Men’s Health Magazine 2022: Top Home Gym Awards
Building the ultimate home gym became a common goal when trainer Rashaad Slowley relocated from New York City to Miami towards the end of 2020. However, he quickly discovered the complexities involved. “I quickly learned that this is not an overnight job,” Slowley notes, emphasizing the significant “sweat equity and money” required to create a truly effective space. The insights gathered reflect the core findings highlighted in the men’s health magazine 2022 fitness awards.
A truly functional home training environment surpasses a simple yoga mat and basic weights. The ideal setup sustains motivation by offering diverse training possibilities, enabling intense cardio one day and focused strength building the next. The post-Covid era has spurred remarkable innovation in home fitness, with companies enhancing everything from connected workout experiences to fundamental equipment like dumbbells. Slowley’s own meticulously built home gym provides everything he needs, serving as his base for training towards a late 2022 Spartan Race. It also became the setting for his first face-to-face meeting with Justin Inman, an emerging trainer from Baltimore mentored by Slowley through the Men’s Health Strength in Diversity Initiative—a program dedicated to advancing the careers of young trainers from marginalized backgrounds via mentorship and education. Naturally, the pair engaged in a workout session within Slowley’s dedicated space, showcasing top selections for the best home training equipment of 2022.
Two male trainers, Rashaad Slowley and Justin Inman, working out in a well-equipped home garage gym environment, representing the Men's Health Magazine 2022 home gym awards feature.
Best Connected Fitness Gear of 2022
Connected fitness integrates technology to provide guided workouts, tracking, and interactive experiences, transforming home exercise routines.
Tonal Home Gym (Best Connected Cable Machine)
Tonal Home Gym device mounted on a wall
While Tonal’s magnetic resistance offers a unique feel compared to traditional gym cables, it’s remarkably close. This wall-mounted system enhances classic exercises by simulating chain resistance or adding eccentric load. Combined with seamless music integration, Tonal stands out as a premium home gym solution.
Hydrow Rower (Best Connected Rower)
Hydrow Rower machine with large screen displaying water scene
Hydrow delivers an immersive rowing experience, featuring videos filmed on actual lakes and rivers. This approach creates a uniquely tranquil yet effective cardio workout.
Nordictrack The Vault (Best All-in-One Workout Hub)
NordicTrack Vault workout mirror displaying a trainer, with stored weights visible behind
NordicTrack’s workout mirror offers more than just iFit trainer-led sessions. Concealed behind the reflective surface are dumbbells (up to 30 lbs), kettlebells (up to 30 lbs), and resistance bands, providing a comprehensive setup for convenient muscle building.
Peloton Bike Plus (Best Stationary Bike)
Peloton Bike Plus stationary exercise bike with screen
Peloton’s premier stationary bike continues to lead the home fitness market. It provides an exceptionally smooth, high-quality cycling experience coupled with a vast library of engaging workouts designed to push cardiovascular limits. The auto-follow feature, which automatically adjusts resistance during workouts, is a significant enhancement.
Tempo Move (Best Connected Small-Spaces Workout Hub)
Tempo Move small workout hub cabinet with dumbbells and phone dock
Ideal for apartments, Tempo’s latest concept includes 35 pounds of weight plates (sufficient for beginners) and guided workouts streamed via TV or iPhone. The compact hub fits easily into small living areas, perfect for those seeking effective workouts without cluttering their space with bulky gym equipment.
Ergatta Rower (Most Gamified Fitness Tool)
Ergatta Rower water rowing machine with interactive game screen
Ergatta adds a new dimension to rowing on its water-rower. Instead of just focusing on pace, it challenges users to maintain specific stroke speeds or power ratios through engaging games displayed on its 17.3-inch touchscreen.
Top Garage Gym Essentials for 2022
For those with dedicated space, building a garage gym allows for heavier lifting and more traditional strength training setups.
Hammer Strength Home Multi-Adjustable Bench (Best Home Bench)
Hammer Strength multi-adjustable weight bench
Featuring seven angle adjustments, including a decline position, and a robust frame, Hammer Strength’s latest weight bench is built to handle rigorous workouts.
Rep Fitness 4100 (Most Space-Saving Squat Rack)
Rep Fitness 4100 folding wall-mount squat rack
This heavy-duty squat rack also functions as a pullup bar and conveniently folds against the wall when not in use, maximizing space.
Rogue SM-1 Monster Rack 2.0 (Best Free-Standing Rack)
Rogue SM-1 Monster Rack 2.0 squat stand
This combination squat stand and power rack stands 73 inches tall. Constructed with 11-gauge steel uprights, it offers exceptional durability for heavy lifting.
