Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Large Home Gym Equipment

Home gyms have gotten a major makeover in the last few years with more and more people opting to cut ties with their gym memberships in lieu of outfitting a room, garage, or basement with their go-to devices and equipment. But which home gym products are actually worth investing in? After all, treadmills, rowers, and strength systems take up major space in your home — and they often have a major price tag to match. So how do you sift through the options to decide what's the right fit for your budget, needs, and household?

Shape editors and experts put in hundreds of hours testing large home gym equipment to help you make those calls. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, rower, weight lifter, or even Pilates pro, you'll find something in this category to help you reach your fitness goals — from the comfort of your home.

Best High-Tech Exercise Bike: Peloton Bike

Between its immersive classes, live leaderboard, and powerful speakers, the Peloton Bike surely lives up to the hype as one of the best indoor cycling bikes. The souped-up piece of cardio equipment tracks your heart rate, output, cadence, power zone, and resistance, and it displays those stats — along with your workout of choice — on a 22-inch HD touchscreen. While Peloton does offer a more expensive Bike+ (with a swivel screen and auto-resistance), the Peloton Bike meets all your needs for a heart-pumping cycling workout and provides an impeccable experience along the way.

Peloton Bike $1,445.00

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Expert review: “The Peloton Bike provides the best at-home biking workout with a supportive community and the personality of live classes right at your fingertips. I love setting up a time to meet with family, friends, or followers to ride together, sending high-fives, or even jumping on the video call to motivate each other!” — Kayla Jeter, NASM-certified personal trainer and certified functional strength coach

Best Air Bike: Concept 2 BikeErg

This compact, whisper-quiet air bike is equipped with a special damper that changes the amount of air going into the flywheel, giving you the ability to mimic gentle hills, steep elevation changes, and flat road races with the flick of a lever. And at just 65 pounds, the portable cardio machine can easily be moved out of your living room on movie nights.

Concept 2 BikeErg $1,100.00

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Expert Review: “The readouts on the monitor are simple and easy to read. It’s a comfortable bike for longer training rides, and intervals are easy to program on it.” — Laura Su, NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and strength coach

Best Low-Impact Cardio Machine: Bowflex MT16

The MT16 combines the best of both an elliptical and stair stepper to offer a low-impact cardio workout with high-intensity interval training options. It improves on the stair-stepper design by allowing you to engage your arms for a full-body workout, and the slim profile of the MT16 is ideal for small spaces. Heads up: While an MT16 purchase includes a 1-year JRNY membership (which features adaptable workouts, real-time coaching, and the ability to stream entertainment on the screen), you will have to pay the annual $149 membership fee after the first year.

Bowflex Max Total 16 $2,499.00

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Expert review: "If you love full-body cardio workouts that leave you dripping buckets of sweat and you don't mind (eventually) paying for a fitness subscription to unlock even more benefits, then the MT16 is absolutely worth it. I like it so much better than standard stair steppers, and I'm enjoying the JRNY membership more than I thought I would." — Anna Knief, Shape contributor and associate director of commerce at Dotdash Meredith

Best Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 10i 

For runners and walkers who are short on space, folding treadmills are a smart choice. The Nordic Track EXP 10i folding treadmill offers the convenience of an at-home tread without being the focal point of your living room 24/7. One-touch controls let you change your speed and incline in an instant, and the 10" HD screen is surprisingly crisp, considering the console is otherwise pretty no-frills.

NordicTrack EXP 10i $1,799.00

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Expert review: "A solid treadmill if you’re looking for something that does the job. It folds up for easy storage, climbs to a 12 percent incline, and provides on-screen personal training." — Jeter

Best High-Tech Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 2450

These days, if you're going to invest in at-home equipment, you're probably going to want it to have all the bells and whistles. This NordicTrack tread fits the bill thanks to all its snazzy features, such as a 22-inch high-definition screen that tilts and pivots for boot camp-style workouts that have you on and off the belt. It also has a nifty auto-adjusting speed and incline that move in tandem with whatever the on-screen trainer calls out — hands-free!

NordicTrack Commercial 2450 $2,599.00

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Expert review: "The big screen on this NordicTrack tread drew me in, but the stellar trainer-led content and scenic runs that transport me outside my dark, second bedroom were what sold me for good. The iFit library of on-demand classes and epic follow-along workouts that take you to some insane locations is like no other high-tech device or streaming service."— Alyssa Sparacino, ACE-certified personal trainer and Shape editorial director

Best Overall Treadmill: Woodway 4Front

With a shock-absorbent slatted belt and a design that creates less friction and wear (and thus minimizes the need for repairs and replacement parts), the Woodway 4Front's running surface (made of vulcanized rubber) is engineered to last for 150,000 miles. It's ideal for regular runners who want to prioritize the longevity of the treadmill and their knees since the slatted surface is more gentle than a traditional running belt. While the 4Front is best known for its commercial use (that is, you're most likely to see one in a gym or studio), you can buy them totally refurbished at a reduced cost. Or, check out the lower-priced Woodway Mercury, which features a narrower belt than the 4Front but the same shock-absorbent slats Woodway is known for among runners.

