Tested by If you’re looking to supercharge your fitness routine, investing in the best home gym equipment is an excellent place to start. We're talking everything from treadmills and exercise bikes to adjustable dumbbells and resistance bands.
Not only are home workouts extremely convenient – you can easily slot them in around your hectic schedule, and you don’t have to worry about the dodgy British weather – but they can also save you money in the long run. After all, what’s the point in splashing out on a pricey gym membership you’ll only use from time to time?
Home workouts are also ideal for those who don’t feel comfortable in traditional gym settings and would prefer to exercise from the comfort of their living room, without fear of being judged or harassed.
What equipment should I get for my home gym?
As with anything, knowing where to begin is the hardest part. Should you get an exercise bike or a cross trainer? Should you spend big on a top-spec model, or will a budget buy do the job? And what if you’re short on space?
To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a handy guide featuring all our home workout essentials –including weights, cardio machines and yoga mats – tried and tested by our fitness experts in the state-of-the-art Good Housekeeping Institute gym. From smart rowing machines to wifi-enabled adjustable weights, we’ve included a range of options to suit all needs and budgets, with prices starting as low as £25.
We've also included some of our fitness pros' personal favourite home gym accessories, which have enhanced their own workout-from-home routines. These include resistance bands and free weights.
Best adjustable kettlebells and dumbbells
It’s no secret that strength training has myriad benefits, from increasing muscle mass to improving bone density, so weights are a must for your home gym kit. To get the best value for money, we recommend adjustable dumbbells or kettlebells – you get numerous weights in one neat package, you can use them for a range of full-body workouts, and they’ll take up minimal space in the corner of your living room. Win, win.
Score: 98/100
A top pick if you’re tight on space. The plates are stacked within a plastic shell and the ones that aren’t being used remain in an orderly pile in the dock, not cluttered around your room. Changing the resistance couldn’t be simpler – just twist the dial, and you can go from 3.5kg to 18kg in a matter of moments – so it’s great for full-body workouts that require different weights. The ergonomic handle felt comfy to grip and it was easy to manoeuvre.
Score: 92/100
This proved extremely versatile and was a joy to use for everything from weighted HIIT workouts to strength-building exercises. We liked that the instructions included detailed descriptions of exercises to try and the spinlock collars spin into place without any stiffness. The premium finish also means they won’t look out of place when lying around your kitchen. The weight range of 1.3kg-10kg is also suited to people who are new to lifting.
Score: 77/100
If you’re new to strength training or want to keep your workouts light, then this mini kettlebell is an excellent starter model. You get four weights ranging from 2.3kg to 5.4kg and you can quickly switch between them thanks to the nifty quick lock-unlock system. We found it a cinch to manoeuvre, and the handle was sufficiently grippy, even when our hands were sweaty. It stows away easily, and it’s compact enough to take to the park for an alfresco session.
More expert-approved adjustable dumbbells
Best treadmills
One of the most popular pieces of home gym equipment, there’s a host of reasons why investing in a running machine is a good idea. Running improves your cardiovascular health, increases your endurance and helps build your overall strength. Today’s clever designs are bursting with mod cons including live classes, automatic incline settings and bright touchscreens to provide fun, engaging sessions that will keep you running, whatever the weather. Many with on-demand platforms also offer a variety of other workouts such as HIIT, yoga and Pilates, too.
ProForm Carbon Pro 9000
Score: 94/10
This sleek machine offers incline settings up to 12% and a -3% decline (something few treadmills can match), allowing you to work up a sweat by simulating hilly hiking and running routes. Our experts loved the engaging trainer-led classes and scenic virtual routines available via the iFIT app. It will even automatically adjust your speed, incline and decline during pre-set workouts. If you don’t fancy running, there are plenty of other classes to choose from. It's a big unit, but it earned bonus points for its quiet motor and built-in fan.
Score: 78/100
This machine boasts a high-quality steel frame and cushioned belt to protect your joints. Its top speed of 18km/h should be sufficient for most, it has a 10% incline for replicating hilly routes, and there are no fewer than 32 pre-set workouts. The motor is on the quiet side so there’s no need to worry about waking up your neighbours during early morning runs, and it can be folded away when not in use. It lacks a touchscreen but the backlit console displays all your key stats clearly. There’s a tablet holder, fan, built-in speakers and a chest strap, too.
