The 2024 SELF Home Fitness Awards

Hi, reader, and welcome to the 2024 SELF Home Fitness Awards! We firmly believe that you don’t need to join a gym to create a functional (dare we say joyful?!) workout routine that’s tailored to your goals and favorite types of movement. So, for the third year in a row, we put together a list of the very best machines, gadgets, virtual classes, and accessories to help you build your perfect home exercise experience.

Our testers and expert judges, who you can read more about below, set out to find the gear that’s actually worth your time and money. Because in a sea of options, it can be tough to know what’s high-quality, effective, safe, and easy to use. We’re confident that no matter which ones you choose, these winners will help you get the most out of your time, space, and routine. Find all of our favorites below—and happy sweating!

The 2024 SELF Home Fitness Awards Table of Contents

• How we picked the winners
• Large equipment
• Small equipment
• Tech
• Recovery
• Meet the experts

How we picked the winners

This year, SELF tapped a panel of fitness experts—as well as our very own staffers—to nominate their all-time favorite products. What do they reach for time and time again that makes home workout sessions easier, more accessible, and, most importantly, more enjoyable? They came back to us with a vast pool of picks that include large machines, smaller pieces, high-tech equipment, and recovery tools. We evaluated their nominations by cross-referencing them with past reporting we’ve done at SELF—we’ve been testing fitness equipment for a very, very long time—along with other online consumer reviews. Did more than one expert recommend a particular product? Have we covered an item’s evolution over the years—and is it consistently that good? Ultimately, we narrowed down the list to 36 truly exceptional winners perfect for lifters, runners, cardio enthusiasts, yoga lovers, and beyond.

Large equipment

Best Studio Bike—Budget: BowFlex C6 Bike

Indoor cycling instructor and Home Fitness Awards judge Katie Pierson, CPT, bought Bowflex’s C6 Indoor Cycling Bike for her home gym four years ago and never looked back. “While it might not have all the advanced features of some more expensive alternatives, this bike is well-constructed, offers 100 levels of magnetic resistance, pairs nicely with apps like Peloton and Strava, and is affordable,” she says. A simple LCD screen helps you track stats like speed and distance, and we like that there’s a dedicated stand to hold a smartphone or tablet while you pedal. Also included in your purchase: a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate armband, SPD clips for cycling shoes, a pair of three-pound dumbbells, and a free one-month membership to BowFlex’s online fitness platform, JRNY.

Best Studio Bike—Splurge: NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike

Have a little more wiggle room in your budget? Enter NordicTrack’s s27i Studio Bike, which earns its second SELF Home Fitness Award this year. A 27-inch touchscreen clearly displays your workout of choice, while incline and decline settings make your ride feel more realistic: “The programmed rides help you work different muscles and provide a mental shift so you don’t feel like you’re on a stationary bike,” our tester says. “It’s just a really nice, immersive workout.” To get the most out of your purchase, we highly recommend springing for an iFIT membership, which costs $39 a month and unlocks a large library of studio classes and scenic rides through countries all around the world. With the latest update, you can even watch your favorite Netflix or Amazon Prime shows.

Best Recumbent Bike: Merach S19 Recumbent Exercise Bike

For a more relaxed ride, Merach’s S19 Recumbent Bike is Pierson’s go-to. She loves how smoothly and almost silently the pedals move—plus the resistance is easy to tweak using a handle that looks similar to a car’s gear shift. The mesh seat is breathable, which prevents sweat from pooling in, well, undesired places, and adjustable, so you’ll never be crunched into an uncomfortable position. “I thought it was such a great piece of equipment that I gave it to my mom after I was done testing to help her with hip-replacement rehab,” Pierson says. “I still ride it when I go over to her house.”

Best Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

We’ve recommended the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 for runners before, and we’re pleased to report that it’s still that good. While on the pricier side, our tester (a former marathoner) says you definitely “get what you pay for.” It’s high-tech but still user-friendly (“All of the handles and adjustments are easily accessible, there are quick jump-buttons on the monitor beside the screen, and there are also manual adjustments on the front handlebar if you want a more precise speed or incline,” she says), and when you’re finished working out you can fold the treadmill flat to clear some space. Just note that, although it has wheels, it’s still pretty heavy, so it’s not the easiest machine to move around.

