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Best home gym equipment 2026: kick-start your routine and skip the pricey gym membership
Workout accessories to get you fit and healthy without leaving the house, from push-up bars to punching bags
If the thought of overpaying for an expensive gym makes you sweat, why not invest in home gym equipment instead?
Before you splash out on another pricey membership for a crowded gym, it could be worth considering buying your own equipment to save money in the long run.
Whether you’re aiming to lift heavier, stretch further, punch harder or run faster, here is the best home gym equipment loved by Which? experts.
Best home gym equipment for cardio
Skipping rope
Available from Dope Ropes (£24.99)
Daily skipping has revolutionised my health and fitness. Sometimes I'll skip as a warm-up before a run, or if I've not got much time for a full workout, I'll just put on a couple of songs and skip for five or 10 minutes. These skipping ropes are well made, and I like using the weighted edition (1/4lb weight) for extra cardio – just to add, 1/4lb is on the lighter spectrum of weighted skipping ropes.
We like: Portable and inexpensive
Watch out for: Needs plenty of space to use
Turning a playground game into a fun workout, skipping is a great way to get your heart pumping without leaving the house. Plus, skipping ropes are compact, easy to store and inexpensive.
There are a couple of different types to pick from. A standard skipping rope is good for beginners, and the cheapest option starts at around £5.
If you want to push yourself further, you can grab a speed rope or a weighted rope. Speed ropes are lightweight, durable and designed to be used at high speeds. A weighted rope, as the name implies, is chunkier and has more bulk to it.
Exercise bike
We like: Entry-level exercise bike
Watch out for: Not foldable
Having an exercise bike at home may help you increase your heart rate and endurance while toning lower-body muscles.
The Domyos Essential Exercise Bike could be a good starting point for beginners. It’s inexpensive but still has a battery-powered console built in to track four different areas (calories, distance, duration and speed).
Read our guide to the best exercise bikes to find out more and see other similar options.
Cross trainer
A cross trainer is a great device for building cardiovascular fitness without impact, making it particularly good for anyone with knee or other joint issues. It also – if used correctly – is a real whole-body workout, using both arms and legs effectively.
We like: Powered by your movements
Watch out for: Bulky piece of equipment
A cross trainer gives you a cardio workout while working the muscles in your arms, legs, core and back.
It takes up more space than other home gym equipment, but could also put less pressure on knee joints than other cardio, such as running.
This Domyos cross trainer can be placed anywhere in your home because it's powered by your movement, instead of a power cable.
The console displays six functions (time, distance, speed, calories, heart rate and cadence).
See our guide on how to buy the best cross trainer.
Rowing machine
I'm always surprised how little use rowing machines seem to get, at least in my gym. They are a brilliant way to get a cardio workout while using not just your legs but your core, back and arms too. And all with low impact on joints, too. You can use them for a set amount of time as 'steady state cardio' or incorporate bursts on them into a HIIT-style workout.
We like: LCD display to display data
Watch out for: Takes up space
The NordicTrack RW300 is an affordable home rowing machine for a high-intensity, full-body workout.
Its display allows you to visualise your performance and improve your rowing efficiency. There are 26 levels of digital resistance to challenge you, no matter whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. And it can be easily moved around thanks to the built-in wheels and the fact that it can be stood up when you aren't using it.
See our guide on how to buy the best rowing machine.
Treadmill
Before buying a treadmill, first consider how often you'll use it and how much space you have available. Some fold away easily where as others are quite sizeable. Fancy features like a heart monitor and different workout programs often cost more, so really consider how much you'll use them before paying over the odds.
We like: Folds away and includes preset training programmes
We don’t like: Fairly expensive
If you’re not a fan of running outdoors, especially in wet and cold weather, a treadmill is a great solution. You will need plenty of space for it, though.
Domyos’ Comfortable Treadmill T520B features a console that displays various data about your run or walk, including time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate. It has 10 pre-set programmes tailored to different fitness goals, and there’s even a tablet holder to keep you entertained.
Read our guide to the best treadmills to find out more and see other similar options.
Best home gym equipment for strength
Wrist weights
To level up my home workouts, I invested in a set of wrist weights. I now wear them for everything from yoga to long walks – they are helping me build strength and increase the intensity of my routine.
We like: You can adjust the weight
Watch out for: Buy two pairs for wrists and ankles
An easy way to level up your fitness is to start using wrist and ankle weights.
Designed to boost calorie burn and muscle engagement, they are the perfect addition for all kinds of workouts, from Pilates to jogging.
The Sportneer set has adjustable straps and removable weights, so you can increase or decrease the difficulty depending on the type of workout.