Rogue Ohio Power Bar (Best Barbell)
Rogue Ohio Power Bar barbellDistinct from standard barbells, this rigid 45-pound bar features deep knurling for a secure grip without damaging hands, making it ideal for heavy deadlifts, squats, and bench presses.
ANCORE Pro (Best Portable Cable Machine)
ANCORE Pro portable cable resistance trainer
Compact enough to fit in a backpack, the ANCORE Pro delivers 55 pounds of cable resistance and can be attached almost anywhere, offering remarkable versatility.
Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar (Best Squatting Tool)
Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar specialty squat bar
Experience squats differently with Kabuki’s Transformer Bar. Simple adjustments allow it to mimic the tension of goblet, front, or back squats, eliminating the typical upper body form challenges associated with standard barbells and kettlebells, potentially allowing for heavier lifts.
Eleiko Öppen Deadlift Bar (Best Open Trap Bar)
Eleiko Öppen Deadlift Bar open trap bar design
Eleiko’s open trap bar is a robust piece of equipment that easily flips sideways for loading weights, then back into perfect deadlift position. Its versatility extends to Bulgarian split squats and rows, offering excellent balance and weighting.
Eleiko Sport Training Plates (Best Train-Anywhere Weight Plates)
Eleiko Sport Training Plate colored bumper plate
As home gyms expand beyond indoor spaces, equipment needs to adapt. These solid weight plates maintain high performance on various surfaces, including wood platforms, dirt, and gravel. The colored rubber material resists damage and deformation, and their thin profile allows more weight to be loaded onto the bar compared to thicker rubber bumpers.
TRX XD Kevlar Power Bag (Best Sandbag)
TRX XD Kevlar Power Bag training sandbag
This ideal training sandbag features four grip positions for easy cleaning, pressing, and carrying. Its Kevlar fiber cover ensures maximum durability for demanding workouts.
Trainer Justin Inman performing an exercise in Rashaad Slowley's home gym, highlighting equipment featured in Men's Health Magazine 2022
Leading Home Weights and Alternatives in 2022
Versatile weights are crucial for varied resistance training at home, offering space-saving and adaptable solutions.
YBell Neo (Most Versatile Dumbbell Alternative)
YBell Neo multi-functional weight resembling a hybrid dumbbell/kettlebell
This innovative weight transcends the definition of a standard dumbbell. With four distinct gripping points, it can be swung like a kettlebell, held with two hands like a medicine ball, used for stability like a pushup stand, and function as a regular dumbbell. Its durable neoprene coating makes the YBell adaptable to virtually any workout.
The Kyübell (Most Efficient Dumbbell Alternative)
The Kyübell unique dumbbell design by Kabuki Strength
This uniquely designed dumbbell can make lighter weights feel significantly heavier. Its three grip options are engineered to intensely challenge forearm strength. Simply shifting your grip alters the perceived weight, making it an excellent choice for exercises like biceps-curl dropsets.
Powerblocks Pro (Toughest Adjustable Dumbbell)
Powerblocks Pro adjustable dumbbell set
Expandable up to 90 pounds per hand, Powerblocks Pro adjustable dumbbells are renowned for their durability. They are built to withstand drops, even after intense sets of heavy presses, squats, or curls.
SMRTFT NÜOBELL (Best Adjustable Dumbbell)
SMRTFT NÜOBELL adjustable dumbbell with click-to-adjust mechanism
SMRTFT’s NÜOBELL adjusts rapidly from 5 to 80 pounds with just a few clicks. This wide range accommodates warm-ups with lighter weights and challenging exercises like goblet squats and Romanian deadlifts with heavier loads. The machined steel weight plates ensure long-term durability.
Core Adjustable Dumbbell Set (Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbell)
Core Adjustable Dumbbell Set with twist-handle adjustment
Featuring classic plastic plates, this set adjusts easily from 5 to 50 pounds, providing an excellent starting point for individuals beginning their home fitness journey.
Powerblock Adjustable Heavy Kettlebell (Best Space-Saving Kettlebell)
Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell with weight selection pin
This kettlebell efficiently switches between 35, 44, 53, and 62 pounds using a simple pin mechanism, making it ideal for quick dropsets. Its design also facilitates a comfortable front rack position.
Stroops Fitness Bellitron (Most Versatile Barbell)
Stroops Fitness Bellitron versatile weight training device
This highly adaptable home fitness tool functions as a dumbbell, a mini-barbell, or a kettlebell-like swing weight. It can be loaded up to 85 pounds, suitable for beginners, and stores compactly.
Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition Kettlebell (Most Natural Home Kettlebell)
Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition Kettlebell
This adjustable kettlebell uniquely mimics the look and feel of a traditional competition kettlebell. It adjusts from 12 to 32 kilograms, providing appropriate loads for lightweight flows and challenging heavy swings, always maintaining a classic kettlebell feel.
Tru Grit Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell (Best Beginner Kettlebell)
Tru Grit Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell with multiple weight plates
An excellent entry point for kettlebell training, this option offers seven adjustable plates ranging from 7.7 lbs to 40 lbs, allowing users to progress as they build strength and skill. Made of solid cast iron and shaped like a standard kettlebell, it facilitates proper form for rack holds and swings.
Essential Bodyweight Training Tools for 2022
Bodyweight tools leverage your own mass for resistance, offering effective training options that require minimal space.
TRX Pro4 System (Best Suspension Trainer)
TRX Pro4 Suspension Trainer straps
This TRX kit effectively challenges abdominal muscles while building back and chest strength. Suitable for both gym and home use, it attaches securely and easily to any pullup bar.
Omorpho Men’s G-Top Long Sleeve (Best Weight Vest Substitute)
Omorpho Men's G-Top Long Sleeve weighted shirt
Replace cumbersome weight vests with this shirt, which strategically places less than three pounds of weight across mapped areas, allowing for natural movement while adding resistance.
Lebert Parallette Bars (Best Gymnastics Training Tool)
Lebert Parallette Bars for bodyweight exercises
These highly durable parallettes are ideal for pushups and advanced gymnastics movements like handstands and L-sits, enhancing bodyweight training possibilities.
Lululemon Take Form Yoga Mat (Best Yoga Mat)
Lululemon Take Form Yoga Mat with textured surface
This ultra-thick yoga mat features a unique texture that allows users to feel their position on the mat without looking, improving alignment and focus during any pose.
Trainer Rashaad Slowley using equipment in his home gym, as featured in Men's Health Magazine 2022 awards
Cardio and Conditioning Champions of 2022
Effective cardio machines are essential for improving endurance and overall cardiovascular health within a home gym setting.
Assault Fitness Airrower Elite (Most Durable Rower)
Assault Fitness Airrower Elite fan-based rowing machine
Built with an all-steel frame and utilizing powerful fan-based resistance, the Airrower Elite is engineered for exceptional durability and intense rowing workouts at home.
Brrrn Board (Best What-the-Hell-Is-That Movement Device)
Brrrn Board adjustable slide board for lateral training
This six-foot adjustable slide board offers a unique challenge, requiring hip and glute stabilization during simulated speed-skating movements. It also includes hand “mittens” for core exercises like slide-board rollouts, adding versatility beyond lateral training.
Concept2 Ski Erg (Best Cardio Crusher)
Concept2 Ski Erg cardio machine simulating skiing motion
Engage your abs, glutes, and back while significantly elevating your heart rate with the Ski Erg. This demanding machine is suitable for both extended cardio sessions and high-intensity interval training.
Hyper Rope Battle Rope (Best Home Battle Rope)
Hyper Rope Battle Rope designed for anchor-free use
Traditional battle ropes require anchoring, posing a challenge for home use. The Hyper Rope’s innovative design eliminates this need, allowing for intense arm and cardio workouts without an anchor point.
Inertia Wave SOLO (Best Battle Rope Innovation)
Inertia Wave SOLO oscillating resistance tube trainer
Representing the next evolution in rope training, the Inertia Wave utilizes constant oscillation rather than just weight. This forces core muscles to continuously adapt to varying demands, providing a significant challenge for both lungs and abs.
AssaultRunner Pro (Best Treadmill)
AssaultRunner Pro self-powered treadmill
Still considered the benchmark for treadmills, the AssaultRunner Pro is self-powered. This design intensely engages hamstrings and glutes, refining stride mechanics in a way traditional motorized treadmills cannot.
Sound Solutions for Your Workout Zone
Proper audio equipment enhances the workout experience, providing motivation through music or clear instructions from fitness apps.
Beats Fit Pro (Best Workout Earbuds)
Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds
These fitness-focused earbuds deliver powerful sound in a low-profile design. They remain securely in place during vigorous workouts, ensuring uninterrupted audio motivation.
Jaybird Vista 2 (Best On-the-Run Earbuds)
Jaybird Vista 2 secure-fit wireless earbuds for running
Designed for runners, these earbuds offer an ultra-secure fit that prevents them from falling out during activities like a five-mile run, while still providing consistent, high-quality sound.
