The Victoria Beckham workout space we spotted on Instagram provides ample creative inspiration for anyone debating a home gym this spring.

Since her Hyde Park abode wows us at every turn, be it the marble entryway, the rustic kitchen, or the traditional living room, we shouldn't be surprised that the gym is also eye-catching. 

If you're getting a fitness routine in place for 2024 — or merely thinking about a workout schedule — let Posh Spice's setup inspire those small home gym ideas. 

Victoria Beckham workout inspo for the win

Let's start with the obvious: the resistance bands fixed overhead, aesthetic workout equipment if we ever did see it.  

"This actually stems from the Tracy Anderson method" says Mike Julom, ACE-certified personal trainer and the founder and CEO of ThisIsWhyImFit.com. "She incorporates a unique element into her workouts by using resistance bands that are mounted to the ceiling."

If you plan to follow Tracy's methods and recreate the look, you'll need to find sturdy anchor points in the ceiling, strong carabiners or hooks, and high-quality resistance bands or bungee cords to ensure your safety while working out. 

But if you are not permitted or willing to make permanent changes to your space, a gym storage rack from Amazon will allow for a colorful display with minimal effort, while a portable pilates kit from Amazon will allow you to achieve a similar workout and set up shop wherever you need. 

"You can also attach anchor points for resistance bands or suspension trainers, like TRX systems, to your doorways," Mike adds. "This setup allows for a variety of exercises without permanently occupying floor space."

Another important tidbit about Victoria's home gym equipment is that it's versatile. Take for example the bench she's balancing on. You can see that it can bend in multiple ways, and therefore could be utilized for more than one routine. We love multipurpose pieces, and that certainly is the case for our at-home gyms.  

"Focus on equipment that can be used for multiple exercises," Mike suggests. "Also, consider equipment that's foldable or easily stored away. There are weight benches and even cardio equipment like rowing machines that can be folded and tucked away when not in use."

For renters and small space dwellers' convenience, we've rounded up Amazon gym equipment like folding treadmills and ellipticals that make an impact without taking up too much space or muddling your aesthetic.

"Try to match the color scheme of your gym equipment with the colors in your home," Mike suggests. "Stick to the colors you already have or just keep them neutral to help them blend in better."

If you're working with a hybrid, let's say a small office and a gym, you're going to have to think about making the most out of a tiny space. 

"Choose equipment that can be easily stored or that complements the room's main function," Mike adds. "Consider a stability ball that doubles as an office chair. What about a coffee table that doubles as a workout bench?"

When floor space feels too crowded and you're not sure what to do next, go vertical, as designers often suggest. 

"At my home gym, I've repurposed a garage shelf pegboard to hold fitness accessories like skipping ropes, resistance bands, massage balls, barbell collars, gloves, and even lightweight dumbbells," Mike adds.

Ready to rethink your routine now?

What to shop

Now you're thinking of a new plan, you'll want to hear from cleaning experts about how to clean gym equipment. Sure, you might have a stylish and functional at-home fitness system, but you certainly cannot have a dirty one. 

If fitness equipment isn't on your grocery list, the Aldi exercise bike — a foldable one at that — will make you reconsider the essentials. 

Now we've entered a new year, we've decided to detox and reset our habits. Since Aldi offers versatility, we're able to add workout gear *and* healthy food to our shopping carts. How's that for convenience?

When you're ready to restock the fridge with healthy buys and add the best home gym equipment to your workout space, Aldi's here to help.

Check out the Aldi exercise bike and workout gear

While you might not necessarily need to execute small home gym ideas, the pros insist you want to have some type of fitness items available in your abode. 

"A home gym is a constant reminder to stay active. Every time you see that yoga mat or those dumbbells, it's a little nudge to do something good for yourself," says Mike Julom, ACE certified personal trainer and the founder and CEO of ThisIsWhyImFit.com.

While many of us gear up for morning yoga classes or after-work gym visits, Mike insists bursts of physical activity during the workday can actually be helpful, so plan your small office layout ideas accordingly. 

"Having equipment at home allows for short, frequent workouts throughout the day, which can be more effective for maintaining metabolism and managing energy levels," he adds. 

It seems the folding Aldi exercise bike is just as important as the printer. Keep in mind these items are available while supplies last, and different Aldi locations might not offer the same products. Aldi offers curbside pickup and delivery when you shop online at new.aldi.us.

You might also like

Should these pieces not be available at your neighborhood Aldi, we've spotted other small space workout gear that offers a big impact.

Stocked up? We did, too. Now it's important to learn how to clean gym equipment so that your gear is as hygienic as your routine is effective. If you still have your heart set on a few more items, there's plenty of Amazon gym equipment suitable for small spaces, similar to the debut IKEA workout collection, DAJLIEN.

As a certified lazy gal, I like to do as much as physically possible from the comfort of my own home. And that even stretches to me occasionally ditching the gym in favor of a trusty home workout — because, sometimes, the thought of having to wrestle into a matching lycra set, and slick my hair back just feels like far too much extra effort.

Whether you’re a yoga bunny, a pilates princess, or a strength training queen, these rubber mats, resistance bands, and dumbbell sets won’t stick out like a sore thumb in your lovely home, but will still ensure you get a proper sweat on.

But if you don’t want your home gym or workout area to give off real Mojo Dojo Casa House energy, swapping the classic black and stainless steel gear for some far more aesthetic workout equipment is key. So, I’ve gone in search of some cute and colorful alternatives!

Best aesthetic workout equipment 

Frequently asked questions

Where to buy

Looking for even more aesthetic workout equipment to buy? Get moving with these retailers:

• Amazon exercise equipment
• Target exercise equipment
• Walmart exercise equipment
• Lululemon exercise equipment
• Dick's exercise equipment

How we chose

It's not always possible to buy or call in samples of aesthetic workout equipment, so in this instance, we've selected items with highly rated reviews. 

Now that you're all ready to work out, you'll need to know how to clean up. See how to wash gym clothes to remove those nasty odors. So fresh!

Helping you stay active at home is the central aim of the FlexiSpot Cycle Desk Bike V9, whether that's whilst you answer emails or as you do some online shopping. Designed as a 'deskcise' bike, in theory, you can prop your laptop on this bike and multi-task all day long, but does it really work the way it should? 

We put it to the test in this review to establish if it's worth the investment for those of us who are looking for a new way to keep active at home. 

It's obvious from the offset that this bike is looking to do something a little different than the Pelotons and Echelons of this world. It's engineered with unique features, including a pretty spacious desktop, which means that it'll probably be more suited to your home office than your gym.

For those looking to schedule more cardio at home, one of the best exercise bikes has classically been a go-to choice for many. With the FlexiSpot Cycle Desk Bike aiming to do more than allow you to torch calories, is there a place for it in your home? In this review, we tried the bike out at home ourselves, to give you an in-depth idea of whether it's worth your money. 

FlexiSpot Cycle Desk Bike V9 specs 

• Colors: White, Black
• Size: L37.6" x W22.8" x H42.5"-48.4"
• Resistance levels: 8
• Max user weight: 300lbs
• Monitor: N/A
• Foldable: No
• Wheels: Yes

First impressions of the FlexiSpot Cycle Desk Bike V9

As you might be, I was intrigued by the concept of this deskcise bike from the beginning and wondered how effective it really was. Successive years working from home means that sometimes my enthusiasm for getting outside is lacking, and anything I can do to be more active without leaving the house is always a winner for me. Combine that with a desire to up how much exercise I do a day, and the premise of this bike seemed very appealing indeed.

The bike itself arrived in two boxes, with one containing the bike element and the other containing the desktop, already mostly assembled, meaning all you have to do is attach the two together. The bike itself has a seat, which you can adjust, a resistance dial, a small screen that shows various metrics, and a button to allow you to switch between viewing your speed and the time you've been cycling, for example. 

The unboxing process was simple and took next to no time at all – though the boxes are heavy, so it might take two people if you have a few flights of stairs to get up. You just need two AA batteries to get the screen element working, and then you can adjust both the desk and your seat to suit your height. I am 5'7, and I found that the bike was great for my height.

The wheel element of this bike is hidden away, with the whole encasing giving it a nice, sleek look. It fits nicely into my home space in its little corner, and the wheels were immediately handy for placing it wherever was most convenient in the space.

Using the FlexiSpot Cycle Desk V9 

Obviously, the big question with this bike is: can you actually cycle and effectively work at the same time? And then the second biggest question is, will you actually use it enough for it to be cost-effective?

To answer that question, let's first establish that the RRP of the FlexiSpot Cycle Desk, which is $399.99 (or just shy of £400 in the UK) including the desktop, which we figure is kind of essential if you want to use it as a desk. You can save roughly a quarter of the price by buying without the desk – but why would you?

The design of the bike, which I think is space-saving and nicely minimalist, definitely encouraged me to get on the bike. To kick things off, I started off with the challenge of answering emails while cycling. 

To get started you simply need to turn the dial on the body of the bike, next to the seat. There are eight resistance levels, and for this beginner's session, I opted for the third level to see how it went. With your laptop on the desk in front of you, I would say that your brain sort of adjusts to knowing that this won't be the hardest cardio session you've ever done in your life. I went along at a nice pedestrian pace and found that after a few minutes, the strange adjustment to typing whilst cycling went smoothly. 

I like to plug into something whilst I work, and I found a slow-cycling pace was kind of like listening to one of my favorite podcasts. Though there's something else filtering in, it allows me to concentrate on what I'm doing more, with less chance of becoming distracted. 

Another feature I really liked with this bike is the tiny LCD screen that lets you keep track of how you're doing. You can see the time you've been cycling for, your speed, distance, calories, and projected speed for an hour. The screen will keep your session on-screen even if you hop off to do something else for a while, which I like, and you can reset on your next session with just one press. 

After that first email session, I used the bike in the afternoons for a good few weeks and enjoyed slotting it in as part of my routine. In recent months I am an Apple Watch convert, and I took great satisfaction from being able to close my rings using this bike. After one afternoon's worth of cycling, my record was burning 453 calories in one go. Far more than I would have done just sitting down.

If you're thinking of installing a cardio machine at home, then you might be a little worried about noise levels, especially if a central room in your house is doubling as a makeshift home gym. This bike is, at least to my ears, practically noiseless, and therefore perfect for those trying to juggle exercise with childcare or being mindful of other people working from home. I'm not too sure how it would look to jump on a work call whilst cycling, but I'm fairly sure you wouldn't need to mute yourself if you did want to take a meeting.

Design of the FlexiSpot Cycle Desk V9 

This bike is available in white or black, and has minimal branding with a sleek design, meaning it will fit nicely into any space. It doesn't feel obtrusive in my space, and takes up very little room. If you wanted to store it away, you could detach the desk element and use the wheels to take it into a corner, but it's not possible to dismantle the bike element for storage. If you have a spare room, it could be a nice little addition for even more versatility in that space.

In terms of comfort, the bike feels comfortable initially, with plenty of space on the desktop for a laptop and other work materials. Unfortunately, the seat does become uncomfortable after a while (about an hour or so), which is something that user reviews online also explain in detail. A good solution could be investing in a bike seat cover, like this one from Amazon, to ensure you can stay cycling and working for longer.

Should you buy the FlexiSpot Cycle Desk V9 Bike?

Before I tested the FlexiSpot Cycle Desk V9 Bike out I had read up on user reviews and seen that it had an established fan base, especially amongst those who now work from home. After having it in my bedroom for a good few weeks, I would come to the same conclusion that this bike is most definitely worth the plunge if you're looking for a way to get active and like me, you can be adverse to leaving the house and hitting the gym.

Is it going to be the best workout? No. Is it the comfiest to work at? No. Will it rival the best desk or best home gym equipment? No. But that's not really what it is for. If you have the room and need an easy way to add exercise to your day while you work from home, it is a sound idea.

I'm in a routine of using this bike when I do work in the afternoons, and I'm impressed with how many calories it seems to be burning. I am slightly concerned about the fact that I never feel like I'm exerting myself too much, but that is probably not the central aim of this bike. It's not for those who are looking for a super-intensive workout and to come away drenched in sweat, but it's absolutely flawless as a bike that doubles as a desk, and an investment that you'll enjoy if that's what you're looking for.

About this review, and our reviewer

DIY home gyms have increased in popularity over the last few years. Due in large part to the pandemic, people have realized they need a space at home where they can work out. 

Whether it’s as simple as some resistance bands and a yoga mat, streaming an exercise program, or purchasing a Peloton, home gym ideas make it easier and more convenient than ever before to get in a good workout and keep your body in shape. 

We talked to people from all walks of life: trainers, designers, stay-at-home and working moms, men tired of their 'dad bods' and more who gave us a peek at their home gyms and advice for how to build an at home gym.

DIY home gyms you'll want to recreate in your home

 1. Keep it simple  

 'A workout space at home doesn't have to be a full room that duplicates what you'd see in a commercial gym. All you really need is enough room to move your arms and legs freely without obstruction and perform the workouts you like to do regularly,’ says Lela Burris, Founder of Organized-ish. 

‘Try not to get caught up in accessories like TVs and huge home gym mirrors. When you're first getting started, all you need are the basics.'

2. Merge function with style 

 'We created our own home gym by merging functionality and style,' says Courtney Richardson, creator of Gray House Studio where she and her husband, Brent, share home DIY projects. 

'We wanted the room to have useful gym storage solutions as well as be an inviting place to spend time so we actually wanted to go in the room and work out. We completed several DIY projects in this room to bring our vision to life. Our favorite project was a yoga mat rack we designed and built to make our mats easy to grab.'

3. Consider your equipment and layout

When creating your own small home gym idea, 'consider the exercise you do and the type of equipment you need for it. Then plan the space to scale,' says Carly Madhvani, Director and Founder of NW3 Interiors, an award-winning interior design company based in London. 

'Ensure that the usability of the equipment is thought through - layout is key. {In this space} we put most of the equipment on the edges so that the middle was a free space to enjoy combat class with friends or be able to have yoga or pilates with friends. Make the layout flow.'

4. Creative storage  

Especially when you’re working with a small space, storage is key, especially if you're looking to store things like the best cross trainers. 'In my home gym I designed storage for weights, bands, and other items and left the bare minimum of equipment out. I designed the Crittall partitions to hinge so they could open fully to provide lots of floor area for exercising,' says Wendi Lewitt, founder of Wolf Lewitt Interiors.

5. Making it multifunctional 

Kristine B. is a fitness trainer specializing in pilates. 'For me, it was about creating a clean, multifunctional space with a touch of style. I chose the foam tiles for practicality, a few indoor plants for cleansing energy, and a neutral tapestry to add a little texture. Rotating out different yoga mats is an easy and affordable way to switch up colors and styles to fit the season.'

6. Keeping it cozy 

 Giving your home gym a cozy feel will encourage you to use it often. Jenna Pierce, home decor and DIY Youtuber says, 'When setting out to make a home gym, start by combining decorative elements with functional pieces to create a soft and inviting space. Combine aesthetic details such as framed mirrors, artwork, greenery, curtains, wall hooks, baskets, rugs, etc. with functional gym equipment to make for a homey, motivating atmosphere.'

7. Think outside the box - balcony turned gym 

With dad bod creeping up on him, Hadi Zainal, founder of Hadi Home Gym decided to convert their balcony into a home gym. He has this advice for creating your own home gym, 'Spend some time deciding what you want the space to feel like. My wife and I went with tiled flooring rather than rubber mats for more of a yoga studio vibe. It's important to only purchase gym equipment that you will use. This meant free weights instead of machines for us. Space is a premium in smaller spaces like ours so mount as much equipment on the walls as you can.' 

8. It’s all about the atmosphere

If your home gym isn’t a space you enjoy spending time in, you’re less likely to use it. Says Colleen Walsh, creator of Revive Homecle, 'Your home gym should feel motivating, yet soothing and relaxing. Combining function and style makes the space somewhere you want to be to work out. Placing personal photos and hand-selected art pieces on the walls makes the space feel like your own. Also, well-placed mirrors allow you to see that hard work pay off.'

These home gym wall decor ideas are super motivating. 

9. Convenience is priority 

'As full-time working parents with small children, we decided a home gym would help us manage family life and maintain our fitness,' says Instagrammer and mom of three, Sophie McNally. 

'We decided to convert our double garage into a home gym. We chose equipment to suit our training needs and added mirrors around the room to help practice technique. We use this space often, whether it’s early hours or late in the evening, it works around us and our needs. The most important thing for us was to plan around the equipment that we wanted to add. This is what determined our “L” shape gym.’'