Woodway 4Front $13,995.00

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Expert review: "The slat belt technology of the Woodway 4Front is a long run's best friend as it's designed to absorb shock for a more gentle run on the joints. While rehabbing my left ACL, this treadmill has been my most-trusted indoor running equipment. It's also very easy to get on and off of, lowering my concern of falling off or tripping." — Jeter

Best At- or Under-Desk Equipment: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Folding or under-desk treadmills are perfect for walking, running, or multitasking in front of your standing desk. This folding treadmill features an adjustable support riser with a handrail and console that folds all the way down for compact storage or use under a table or desk. For non-work-related entertainment, it also boasts a built-in Bluetooth speaker and phone holder, so you can stream while you sprint. 

Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill $500.00

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Expert Review: "I first started my fitness journey with outdoor evening walks, but as the climate cooled and days grew shorter, I turned to this apartment-friendly folding treadmill to keep up my motivation and movement year-round. It's ideal for any work setup, compactly tucking under a desk for a swift, mid-meeting stroll, but it can also be used on its own with a supportive riser and phone holder. Plus, it easily rolls away under a bed or couch when my workout is complete." — Zarah Kavarana, beauty e-commerce editor at Dotdash Meredith

Best Indoor Skiing Machine: Concept 2 SkiErg

The Concept 2 SkiErg uses the company's signature flywheel and performance monitor (also available on their rowers and bikes) for a smooth, full-body workout and easy access to your pace, distance, and speed. Plus, the SkiErg is adaptable for those with lower-body limitations and can easily be used from a seated position.

Concept 2 SkiErg $850.00

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Expert review: "This machine takes up space but is a highly effective total-body workout that helps build overall strength and muscle endurance. Skiing is a great warm-up exercise for an upper body-focused pull day or explosive movement session to improve your athletic performance, finisher." — Jeter

Best At-Home Rower: Concept 2 RowErg Rower

Equipped with adjustable footrests, 10 resistance settings, and a monitor that displays distance, speed, calories burned, and more, this machine has all the tools you need to get an effective rowing workout at home. When you’re done with your cardio session, use the quick-release function to break the machine into two segments for storage or use the caster wheels to move the rower out of sight. 

Concept 2 RowErg $990.00

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Expert Review: “I like the Concept2 Erg because it's easily storable and easy to read the screen and program workouts. I've used this equipment as a competitive collegiate rower and continue to use it in my training now.” — Su

Best High-Tech Rower: Hydrow Wave

With a crystal-clear 16-inch touchscreen, the Hydrow Wave really gives you the feeling of being on the open water — a major plus for those who want immersive workouts. Plus, it's now available in a variety of colors, and its slim profile (30 percent smaller than the original Hydrow) makes it a fit for almost any space.

Hydrow Wave $1,695.00

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Expert Review: "I'll be honest, I've found rowing tedious in the past — but I've yet to get bored on the Hydrow Wave, thanks to having 4,000+ workouts on demand. The on-screen metrics keep my pace in check, and the resistance feels smooth and challenging. It's nothing like the rusty rowers I've used in the past." — Kristen Geil, NASM-certified personal trainer and Shape senior fitness editor

Best At-Home Strength System: FORME Studio with Lift

This at-home strength system gives you a true gym experience without clashing with your décor. On its own, the FORME Studio is a sleek mirror that acts as an immersive smart gym. The FORME Studio with Lift is designed for strength training specifically, offering up to 200 pounds of resistance. It also records your reps and load during your workout and secretly stashes four different attachments, including a rope grip, a short bar, two traditional handles, and a pair of ankle straps. Not sure how to work out solo? Follow along with a trainer during a live one-on-one strength session or on-demand class.

FORME Studio with Lift $4,990.00

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Expert Review: “I am massively impressed with the tech of this smart mirror. It even comes with a fitness concierge to help you build your workouts and program them according to your goals — no thinking required!” — Marietta Alessi, Shape social media director

Best At-Home Pilates Reformer: Frame Connected Pilates Reformer

This at-home Pilates reformer is a far cry from the bulky machines you see in studio fitness classes. Its low profile, sleek design, and seamless spring adjustments are thoughtfully engineered for a smooth (yet challenging) Pilates workout.