Best Budget Treadmill: ProForm Carbon TLX

Compact, foldable, and less than half the price of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, the ProForm Carbon TLX is the best budget-friendly treadmill we’ve tried. Our tester says that the controls were intuitive and responsive, allowing her to adjust the settings quickly and easily, and she found the deck to feel cushioned and sturdy: “I went from walking to running, and the treadmill remained stable the whole time,” she says. “I didn’t feel any wobble on the handles, either.” Her final verdict? While it’s less expensive than many competitors, “it doesn’t look cheap, and it doesn’t feel cheap.”

Best Walking Pad: Urevo SpaceWalk Lite Treadmill

At under $500, Urevo’s Walking Pad isn’t as pricey as many other under-desk treadmill alternatives. It also has an impressive list of features, including a clear LED display, a foldable handlebar, and a maximum speed of 7.6 miles per hour. The best part? “I have to give props to the quiet motor,” our tester says. “For a budget treadmill, I was impressed with the lack of loud noise while in use.”

Best Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i Interactive Elliptical Trainer

The best elliptical is one that’s easy to use, with lots of incline and resistance settings so you can challenge yourself on push days or take it easy during active recovery. NordicTrack’s FS10i Free Strider checks all of these boxes and more, according to our tester. With an iFit membership (which, as aforementioned, costs $39 per month), you’ll unlock hundreds of classes and workouts in stunning locations: “One day I might hike in the Alps, the next day I can ski in Norway, and then the following day I can run on a beach in Hawaii,” he says. While an elliptical is no small investment, this is the one to get if you can swing the price and the space.

Best Rower: Concept2 RowErg

Expert judge Morit Summers, CPT, has loved Concept 2’s Rower for years: “I use it for longer form endurance cardio, as well as shorter bursts of high-intensity cardio,” she says. It’s battery-powered—so no need to hunt for a conveniently located outlet—and comes with your choice of two leg heights for a more customized fit. Summers notes that, while there’s a slight learning curve for beginners, the results are worth it: “Once you understand how to create power, it’s awesome.” When you’re finished for the day, quickly break down the rower into two pieces (no tools required) and use the built-in wheels to tuck it away.

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Small equipment

Best Adjustable Dumbbells: BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

It’s the third year in a row (dating back to our inaugural Home Fitness Awards in 2022!) that these dumbbells—adjustable from 5 to 52.5 pounds in 2.5-pound increments—have brought home the gold. This year their glowing endorsement comes from judge Kellen Scantlebury, DPT, CSCS, who recommends them to all of his clients, especially those who live in apartments. “They’re sturdy and built to last,” he says. “You can have multiple weights and not take up so much space.”

Best Dumbbells: Bells of Steel Ergo Rubber Hex Dumbbells

If you prefer to own multiple sets of DBs, each a different weight, opt for these. With their ergonomic handles and rubber hexagonal heads, the Bells of Steel dumbbells impressed our experts and testers alike. They’re comfortable to use and help gradually progress your strength training: They’re available in 2.5-pound increments from 5 to 20 pounds, and then they jump up by 5 pounds for every pair up to 100 pounds.

Best Dumbbell Plates: Micro Gainz 1.25 lb. Dumbbell Fractional Weight Plates

Judge Tina Tang, CPT, loves these small plates for slow and steady progressive overload, which can be hard to practice when you’re working with a limited amount of equipment at home. “They’re ideal for people who don’t have adjustable dumbbells,” she says. Easily clip them onto the handle of your dumbbell (they’re compatible with most models!) and bam—you’ve got added resistance without too big of a jump.

Best Kettlebells: Rep Fitness Kettlebells

These have been Tang’s go-tos for the last few years. She considers them a great bang for your buck compared to other brands, and she appreciates that they come in in-between weights that are often harder to find. She loves that the handles are wider than the bell itself—they’re more comfortable to wrangle than competition-style kettlebells, which can sometimes feel too bulky for the everyday user.

Best Ankle Weights—Budget: Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights

Our tester bought these ankle weights six months ago because they weren’t “extraordinarily expensive” and looked like they could get the job done for her physical therapy exercises. Since, they’ve exceeded her expectations by a mile. “They’ve come in handy for a wider range of exercises than I anticipated,” she says. “They fasten securely, fit well around my ankles, legs, and wrists, and have a really soft outer layer that feels nice against my skin.”