Our garage home gym ideas prove how easy it is to convert this space. 

10. Know what your goals are

Goal-setting is key when considering what to add to your gym. 'When setting up your home gym, consider what your top 3 fitness goals are, how you can achieve those goals within the space you have available, and prioritize equipment, weights, mirrors, etc. to meet your budget,' says Heather Semke, Founder and Certified Interior Decorator at Funcy Decor. 

'We invested in conditioning equipment and lighting with built-in fans and saved by laying our own interlocking foam gym flooring.'

11. Back to the basics 

'When my wife and I decided it was time to start taking better care of ourselves, we knew we wouldn’t have time to make it to the gym, even if it was just down the street.' says Eric Turner, teacher and dad of three. 

'We didn’t have the money to invest in large equipment so we paid for an online subscription to BeachBody on Demand, like Netflix but with workout programs, and purchased some resistance bands and dumbbells.'

How do I create my own home gym for under $100?  

'For home gym ideas on a budget, look on Facebook Marketplace.  You can often find workout equipment listings of barely-used machines that were bought 6-12 months ago with the best of intentions. You can basically get an almost-new piece of equipment for a fraction of the price,' advises Burris. 

Says Turner, 'Workout items like dumbbells, resistance bands, exercise balls, and hula hoops are great affordable options when starting your own home gym on a budget.'

With one of the best multigym for home machines, you will be progressing with your fitness journey more consistently than ever, and feeling better than ever as summer rounds the corner. Great for toning all areas of the body, from legs to arms, these machines mean that you don't need to waste any motivation getting to and from the gym.

The size, price and capabilities of the multigym for home machine that you opt for are all crucial to consider as you begin your journey to fuss-free workouts at home. Be sure to factor in how much space you have to spare, and the kind of features you want built-in, like a hip abductor or shoulder press, so that you can really excel in the types of workouts that you like.

The top-rated options when it comes to the best multigyms are a sure-fire way to squeeze more workouts in, especially if you're still WFH and can get your exercise done within your lunch break. For more solutions to help you work out at home, check out our buying guide to the best home gym equipment.  

The best multigyms for home use 2022

We love the DKN Studio 7400 as it's both affordable and versatile, making it the ideal choice if you want to keep up with your goals at home, but aren't looking to spend a fortune in the process.  With a weight stack of 80kg and the variation needed to perform training on all aspects of the body, with this home multigym you'll be beating your fitness targets in no time at all. 

What reviewers love
Those who have used the DKN Studio 7400 are impressed with the sturdy, solid design as well as the high overall quality of the materials and finish. It's also a winner with users due to the wide range of exercises possible, which gives plenty of variation to workouts and allows you to keep on progressing. 

Design specs
The multi-position seat of this multigym allows for the user to move around and adapt their workout with ease, while also providing extra padding for support. In essence, you can use this machine to do everything from arm curls to pull-ups, shoulder presses, hip abductors and more, so that you'll be feeling stronger and more confident in no time. It comes with a high and low pulley too and has a maximum user weight of 150kg. 

This is the best multigym for those who don’t have much space in their home. It’s also super lightweight which makes it easy to manoeuvre into your desired position, and compact enough so that it can be stored in a smaller room or a tiny home gym or garage. 

What reviewers love
There are copious impressed comments on this multigym's compact nature making it an excellent choice for your home if you don't have tonnes of spare space. That being said, what it lacks in size it definitely makes up for in features, as reviewers are super happy with how versatile it is. All in all, it can be used for 70 different exercises! Its sturdiness is also raved about, as is the fact it's apparently easy to assemble.

Design features
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym works via resistance rather than a weight stack. While some people may prefer this, others may not as it can feel a lot different to free weights. If you suffer from joint pain, the resistance method is designed to give you the same workout as free weights, without the strain on your joints. And, the chair is fully adjustable and ergonomic in order to reduce the risk of injury. It also comes with a polyurethane cushion for added back and knee support.

If you're looking to make one of the best multigym purchases, then this option from York Fitness is an affordable and effective place to start. With a 100kg weight stack and the opportunity to work your chest, legs and arms there is plenty of versatility to be found in this machine, and an opportunity to get motivated with all of your fitness goals. With this not too expensive investment, working out at home can be easier than ever.

What reviewers love
This multi gym has earned praise for its weight range which allows users to build on their hard work week-on-week. It's also a compact addition to your home, meaning it won't have too much impact on your aesthetically laid-out spare room, and even less on your garage where you can stash it away. 

Design features
For those new to weight training, the max weight of 100kg may be a little too much, but those used to using this sort of equipment in the gym will be grateful for the chance to progress at home. This multi gym also promises a smooth workout thanks to its design, with sealed bearings and a Y-frame for sturdiness. As with any home workout equipment, the compact design of the York Multi Gym is a huge plus too and means you can really separate out your relaxing and exercising spaces. 

Ideal for beginners and frequent gym-goers alike, this multigym features a range of exercise options all at a very affordable price. It also comes in 50kg, 70kg and 100kg options. 

What reviewers love
With a particular nod to its more affordable price, this multigym is much loved by reviewers. It's apparently surprisingly easy to build, and it's said to cover all your exercising needs – you can definitely use it for a full body workout. Though labelled sturdy, some say that it's ideal for amateurs.

Design features
The Opti 50kg Home Multi Gym lets users do everything from front press and butterfly to low rowing, triceps press, ab crunches, leg extension and much more. Its weight stacks are filled with 50kg of cement providing 65kg maximum resistance. Not only is this machine easy to assemble once it arrives at your front door, but it's also less bulky than other machines making it an ideal piece of kit to have in your spare room. 

If you want a multi gym that will be worth your time and money, then this is it. Why? We think it's the best multigym on the market for working out every part of the body. Hence its large size and somewhat large price tag.

What reviewers say
Those who have this machine say it is very sturdy and smooth to use, and it’s great for both beginners and more advanced training. Since it's pretty large, you'll need a lot of space to enjoy it. Though some reviewers do say that it's just as good as you would find in your gym. It's worth noting that the 272kg weight stacks don't come included, though.

Design features
Although this Marcy model is a single station machine, it can be used as a smith machine, power rack and cable gym all in one. Be aware that the weight stack plates for this multigym are sold separately – but on the bright side, this does mean you have more control over how much weight you add to your machine. This means you can train any and every muscle you have on this one machine. Understandably, it's rather large so you will need a fair bit of room to accommodate it.

The ONETWOFIT Power Tower is great for those with a small budget and an even smaller amount of space. It doesn't come with any weights – you can use yourself as a weight – and on this workout station, you can find three levels of height adjustment from 202cm to 220cm. 

What reviewers love
With lots of comments from reviewers that this multi gym is easy to assemble and great value for money, it's also reportedly surprisingly sturdy.

Design features
It's made from heavy-duty metal so it can withstand up to 330lbs at any one time, while it boasts a stable base that's adjustable. Use it for pull ups, chin ups, dips, vertical knee raises, push ups and more. With a thick backrest and armrest that are both made from PU leather, this basic multigym is comfortable and non-slip, so it's safe to use. It has a U-shaped frame base also, while the assembly is easy. Though it's not a multi-gym in the way the others on this list are, it can still be used for doing multiple exercises so it fits the bill.

Those who still aren’t convinced whether to buy their own multigym may want to try this one out for size. It's entry-level and also one of the most affordable recommendations on this list. 

Whats reviewers say
Several users found it to be surprisingly impressive for the cost. One feature particularly boasted about was its fold-away bench. This helps keep your room looking neat and tidy when the machine isn't in use. While it does take a little while to put together (apparently the tools that come included aren't very good), once up it's reportedly strong and sturdy.

Design features
Also, since it provides up to 64kg of resistance, it can be assembled or moved to almost anywhere in your home without the worry of damaging your floor. While all our other options feature an upright seat, this model features a traditional lay-flat bench press design for those who like to work out their chest and tricep areas. If you have older children who'd like to use the machine, it has an adjustable seat to adapt to different users, and weights are included. It's also fuss-free when it comes to cable changes.

What to look for in the best multigym for home

The first thing to consider when buying the best multigym is which fitness goals you want to achieve with its help. If you want to focus on your core strength, then a pull up station might be a more affordable place to begin, and let you use your bodyweight to work up a sweat. If you know you want to start weight training, then factor this into the type of machine you choose, as well as ensuring there's enough of a range of weights so that you're testing yourself far into the future.

It's also great if you can find a multigym that has good portability, including wheels, so that you can reclaim back your home gym space when you have guests. If you're on a budget, then make sure you're actually going to use all the features you're paying for. One good tactic is to first write down all of the features that you want, and then to begin your search, rather than allowing yourself to be distracted by other perks as you shop. 

How we chose the best multigym for home

Though we haven't had a chance to test out these multigym machines just yet, there was a number of extremely important criteria that we covered as we put together this list of the top-rated options. From checking different user reviews, as well as ensuring the quality of the materials, we formed a picture of what really is the best out there, and then ranked them depending on what shoppers might be searching for – such as more affordable models.

More fitness deals

Buying a load of home gym equipment? Whether you are building your own home gym or you just want to invest in a few of the basics, such as the best treadmills or the best cross trainers, you can find lots of home gym and fitness offers below.

Home gym mirror ideas are the perfect motivational tool for tracking your progress and gains. By analyzing the way that you move your body, or lift a piece of equipment, you can optimize the number of muscles you engage and reduce the risk of injury.

But these home gym ideas are not created equally. Some can be fixed to a wall, while others can be propped or leaned against something stable while you push yourself to the limit.

And while you may expect a mirror to merely function as a reflective pane of glass to gaze into or take selfies, modern design and advances in technology have meant that some included bonus storage solutions and even a 24/7 PT in your own home. We talk about everything from futuristic 'fitness mirrors' to ornate brass furniture and even how to DIY your own bespoke workout room mirrors.

Home gym mirror ideas to reflect on

'Looking in the mirror at the gym helps my clients keep an eye on their form whilst also tracking their physical progress,' says Jade Smith, Grenade ambassador, PT, and qualified nutritionist.

'When you gradually notice changes in your reflection, it helps you feel motivated and inspired that your hard work is paying off! Mirrors also help to monitor and correct any mistakes with your form during workouts, preventing injuries and ensuring you’re hitting the right muscle groups.'

1. Pop a long-length mirror in the corner of the room

Unless you've opened the garage door, or have ample lighting in your basement, a home gym workout can be rather gloomy, and a little claustrophobic. But one Swedish retailer has some ideas to boost your serotonin and give the illusion of a larger space in a small home gym. And it's all to do about where you position your home gym mirror.

'Take advantage of energizing daylight by attaching a barre (we used an adjustable curtain rod) across your windows. A mirror lets you watch your form and makes your workout spot seem bigger too.' says Anna Blom, writer at Ikea.

2. Place your fixed gym equipment in front of the mirror

Popping your best gym equipment in front of the mirror is good for a number of reasons. One is that you can monitor your posture and form, and, two is that you've got your competition staring back at you!

Buy one Cordero full-length mirror from Wayfair to reach your goals single-handedly, or have a buddy join you in reaching optimum health. We personally love the combination of machine-based cardiovascular exercise, with bodyweight activities using an exercise ball and soft home gym flooring as shown. 

3. Invest in a mirror with storage

In snug homes and apartments, it can be hard to find a suitable place to work out. And sometimes doing cardio in your bedroom or on the landing can cause too much of a stomping noise.

If the hallway is where you'd rather get your HIIT on, the Marshall Storage Floor Mirror from Urban Outfitters comes with gym storage in the form of a wire shelf and two coat hooks to the rear of it. Perfect for hanging up hoodies once you've warmed up, and for popping your dumbbells out of the way of family members who may accidentally trip over them.

4. Grab a bargain online

It can be scary not buying a home gym mirror directly from a store, but you can grab a bargain online, especially if the retailer doesn't have expensive overheads like a physical shopfront. Here, one working mom of seven created a garage gym that incorporated some budget home gym ideas.

'After burning myself out trying to get to the gym each day at 5 am, manage 7 children, and work, I redesigned our garage into a functional home gym for our entire family,' says Jenny Reimold.

'Most of this was peel and stick and with the exception of a drill, no tools were needed. I used peel and stick flooring from Haven floors, peel and stick wallpaper from Home Depot. Mirrors and home gym lighting were under $100 from Amazon.'

5. Create a faux living wall mirror design

When it comes to home gym wall decor, most things can seem a little overdone. Printed wallpaper? Been there. Framed wall art? Done that. So if you're looking for ideas that are a little more interesting, why not create a faux living wall around your home gym mirror?

Here, Instagrammer Courtney Killiam created a zen space to meditate with a biophilic Barre space incorporated into the width of the mirror. And, we think you'll agree that bringing the outside in creates a calming place to lay down your best yoga mat!

6. Lean a mirror against a living room wall

Whether you're renting your property, or just don't want to get down and dirty with drilling and DIY, leaning a home gym mirror against your living room wall offers a laid-back and free-spirited aesthetic.

Having a long, arched mirror like this example from West Elm also means that you can move and maneuver it into other areas of the home, be it the bedroom for getting ready for a big night out, or the hallway to make any last-minute adjustments to your outfit.

7. Get the boutique studio feel with a decorative mirror

The rise of 'gymfluencers' pushing their latest routines on Instagram has meant that we've gone gaga for the latest fashionable home workouts, aspiring to attain the same results as the stars.

Granted your pockets aren't as deep, you can still achieve a boujie look while working your booty. This pretty boho mirror from Dunelm is ideal for performing squats in front of, or if yoga is more your thing, this brass-framed glass will help you to perfect your plank pose. Top tip: pop some grippers (available from Amazon) underneath your best rug to keep this floorcloth fixed in place while you move about.

And, when you're not working out, this multifunctional mirror looks as pretty as a picture in this dreamy bohemian bedroom.

8. Create an industrial minimalist look

Inspired by trendy CrossFit gyms in raw and edgy warehouses, the industrial minimalist look has inspired many of us to decorate our home gyms with a 'less is more' approach. So it's no surprise that when styling a gymnasium for her client, Katie Thomas, founder of KTM Design, mounted these simple-but-effective black framed home gym mirrors to the wall.

This modern design works perfectly with the distressed texture of the concrete walls that sit behind it and would look good in an urban-chic city apartment gym.

'Mirrors in the gym enable you to check your form, particularly when lifting heavy weights,' explains Thomas.

'For this project, we strategically positioned the mirrors to align with the squat rack and areas where the client would be lifting weights. Mirrors can be motivational for those who like to watch themselves workout.'

'They make the room feel more spacious and brighter. It is more comfortable working out with a sense of space around you, as opposed to feeling squashed within four walls.'

'We used the large-scale mirrors to create a bold, but minimal look. We wanted to create drama and impact so opted for floor-to-ceiling mirrors, without being fussy. We wanted to create a space that our client loved going to and motivated him. The grey, concrete-effect wallpaper created an industrial feel. The raw, simple backdrop complemented the statement mirrors and gym equipment, keeping the space functional and not overwhelming.'

9. Create your own DIY home gym mirror

If you've seen way too many same-same mirror ideas on the main street, are a little afraid to buy online, and can't deal with the painstaking logistics of carrying a unique mirror back from a thrift store, why not upcycling a boring mirror into a bespoke home gym mirror.

'Such a quick and easy DIY to take a stock mirror and transform it into something a little extra special. The side is made from premium pine 1x2 boards (premium is flatter).' explains Lisa Chun aka @ourhome.becoming.

10. Invest in a smart mirror

If you're a sucker for late-night teleshopping, you may have been persuaded to buy some gym equipment that is now being either used as a doorstop or dare we say... A very expensive clothes horse. We know it can be hard to resist temptation when most commercials promise rock-hard abs and slender legs with slim models happily demonstrating the best cross trainer on the market.

But, if you really want some motivation to get on with your workout: take a look at the mirror... No really. This looking glass isn't just for gym selfies or self-analysis. The latest smart home gym mirrors mean that you don't need to pick up specialist equipment or even jump on the best turbo trainer to tone up.

Yes – devices like the Echelon REFLECT Touchscreen fitness mirror, available from Very, aren't exactly cheap, but it offers a 2-in-1 approach to looking and feeling good with familiar workouts like Zumba, Yoga, and much more!

What is the best mirror for a home gym?