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (Best Small Home-Gym Sound Solution)
Bose SoundLink Flex portable Bluetooth speaker
Weighing just over a pound, the SoundLink Flex delivers surprisingly big sound suitable for any room or garage gym. For an enhanced stereo experience, two Flex speakers can be paired together.
JBL Partybox 300 (Best Garage Gym Speaker)
JBL Partybox 300 large portable Bluetooth speaker with lights
This powerful 120-watt Bluetooth speaker provides the deep bass thump desired for motivating gym playlists, effectively filling large basement or garage gym spaces with sound.
Trainer performing exercise variation in home gym setting for Men's Health 2022 awards feature
Top Recovery Tools Recommended in 2022
Recovery is as crucial as the workout itself. These tools aid muscle repair, reduce soreness, and improve overall physical well-being.
Hyperice Hypervolt 2 (Easiest-to-Use Massage Gun)
Hyperice Hypervolt 2 percussion massage gun
Hyperice refines its popular massage gun with a more ergonomic handle and a simpler button interface for changing percussion settings, enhancing user comfort and ease of use for muscle recovery.
Mobility Wall Smooth Roller (Best Foam Roller Evolution)
Mobility Wall Smooth Roller mounted in a doorframe for standing foam rolling
This innovative tool slots into a doorframe, allowing users to knead muscles while standing—a more convenient approach compared to traditional floor-based foam rolling.
Backbridge (Best Passive Recovery Tool)
Backbridge spinal decompression and stretching device
While stretching helps, counteracting prolonged sitting requires specific tools. The Backbridge assists in restoring the natural arch of the back. Its progressive levels gradually increase the arch, relieving lower-back tension and offering applications for other stretches too.
Hyperice X (Best Temperature Therapy)
Hyperice X contrast therapy knee sleeve
Move beyond traditional knee icing with this unique sleeve. Hyperice X provides efficient contrast therapy, alternating between hot and cold temperatures to stimulate blood flow, alleviate pain, and accelerate recovery.
Therabody RecoveryAir (Best At-Home Compression)
Therabody RecoveryAir pneumatic compression boots
Ideal for post-run recovery, these user-friendly air compression boots deliver a gentle, pulsing massage to the legs. They operate without complex settings and feature a compact console, making them easily transportable.
Naboso Ankle Recovery Socks (Most Underrated)
Naboso Ankle Recovery Socks with textured insole
Recognizing the importance of foot health in overall fitness, these arch compression socks provide firm support while massaging the feet with each step to improve circulation and aid recovery.
Best Home Training Apps of 2022
Fitness apps offer guided workouts, tracking, and motivation, making structured training accessible from anywhere.
All Out Studio (Best All-Around)
All Out Studio fitness app interface
This comprehensive app features a wide range of workouts, from muscle-specific programs like All Out Arms and Superhero Shred to recovery sessions led by expert physical therapists.
Ladder (Best Workout Community)
Ladder fitness app showing trainer interaction
Ladder provides weekly workout plans from dedicated trainers, but its standout feature is the highly responsive group chat. Trainers engage directly with users, fostering motivation and a strong sense of community.
Flexit (Most Personalized)
Flexit app displaying virtual personal training session
Moving beyond pre-recorded workouts, Flexit offers live, one-on-one training sessions via a Zoom-like interface. This allows trainers to provide real-time form correction and personalized motivation.
Peloton App (Best Cardio)
Peloton App interface showing various workout options
The Peloton app offers a vast array of cardio and conditioning workouts suitable for various activities, including spin biking, running, and walking, catering to diverse fitness preferences.
Centr (Best Fitness/Nutrition Blend)
Centr fitness and wellness app interface
Developed by Chris Hemsworth’s team, Centr combines challenging workouts with extensive healthy recipes and mindfulness practices, offering a holistic approach to well-being.
Apple Fitness + (Best Gear Integration)
Apple Fitness+ app interface showing workout metrics integration
Apple Fitness+ leverages the Apple ecosystem seamlessly. Displaying real-time metrics like heart rate and calories burned directly on screen during an app workout enhances engagement and performance tracking.
Conclusion
Creating an effective home gym requires careful consideration and investment, but the payoff in convenience and consistency is substantial. The selections highlighted in the Men’s Health Magazine 2022 Home Gym Awards represent the pinnacle of innovation and functionality across various categories, from connected fitness solutions and robust garage gym essentials to versatile weights, bodyweight tools, cardio machines, and recovery aids. By exploring these expert-recommended options, you can equip your space with high-quality gear designed to support your fitness goals and elevate your home workout experience for years to come.
