Best Home Gym & Exercise Equipment
Feel like the road to good intentions, and a great body comes with too many obstacles, including hefty gym fees and long queues to use the equipment? Have you thought about a home gym?
Having a gym in your house means you can workout whenever you want, and contrary to what you might think, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Regardless of your budget, or space at home, we have the best home gym and exercise options to suit both.
Our reviews include eight of the best pieces of exercise equipment for any home gym. And there is something to for every type of training session, from cardio and flexibility to strength and cross training.
| PRODUCT | DESCRIPTION | RATING | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Ultrasport Unisex F-Bike Bicycle TrainerEasy to assemble and has eight resistance settings | ££ | Check Price | |
  | TRX Training Suspension Trainer Basic KitAlthough it looks basic, the kit has over 300 different exercise options | ££ | Check Price | |
  | Revolution Balance Boards Fit 3-In-1 Balance Board Training SystemOne of the most versatile balance boards with balance, rocker and wobble options | £££ | Check Price | |
  | V-Fit Herculean CobraComplete home gym system that is good for lat pulls, leg extensions, hamstring curls, pec decs and more | ££££ | Check Price | |
  | Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable DumbbellsOne set of dumbbells replaces 15 individual sets | ££££ | Check Price | |
  | LL® R200 Luxury Home Rowing MachineAn affordable rowing machine with premium features | ££ | Check Price | |
  | Sportneer Multi-Grip Chin-Up Doorway Pull-Up BarPerfect for a variety of exercises including tricep dips, pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups | £ | Check Price |
Ultrasport Unisex F-Bike Bicycle Trainer
Easy to assemble and has eight resistance settings
££
TRX Training Suspension Trainer Basic Kit
Although it looks basic, the kit has over 300 different exercise options
££
Revolution Balance Boards Fit 3-In-1 Balance Board Training System
One of the most versatile balance boards with balance, rocker and wobble options
£££
V-Fit Herculean Cobra
Complete home gym system that is good for lat pulls, leg extensions, hamstring curls, pec decs and more
££££
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
One set of dumbbells replaces 15 individual sets
££££
Sportneer Multi-Grip Chin-Up Doorway Pull-Up Bar
Perfect for a variety of exercises including tricep dips, pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups
£
1. Ultrasport Unisex F-Bike Bicycle Trainer
If you are looking for a versatile piece of equipment to add to your home gym, the Ultrasport Unisex F-Bike Trainer is a solid choice.
With eight resistance levels, it offers an effective workout for people just starting out on their fitness journey, as well as intermediate users and pros. The seat is adjustable, and it has a weight capacity of approximately 286.6 lbs.
The pulse sensors on the handlebars give you all the information you need throughout your training session, including distance, speed, and the calories burned. Weighing in at around 39.6 pounds, the bike can be moved from one room to another, and the space-saving design means it folds away into a convenient and compact size.
Although there are no preset programmes, we like that this easy on the pocket, and on the joints.
2. TRX Training Suspension Trainer Basic Kit
Developed by a former Navy Seal, you don’t get much better than the TRX Training Suspension Kit. The deceptively simple looking kit made up of straps, handles and hooks turns into an effective gym when set up.
When it is done correctly, suspension training gives you a full body workout that you don’t get from traditional equipment like dumbbells and barbells. The system not only increases your flexibility and stability, but it also works all your muscle groups, including your core.
Portable and versatile, the TRX Training system can be used anywhere inside your home, as well as outdoors, and it is perfect for travelling.
3. Revolution Balance Boards Fit 3-In-1 Balance Board Training System
Rock, roll and wobble your way to fitness with the Revolution Balance Board. One of the major drawbacks of balance boards is that they’re not very versatile. In the past, depending on your goals, you would have had to buy a roller board, a wobble board or a rocker board.
The Revolution 3-in-1 Balance Board is suitable for everyone and includes a the flat-bottom rocker for newbies, the inflated wobble board that works your core and, for fitness fanatics wanting a real challenge, the roller board. With a weight capacity of 350 lbs, it is sturdy and durable, and while some people think it is on the pricey side, we think it is a great investment.
4. V-Fit Herculean Cobra
With a weight stack of 69 lbs, a bench press with approximately 140 lbs worth of resistance and seven different stations, this is a complete home gym system that combines quality with affordability.
While it looks like a monster of a unit, the V-Fit Herculean saves on space with a weight bench that folds up for easy storage. And the multi-gym can be used for tricep presses and bicep curls to lat pulls, leg extensions as well as hamstring curls. The Herculean isn’t the cheapest piece of equipment on our list, but if you want an all-in-one home gym that tone, build and strengthen all your major muscle groups, then this is it.
5. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
No home gym is complete without dumbbells. And these adjustable ones from Bowflex are the only pair you will ever need.
Granted, these beauties don’t come cheap, but with 15 different weight settings that range from five pounds all the way up to 52,5, you probably won’t need to buy another barbell or dumbbell again. They are quick and easy to adjust, and unlike sets that can only be changed in increments of five or 10 pounds, the SelectTech 552’s allow for more precise settings.