'Vault is an exceptional smart fitness mirror that’s smaller than a bookshelf and its vertical storage allows you to keep your space organized the way you like it,' says Colleen Logan, VP Marketing, Nordictrack, explaining the benefits of the smart home gym mirror.

'Whether you're squatting, saluting the sun, or busting out a set of high knees, with the rotating mirror on Vault you always have the perfect view of your iFit trainer to keep your form in check.'

'Sleek and elegant, it has been designed to not only blend into your home but add to the decor. Turn any room into a complete home gym, complete with personal training, that complements your aesthetic.'

Why should you include a mirror in your home gym?

'Mirrors are a necessary addition to any home gym as they allow you to check your form and avoid injury while working out, which is especially important when exercising without a professional nearby,' says Matt Flanagan, CEO of e-Bikes Direct.

'Mirrors are also useful as an interior design trick, as clever mirror placements can help make a room feel larger and more spacious.  One large mirror is a better investment than tiling smaller mirrors together, as this will distort your reflection and won’t help in making a room feel bigger.'

Home gym ideas on a budget are invaluable, be it as an alternative to an expensive membership at a health club or studio, or simply to switch things up for when you don't want to face the world.

But, let's be honest: some home gym ideas can be just as, if not more expensive than a monthly direct debit commitment. It's so easy to go OTT when a gymnasium is a permanent fixture in your property, rather than a place you might visit on average 2-3 times a week.

We've done the legwork of reigning things in, and collating affordable and feasible budget home gym finds. Think portable and practical accessories, low-cost lighting that looks expensive, bargains for your basement and other inexpensive exercise ideas.

Home gym ideas on a budget to break a sweat

'The reason why I love using suspension trainers is that in my years of personal training on the floor (about 5,000 hours), I trained a lot of women, and a lot of people that are new to training,' says James Smith, online PT and 2x No 1. Sunday Times best-selling author.

'And fundamentally, we need to get people to squat, push and pull. Elements of core, maybe accessory work, based on gender, or desired outcome.

'Now in someone's training regime, I don't want to throw them in at the deep end. Using a suspension trainer makes it incredibly easy to teach someone to row: walk your feet into the anchor point, pull your chest in towards where it's attached. It's non-invasive, and I don't feel it's that intimidating.'

'Suspension trainers are very good for stretching chest, lats, triceps, very good for doing high repetition stuff – you work to failure and not really in a position where you're going to drop weights on you.'

'And if you are going to do drop sets which is where you make it lighter between every set of reps, you can just walk your feet, rather than having to stop, use a pin on a pin-loaded machine, or take plates off a bar.'

1. Go for a smart gym setup

Open storage has been trending for a while now, and having your best home gym equipment on show for all to see is tres fashionable. But, that doesn't mean that you need to leave sweaty gym bags open or display your best dumbbells on ugly shelves, as one stylist and designer discusses:

'I knew I wanted to add some storage and instead of buying new, we repurposed that West Elm Parsons tower to house all of my fitness accessories like ankle weights, mats, resistance tubes, towels and a stylish speaker for good measure!' says Erin Wheeler, aka @sunnycirclestudio.

'Originally I wanted to install built-ins but the simplicity and versatility of the shelf worked as is! I love the idea of shopping my home for design projects!'

2. Use wallpaper to add a luxe touch

Paint isn't the only option when it comes to home gym wall decor. But, if you are turning up the heat with high impact workouts, be sure to invest in a wallcovering that is moisture-resistant so it can keep up with your routine.

We love this Sukhasana yoga poses and plants wallpaper mural from Hovia, which is an ideal print while you're practicing everything from your downward facing dog, pigeon, and child's pose.

'With health and wellbeing a big focus for people more than ever, yoga is becoming a way of life for many, bringing a new found sense of calm to people’s everyday lives,' says Lauren Kavanagh, designer and trend researcher at Hovia.

'This fun, illustrative Yoga Poses and Plants Wallpaper Mural depicts a cute repeat pattern of people doing various yoga poses, as well as cool house plants which is another big trend in interiors. Perfect for any keen yogi’s home space, or a commercial yoga studio, this stylish design adds a playful theme in fresh modern tones.'

3. Swap expensive classes for a flexible setup

From Zumba to Pilates, Boxercise and Barre, we bound to have a group exercise class that gives us an endorphin boost. But, in many cases, it relies on us getting out of work (or out of bed) at a certain time, travelling to said gym and ensuring we're looking acceptable in our best gym leggings or activewear... And have brushed our hair.

If you're after a little flexibility in your exercise regime – set up your own Barre or ballet station.

'Attach a barre (or maybe an adjustable curtain rod, like the HUGAD available from Ikea) across your window to hang towels or workout gear while taking advantage of the natural daylight.' says Anna Blom, writer at Ikea.

4. Add affordable strip lighting for atmosphere

'Home gym lighting needs to be energizing, dramatic and exciting,' says Luke Thomas, design director at John Cullen Lighting.

'Bright, invigorating lighting gives you energy to work out at the highest intensities but that’s not the only consideration. Downlights can provide great illumination down into the space whilst not complicating the positioning of the various machines, and equipment areas that might need to be accommodated in the room.

'A word of caution though; downlights give a direct light which comes straight down and this creates strong shadows. To soften the shadowing, ambient lighting should be layered with the downlights. There are many ways to achieve this, with some of the trendiest now being to use linear LED strip within architectural details such as ceiling coffers and shadow gaps to wash the walls.'

While John Cullen Lighting is a more premium option, you can buy more budget home gym lights from Amazon too.

5. Go back to school with a retro pegboard and locker 

'You don’t need a room to create a home gym,' explains Vanessa Algotsson, writer at Ikea.

'If you’ve got a little corner to spare, you’ve got yourself a totally functional exercise space. A cabinet keeps towels, clothes and gear nice and tidy, while a SKÅDIS peg board from IKEA is perfect for yoga mats, resistance bands, and more. And don’t worry about your workout gear killing your style vibe. You can easily hide with the help of a full-length curtain.'

From a budget-friendly buy that's almost a steal, we think the SAMLA from IKEA clear storage tubs, (available from Ikea) stacked in the locker are an affordable investment at just $1.99 each.

'A good idea is to install lockers in the walls so that one doesn't have to worry about leaving any valuables lying around.' says Zac Houghton, CEO of Loftera.

6. Create a small setup in your bedroom

If you like to dabble in the occasional workout, and aren't a full-on fitness enthusiast (we won't judge), don't waste your hard-earned dollars on the best gym equipment that'll only get used as a clothes horse or extortionate doorstop.

If you're only going to be doing a few stretches or crunches each morning or night, then invest in the best yoga mat and weights in a range of varying weight increments instead. 

'If you have less equipment, the KALLAX [available from Ikea] is a good choice [for storage],' says Jules Yap, aka the IKEA Hacker.

'The X divider insert is a great idea for sorting weights. The KALLAX doubles up as a bench too.'

And, while it's not the familiar budget home gym space that you might be used to... Remember: you still need to keep your apparatus clean. So make sure you know how to clean a yoga mat properly, using chemical-free household cupboard staples.

7. Complete your goals in your garage

Begging for a bit of garage home gym inspo? We've got it. Aside from the speckled flooring (great for disguising dirt), and the striped yellow wall decor to add a dynamic and energetic touch, this workout space stays organized thanks to a hard-wearing shelf that won't topple over (unlike us during a plank challenge!)

'A home gym is an excuse-free place to reach your fitness goals.' says Becky Martin, interior design leader, IKEA UK & Ireland.

'Turn your underused garage into an all-purpose workout space and keep it organised with our BROR shelving system. This storage system is our interpretation of heavy metal – sturdy, durable and flexible. Also easy to assemble, complete as needed and is robust enough to withstand moisture, dirt and heavy loads.'

8. Increase your upper body strength with a pole

Gone are the days of pole dancing being perceived as a seedy side hustle for exotic dancers. Because pole fitness classes are popping up everywhere in premium studios all around the country. But, if you don't want to get into skimpy shorts and heels in front of a whole lot of people – set up your own vertical bar from the ceiling.

You won't have to go to a specialist hardware store, as this exact spinning dancing pole, available from Urban Outfitters is the real deal.

Get in the zone by investing in the best smart speaker to strut your stuff to in the confines of your own home.

9. Store indoor and outdoor exercise equipment

'If your family practically lives in the great outdoors, it’s likely you’ve got piles of gear to prove it,' says Algotsson.

'We’d recommend outfitting your garage or attic with an ALGOT unit. It’s easy to customize a section for each family member, adding shelves, baskets, boxes and more. You can even adjust the heights of shelves and rails, so kiddos can easily grab what they need.'

Now the bad news is that the ALGOT has been discontinued, but the BOAXEL from IKEA makes a good substitution.

10. Save money by using multipurpose storage

'Take your home gym from an afterthought to a design priority, whether it tucks
into a corner of your living room or has its own dedicated space,' says Ben Hanley, head of design services at West Elm.

'Multipurpose pieces –hidden storage, standing mirrors, wall hooks and baskets – are designed to keep your space organized, stylish and flexible. An organized workout space is essential, especially if it’s tucked in a corner. Rely on baskets and hidden storage to easily stow away weights, mats and other accessories.'

We are particularly fond of the urban sleeper sectional with storage, available from West Elm; a sofa bed which secretly hides away your HIIT equipment and great for slouching on after an intense workout.

Not cheap cheap as it starts from $3,698, but if you're looking at a piece of furniture that's a 3-in-1 sofa, bed and storage unit – it certainly gives you a run for your money.

11. Opt for portable gym equipment

 ‘My go-to bits of equipment follow me wherever I go,’ says Scott Humphreys, founder of boutique fitness studio SP Athletic. 

‘They allow me to work out at home, and when I’m staying with family or friends or on holiday. Resistance bands, glute loops, a TRX suspension system, available on Amazon and a set of ankle and wrist weights are must-haves. If you have the space at home, add a set of dumbbells to your collection – you can’t go wrong!’

12. Work out discreetly with cheap window treatments

If you're doing an intense workout, the chances are that you don't want your neighbors and passers-by snooping in on your session. 

So it's essential that you have  adequate curtains or blinds to allow you to have an opportunity to work out in privacy and without an audience.

Hopefully, you've never experience THAT creep at the gym who watches your form, but if you have... Here's the solution.

13. Invest in foam flooring or a comfy alternative

'Certain floorings are not only uncomfortable to deal with when exercising, but floorings such as laminates can become easily scratched when exercising, which is the last thing you want if you are a renter or if the floor has just been renovated,' says Matt Flanagan, CEO of E-Bikes Direct.

'Adding interlocking foam floor mats to your gym space adds a layer of cushioning and can even help with soundproofing, which is a perk if you live in a flat with neighbors underneath. Such mats can be purchased on a budget, can be easily removed and stored away if no longer necessary, and absorb movement well, meaning they cushion your workouts well.'

'An alternative to foam floor mats, individual yoga mats also act as a good defense for your floors, as well as cushioning your workouts and can be purchased on a budget. While some mats are foam, there are more heavy-duty alternatives such as rubber which are non-slip and also act as a soundproofing barrier.' 

This green PLUFSIG gym mat, available by IKEA is one viable option that folds away nicely.

How can I create a cheap home gym?

'Believe it or not, for around $1,000, you can get yourself a squat rack with a pull-up bar, a flat bench, a jump rope, mid-range weight plates, and an Olympic barbell,' says Bob Barocas, a home remodeling and DIY expert who blogs at HomeRepairNinja.com.

'Throw in two gym mats, a medicine ball, and a yoga mat while you're at it too - you'll still be way under $1,200. Put all of this in your basement (even an unfinished basement is fine!), and voila you have a pretty classy home gym without breaking the bank.'

How can I keep a budget home gym organized?

If there’s a will, there’s a way. With just a few racks with knobs, Filip Kosatik, retail design lab leader, IKEA Sweden, turned his tiny entrance into a hallway home gym. It shows that simple ideas can turn out to be brilliant solutions that make everyday life better.

He says: 'Hooks are wildly underestimated tools when it comes to organizing small spaces. As you can see, they keep my gym equipment within easy reach and off the floor. I’m saving lots of money on a gym card and can work out anytime I feel like it.'

Basement gyms are becoming ever more popular, and with good reason. During the pandemic, basements have become prime territory for hobbies, school, work or working out. It is more convenient, less intimidating and less expensive in the long run. With COVID still hanging around and gyms opening sporadically, it’s time to create your very own basement gym.

With little or no natural light and low ceilings, it’s easy to see why cold, dark basements are often overlooked. They are used as a backstage area where we dump things we don’t need, just in case we might need them again in ten years. But, there are so many better home gym ideas for this space. The cool, quiet basement is the ideal spot to create your perfect home gym.

When the new year rolls around, instead of buying another gym membership as part of a resolution you won't keep, vow to create a basement gym right here in your home. It doesn’t need to cost a fortune to set up and we assure you it is money well spent. Your home gym will always be good to go, no need to renew your membership. Plus, it’s so much easier to hit the gym when it's just down the stairs.

Most importantly, you can create a gym that you actually want to work out in. If yoga is your thing, create a zen basement studio with art hung on the walls and warm candlelight. If you prefer a spin class, get some disco lights, music, add a bike and you’re set. If you like weights, you can cover the floor with mats and the wall with mirrors and get lifting.

Basement gym ideas to make the most of your space

All of the things that make a basement space so unappealing ordinarily - cool, dark, quiet, separate from the rest of the house - are exactly what makes the basement the perfect spot for your new gym. 

Take a look at these fabulous basement gym ideas and create your own perfect home workout space.

1. Build your very own climbing wall

A climbing wall is such a fun basement gym idea. Aesthetically, you couldn’t get away with building this anywhere else in your home, but the basement is the perfect spot. If you’re bored of going to the gym, this could be a great solution. 

Climbing can strengthen your hands, forearms, biceps, neck, shoulders, traps, back, lats, abs, glutes, thighs and calves. Your entire body benefits from climbing. It’s like having an entire commercial gym in your basement, but it’s much more fun. Climbing is also an activity the whole family can enjoy together and all of your friends will want to come and work out at your place too.

To find out more on how to create this amazing climbing wall in your basement, head to atomikclimbingholds.com.

2. Create a zen yoga studio

With the addition of some cozy furniture, a faux plant and a mirror you can transform your basement into the perfect spot to relax for some candlelit yoga. During the pandemic we’ve all tried to do a living room yoga sesh or two, smashing into everyone and everything. 

There is often a lot more space in the basement and with a little TLC, it can become a zen paradise. You can add a sofa and a coffee table to create a calming space where you can read a book, drink tea, or find your next virtual yogi to follow. You could even add a diffuser to create a spa aroma. Make sure that you have installed some good ventilation if you’re going to do this though.

You can purchase a beautiful yoga mat from Lululemon or one of the best yoga mats on the market to suit your basement yoga studio decor and a diffuser for a spa aroma from Saje.

3. Add fun, colorful equipment

If you have the space to go all out, get yourself some serious gym equipment. By adding pops of color to brighten up the space, a home gym is far more inviting than a commercial one. Basement gyms can sometimes be a little dark and dull, but this one feels fun and makes you want to use the equipment.

At Legend Fitness you can choose any color you like to fit with any basement gym style.

If you are a little short on space or budget, you don’t have to purchase all this fancy stuff to add some color to your basement gym. You could add a colorful yoga mat, paint a feature wall idea or add some interesting home gym wall decor ideas.

4. Have fun with the whole family

It’s becoming ever more difficult to keep our kids active. Why not create a basement gym that will be fun for the whole family? You can use ropes, ladders, monkey bars, and climbing frames to create an incredible indoor playground. 

This is a great way for kids and adults alike to get some exercise together, especially if you live somewhere where the weather is not always the best. This would also suit a garage gym idea too. 

5. Create a mirror wall

Nowhere else in your house offers you several windowless walls that you can cover with mirrors. If you want to work out like you’re at the gym, you need to be able to see what you’re doing. 

Also, there is usually very little natural light in a basement, so mirrors are a great way to make the space feel bigger and brighter, especially when you're designing a small home gym idea. For a budget-friendly option, you can simply purchase wall mirrors and hang them all up together, you don’t need to have a professional come in and install them.

6. Fashion a basement spin studio

If spin is your thing, the basement is the prime location for your own private spin studio. It’s a cool, dark space where you can crank the tunes and sweat it out. Spin class is so much more fun when it’s a party. All you need is an exercise bike, some disco lights and a TV for your virtual instructor. 

