Best After Christmas Deals Sales for Easy to Store Away a Small Home Gym
The best home gym equipment can help you get fit easier than just doing sit-ups all day long in your living room. If you're after specific gains, whether losing weight or building muscle, you'll need the right gear to get you there sooner. We have all the essential home gym equipment and links to all the relevant buying guides listed below.
Even now that gyms have reopened worldwide and everyone scrabbles to avoid weight gain at home, the best home gym equipment is in demand like never before. Things have improved significantly since peak lockdown, but considering that the world is still going in and out of lockdowns, we'd advise everyone to start seriously considering building a home gym if they are planning on staying fit at home.
In theory, there is a LOT of equipment to choose from, but admittedly, it requires research to know which machines, weights and whatnot are the best. That's why many people give up before even taking the first step.
We have dozens of home gym buying guides that could take hours to pore over even here on T3. To save you from staring at the screen for hours reading them all, we decided to create one ultimate guide that lists ALL the best home gym equipment from all categories, giving you the very best and most affordable models in each.
Best home gym equipment to buy right now
T3's favourite dumbbells
Modular dumbbells have a lot of advantages over regular, single-weight dumbbells, in a home gym environment. They take up much less space and it is also more convenient to switch between weights. And when it comes to modular dumbbells, nothing compares to the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells, being one of the most coveted home gym equipment in general.
These beasts from Bowflex pack 2-24 or 4-41kg in each dumbbell, depending on the model you go for, with weight selection as easy as spinning a dial. When paired with a simple weights bench, they offer an effective alternative to a gym floor, yet don't require an entire rack to house.
There are other modular dumbbell brands and models, of course, but Bowflex's SelectTech range wins by offering an experience similar to classic dumbbells and merging this experience with the convenience of the dial switch. the different weights are not colour coded, though, so pay attention to which setting the dial is on before you try to lift the dumbbells off the plastic holding tray.
Overall, a great solution for those who like to push on with intensive 'drop set' workouts or for those who are tight on space. In fact, our only real reservation is the price, which will make you sweat before you even try to lift them.
(Image credit: Mirafit)
If you prefer and have space for storing multiple dumbbells, opt in for the Mirafit Rubber Dumbbell Set. You can buy them as you go along and the weight range is pretty good so it will see you through many years of home exercising. You can go from 5 kilo all the the way up to 35 kilo per dumbbell in 2.5 kg increments.
Needless to say, to buy all the different weights would not only take up significant amount of space but it would also cost quite lot, too, so be considerate before you decide to buy another set. It's best to check what weight range you use in a gym most often and get the corresponding weights for your home gym.
The Mirafit Rubber Dumbbell Set – as the name suggests – has a rubber cover on the plates so they make less sound as you throw them down on the hard floor in the living room (please don't throw weights around). The rubber coating also helps the dumbbells stay in place once they are on the floor. The handles are knurled, making them easier to hold without the weights spinning as you perform your barbell curls. Which is pretty much the only exercise you will do with these weights, let's face it.
- Our full guide: the best dumbbells (opens in new tab)– the best weights to use at home
T3's favourite kettlebells
(Image credit: TRX)
Kettlebells are probably almost as versatile as dumbbells, and even better, most kettlebell exercises are less stationery, helping you build functional muscles as a result. Just like Bowflex with modular dumbbells, TRX is the household name in the world of kettlebells.
Its premium line of kettlebells (opens in new tab) (retailer link) are all beautifully finished, and each one has been put through a "premium gravity cast moulding process", which is said to increase durability. It also results in that lovely, flat bottom, which makes it easier to rest the kettlebell on the floor when switching hands during an arduous squat push press routine.
The different weights have colour-coded handles, making it easier to distinguish them and pick up the correct one, even if the side with numbers on facing away from you. The available weight range is between 4-24 kg, although, for anything heavier than 16 kilos, you will have to contact TRX directly. Not like a 16-kilo kettlebell is not enough for most two-handed kettlebell exercises.
(Image credit: Opti/Argos)
The Opti Kettlebell range (opens in new tab) (retailer link) manages to offer decent quality for a very reasonable price: the lightest, 2-kilo Opti Vinyl Kettlebell costs as little as £5.99 at Argos. Granted, not many people will be able to have a proper workout using a single 2kg kettlebell, but still, it can give you an idea just how well priced Opti kettlebells are.