Score: 74/100
The JTX Slimline treadmill is lightweight, compact and can be stored completely flat, with a wheeled base that makes moving it around the house a doddle. It has a max speed of 16km/ph, with 36 pre-set workouts and the option to create your own personalised routines. It doesn’t have a touchscreen, but it can be linked to a phone or tablet to stream sessions from your favourite running apps or catch-up on boxsets as you work out. It also has a large digital display to help you keep track of your progress, and it was one of the quietest machines we tested. There aren’t any incline or decline options, though.
More expert-approved treadmills
Best exercise bikes
Indoor cycling can do wonders for your cardiovascular health and, unlike running, it doesn’t involve impact from contact with the ground, so it’s easier on the joints and carries a lower risk of injury. Exercise bikes are a particularly good choice for those who experience any ankle, knee or hip pain as they can help strengthen the muscles in the lower body without putting them under too much stress.
Score: 88/100
It may be pricey, but this sleek Peloton offers an extremely smooth ride, with a flywheel that’s almost silent. What really sets it apart is the clear, responsive touchscreen and extensive library of live and on-demand workouts on the Peloton app. During classes, the peppy instructors will advise you on the best resistance level for your bike, which can be scaled to suit your experience. The Bike+ will also alter the resistance automatically mid-ride. Our testers liked the live sessions to keep them motivated, and the option to rotate screen to take part in HIIT, weights or stretching sessions.
Read our full Peloton Bike Plus review.
Score: 82/100
A cross between a traditional exercise bike and a cross trainer, you have to use your arms and legs to move the flywheel with this air bike – the harder you pedal and move the handles, the more resistance you generate, and the more challenging your workout. We experienced zero shaking or wobbling, and we appreciated the multi-grip handlebars, which stopped our hands slipping when sweaty. The padded seat was also comfy throughout our sessions. Plus, it's self-powered so you can use it anywhere.
Score: 75/100
This is a great pick if you're on a tight budget. It's light enough to wheel around on your own, it's extremely quiet and it's self powered, so you can exercise anywhere in the house or garden. There's a simple console for monitoring your stats including time, speed and distance, a small holder for your phone plus heart rate sensors on the handlebars. The features are easy to adjust and, according to our expert, it makes for a smooth and stable ride.
More expert-approved exercise bikes
Best cross trainers
The cross trainer (also known as an elliptical machine) is one of the most popular pieces of equipment in the gym, and we can see why. It provides a full-body, low-impact workout as you have to move your feet while pushing and pulling the handles, therefore training multiple muscle groups at once. It can also help improve bone density, it’s not too taxing on your joints and there’s less risk of injury.
Score: 90/100
It doesn't come cheap but our Technogym winner is a dream to use. The compact design is foldable, so it won't take up lots of space in your living room or home gym and, according to our expert, the design is nearly faultless. There's a simple display for monitoring your progress, access to Technogym's extensive app for a variety of workouts and 25 levels of resistance to suit all needs. Plus, installation is included with your purchase.
Score: 78/100
Unike many cross trainers, this one is extremely compact. It can be partially folded and has built-in wheels, so you can cart it away after your workout. There are no pre-set routines, but the machine offers 15 levels of resistance and you can connect to the Kinomap training app for interactive sessions. The console that displays your progress is a decent size and the 10kg flywheel offers a smooth ride. As a bonus, it's self-powered, so it won't use up lots of energy.
Score: 71/100
This JTX model offers 16 resistance levels, 18 built-in workouts and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to training apps like Kinomap. Our pro found it easy to set up (it took a matter of minutes) and intuitive to use, with a computer console displaying all your stats. It's extremely quiet and the compact design means you can tuck it away in the corner of your living room. Note, the max height is 5’9.
More expert-approved cross trainers
Best rowing machines
A rowing machine is a great piece of kit to invest in if you’re looking to work on your cardiovascular fitness and want to get a full-body workout. Unlike other fitness equipment, the rower targets a whopping 85% of the muscles in your body, plus it can help improve your posture and tone your lower body in a gentle, low-impact way.
Score: 95/100
You've probably come across the Concept2 RowErg in your local gym. It's a simple but effective bit of kit that's smooth and stable at all speeds. The simple black and white monitor has an excellent range of pre-set and customisable workouts for all fitness goals and it provides plenty of data such as pace and calories burned. The slim frame can be stored upright or taken apart in two pieces, and wheels on one end make it easy to move.