You can get one of the best exercise bikes with all the bells and whistles, or keep it simple and get a second-hand static bike on marketplace. There are plenty of different apps you can use to access instructors, live classes or competitions. Even if you try a few different apps, it’s still more cost-effective than the spin studio in the long run.

7. Get with the times with smart home gym equipment

We love gym classes where we can work out with friends and have an instructor to motivate us. The pandemic highlighted a need to work out together while staying physically apart, and there are now so many smart gym options available at competitive prices. You no longer need to find the motivation to leave your house and go to a gym class, you can access live classes right from your basement gym.

Smart gym equipment allows you to compete with your friends, play games and win medals. Plus the technology is so smart that equipment like MIRROR from Lululemon(pictured above) or Tempo can track your form as you workout and correct you as though you are right there in a live class.

8. Or, just install a TV

If you’re not super into the new smart workout equipment, a TV will certainly suffice. 

There are so many YouTubers out there who would love to take you through their workout routine. If you have a small basement, a TV, a mat, a bike or a few weights is all you need. You can cast your chosen workout to the TV and get your sweat on. Take a look at the best TV out there to really get you motivated. 

Even if you’re basement is not a huge space where you can create a purpose-built gym, it is still nice to have a dedicated space to work out in. If you’re trying to use the TV in your living room, you’re far more likely to sit on the sofa and put on another rerun of Grey’s Anatomy.

9. Stay motivated with cute signage

Putting up some cute signage that tells you to keep it up is a super inexpensive way to brighten up your basement workout space. You can add a gallery wall that both looks great and makes you feel great, like in the image above. 

Adding anything that makes your space more welcoming and encouraging is a great idea. If you’re crafty you can create your own art with messages that motivate you, or you can even go all out and create a chalkboard wall where you can write all your workout routines, motivational quotes or whatever works for you.

10. Or create a feature wall

You have so much windowless wall space in the basement that there is ample opportunity to create something interesting on the wall. Anything that makes the space more fun, will make you want to work out more. We love the colorful wallpaper and neon signage in the home gym pictured above. 

Get your own neon sign from Custom Neon. Or, you could create a gallery wall idea with art, photos and signage, paint a mural, create a chalkboard wall for logging reps, or a faux live wall so you can feel the outdoors, even without windows.

11. Splash out on a spa

We saved the best 'til last. Our favorite thing about going to the gym is the post-workout sauna. Why not bring the spa to your basement gym? It may cost a little more to install than some of our other ideas, but it is such a luxury to have a sauna in your own home. 

Saunas reduce stress, soothe sore muscles and rid the body of toxins. It could be a great addition to your basement gym. The gorgeous custom home sauna pictured by Evin Kriebel is from Sunlighten. If you have the budget, you could go all out and get a hot tub for the backyard too.

Can I work out in my basement?

I think you may have guessed our answer to this one already, but yes you most certainly can. 

And it is a fantastic use of this overlooked space. Kyle Risley, health expert and CEO of Lift Vault, says, ‘Your basement is one of the best places in your home that you can work out in. This is mainly because basement floors tend to be built on top of the foundation of your home, meaning they’re incredibly stable and resistant to flexing while jumping or dropping weights. However, there can be some trouble with overhead space in some basements, so this is something to look out for if your basement has a low roof.’

How do you ventilate a basement gym?

Because your basement is underground, it can be exposed to a lot of moisture. This needs to be controlled otherwise it could lead to mold or mildew which could have a serious impact on your health when you’re breathing heavily during a workout. If you’re lucky enough to have a window, ventilation isn’t so much of a challenge however, most basements are windowless.

Don Adams, foundation and basement expert at Regional Foundation Repair says, ‘I would advise that you place a moisture protection layer on the floors and walls of your basement. While working out there is a lot more condensation created, and without windows, or very small ones, you don't have the best ventilation. Adding a moisture protection layer can help your health.’

The easiest and least expensive ventilation option is a portable air purifier. It works by pulling air into the unit and moving it through a series of filters. The filters trap any contaminants like mold or mildew spores and then the clean air is pushed back out. It doesn’t require any expensive building projects to install windows or make holes in the walls. However, if you’re going to use your basement gym for years, it might be worth considering installing something more permanent like an exhaust fan or an air conditioning unit.

Stefan Bucur of rhythmofthehome.com agrees, ‘For a low cost approach fans and air purifiers work relatively well although in the long run we recommend connecting the basement to the home's air vents or HVAC system.’.

How do you stage a home gym?

As you can see from the gorgeous gym ideas above, a basement gym can be beautiful as well as functional. All you need to stage your gym are a few softer touches like pretty towels, art, mirrors and a plant or two to make your gym feel like a part of your home. If your home gym is a nice, inviting space, you are far more likely to want to work out in it.

Nichole Abbott, interior designer at FLOOR360 says, ‘Adding some softer elements to balance out the hard edges of equipment, machines and weights is important. Consider adding artwork, or exposed shelving with towels. Keeping the space uncluttered with shelving and storage for weights, kettlebells, exercise balls, or steps is crucial. Placing the larger equipment along the wall to create more space will help avoid overcrowding. Adding a floor to ceiling mirror will make the room look bigger.’

Let's face it: Home workouts are hella convenient. I do them all the time, as for me, it's so much easier to get through a workout vid than sweating it out in front of a load of strangers. That being said, it can be real difficult to find ways to organize all of that equipment.

I currently have all my weights, resistance bands, and mats crammed into my spare room, which is a bit of a mare TBH. They're taking up way too much floor space, which is very precious in my tiny rental. There must be a storage solution for this, right?

Turns out, there are lots of great ideas out there! These pics and vids are all totally genius ways to keep your gym equipment in one place. By copying these, you'll be able to make all your pieces easily accessible for when you want to have a workout sesh.

Keep on scrolling for some seriously clever ideas...

Gym storage ideas that are perf for small workout spaces

Whether you have a home gym or are repurposing another room (like me!), storing gym equipment in a stylish way is a fab idea. As well as picking out inspo, I've also rounded up some buys, so you can start getting organized ASAP.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

1. Soften it up with baskets and boxes

Soften up your space by using baskets and boxes to store your home gym equipment. By using a cute storage solution like this, your equipment can be stored anywhere in your apartment without ruining the aesthetic. If your home gym area is a beautiful, cozy space, it will makes you happy to be there and more likely to work out — win, win, right? I absolutely love the home gym pictured by @updatemycape, with its minimalist shelving and woven storage baskets.

2. Peg it on the wall

Peg boards are honestly a total dream for renters who can't hang things up on their wall. They provide vertical storage, and can be styled so they look part of the decor. You can easily create hooks for resistance bands, foam rollers, yoga mats or dumbbells, and add shelves for cozy plants and motivational signage to get you in the groove. I'm totally into the pink gear that @_megortiz has used in her gym, which looks majorly Barbiecore. Try to pick a color scheme and stick to it to recreate this look. 

3. Hang up a yoga mat rack

I love a home yoga sesh, but shoving yoga mats into a pile in the corner of the room doesn’t exactly look cute. Instead, make your Instagrammable yoga mat part of the decor with hooks if your landlord is all good with you drilling into walls. You could even put yoga blocks on top and hang towels on the hooks too. If you can't drill into walls, go for a dedicated mat holder instead, that you can neatly tuck away. Add an indoor plant or three for all the boho vibes.

4. Organize your gym in a closet

If you have bright gym equipment that's grabbing too much attention in your room, then stowing it out of sight is a fab idea. If you have a closet that you aren't using, you could build sturdy AF shelving into it, to carry even your heaviest dumbbells. Professional organizer Amy Bloomer at Let Your Space BLOOM has packed all her pieces into one space, making the equipment very accessible. The easier it is to grab, the easier it is to get going and working out. Right? Right...

5. Use your gym gear as decor

Ugly gym equipment? NTY. If you're really stuck on space, go for gym equipment that actually matches your interior for a fun way to showcase your personality in your space. Like, there's no point buying a cute yoga mat from the TikTok shop, and keeping its beauty hidden from the world. I'm so into this set-up from Cara Newhart from Never Skip Brunch has created, with metallic dumbbells and a cork yoga mat. It looks like the dreamiest nook to work up a sweat in, TBH.

6. Add a foldable desk

I'm totally one of those girls who gets bored when working out, and has to be watching something in order to get through the whole thing. Hey, at least I get it done, right? That's where a foldable shelf or desk comes in. With one of these, you can put your laptop on and catch-up on your fave series, or even put equipment on so it's easy to pick up mid-workout. The beauty of getting one that folds away is that it won't messy up your space when they're not in use. You can get a shelf that hangs on your wall like @missjessicanicoleblog, or even a standing desk.

7. Go retro with classic locker room style storage

Lockers don't have to remind you of high school, y'know. In fact, they can be a really stylish but strong storage solution. I think that they give real retro vibes, which always looks quirky and cool. You can get them in smaller sizes that are super apartment-friendly, as well as lots of fun colors. Plus, the top can be decorated to totally disguise the fact that gym equipment is stored in there.

8. Make a DIY towel rack

When you're working out, you want to be able to quickly get a towel to brush off all that sweat. If you're a DIY queen, creating your own towel rack is a fab idea. It's an inexpensive idea, and could even be sustainable if you can get some recycled wood. The result? A seriously chic yet useful towel rack. Add a basket for used towels underneath, and you'll have basically recreated a luxe hotel gym experience.

9. Go for an open, vertical shelf

One of my fave ways to maximise storage in a small space is by looking vertically. I'm not just talking about wall space — taller shelving units like this one will also work for this trick. If you organize your gym equipment as neatly as Melissa Metrano has, there will be no need to hide it away. I mean, how satisfying is that shelf to look at? Low-key, I'm also loving how she's folded her leggings Marie Kondo style.

10. Try a specialist gym equipment holder

Ok: Sometimes there's no point in complicating things. If you have lots of gym equipment that you want to keep in one place, an all-in-one storage solution like this one could work well for you If you have heavy kettlebells or dumbbells, buying something that is specifically designed to store gym equipment is def a smart idea. Oooh, and be sure to look for one with wheels, so you can move it wherever 

Up next: You need these small apartment storage ideas to spruce up your place ASAP 

Home gym wall decor is a crucial part of home gym design. Your environment can have a huge impact on how you feel, and this is never more prevalent than in a home gym. As a room with one clear, essential purpose, you want to make sure your wall decor is doing all it can to ensure you feel motivated, upbeat and full of energy as soon as you step foot inside.

These home gym ideas will inspire you to create a space that works for you, no matter how big or small your home gym is. Even if it's just a small section of your living room or a transformed garage, home gym wall art can give your home gym the identity and style it deserves. So check out these quirky ideas for a home gym you'll be happy to to spend time in.

1. Go for an inspirational quote as home gym wall decor

Sometimes you just can't beat an inspirational quote, and what better place for one than your home gym. This wall sticker from Etsy  is just what you need to read as you're entering your home gym. 

Any kind of workout is better than nothing, so this quote is sure to pull you up from the sofa. You can choose the size of your sticker, as well as the color of the text and the dumbbell, so you can personalize it to fit your home gym perfectly.

2. Choose a yoga-themed wallpaper 

If yoga is more your thing, you want a yoga room that's calming and tranquil. This Sukhasana yoga poses and plants wallpaper mural from Hovia is the perfect wallpaper to keep you focused on the task at hand. 

The sweet little poses act as examples of the perfect positioning, so you can take inspiration and mirror these shapes. The soft pink background color is calming and comforting, the perfect shade to aid relaxation. Blond wood is a favorite home gym flooring idea too.

4. Go spa-style with wooden paneled walls 

If you want to feel relaxed and at ease when you're working out – textures can have a huge impact. Natural materials like wood can help to make you feel relaxed and contented, so you can approach you exercise with a positive frame of mind. This wood paneled feature wall idea in this home gym by Green Retreats uses wooden wall paneling, as well as solid wood floors to give the space a spa-like feel. 

'Just like within our homes, wood paneling on walls are really rising in popularity within home gyms to create a focal point. Why not take it to the next level by incorporating LED light strips between the wood to really make a unique feature that’ll add a feeling of energy to your home gym,' says Tammy Daubney, Sales and Design Manager at Green Retreats.

5. Love your exercise bike? Imagine you're cycling through mountains with this wall mural

If you love nothing more than an at-home spin class, this Henri bicycle race wall mural from Hovia is the one for you. 

Position your exercise bike at the end of the path, and transport yourself out of your home and onto this mountainous race track. It's simply the perfect view, in our opinion.

6. Add some fun with quirky neon weights 

Neon lights are big news. We've seen them everywhere throughout the past year, and we think they're the perfect addition to a home gym too. This LED neon sign from Etsy  is the perfect way to bring some fun, personality and of course, light, to your home gym. 

This neon weight and kettle bell sign can be personalized – you can choose the perfect size and color for your space.

'The age of white box gyms with dark rubber floors really are a thing of the past. Dark moody walls, such as a rich navy, with industrial metal accents works well to create a high energy environment for those hard-core weight and cardio lovers,' says Tammy Daubney, Sales and Design Manager at Green Retreats. 

7. Create a calming focal point with a lotus flower sticker

Wall stickers are a really easy and inexpensive way to to make a big impact in your home gym. This vinyl wall decal from Etsy has a large lotus at its center, and several yoga positions surround it for a truly zen vibe. This simple monochrome scheme allows the earthy green of the yoga mats to pop. 

'For those looking to create more of a wellness retreat keeping things light on the walls and incorporating natural elements like wood and foliage can create the ultimate zen den,' says Tammy Daubney, Sales and Design Manager at Green Retreats.

8. Go bold and bright with a yellow feature wall 

Color can have a huge impact on how we feel, so the color we choose for our home gym walls can work to motivate us (or indeed, demotivate us!). 

Bright yellow decor is an inherently stimulating color – think sunlight – which beckons us to get up and active, making it the perfect shade for a home gym. Used here on a feature wall, it's just enough to add a flash of energy and make the whole room brighten up.

9. Hang art prints that'll keep you in the zone 

If you're after a quick and easy fix for your home office, hanging up some art prints as a wall decor idea, like in this home gym by Green Retreats, is a great way to go. These print spelling out the words, 'Inhale' and 'exhale' are perfectly suited to this high intensity home gym, but would be equally suited to a yoga room too. You could choose prints in bold and funky colors to uplift the space, or even go for some motivational quotes. 

'Light should also be a key consideration as there’s nothing inspiring about working out in a dark box room. If you can opt for a space with an outside view, like a garden room, doors and windows can flood the space with natural light as well as give you a great view to gaze at while you work out! If not opt for LED light panels and strips that can cleverly mimic the look and feel of natural light,' says Tammy Daubney, Sales and Design Manager at Green Retreats.

10. Add intensity with red strip lighting 

Add a whole new dimension to your home gym by adding brightly colored strip lighting at the top of your walls, as demonstrated perfectly here by @ourhomebythebeach. 

This casts a bold and bright glow from above, ramping up the energy levels in your space and making you feel like you can just do ten more...

11. Go two in one with a climbing wall

Don't want to waste an inch of your home office idea? Then use one of your walls to its max by transforming it into a climbing wall. 

Of course, many extra precautions will have to be taken (you really don't want any of the rocks to come loose) so this will be a much more expensive option, but if you're a climbing enthusiast and you've got good strong walls, it could be well worth looking into.

12. Go large with your mirrors to keep your form on point

Mirrors are a key feature in any home gym, as they allow you to watch your form when doing everything from lifting weights to mountain pose. 

'Full-length mirrors are always a great option to not only watch your own workout but to help create the illusion of a much larger space which is especially good for smaller home gyms,' says Tammy Daubney, Sales and Design Manager at Green Retreats.

What is a good color to paint a home gym?

When choosing what color to paint your home gym, you should firstly consider what kind of exercise you'll most commonly be doing in it. 

For high intensity workouts that'll require to have high energy, stimulating colors such as bright red, blue, orange and yellow are the way to go. 

These colors react with your brain to make you feel upbeat and motivated. If you will be using your home gym for yoga, where you want to feel relaxed and calm, opt for softer, paler colors, such as cream, pale grey, soft green and pale blue. 

Color found in nature, as well as natural textures such as wood, linen and cotton have been proven to make you feel calmer, optimizing your yoga session.  

How do I organize my workout room?

If you're including several machines in your home gym, ensure you leave plenty of room around each one for you to stretch out, and dismount easily. 

