Are you thinking about setting up a gym or incorporating exercise equipment into your home? Navigating the fitness equipment industry can be overwhelming, but with the right information, you can make optimal choices based on price, quality, and user reviews. This guide provides insights into the best fitness brands in 2025 and tips for creating a budget-friendly home gym.
Key Considerations
There are many reputable brands in the fitness equipment industry, catering to both professional and home use. Prices vary significantly, with high-end treadmills like those from Technogym costing around $9,999 and more affordable options like TRX suspension trainers available for about $200.
If you plan to start a gym, consider familiarizing yourself with gym management software to streamline operations, manage customer data, and handle payments efficiently.
Top Fitness Equipment Brands in 2025
Here are some of the top fitness equipment brands to consider in 2025, along with their key features and price ranges:
Life Fitness
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- Why Best? Innovative designs and durable machines make it a top choice for both commercial and home gyms.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $4,299, Elliptical: $3,199
- Price Range: $2,000 - $10,000
Precor
- Why Best? Advanced biomechanics and superior build quality ensure optimal performance and user comfort.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $5,799, Elliptical: $4,499
- Price Range: $3,000 - $9,000
Cybex
- Why Best? Unique technologies like the Arc Trainer distinguish it from competitors, providing effective workouts.
- Example Prices: Arc Trainer: $6,999, Treadmill: $7,999
- Price Range: $2,500 - $10,000
Technogym
- Why Best? Integration with wellness apps and sleek, ergonomic designs cater to luxury markets and serious athletes.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $9,999, Exercise Bike: $2,499
- Price Range: $2,500 - $15,000
Peloton
- Why Best? Engaging live classes and high-quality equipment create a compelling fitness experience.
- Example Prices: Bike+: $2,495, Tread: $3,495
- Price Range: $2,000 - $4,500
Sole Fitness
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- Why Best? Excellent customer reviews and solid warranties make it a trusted brand for home use.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $2,099, Elliptical: $1,799
- Price Range: $800 - $3,000
Bowflex
- Why Best? Products like the Max Trainer and SelectTech dumbbells offer effective, all-in-one workout solutions.
- Example Prices: Max Trainer: $1,699, Treadmill: $2,699
- Price Range: $400 - $2,800
Schwinn
- Why Best? High-quality bikes and ellipticals provide excellent value and performance for users at all levels.
- Example Prices: Exercise Bike: $799, Elliptical: $999
- Price Range: $300 - $1,500
Horizon Fitness
- Why Best? Excellent warranties and customer support enhance its reputation among home fitness enthusiasts.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $1,799, Elliptical: $1,299
- Price Range: $600 - $2,500
Rogue Fitness
- Why Best? Robust, American-made equipment meets the demands of serious lifters and functional fitness athletes.
- Example Prices: Power Rack: $1,000, Barbell: $295
- Price Range: $100 - $3,000
Matrix Fitness
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- Why Best? Offers innovative, reliable machines preferred by many health clubs and gyms.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $3,999, Elliptical: $3,499
- Price Range: $2,500 - $10,000
True Fitness
- Why Best? High-quality materials and cutting-edge technology ensure a superior workout experience.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $4,499, Elliptical: $3,999
- Price Range: $2,500 - $8,000
Hammer Strength
- Why Best? Popular in commercial gyms for its reliability and biomechanically sound designs.
- Example Prices: Smith Machine: $5,499, Bench Press: $1,299
- Price Range: $1,000 - $6,000
StairMaster
- Why Best? Effective, intense workouts that have stood the test of time in gyms worldwide.
- Example Prices: Stepmill: $8,999, HIIT Trainer: $3,999
- Price Range: $2,500 - $10,000
Concept2
- Why Best? High-performance and durable machines preferred by competitive rowers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
- Example Prices: RowErg: $1,200, BikeErg: $1,100
- Price Range: $900 - $1,200
TRX
- Why Best? Versatile and portable, TRX systems offer effective full-body workouts anywhere.
- Example Prices: Suspension Trainer: $200, Rip Trainer: $190
- Price Range: $100 - $500
Gold’s Gym
- Why Best? A trusted name and accessible products make it a go-to for many fitness enthusiasts.