On the downside, the heaviest Opti kettlebell you can get is the 10 kg variety, and if you are planning on doing some demanding kettlebell swing sessions, a single 10-kilo kettlebell might not cut it. You can, of course, do more reps with smaller weights and eventually get a 12kg or even 16kg kettlebell if you think you can't possibly do more than a 100 reps with the 10kg Opti Vinyl Kettlebell.
The Opti Kettlebells are compact and quiet and the different weights have different colours too. Not just the handles, the whole kettlebell has been coated with coloured vinyl, making them striking looking and the handles a bit slippery when your palms are sweaty. For the price, though, we are not complaining.
- Read our full guide on the best kettlebell here
T3's favourite weight benches
Despite the reasonable asking price, the Mirafit Heavy Duty 260kg FID Weight Bench still packs a solid frame constructed from 7cm x 5cm steel tubing. It also boasts premium extras such as the small wheels at the back and a handle at the front for easy manoeuvrability around the sofa or the debris on the garage floor.
Working your pecs from all the different angles won't come easier than this. The Mirafit Heavy Duty 260kg FID Weight Bench has six backrest angles and four individual seat angles that allow a great selection of positions from which to perform gun-busting routines.
As versatile as the Mirafit Heavy Duty 260kg FID Weight Bench is, it doesn't come with a weights rack, so unless you add one, the bench is more suitable for use with dumbbells and other small weights.
- Read our full best weight bench guide here
T3's favourite home multi-gym
The Life Fitness G7 multi-gym is a professional-grade setup for private use, featuring hefty dual-weight stacks, fully adjustable twin pulleys and a chin-up bar, making it one of the most all-encompassing systems that you can own and giving you the ability to workout almost every conceivable muscle group in the body.
With the Life Fitness G7 multi-gym, you can perform 55 different exercises, but you will need definitely need some floor space to house this gargantuan beast of home gym equipment. It measures over two metres tall, around two metres wide and the same depth, which is quite a lot of floor space to take up. It's not cheap either.
In fact, buying a Life Fitness G7 multi-gym will set you back £2500/$2999, and that price doesn't include the optional weight bench, adding that on will cost an extra £500/$500.
However, the US-built contraption is designed and constructed to last for many years, and that hefty initial outlay does include free installation, a training DVD with two workout routines, an exercise book with over 60 exercises and a bunch of pulley attachments to ensure you hit every muscle that counts. Also, it removes the need to work out near people. Money well spent, then.
With a 57kg weight stack and a pulley system that equates to a maximum resistance of 150kg on the leg developer pads, the Weider 8700 home multi-gym offers great bang for the buck and is great for anyone looking to pile on the mass at home.
A chunky construction and comfortable pads make up for the fact that the amount of adjustability on the back pad is limited (no flat press here), but it's still possible to conduct all manner of exercises without the space typically required by free weights and barbells.
The Weider 8700 home multi-gym is best for upper body workouts since there is really only one leg exercise you can do with it: seated leg extensions. Given the low price tag, cutting some corners are to be expected, so we are not all disappointed after all.
- Read our full best home multi-gym guide here
T3's favourite fitness wearables
(Image credit: Garmin)
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a great compromise between top-notch features and price, whilst not being a compromise at all. Many people will say 'but it looks the same as the Forerunner 935' and you know what? They are right. But whilst the Forerunner 945 has retained the look and feel of the Forerunner 935, on the inside, it has been completely revamped.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 uses the new Elevate optical heart rate sensor, which is more accurate than the 935's HR sensor. The Forerunner 945 also uses a new GPS chip that manages battery life better and it is more accurate than its predecessor as well. You probably won't need this for indoor training but in case you ever want to use the watch outdoors, you can rest assured it is capable enough.
The Forerunner 945 also has many of Garmin's latest-gen features, including PulseOx, Body Battery energy monitor, Training Load Focus and many more. Some of these features are more casual than hardcore, but that's okay, if I were Garmin, I would like to make my top-tier products more appealing to everyday users too.
- Read our full best running watch guide here
(Image credit: Fitbit)
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a very enjoyable fitness smartwatch. It offers more functionality and better looks than most fitness trackers but it's maybe not quite as smart and precise as the Apple Watch Series 5. That comparison might not be fair, though, as the Fitbit Versa 3 offers great functionality for much less than the Apple Watch 5.
The Versa 3 is a well-rounded offer from Fitbit and comes with built-in GPS, in-app workout intensity map, PurePulse 2.0 optical heart rate sensor and the Active Zone Minutes feature to monitor your fitness activities, even when you're not actively logging workouts. The heart rate sensor and the built-in GPS could be more accurate but for everyday sports activities, they are more than adequate.
