Investing in workout equipment can be a daunting task, with countless options claiming to be the best. To help you make informed decisions, here are over 30 workout tools ranked, with a bit of detail about the pros and cons of each.
In a video, Alex Lorenz, a sports teacher and YouTube fitness expert, shared what are the best and worst workout equipment following a ranking system. As the co-founder of Calisthenic Movement, he’s been immersed in calisthenics training since 2012, regularly sharing videos for those looking to get fit using just their body weight as resistance.
This guide is based on four essential criteria:
- Functionality and Effectiveness: The equipment must offer possibilities that aren’t achievable without it.
- Versatility: Tools that provide a broad range of exercises score higher.
- Convenience: Equipment that is compact and easy to transport ranks higher.
- Value for Money: The price must be justified by the utility of the tool.
Before diving into the detailed ranking, it’s essential to understand that our focus is on affordable, compact exercise equipment. We’ve excluded large items like complete racks, exercise bikes, and cross trainers.
Table of Contents
Best and Worst Workout Equipment Ranked
S-Tier Equipment
High Parallettes
High parallettes are an S-tier tool due to their extensive exercise selection. They support push, pull, and core exercises, are affordable, space-saving, and easy to set up anywhere.
- Pros: Extensive exercise variety, supports push/pull/core exercises, affordable, space-efficient.
- Cons: None significant.
Rings
Rings earn an S-tier ranking for their unmatched versatility in upper body training, supporting both strength and flexibility exercises. They are joint-friendly, affordable, and easy to set up. However, their instability can be challenging for beginners.
- Pros: Versatile, supports complex movements, joint-friendly, portable, reasonably priced.
- Cons: High difficulty for beginners due to instability.
Resistance Bands
- Pros: Versatile, portable, supports a wide range of exercises, affordable.
- Cons: None significant.
Resistance bands are indispensable, making it to the S-tier. They are versatile, portable, and excellent for both support and resistance exercises, making them essential for any fitness routine.
A-Tier Equipment
Doorway Pull-Up Bar
A highly effective tool for pull exercises, ranking high in the A-tier. When paired with rings, it can support a wide array of calisthenics exercises. Opt for a model with a solid door frame mounting system for safety and durability.
Mobile Pull-Up Bar
This A-tier tool is portable and versatile, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It supports pull, push, and support exercises but is pricier and less handy than rings.
Barbell
- Pros: Versatile, can target multiple muscle groups with different exercises; effective for strength training; supports heavy lifting.
- Cons: Can be expensive when adding weight plates and rack; requires considerable space for safe usage and storage
Tube Bands
- Pros: Versatile, convenient, flexible grips
- Cons: Durability and limited Support for Calisthenics – Not as effective for supporting calisthenics exercises as regular resistance bands.
Slings or Suspension Trainer
Almost an S-tier, in Lorenz opinion. “The reason is that slings are only fixed to one anchor point, making them less versatile when compared to rings.”
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are A-tier due to their versatility in targeting nearly every muscle group. However, they are not cheap and lack portability.
B-Tier Equipment
Low Parallettes
Low parallettes are versatile but limited by their height, making some exercises difficult. They are beneficial for less risky handstands and other ground-level exercises.
Push-Up Handles
Compact and affordable, push-up handles offer a more wrist-friendly position but have a limited range of motion compared to low parallettes.
Plyo Box
A B-tier tool offering more than just box jumps. It supports various exercises like step-ups and incline push-ups, making it a valuable addition to your routine.
Kettlebells
Kettlebells rank slightly lower in versatility compared to dumbbells but are excellent for explosive movements. They are a solid B-tier tool, close to A-tier.
Weight Vest and Belt
Both tools add resistance to bodyweight exercises, with weight vests being less handy but essential for exercises like weighted dips.
Workout Bench
Pros:
- Versatile: Supports a variety of exercises, including bench presses, step-ups, and incline/decline movements.
- Essential for Strength Training: Allows for full range of motion in many weightlifting exercises.
Cons:
- Space: Requires a significant amount of space.
- Cost: Can be pricey, especially for adjustable models.
Low Parallettes
Pros:
- Versatile: Suitable for various exercises, including dips, L-sits, and push-ups.
- Compact: Easy to store and transport.
Cons:
- Height Limitation: Restricts exercises requiring more space between the arms and ground.
Loop Bands
Pros:
- Compact: Easy to carry and store.
- Effective for Targeted Workouts: Good for specific movements and muscle groups.
Cons:
- Limited Resistance: Not as versatile or resistant as tube or regular resistance bands.
