The best home gym equipment for 2023, including dumbell sets and squat racks
How many of us still pay a membership fee for a gym we haven't visited in months? Might it be time to pull the plug and instead invest the cash in some of the best home gym equipment? Exercising at home on smart, state-of-the-art treadmills or exercise bikes could increase your motivation no end. But it's also useful to know which equipment you can get away with buying cheaply – like kettlebells.
The Telegraph's Recommended section has tested hundreds of pieces of home gym equipment over the years and spoken to dozens of fitness experts. So we figured it was about time we put it all into one self-contained guide. Here you'll find full reviews and advice on the best cardio machines (including treadmills, rowing machines and exercise bikes), weightlifting equipment including weights and resistance bands and the best yoga equipment. If you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at our top eight buys:
The best home gym equipment, at a glance
Best treadmill - NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Best exercise bike - Apex Smart Bike
Best rowing machine - Concept2 D PM5 Rower
Best gym bench - Weider Utility Bench
Best kettlebell - Amazon Basics cast-iron kettlebell 10kg
Best dumbbells - York Fitness 20kg Cast Iron Spinlock Dumbbell
Best yoga mat - Lululemon The Mat 5mm
Best massage gun - Theragun Prime
How we chose the best home gym equipment
We've pulled the best of the best equipment from our curated fitness guides, which we have on everything from treadmills to yoga mats, as well as speaking to experts in the industry. Everything below has either been tried and tested by us, or recommended by an expert.
Best cardio machines
1. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill
￡2,499 plus ￡11 per month subscription, NordicTrack
Best treadmill, 10/10
We like: the professional-level interval training programmes
Max speed 19km/h
Incline between -3 and +15
14" Pivot HD touchscreen
Foldable
Real time classes with iFit (30 days free, then ￡11 per month)
Treadmills are one of the most popular pieces of home gym equipment and also the most expensive, so it's important to make the right choice. NHS and Aston Villa FC physiotherapist Alex Boardman recommends the NordicTrack due to the ease of the programmes being built in.
"Treadmills that provide interval training sessions can be really beneficial for providing structure to workouts," Alex says. "They allow you to progress mobility and fitness in a controlled environment." The NordicTrack tops The Telegraph's recommended list of the best treadmills.
The Commercial 1750 model has ‘Runner’s Flex’ cushioning on the deck that can be adjusted to offer extra impact support or to simulate a real road-running experience, with Google Maps integration which means you can mimic outdoor running anywhere in the world. It has an impressive incline range of -3 to +15 per cent and a max speed of 19km/h.
With this treadmill you also get a month's subscription to iFit, which offers immersive on-demand and live training classes (delivered via a 14” HD touchscreen) that automatically adjust your speed and incline as you go. So there’s no excuse to slack.
￡2499
Price at
NordicTrack
2. Apex Smart Bike
￡599 plus ￡29.99 per month subscription, Apex
Best exercise bike, 10/10
We like: the motivational trainers and quality of classes
45kg weight
4kg flywheel weight
30 resistance levels
No screen, but a tablet holder
Reviewed by Abigail Buchanan
The Apex Smart Bike is excellent value for a web-connected exercise bike. We actually preferred it to Peloton in our review of the best exercise bikes. The cheaper price is thanks to a lack of HD touchscreen. Instead, there's a tablet holder for you to insert your own, or your phone, where you can stream classes via an app.
The classes are of excellent quality, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, and there are strength, mobility and beginner-friendly exercises, by British instructors from Boom Cycle studio in London. The Apex is perhaps better suited to spin and indoor cycling fans, rather than anyone looking for performance training, as there are no options for simulated outdoor rides.
Design-wise, the Apex bike is stylish enough to (almost) blend into a living room, with a compact 4ft by 2ft footprint, and four colour options. It has a wireless phone charger, tablet holder for streaming classes, plus a water bottle holder and rack for weights (which don’t come included, but are reasonably priced at ￡25). Most importantly, it feels incredibly sturdy and doesn’t budge as you pedal.