The dumbbells are a little longer than you would expect, and while it takes some getting used to, it definitely isn’t a dealbreaker. Besides, serious gym buffs will know that the longer design means you get more of a workout because you are using your stabiliser muscles.
6. JLL® R200 Luxury Home Rowing Machine
Another must-have is a rowing machine, and more specifically the JLL R200. Granted it probably won’t give an experienced rower the workout they want, for a home gym, it is perfect.
There are 10 resistance levels and LCD display screen that lets you know time and distance rowed, as well as counts per minute, a total count, and of course, the number of calories burned. A feature worth mentioning is the “scan” mode that automatically flips between the readings so you can focus on your rowing rather than fiddling with buttons.
The R200 manages to combine affordability and quality, and while it might not have all the gadgets and gizmos of the more expensive rowing machines out there, it is a great addition to any home gym.
7. Sportneer Pull-Up Bar
The Sportneer Doorway Pull Up Bar turns any doorway into a workout area at a very affordable price. The simple piece of equipment has a weight capacity of 330 pounds, and lets you work the various muscle groups on your back, chest, arms and core with pull-ups, chin-ups, as well as sit-ups and push-ups.
Assembling the pull-up bar is easy, although we suggest you take your time to make sure it is done properly. For your safety, the handgrips are made from a non-slip material and the reinforced padding either end keeps your door frames scratch free.
The pull-up bar is proof that effective gym equipment doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take up a lot of space.
Best Home Gym & Exercise Equipment: The Advantages plus a Buyer’s Guide
If the idea of going to a gym is stopping you from getting into shape, then maybe it is time you brought the gym to you.
With the wide range of exercise equipment available for home use, it should come as no surprise that people are turning their living space into their very own fitness centres, without spending a small fortune.
Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits of a home gym.
Saves You Money
One of the main benefits of a home gym is the money you end up saving. With memberships costing anything between £20 and £100 or more a month, going to the gym regularly isn’t necessarily within everyone’s means anymore. And unlike fitness centres with loads of machines you don’t actually use, you can choose exactly what you want for your specific goals.
Workout When You Want
Nothing beats the convenience of being able to work out when you want. You don’t have to worry about opening and closing times, or beating the peak-time rush. Also, being able to work out at a preferred time every day establishes a routine that you can stick to.
No More Queues
Argh! The number one frustration with busy gyms is waiting to use a piece of equipment. A home gym means you never have to stand in line again.
No Distractions
It is easy to get distracted in a gym, what with the loud music, the TV screens and people constantly coming and going. If it is your local centre, there is a good chance you are going to bump into someone you know, and feel obliged to make small talk. At home, with no distractions, you can focus on your workout and not worry about anything else.
Only Pay for What You Need
When you join a gym, chances are you are paying for a lot of equipment you don’t actually need. The great thing with a home gym is being able to buy the right gear for what you are wanting to achieve. If for example, your goal is to lose weight, you won’t need to buy squat racks.
Home Gym and Exercise Equipment Buyer’s Guide
Setting up a gym in your home is easier than you think. And there is equipment to suit all types of budgets and any size home. But to make sure it meets you needs and serves its purpose, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Price
Don’t let the (perceived) cost of a home gym put you off. You can start off with a skipping rope and a dumbbell or two. Or spend a little more and get the JLL R200 rower for a full body workout. Don’t commit to the more expensive items like the V-Fit Herculean Cobra until you 100% sure you are going to use it.
On the other hand, don’t skimp so badly that you are replacing equipment after a month or two. Make sure it durable, well made and has a warranty.
Size
When we talk about size we’re referring to the size of the room or area that you will be using, as well as the size of the equipment you plan on having. If you know space is limited, look at gym equipment that can be folded or moved easily. The Ultrasport Unisex F-Bike Bicycle Trainer, TRX Training Suspension Trainer Basic Kit or pull up bar are ideal for smaller spaces.
How many people will be using it
You need to decide homw many people will be using the home gym, and what will it be used for. Is the room going to have machines that are child or pet friendly? And probably ties in with where the fitness room or area will be.
If you aren’t comfortable with little ones running around, it is worth talking about a location that everyone will be happy with.
What do you want to achieve
This might take some introspection, but you need to figure out your fitness goals before you spend a penny. If you want to bulk up you will need something like the V-Fit Herculean Cobra, whereas flexibility and core training would need the Revolution 3-in-1 Balance Board
But Am I Going to Use My Home Gym
Let’s be upfront here. If you aren’t sure as to whether or not you will use the gym equipment, we have two suggestions. The first one is simple: Don’t waste your time. Working out requires dedication and commitment and there is a chance you don’t have either yet.
Our second suggestion is to use your own money to buy the equipment, so nothing is wasted.
Have you got a gym at home? And what kind of equipment is in it? Are there any exercise machines that you can’t live without? Or maybe there was something that you had to have in the beginning but now it sits gathering dust? Tell us in the comments below.
Tom Purton is a fitness junkie. Testing the latest and greatest products on the market and writing reviews in the strength, nutrition, running and many more. For more information about the latest reviews check out Ghost Fitness.
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