Build the gymthat fitsyour goals.
Buying guides and reviews for racks, weights, benches, treadmills, bikes, rowers, recovery tools and fitness trackers: the specs that matter, the space you need, and who each one suits.
Shop by training goal
Start with how you train, then match the equipment to your space, budget and experience.
Train smarter at home
Adjustable vs fixed dumbbells compared on space, cost, speed of changing weight, durability and weight range, to help you choose for a home gym.
Compare flat, incline and decline benches by angles, capacity, pad size, stability and footprint for your home gym.
Barbells and plates explained: men's and women's Olympic bars, shaft diameter and knurling, standard vs Olympic plates, bumpers, iron and change plates.
- 04
Elliptical Buying Guide: Stride, Fit and Footprint
Home cardio
- 05
Exercise Bike Types Compared: Upright, Recumbent and More
Choose a bike style
- 06
Fitness Tracker: Watch vs Ring vs Band
Wearable formats
- 07
Foam Roller vs Massage Gun: Which Recovery Tool Fits You?
Recovery
- 08
Home Gym Flooring Guide: Stall Mats, Tiles and Rolls
Flooring
- 09
Power Rack Buying Guide: Size, Steel, Holes and Safeties
Home gym
Fitness Equipment questions, answered
Can you drop adjustable dumbbells?
Most makers advise against dropping them, because the selector mechanism can be damaged. Check the warranty terms.
Read: Adjustable vs Fixed Dumbbells →Should I buy a flat or adjustable weight bench?
A flat bench suits lifting that uses one level pad. Choose an adjustable bench if incline or decline positions are part of the movements you plan to do.
Read: Adjustable Weight Bench Buying Guide →How much does an Olympic bar weigh?
A men's Olympic bar weighs 20 kg, about 44 lb. Women's bars weigh 15 kg, about 33 lb. Many US bars are listed as 45 lb.
Read: Barbell and Weight Plate Guide →How do I choose an elliptical stride length?
Match the listed stride length to the user's height and natural gait, and try the motion in person when possible. For multiple users, compare models with an adjustable range.
Read: Elliptical Buying Guide →What is the difference between an upright and recumbent exercise bike?
An upright bike has a more vertical riding position. A recumbent bike places the rider in a reclined, chair-like position; compare the seat adjustment and pedal reach on the exact model.
Read: Exercise Bike Types Compared →Is a fitness ring or watch better?
Choose a watch if you want a screen on your wrist; choose a ring if you prefer a smaller form and are comfortable checking its app. Compare each model's fit, features and plan requirements.
Read: Fitness Tracker →Clear answers about fitness gear
Every recommendation starts with footprint, ceiling height and training goal, using the manufacturer's own specs.
Each review says who the equipment suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to know before you buy. No filler, no hedging.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product or rule changes.
The fitness equipment index
- 01StrengthPower racks, adjustable dumbbells, barbells, plates, kettlebells and benches.4 pages
- 02CardioTreadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines and ellipticals.4 pages
- 03Recovery & wearablesMassage guns, foam rollers, compression and fitness trackers.2 pages
- 04AccessoriesGym flooring, yoga mats, resistance bands, jump ropes, gloves and training apparel.1 page