The Fitbit Versa 3 also has a built-in speaker and microphone to take quick phone calls, send calls to voicemail and adjust call volume straight from the wrist – although you will look like a 'special' agent if you know what I mean.
Considering the asking price, the Fitbit Versa 3 is definitely a great buy. Should you find one for a discounted price – which will inevitably happen sooner or later – we recommend getting one, even if you already have a Versa 2.
- Read our full best fitness tracker guide here
(Image credit: Polar)
If you don't want to buy more than one heart rate monitor to track more than one type of sport, your best bet is on the Polar H10. It is the "most accurate heart rate sensor in Polar's history" and in fact, the Polar H10 can monitor your ticker very accurately.
The best thing is, the Polar H10 has built-in memory for one exercise, so you can wrap the heart rate monitor around your chest, start the exercise in the Polar Beat app and then leave the phone behind. The strap will sync with the phone once you are back home. More on this here (opens in new tab).
Polar H10 can connect to fitness apps, sports and smartwatches, and gym equipment using Bluetooth and ANT+ connection. Polar H10 can be connected to Bluetooth and ANT+ devices simultaneously, so you can hook it up with your watch and your turbo trainer as well at the same time.
As for comfort, the Polar H10 is equipped with the Polar Pro strap that sports a range of little non-slip dots along the inside of the belt. These help the belt stay in position without making it feel too synthetic.
- Read our full best heart rate monitor guide here
T3's favourite indoor exercise bikes
The Atom is Wattbike's most accessible smart bike trainer, but it's definitely not for everyone. Given how well it can recreate real-life riding conditions and its ability to provide you with various metrics without having to purchase additional sensors, the Wattbike Atom will suit serious amateur and professional riders the most.
Wattbike has long been the master of creating professional-grade indoor cycling equipment that offers more feedback than a heavy metal concert in a wardrobe, but now it has turned its attention to the private home market.
The Atom condenses all of the sensors and technical nous of the standard, gym-dwelling Wattbike into one very stylish package, designed to take on the increasingly popular new breed of smart turbo trainers.
When plugged in and synced up to a smart device, the Wattbike Atom shows off its fancy, innovative Climb Mode, which automatically adjusts resistance when connected to virtual training software. So when you hit a hill during a Zwift session, the resistance ramps up to match.
Wattbike's own, detailed app measures 37 different riding metrics, which can be displayed on a smartphone or tablet (there's a neat holder for that) while training. Considering all the features you can enjoy using the Wattbike Atom, the hefty price tag doesn't seem all that steep after all.
(Image credit: Domyos)
What can we say? The Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100 is the ideal choice for people who would like to get fit with indoor cycling but aren't planning on spending heap loads of money on a Wattbike. And although the Wattbike is worth every penny, if you just want to pedal around at home a few times a week, the Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100 will do just fine.
This indoor cycle was designed by Decathlon's teams for occasional to regular use and it has been tested for an average use of five hours a week, which is fair play as you really shouldn't expect a stationary bike for this price to withstand hours of gruelling spinning workouts every day.
That said, the Bike 100 is a fairly stable bike thanks to its steel frame and stabilising pads for uneven floors. The 12 kg flywheel is plenty heavy enough for lighter workouts and the leather brake pad will ensure that the flywheel won't make screeching noises when it's being stopped.
The seat is adjustable in both height and depth and the handlebar is also height adjustable.
- Read our full best exercise bike guide here
T3's favourite turbo trainers
The Tacx Neo 2's shell has a more powerful chipset, compared to its predecessor, to further improve the realistic ride quality (and progressive resistance control) of what was already a super-smooth trainer. It's quieter, too, with virtually the only noise being the gentle hum of your drivetrain - ideal, if you live in a flat or, don't want to disturb your partner while laying down the power in a set of intervals.
The revamped internals mean the Neo 2 now offers left-right power data and pedal stroke analysis, boosting its position as a pro-grade piece of kit, plus the upgraded electronics future-proof the trainer against further software updates. Additional compatibility for 142x12mm and 148x12mm axles means you can use the Neo 2 with virtually any bike (rim or disc brake).
Otherwise, the Neo 2 retains all the features that made us love the original, including the ability to simulate rough road surfaces on Zwift (opens in new tab) (gravel, cobbles etc), and you get a little boost on virtual descents. ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth Smart connectivity ensure the Neo can be hooked up to a range of third-party software, including Tacx's own app. Finally, data fiends will be happy, with the Neo 2 capable of handling 2,200 watts (whether your legs are, is an entirely different story), with a claimed power accuracy of 1%.