- Example Prices: Home Gym: $599, Weight Bench: $299
- Price Range: $200 - $800
Xterra Fitness
- Why Best? Reliable performance and competitive pricing make it a strong contender in the home fitness market.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $1,299, Elliptical: $999
- Price Range: $300 - $1,500
York Fitness
- Why Best? Longevity in the market and consistent quality make it a dependable choice for home and gym use.
- Example Prices: Dumbbell Set: $299, Bench Press: $499
- Price Range: $100 - $1,000
Reebok Fitness
- Why Best? Combines the brand’s athletic heritage with innovative fitness solutions.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $1,299, Exercise Bike: $899
- Price Range: $300 - $1,500
Bonus: Home Gym Equipment Brands
Some of the brands listed above are well-suited for home gyms due to their price-quality balance. Here are additional brands ideal for home use:
Weider
- Why Best? Comprehensive product range and cost-effectiveness appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
- Example Prices: Home Gym: $499, Adjustable Dumbbells: $299
- Price Range: $100 - $700
Titan Fitness
- Why Best? Competitive pricing and sturdy equipment attract budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
- Example Prices: Power Rack: $499, Adjustable Dumbbells: $249
- Price Range: $100 - $1,000
Sunny Health & Fitness
- Why Best? Affordable and reliable, catering to a broad spectrum of fitness enthusiasts.
- Example Prices: Treadmill: $799, Rowing Machine: $499
- Price Range: $100 - $1,000
Tips for New Gym Openers
Once you have determined the machinery and accessories you want to buy, it's time to think about gym management software. WodGuru is a professional gym management software that will allow you to streamline the work and management of your gym. With it you can register new members, conduct registration for club classes, share the schedule of your gym, check the activity of your gym customers thanks to gym membership management software, automate daily work and tasks, improve marketing, use it as gym check-in system, try WodGuru as gym CRM, take care of and monitor payments. WodGuru's pricing is very attractive - up to 10 members you pay nothing! After that, the price is $1 per member, of which the maximum amount you will incur is $149.
Budget-Friendly Home Gym Setups
Here are some budget-friendly home gym setups to consider:
- Basic Setup
- Cost Range: $300 - $1,000
- Includes: Basic equipment like resistance bands, a yoga mat, dumbbells, and a stability ball.
- Mid-Range Setup
- Cost Range: $1,000 - $3,000
- Includes: More comprehensive equipment such as a treadmill or stationary bike, a set of adjustable dumbbells, a bench, and possibly a basic home gym system.
- High-End Setup
- Cost Range: $3,000 - $10,000+
- Includes: Advanced equipment such as high-quality treadmills or ellipticals, multi-station home gym systems, premium adjustable dumbbells, kettlebells, and more specialized tools.
Essential Gym Equipment
Here’s a concise list of the most useful gym equipment:
- Treadmill: Versatile cardio workouts for walking, jogging, and running.
- Stationary Bike: Low-impact cardio that’s easy on the joints.
- Rowing Machine: Full-body cardio workout, engaging multiple muscle groups.
- Dumbbells: Versatile strength training for various muscle groups.
- Barbell and Weight Plates: Essential for traditional strength exercises like squats and deadlifts.
- Resistance Bands: Portable and versatile for strength and flexibility exercises.
- TRX Suspension Trainer: Bodyweight exercises for strength, balance, and core stability.
- Kettlebells: Dynamic exercises for strength, power, and endurance.
Best Brands for Specific Training Types
The fitness industry is diverse, so commercial gyms often have favorite brands. The most popular brands include:
- Strength Training: Life Fitness and Hammer Strength.
- Functional Training: TRX, Concept2 and Bosu.
- Free Weights: Rogue, PowerBlock and Bowflex.
Recommended Brands for Home Usage
Choosing the best brand for a home gym depends on various factors such as budget, available space, fitness goals, and equipment preferences.
- Versatility and Compact Spaces: Bowflex and PowerBlock.
- Interactive Workouts: Peloton and NordicTrack.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Sunny Health & Fitness and ProForm.
- Reliability and Durability: Sole Fitness.
Maximizing Weight Loss with Exercise Machines
If there were one best exercise machine to lose weight, then we'd be the first to tell you about it. But everyone is different, from the exercise their bodies best respond to, to the one they enjoy the most. So the reality is, that the best exercise machine to use to lose weight is simply the one you like best. If you like it, you'll spend more time on it and put more effort in, burning more calories, and helping you on your weight loss journey. If it becomes an enjoyable part of your routine rather than an occasional torture, you are far more likely to stick to it.
