Timers and Clocks - Home Gym Resource

Are you in search of the ultimate gym timer to optimize your workout routines? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through our selection process to find the best gym timers that cater to your specific fitness needs. The best overall interval timer for your gym is the GymNext Flex. Pick the Home edition for home gyms and the Gym edition for larger gyms and you'll get a timer that is high-quality, super easy to use, has tons of features, and can be used for any type of interval workout. You can read a comparison between the Home and Gym editions by clicking here. There are some other great timers though. Whether you're into Crossfit, HIIT, or seeking a portable option, we've got you covered with the top picks for you in this roundup. Let's dive in and find your perfect workout companion! How We Picked The Best Gym Timers You might be wondering which criteria we used to select the best gym timers. Well, there are five things that were very important when selecting these; Value For Money: The overall price isn't as important as what you get for your money. An expensive timer better brings a lot to the table. Purpose: What is the timer best for? Crossfit, HIIT, Large/Small gyms, etc. Features: More features are better but some basic features every interval timer needs are: Adjustable interval length, amount of intervals, and rest. Then functions like; clock, count up/down, EMOM, TABATA, AMRAP, and things like that are important. Buzzer volume, adjustability, display size, and clarity are also taken into account. Read more about the possible settings an interval timer can have here. Ease of Use: Nobody goes to the gym to program their timer. The timer should be easy to use (or very cheap). Quality: The overall feel and quality also play a role. 5 Best Workout Timers Here are the best workout interval timers and clocks: Best Overall: GymNext Flex Home Edition Best Affordable: BTBSign interval timer Best Portable: SLEVIO Battery-powered Gym Timer Best Simple: GymBoss Charge Best For Large Gyms: GymNext Flex Gym Edition 1. Best Overall: GymNext Flex Home When it comes to an all-encompassing interval timer, the GymNext Flex Home takes center stage. It's unparalleled versatility and user-friendly interface make it the top choice for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. With a range of preset workout programs, including High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), circuit training, and more, this timer keeps you on track with clear visual cues and audible alerts. Plus, its wireless connection allows seamless control from your smartphone, so you can focus solely on crushing your workout without any interruptions. There are other timers that are controlled by an app but the GymNext Flex app is just the best (at the moment). You can try the GymNext app for yourself, it's free for both iOs and Android and works without needing the display. The app allows you to program as many different intervals in your workout as you want but there are also many pre-programmed timers so you can get started super quickly. Whether you want to do HIIT, Crossfit, Tabata or anything else interval related, you can easily do it with this timer. GymNext Flex Home ProsGymNext Flex Home ConsBluetooth Enabled: Phone, music and heart rate monitor integration possible. It can also connect to chromecasts to show the timer on a TV. You can also link multiple displays. Price: All this convenience doesn't come cheap although it's not that much more expensive than other timers that have fewer features and are harder to program. Easy Programming: The app is very easy to use and makes it super easy to program even very complex workouts with different intervals and timers.Availability: The company only ships to the USA and Canada. Adjustable Volume: The buzzer volume is adjustable from 45db to 85 db. Customer Service: From my interactions with them, customer service has been quick, friendly and effective. Built in Programs: There are a ton of built in programs that are ready to go and easy to customise. 2. Best Affordable Gym Timer: BTBSign For those on a budget, the BTBSign gym timer proves that affordable gym timers exist and work. It comes in different sizes so you can pick the one that fits your gym the best. The smallest version can even be run off a power bank so it can be turned into a portable timer if necessary. It's still a lot larger than the best portable timer mentioned below though. The 2.3" model is suitable for most home gyms while the 1.5" model works for personal use where it's next to you. It is programmed with a remote control which I personally don't like at all but it works. The amount of features and pre-programmed timers is a little less than other timers but you can program these yourself with some effort. You can save timers you want to use often so after the initial programming, it's just a matter of pushing a single button. BTBSign Workout Clock ProsBTBSign Workout Clock ProsVery Affordable: Cheaper than many timers of the same sizeRemote control: An old-school remote control isn't nearly as easy or quick as a smartphone app. Remote has limited range and batteries are not included.Different sizes: It's available in different sizes to suit your needs.Build Quality: When you have the GymNext and This one next to each other, you know where the saving has been made. This one Feels cheap.Clear Display: The display is bright and easily visible. There are 6 digits on the screen to display sets/settings, minutes, and seconds.Limited Instructions: The manual isn't all that useful but you can find Youtube videos. So you are making a few compromises on ease of use, features, and build quality but it's also about a quarter of the price of the number one. If you really need a large wall timer but don't have the money, this is a good choice but be aware that you're not getting the same quality product. There are other cheap gym timers that are very similar to this one. They are all about the same in ease of use and build quality. 