Despite the fact that it’s comparatively light and has a very light flywheel, there’s a great range of magnetic resistance. It’s smooth and quiet so is unlikely to cause any neighbourly disputes, making it suitable for flats. Best of all, Apex bikes are delivered fully assembled.
￡599
Price at
Apex
3. Concept2 D PM5 Rower
Best rowing machine, 10/10
We like: the illusion of being in the water
Air rower
Tracks distance, speed, strokes per minute, estimated calories, watts and heart-rate with a compatible monitor
61 x 244 x 36cm
Bluetooth connectivity
Not foldable
Rowing machines are the most sensible cardio machine to invest in, according to personal trainer Claire Tupin, and this Concept2 Rower tops The Telegraph's list of the best rowing machines. "While you can run or cycle outside, a rowing machine is a smart choice if you looking to burn calories and get a full-body workout at home," Claire says. "Rowing is an effective all-round activity which combines cardiovascular work and will develop endurance while strengthening the muscles of the whole body. It works the shoulders, arms, back and abs as well as the thighs and the calves."
The Concept 2 Model D is about as quiet as an air rower can get. If you've ever been to a gym, chances are you've come across this rower. It's also the sturdiest option in this list, although that does mean it's not foldable. So you'll need to find it a permanent spot in your spare room or garage. It does, however, separate into two if you wish to store it for a while.
"The Concept 2 is a bit expensive, but for me it's the best rower out there," says fitness instructor Born Barikor. "I've done a lot of my training on it and I've really enjoyed it. It's easy to use, has ergonomic and comfy handles and foot straps and it's very adjustable. It also has a very easy-to-read display. If you've got a bit of money to spend and you're going to commit to it, you should go for the Concept 2."
￡990
Price at
Amazon
Best weightlifting equipment
4. Weider Utility Bench
Best gym bench, 9/10
We like: the seat and back can be adjusted independently
Eight-position backrest, three-position seat
Arrives ready assembled
Transport wheels
Gym benches are one of the most versatile and foundational pieces of equipment, to be used alongside weights to train upper body, chest and triceps, and alone for body weight exercises. If you're after a bigger piece of weightlifting kit for your home gym, this is it.
Will Collard, lead rehabilitation trainer at Sussex Back Pain Clinic favours this Weider Utility bench because it's fully adjustable, allowing for the biggest range of exercise. "The bench has eight different settings and angles, allowing this to be extremely useful for training all muscle groups effectively and safely," he says. The seat and back also work independently from each other, so every body height and weight can sit or lie in the correct position.
The Weider bench is sewn and box stitched with high density foam, making it a quality purchase. Potential exercises include tricep dips, elevated push-ups, weighted sit-ups and Russian Twists.
￡200
Price at
Very
5. JX Fitness Squat Rack
Best squat rack, 9/10
We like: it's compatible with most weight benches
Steel frame
Adjustable with three height settings
Maximum weight capacity 200kg
Weighs 26.36kg
The JX Fitness Squat Rack has a solid, reinforced steel frame finished with anti-slip caps for extra stability, and to protect the ground from scratching. The adjustable squat rack comes with a two year warranty.
Claire Turpin, a personal trainer and founder of fitness brand CONTUR gymwear recommends a squat rack for a home gym, saying, "It can be used with a barbell for squats and shoulder presses. Add in a workout bench for a variety of chest presses or for a full range of cable exercises. This piece of kit will also enable you to do pull-up and chin-ups and add in resistance bands and suspension belts for a full total strength body workout.”
Will Collard says, "If you are looking to invest in a squat rack, the option you go for will depend on what space you have available and obviously your budget. The cheaper option available is to get a stand squat rack. This will do the job and is your money and space saving option.
"If you have the space and the money to invest then opting for a more permanent and secure squat rack will be a worthy investment, like the squat rack from JX Fitness, found on Amazon."
The JX Fitness squat rack is compatible with most barbells and weight benches, making it the perfect purchase to pair with the Weider Utility Bench above.