If you're feeling like you're cramped into a tight space, for example when using an exercise bike, this could impact your posture and could lead to problems further down the line. It's a good idea to position your gym equipment so that they're facing out the window. 

This will prevent you from feeling claustrophobic in your home gym, especially if it's on the smaller side. If you're planning a yoga room, it's a good idea to have as little in the space as possible. A empty room is am empty mind after all, so the least distractions and 'stuff' you have in there, the better.

How should I decorate my home gym?

'Before decorating your gym, make sure you think about what you intend on using the space for,' says Matt Flanagan, CEO of e-Bikes Direct.

'If you’re a fan of HIIT and cardio-based workouts, then creating a tranquil space fit for a Yogi might not provide the suitable level of motivation that you need. One of the benefits of having your own gym is that you are able to make it completely your own, so it’s important to inject your personality into the project. While most commercial gyms have a very similar look, you have the ability to decorate your gym however you feel looks best.'

Home gym lighting is an essential consideration when designing your workout space. Firstly, there's the obvious need to be able to see clearly what you're doing while working out – a challenge for windowless rooms such as garages and during dark winter afternoons. Secondly, the quantity and quality of light you get while exercising has a direct impact on your physical performance and mental being. 

So, when planning your home gym ideas, make sure that lighting is factored in. Fitness and interior design experts have some useful advice for designing lighting for gyms successfully.

Home gym lighting ideas to light up your workout space

The best lighting for a home gym is the type of lighting that best addresses your needs.

We take you through the best ways to light up your home gym to amp up your workout, whether it be a calming yoga session or high intensity training.

1. Maximize on natural light, if you can

For boosting your energy levels, nothing beats natural light. So, if you have a room that has a window and is unused, it should be a major candidate for a home gym. Paul Johnson, the Founder and Editor of Complete Tri, a resource for triathletes, runners, cyclists and HIIT enthusiasts, explains that assessing the existing natural light the 'the first thing someone needs to do when lighting their home gym.'

Of course, Paul acknowledges that natural lighting 'is a moot point if you are an evening workout person' but it is 'very relevant if you workout during daytime.' If you work from home, you probably have more flexibility with your time and can work out during lunchtime or in the morning. 

Having a naturally lit home gym also reduces 'the need for more lighting', if not eliminates it, making the overall design of your home gym cheaper. 

Paul does recommend being aware of the possibility of having too much light in your home gym – 'sometimes people with lots of natural light actually need to find ways to cover the windows at times, so they can see the screen for workouts like connected fitness or Peloton.' If your window is south-facing, you'll likely need window treatments like blinds or shutters. 

2. Recessed lighting is essential if using ceiling lighting

Skylights can be the answer to insufficient natural light in a home gym, especially in attic gyms. However, take care with the type of skylight you introduce. It needs to be far enough from you while you exercise, or you're risking an accident. 

As Paul points out, 'Any gym design should take into account that you may be jumping, swinging your arms, doing burpees, etc. You don’t want lights that protrude from the ceiling. 

Many people have crushed a light while swinging an exercise ball or a weight. If you are able to, use cans — those recessed lights that go up inside your ceiling.' 

3. Consider layered lighting

If you are designing lighting for a home gym space that's windowless, or you prefer to exercise after dark, you don't have to go for a boring spotlight lighting scheme. Katie Thomas, founder of KTM Design, advises to 'think about different layers of lighting which can change the ambience of the room depending on the activity you are doing.'

Not all types of exercise require bright overhead lighting, which 'is best for using machinery to ensure that you can see what you are doing.' A combination of soft, recessed ceiling lighting panels and spotlights will give your lighting scheme more flexibility, allowing you 'to create a relaxing atmosphere when winding down in the evenings doing yoga.'

As a rule of thumb, the more home gym equipment you have, the brighter your space needs to be. A single machine and a yoga mat will benefit from a softer, more layered scheme. 

4. Use daylight-imitating LED lights to boost energy

Of course, if you live somewhere with long, dark winters, and have trouble motivating yourself to work out on dark mornings/evenings, you may benefit from LED lighting that imitates daylight. 

Paul highly recommends natural daylight-style lighting 'for people in far northern regions where the days can be short in winter' –  'they may help with winter energy levels.' If, for example, you've taken up exercise to combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, you might as well incorporate some daylight therapy into your workout routine. 

Alex Gwilliam, Sales Manager at Green Retreats, recommends 'choosing an LED lighting option that mimics natural daylight, such as an LED panel light, to really brighten your home gym and energize your workout.'

What is the best way to light up a home gym? 

If you like high-energy workouts with extensive equipment, then you'll benefit from as much natural light (or at least an effective imitation of it) as you can get.

Paul believes that 'cans are by far the best design for a workout room' – so if you have the budget for a loft conversion, you really should go for them. Failing that, full-spectrum daylight-imitating LEDs will do the trick. Think beyond basic spotlights, though – panels will give you so much more and better light.

And the worst lighting idea for a home gym? Paul's advice is to 'avoid lamps. They will tip, fall, and break. If you must use one, make sure it is strong and has a firm base.'

What LED color is best for working out?

The color of your LED lighting will have an impact on how much stimulation you get from your home gym space. Jamie Moxey, Design Consultant at Dusk Lighting, told us that 'for a home gym, ideally the Kelvin should be around 4000-6000k which is neutral, cool. Opting for this color will introduce an element of the blue light spectrum which is mentally stimulating and ideal for creating a motivating setting.'

This may be different if you are setting up a yoga studio – a warm white or even orangey candlelight-like light of 2800-3000k may be best. 

As well as the color, you'll need to consider the brightness of your LED lighting (measured in lumens). Paul think that 'you actually want to have moderate brightness. Too bright, and you are going to feel like you are in a spotlight with a 1,000 lumen light shining down on you. Plus, so much fitness now is screen-based that you don’t want the light competing with it.'

So, a medium-bright, neutral-cool light will suit most home gym settings, but consider warmer and dimmer light for yoga.

No matter how many decades go by, home gym ideas and staying in shape have never fallen out of fashion. After all: health is wealth, so how grand or small your property or material assets are, it's never been trendier to improve your cardiovascular health, right in the heart of your home.

Now, don't get us wrong, we love scrolling and analyzing celebrity workout room ideas and home gym inspiration on Instagram as much as the next person. But, at first glance, these designs can look unviable, unachievable, and overwhelming  – especially on an average salary and budget constraints.

So let us do the hard work and sweat the small (and large) stuff. We've put together a set of home gym ideas that'll get you hot under the collar. Whether you're into skipping and sprinting, or strength training with free weights is more your thing, we're here to coach you and help bring your training space to life.

Home gym ideas that'll get your heart racing

'A spare room or garage is an ideal spot for creating a home gym, and it needn’t take up the whole space either!' says Charlotte Ingham, Content and Communications Executive, Grenade.

'Think creatively; repurposed dressers or shelves can house items like resistance bands, weights, and ab rollers that can be easily tucked away and pulled out for when you need them.'

'If you’re short of time, home gyms are great for fitting in a quick session at any point during the day, with the added benefit of privacy if you’re feeling self-conscious. Plus, adding a few essential bits of exercise equipment doesn’t need to cost the world either, particularly if you shop around. If you’re new to training you might prefer to do this before jumping headfirst into an expensive and lengthy gym contract.'

'If you sometimes struggle to juggle work and home life commitments, a home gym makes it a lot easier to squeeze in time to exercise. With easy access to fitness equipment, it can eliminate the hurdles keeping you from reaching your fitness goals.'

1. Combine grey and light wood for a modern Scandi feel

When you think of Nordic-inspired gym design, you probably imagine lots of logs and heavy lifting, Rocky Balboa style. But modern Scandi home gym ideas can be much more refined and offer the health club experience.

Mixing grey decor with light Herringbone-style flooring, potted plants, and reeded wood wall panels, you can create an outside-in feel in your home. This design by GMJ Interiors uses multiple sources of lighting (including LED strips built into the walls, and miniature black lampshades) to ensure you can monitor your form and review your performance with ease.

Widen Liu, director of GMJ Interiors describes this scheme as 'modern urban' and we are here for this city luxe look.

2. Add some color with gym apparatus

As home gyms become a more accessible option for fitness enthusiasts, retailers have clocked on, creating boxing bags, cardio machinery, and free weights in a whole heap of colors and patterns for a more personalized exercise experience.

Gone are the days of boring black and grey gyms, why not opt for more exciting and dynamic colorways? Yellow, for example, is a hue that creates a sense of energy... So put down that caffeinated drink or pre-workout and purchase the best home gym equipment in a bright shade.

3. Add some neon lighting

Many gyms and boutique studios often offer spin or cycle classes with bold lighting to emulate a nightclub experience while you're being put through your paces. So set the scene in your residence with home gym lighting. Whether it's cheap tube lighting, an LED strip around the perimeter of your sports space, or a neon light  – get excited to exercise with colored bulbs for cardio.

On the other hand, if you're creating a place for lower impact enjoyment such as yoga, pilates, or stretching, you may want something that is warm, calming, and tranquil.

'Think about different layers of lighting which can change the ambiance of the room depending on the activity you are doing.' says Thomas.

'For example, bright lighting is best for using machinery to ensure that you can see what you are doing, however, you may want dimmer lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere when winding down in the evenings doing yoga.'

4. Add interest with wall decals

Remodeling your space to incorporate a home gym can be expensive, and that's even before the equipment or the decorating has begun. If your aim to lift pounds of weight has left little pounds in your pocket – don't worry, because the combination of paint and wall decals (available on Amazon) can perform well in this environment as a cheap home gym idea.

'Home gyms don’t have to be boring spaces – add your own personality through decorative pieces and add color using bold paints, home gym wall art, or wallpaper. This will help to create a workout space that is motivating.' says Thomas.

5. Squeeze a small space into a corner

If you know you plie from your tourner, this Ballet or Barre fitness space is perfect for you. Using a divider, you can zone off a section of your living room to create a small home gym. Alternatively, this long and narrow space is ideal for setting up in a hallway.

'Take advantage of energizing daylight by attaching a barre (we used an adjustable curtain rod) across your windows,' says Anna Blom, writer at IKEA.

'A mirror lets you watch your form and makes your workout spot seem bigger too. Stash your equipment inside a beautiful storage box and use the top as a tablet holder for online classes.'

'By choosing a see-through screen you get a separate gym area without blocking out the natural light, leaving you free to exercise or socialize in peace. Create privacy and personalization at the same time by attaching a few art pieces to two dividers. Use the included hooks to hang workout clothes and essentials on the other side so your “room within a room” stays tidy too.'

6. Use your wall space for hanging and storing

If you've ever stepped on lego as a child, you'll know the pain of not storing things away properly when you're mom or dad told you to do so. Fast forward a few years into adulthood, and tripping over kettlebells can create a traumatic flashback.

So when it comes to storing the best dumbbells and the like, take things off the floor and hook them onto walls. Because trust us, a bit of DIY setting up a shelf or rail is much less painful than a stubbed toe.

7. Use a curtain to divide your living room

No frills, but absolutely functional, this DIY home gym idea is perfect for apartments and small homes. Using a window treatment like a curtain, you can zone off an area in your living room while someone else watches TV in the home.

The SKÅDIS pegboard, available at IKEA is the perfect spot to store an exercise mat and your headphones so you can get crunches and burpees done in an instant! For a back-to-school feel, add a retro locker, available at Mustard Made to store towels and even the best smart speaker you can afford to play your favorite tunes.

8. Evaluate your form with a large mirror

Garage gym ideas are becoming more and more popular as homeowners turn to use the space, not just for storing junk or parking their cars overnight. Yes – it can be a little cold in the winter, but the best heater can stop you from shivering while you warm up.

'A popular area to convert into a home gym is an underutilized garage,' says Thomas.

'It is the perfect size for all the equipment you may need and gives you a space to focus with minimal noise disruption. Garages have also been built to take the weight of cars, so you don’t need to worry about the weight of the machines. To create the impression of a larger room, decorate with a large mirror that can either cover the whole wall or most of it.'

9. Get some air in

Just like commercial gyms, your home gym requires fresh air to circulate, in and out of the room for a number of reasons. 1) Working out causes your temperature to rise, so you'll appreciate the cool air 2) You're sweaty – it gets smelly 3) Just like your members' club, it's, unfortunately, a breeding ground for bacteria, so you don't want to create warm conditions for germs to thrive.

'Try choosing a room with a window to ensure good ventilation, as this creates good airflow to keep you cool while working out.' says Thomas.

If you haven't got windows, there are other options. You can invest in the best fan or best portable air conditioner. Or, if you're brave enough to have the neighborhood as your audience, flip open the garage door... Maybe just change into your best gym clothes, rather than a baggy hoody or scraggy oversized t-shirt!

10. Take it outside with an outbuilding

If you lack spare bedrooms in your home for a gym, another option is to transform a garden shed to create a home gym. You can also build an outbuilding, although you should check if you need planning permission first.

'Creating a dedicated space to work out at home is the best way to focus on your fitness goals away from the day-to-day distractions of home.' says Alex Gwilliam, sales manager at Green Retreats.

'If you haven’t got a spare room in the house then creating extra space in the garden is a great alternative. A quality garden room is also a great investment in your property as well as your health and fitness.'

'A garden room building as your home gym offers ample light, fresh air, and great garden views to inspire your workout compared to a corner of a spare room or dining room.'

'Having a dedicated garden gym space gives you total privacy for your workout away from the distractions and interruptions from others in your household. So whether you need total quiet for your yoga, or need to crank up the volume for a high-intensity workout, your garden gym is the perfect space to focus how you need it. Top tip: Get a quality smart speaker or surround sound system to motivate your workout with either tranquil background music or your favorite power playlist.'

'Garden rooms are completely customizable to create the perfect environment you need for your workout. By their design, a garden room gives you ample natural light and access to fresh air, as well as motivational views of nature. There are also options to add air-conditioning for total climate control as you would in a professional gym environment.'

11. Add lockers for convenience

Whether your gym is within walking, public transport, or driving distance... Let's face it, we all have our excuses when it comes to working out. But for some, getting to a gymnasium really is a challenge – especially when you live in mountainous terrain with no chains or branches in reach.

'We live in a rural area up in the Highlands…so it’s not easy to access a gym close by. So instead we made one.' says Shireen Fyffe, aka @ourhomebythebeach

We love the way she's used red ceiling strip lighting to add atmosphere and motivational wall decoration to lift spirits during a strenuous session. Aside from this, she's thought to add gym storage in the form of grey cabinets for equipment and other essentials.

12. Paint your garage door

Whether you're getting in shape for a special event, or perhaps a beach holiday, chances are, your home gym doesn't offer much in the way of scenic views of sand or romantic sunsets. Unless of course, you change that.

By using spray paint, available from Amazon, you can create a dreamy destination that'll help you reach your body goals. First things first, before you start with any exotic designs, make sure you know how to paint a garage door first.

13. Invest in a yoga mat

We've come this far into the article, assuming you've got space for a dedicated gym... A little presumptuous you might think.

So if you're short on space, your multifunctional, broken plan living room space may play the part of home gym one day and hosting space the next. If you're still partial to a Zoom or virtual workout, make sure you have one (or a few) of the best yoga mats at the very least for stability. Because carpet burn isn't comfy and laminate flooring can be slippery!

Oh... and just because it's at home, this isn't an excuse for slacking with fashion style. Stretch with sass with the best gym leggings. These stretchy pants will stay in place, squat-proof, and aren't see-through either.

And don't worry about cluttering up your living room with bulky and/or expensive gear We've better ways to hide kettlebells (ie: not using them as a doorstop) if you're wondering how to hide gym equipment in your living room.

14. See your stuff with clear storage

If your skipping rope and boxing gloves are gathering dust and all-sorts in the garage, it can be hard to get into the groove of exercise. But we can change that! All you need is a corner, clear modular storage, a stand-alone shelving system, and a basket...and Voila, visible space for towels, tools, and TRX equipment.

A great way to organize stuff in low-lit areas, these units, available from celeb fave, The Home Edit, are ideal for a basement gym where you might have poorer visibility.

15. Sweat it out with a home sauna

This 500 sq. ft. gym by Tatiana Machado-Rosas and Gabriel Sepulveda, senior interior designers at Jackson Design and Remodeling, is fully outfitted for at-home workouts.

The space includes a sauna and a full bathroom which is great for showering after getting sweaty! High ceilings and skylights give the gym refreshing circulation and abundant natural light. With ample space for every type of equipment, the home gym is comfortable and energizing. A bright orange wall and industrial elements make it feel authentic and motivating.