3. Best Battery-powered Workout Timer: SLEVIO Portable Do your CrossFit WOD or other interval workouts anywhere you like with the SLEVIO Portable gym timer. Powered by batteries, this portable timer liberates your workout space, allowing you to set up your gym anywhere, indoors or outdoors. With its simple design and durable build, the SLEVIO Portable ensures smooth operation and consistent performance. It's also quite affordable so it could be a competitor for the best cheap timer although this one is focused more on portability which means it's small. For most cases where portability is not important, the Seesii will be a better choice. The battery life of this timer is really good which means it won't give up halfway through your workout. The buzzer isn't the loudest and if you're also blasting music or working out in a loud environment, you might miss them. You can find other good portable gym timers in this article. SLEVIO Gym Timer ProsSLEVIO Gym Timer ProsCompact: Fits in any gym bag and even some pocketsSmall Display: The digits are about 1.5" tall which is good for up to +-10' away but not more. Affordable: This is a surprisingly complete package for under $50.Hard To Set Up: It can be a challenge to set up the intervals you want. Magnetic Back: There's a magnetic strip in the back that allows you to stick it to metalNo Complex Workouts: You can only set one interval within one workout. You can't set different timers/intervals in one program.Buttons: Buttons on the body mean you don't have to take any remote or phone with you.Charging port not sealed: Water and dirt can get in.Good Battery Life: Claimed 30 hours but more like 15-20 in real life which is still good. 4. Back to Basics Interval Timer: GymBoss Charge In the era of wearable technology, the GymBoss Charge stands out as being surprisingly old-school. This wearable timer straps to your wrist, providing vibration and sound alerts to guide you through each interval. No color displays here, just black digits. It's very simple, you can just change the length and number of intervals. But, it's cheap and sturdy and there are absolutely no distractions like most fitness bands would provide. If you want something with heart-rate monitoring and other features, a Xiaomi Band 7 is also affordable and has the capability to do interval timing although you have to dig in the settings a little. GymBoss Charge ProsGymBoss Charge ProsSimple but effectiveDoesn't have many options or pre-programmed intervalsAffordableIt's a bit large around your wrist. USB Rechargeable 5. Best Large Gym Timer: GymFlex Next Gym For those with spacious home gyms or commercial fitness spaces, the GymFlex Next Gym timer is the ultimate choice. It's almost the same as the GymNext Home but larger. The features and app are exactly the same between the two. Its large display with 4" tall digits ensures crystal-clear visibility, allowing you to follow your intervals from any corner of the room. it also has a loud 95db buzzer which is good for larger gyms but too much for home gyms, although you can turn the volume down on these clocks. The Gym Edition has larger digits, a louder buzzer with all the functionality, and ease of use of the Home Edition. What To Look For In a Workout Timer There are tons of things you should be aware of when buying a gym timer. Let's go over the most important things you need to look for when buying one. Read a more in-depth guide on choosing fitness timers in this buying guide. Purpose: Define Your Workout Goals Before diving into the world of gym timers, it's crucial to understand your workout goals and the type of exercises you'll be doing. Are you looking to improve your cardiovascular fitness with High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)? Do you prefer circuit training, weightlifting, or endurance exercises? Different timers cater to specific workout styles, so identifying your purpose will narrow down your options and help you make an informed decision. Make sure the timer you pick can support all the modes you need for your workout. If you enjoy various types of workouts, consider a versatile gym timer that allows you to program custom intervals and switch between different modes effortlessly. This way, your timer can grow with you as your fitness journey evolves. Features As with any technology, the features of a gym timer can make or break its usability. Look for essential features that enhance your workout experience and keep you motivated throughout your sessions. Interval Settings: A quality gym timer should offer adjustable interval settings, including work and rest periods, so you can fine-tune your workouts to suit your needs. Whether you prefer short bursts of intensity or longer intervals, having customizable settings allows you to design workouts tailored to your fitness level and goals. Having the option to build workouts with multiple types of intervals is a big plus. Preset Programs: Most gym timers come with pre-programmed workout modes, such as Tabata, AMRAP, or EMOM. These presets take the guesswork out of setting up your timer and can be particularly useful for beginners or individuals seeking a quick and effective workout without manual configuration. Other settings like a clock, stopwatch, and count up/down are also very useful. Sound and Visual Alerts: Audible and visual cues are crucial for keeping you focused and informed during your intervals. Choose a timer that provides clear and distinct alerts, ensuring you never miss a beat during your workouts. Adjustable volume on the buzzer