Fitness equipment

Weights, cardio equipment and training accessories: fit, specifications and safe use.

Pick a guide below. Each one explains what to look for and how to use the product safely. It also says when to ask a doctor or other expert first. Sources are listed at the end of every guide.

Guides in this section

Ab Roller Wheel: How to Choose One and Use It Safely

Barbell Buying Guide: Olympic, Women's and Power Bars

Best Home Gym Machine for You: Types, Space and Specs

Dip Station Guide: Power Tower or Dip Bars, and How to Choose

Folding Treadmill: Folded Size, Fold Type and Safe Storage

Gym Chalk: Block, Powder, Ball or Liquid, and How to Use It

Gymnastic Rings: Wood Ring Sizes, Straps and Safe Setup

Jump Rope Buying Guide: Sizing, Rope Types and How to Start

Kettlebells: How to Choose Weight, Type and Handle Size

Lifting Straps: Types, How to Use Them and When to Skip Them

Medicine Ball Buying Guide: Types, Weights and Exercises

Mini Trampoline for Adults: How to Choose a Safe Rebounder

Parallettes: Low vs Tall, Wood vs Steel, and How to Choose

Plyo Box: Foam vs Wood, Heights and Safe Box Jumps

Power Rack for a Home Gym: How to Choose One Safely

Recumbent Bike Buying Guide: Fit, Specs and Safe Starts

Slam Ball: How to Choose a Weight and Slam Safely

Spin Bike Buying Guide: Resistance, Fit and Space for Home

Stability Ball: Size Chart, Inflation and Core Exercises

Treadmill Mat Guide: Size, Material and Floor Type

Treadmill for Home: How to Choose the Right Type

Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar: Studs, Depth and Safe Install

Wrist Weights: How to Choose a Pair and Use Them Well

Wrist Wraps for Lifting: Length, Stiffness and How to Wear Them

More guides

Air Bike Buying Guide: Fan Bikes for Home Workouts

EZ Curl Bar: How to Choose the Right Bar for Your Plates

Loop Resistance Bands: Mini, Fabric and Long Loops Explained

Pilates Ring: How to Choose One and Use It at Home

Adjustable Kettlebell Guide: Dial, Plate-Loaded and Shell Types

Agility Ladder Guide: Sizes, Types and Beginner Drills

Battle Ropes: How to Choose a Rope and Start Training

Best Vibration Plate for You: Evidence, Specs and Safety

Rowing Machine Buying Guide: Air, Water and Folding Rowers

Stair Climber Machine Guide: Home, Compact and Electric Models

Weightlifting Belt Guide: Types, Sizing and When to Wear One

Adjustable Weight Bench: Angles, Decline and Capacity

Ankle Resistance Bands: Rehab Bands vs Ankle Cuff Bands

Core Sliders: Carpet vs Hard Floor and How to Choose

Doorway Pull Up Bar: Fit, Weight Limits and Safe Setup

Elliptical Machine: Stride, Size and How to Choose

Exercise Bike: How to Choose an Upright or Folding Bike

Flat Weight Bench: Height, Stability, Pad and Storage

Lifting Gloves: Padded, Wrist Wrap or Grip Pads?

Mini Pilates Ball: Size, Inflation and How to Use It

Mini Stepper: Up/Down, Twist or Handlebar Models

Push Up Handles: Handles, Rotating Grips or Parallettes?

Squat Stand: How to Choose One for a Home Gym

Suspension Trainer: Kits, Anchors and How to Choose

Weight Plates: Iron, Rubber Coated or Bumper Plates?

Weighted Vest: What It Does, Evidence and How to Choose

Pilates Reformer: Compare Springs, Cords and Room Fit