What is a good size for a home gym?

'The smallest size you would want for a home gym is 3sqm however a good sized one would be 5sqm,' says Thomas.

'For a functional home gym, make sure you have sufficient space for all the essential equipment including machines as well as leaving enough floor space for your workout. Also ensure there is space for storage for any other equipment such as weights, mats and yoga balls.'

'Most gym machines need a minimum of 2m2 however you should allow for extra space around it for movement during your workout and you still need to allow for extra space between the machines to ensure your safety.'

What are the benefits of a home gym?

'As gyms were shut for the best part of the last two years, many of us have gotten used to the flexibility and convenience which comes from working out at home. There’s no longer a need to travel to the gym, as most workouts can be done easily at home,' says Matt Flanagan, CEO of e-Bikes Direct

'A home gym allows for flexibility, meaning your workouts can fit into your schedule easier than if you need to travel to your gym or workout class. This results in an increase in motivation, as you know you can carry on with your day straight after your workouts, and not have to worry about traveling back home.'

How do I set up a home gym in my basement?

'One of the most important factors to consider when creating or upgrading a home workout space is what type of gym flooring, gym mats, or gym floor tiles to use,' says Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design at the Home Depot.

'When it comes to home gym flooring, gym floor mats can be a great option. You may also want to consider rubber flooring or foam floor tiles. Gym flooring, typically made of rubber flooring or foam, is available in interlocking tiles or rolls of sheeting. This type of flooring is created to withstand the wear and tear of gyms and high traffic. It can withstand water as well as reduce noise and absorb shock.'

'Keep in mind that the best gym flooring materials for your home will depend on your lifestyle and budget. We offer a wide variety of different types of gym flooring with on-trend, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean options. Rubber flooring is one of the best choices for gym flooring. Rubber gym flooring is a good choice because of its durability.'

'From gym mats, gym floor tiles, and gym flooring rolls to rubber floor mats and rubber floor tiles, we have the gym flooring products you need to complete your project. We also carry a wide variety of interlocking foam mats and foam mats.'

'Interlocking foam mats are great for home gym flooring. They provide the cushion and friction you need while working out and protect your floors from damage. Exercise equipment mats are also great to have. They keep your equipment in place and shield your floors from scratches while you work out.'

What is the best flooring for a home gym?

'Rubber flooring is best for your home gym because it’s easy to install over any existing flooring and is durable so can support heavy machinery.' says Thomas.

'For rubber home gym flooring, it’s best to get a thickness between 30-40mm however if you use weights over 40kg you should consider a thickness up to 80mm.'

What are the advantages of owning a home gym?

'Having a home gym set-up can be quite a useful option for many,' says Neal Henderson, head of Wahoo Sports Science.

'One of the primary benefits is the time and energy saved in transit to and from a gym, allowing you to more easily fit in a workout at home into a busy schedule. The time saved might even allow you to get in better overall workouts than you would at a gym.'

'At home, you won’t need to worry about waiting for your preferred piece of equipment to be available and you won’t have any of the time limitations that are common during peak use periods in many gyms.'

'Finally, there’s a little less motivation and commitment required to getting in a quick workout at home – you don’t need to look presentable (if you care about that) and nobody will take up valuable workout time by making small talk with you when you’re at home.'

These home gym flooring ideas will help you choose the flooring that best accommodates your taste and exercise needs. And you actually have much more choice than you may think – it's not all about a nondescript black floor. 

Home gym ideas are heavily reliant on the quality and look of the floor – after all, apart from the walls, it's the main thing you'll be looking at while working out, so it makes sense to invest in an option that's both good-looking and functional. 

Home gym flooring ideas: functionality vs. looks

Where it comes to the design considerations of your in home gym flooring, you have quite a few options. A home gym floor doesn't have to be black, and it doesn't have to look like a commercial gym. 

In fact, in-home gym flooring can look just as sophisticated as the floors throughout the rest of your home. From Scandi-inflected blond wood looks to colorful options, you can have pretty much any look you want, but there will be some practical considerations. 

First of all, as our gallery of ideas will show, engineered home gym flooring tiles will be more appropriate than the very expensive real wood flooring you see in older homes (although this can be accommodated – we explain how later). 

You can even have a soft floor in your home gym – so long as you are prepared to regularly clean it. Health & Fitness expert from FitKit Iveta Bernane explains that choosing the right flooring for your home gym is largely down to personal preference and the type of exercise you're planning to do: 'carpet flooring helps add a layer of soundproofing for high-intensity workouts, yet hardwood and tiled flooring allows for a stable workout base.'

Be prepared to protect fancier flooring types from the increased wear and tear in a workout area. Iveta advises 'laying down a yoga mat no matter which flooring you choose as the cushioned layer helps reduce impact on the joints.'

1. Go for blond wood for a smart, contemporary look

There is probably no trendier flooring type than blond wood at the moment, and if you are style-conscious, this may be the best type of wood flooring for you home gym. Designer Taniya Nayak has created an impromtu home gym in a stunning room in her home. The whole look is minimalist and uncluttered. You may be able to get away with similar if you only have relatively light-weight equipment. 

If you're planning on acquiring heavy-weight home gym equipment, real wood is not recommended. Go for a hardworking laminate alternative. You'll still be able to achieve the same blond look, just minus the damage you'd cause to real wood.

2. Choose dark laminate tile for a strong look

Of course, going for a darker laminate floor is better from the purely functional perspective. 

You'll not see the scuffs and marks that will inevitably form with the daily use of your home gym. However, dark floors can also look cool, as proved by this dramatic look created by KTM Design. 

3. Protect your flooring with a rubber mat

Still worried you'll damage your nice floor? A rubber mat underneath the heavier equipment is your answer. 

Alex Gwilliam, Sales Manager at Green Retreats, recommends 'choosing hardwearing oak laminate options and installing a quality third-party rubber matting to protect it further from heavy machinery or weights.'

4. Go all-rubber if you're into serious fitness

There's a reason why rubber is the preferred flooring material in professional gyms. Not only is it hardwearing and won't show any marks, but rubber flooring also gives you great bounce. If your preferred form of workout is HIIT, gymnastics, or boxing, rubber is a must. And it can look good, too, especially paired with crisp white walls. 

5. Protect flooring in older homes with a natural mat

Of course, not all homes will suit rubber. If your home gym or yoga studio is in an upstairs room of an older home, you'll want something a bit softer. 

This gorgeous yoga studio was designed by DeGraw & DeHaan Architects on the attic level of a historic home. The floor-protecting natural sisal mat is much more appropriate here than rubber would have been.

6. Go for the parquet finish for a more formal look

Don't like the traditional gym look at all? We hear you. There's really no reason why you can't have an ornate floor in your workout area. Just make sure you go for tough, engineered wood flooring, not real parquet! 

Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company, believes that 'for flooring that works hard in the home gym, engineered wood flooring can’t be beaten. Parquet flooring creates a striking impression over large spaces, with a variety of woods that can be combined in a number of ways to achieve an individual look.'

7. Choose bold colors in a garage gyms

If yours is a garage gym, you can really experiment with your flooring. You don't have to stick to neutrals – garage spaces are naturally quite bland, so a pop of bright color can really bring them to life. 

We love the strong pairing of royal blue and orange in this garage home gym design by Garage Flex. Vinyl tile or resin flooring will be your best bet if you're going for color.

What is the best flooring for a home gym?

Home gym experts tend to agree that rubber is the best material for home gym flooring. Mark Reynolds, founder and CEO of WeMakeGyms.com, hails the rubber-composite option as 'always' the best – it 'can come in loose lay tiles (we recommend with an undermount system) or in rolls which provides a seamless finish at the expense of more involved and costly installation involving adhesive so is also permanent.'

Katie Thomas, founder of KTM Design, agrees and adds that 'Rubber flooring is best for your home gym because it’s easy to install over any existing flooring and is durable so can support all the heavy machinery that you may have.'

How thick should a rubber gym floor be?

Mark says that with rubber flooring for home gyms, 'thickness depends on the product but usually 20mm-30mm is the sweet spot.'

Katie adds that 'if you use weights over 40kg you should consider a thickness up to 80mm.'

Garage gym ideas are about more than just cramming your garage with home gym equipment. A home gym in a garage also requires design decisions, as well as decisions about appropriate storage, the right flooring, and counteracting the darkness that tends to be an issue. 

So, these ideas for garage gyms tackle both the practical and the design questions. If all you have currently is an empty garage and lots of home gym ideas that don't necessarily translate well into this space, these garage-specific examples should give you plenty of inspiration.

Garage gym ideas: why build a gym in a garage?

Ideas for a home gym typically come to people when they realize that a gym inside their home, even if it's only a small gym idea, just will not work. From potential floor damage to noise, as well as the lack of privacy in a bust family home, a traditional home does have its drawbacks. 

Garages, on the other hand, seem made for gyms. Katie Thomas, founder of KTM Design explains that garage home gyms are so popular because they are 'the perfect size for all the equipment you may need', as well as delivering the much-desired 'separation' between home life and working out time, 'giving you a designated space to focus with minimal noise disruption.'

Garages are also remarkably sturdy – after all, as Katie points out, they are 'built to take the weight of cars, so you don’t need to worry about the weight of the machines.' You can easily fit all the home gym equipment you need in a garage without worrying too much about any negative impact on the floor/design of your home.

With this in mind, you do need to spend some time planning and designing your garage gym, especially if you are using your garage both as a home gym and for keeping your car in (this is called a half-garage gym).

1. Create a multi-purpose space

If you are doing a garage conversion for your home gym, you will have enough room to create a multi-purpose space with several discreet workout areas. The beauty of a garage gym is that it can easily accommodate a rowing machine and a yoga mat, as well as a dedicated corner for weightlifting or HIIT training. 

This multi-purpose space has been created by Garage Flex. We really like how streamlined and uncluttered it is – more room for a more diverse selection of exercise equipment that's spaced out enough to allow multiple people to do different types of exercise at the same time. This layout is also suitable as part of half-garage gym ideas, where you'll only be able to use part of your garage at a time.

2. Open up the space with sliding doors

The issue with many garage home gyms is that they can be quite dark. If you have the budget for it, consider opening up your garage conversion by installing bi-fold or sliding doors, or even a glass roof. 

This garage home gym created by Patterson Custom Homes and Brandon Architects is one of the smartest we've ever seen. The space has been designed to form continuity with the decked area outside. The result is an airy and open-feeling home gym that will never be too dark.

3. Combine a garage gym area with a utility area

A converted garage is an invaluable source of space for smaller homes, so it's understandable if you don't want to use all of that extra space just for the home gym. 

Because a garage is like a blank canvas, you really can put whatever you want in there. A treadmill, a washing machine, and shoe storage? Why not. If most utility room ideas are out of reach for you due to a lack of space, combining a utility area with your garage gym may well work.

4. Cheer up the space with colorful flooring

If you want a space that looks that little bit more exciting, invest in colorful home gym flooring. Vinyl flooring or resin flooring are both good options for garage gyms thanks to the durability of these materials, although you may find your floors eventually scuffs, so go for richer, deeper colors rather than light ones. 

5. Serious about working out? Use every inch of space

If your garage conversion ideas are gravitating towards a garage gym, you may as well get serious about full-body workouts. 

Nick Taylor, a professional personal trainer with over 15 years of experience, has created this highly sophisticated workout space in his garage. It's not for the faint of heart, and no available space has been wasted. If you have big fitness goals, take inspiration from the sheer range of equipment on display here. 

6. Keep your garage gym tidy with ample storage

If your garage gym is a family workout space, you will need to invest in some proper storage. We like how neat the space looks in this example by Garage Flex – the back wall has been lined with locker cabinets that keep all smaller items out of the way when not needed.

7. Consider an all-white design to brighten up the gym

Another way to tackle the potential darkness of a garage gym is by painting it all white or cladding the interior with white panels. Add plenty of lighting panels or spotlights to brighten up the space even more.

8. Create a weight lifting station

If strength training is one of your fitness goals, then you'll want to invest in the best dumbbells. As you experiment with different types and weights, you will find that they accumulate quite quickly, so you'll want to organize them properly in your garage gym. 

Nick Taylor's organizing of his dumbbells is exemplary – they are displayed in a multi-tier storage unit, in a way that makes selecting and retrieving them very easy. 

What do I need in a garage gym?

Mark Reynolds, founder and CEO of WeMakeGyms.com, told us that 'in an ideal scenario, it's good to be able to tick every box when it comes to a home gym. Those boxes are cardio training, resistance training, free weights training, and mobility/bodyweight/floor/core/functional work as the four main categories.'

That is a lot to cover and would involve a lot of machinery. Mark recommends:

• one piece of cardio equipment (ideally total body like a cross-trainer but this also comes down to personal preference and of course budget)
• a piece of equipment to facilitate resistance training like a cable machine or high-quality adaptable multigym
• a free weights solution like a squat rack with complimentary bars and weight plates 
• dumbbells or a squat rack hybrid

If you are using your whole garage as a home gym, this may well work fine. If space is limited, 'you combine the squat rack and cable machine in one footprint.' 

Also, don't forget that you'll need 'maximized floor space for the mobility/bodyweight/floor/core/functional work' – so, adequate vertical storage to keep the floor free is essential.

How can I make my garage gym look nice?

This is one of the most-asked questions people have about garage gyms, because garages are not inherently pretty spaces. The main trouble with them is that they are often very dark – some are windowless.

So, good lighting should make most garage gyms look much nicer. Alex Gwilliam, Sales Manager at Green Retreats, recommends 'choosing an LED lighting option that mimics natural daylight, such as an LED panel light, to really brighten your home gym and energize your workout.'

Good flooring will also go a long way towards creating a nicer look for your garage gym. You don't need to worry about the floor matching anything else in your garage, so a colorful floor can be a solution to an otherwise unremarkable-looking space.  

Finally, well-built storage lockers can elevate the look of your garage gym. Open shelving may be simpler, but for a more professional look, a purpose-built locker will really deliver. 

These small home gym ideas will help you incorporate a workout area into homes that don't have much room. Few of us have homes large enough to have a separate home gym. Home gyms for small spaces often have to be improvised in corners of main rooms, hallways, or even in outdoor rooms. 

The home gym ideas you are about to see will work in a variety of setups – in open-plan living rooms and studio apartments, or in homes that have unused spaces, however small. The main principle here is: if you have the space for a yoga mat, you have enough space to create a dedicated workout area.

Small home gym ideas: first considerations

Where do you start with designing a home gym for a small space? You need to decide on where in your home is most suitable for this purpose. Interior designer Katie Thomas, founder of KTM Design, explains that 'a popular area to convert into a home gym is an unutilized garage. It is the perfect size for all the equipment you may need and normally has separation between your home giving you a designated space to focus with minimal noise disruption.'

The other thing to consider is the sheer weight of some of the machines, especially multi-gym machines. You need to be certain that your flooring is up to the task of having one of these on top, which is why garages are again preferable. As Katie points out, 'garages are built to take the weight of cars, so you don’t need to worry about the weight of the machines.'

Not everyone has a garage, or a spare room, so 'another option is to transform a garden shed to create a home gym. You can also build an outbuilding although you must check if you need planning permission first.'

Wherever you choose to set up your home gym, 'try choosing a room with a window to ensure good ventilation, as this creates good airflow to keep you cool whilst working out.'

Next, you'll want to consider the design of your small home gym. As Katie advises, 'home Gyms don’t have to be boring spaces. Add your own personality through decorative pieces and add colour using bold paints, wall art, or wallpaper. This will help to create a workout space that is motivating.'

If you want to create the impression of a larger space, 'decorate with a large mirror that can either cover the whole wall or most of it.' 

1. Don't compromise on style in small spaces

Let's face it: for many people, the idea of a home gym is a room that's purely functional and not necessarily very attractive. The best gym equipment isn't always amazingly good-looking. However, there's no real reason why you can't invest in great design in your home gym in the same way as in any other room in the house. 

This small home gym is professional cyclist Alan Philippe's personal workout space, with flooring from Quick-Step. What we really like is the cool modern storage, chic lamp, and the striking blue walls. Blue room ideas in combination with a small home gym? It works.

2. Open up a narrow space with a painted ceiling

This gorgeous small home gym was created by Austin-based architects Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture, and offers a clever design solution for an extremely narrow space. The ceiling, painted in a cheerful light blue, instantly draws the eyes upwards, creating the illusion of a bigger space. You can learn how to paint a ceiling yourself and give your home gym an update with a bright and uplighting color.