is very useful to adapt to any situation. Remote Control or App Connectivity: Convenience is key, especially when you're in the zone during a workout. Look for gym timers that offer remote control or smartphone connectivity, so you can adjust settings or start/stop your timer from a distance. This feature allows you to stay in the flow without interruptions. For portable timers, buttons on the body of the timer are better An app is so much easier to use than a remote control, it's worth paying extra. Dimensions: Size Matters The size and display of your gym timer can impact its usability and fit in your home gym space. If you have limited room, consider a compact timer that can be easily mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf. On the other hand, if you have a dedicated gym room with ample space, a larger timer with a clear and visible display might be more suitable. If it hangs on the wall, the outside dimensions aren't the most important, the size of the digits is. Portable workout timers should have digits around 1.5" tall. For a home gym, digits 2"-2.5" are suitable. For large gyms you want digits that are 4" or larger. Durability Since your gym timer will likely endure its fair share of sweat, impact, and possibly accidental drops, durability is essential. Look for timers with rugged builds and materials that can withstand the rigors of your workouts. A well-built timer ensures long-lasting performance and reliability, making it a worthy investment in your fitness journey. This is especially important for portable timers. They will have to endure way more than a timer that's on the wall. For wall timers there are metal mesh covers that you can put over the timer so it's protected from flying objects. Power Source: Wired or Wireless? Gym timers typically come in two power options: wired and battery-powered. Wired timers need to be connected to a power outlet, which might limit your setup options if your gym space is far from an outlet. although extension cords are a thing. GymNext even sells extension cords as accessories for their timers. On the other hand, portable timers often run on batteries, providing the flexibility to place your timer wherever you like without worrying about power cords. Consider your setup and preferences when choosing between wired and wireless options. Budget: Find the Balance Lastly, consider your budget when selecting a gym timer. While there are high-end timers with a myriad of features, there are also more budget-friendly options that deliver solid performance. Often cheaper models are not as easy to use, don't have as many features, and are built cheaper but they will provide the basics. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and explore the gym timers within that range. Remember, a gym timer is an investment in your fitness journey, so finding the right balance between features and cost is key. FAQ What are the benefits of using interval timers during exercise routines?Interval timers offer several benefits during exercise routines:Improved Time Management: Interval timers help you stick to structured workout intervals, making your sessions more efficient.Optimized Workouts: By setting specific work and rest periods, interval timers allow you to push yourself during exercise and recover adequately, leading to better results.Increased Motivation: The countdown and progress tracking on interval timers can boost motivation, making it easier to stay focused and complete challenging workouts.Variety and Adaptability: Interval timers enable you to incorporate various training methods (e.g., HIIT, Tabata) and adapt workouts to your fitness level and goals.Enhanced Performance: Consistent use of interval timers can lead to improved cardiovascular endurance, strength, and overall athletic performance over time.Can I use a smartphone app as a gym interval timer, or is a dedicated device better?Using a smartphone app as a gym interval timer is a viable option and offers several advantages:Convenience: Most people carry their smartphones everywhere, making it easy to access the interval timer app anytime, anywhere.Cost-Effective: Many interval timer apps are free or available at a low cost compared to dedicated devices.Feature-Rich: Interval timer apps often come with a wide range of customizable features and pre-programmed workouts.However, a dedicated interval timer device might be preferred by some for the following reasons:Visibility: Dedicated fitness timers have large displays that make it easy to see the time remaining in the blink of an eye. Timers also work better for groups.Features: Loud buzzers, large digits and many presets are often not found on timer apps.Durability: Designed specifically for fitness use, dedicated devices are often more durable and resistant to sweat and impact.Reduced Distractions: Using a smartphone app might lead to distractions from notifications or incoming calls, while a dedicated device is solely focused on timing workouts.Are there any safety considerations when using interval timers during intense workouts?While interval timers are valuable tools, using them during intense workouts requires some safety considerations:Proper Warm-up: Always perform a thorough warm-up before starting intense interval workouts to prevent injuries.Listen to Your Body: If you feel excessively fatigued or experience pain during the workout, stop immediately and seek medical attention if needed.Stay Hydrated: Intense exercise can lead to dehydration, so ensure you have water nearby and stay hydrated throughout the workout.Form and Technique: Maintain proper form and technique during exercises to reduce the risk of injury.Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate time for rest and recovery between intense interval sessions to avoid overtraining.