Frame Reformer $4,249.00

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Expert Review: "I'm so into the intentional design that went into the Frame reformer. It's got everything you need in a true Pilates reformer, but it's chic enough that I'd be proud to have it in my living room. Plus, the user interface of the touchscreen (which has both on-reformer and off-reformer classes) is gorgeous." — Geil

Best At-Home Boxing Experience: Liteboxer 

This high-tech boxing machine features punchable LED pads that light up in tune with the music, so your workout will feel more like playing Whac-a-Mole than doing cardio. When you’re in the mood for a more traditional boxing session, follow along with a trainer-led class on your tablet or phone. 

Liteboxer Floor Stand Starter $1,295.00

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Expert Review: “It’s super motivating to learn how many actual target hits you achieve after a session, and I find myself repeating a program to try and improve upon my score. It’s addictive and fun.” — Kira Stokes, NASM-certified personal trainer, CEO of Kira Stokes Fitness, and founder of the KiraStokesFit app

Best Space-Saving Strength Training Set: Tempo Move

The Tempo Move is essentially a home gym that doesn't take up any more space than your bedside table — and doubles as one too. It comes with a storage cabinet that'll blend in anywhere (read: doesn't look like it's hiding dumbbells), and 50 pounds of weight plates to easily adjust dumbbell weight. That's not even mentioning the Tempo Core, a high-tech camera that offers real-time feedback on your form, rep targets, and progression.

Tempo Move $495.00

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Expert Review: "I live in a small Chicago condo, and everyone who comes over is amazed that this little cabinet holds everything I need in a home gym. I was also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the dumbbells and weight plates, which are coated in a soft, rubber material for a premium feel." — Geil

Best for the Minimalist Home Gym: Lululemon Studio Mirror

This gorgeous mirror is actually a high-tech gym in disguise. The slim-profiled mirror can be mounted on a wall or stand solo on the floor and has a chic metal frame, and its electrical cord can be sneakily hidden behind it. Turn on the machine, and you’ll be able to power through one-on-one workouts with instructors or on-demand classes spanning 60 categories, including strength, yoga, barre, dance cardio, and more.

Lululemon Studio Mirror $1,495.00

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Expert Review: “I've used the product for over a year and mostly focused on the awesome on-demand offerings. It's so fun that I can take classes with friends on the Mirror and get shout-outs from the trainer during the live classes.” — Alessi

Best Equipment with Storage: NordicTrack Vault

Space-saving doesn't have to mean settling for bodyweight workouts only. And while the NordicTrack Vault isn't necessarily a small piece of equipment, it's the efficiency it provides that really makes it stand out amongst the competition.

NordicTrack Vault $1,999.00

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Expert Review: “Behind the high-tech mirror — which is actually a 61.5" screen to stream endless iFit workouts — is essentially an entire gym. Buy this one product, and you have everything you need to get started on your strength training goals: an exercise mat, multiple mini loop bands, multiple resistance bands, two yoga blocks, 6 sets of dumbbells ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, two kettlebells (20 pounds and 30 pounds), and a sweat towel to wipe all that hard work out of your eyes. What more do you need?" — Sparacino

Best Adaptive CrossFit Tire: Equip Products The Coffin

Thanks to this massive foam block, the classic CrossFit tire flip is accessible to athletes of all abilities. The Coffin measures 5 feet long, 2 feet tall, and 2.5 feet wide, is wrapped in straps for extra grip (or dragging), and has a heavy weight in the center that will surely put your strength to the test.

Equip Products The Coffin $695.00

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Expert Review: “I use the Coffin as a replacement for what an able-bodied athlete would use a big heavy tire for (such as tire flips). Typically it takes every bit of strength and energy I have in order to flip it once, so adding the Coffin to a workout makes the session super spicy!" — Maggie Rath, adaptive CrossFit athlete

Best Large Adaptive Cardio Equipment: Equip Products Wheely-X Wheelchair Fitness

This cardio machine, designed for folks who use wheelchairs, is bound to get your heart racing and blood pumping. The treadmill-like machine is armed with two Bluetooth-connected sensors on the rollers that track your distance, speed, pace, and more while you tackle interval, sprint, and endurance workouts on the attached tablet.

Equip Products Wheely-X Wheelchair Fitness $3,200.00

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Expert Review: “I've been using the Wheely-X for about two months now, including to warm up when I competed at the WheelWOD games [an adaptive fitness competition]. It's like the connected Peloton equipment with streaming workouts for wheelchair users, essentially. And it's really easy for somebody who's independent and strong to take apart and lift in pieces.” — Jesi Stracham, adaptive personal trainer, adaptive CrossFit coach, and creator of the Wheel With Me Fitness app