maneuver. With storage wheels that can move front and back and side to side, I can easily bring it down from its vertical storage position. However, I do need some assistance from someone taller to put it away. Still, that’s not a big hassle for the ability to do a run or hilly walk from the comfort of my garage when I can’t escape the house,” – Rachel Kraus, Sr. Lifestyle Writer
Aviron Fit Bike — $2,399.00
Now $1,999
“As someone who doesn’t enjoy working out in the least but who does it to try and stay healthy, this is a fun bike. Aviron’s whole schtick is gamified workouts (which I first fell in love with when I tested the brand’s Strong Rowing Machine) and it delivers. There’s over 1,000 workout options, including games, guided classes, challenges, and more, so if you’re also someone who hates working out but knows they need to do it, I promise this bike is for you. Plus it takes up virtually no space (I have it tucked away in the corner of a basement) and the screen quality is incredible (AND you can watch episodes of Netflix or RHOSLC while you ride, which makes your workouts go even faster). TBH it’s worth every penny,” – Francesca Krempa, Commerce Editor
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.
