Best home gym equipment: GHI experts put the essentials to the test

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Get in an effective workout from the comfort of your living room with the GHI’s top picks

If you’re looking to supercharge your fitness routine this autumn, investing in the best home gym equipment is an excellent place to start.

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.

As with anything, knowing where to begin is the hardest part. Should you get an exercise bike or a treadmill? 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 exercise mats – tried and tested by our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute. 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.

If you’re embarking on a new fitness journey, we’d suggest checking out our GHI Approved roundups of the best fitness trackers, sports bras and massage guns (because it’s important you don’t neglect your recovery). Getting enough protein when you’re exercising is also key – read our review of Davina McCall's protein range with foodspring to learn more.

Our in-house fitness pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute got to work testing some of the best home gym equipment from leading brands.

When assessing exercise machines – treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, walking pads and rowing machines – they considered ease of use, design and comfort, including how simple they were to set up and adjust and how stable they felt during use. They also checked if they were able to maintain their performance at different speeds and levels of resistance. Extra points were 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 were sufficiently grippy, comfortable and portable made the cut.

We've also included some of our fitness pros' personal favourite home gym accessories, which have enhanced their own workout-from-home routines and won't cost an arm and a leg. These include resistance bands and free weights.

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: 94/100

Changing the weight of these digital dumbbells is a breeze – you simply pop them in the holding dock, select your chosen load via the responsive buttons, and you’re ready to go. Each dumbbell’s eight weights (rising from a beginner-friendly 3.6kg to a hefty 22.7kg) proved sufficient for a thorough strength workout and they felt stable and secure, even at their heaviest. They connect with the user-friendly JaxJox app so you can track your performance in real-time.

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 thorough 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.

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.

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 were blown away by the engaging trainer-led classes and scenic virtual routines available via the iFIT app. The machine 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 big so best for larger spaces, but it earned bonus points for its surprisingly 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 and built-in speakers so you can stream your favourite shows too. There's also a fan to keep you cool as and a chest strap to monitor your heart rate accurately.

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 based on your goals. 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.

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, no matter how hard you pedal. 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 beginners or experienced riders. 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.

Score: 85/100

This JTX design lacks a HD touchscreen or dedicated app, but it does have a tablet holder so you can connect to popular training apps such as Zwift for a more interactive experience. The bike proved extremely stable, and the magnetic resistance was practically silent and simple to adjust during use. We also had no issues adjusting the seat height and handlebars to get in the right position. The bike boasts a simple computer console that clearly displays all your key data. There’s also a dual bottle holder and transport wheels, so you can move it around the house.

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.

The cross trainer (also known as an elliptical machine) is one of the most popular pieces of equipment in the gym, and for good reason. 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. Tick, tick, tick.

Score: 96/100

This gym-standard cross trainer has a long list of state-of-the-art features, including a 10” HD screen, 20 resistance levels, versatile handlebars, speakers and even a built-in heart rate monitor. Our experts rated the plethora of classes on offer via the accompanying JRNY app – from immersive scenic routes to lively studio sessions – which are suitable for all levels. Design-wise, the handlebars can be positioned in four different ways (not just backwards and forwards), which means it’s suitable for all body shapes and sizes.

Score: 95/100

This JTX design provides 16 levels of resistance, 18 workout programmes and an adjustable incline. Testers said it was extremely stable at all resistance levels and speeds. They also praised its adjustable features (handle height, stride length and footplate position), which mean the whole family can make us of the machine. The simple computer is a doddle to use, it's surprisingly quiet, and you can store it away post-workout thanks to the handy transport wheels. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity and a tablet holder so you can connect to apps or Netflix.

Score: 77/100

This sturdy design from Primal, which is made from high-strength steel, is self-powered, so you can set up anywhere and it won't use up lots of power. It provides a huge 40 levels of resistance to suit all levels and there are a range of pre-set programmes to keep your motivation levels up, from HIIT to strength. The LED display reveals your progress, there's a built-in fan to keep you cool, and the 13kg flywheel provides a stable ride. It lacks a water bottle holder and there's nowhere to put your phone or tablet, but those were our only niggles.

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 kit, 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, which provides a a 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 tonnes 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, and those with a competitive edge appreciated the live leaderboard. The resistance was extra smooth, the Velcro straps helped keep their feet in place, and the cushioned seat prevented sore bottoms!

Score: 90/100

Not only does this water rowing machine look extremely smart, it's 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 makes for a smooth rowing experience.

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 under-desk treadmill). These walking-speed treadmills, which are designed to fit neatly underneath your 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: 78/100

If you’re short of space in your home office, 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 on your own. 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, which make for a comfortable walking experience. 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. There’s a simple LED screen to keep on top of your stats and the mechanism is quiet enough for shared spaces. Note, the belt may not be suitable for those on the taller side (over 6ft).

Score: 74/100

As with all JTX equipment, this under-desk treadmill is a high-quality piece of kit. It comes with step-by-step instructions, the machine is extremely sturdy, and the large, bright screen allows you to keep track of your progress. The cushioned belt felt comfortable and stable, and the remote control, which you can pop in your pocket, allows for quick speed adjustments. If you like to have a goal to work towards, you can even create your own workouts based on distance, time or calories burned. Wheels means you can stash it away easily and it comes with a two-year repair warranty.

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

Designed specifically for yoga, 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 supremely 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. Keep in mind that it’s on the delicate side, so best to remove shoes and jewellery.

Score: 85/100

This sturdy mat is your perfect match for high-intensity exercise and weight training. It can withstand dropped dumbbells and trainers – there wasn’t a speck of damage after we put it through some vigorous workouts. It also feels extremely luxe, thanks to the plush, cushioned base. It has a unique design to keep moisture out and the textured surface will allow you to transition from burpees to squat jumps without losing traction. It's not designed for yoga, but it’s a total delight for weight circuits, ab routines and stretching.

This simple design hits the nail on the head. The foamy material is thick and supportive, so it’s a good choice if you’re exercising on hard surfaces and need extra cushioning for your spine, joints or limbs. The underside was grippy enough on all the floors we tried, but we did find the top layer a little slippy, so it’s not one for your sweatiest sessions. Cleaning the mat was painless – just wipe it down with a damp cloth and leave it to dry flat. It does need flattening out from time to time, but this is a bargain buy.

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.

Coming in at under £15, this fuss-free 1.5kg dumbbell set is excellent value for money. The weights have an easy-grip neoprene coating, so you needn't 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 its own dumbbell range, and it's extremely snazzy. 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.

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 be used during the brand’s on-demand workouts, but you can use it for your own sessions. It boasts grippy handles, which won't slip when your hands are sweaty, plus it has 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 body, 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. If you need some inspiration, your purchase comes with lifetime access to an accompanying app, which is packed with tips. It also comes with a carry case if you fancy a workout in the park.

Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, 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 has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.

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.

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