Best Large Home Gym Equipment — Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023

From high-tech treads to at-home Pilates reformers, here are the best large home gym equipment items to create the fitness space of your dreams.

The landscape of home fitness has dramatically transformed, with an increasing number of individuals abandoning their gym memberships to equip a room, garage, or basement with their preferred fitness gear. Yet, it can be challenging to determine which home fitness tools are truly worth the investment. After all, large equipment such as treadmills, rowing machines, and strength units occupy a significant amount of space in one's home and often come with a hefty price tag. So, how does one navigate this vast sea of options and identify the best fit for personal needs, budget, and living environment? Our Shape editors and specialists have dedicated hundreds of hours to testing large home gym equipment to aid you in making these decisions. Regardless if you're a runner, cyclist, rower, weight lifter, or Pilates enthusiast, you'll discover something within this category that will assist you in achieving your fitness objectives—right from your home.

Best High-Tech Exercise Bike: Peloton Bike

Featuring live interactive sessions, an energetic leaderboard, and high-quality speakers, the Peloton Bike certainly matches its high expectations. This advanced fitness machine is designed to monitor your heart rate, performance output, rhythm, power zone, and resistance, displaying these crucial workout details on a 22-inch HD touchscreen. Even though Peloton has a more premium version known as Bike+, the Peloton Bike is perfectly equipped to deliver an intense cardio cycling experience. With features tailored to ensure you get the most out of every workout, it ensures an unparalleled exercise journey.

Experience the ultimate home cycling workout with the Peloton Bike. This high-tech exercise bike offers a sense of community, allowing you to connect and ride with family, friends, or followers. It's like having live classes personalized for you, all from the comfort of your own space. Personal Trainer Kayla Jeter, who is NASM-certified and a certified functional strength coach, highly recommends it. She particularly enjoys scheduling rides with her network, exchanging virtual high-fives, and even initiating video calls to keep each other motivated during workouts.

Best Air Bike: Concept 2 BikeErg

This compact, whisper-quiet air bike is equipped with a special damper that changes the amount of air going into the flywheel, giving you the ability to mimic gentle hills, steep elevation changes, and flat road races with the flick of a lever. And at just 65 pounds, the portable cardio machine can easily be moved out of your living room on movie nights.

Expert Review: “The readouts on the monitor are simple and easy to read. It’s a comfortable bike for longer training rides, and intervals are easy to program on it.” — Laura Su, NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and strength coach

Best Low-Impact Cardio Machine: Bowflex MT16

The Bowflex MT16 blends the finest features of an elliptical machine and a stair stepper to provide a high-intensity interval workout with minimal impact on your joints. The design of the MT16 allows for total body engagement, including arm movements while maintaining a compact structure perfect for restricted areas. However, it's essential to note that although buying an MT16 comes with a complimentary 1-year JRNY subscription—a platform providing adaptive exercise plans, real-time guidance, and entertainment streaming capabilities—there is a recurring $149 annual fee after the initial year.

Expert review: "If you love full-body cardio workouts that leave you dripping buckets of sweat and you don't mind (eventually) paying for a fitness subscription to unlock even more benefits, then the MT16 is absolutely worth it. I like it so much better than standard stair steppers, and I'm enjoying the JRNY membership more than I thought I would." — Anna Knief, Shape contributor and associate director of commerce at Dotdash Meredith

Best Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 10i

For runners and walkers who are short on space, the Nordic Track EXP 10i folding treadmill offers the convenience of an at-home tread without being the focal point of your living room 24/7. One-touch controls let you change your speed and incline in an instant, and the 10" HD screen is surprisingly crisp, considering the console is otherwise pretty no-frills.

Expert review: "A solid treadmill if you’re looking for something that does the job. It folds up for easy storage, climbs to a 12 percent incline, and provides on-screen personal training." — Jeter

Best High-Tech Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 2450

These days, if you're going to invest in at-home equipment, you're probably going to want it to have all the bells and whistles. This NordicTrack tread fits the bill thanks to all its snazzy features, such as a 22-inch high-definition screen that tilts and pivots for boot camp-style workouts that have you on and off the belt. It also has a nifty auto-adjusting speed and incline that move in tandem with whatever the on-screen trainer calls out — hands-free!

Expert review: "The big screen on this NordicTrack tread drew me in, but the stellar trainer-led content and scenic runs that transport me outside my dark, second bedroom were what sold me for good. The iFit library of on-demand classes and epic follow-along workouts that take you to some insane locations is like no other high-tech device or streaming service."— Alyssa Sparacino, ACE-certified personal trainer and Shape editorial director

Best Overall Treadmill: Woodway 4Front

Constructed to withstand up to 150,000 miles of use, the Woodway 4Front treadmill is ideal for dedicated runners due to its shock-absorbent slatted belt. The design reduces friction and wear, thus limiting the need for repairs and replacement parts. Its running surface consists of vulcanized rubber, enabling it to endure frequent use while being gentle on your knees compared to traditional running belts. Even though the 4Front is mostly seen in gyms or studios, it can be purchased completely refurbished at a lower cost. Alternatively, you might consider the more affordable Woodway Mercury. It has a narrower belt than the 4Front but still retains the same shock-absorbent slats that Woodway is known for among runners.

