Forking out for an at-home rowing machine may at first seem quite the commitment. Costing more than £1,000, it certainly is an investment, but we were blown away by just how much we loved this machine. A £38 monthly membership gives you access to more than 40,000 on-demand workouts, weekly challenges and stat tracking, and a high-tech computer screen transports you to rivers all over the world, led by an instructor to help push you to keep up your practice no matter if you’re a beginner or a regular rower. As part of the membership, there are even pilates, yoga, strength and conditioning classes available, giving you a full body workout for those days when you don’t want to row.
If you want to work out with weights, look no further than the Mirafit dumbbell set. Housed inside a handy carry case are two 0.5kg weights, two 1kg weights, two 2.5kg weights and two 2kg weights, neatly stored to fit in small spaces – we slotted them under our bed and sofa with ease. Wrapped in neoprene, they’re slightly soft to the touch and are perforated, making them easier to grip for heavy sweat sessions. Having the option of four different weights – although they aren’t the heaviest – made them invaluable for a huge range of activities, from yoga and pilates to longer, harder weight-lifting reps. If you’re looking to build muscle and tone, this is the bit of kit to go for.
Skipping is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. What’s more, the only piece of equipment you need is a skipping rope, meaning it’s cheap, easy and takes up minimal space to store. Opting for a weighted skipping rope, such as this Domyos version, adds an extra element to your training, helping to tone your arms.
Peloton products need little introduction, and the tread is no exception. Named the best treadmill in our at-home treadmill guide, it wowed us with the easy to follow workouts the brand is famous for; the install service, and the sleek and sexy appearance. Similar to the Hydrow wave rower, this is a spenny piece of kit, so it isn’t one for those looking for a cheap and cheerful boost of motivation. But, if you are looking to seriously get into running or walking at home – not to mention myriad other gym classes, including yoga, weight training, dancing and pilates – and have the money to spend, we’d strongly encourage you to do so.
Similar in many ways to a resistance band, a resistance tube can be used in the same capacity but is, in our opinion, easier to hold on to, as it has handles. A quick Google search will show you a whole host of exercises, in case you need inspiration, but we found any form of upright rows, bicep curls or leg presses were greatly aided with this bit of kit.
A weight bench certainly isn’t a must-have for those looking to start their fitness journey, but if you are looking to work out with weights, it can certainly help elevate your routine and make things more comfortable.
The Corkspace yoga mat continues to impress us, day after day. While it is on the pricier side of the yoga mat offering, we promise you won’t be disappointed. Made from natural grounding rubber and soft cork, it protects your body from the ground, whether you’re crouching in crow or attempting an inversion. While we’ll confess to having incredibly sweaty hands and feet, we found this mat to have the best grip out of any other yoga mat we’ve tried, and there are no annoying bumps, thanks to the heaviness of the material. So, whether you’re diligent about doing your daily downward dog or are new to pilates or yoga, this piece of kit will be a great aid. The brand also stocks small accessories, such as a cork massage ball (£12, Corkspace.co.uk), to add an extra dimension to your practice, too.
Sometimes, the hardest part of working out can be finding the time to do it, and the Everlast ankle and wrist weights may be just the solution. Weighing 2.3kg each, the wraparound Velcro weights are designed to be used on ankles and wrists, easily adding an extra element to your daily walk, run or errands around the house. But, we will stress they are rather large and do feel heavier than expected, so wearing them on the ankles is certainly the easier option. They do take a bit of getting used to but, after a few minutes, you’re sure to feel your muscles working even harder, adding an extra element of strength training to your daily walk, even if it is just around the house.
Resistance bands are a fan-favourite piece of home gym equipment, taking up minimal space and aiding a whole host of different exercises. While this Gymshark one is specifically named the glute band, thanks to its wide size and medium strength, it can be used all over the body to aid a huge range of exercises.
If you’re looking to keep costs low and equipment at a minimum, one good set of weights can make a world of difference. For those just starting on their home fitness weight training journey, these Asda dumbbells are a great place to start. Cheap and cheerful, the pretty peach colour drew us in immediately, but it was the slightly textured material, size and shape that had us sold. Incredibly easy to hold, even with sweaty hands, they never once slipped and can be easily placed on the floor, thanks to the six flat edges, meaning storing them on any sort of shelf is also easier.
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Choosing a fresh set of gym equipment can either be a bit of a bore or an exciting online shopping spree, depending on who you ask. But whether you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to going the gym or you simply want to get your blood pumping without leaving your living room, selecting the stuff really worth your money is rarely straightforward.
There’s a wealth of brilliant essentials out there but not all are made equal, and you may come across slippery yoga mats, resistance bands that are too weak, and weights that end up working their way into the back of the wardrobe, never to be seen again.