- Range of Motion: Offers a smaller range of motion compared to other bands.
Stability Ball
Pros:
- Versatile: Excellent for stability training, core exercises, and physiotherapy.
- Affordable: Generally inexpensive.
Cons:
- Space: Takes up space and can be cumbersome to store.
- Limited Muscle Building: Not ideal for those focused on building significant muscle mass.
Foam Roller
Good for muscle recovery and mobility improvement, foam rollers offer unique benefits but are not essential, placing them in the C-tier.
C-Tier Equipment
Rings Stream Machine
It is similar to the gymnastic rings, but is in the C-tier because it only attractive for those who are into advanced calisthenics or gymnastics gym train.
Dynamic Workout Grips
This tool makes your grip more flexible and allows a dynamic adaptation during the movement, which can be much more comfortable for joints, especially when it comes to exercises that are done on rigid bars.
Ab Straps
The only purpose to have this workout equipment is to do leg and knee raises without using your other muscles that you need when you’re doing it on a bar, rings, or parallel bars.
This can definitely be a good tool for you if your grip strength is a limiting factor when it comes to doing leg raises or knee raises.
Ab Wheel
Effective for ab workouts but limited to rollouts. It’s not unique as rollouts can be performed with rings.
Fitness Mat
While providing comfort and stability on slippery floors, a fitness mat is not mandatory for most exercises, making it a C-tier item.
Jump Rope
A great tool for endurance and coordination, but not versatile enough to rank higher than C-tier.
Chalk
Ideal for maintaining grip during intense workouts, chalk is a strong C-tier tool due to its specificity.
Ankle Weights
Pros:
- Adds Resistance: Useful for increasing resistance in exercises like leg lifts and walking.
- Affordable: Generally inexpensive.
Cons:
- Limited Resistance: Offers minimal resistance compared to other weighted tools.
- Not Versatile: Limited to lower body exercises and can’t be used for upper body workouts.
Workout Gloves
Pros:
- Hand Protection: Prevents calluses and skin tears during heavy lifts or high-repetition exercises.
Cons:
- Limited Utility: Primarily protects hands but does not significantly enhance performance or versatility.
- Personal Preference: Some athletes prefer lifting without gloves for a better grip.
Wrist Wraps
Pros:
- Wrist Support: Provides additional stability and support during heavy lifting or wrist-intensive exercises.
Cons:
- Limited Use: Only beneficial for specific exercises and situations.
- Not Necessary for All: May not be needed for those without wrist issues or who do not lift heavy weights.
Fat Grips
Pros:
- Increases Grip Strength: Enhances grip strength by increasing the diameter of bars and dumbbells.
Cons:
- Specific Use: Only useful for grip training and not essential for most workouts.
- Limited Versatility: Not suitable for all exercises.
Grip Trainers
Pros:
- Improves Grip Strength: Focused on enhancing grip strength through dynamic resistance.
Cons:
- Specific Purpose: Limited to grip training and not versatile for other types of workouts.
- Redundant for Many: Grip strength can often be improved through standard weightlifting.
Finger Trainers
Pros:
- Targeted Strengthening: Useful for individuals with specific needs for finger strength, such as climbers or musicians.
Cons:
- Limited Use: Very niche tool with minimal application for general fitness.
- Not Essential: Most people do not need specialized finger strength training.
Medicine Ball
Pros:
- Functional Training: Good for explosive movements and core workouts.
- Versatile: Can be used for a variety of exercises, including throws, slams, and twists.
Cons:
- Limited Use for Muscle Building: Not as effective as free weights or kettlebells for hypertrophy or strength training.
- Bulky: Takes up space and can be cumbersome to store.
Equipment to Avoid (D-Tier)
Jaw Trainer
This tool is ineffective for significant changes in appearance or muscle development and can cause joint issues, making it a D-tier item.
Push-Up Board
Despite its flashy claims, the push-up board falls short. Most grip positions don’t target muscles effectively, and better alternatives exist, like push-up handles or parallettes. It’s bulky, offers limited exercises, and makes false claims, which is why it’s not worth your investment.
When selecting workout equipment, it’s crucial to consider functionality, versatility, convenience, and value for money. High parallettes, rings, and resistance bands are top investments, while items like push-up boards and jaw trainers should be avoided. Make informed choices to enhance your fitness routine effectively.
Read Also: How To Build a Budget Home Gym for Cheap
image sources
- dani speegle box jump over: Photo courtesy of CrossFit Inc.
- Foam roller: Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
- Ab wheel: MART Production on Pexels
- Russian Twist with Weight: Web Daytona on Pexels