On the flip side, the same sticking points as the original Neo apply here: this is a seriously heavy unit (21.5kg) and while the trainer folds up when in use the large (and very stable) footprint takes up more floor space than most. There's no doubt the Neo 2 is expensive too but that price tag is backed up by first-class performance.
(Image credit: Wahoo)
You have to love the Wahoo Kickr Snap Bike Trainer. It takes the hassle out of indoor cycling training and makes good use of the road bike you've already got. Unlike indoor training bikes, it takes up very little space since you can fold it up and store it behind your wardrobe or out of the way, leaning against the wall.
Setting up the Wahoo Kickr Snap Bike Trainer is dead simple, unfold, mount the bike, plug it in, pair it with a phone/tablet and you can start cycling straight away. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes the first time and even less after the initial setup.
The Wahoo Kickr Snap Bike Trainer is also well-connected to third party apps: let it be Zwift, Sufferfest or TrainerRoad, you will find an app you can use to structure your indoor training sessions effectively (a full list of apps can be found here (opens in new tab))
The Wahoo Kickr Snap Bike Trainer is a versatile and reasonable indoor smart trainer that provides a lot of features, superb build quality and a great cycling experience for cyclists of all abilities.
- Read our full best turbo trainer guide here
T3's favourite treadmills
(Image credit: Wolverson Fitness)
The Assault AirRunner does so much more than a standard treadmill. It doesn't sport the typical motor-powered belt like others but instead feeds off user input to crank up the resistance and adapt with effort.
This off-grid running machine runs on your energy and just like the Waterrower, the more energy you put in, the harder it will be to run on the Assault AirRunner. Although the curved running surface does provide a more natural running motion, don't let this fool you: you will be working pretty hard here.
The Assault AirRunner is not cheap, in fact, it is one of the most expensive items on this list. However, for the money, you get commercial grade gym equipment with a belt that is said to last up to 150,000 miles of use. Since there is no electricity involved, there is less chance of something going wrong with the Assault AirRunner anytime soon.
(Image credit: Kettler)
The relatively small running deck might feel a little weedy compared to the mammoth machines found in your local gym, but the compact dimensions also make it a great option for those short on space. The vertical grab handles are a nice touch, as they allow for steep incline power walking with the added bonus of heart rate monitoring. The built-in speakers and numerous HIIT workout plans are also nice touches.
For under a grand, you are not going to get anything better than this. Realistically, you should spend more to get a more gym-like experience but this will serve most people's needs very nicely indeed, thank you.
- Read our full best treadmills guide here
T3's favourite rowing machines
Just take a few moments to admire the beauty of the WaterRower. Fashioned from solid ash and stained honey oak, it is designed to resemble the glorious vessels found spearing down the Thames during the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.
This is more than just a seductive household ornament, though. This cleverly conceived rower features a decidedly moist flywheel that's designed to mimic the feeling of gliding across the watery surface.
According to its US maker, every WaterRower Natural frame is hand-built using solid ash wood, sustainably sourced from the Appalachians. It is then stained in honey oak and finished with light Danish oil. One could say, creating every single WaterRower is an international effort.
A small S4 Performance Monitor comes with the package and displays distance, stroke rate, workout duration and distance without the need to plug into the mains. And although the WaterRower is not foldable, the relatively clunky 50 kg unit does feature guide wheels at the rear and is designed to be stored vertically when not in use.
Storing rowing machines can be a bit tricky. Not all of them look as classy as the WaterRower, meaning that your significant other will probably mind having them laying around on the floor in the living room all the time, ready for a workout.
The NordicTrack RX800 Rowing Machine offers a solution for this: it can not only be wheeled around using the castors at the bottom of the rower, but the rower itself also folds so it takes up less space when not in use.
Perhaps not as robust and weighty as the Concept 2 or WaterRower, this space-saving alternative still delivers the goods with ten different resistance settings, a selection of workouts via the digital screen and built-in speakers that will happily accept tunes from a standard 3.5mm jack. We don't see much point in playing music through the little speakers, though, many smartphones have better speakers nowadays.
- Read our full best rowing machine guide here
T3's favourite elliptical trainers
(Image credit: Nordictrack)
Some home gym equipment is not only gym-grade quality, but also priced accordingly, like the Assualt AirRunner Curved Treadmill. Others, like this NordicTrack E11.5 elliptic trainer, has a solid semi-commercial construction without the premium price tag.
The NordicTrack E11.5 elliptic trainer improved on many fronts from its predecessor: it has a longer stride length, 20 resistance levels, 10-30 percent incline modes and a lighter yet more efficient flywheel.