￡90
Price at
Amazon
6. York Fitness 20kg Cast Iron Spinlock Dumbbell
Best home dumbbells, 10/10
We like: it's 20 dumbbells in one
Spinlock dumbbells are the most affordable type on the market if you want more than one, and a great option to start your home gym. They require the user to manually change the weight plates. This York Fitness dumbbell comes with four 0.5kg, four 1.25kg and four 2.5kg plates, for complete customisation of weight, and a maximum of 20kg. The heavy duty locks at the end prevent the plates from rattling, and this is a set of two.
"Dumbbells are brilliant for training the vast majority of upper and lower body muscle groups," says Will Collard. "They offer a much safer option to free weight training than a barbell whilst still allowing good resistance." He favours spinlock dumbbells for their versatility.
￡54
Price at
Amazon
7. Amazon Basics cast-iron kettlebell 10kg
Best kettlebell, 9/10
We like: relatively low price tag for top quality cast iron
10kg weight (also available in 4 - 20kg)
Cast iron material
20.1cm x 14.2cm x 23.6cm
Kettlebells may be small, but exercises like swings and squats can work the full body. Will Collard says you can't go wrong with a cast iron option, like this Amazon Basics one, which costs just ￡36. He says, "Kettlebells are extremely versatile and very cost effective. They're worth the investment as you will be able to perform many more exercises than you can with just dumbbells."
This Amazon Basics kettlebell is made of high quality cast iron, with a loop handle design and a painted exterior for grip. You can also buy it in weights between 4kg and 20kg, going up in increments of two. Will Collard recommends a 10kg if you're unsure and only investing in one, but warns it could be too heavy for beginners.
￡36
Price at
Amazon
8. Nike Pro Wait Wrap weightlifting belt
Best weightlifting belt, 9/10
We like: velcro means it's easily adjustable
Velcro waist
Sizes small, medium, large and extra large
Mesh backing for airflow
Made from polyamide, neoprene, polyester and elastane
Weightlifting belts are useful for reducing stress on the lower back while lifting and for preventing hyperextension of the back during overhead lifts. They're especially useful for beginners to weightlifting, as they can help teach how to engage abdominal muscles while lifting and reduce stress on the spine.
This Nike Pro belt is a good starting point, with a number of sizes available, made from a lightweight and breathable stretchy fabric with an elastic strap for extra support. "This Nike belt keeps it very simple," says Will Collard. "Some options on the market are over-complicated and unnecessary. As long as you get the right size and have the belt tight around your abdomen, this belt is a great option."
￡24
Price at
JD Sports
9. Bionix Resistance Bands Set
Best gym resistance bands, 9/10
We like: three levels of resistance is perfect if more than one person uses the home gym
Three piece set with light, medium and heavy bands
Latex non-slip material
Resistance bands are handy and portable, designed to improve flexibility, strength and balance and demand control and stability. They're generally affordable, like this pack of three from Amazon, and can work most muscles in the body.
Will Collard says: "You can't go too wrong buying resistance bands online, but you want a good quality material like latex. Most sets come in three, with varying resistances. They can be used for a massive variety of upper and lower body exercises. The Bionix set of three on Amazon is the best range I've found."
These Bionix resistance bands stand out because they're 4.5mm thicker than most fitness bands while retaining flexibility. You also get a 30 day trial period with free refund or replacement.
￡20
Price at
Amazon
Best gym accessories
10. LuluLemon The Mat 5mm
Best yoga mat, 10/10
We like: it's double-sided
180cm x 66cm
5mm thick
Rubber
2.38kg
Reviewed by Abigail Buchanan
Unlike other fitness equipment, a yoga mat won't clear out your bank account and you can use it for both slower and HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts. The Lululemon is the best yoga mat money can buy. It's double-sided, with unparalleled grip, offers a stable surface, and plenty of support.
￡88 may seem a large sum for a yoga mat, but Emma Henry, expert yoga teach at Triyoga, insists they're worth the investment. "There are cheaper mats that are decent, but they may not last as long. There's nothing more frustrating in a fast-paced Vinyasa flow than slipping, so enough grip is key," she says.
