1 min readTHE IDEAL GYM experience has always been pretty simple: It’s whatever works for you and your lifestyle, because that’s what will keep you coming back to sweat and lift heavy things day after day after day.
For some people, that means building a gym in their garage (or basement or backyard barn). For others, that means donning their favorite apparel and heading to the gym down the block. No matter what your fitness flavor, though, we’ve got you covered in our 2024 Fitness Awards, which are overflowing with home gym goodness but still include the perfect gear to take with you when you train away from home, too.
Check out the list, and let the gains begin!
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This collaboration between Hammer Strength and adjustable dumbbells veteran PowerBlocks goes up to 100 pounds and is tough enough to be dropped (although doing so does void your warranty).
The Nüobell manages to feel almost exactly like a classic dumbbell in your hand, making it perfect for biceps curls, triceps skullcrushers, and most dumbbell exercises.
With a host of adjustable back pad positions between 5 and 85 degrees, a decline attachment, and gym-level stability, you have a home bench that rivals anything you’ve seen in your local big box.
This easy-to-use dumbbell attachment lets you up your weights in manageable increments. Perfect for those workouts (and exercises) where a five-pound jump is just too much.
Onnit’s unique spin on the kettlebell still delivers the balance you need for a good swing while adding visual flair: Each bell looks like a primate head.
The Cadillac of half racks, this commercial-grade rack is built to grow with you, with super-sturdy construction and optional additions, like jammer arms and a split-squat roller.
Barbell collars are a thing of the past with the Allrounder, which includes a built-in slide-locking system that automatically keeps your plates in place during any move.
Aviron’s latest rower is as user-friendly as they come, with an iPad dock (for checking out Aviron app workouts or catching up on Netflix while training) and a whisper-quiet nylon belt.
The finest workout earbuds out there, Beats’ Fit Pros stay secure in your ear in all situations, while delivering solid and detailed all-around sound, too.
A durable bar that allows you to do a variety of bodyweight exercises both basic (inverted rows) and advanced (L-sit pullups).
An ultra-slim cable machine that can fit into the corner of any home gym, setting you up for exercises like pullups, cable curls, and cable chest flies.
Meet the sleek-looking bar specially built for biceps curls, with a wrist-friendly camber that also permits more range of motion on your curl.
A cambered, neutral-grip barbell that features three different grip positions so you can comfortably challenge chest, triceps, and shoulders (and more!).
A Nordic bench, reverse hyper, and back extension all rolled into one, this machine gives you multiple options to blast your hamstrings and glutes.
The ultra-tiny Wave, which can be stored vertically, delivers a smooth rowing experience whether you’re doing explosive sprints or taking on lighter Zone 2 workouts.
This cutting-edge massage gun provides not only percussive therapy but also hot and cold settings and LED light therapy as options for post-workout recovery bliss.
You’ve seen contrast therapy (alternating between hot and cold treatments) before—but never in a package this small and shoulder-friendly.
Kane’s recovery shoe gets a style boost in 2024, thanks to partnerships with a host of major colleges, including Florida State, USC, and Clemson.
Gore’s new R5 jacket eliminates the need for a midlayer yet manages to stay light at 8.8 ounces and is made of a new windproof, water-repellant fabric.
A soft, warm jogger that fits perfectly whether you’re going for a light run, a weight room session, or an easy evening walk.
This breathable performance training tank has wide armholes (essential for snatches and overhead presses) and a relaxed fit that works whether you’re running or lifting.
Some things never change: Lululemon’s venerable training tee continues to fit like a dream while offering premium sweat-wicking tech, too.
These super-comfortable training shorts are built from fast-drying material and include a no-pinch, no-bunch waistband.
This light, ultra-breathable long-sleeved shirt is optimized for workout versatility, whether you’re playing basketball or backyard football or doing biceps curls and bench presses.
This versatile trainer features a unique blend of stability and comfort, making it a go-to for most general strength workouts.
The fifth edition of Nike’s jack-of-all-trades trainer delivers the flexibility you need for box jumps and skater hops and just enough stability for basic lifts.
This pair of lifters boasts a 21-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, plenty of heel support, and (the best part!) a large toe box so your feet never feel cramped.
A supremely reliable trail shoe that provides responsive cushioning no matter what’s under foot.
This barefoot trainer blends Vivo’s signature feel with just a bit more substance than most minimalist shoes have, making it perfect for the gym.
A low-cut basketball shoe that’s built for slashers and defenders, allowing you to change direction, leap, and start and stop on a dime.
Roka’s latest effort blends a sleek aesthetic with head-friendly tech, highlighted by the Geko grips, which keep these securely on your face no matter what.
The North American brand that made the road bikes for Tour de France–winning Team Jumbo-Visma drops a gravel e-bike with an aerodynamic carbon-fiber frame and a 432wH battery for a longer, faster ride.
Two small sensors attach to your palms to supply detailed information about everything from your stroke path to your hand velocity. A swim geek’s dream.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