Score: 93/100
If you’re on the market for a premium rower but you don’t have loads of room, look no further. The Hydrow Wave can be propped up vertically to save space and it’s easy to move around. It provides access to daily live workouts and countless on-demand sessions via the responsive 16-inch HD touchscreen. Our experts said they were incredibly engaging and realistic. The resistance was extra smooth, the Velcro straps helped keep their feet in place, and the cushioned seat prevented sore bottoms!
Score: 90/100
This smart looking rower is made from high-quality Appalachian oak, is ultra compact and can be stored upright to save precious space. Our expert said the sleek wooden finish looked so good, they'd happily show it off. It doesn't have a built-in screen, but there's a phone holder and an accompanying app for a variety of workouts, plus the option to take part in real-time races against other users. The water-based resistance means a smooth rowing experience.
More expert-approved rowing machines
Best walking pads
If you spend the majority of your day sitting down – whether it’s at your desk, on the sofa or in your car – you might benefit from a walking pad (aka an under-desk treadmill). These walking-speed treadmills, which are designed to fit neatly underneath your standing desk, can help you incorporate more movement into your days. You can hit your daily step goal as you take meetings, write emails or watch your latest box-set.
Score: 88/100
This all-bells-and-whistles walking pad boasts a whopping 14% incline, adding an extra level of difficulty to your walking workouts. Our expert praised the robust build and quiet motor, and loved how easy it was to set up – simply unbox and get walking. There's a display to see your progress and an accompanying app for tailored workout plans and a live leaderboard. You also get a remote control to control the speed and incline and transport wheels for easy storage. An impressive piece of kit.
Score: 78/100
If you’re short of space, then this Mobvoi design could be the perfect solution. At just 40 inches long and 16 inches wide, it’s ultra compact and lightweight enough to move and stash under the sofa. You can start using it straight away – just hop on, adjust the speed and get walking. Our tester noted that the motor wasn’t too loud or distracting and they liked the clear LED display, which cycles through your speed, duration, distance and calories burnt. Note, its maximum speed of 6km/ph is only suitable for walking.
Score: 77/100
This fuss-free machine scored highly for its robust steel frame and top-notch cushioning. Despite unclear instructions, it’s a doddle to get started – our expert was up and moving within moments of unboxing. You can control the speed via a remote and there’s a mute button for the controller, which is particularly useful when you’re taking a work call. It has a simple LED screen to keep on top of your stats and the mechanism is quiet. Note, the belt may not be suitable for those on the taller side (over 6ft).
More expert-approved under-desk treadmills
Best fitness mirror
Interactive fitness mirrors are the latest innovation in the world of wellness tech. They let you access a variety of real-time and on-demand workouts, with personalised feedback from virtual trainers, all from the comfort of your home. Unlike following a video from your phone or laptop, the high-definition screens make you feel like the PT is really in the room with you. They help you maintain correct form (useful for beginners) and are great for motivation.
Score: 80/100
The Magic AI Mirror boasts a mini camera and trademarked ReflectAI tech, so it can track your movements, provide feedback on your form and count your reps. It also gives you access to hours of workout content, including one-off sessions and dedicated four-week programmes with athletes and PTs. Our expert said it was simple to set up and just as intuitive to use. They were particularly impressed by the sheer variety of workouts available and found the instructors extremely motivating. It's a worthwhile pick if you find traditional gym environments intimidating or you have limited time to schlep to the gym. The whole family can use it, too.
Best yoga and exercise mats
Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or a HIIT workout junkie, a good quality exercise mat can make or break your workout. The best ones mean more comfortable sessions, offering stellar grip to stop you from sliding around and added thickness to protect your joints.
Score: 91/100
This will see you through high-energy Vinyasa flows and restorative yin sessions in comfort. The top layer, which is made from vegan leather, is very grippy and does a great job of absorbing moisture. During lying down poses, the thick rubber base stopped our spine and joints from getting sore. It lay completely flat on all surfaces and it’s easy to roll up and stow away. It's slightly wider than other mats, giving you plenty of space to stretch out comfortably.