3. Organize the space with a storage rack

Blogger Sara Meadows transformed her small home gym space, which 'started to feel messy and cluttered' after she invested into accessories such as 'weights, mats, yoga blocks and more'. Sara's organizing solution is a small storage rack with multiple shelves. It keeps everything neat while not occupying too much space. 

4. Combine a book room and a home gym

It may seem like a home gym and a home library are incompatible, but it turns out that if you only have one room to spare to house your books and your gym equipment, it can work. Barker Associates Architecture Office fitted a small gym area into a booklined room, and the result is surprisingly cozy and harmonious. 

5. Create a dedicated home gym space in a garden room

Sometimes there really just isn't room for home gym equipment inside your home – which is where a garden room could come in very handy. Garden room ideas can easily incorporate a home gym setup – and if you're also using your garden room as a home office or study, the two can coexist.

6. No room at all? Consider a workout space in the hallway

Hallways are often underused, and if yours isn't already full of shoes and coats, you may well be able to create a small workout zone in your hallway, especially if it has nice wood flooring. A simple bench can easily provide both storage space for smaller pieces of equipment and act as a prop for stretches and/or pressups. 

7. Use part of your extension as a home gym

Many house extensions provide perfect opportunities for creating a small home gym space. Even if you're already using yours as a dining or sitting area, there's usually extra space available where the extension faces the garden. Besides, an extension will typically give you enough height for a taller piece of equipment that would be difficult to fit in elsewhere. 

8. Create a workout corner in your living room

If you don't have any separate space at all for a workout area, why not use an unused corner of your living room? Your stylish living room ideas won't suffer if you keep the workout space separate by using a room divider – or a tall storage unit as in this home gym idea from IKEA. And if you're into barre, then why not use a curtain rod like the Hugad from IKEA to create your own barre exercise space?

9. Don't underestimate the power of mirrors

Installing a mirror in a small space to visually enhance its size is one of the oldest tricks in the home design book. Mirror ideas for small home gyms can include either horizontal or vertical mirrors, such as the one used in this workout area created by S-B Long Interiors.  When choosing where to position your mirror, consider what it will be reflecting. A mirror that reflects your equipment or furniture in the distance will do a better job of opening up the space than one that reflects a blank wall.

10. Set up a discreet exercise area in your bedroom

A small home gym as part of your bedroom ideas? A tough sell, you might think. And, of course, most of us will not want a bulky piece of equipment next to the bed. However, there are ways of making a small and discreet workout area look good in the bedroom, as this design by IKEA proves. 

What we really like about this idea is the choice of storage unit – good-looking enough for a bedroom but still functional for housing weights. Decorating it with candles and a reed diffuser on top softens the look. The yoga mat matches the rest of the color scheme, and the curtains make the whole workout area easy to hide when you don't want to look at it. 

What do I need for a small home gym? 

Health & Fitness expert at FitKit, Iveta Bernane, has the following list of basics for a small home gym set up: 'items like dumbbells, kettlebells, and exercise steps are perfect for small spaces.' If you don't have the space for large machines, don't try to cram them in. Also, Iveta recommends 'putting a padded mat, like a yoga mat down' in your workout area, even if you're not planning on doing yoga – the 'noise will be kept to a minimum, which is great in flats and shared buildings.'

What is a good size for a small home gym? 

Katie told us that 'the smallest size room you would want for a home gym is three square meters; however, a good-sized room would be five square meters.

 As basic guidance, Katie advises that 'for a functional home gym, make sure you have sufficient space for all the essential equipment including machines as well as leaving enough floor space for your workout. Also ensure there is space for storage for any other equipment such as weights, mats and yoga balls.'

Investing in large equipment? 'Most gym machines need a minimum of 2x2 meters; however, you should allow for extra space around it for movement during your workout and you still need to allow for extra space for flow between the machines to ensure your safety.'

How much room do I need for a small home gym?

While not everyone is blessed with a spare bedroom, garage or garden room to convert into a state-of-the-art gym, Matt Flanagan, CEO of e-Bikes Direct advises that smaller spaces can be sufficient home gyms.

He says: 'The key to a decent home gym is enough space to move freely, so your movements aren’t restricted. It also depends on the type of equipment and workouts you plan on doing. For example, if you intend on doing simple yoga poses then that will require considerably less space than if you rely on multiple machines,'

'Your gym doesn’t need to be a whole room and instead can be an unused corner of your living room, or perhaps your bedroom. As these alternatives will mean less area for your gym, then there are ways to make the most of the space you do have and utilize the available room'

With the best cross trainer for your home, you can achieve a fantastic workout any time of the day. These machines can help you get active and protect your joints against aches and pains, which is especially good if you're recovering from injury or just getting back into your fitness regime. Cross trainers are a fantastic example of a low-impact exercise machine, enabling you to lose weight (if that's what you want to do), or to feel healthier within yourself without the need for an expensive gym membership.

Like many of the best home gym equipment picks, these cross trainers offer a full-body workout to tone up various areas of the body, from the chest and shoulders to glutes. Usually less intense than a spin on one of the best exercise bikes or a treadmill, they can be helpful if you struggle to get motivated whilst exercising, allowing you to tune into your favourite TV show or podcast while training, to work on your fitness levels in a gentler way. 

Within our expertly chosen lineup, you can browse cross trainers that have excellent features for portability, like wheels, as well as features such as heart-rate sensors and tablet holders, covering both health and entertainment bases. 

The best cross trainers 2022

What's the best cross trainer you can buy? When considering both price and performance, we rate the JLL CT300 Elliptical Cross Trainer highly. 

What reviewers loved
Apart from the fact this cross trainer is clearly good value for money, lots of reviewers praise it for being very easy to use as well as simple to assemble. Users are happy with its compact size, its sturdiness and how quiet and smooth it is while in use, too.

Design
Designed to be both durable and stylish at the same time, the JLL CT300 Elliptical Cross Trainer can simulate climbing, walking or running, all without causing excessive pressure on your joints. It's also on wheels so it can be easily moved around your home.

The important stuff
This cross trainer has a nine-function LCD display monitor that shows RPM, speed, distance, time, temperature, heart rate, calories, body fat and pulse; and its dual-action handlebars feature comfortable foam grips. It features eight levels of magnetic resistance and you can pedal forwards and backwards thanks to its 5.5kg flywheel. Our favourite part? There's a tablet holder for those who like to catch up on their favourite programme while exercising, instead of looking at the number of calories they've burned.

The Reebok One is a cross trainer we would be more than happy to have in our homes, whether that be in a dedicated home gym space or in a spare bedroom. Why? It's not as bulky looking as other cross trainers on the market, meaning it can be slightly hidden away if need be. 

What reviewers love
This cross trainer is said to be, by those who have tried and tested it, well-built, quiet when in operation and really good value for money. Though some say it's hard to assemble, and it may develop a squeak after a lot of use – just tighten the bolts when this happens.

Design
This cross trainer is on wheels so you can move it around your home with ease, and it has a 15-inch (31.8cm) stride length, too. It has a maximum user weight of 120kg.

The important stuff
For starters, it has a 9kg rear-drive flywheel for a smooth workout. Just make sure you pop it near a plug socket though since it's mains powered – it also has floor level adjustment feet for use on uneven ground. It features 12 pre-set programmes to jazz up your workout, while there's a five-inch LCD display for tracking your stats – time, distance, calories heart rate and more. 

Use this 2-in-1 exercise bike and cross trainer to promote good blood circulation and increase your lung capacity – all from one machine. Use this machine sitting as an exercise bike or standing as a cross trainer, your choice. And, find the best exercise bikes in our dedicated guide.

What reviewers love
Not only is this machine convenient – as it's 2-in-1 and works your entire body – but reviewers praise it for also being super compact and easy to store. Since this machine is very affordable, it's expected for it to have a few issues – it may need tightening after every use, and it's apparently quite loud to operate.

Design
This 2-in-1 cross trainer and exercise bike is great for those with limited space. Use this machine to work your entire body at once and improve your cardiovascular fitness from home. With a 1.9kg flywheel and an 11-inch stride length, it's perfect for occasional use or beginners. It's even on wheels for easy transporting.

The important stuff
Boasting an air resistance system with free tension control, it's completely adaptable to your fitness level. Both the seat and handles are adjustable depending on the height of the user, while it boasts self-levelling pedals. While it's admittedly basic in terms of features – a lack of pre-set programmes and no incline levels – this machine does offer console feedback on everything from speed to distance and calories burned. 

If you’re thinking of investing in your first cross trainer and don’t want to spend too much money, then the JTX Strider-X7 Magnetic Cross Trainer could be the machine to help you get started. 

What reviewers love
Besides its high-quality design (impressive for the price tag), reviewers particularly love that it's easy to assemble, quiet when in use and most importantly, that it has a great range of workout programmes to explore.

Design
It boasts no-frills, but it’s a slim machine that can be folded away when not in use which is also great for those who lack the space for a bigger feature-packed machine. It has a 16-inch stride length and a maximum user weight of 130kg.

The important stuff
You’ll have a large console with 21 different workout programmes, so you can still monitor your progress as you go, and it uses magnetic resistance which means you’ll still get the same smooth experience as with some of the other best cross trainers on the list.

Choose this Sunny Health & Fitness cross trainer if you are on a budget. Not only is it affordable, but it's safe to use, too. A great cross trainer for occasional use.

What reviewers love
Besides the fact that this cross trainer is a total bargain, it's also said to be surprisingly sturdy as well as easy to put together. It's great for compact spaces, and it's quiet when in use. Although it's probably not the best pick for serious cross trainer users, or if you're planning on using your new cross trainer every day.

Design
With anti-slip foot platforms that are large and secure, as well as eight levels of adjustable resistance, you can tailor this machine to your fitness level. It's even on wheels for easy moving, and it has a compact stride length of 28cm – great for smaller homes. It has floor stabilisers so it can be used on uneven ground or carpets, too. There's a maximum user weight of 100kg, but other than that you should be good to go!

The important stuff
Though basic, since there are no workout programmes available and you can't adjust its incline, this cross trainer does have a hand pulse monitoring system to provide heart rate readings, as well as an LCD monitor. Refer to this monitor to track your time, speed, distance, calories and more.

For those who are building their very home gym, the NordicTrack FreeStride FS7i Elliptical 3-in-1 trainer could be the ideal piece of kit for your workouts. 

What reviewers love
You might need a hand putting this large piece of kit together, but once it’s up it’s said to be easy to operate and smooth when in operation. Users love that it it multifunctional as it adds variation to their workouts, while its 24 resistance levels mean it can be adapted to your fitness level.

Design
Admittedly large in size, we think this cross trainer is best suited to a dedicated home gym. It has a 32-inch stride length that's adjustable, as well as a 10 per cent incline. This NordicTrack cross trainer has a sound system so you can motivate yourself with your favourite tunes during a workout. Other design features we love include a fan for hotter days, and Bluetooth compatibility to your smart device to track your progress.

The important stuff
This three-in-one treadmill, cross trainer and stepper is multifunctional, and it's easy to switch between modes. Not only is the machine feature-packed with 24 workout programmes and an adjustable stride, but it’s also perfect for multiple people to use even if they have different fitness levels.

This 2-in-1 cross trainer and bike from We R Sports is both wallet-friendly and easy to store within your home. It might not be suited for those who want to get into stringent training, but for those looking to get active for a little less, it's an extremely affordable choice.

What reviewers love
Many reviewers love this machine thanks to its convenience within their home, making working out easy to slot into their day. The excellent value is the standout benefit for many reviewers, and for under £200, this machine offers plenty of versatility with home workouts.

Design
Swapping between bike and cross trainer is totally painless with this machine, with easy-to-remove handlebars and saddle. It has high and low resistance settings so that you can amp up your workouts when you feel like it, as well as the capability to target your whole body with its design. It also weighs in at just 30kg, which is great for manoeuvring it around.

The important stuff
For anyone on a budget who wants to get active at home, this bike and cross trainer duo will be a revelation. Though it lacks the snazzy features of more expensive alternatives, there's plenty to get started with here for beginners. 

This Marcy cross trainer is a steal for under £400, and it has some higher-end features to keep you motivated as you workout, including pulse sensors and information on how many calories you've burned. It's definitely our best value-for-money pick.

What reviewers love
This cross trainer is not only fairly budget-friendly, but also a great fit for those who don't want their workout to disturb other people in the house. The fact that it's quiet to use is also combined with features that make it easy to stash away so that you can keep your home looking pristine once you're done with exercising.

Design
Anyone who likes to try out different programmes will likely be a little disappointed by the manual resistance of this model, though there are eight different tension levels available. It has a 4kg flywheel and a 14-inch stride length too, meaning that those working at a more intermediate level can bag a great deal with this cross trainer too. The maximum user weight for this cross trainer is 110kg, and it weighs 35.5kg, making it easier to shift around. 

The important stuff
This cross trainer won't break the bank and holds plenty of versatility for those who want to build up their fitness and smash new goals. It's also got plenty of statistics to keep you occupied as you work up a sweat, as well as the crowning jewel of a super handy flip-out stand for your phone or tablet so that you can catch up on TV as you get moving. 

How we chose the best cross trainer 

We haven't had a chance to test out these cross trainers just yet, but we are planning on undertaking reviews in the future to get that all-important hands-on experience. In the absence of our own reviews, we have carefully curated this round-up based on a number of criteria, including quality of materials and standout features, in order to bring the very best selection of cross trainers to you. That also includes looking carefully at user reviews, to make sure we get the opinions of those who have used and loved (or not so much) these products themselves. 

What to consider when buying the best cross trainer

There are a few different types of cross trainer you can buy, and some things you’ll want to consider before choosing the right elliptical machine for you.

Electromagnet or belt resistance?
There are different types of resistance that can be used on these machines, the most common being electromagnetic, with some cheaper models having a belt resistance. Decide which one you need/would prefer.

Stride lengths
If you’re looking for a cross trainer that can be used by multiple members of the family, then make sure you pick a cross trainer with variable stride lengths. This will allow you to adjust the length of your strides depending on your size, and what type of workout you want to do.

LCD monitor
If you'd like to track your progress and have access to pre-set workout programmes so you can make the most of your machine at home, then make sure the cross trainer you use has an LCD monitor to display this information.

Price
For some of the most high-end machines, you’ll be looking at setting yourself back up to £2,500. However, if you’re on a budget or short of space, there are plenty of more basic options available for as little as under £200, as seen above. Consider the type of training you will be doing, and how often you will be using the machine, and then see what each of our choices has to offer…

• Find out how to create a home gym in our practical advice guide

More fitness deals

Buying a load of home gym equipment? Whether you are building your own home gym or you just want to invest in a few of the basics, such as the best treadmill, you can find lots of home gym and fitness offers below.

Wave goodbye to that expensive gym membership you've been paying for all of those months, and hello to the convenience of working out in front of your TV. In fact, we use this bike while catching up on The Bold Type on Netflix. Seen it? You need to. You're welcome!

You can head straight to buy the Ultrasport F Bike from Amazon now, or read more of our thoughts below. Spoiler alert: they're all good things...

Head to our best exercise bikes and spin bikes guide for more top recommendations, whether you are on a budget or not.

Ultrasport F Bike – why do we love it so much?

Why do we love this Amazon exercise bike so much? For so many reasons:

1. It's compact
This exercise bike is indeed foldable, which means that after use you can fold up the legs and pop in the pin to store it anywhere with ease. It will fit inside a wardrobe, behind a door or even tucked behind a curtain. It also boasts an impressively small footprint once folded, so it won't be taking up any precious floor space in your home.

2. It doesn't need to be plugged in
Hurrah! An exercise bike that doesn't need to be plugged in – finally. This is especially great if you want to use your exercise bike in a specific area of your home (e.g. in front of the TV) but you don't want to be tied by a cord. This is also great if you have pets that love to chew wires, too.

3. It comes in five colour options
Not just that, but you can even choose an exercise bike based on the colours that feature in your home. Or, you could go bold with a green or pink one to make a statement. Other colour options include black, silver and light blue.

4. It has eight resistance levels
Though this bike is, admittedly, not the most powerful option out there, it is great for beginners. And, you can always up the resistance all of the way and push yourself to pedal faster. It has a rotating dial in the middle of your knees, just below the display, to control the resistance with ease while you are pedalling.