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. And, of course, we’re here to help with our trusty reviews of the very best home gym bits to buy.
A treadmill from Peloton, a Domyos skipping rope, 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 £10.99, 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 – oh, how we can dream.
Keep reading below to find out which workout essentials truly 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, jumper or lifter, we’ve found something to suit everyone and every budget.
We worked up a sweat by testing a range of products
(Lauren Cunningham)
The best home gym equipment essentials for 2023 are:
Best at-home rowing machine – Hydrow wave rower: From £1,395, Hydrow.com
Suitable for: All fitness levels looking to boost cardio
How to store: Keep in a medium-sized room or garage
Forking out for an at-home rowing machine may at first seem quite the commitment. Costing more than £1,000, it certainly is an investment, but we were blown away by just how much we loved this machine. A £38 monthly membership gives you access to more than 40,000 on-demand workouts, weekly challenges and stat tracking, and a high-tech computer screen transports you to rivers all over the world, led by an instructor to help push you to keep up your practice no matter if you’re a beginner or a regular rower. As part of the membership, there are even pilates, yoga, strength and conditioning classes available, giving you a full body workout for those days when you don’t want to row.
The Hydrow wave is the newer, smaller version of the original Hydrow rowing machine, and can be easily lifted up and stored vertically against a wall, meaning you don’t need to have your own home gym room to store it, although a spare bedroom, study or large living space would be beneficial. It’s incredibly easy to use, and it looks sleek and sophisticated with a streamlined seat, pull handle and simple dial that alters the resistance. So, if you’re looking to boost your cardio with a big-ticket item, the Hydrow wave rower is well worth the investment.
How to store: Can be kept anywhere, from under the bed to in a cupboard
If you want to work out with weights, look no further than the Mirafit dumbbell set. Housed inside a handy carry case are two 0.5kg weights, two 1kg weights, two 2.5kg weights and two 2kg weights, neatly stored to fit in small spaces – we slotted them under our bed and sofa with ease. Wrapped in neoprene, they’re slightly soft to the touch and are perforated, making them easier to grip for heavy sweat sessions. Having the option of four different weights – although they aren’t the heaviest – made them invaluable for a huge range of activities, from yoga and pilates to longer, harder weight-lifting reps. If you’re looking to build muscle and tone, this is the bit of kit to go for.
How to store: Can be kept anywhere, from a drawer to a wardrobe
Skipping is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. What’s more, the only piece of equipment you need is a skipping rope, meaning it’s cheap, easy and takes up minimal space to store. Opting for a weighted skipping rope, such as this Domyos version, adds an extra element to your training, helping to tone your arms.
The soft fabric-wrapped handles are incredibly comfortable to hold, even with sweaty hands, and house 80g weights that can easily be removed by unscrewing the top of the handle. Of course, as with any skipping rope, it does hurt if you miss a step and catch yourself with the rope, but that only encouraged us to jump harder and faster.
You can easily cut the rope to the correct length by simply pulling it through the handles and snipping off any excess. So, if skipping is on your agenda, this Domyos weighted skipping rope is the tool for the job.
How to store: Keep in a spare room, home gym or garage
Peloton products need little introduction, and the tread is no exception. Named the best treadmill in our at-home treadmill guide, it wowed us with the easy to follow workouts the brand is famous for; the install service, and the sleek and sexy appearance. Similar to the Hydrow wave rower, this is a spenny piece of kit, so it isn’t one for those looking for a cheap and cheerful boost of motivation. But, if you are looking to seriously get into running or walking at home – not to mention myriad other gym classes, including yoga, weight training, dancing and pilates – and have the money to spend, we’d strongly encourage you to do so.
For those tight on space, it is one of the smaller treadmill options on the market, yet it has all the functions and features you’d expect from a top piece of kit. Intuitive controls and a touch-screen make it incredibly easy to use, and it also keeps close track of your progress after understanding your body type, weight, age and height. We think you’ll fall in love with this bit of kit, just as we did.
How to store: Can be kept anywhere, including in a gym bag or drawer
Similar in many ways to a resistance band, a resistance tube can be used in the same capacity but is, in our opinion, easier to hold on to, as it has handles. A quick Google search will show you a whole host of exercises, in case you need inspiration, but we found any form of upright rows, bicep curls or leg presses were greatly aided with this bit of kit.
The soft foam-wrapped handles made it incredibly easy to hold onto and wicked away sweat during tougher sessions too. The elasticated cord was long enough to reach above the head and legs for a full body stretch, so it really can work with every type of movement.
We opted for the heavy weight to push ourselves just that little bit further, but medium strength is also available for those looking for a lighter load (£9.99, Sportsdirect.com).
How to store: Keep in a small room, garage or fold up under a bed
A weight bench certainly isn’t a must-have for those looking to start their fitness journey, but if you are looking to work out with weights, it can certainly help elevate your routine and make things more comfortable.