Best Ankle Weights—Splurge: Bala Bangles

Willing to spend a little more money in the name of a cute mat setup? Bala is your brand. According to our tester, these cuffs are “a cute, easy way to feel like I’m making my everyday movement ‘count’ a little more.” She says they initially came in handy during the pandemic when she was doing Pilates classes from home and wanted a way to make them more challenging. Nowadays, she’ll strap them on for her hot girl walks. They’re available in one-, two-, and three-pound sizes and come with a color-coordinated carrying case that makes them easy to store (or show off at your next studio class).

Best Space-Saving Home Gym System: Kayezen Vector 1 System

Once you secure this tech-free resistance tool to an anchor point, it functions like a cable machine “without the big bulky equipment and at a fraction of the cost,” Dr. Scantlebury says. It’s all you need to get a great workout at home: Use it for strength training moves like chest presses and rows, as well as flexibility and mobility exercises like hip and shoulder rotations, spinal twists, and lower-back stretches.

Best Mini-Band Set: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

Our tester has had her Fit Simplify Resistance Loops for the last four years and they’re still going strong in her home and gym workouts—no pun intended. The set consists of five bands, each with a different resistance level. They’re sturdy, portable, available in several cute color schemes, and just $20.

Best Mini-Band: Committed Hp The Better Band

The Better Band is a wonderfully well-made, inclusive piece of fitness gear—and thus it’s making its second Home Fitness Awards appearance this year. The fabric won’t pinch skin, and a hook-and-loop closure lets you increase or decrease the circumference of the band as you please. “I love that I can hook it on, versus wiggle it on like a pair of stockings,” Summers says. With the ability to adjust, you’ll also get greater control over the level of tension.

Best Yoga Mat: Manduka Pro Yoga Mat 6mm

A high-quality yoga mat like the Manduka Pro will last for years—one instructor described it as “the Rolls Royce of yoga mats”—so it’s worth the investment if you practice regularly. It’s thick, durable, and extremely grippy: Your hands won’t shift in downward-facing dog, and the mat itself won’t slide around the floor during faster-paced flows. Plus it’s made of closed-cell material, which prevents sweat from soaking in. (No one likes a smelly mat.)

Best Yoga Mat: Lululemon The Mat 5mm

Who doesn’t want options? This expert-approved, reversible mat is smooth on one side and textured on the other. Our tester was particularly impressed by its grip: “This is the only yoga mat I’ve ever tried that doesn’t make my hands slip,” she says. “It also has just the right amount of cushion to be comfortable—especially on my knees—without making me feel unstable.”

Best Yoga Blocks: Manduka Cork Yoga Block

Cork yoga blocks tend to be sturdier than foam ones, offering modifications that can make your asanas more accessible and stabilize a variety of balancing poses. Case in point: Our tester says these help bring the floor to her in poses like half moon and triangle. She also breaks them out any time she wants to feel more support, placing them under her knees or sacrum when lying on her back. “I feel really grounded when I use this block, which is exactly the purpose of yoga,” she says.

Best Big Mat: Yo Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat

Tang uses her Gorilla Mat to create a dedicated exercising area inside her apartment without resorting to utilitarian-looking gym floor tiles. She loves that it’s padded enough for stretching and yoga, but sticky enough for lifting and HIIT. And, at six-by-four-feet, it provides enough space to support your entire body.

Best All-Purpose Mat: All in Motion Premium Fitness Mat 15mm

If you’d rather not drop $100-plus on a workout surface, you’re in luck: Our tester has had this thick, cushy All in Motion mat for three years and swears by it. She’s used it indoors and outdoors, for yoga and stretching, and on uneven floors like carpeting and decks. She says it performs well pretty much wherever she takes it and prevents pressure from building in her hands, knees, and feet.

Best Bench for Small Spaces: Rep Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench

A workout bench might seem like a sleepy thing to shop for, but Dr. Scantlebury says it’s a key piece for upper and lower body exercises—and this adjustable model from Rep Fitness is an exemplary choice. “I love its durability and stability,” he says. “You can perform step ups on it without worrying that it will flip over. From a safety perspective, it’s a great option!”

Best Multipurpose Bench: Reebok Deck

With over 20 different configurations and a textured surface that prevents slipping, Reebok’s Deck can serve as a bench, step, or incline for your workouts. Tang appreciates its versatility and lighter weight, noting that it’s a great option if you’re short on space or want to store other equipment when not in use. (It can decline to be completely flat, and it has an internal compartment for small gear like resistance bands).

