On Test: Best Home Gym Kit
All you need to build strength in your front room
1. Technogym Wellness Weights
£139, technogym.com These small, neat weights can be used for strength-building exercises that require low weight and high reps. They come in 0.5kg or 1kg options so are portable enough to take away on holidays or business trips.
2. Physical Company Soft Plyo Box
£225, physioroom.com Jumping on and off this soft, high-density foam box will help improve your coordination; strengthen your feet, ankles and lower legs; and boost your explosive power.
3. Core Sliders
£6.99 for two, fitnessandtraining.co.uk Place these sliders under your hands or feet as you perform flexibility or balance workouts. The idea is that they’ll try to move, so you work to stay in control. Suitable for use on both carpet and hard-floor surfaces.
4. Mirafit Neoprene Ankle/wrist Weights
£9.95, mirafit.co.uk Take your cardio work up a notch by adding some resistance while you train. They’re one-size-fits-all, come in pairs, have padded neoprene for comfort and are available in one-, two- or threekilogramme options.
5. Feet Up Headstand Yoga Stool
£108, yogamatters.com Is standing on your head (or sirsasana, as they say in yoga circles) something that appeals? This smart inversion aid enables you to hold a safe and stable headstand posture without pressure on your neck and spine.
6. Ultimate Performance Massage Ball
£7.99 for two, ultimateperformance.co.uk Designed to target hard-to-reach spots, this simple ball will reduce pain and relieve tension in muscles, ligaments and tendons. You can control the depths of massage by applying pressure.
7. Stretching Mat
£38 +shipping, rollrecovery.com A durable mat is essential for at-home fitness. This reversible yoga mat, made from sustainably sourced rubber, provides cushioning and grip while you work on your warrior pose.
8. RDX Speed Jump Rope
£13.99, argos.co.uk Skipping supports the foundations of speed and endurance. This leather rope can be cut to size and has a swivel design for reduced traction on each rotation.
9. Tornado ball
From £34, gorillasports.co.uk These come in four weights (from 1-5kg) and should be used outdoors. Unfurl the rope and do dynamic core moves such as swinging the ball and slamming it into the floor.
10. Domyos 900 Pro Trampoline
£89.99, decathlon.co.uk A fun and effective way to keep fit, though only suitable for those with high ceilings or a garage. It is ideal for injury rehab, flushing out post-training lactic acid or for those who suffer from joint problems. The only concern you’ll have is keeping children away from it.
11. Men’s Health Weighted Vest
£49.99, argos.co.uk If you’re find your home-workout routine too bit easy, pull on one of these 10kg vests and do the same session; then see how smug you feel. You’ll be working a lot harder to achieve the same results. They can be worn on bare skin or over gym kit.
12. Powerbands Powerset Pro
£59.99, letsbands.com A pack of bands that can be used for plyometrics, speed, conditioning and flexibility. The pack contains five strengths of band, a carry bag, a DVD and a booklet.
13. PBX Bags
£63, physicalcompany.co.uk These easy-clean, dualhandled bags come in eight weight options (8-35kg). They can also be paired with your smartphone should you want to make use of an online exercise library that is provided.
14. Opti Neoprene Dumbbells
£17.99, argos.co.uk Perfect for beginners, these 5kg weights are a good mid-range option for a variety of functional strength moves. The neoprene coating means they are durable and comfortable to hold.
15. Opti set of 3 Medicine Balls
£15.99, argos.co.uk These small medicine balls (1kg, 3kg and 5kg) are easy to clean, can be inflated or deflated according to how hard you want them and are good for musclelengthening and conditioning work.
16. Domyos 900 PullUp Weight Training Bar
£39.99, decathlon.co.uk Attach to a doorway and vary the distance between your hands and change your grip while you do pull-ups and chin-ups to work on your upper body. Be sure to use a load-bearing wall.
17. Women’s Health 18-in-1 Aerobic Stepper
£49.99, argos.co.uk A stepper with bells and whistles, offering a varied workout. It can be adapted to work on your balance, stretching, core, abs, upper-body strength or to do press-ups.