The 5-inch display might not be the strongest point of the NordicTrack E11.5 but it still offers 30 individual personal trainer workouts (10 in each category: calorie/performance/intensity) that automatically adjust incline and resistance.
There is a built-in fan as well, which might be oversized but not too strong, good enough for non-strenuous workouts.
Finally, while the 87kg E11.5 isn't exactly the most portable machine around, it has been designed to fold almost in half, so it can be lifted, wheeled away and stored in a cupboard when not in use.
(Image credit: JTX Fitness)
For this price, it's rather difficult to find something to criticise about the JTX Strider X7 cross-trainer. Not only it is JTX Fitness' most popular home cross trainer, it is also well rated by customers. And not just the actual machine, but JTX's customer service too, so even if you have an issue, it will quickly be resolved by a JTX customer service rep.
The JTX Strider-X7 has a 12.5 kg flywheel, plenty heavy for even stronger users. The stride length is less than the NordicTrack E11.5 – 16 inches – but in return, the JTX Strider X7 is more compact and has transport castors as well. It is not foldable, though.
There is a computer with a colour screen mounted on the JTX Strider X7 too, and although it is not the most advanced display ever, there are 21 pre-set programs available straight out of the box on it. The JTX Strider X7 has pulse sensors on the handle and a built-in Polar receiver to connect to compatible Polar technology.
- Read our full best elliptical guide here
- Read our full best yoga mat guide here
T3's favourite ab roller
(Image credit: SKLZ)
If you thought ab rollers are only good to work your abs, you cannot be further away from the truth. With the SKLZ Core Wheels, you can train your shoulders, hips and torso too.
Since the system includes two individual wheels, you can move them separately and take your core exercising to the next level. The Core Wheels are lightweight and sport ergonomic handles.
- Read our full best ab roller guide here
T3's favourite suspension trainers
(Image credit: TRX)
This all-in-one package is designed get even complete suspension training newbies into the swing of it, with the excellent TRX workout guide acting as detailed bedtime reading in order to get the most out of each session.
Its patented single point anchoring system promotes stability and encourages proper form throughout each exercise, while this kit includes everything you need to workout anywhere.
A choice of either a door anchor or the traditional TRX anchor, which loops around tree branches, posts or anything else that will easily take bodyweight without collapsing, increases the versatility.
This pack also comes with a handy carry bag, which makes it possible to bundle up the kit and easily shove it in a backpack or small bag when travelling. Those regularly working away or travelling the world can easily create a gym in the hotel room.
- Read our full best suspension trainer guide here
T3's favourite resistance bands
Simple in design and excellent value for money, WODFitters flat bands are versatile enough for pull ups, chin ups, ring dips and muscle ups. They can also be used for power-lifting sessions.
Made from multiple layers of tough rubber, they're designed to last without suffering deformation over time.
Each band is lightweight and easily foldable making them great for travelling and an accompanying e-guide helps users of all levels expand their exercise repertoire.
- Read our full best resistance band guide here
T3's favourite pull up bar
(Image credit: Body Power)
Door pull up bars are really popular among people who live in rented accommodations: no need to get permission from the landlord to drill holes in the wall in order to build that beautiful V-shape back doing pull ups and chiselled abs doing hanging leg raises.
The Body Power Door Gym can also be used on the floor, so you can perform box dips and elevated push ups too. When used as a pull up frame, make sure you check A) that it fits on the door frame and B) that it supports your weight before you buy it.
- Read our full best pull up bar guide
(Image credit: Bowflex)
What is the best home gym equipment?
Your personal fitness goal will determine what is the best home gym equipment for you. We all have different goals, let it be the need to lose weight fast (opens in new tab) or to tone up, maybe both. You shouldn't get a pull up bar if your aim is to lose belly fat (opens in new tab) and no need to invest in a treadmill if you want to build muscle mass.
If you have some money to burn on home gym equipment and your aim is to build functional muscles, get the Assault AirRunner Curve Treadmill (opens in new tab). It might be an investment at the beginning, but this wonder-machine can help you lose fat and build muscle too. It has a commercial grade belt and doesn't require any electricity either.
Should you want to build muscle mass at home, get the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells (opens in new tab). Dumbbells are the single most versatile home weights you can have and with them, you can work out your whole body. The Bowflex SelectTech range is said to provide best-in-class dumbbell workout experience, a pair of them replacing more than 20 dumbbells.
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Source: https://www.t3.com/features/best-home-gym-equipment
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