Best Step: Yes4All Adjustable Workout Aerobic Exercise Step

Step workouts are alive and well—and they’re a blast to do at home with this adjustable platform. Our tester says it’s durable and sturdy through an Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil class. “It’s a new, fun way to exercise if you’re totally sick of using a bike or some other home workout (like I am!),” she says. You can set its height to four, six, or eight inches, and it can support up to 300 pounds.

Best Space-Saving Dumbbell Rack: Cap A-Frame Dumbbell Weight Rack

Your dumbbell set doesn’t have to take up tons of floor space if you stack them in Cap’s vertical storage rack. It saves room, makes it easy to quickly grab DBs, and is built to last. “Sometimes weight trees can be flimsy or are made for small weights, but this can hold some medium-size ones,” our tester says. “I have 10s, 15s, 20s, 25s, and 30s on it, and I have had it for years, and it’s never been a problem.”

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Tech

Best Timer App: Seconds Pro Interval Timer

You don’t have to be a fitness instructor to get great use out of an app like Seconds Pro. It allows you to create specific interval, countdown, or stopwatch timers with customizable labels (unlike your smartphone’s clock), and has been Tang’s go-to for 10 years and, well, counting. She recommends it to clients for timing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Tabata workouts. More great features: large, easy-to-read numbers; verbal warnings when time’s about to run out; and the ability to add music that keeps your motivation up between sets. Don’t let the one-time $5 fee put you off—there are few other options out there that are this flexible, Tang says.

Best Virtual Classes: Peloton App

Pierson started using the Peloton Digital App during the pandemic to work out at home, and she’s stuck with it ever since. You don’t have to own a Bike, Tread, or other Peloton machine to try the hundreds of classes that are included with a monthly (or yearly) membership. Walk, stretch, run, cycle, and meditate anywhere along with one of the brand’s many trainers in real time or on your own schedule. Have a workout buddy or two? You can follow them on the app to see which classes they’re trying and cheer them on. While a membership can be a little pricey (at the time of publication, it costs $11 to $24 a month, depending on the plan you choose), the app’s high-production value and motivating instructors are well worth it.

Best Smartwatch: Garmin Venu 3S

Garmin’s Venu 3S hits the sweet spot between a sleek smartwatch and a data-heavy fitness tracker. Use it to track workouts, heart rate, hydration, sleep habits, and more, with a battery life that lasts up to 10 days. Beyond recording statistics, the Venu can also help you respond to text messages and take calls while you’re on the go. Users can even download Amazon Music playlists straight to the watch and listen without a phone nearby. “I can’t think of anything it’s missing that’d tempt me to look for an upgrade in a couple of years,” SELF’s Fitness Director, Christa Sgobba, wrote in her review. “It’s the kind of fitness tracker that’ll keep you in the know for the long haul.”

Best Smart Ring: Oura Ring 4

Oura’s sleek titanium Ring works around the clock to measure stress levels, heart rate, body temperature, and more. But what sets it apart from other trackers we’ve tried is the corresponding app’s ability to turn confusing numbers into easy-to-follow advice you can use to adjust your daily routine. Our tester wore the Oura 3 throughout most of her pregnancy, and found it a smart investment for anyone who wants to take charge of their health and wellness. The newest model—Oura 4, which came out just a few weeks ago—has slight design tweaks (largely unnoticeable unless you’re the one wearing the ring), a nicer-looking charging stand, and a longer battery life. There’s no denying that the ring is on the pricier side, and you’ll also need to purchase a $6 monthly (or $60 yearly) membership to take full advantage of its features. But again, it’s an investment, and for many it pays off: “While I could technically just listen to my body and act accordingly, I liked being a step ahead of the game and really leaning more into rest and self-care when needed,” she says.

Best Wireless Earbuds: Beats Studio Buds +

Good earbuds should feel like comfy underwear—so reliable you’ll forget you have them on. The Studio Buds+ from Beats accomplish just that, with a secure fit and an impressive 36 hours of listening time. “I can spin around or jump up and down, and those suckers are glued in,” our tester says. “They are small enough to be discreet and have amazing sound quality.” We’re also fans of their effective transparency and noise-cancellation modes, which allow you to hear your surroundings—or block everything out entirely—while enjoying a playlist or podcast.

