The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
We took on sweat-inducing workouts from the comfort of our living room to put these essentials to the test
You can easily spend thousands on the best home gym equipment, so while upgrading to the fanciest rowing machine or exercise bike might not save you money on an annual gym membership, having some decent gear at home makes it more convenient to work out whenever you want to.
Look past the Peloton and you’ll find cheaper alternatives to the trendiest brands, but not all are made equal – you may come across slippery yoga mats and flashy running shoes that are better suited to the catwalk than the towpath.
So, if you’re set on spending money, best make sure it’s on a select few bits of gym equipment that will truly help (rather than hinder) your home gym routine. Of course, we’re here to offer a shopping steer, with our trusty reviews of the very best home gym bits to buy.
Gymshark resistance bands and a Mirafit weight bench are all on the list of home gym equipment essentials we love. Prices start from as little as £10, and a whole host of these fit kit essentials can be easily stored under your bed or sofa, so don’t start to fret if you haven’t got your own dedicated gym room (we can dream).
Keep reading to find out which workout essentials are the best to buy, no matter how much you want to spend or how much space you have to work with. Just be sure to select the bits you know will work best for you, whether that be a rowing machine or a weight set that doesn’t break the bank.
To put these pieces of equipment to the test, we really did have to break a sweat. We jumped with the skipping rope, lifted the weights, ran on the treadmill and gave it our all on the rowing machine, resulting in the best fitness routine we’ve possibly ever had, and all from the comfort of our home.
As every piece of equipment is different, no two can be directly compared, but we have reviewed each one as a piece of individual kit, noting its pros and cons, cost and the amount of space it will take up in your home. So, whether you’re a rower, runner or lifter, we’ve found something to suit everyone and every budget.
Two of the budget-friendly home gym equipment essentials we reviewed are now reduced. You can pick up Everlast’s 4kg ankle/wrist weights for half price (was £23.99, now £11.99, Sportsdirect.com) and the brand’s resistance band is also half price (was £19.99, now £9.99, Sportsdirect.com).
Ultimately, exercise should be fun, so, finding an activity you enjoy is the key to staying consistent. For that reason, there’s no “best overall” piece of home gym equipment that will suit everybody, so, opting for the bit of kit suited to your needs is the best thing to do.
For cardio lovers who are looking to make a real investment, the Hydrow wave rower and Peloton tread are sure to steal the show. For those looking to keep costs low, the Everlast resistance trainer really will work wonders.
Anyone looking to work on their weight training will be best buying the Mirafit 10kg dumbbell weight set or Everlast 4kg ankle/wrist weights. Meanwhile, the Mirafit folding weight bench will make a world of difference for those serious about lifting.
Those who enjoy circuit training and yoga, or are just starting on their fitness journey, are sure to get a great range of use out of the Corkspace pro cork yoga mat and Gymshark medium glute band. Just remember, any form of exercise should be fun and exciting, so keep trying new things until you find the right activity for you.
Want to start pounding the pavement in 2024? Here’s our beginner’s guide to running