Score: 91/100
If you're after a plush mat that provides plenty of cushioning, this simple adidas design is your perfect match. Our tester found it did an excellent job during bouncy HIIT workouts, yoga classes and relaxed stretching sessions alike. It feels extremely soft underfoot, it delivers on the grip front and it rolls up easily. For under £35, it offers excellent value for money.
Score: 85/100
This sturdy mat from the experts at Therabody is your perfect match for high-intensity exercise and weight training, as well as yoga and Pilates. It can withstand dropped dumbbells and trainers, yet it still feels extremely luxe, thanks to the cushioned base. Best of all, it comes with a robust carry case, complete with two zipped pockets big enough for all your gym essentials.
More expert-approved yoga mats
Best dumbbells
Don't fancy investing in a hefty pair of adjustable dumbbells? Here are our pros' favourite pairs of free weights, which are ideal for Pilates workouts, mobility sessions and HIIT workouts.
This 1.5kg dumbbell set is excellent value for money. The weights have an easy-grip neoprene coating, so you don't have to worry about dropping them with clammy hands, while the hexagonal shape means they won't roll away from you mid-workout. When you've built some strength and you're ready to progress, there are options up to 5kg.
Weighing just over 1.3kg, these good-looking weights are ideal for adding some resistance to your Pilates workouts or high-intensity interval sessions. They're made from soft silicone, which means they're extremely comfy to hold and they're small enough to slip into your gym bag or suitcase for exercising on the go.
As well as running machines and exercise bikes, Technogym has a stylish dumbbell range. Featuring a durable chrome plating, these are cool to grip and easy to keep in tip-top condition. They also look significantly nicer than a lot of models on the market – we'd happily store them in the corner of our living rooms. Note, they don't come as a pair – you'll need to purchase two separate weights.
Best resistance bands
If you're short on space and you don't want to spend over the odds on exercise equipment, the humble resistance band has the power to take your workouts from average to excellent. From helping you improve muscle strength to enhancing mobility, it's an extremely versatile piece of kit. Here are our editors' top picks.
If you're browsing the Lululemon site for some new yoga leggings or a sports bra, pop this premium resistance band set in your basket while you're at it. It includes three loop bands of light, medium and heavy resistance, making it suitable for all workouts. As you'd expect with Lulu, the quality of the fabric is second-to-none.
If you've ever tried a Les Mills Core class at the gym, you'll know how effective this tube resistance band is. It's designed to work with the brand’s on-demand workouts, but you can use it for your own sessions. It has grippy handles and a flat design so it's stable underfoot. Made from TPE, it's latex-free and suitable for those with allergies. A top choice for upper and lower body and core workouts.
Granted, it's on the pricey side, but if you're serious about your home workouts, this set is your ideal companion. It includes a detachable bar, a belt and six resistance bands with handles, allowing you to perform all types of moves. It also comes with lifetime access to an accompanying app, which is packed with tips, and a carry case if you fancy an alfresco workout.
Our full roundup of the best resistance bands
How we test
When assessing exercise machines – treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, walking pads, rowing machines and fitness mirrors – our in-house fitness pros consider ease of use, design and comfort, including how simple they are to set up and adjust and how stable they feel during use. They also check whether they maintain their performance at different speeds and levels of resistance. Extra points are awarded for clear, easy-to-understand instructions.
For the adjustable weights, they put the dumbbells and kettlebells through a range of high and low-impact workouts, trying out a variety of movements from squats to overhead press. The top performers felt sturdy, were easy to manoeuvre and offered a range of weights that could be loaded quickly.
When it came to testing exercise mats, our experts put them through their paces during yoga, Pilates, HIIT workouts and weights sessions. Only those that are sufficiently grippy, comfortable and portable made the cut.
More expert approved fitness buys
Why trust The Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, holding each one to its claims using our specially designed protocols. Kim Hawley, our senior sleep and wellness tester, oversees all home gym equipment testing. She's a level 4 qualified personal trainer with over 20 years' experience working in leading health club, so she knows what exactly what to look for when it comes to the best treadmills, rowing machines, cross trainers and more.
After each piece of kit has been tested, the data is passed to our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, who interrogates the results and writes up our reviews to help you make an informed decision before you shop. She’s reviewed hundreds of health and fitness products and is currently training to be a level 2 qualified personal trainer.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Yanar was our former health and wellness tester.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