Our favourite part about this bench compared with any other is that it can fold down, to be stored under a bed, for example. Although it is still relatively large, it’s nice to have this option compared with standard benches. Unsurprisingly, this made it a little less sturdy than some of the other options we’ve tried, but it’s still stable enough to handle up to 200kg. It’s rather soft to sit on, thanks to padded cushions, which make it quite comfortable, and the backrest adjusts in height, with four positions from flat to upright. So, for those looking to enhance their weight training, we trust this will do the trick.
Exercise: Yoga, pilates or any other stretching exercises
Suitable for: All ages and fitness levels
How to store: Can be kept anywhere, from under a bed to in a wardrobe or cupboard
The Corkspace yoga mat continues to impress us, day after day. While it is on the pricier side of the yoga mat offering, we promise you won’t be disappointed. Made from natural grounding rubber and soft cork, it protects your body from the ground, whether you’re crouching in crow or attempting an inversion. While we’ll confess to having incredibly sweaty hands and feet, we found this mat to have the best grip out of any other yoga mat we’ve tried, and there are no annoying bumps, thanks to the heaviness of the material. So, whether you’re diligent about doing your daily downward dog or are new to pilates or yoga, this piece of kit will be a great aid. The brand also stocks small accessories, such as a cork massage ball (£12, Corkspace.co.uk), to add an extra dimension to your practice, too.
How to store: Can be kept anywhere, from a drawer to in the car, ready for your next walk
Sometimes, the hardest part of working out can be finding the time to do it, and the Everlast ankle and wrist weights may be just the solution. Weighing 2.3kg each, the wraparound Velcro weights are designed to be used on ankles and wrists, easily adding an extra element to your daily walk, run or errands around the house. But, we will stress they are rather large and do feel heavier than expected, so wearing them on the ankles is certainly the easier option. They do take a bit of getting used to but, after a few minutes, you’re sure to feel your muscles working even harder, adding an extra element of strength training to your daily walk, even if it is just around the house.
How to store: Can be kept anywhere, including in a gym bag or drawer
Resistance bands are a fan-favourite piece of home gym equipment, taking up minimal space and aiding a whole host of different exercises. While this Gymshark one is specifically named the glute band, thanks to its wide size and medium strength, it can be used all over the body to aid a huge range of exercises.
The polyester-elastodiene fabric is sure to last much longer than any standard plastic-resistant bands that are prone to breaking. Inside, silicone taping helps to keep the band in place while working out, and it even comes in a small carry case for easy storage. Other prints and colours are available to buy, alongside a heavy strength (£13.50, Gymshark.com) and light strength (£13.50, Gymshark.com), although we’d recommend the medium option for those wanting moderate yet challenging exercises.
The medium we tried is out of stock at the moment, but both the light and heavy options are still available.
How to store: Can be kept anywhere, from under a bed to in a cupboard
If you’re looking to keep costs low and equipment at a minimum, one good set of weights can make a world of difference. For those just starting on their home fitness weight training journey, these Asda dumbbells are a great place to start. Cheap and cheerful, the pretty peach colour drew us in immediately, but it was the slightly textured material, size and shape that had us sold. Incredibly easy to hold, even with sweaty hands, they never once slipped and can be easily placed on the floor, thanks to the six flat edges, meaning storing them on any sort of shelf is also easier.
At just 3kg, they will aid any activity, such as bicep curls, squats and side lateral raises – one quick Google will leave you with endless exercise inspiration – and, over time, you may wish to progress to a heavier weight, as your strength starts to increase.
While the dumbells are now out of stock online, you may still be able to pick them up from your local Asda store.
One of our best buys, Everlast’s 4kg ankle/wrist weights are now half price (was £23.99, now £11.99, Sportsdirect.com) while Myprotein’s booty band (was £15, now 8.99, Myprotein.com) is also on sale with a discount of 40 per cent. A space saving choice for smaller home gym set-ups, it should stay put during leg day workouts thanks to the design featuring silicone taping.
For practicing your downward dog in the comfort of your one living room, head to H&M for a discount of more than 50 per cent on its black marbled yoga mat (was £24.99, now £12, Hm.com). While at Adidas you can get more than 30 per cent off its premium design (was £38, now £25.08, Adidas.co.ukl), which will also lend itself to ab workouts.
If you’re after a cross trainer with a discount then consider the Decathlon Domyos 500 model (was £299.99, now £279.99, Decathlon.co.uk) which features a 4kg flywheel, coaching and conveniently foldable design. With two pairs of hands on board, it’s said to take no longer than half an hour to set up.
The verdict: Home gym equipment
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.
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 Everlast resistance trainer, 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.
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