Expert review: "The slat belt technology of the Woodway 4Front is a long run's best friend as it's designed to absorb shock for a more gentle run on the joints. While rehabbing my left ACL, this treadmill has been my most-trusted indoor running equipment. It's also very easy to get on and off of, lowering my concern of falling off or tripping." — Jeter

Best At- or Under-Desk Equipment: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Perfect for walking, running, or multitasking in front of your standing desk, this folding treadmill features an adjustable support riser with a handrail and console that folds all the way down for compact storage or use under a table or desk. For non-work-related entertainment, it also boasts a built-in Bluetooth speaker and phone holder, so you can stream while you sprint. 

When I began my journey towards better health, I would often go for walks in the evening. However, as the seasons changed, and daylight grew shorter, I had to find an alternative to keep up with my fitness goals. That's when I discovered the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill - a perfect solution that fits comfortably in my apartment. It's incredibly versatile, sliding under a desk for those moments when you want to squeeze in a quick walk while working, yet it also comes with a built-in riser and mobile holder for standalone use.

The design is compact and folds away seamlessly, making it easy to store under a bed or sofa after your workout. Besides, its wheels make for easy maneuvering around the house. This folding treadmill has truly revolutionized my fitness routine, ensuring I stay motivated and move regardless of the weather outside. It's an excellent investment for anyone looking to maintain their fitness without any interruptions — Zarah Kavarana, E-commerce Editor for Beauty at Dotdash Meredith.

Best Indoor Skiing Machine: Concept 2 SkiErg

The Concept 2 SkiErg uses the company's signature flywheel and performance monitor (also available on their rowers and bikes) for a smooth, full-body workout and easy access to your pace, distance, and speed. Plus, the SkiErg is adaptable for those with lower-body limitations and can easily be used from a seated position.

Expert review: "This machine takes up space but is a highly effective total-body workout that helps build overall strength and muscle endurance. Skiing is a great warm-up exercise for an upper body-focused pull day or explosive movement session to improve your athletic performance, finisher." — Jeter

Best At-Home Rower: Concept 2 RowErg Rower

Equipped with adjustable footrests, 10 resistance settings, and a monitor that displays distance, speed, calories burned, and more, this machine has all the tools you need to get an effective rowing workout at home. When you’re done with your cardio session, use the quick-release function to break the machine into two segments for storage or use the caster wheels to move the rower out of sight. 

Expert Review: “I like the Concept2 Erg because it's easily storable and easy to read the screen and program workouts. I've used this equipment as a competitive collegiate rower and continue to use it in my training now.” — Su

Best High-Tech Rower: Hydrow Wave

With a crystal-clear 16-inch touchscreen, the Hydrow Wave really gives you the feeling of being on the open water — a major plus for those who want immersive workouts. Plus, it's now available in a variety of colors, and its slim profile (30 percent smaller than the original Hydrow) makes it a fit for almost any space.

Expert Review: "I'll be honest, I've found rowing tedious in the past — but I've yet to get bored on the Hydrow Wave, thanks to having 4,000+ workouts on demand. The on-screen metrics keep my pace in check, and the resistance feels smooth and challenging. It's nothing like the rusty rowers I've used in the past." — Kristen Geil, NASM-certified personal trainer and Shape senior fitness editor

Best At-Home Strength System: FORME Studio with Lift

The FORME Studio with Lift is an at-home strength system that perfectly meshes with your home aesthetics. As a standalone, it's a stylish mirror that doubles as an advanced smart gym. This state-of-the-art equipment is primarily designed for rigorous strength training, offering up to 200 pounds of resistance. It features an in-built system that tracks your repetitions and load during your workout and discreetly houses four distinct attachments: a rope grip, a short bar, two conventional handles, and a pair of ankle straps. If you're unsure about solo workouts, the FORME Studio provides access to live personal training sessions or on-demand classes that you can follow along.

Expert Review: “I am massively impressed with the tech of this smart mirror. It even comes with a fitness concierge to help you build your workouts and program them according to your goals — no thinking required!” — Marietta Alessi, Shape social media director

Best At-Home Pilates Reformer: Frame Connected Pilates Reformer

This at-home Pilates reformer is a far cry from the bulky machines you see in studio fitness classes. Its low profile, sleek design, and seamless spring adjustments are thoughtfully engineered for a smooth (yet challenging) Pilates workout.