Push-up bars
Push-ups can be a far more well-rounded exercise than you might expect, but to get the most from them, investing in a good set of push-up bars is a must. This set is light yet solid, with rubberised grips at the bottom so they don't slide around on the floor, allowing you to adjust the position for different exercises without feeling like an accident waiting to happen.
We like: Takes the stress off your wrists
Watch out for: It’s harder than normal push-ups
Push-up bars allow for a deeper range of motion than a regular push-up on the floor. It maximises chest and shoulder activation while protecting your wrists with a neutral grip.
Sturdy and versatile, they are the perfect tool for perfecting your L-sits, planks and total-body strength training.
Resistance bands
Available from Decathlon (£8.99)
Resistance bands are a great bit of equipment both for warming up and physio. They take up no space and can be used for a range of upper-body and lower-body exercises. I had a pretty bad shoulder injury a few years ago and I credit resistance bands for a great deal of my recovery.
We like: Five resistance levels
Watch out for: Less accurate than lifting weights
Resistance bands are easy-to-store elastic loops that are often colour-coded to indicate their strength level. You'll need to use tension to challenge your muscles. The more you stretch the band, the stronger the resistance. They can be easier than weights to get to grips with and improve your form.
A thicker band offers greater resistance. You may also want to try buying a bundle of bands that offer varying levels of resistance. That way, you can work your way through the colours over time.
Some will wrap around your legs, while others come with handles ('handled bands') and are pulled on to build upper body and arm strength.
Yoga mat
The yoga mat allows you to comfortably perform stretches and other floor based exercises (abs, press ups etc). For me, the yoga mat is a must have for any home workout set up - especially if you have hard floors.
We like: Includes a carry strap
Watch out for: People with sensitive knees may need a thicker mat
Essential for any home gym setup, an exercise mat provides a comfortable, non-slip surface for all kinds of workouts.
They’re quick to wipe clean, and when you’re done, you can just roll them back up and store them away until next time.
Weight vest
Available from Mirafit (£49.95)
Weighted vests are super useful if you want to do zone 2 workouts without running. It lets you walk but pushes your heart rate into zone 2, and that lets you actually enjoy seeing things on your run/walk. It's like a run, but for people who hate running!
We like: One-size-fits-all unisex design
Watch out for: Not suitable for distance running
With individual 1kg iron blocks, this Mirafit weight vest can be tailored to the type of exercise you’re doing and your ability.
You can buy it in three weights (10kg, 20kg and 30kg) adding and removing blocks as you go.
The vest is one-size-fits-all with an adjustable strap to fit it to your body. Use it to increase your endurance level during runs, workouts, HIIT or other routines.
See our guide on how to buy the best weighted vest.
Dumbbells
Easy to stash at home in your bedroom, so there's no excuse not to break them out and use them. Everyone in my household has their own pair at a weight that suits them. Strength training is really important for your bone heath – not just for toning and building muscle. And even light ones (like mine) can make a difference.
We like: Comes with storage stand
Watch out for: You’ll need to buy heavier weights as your strength increases
Your home gym won’t be complete without a set of dumbbells, and this one even comes with a handy stand to store them neatly when you aren’t using them.
If you’re a beginner, start with small weights: this set comes with a pair of 1kg, 2kg and 3kg dumbbells. There are heavier-weight options available, too.
Adjustable hand grip exerciser
It's simple to use and can develop hand grip strength, which will assist with daily tasks.
We like: Strengthen hands, forearms, wrists and fingers
Watch out for: Be sure to rest properly between sessions
A spring-loaded tool designed to increase the strength of your hands, forearms, wrists and fingers, a hand grip exerciser may also help you improve your ability in other exercises like deadlifts, rock climbing, tennis and more.
This hand grip exerciser is adjustable from 10kg to 60kg. You'll only need to use it for a few minutes before you start to feel the burn.
Ab roller wheel
The ab roller has been surprisingly effective, especially for such a basic-looking and inexpensive bit of kit. My husband has even developed a new six-pack after six months of use. He uses it five times a week, most mornings from Monday to Friday, and because it’s light and compact, it’s easy to grab from the cupboard without much effort. Simple, affordable, and quick to use!
We like: Potentially more effective than traditional ab exercises
Watch out for: Not for beginners
An ab roller is an affordable way to target your core and build strength. The further out you roll, the more intense the burn, all while also engaging your shoulders, chest, and arms.
The Amonax Convertible Roller features a double-wheel design for better balance and control, which you can switch to a single wheel as you get stronger. It also has comfortable foam handles and a thick knee mat for extra support.
Medicine ball
Available from Decathlon (starting from £13.59)
A medicine ball is a weighted ball, usually around the size of a football, that you can use in a variety of ways. You can hold it like any weight for squats or twists, but you can also throw it (against a wall – or somewhere robust!), which is a great move for building explosive strength. Throwing it down as hard as you can is also incredibly satisfying, and good at relieving stress!
