My biggest complaint is that the plastic casing doesn’t feel as durable as traditional iron dumbbells—a.k.a. I wouldn’t drop them after heavy sets. But as a space-efficient, all-in-one dumbbell solution, however, these are at the top of my list.
Best Barbell and Plates: Rogue Ohio Bar + Competition Plates
Pros
- High-quality knurled barbell
- Durable, Olympic-standard plates
- Great for powerlifting and Olympic lifts
Cons
- Expensive compared to basic barbells
- Requires a rack for full use
A great barbell makes all the difference in strength training, and this setup is the best I’ve used. The Ohio Bar has the perfect balance of stiffness and whip, and the medium knurling gives me a solid grip without feeling overly aggressive. The competition plates feel just as good—low bounce, smooth loading, and a durable finish that holds up over time.
It’s definitely on the pricier side, and unless you’re serious about lifting, a budget-friendly barbell might be a better choice. For heavy training at home, though, this is the one I’d go with.
Best Kettlebell for Versatile Training: REP Fitness Kettlebells
Pros
- Durable, cast-iron design
- Wide, comfortable grip
- Ideal for strength and cardio
Cons
- Takes up more space than adjustable options
- Can be expensive for multiple weights
Kettlebells are one of my favorite training tools because they work for everything—strength, conditioning, mobility. These stand out because of their build quality. The single-cast iron design means there are no weak points, and the grip gives me just the right amount of control without tearing up my hands.
I prefer traditional kettlebells over adjustable versions because they just feel better to move with, but the trade-off is space. Still, if I had to pick just one kettlebell to own, this would be the one.
Best Home Gym Add-On: Massenomics Drink Spotter XL
Massenomics
Drink Spotter XL
Pros
- Aircraft-grade aluminum design
- Wide base accommodates larger water bottles and phones
Cons
- Doesn’t attach to non-magnetic surfaces—though if you’re lifting in a plastic rack, you’ve got bigger problems
“Drink safety is a top priority when it comes to outfitting a home gym,” explains GQ’s senior commerce editor Ian Burke. The Drink Spotter XL is a top-tier home gym add-on, magnetically attaching to your rack and providing a secure spot to hold your water bottle, phone, wrist wraps, and pretty much anything else you’d rather not place on the floor in-between sets. “Plus,” Burke explains, “you can whack it onto any magnetic surface, so even if you don’t have a power rack at home, your beverages will still be squared away.”
The Best Cardio Machines
Best Interactive Cardio Machine: Peloton Bike+
Pros
- Large rotating touchscreen for off-bike workouts
- Immersive, high-energy class experience
- Smooth, quiet magnetic resistance
Cons
- Expensive upfront and requires a subscription
- Not ideal for those who prefer self-guided rides
I’ve used a lot of stationary bikes, but none have kept me as engaged as this one. The massive rotating touchscreen makes it easy to follow along with classes, and the instructors somehow always know how to push the right buttons to keep me from slacking. The resistance changes automatically based on the class instructor’s cues, which means I don’t have to think about when to crank it up—it just happens.
The biggest drawback is the price—not just for the bike itself but also for the ongoing membership. That said, for anyone who needs an extra push to stay consistent with cardio, it’s hard to beat.
Best Budget Air Bike: AssaultBike Classic
AssaultFitness
AssaultBike Classic
Pros
- Unlimited resistance based on effort
- Durable steel frame and fan system
- Ideal for HIIT and full-body training
Cons
- No pre-programmed workouts or screens
- Can be noisy at high speeds
I can’t think of another machine that makes me question my life choices as quickly as this one. The harder I push, the more resistance I get, which means there’s no escape from an all-out effort. It’s brutally effective for interval training, forcing both my upper and lower body to work equally hard. Unlike traditional exercise bikes, there’s no momentum to help me along—if I slow down, the workout slows with me.
The biggest trade-off is that it doesn’t have a built-in screen or guided workouts, so motivation has to come from within. And while I don’t mind the fan noise, it can get loud at higher speeds. But for short, intense bursts of cardio that leave no room for coasting, nothing compares.
Best Rowing Machine: Concept2 Model D
Pros
- Smooth, air-based resistance
- Trusted by professional athletes
- Folds for easy storage
Cons
- The fan can be loud
- No built-in interactive training
I never used to enjoy rowing, but this machine changed my mind. The resistance feels completely natural, responding instantly to how hard I pull, and the seat glides smoothly without any sticking or lag. The performance monitor is refreshingly simple—it tracks everything I need (split times, stroke rate, power output) without unnecessary distractions. It’s also the same model that Olympic rowers and CrossFit athletes use, so there’s no questioning its durability.
What it lacks is built-in entertainment—there’s no touchscreen or guided classes like some newer rowers offer. That’s not a dealbreaker for me since I like to track my own progress, but for someone who prefers an interactive workout, pairing it with a separate app might be necessary.
Best Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
NordicTrack
Commercial 1750
Pros
- Powerful motor suitable for runners and walkers
- Wide incline/decline range for versatility
- Foldable design for convenient storage
Cons
- Requires iFit subscription for full functionality
- Heavier than some models, making it harder to move
A treadmill needs to do more than just give me a belt to run on—it has to feel smooth, support different types of workouts, and actually make me want to use it. This one checks all the boxes. The 4.25 CHP motor handles everything from easy jogs to full-speed sprints without hesitation, and the incline and decline features make training feel more dynamic. I like that I can simulate rolling hills or downhill sections, which keeps things from feeling too repetitive.
The 16-inch HD touchscreen is another major plus. The iFit integration lets me follow along with trainers or run through different landscapes, which makes long miles indoors way more tolerable. I also appreciate how quiet and cushioned the deck feels—my knees don’t take nearly as much of a beating compared to running outside.