Expert Review: "I'm so into the intentional design that went into the Frame reformer. It's got everything you need in a true Pilates reformer, but it's chic enough that I'd be proud to have it in my living room. Plus, the user interface of the touchscreen (which has both on-reformer and off-reformer classes) is gorgeous." — Geil

Best At-Home Boxing Experience: Liteboxer

This high-tech boxing machine features punchable LED pads that light up in tune with the music, so your workout will feel more like playing Whac-a-Mole than doing cardio. When you’re in the mood for a more traditional boxing session, follow along with a trainer-led class on your tablet or phone. 

Professional Opinion: "What keeps me coming back for more is the sense of accomplishment I get seeing the number of precise hits I make after each routine. It's quite a thrill and it's enjoyable. I find myself repeating the program just to better my score. It's magnetic and enjoyable." — Kira Stokes, NASM-accredited fitness coach, CEO of Kira Stokes Fitness, and creator of the KiraStokesFit application.

Best Space-Saving Strength Training Set: Tempo Move

The Tempo Move is essentially a home gym that doesn't take up any more space than your bedside table — and doubles as one too. It comes with a storage cabinet that'll blend in anywhere (read: doesn't look like it's hiding dumbbells), and 50 pounds of weight plates to easily adjust dumbbell weight. That's not even mentioning the Tempo Core, a high-tech camera that offers real-time feedback on your form, rep targets, and progression.

Expert Review: "I live in a small Chicago condo, and everyone who comes over is amazed that this little cabinet holds everything I need in a home gym. I was also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the dumbbells and weight plates, which are coated in a soft, rubber material for a premium feel." — Geil

Best for the Minimalist Home Gym: Lululemon Studio Mirror

This gorgeous mirror is actually a high-tech gym in disguise. The slim-profiled mirror can be mounted on a wall or stand solo on the floor and has a chic metal frame, and its electrical cord can be sneakily hidden behind it. Turn on the machine, and you’ll be able to power through one-on-one workouts with instructors or on-demand classes spanning 60 categories, including strength, yoga, barre, dance cardio, and more.

Expert Review: “I've used the product for over a year and mostly focused on the awesome on-demand offerings. It's so fun that I can take classes with friends on the Mirror and get shout-outs from the trainer during the live classes.” — Alessi

Best Equipment with Storage: NordicTrack Vault

Space-saving doesn't have to mean settling for bodyweight workouts only. And while the NordicTrack Vault isn't necessarily a small piece of equipment, it's the efficiency it provides that really makes it stand out amongst the competition.

Expert Opinion: “The NordicTrack Vault isn't just a high-tech mirror - it's a 61.5" screen that provides unlimited access to iFit workouts. Hidden behind this sleek fitness accessory, you'll find everything necessary to kickstart your journey towards achieving your strength training objectives. With the purchase of this single item, you're equipped with an exercise mat, several mini loop bands and resistance bands, two yoga blocks, six sets of dumbbells (from 5 to 30 pounds), two kettlebells (20 and 30 pounds), and even a sweat towel to mop up after intense sessions. It doesn't get more comprehensive than this!" — Sparacino

Best Adaptive CrossFit Tire: Equip Products The Coffin

Thanks to this massive foam block, the classic CrossFit tire flip is accessible to athletes of all abilities. The Coffin measures 5 feet long, 2 feet tall, and 2.5 feet wide, is wrapped in straps for extra grip (or dragging), and has a heavy weight in the center that will surely put your strength to the test.

Renowned athlete Maggie Rath, who specializes in adaptive CrossFit, expresses her thoughts on 'The Coffin' by Equip Products. As an alternative to the traditional large, heavy tires used in workouts by conventional athletes, this unique piece of equipment has been a game-changer in intense training sessions. Rath elaborates that flipping 'The Coffin' just once demands the utmost strength and vitality. Incorporating it into regular workouts significantly heightens the challenge factor, making each training session much more vigorous. Her firsthand experience underscores the effectiveness of 'The Coffin' as an indispensable component in the realm of adaptive CrossFit.

Best Large Adaptive Cardio Equipment: Equip Products Wheely-X Wheelchair Fitness

This cardio machine, designed for folks who use wheelchairs, is bound to get your heart racing and blood pumping. The treadmill-like machine is armed with two Bluetooth-connected sensors on the rollers that track your distance, speed, pace, and more while you tackle interval, sprint, and endurance workouts on the attached tablet.

Adaptive personal trainer, adaptive CrossFit coach, and creator of the Wheel With Me Fitness app, Jesi Stracham, shares her experience after two months of using the Wheely-X. "It's essentially a connected Peloton equipment that offers streaming workouts specifically designed for wheelchair users," she explains. She also emphasizes the ease of disassembling and lifting the equipment in parts, making it ideal for those who are independent and physically strong. This was the equipment she used to warm up when she competed at the WheelWOD games, an adaptive fitness competition.