We like: Improves strength and hand-eye coordination
Watch out for: Make sure you have good form
Medicine balls are weights designed to be thrown or slammed to the ground. You can use them to work on strength and hand-eye coordination. Unlike dumbbells, they won't damage your floor when you drop them.
Medicine balls are available in lots of different weights, so do your research before you place an order. You don't want to injure yourself picking up a medicine ball that's too heavy.
The Northern Tyre Tread Fitness Slam Balls feature a textured surface that mimics a tyre, providing better grip and adding an extra level of resistance to your workout.
Punching bag
Available from Decathlon (£69.99)
A punching bag can provide a high-intensity full-body workout - plus it's a great tool for relieving stress in a focused, practical way.
We like: Great way to relieve stress
Watch out for: Needs a lot of space
For a high-intensity workout, a punching bag will get your heart rate up and work your core, arm, shoulder and back muscles. The powerful movements could also help you to release frustration and stress.
A standard heavy bag hangs from the ceiling and is kept in place by a ceiling buckle or hook. When buying a bracket for these bags, make sure you pay close attention to how much weight it can hold.
Alternatively, you can try a freestanding heavy bag. These don't need to be hung from the ceiling as they're weighted at the bottom, so even if you're striking them with force they won't move across the floor.
Don’t forget to buy a pair of boxing gloves to go with it: SQUIRREL_TEXT_50024062
Adjustable weight bench
Available from Decathlon (£135.99)
When it comes to strength and resistance training, you can target every major muscle group using only a weight bench and a set of adjustable dumbbells.
We like: Target lots of different muscle groups
Watch out for: Unnecessary expense for beginners
If you take strength training seriously, an adjustable weight bench could be game-changing for your home workouts.
The K-Sport training bench has a backrest that can be moved to lots of different inclinations. It can lie flat, at a slight angle, completely vertical or pointing towards the floor. Each setting will allow you to target different muscle groups with exercises like shoulder presses, incline curls and more.
Kettlebells
Aren't they just another kind of weight? No, not really. Dynamic moves like the classic kettlebell swing, or cleans and snatches, really activate the glutes and what's called the posterior chain – essentially the muscles down the entire of your back from head to calves – like nothing else. A kettlebell workout activates your whole body, and combines strength and cardio.
We like: Strength and cardio training
Watch out for: Pick a set of weights according to your current ability
A set of kettlebells can give you a full-body workout from the comfort of your own home without the need for bulky machines, combining strength training and high-intensity cardio into a single tool.
You'd be amazed at how high your heart rate can get doing just swings.
They come in weights from as little as 4kg to weights that most people can't even move.
Best home gym equipment for motivation and recovery
Massage gun
Available from Decathlon (£69.99) and Pulsio (£69.99)
Aches and pains are a natural part of being a runner and, although a good cool-down and a stretch always help, at least some soreness in your muscles feels like an inevitability. Massage guns were a revelation and helped cut my recovery times by around half.
We like: Lightweight and portable
We don't like: Smaller than other massage guns
A massage gun could help speed up your recovery after strenuous workouts. They use percussive therapy to stimulate blood flow, reducing inflammation and relieving muscle soreness.
The Pulsio Air weighs 0.45kg and has a speed range of 1,200 to 4,500 percussions per minute, with a 12mm amplitude for targeting muscle tension. In the box, you’ll find four interchangeable massage heads (round ball, fork, bullet and flat).
Read our guide to the best massage guns to find out more and see other similar options.
Garmin Forerunner 265
The Garmin Forerunner is a smartwatch that can measure more than 30 activities, and is best used as a way to track your runs. It includes metrics that tell you when to rest and when to push, and you can use it as a virtual coach to set yourself running goals and achieve them.
We like: Comprehensive tracking features
We don’t like: More expensive than basic fitness trackers
The Garmin Forerunner 265 combines a serious sports watch with an everyday smartwatch.
It tracks more than 30 activities, from swimming to strength training, and offers detailed health insights through its heart rate and SpO2 sensors. It even estimates your VO2 Max, giving you an indication of your overall cardiovascular health.
Read our guide to the best smartwatches to find out more and see other similar options.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones
Bone conduction headphones leave your ear canal free to pick up ambient noise in your surroundings. So while they'd be rubbish for drowning out the latest episode of Bluey from your TV, they're great for music or podcasts on the move while allowing you to hear an approaching car, for example.
We like: IP55 splashproof
We don’t like: Bone conduction headphones struggle with sound leakage
Stay safe and aware of your surroundings with bone conduction headphones. They are suitable for road runners who need to hear traffic or for parents multitasking with a home workout.
Unlike standard earbuds, these rest outside the ear with an 'open-ear' fit that many find more comfortable.
Read our guide to the best bone conduction headphones to find out more and see other similar options.