The best exercise machine is also the one that offers the most practical solution for you - if you are buying for your home, you need to consider what will fit best not only into your available space, but also fit your lifestyle. Some exercise machines are best suited to those who have a lot of free time on their hands, others may be good for those who can only commit to short workout intervals. Then there is also the level of noise they create to consider, or how compact they are, and if it's possible to fold them away when not in use.
One of the most important things to consider is that in order to lose weight, you need to be in a caloric deficit - meaning when you burn more calories than you use. And while an exercise machine can of course help with this, the most important single factor is to adapt your diet to your goals. And you don't need to go all out to find the machine with the highest 'calories burnt per hour' metric. If that just exhausts you, you won't carry on.
Top Exercise Machines for Weight Loss
- Best Treadmill: NordicTrack X22i.
- Best Walking Treadmill: Mobvoi Home Treadmill.
- Best Budget Exercise Bike: Yosuda bike.
- Best Exercise Bike: Peloton.
- Best Rowing Machine: Concept2 RowErg.
- Best for Fun Weight Loss Workouts: Aviron Strong Series Rower.
Affordable Equipment Options
Bargain Barbells: The AmazonBasics Olympic Barbell
This seven-foot Olympic barbell has been one of our favorite barbells for home use for years. The 15" sleeves are designed with snap clips to accommodate any 2-inch Olympic plates. It's built of 110,000 PSI tensile strength cold rolled Japanese steel with a black oxide finish, so it's plenty durable. Durable enough, in fact, that it's rated to 1,000 pounds. While that won't quite accommodate powerlifters, it's more than enough for beginner to intermediate home lifters.
REP Fitness Iron Weight Plates
Although bumper plates are better in a garage gym for most people due to their ability to be dropped without damaging the floor and their great resale value, they’re vastly more expensive than iron plates. We suggest REP Fitness Iron Weight Plates for those on a budget purchase iron plates unless they plan to do a lot of Olympic Weightlifting or CrossFit.
Iron Bull Strength Powder-Coated Kettlebells
Kettlebells are versatile pieces of equipment that are great for both building power and muscular endurance. The Iron Bull Strength Powder-Coated Kettlebells are some of the best-priced, pound-for-pound kettlebells available that come in a wide range of weight increments.
Rogue Fitness Cast Pack Sled
The best weight sleds are fantastic tools for both houses of fitness: the people who love cardio, and the people who love building strength. The Rogue Fitness Cast Pack Sled offers versatility and durability in a compact design, making it a valuable addition to any home gym.
Eisenlink Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells may not be a necessity for many garage gym owners, they are very useful tools in the right hands. Having a good set or pair of adjustable dumbbells will allow you to perform plenty of great exercises for both hypertrophy and accessory work. The Eisenlink Adjustable Dumbbell is a cheaper yet still durable alternative to many higher-priced adjustable dumbbells.
CAP Barbell Solid Cast Iron Hex Dumbbells
If you’re on a quest for the best budget-friendly dumbbells, look no further than the CAP Barbell Solid Cast Iron Hex Dumbbells. While we wouldn’t typically recommend CAP over other brands (it tends to be associated with cheaper quality), you can’t beat the value you get in these cast iron dumbbells.
Titan Fitness Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar
A pull-up bar can be one of the most useful pieces of upper-body equipment you purchase. Our top pick is the Titan Fitness Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar. It is the classic design that can be found in many elementary schools across the country.
Benefits of a Home Gym
Time and money always seem to be in short supply these days. That’s why convenience and cost top the list of reasons why many people prefer working out at home instead of heading to a gym.
Let’s start with scheduling. Exercising at home, of course, eliminates the need for travel time as a home gym is ALWAYS open.
On the cost front, setting up a home gym does require an initial out-of-pocket investment. But the setup can be done on the cheap, and once you get the equipment in place, your wallet can close. (Gym memberships, on the other hand, require paying ongoing fees.)
Setting up an exercise area
There’s no one right way to set up a home fitness center. The workout area you create should be specific to your likes and fitness goals. Spend time thinking about what you want to do in the space.