Best Open-Ear Headphones: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

As the name implies, open-ear headphones go around your ears (not in them), so you can stay fully tuned into your environment without sacrificing your 2007 Britney jam session. This pair from Shokz stays put when you start to pick up the pace, is super lightweight, and is water-resistant, meaning it can withstand sweaty workouts and sudden drizzles. You also get up to 10 hours of listening time and phone calls on a full battery. If you need them in a pinch, enjoy 1.5 hours of battery life after just five minutes of charging.

Best Headphones: Apple AirPods Max

If over-the-ear headphones are more your thing, we think it doesn’t get much better than Apple’s AirPods Max. “I’ve had them for about a year, and I use them every day,” our tester said. “They feel really snug and secure on my head.” The large foam cushions on each side aren’t just for comfort—they block out noisy distractions to help you focus on your workout. These also have transparency and noise-cancellation settings, plus up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. And at just over 13 ounces, they won’t weigh you down while you’re on the run or at the gym.

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Recovery

Best Foam Roller: Lululemon Double Roller

Foam-rolling doesn’t just feel great—it can also help your muscles recover after a tough workout and boost circulation, as SELF has previously reported. Our tester loves this roller from Lululemon for its two-in-one design: Use both pieces together to target large areas, or pull the firmer corkscrew-shaped core out to release deep knots. “This is my go-to recovery tool. I use it more often than my Theragun,” she says. “I have yet to find a muscle it can’t reach and relax.” It also looks pretty enough to leave hanging out in your dedicated home workout corner—no storage required, she adds.

Best Vibrating Foam Roller: LifePro Surger 4-Speed Vibrating Foam Roller

One tester picked up this buzzy roller after her physical therapist recommended it: “It’s super firm and it vibrates, which has really helped me get those pressure points,” she says. The surface is textured to help soothe sore muscles, and you can choose from four vibration speeds to find the combo that offers the most relief. It comes with a charging cable, a handy carrying bag, and three mini resistance bands to help you warm up before each session.

Best Percussive Device: Therabody Theragun Mini

The Theragun Mini first won a Home Fitness Award in 2022. This year it’s back with a smaller, lighter design that has one tester reaching for it on the regular. “The device makes it easy to work on stubborn tight or achy areas while you’re just sitting around,” she says. “No need to get on the floor and fight with a foam roller (which, let’s be honest, you’re not always in the mood to do).” The chunky, triangular handle helps you get a good grip, while the three included attachment heads are designed to tackle most muscle groups.

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Meet the experts

• Kellen Scantlebury, DPT, CSCS, received his doctorate in physical therapy from Stony Brook University and his bachelor’s of science degree from LIU Post, where he was a four-year starter on the men’s basketball team. He received a personal training certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and became an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist in 2013. He has worked with the New York Jets at their training facility in New Jersey and has special interest in sports rehab, performance training, manual therapy, post-operative rehabilitation, and shoulder and spine pathologies. He is the founder of Fit Club NY.
• Katie Pierson, CPT, is the creator of MT Girl Fitness and has been a certified fitness professional for over 20 years. She holds 10 fitness certifications, including Group Fitness, Spinning Elite, Schwinn Indoor Cycling, Rockstar Spinning, and Personal Training. She is also a primary contributor to Indoor Cycling Love and has been featured in publications such as Bicycling, SELF, and Prevention Magazine. Katie spent most of her career training and instructing in Phoenix, San Diego, and Denver before recently returning to her home state of Montana.
• Tina Tang, CPT, is a NASM-certified personal trainer with additional training in barbell and kettlebell work who specializes in helping women 50 and over incorporate strength training and plyometrics into their lives. At 53, Tina openly shares her menopause journey on social media, addressing the challenges often overlooked due to a lack of public discussion. She is also the host and founder of the podcast Tina’s SurThrival Guide to Health over 40.
• Morit Summers, CPT, has been a personal trainer since 2007, defying industry standards with her abilities and inclusive approach. She holds a BS in exercise science and kinesiology along with various certifications, including NSCA CPT. In 2017, she cofounded Form Fitness Brooklyn. She is an expert fitness consultant and the author of Big and Bold: Strength Training for Plus-Size Women.

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Credits

Editor in Chief: Rachel Wilkerson Miller 
Director of Special Projects: Hannah Pasternak 
Fitness and Food Director: Christa Sgobba
Creative Director: Amber Venerable 
Associate Art Director: Amanda Bailey
Web Producer: Caroline Acosta