Foam roller
There are loads of foam rollers available, including some really affordable options. The key to running is staying injury-free, and a foam roller is an effective way to loosen up muscles. It’s also a cheaper alternative to a massage gun.
We like: Helps relieve tight or stiff muscles
Watch out for: Be sure to research the proper technique
If a massage gun or a regular massage session is too expensive, why not try out a foam roller?
Foam rollers may improve blood circulation and reduce muscle aches and pains through self-massage. They use your body weight to press out tight areas of your muscles, relieving stiffness and speeding up post-exercise recovery.
This one features a hollow plastic core with a foam grid exterior, with bumps to get deep into knots.
See the best gifts for runners if you're shopping for someone training for a race or chasing a personal best
Home gym ideas for beginners
Step one of your fitness journey is buying the right gear, but don't fall into the beginner's trap of overspending on hi-tech equipment you may not use.
You don't need to spend hundreds of pounds on fitness kit if you're just starting. Basic, inexpensive floor exercise accessories such as resistance bands or weights could be all you need to get results.
Even more substantial pieces of exercise equipment, such as exercise bikes or cross trainers, don't have to cost the earth. You can get your hands on one of these for around £100, and build up your exercise empire over time if it turns into a good habit.
Top tips on getting started
If you class yourself an exercise newbie, here are some top tips:
- Consider why you're exercising Strength activities build muscle power, while cardio workouts burn fat and improve heart and lung health.
- Don't push too hard Factor in time between workouts to give your muscles time to recover and reduce the risk of injury. If you exercise on a Monday, have a rest on Tuesday before starting again on Wednesday.
- Set goals Do you want to feel more energetic, get down to a target weight or achieve a certain lap time? Having a goal in mind when you're exercising will help you stay motivated.
- Be consistent One of the keys to success when exercising is consistency. Write up a schedule and stick to it as closely as possible.
A fitness tracker, smartwatch or smart bathroom scales can help you track progress.
NHS advice on exercising
Adults aged between 19 and 64 should aim to be active every day. Per week, the NHS recommends 'at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity' or '75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity'.
Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, riding a bike or pushing a lawn mower. Vigorous activities are defined as those that make you breathe hard and fast – think running, swimming or an uphill bike ride.
Strengthening activities, such as yoga, lifting weights or push-ups, can all help to build your muscles at home. The NHS website notes that you should do these activities to the point where you need a 'short rest' before repeating.
As you get older, remaining active is no less important, but instead of powering through long exercise sessions, you could spread out your activities. Aiming for 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week could work better for you.
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Home gyms for small spaces
If you're planning a workout in the living room, you probably won't have too much floor space to work with. With that in mind, resistance bands or weight training could work well.
An exercise bike that folds up neatly when not in use could also be suitable. You might want to position the bike near your TV when working out, to help pass the time.
Looking for a new TV? Our best TVs have superb picture quality, sound fantastic and are easy to use – perfect when you're exercising nearby
Home gyms for medium spaces
An empty spare room can transform into a neat home gym, especially if you can clear out its existing contents. While floor space may still be limited, you'll probably have more room than in an area with lots of furniture that you need to use for other purposes.
If you only have room for one large piece of equipment, you may be debating the pros and cons of either a running machine, an exercise bike or a rowing machine, for example.
For maximum calorie burn, a treadmill is best if you can run on it; you'll burn far less if you only plan to walk. You'll get a similar calorie burn from both an exercise bike and a rowing machine, but an exercise bike will take up less space. A bike won't work your arm muscles like the rowing machine does, however. Make your decision based on space and the parts of your body you're looking to work on.
Home gyms for large spaces
A spacious garage could make for the perfect spot for a home gym, assuming there are no cars in the way and you've decluttered the space.
With enough room, you can kit your garage out with a treadmill, rowing machine, ceiling-mounted boxing bag or a cross trainer.
However, check manufacturers' instructions before putting equipment in a garage; some advise against this, as the cold and damp in a garage can cause problems with the electrics or moving parts. There's also the risk of dirt and grit from the garage floor getting into the equipment.
If you place equipment in a garage against manufacturers' recommendations, this could invalidate your warranty.
Got a larger space to fill? See how to buy the best ice bath or the best home sauna
Setting up an outdoor or garden gym
If you're taking your workout outside to get some sunshine while you sweat, consider investing in a weight bench.
Check that your weight bench is durable enough for outside use – the manual it arrives with or the brand's website will have the details. The unreliable British weather means an outdoor workout isn't always an option, so you'll probably want to cover up the bench when it's not in use.
Resistance bands and medicine balls can be used on the patio. You might want to avoid chucking a heavy medicine ball on the lawn, as it could damage the grass.
A sunny day in the garden can also pair nicely with a relaxing yoga session.