Lululemon offers several thicknesses of mat, but I would opt for the 5mm for joint support. It's the perfect size – a touch longer and wider than most standard yoga mats, at 180cm x 66cm. This means it offers plenty of space to stretch out. Thanks to its slightly thicker construction, I found it also makes the perfect partner to HIIT and strength workouts.
Despite being thicker than most others, it's not unduly heavy, at 2.4kg. That's the upper end of what I'd consider to be an easy weight to carry, but it means that this mat excels both at home and in class.
The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a carry strap or bag – but that really is nitpicking. Put simply, it’s a brilliant all-rounder that is more than worth the investment.
￡88
Price at
Lululemon
11. URBNFIT Exercise Ball
Best exercise ball, 9/10
We like: how grippy the ball is
PVC material
Non-slip coating for grip
Available in 45cm, 55cm, 65cm and 75cm
You might recognise these from 90s fitness CDs. Exercise balls, also known as Swiss balls, Physio balls, balance balls and yoga balls, are a brilliant piece of equipment for achieving that chiselled washboard ab look. They improve balance, muscle tone and core strength, by forcing the user to maintain a centre of gravity on the ball.
"Exercise balls are useful for training your abdominal muscles. They are unstable so using an exercise ball as a base to plank from gives your core something to fight against," says rehabilitation trainer Will Collard. The market is pretty saturated, but he likes this URBNFit exercise ball from Amazon, in 65cm.
It's extra durable, thanks to the strong PVC outer layer, and the non-slip surface is more grippy than others. The anti-burst coating supports up to 272kg, and it also comes with a pump and two air plugs, in case it needs boosting down the line.
￡11
Price at
Amazon
12. Theragun Prime
Best massage gun, 10/10
We like: the unique ergonomic grip
Weight: medium – 1kg
Speed: up to 2400 percussions per minute (PPM)
Attachments: four
Battery life: 120 minutes
Reviewed by Abigail Buchanan
For before and after workouts, it's worth investing in a decent massage gun. They help to relieve muscle tension and loosen muscles before and after workouts, to increase muscle recovery and reduce DOMs - and none performed in our quest to find the best massage gun quite as well as the Theragun Prime.
I like the sleek, streamlined build, ergonomic handle and how easy it is to use. One button on the top of the device is used to switch it on and off and control the vibrations, which can be set at speeds ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute (PPM). It has a fair battery life of 120 minutes with continuous use.
The reason this device excels, however, is because of the attention to detail that’s gone into the design. While most other guns have a simple stick handle, the Theragun Prime has a patented triangular handle which allowed me to get to tricky-to-reach spots, such as my shoulders and lower back. It also comes with four attachments. It’s a little loud, but that really is nit-picking.
If you're nervous about using a massage gun, there's a Therabody app for guidance. It has sport-specific routines for warming up, cooling down and targeting aches and pains such as plantar fasciitis and tech neck.
￡275
Price at
John Lewis
FAQ
What is the best home gym equipment to buy?
Physical rehabilitation trainer Will Collard says kettlebells are the most useful and underrated piece of gym equipment. "A kettlebell is much more versatile than dumbbells and because of this makes them much more cost effective as you do not need many different weights of kettlebell in order to cover all exercises," he says. But a well-rounded home gym will also have resistance and cardio equipment, of the type reviewed above.
What is the best home gym equipment for weight loss?
"Unfortunately, there is no one piece of gym equipment that will make you lose weight," Collard says. "The main factor in weight loss is diet: you need to be in a calorie deficit. However, any piece of cardio equipment like a treadmill or exercise bike will aid weight loss as it will help you to be a in a calorie deficit as you burn calories." That might not be the answer you're looking for, but it's good news for justifying the more expensive cardio machines if weight loss is your main focus.
What gym equipment is best for abs?
Again, kettlebells, says Will Collard, because they're so versatile. Kettlebell workouts are dynamic, but require core muscles for stabilisation. Popular kettlebell workouts include Russian twists, Turkish Get Ups and Plank Rows, but you can get creative, so long as you're safe.
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