5. It has a compact monitor
It even, surprisingly enough, has a compact monitor for tracking everything from time to distance, speed, calories and more. Though a little hard to navigate, this is undoubtedly handy. I use my bike along with my Fitbit, to track my progress through there.

6. It can track your pulse while you ride
There are pulse readers on each handlebar so that you can take note and keep track of your pulse as you up the resistance. 

7. The seat is super padded
Unlike lots of other exercise bikes, the seat on the Ultrasport F Bike is surprisingly padded – and super thick. This makes it more comfortable to spend long amounts of time on there.

8. You can adjust the seat depending on how tall you are
No matter how long your legs are, this exercise bike can be adjusted to suit you, so that it's comfortable while in use. There are XX levels to choose from when moving the seat.

9. The handlebars are padded
Another bonus of the Ultrasport F Bike – its handlebars are super padded and very comfortable when gripping them tightly and pedalling fast. They also sit at an ideal height and position so that your spine stays straight throughout your workout.

10. It's really simple to assemble
You can have this Amazon exercise bike up and running within about 10-20 minutes. It also arrives in a pretty compact box that can fit through all doors and walkways.

11. It's super quiet when in use
As previously mentioned, this exercise bike is great for using while watching TV, or even listening to music or watching along with a YouTube fitness video on. It's completely silent so you'll be able to hear every word, too.

What do reviewers say about the Ultrasport F Bike?

Rated 4.3-stars out of five by almost 7,000 reviewers, the Ultrasport F Bike is definitely one to add to your compact home gym. Or to use in your living room or bedroom, to tuck it away after use.

One reviewer claims "If you're looking to get started with exercise and don't have a gym membership, then this is a great way to start. The resistance isn't super hard and I keep it on around 7 out of 8, but put a spin class on YouTube and I promise you'll be fine!". Don't just take our word.

Who is the Ultrasport F Bike best suited to?

This Amazon exercise bike is definitely best suited to beginners, or for those who are searching for something to use twice or maybe three times a week. It's not made for everyday use, and it only has eight resistance levels. It would also be ideal for someone elderly or even someone who is recovering from an injury.

• Head to our dedicated Amazon Prime Day 2021 page for more deals

Autumn Calabrese is all about passion. The self-made fitness mogul began her career as a dancer, though her dreams were short-lived with a career-ending back injury. Instead of mulling in her sorrows, it was Calabrese's passion and willpower that pivoted herself into the health and fitness sphere, and fast-forward to present-day, her net worth sits at nearly $8 million, largely due to her partnership with Beachbody in 2013. 

As a single mom, Calabrese's mission was clear: create a simple, container-based approach to portion control that was easy-to-follow, alongside a fitness program (that was even easier to follow) called 21 Day Fix. 

With the help of the best at-home gym equipment, shoppers were able to take back control of their fitness, shedding unwanted weight and making strides toward a healthier lifestyle — and now in the middle of a worldwide pandemic? Calabrese's program is more popular than ever. 

"Ok, you gained some weight during the pandemic. Don't beat yourself up over it but also try to stop perpetuating the behaviors that led to it," Calabrese reveals exclusively to Real Homes. Instead of allowing ourselves to fall victim to the same poor decisions that got us to this place, Calabrese believes in a "tough love" approach and encourages us to be passionate about change. And how can we do that? 

Aside from grabbing up a pair of the best dumbbells (which she says are a must-have), Calabrese walks us step-by-step through how we can drop our pandemic weight (and bad habits) with a few easy changes — here's how. 

What are you recommending for people dealing with pandemic weight? 

Autumn Calabrese: I give tough love to this question. We have to let go of the excuses and start focusing on our health. Ok, you gained some weight during the pandemic. Don’t beat yourself up about it, but also try to stop perpetuating the behaviors that led to it. You don’t need to crash diet or give up carbs or foods you love. You just need a plan for a healthy lifestyle that will help you take back control instead of allowing food to control you. This is what my nutrition program Ultimate Portion Fix is all about. 

We practice balance, we enjoy our food, but we don’t overdo it. We still have treats and cocktails but in moderation. We change the way we look at food. It’s not a reward for surviving a hard day or a punishment because you feel like you didn’t do something well; it’s fuel for our bodies—fuel that should be enjoyed and not abused.

Take it one day at a time. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making a little progress each day. 

If I want to jumpstart my fitness goals and only had 30 days to do so, what would be your program or equipment of choice? 

AC: This is the PERFECT time to take on my fitness program, 21 Day Fix. It’s three weeks long—just 21 days. The workouts are 30 minutes, and there’s a modifier in case you need to move at a different pace or reduce the impact. Plus, it comes with my nutrition program, Ultimate Portion Fix. 

It’s simple fitness and simple nutrition for fast results. Fitness and nutrition go hand and hand when you’re looking to achieve weight loss—especially in a shorter amount of time. You don’t have to spend hours working out, and you don’t have to starve or deprive yourself. 

Follow the plan, trust the process and watch what happens. 

Do you have a favorite piece of equipment that's full-body? Or, is there one major step you need to take to jumpstart your lifestyle change here?

AC: Dumbbells are the easiest piece of equipment that can be used anywhere even in the smallest of spaces to work the entire body, so that is my favorite piece of equipment. But a very close second is the Control Track that’s part of my new program, 9 Week Control Freak.  

It mimics a cable machine at the gym, attaches to most doors, and allows you to work your body in ways that dumbbells don’t.  It’s fantastic for resistance training, cardio training, and core work, and it travels very easily.

When 'real life' resumes and we're looking to squeeze more time at home and less time in the gym, what are five quick workouts we can do from home, and what are the items we'd need? 

AC: You can do a cardio circuit that requires no equipment.  Warm your body up for 2-3 minutes with some light jogging in place and stretching, and then do the exercises below in the order shown. Perform two sets of each move, resting for 30 seconds between them.

Try this Autumn Calabrese at-home workout below: 

• 60 seconds of jumping jacks
• 60 seconds of high knees
• 60 seconds of mountain climbers
• 60 seconds of burpees
• 60 seconds of squats
• 60 seconds of a plank hold

How can you use a set of dumbbells to work your entire body?

AC:  You can do a full-body workout with a set of medium dumbbells

Warm your body up for 2-3 minutes with some light jogging in place and stretching, and then do the following circuit, performing the exercises back-to-back without rest. Repeat this circuit as many times as you can in 12 minutes, resting only as long as necessary between rounds to maintain a high level of performance.

Try this Autumn Calabrese at-home workout below:

• Perform 12 squat jumps 
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand and perform 12 reverse lunges with each leg (24 total)
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand and perform 12 shoulder presses
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand and perform 15 bent-over rows
• Lay on your back and do 12 crunches

Is there one universal item — such as a dumbbell —that can sculpt/shape, firm, and maintain our body? 

AC: Yes, dumbbells really can do it all, [but] so can the Control Track that I use in 9 Week Control Freak. [It's the perfect replacement] if you are bored with dumbbells and want to try something new and work your body in ways you probably haven’t before, I highly recommend getting the Control Track. 

As people start to travel again how can they maintain their at-home fitness routine on the road? 

Having a program and equipment that travels easily is ideal in this situation. That’s why in my newest at-home workout program, 9 Week Control Freak, I created a week’s worth of workouts specifically designed to be able to do when you are on the go. 

All you need is my Control Track, which comes with the program and attaches to most doors very easily, and the Core Ball, which also comes with the program and can be deflated and inflated in a matter of seconds. You can do four total body resistance workouts and a cardio workout anywhere. 

Also having access to an app like Beachbody On Demand is perfect because there are hundreds of workouts that require little to no equipment that you can do anywhere—a hotel gym, a hotel room, even outside. Having a plan and a well-designed program that can go anywhere you do is key to staying on track.

Tell me about post-workout! After a hard one, do you opt for recovery slides or slippers? Is there a routine or regimen here?  

What you do after your workout is just as important as the workout itself. I take several minutes to stretch and cool down. Then I drink my post-recovery shake, which is Beachbody Chocolate Plant-Based Recover blended with water, ice, and a small banana. That starts the recovery process for my body. 

Want more Autumn Calabrese? Check out additional Autumn-approved items below: 

• 80 Day Obsession® Beachbody On Demand Shakeology Challenge Pack
• 80 Day Obsession Accessories
• Beachbody Portion-Control 7-Piece Container Kit

Are you missing the gym but are tired of working out in cramped, small spaces? Well, the answer to achieving all of your fitness-related goals might be a backyard workout — and with the spring weather officially here, there has never been a better time. 

A backyard workout has endless benefits; not only do you have the chance to breathe in some fresh air while having the sun beat on your face, but you're breaking a sweat, too. Talk about self-care. 

Similar to working out inside or at the gym, you can lay down your yoga mat, pick up the best dumbbells, and you're ready-to-go. It's the at-home gym that will make you feel good and look good, too. 

Now, if this is starting to sound like a dream come true, but you're not sure what items you'll need to complete this routine? We have it covered. Here are the best backyard workout buys to help you spring into shape. 

Oh, and don't forget to check out the best at-home gym equipment for even more fantastic fitness finds. 

1. A set of dumbbells

2. A jump rope that hooks up to your smartphone

3. Resistance bands with handles 

4. A weight set that's seen all over Instagram

5. A multi-purpose balance ball

6. A set of non-handle resistance bands

7. A yoga mat

Still, want more? Check out more suggestions to complete your backyard workout with below: 

• Love Sweat Fitness Exercise Slider Discs for Core Strength
• Love Sweat Fitness 32 oz Pink and Teal Ombre Water Bottle
• Amazon Basics High-Density Foam Roller

Think that your tiny apartment doesn't have room for a home gym? Think again. As small home dwellers ourselves, we are determined to make sure we don't miss out on the whole bringing the gym into your home thing that's been happening since, well... actual gyms became a no go zone. Fear not, you can still get in your reps, complete your indoor marathon and shout the building down on your spin back (sorry neighbours we were in the zone), you just have to know what equipment to buy and how to store it in your your small space...

1. Pick foldable equipment 

It goes without saying that when it comes to choosing gym equipment for a small space you should go with pieces that fold. Yes, that's a thing and it's a game changer, you can almost half the size of your equipment so when not in use you can pop behind a door or lean against a wall so they won't take up any floor space. 

The most developed and popular equipment are foldable bikes – check out the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike which is our top pick. 

2. Get your storage spot on

Of course, we had to turn to the storage gurus over on The Home Edit for this one. When creating a home gym in a small space, of course where you keep everything is going to be top priority – we don't have the luxury of being able to leave dumbbells lying around or skipping ropes across the floor! A compact set of budget-friendly shelves with clear boxes so you can see everything is all you need to clear away your gym accessories, 

3. Pick weights that look cute on display 

And if you have to keep your dumbbells out on show, you have to make them cute dumbbells! These colorful ones from Target wouldn't look out of place on your book shelves or stored on the floor of your living room. 

4. Make your space multifunctional 

If you are creating a home gym in an open plan space, making the area feel separate can create the illusion you have a full on at home gym going on (when really you are just behind a room divider in your living room). This is a great set up, the room dividers work as storage space as well as a way to zone the room, the mirror makes it feel like more of a profession, permanent space and the bar across the windows? Genius.

5. Use your walls!

Not only can a bar be great for stretches, barre classes and balance, they can double up as storage too. You can hang gym equipment from it, clip on your speakers and use it to keep some of your weights accessible while you work out. Plus it takes up zero floor space so ideal for creating an exercise space in a small apartment. 

Buying gifts for a fitness lover this Christmas? If you aren't a fitness lover yourself so have no clue what to buy, then sit back, relax and read our list of the top gifts they'll actually want. Because they probably will have to fake a smile if you get them another football from Sports Direct – not that we don't love that place.

Keep scrolling for our top gift suggestions for every fitness lover – swimmers, cyclists, gym goers, football fans and even runners. See our best home gym equipment guide for everything we think you should have in your home gym. Check out our Christmas page for more gift ideas as well as festive recipes and decor.

Christmas Gifts for fitness lovers

1. A personalised metal trainer tag for the runner in your life

2. A Fitbit Charge 3 for a swimmer

• See out guide to the best Fitbits for more

3. This bicycle seat cover for an avid cyclist

4. An eco-friendly yoga block for the yogi in your life

5. A fitness vibration plate for someone who wishes they had a home gym

6. A personalised gym towel (with a pocket) for holding their belongings while they sweat

7. This personalised golf glove to help them put better

8. For your friend who has started working out from home

More Christmas:

• Best Christmas gift ideas 2020: top picks for everyone
• Plant gifts: Christmas picks for your fave plant parents
• Best Christmas hampers 2020: 10 festive feasting gifts for everyone
• Gifts for coffee lovers: 11 gifts for celebrating their favourite drink
• Eco-friendly gifts for Christmas: 12 buys that are kind to our planet
• The best letterbox gifts 2020: 5 picks for every occasion

Spending your money on the best fitness tracker around? Smart idea – a fitness tracker makes a great Christmas present. Or a gift from you to you...

Whether you are eyeing up a Fitbit or want something that doubles as a watch and a fitness tracker, we can help with this purchase. We've rounded up the top seven buys for tracking steps, health, exercise and more. All of this technology, wrapped around your wrist. Smart stuff.

Check out our guide to the best fitness trackers below if you are in need of some advice. When choosing these trackers, we considered each one's battery life, as well as whether each fitness tracker is waterproof or not. The best fitness trackers usually boast a built-in GPS, while they sometimes have a heart rate monitor inside, too. 

Once you are done, be sure to check out our best home gym equipment guide, should you be interested in building your own home gym.

What is the best fitness tracker?

The best fitness tracker is the Fitbit Inspire HR. Small in size and low in price, this unobtrusive piece of tech can do everything you need it to from tracking your steps to being waterproof, monitoring your sleep pattern. All of that and it will look great on your wrist. Perfect for all fitness levels, ages and budgets.

Click to buy the Fitbit Inspire HR at its cheapest price.

The best fitness trackers

If you are buying your first fitness tracker so don't want to splash out on something really fancy just yet, the Fitbit Inspire HR is perfect. We love the sleek design of the Inspire HR. It sits on your wrist nicely and isn't really bulky like most other models that scream 'Look at me I exercise!' It still has all the features you would want from a fitness tracker – monitors your sleep, exercise, calories and more it's just pretty, which we like. It's also really affordable, one of the cheapest Fitbits available in fact, apart from the Fitbit Inspire, which is another great option if you are after a basic, affordable Fitness tracker. 

Looking to buy the best Fitbit? See our intuitive guide for more advice.

The newest fitness tracker/smartwatch from Huawei, the GT 2 has the best battery life of all our picks, lasting up for two weeks. It also looks fab, which is always an important factor for us. The screen is large making it really easy to use and you can change the design to suit what you want to show and how you like your screen to look. It tracks steps accurately and records all the workout you would want it to, there's even fencing in there and it will track when you use exercise machines too. You can also look at all your past records to see your personal progress. And the sleep tracker is great for making sure you are getting the recommended amount of zzz's.  This fitness watch also has a Bluetooth calling feature so you can pick up your phone from the watch and receive calls while you are out and about. Not just for telling the time...

One of the latest releases from Fitbit, the Fitbit Charge 4 offers the latest in health and fitness technology. As you might expect from a fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 4 tracks health and fitness in a variety of ways. From providing feedback on activity levels and heart rate, to encouraging you to hit your daily step count, improve your sleep quality and still your mind through meditation, there's very little this handy device doesn't do. Like other smartwatches available, it's also possible to use contactless payment via your Fitbit. This is great news if you like the idea of going out without a phone or wallet. With a battery life of up to seven days, you won't have to think about charging up your device too often. This is great news given that it's capable of helping you co-ordinate your every day.

Another great affordable option the Huawei Band 3 Pro, has all the features you would want from a fitness tracker. What we like best about this tracker is the sleep tracker feature, we think it's the best of all our picks. It was developed with Harvard Medical School’s CDB centre so the tracker can not only monitor your sleep but can offer suggestions and solutions to help improve your sleep. You can connect your tracker to the Huawei Health app so you can closely monitor all your stats and you'll find all the advice it has to offer on sleep and exercise on there too. 

This is probably the most technical fitness tracker around, and it definitely has the most features. This is obviously reflected in the price, but if you are big into lots of different types of sports and like to track your heart rate quite often, the Fitbit Versa 2 would be your best bet. It very accurately monitors your steps, exercise, heart rate and sleep plus it looks really stylish and isn't too bulky. But it has so many more features once you connect it to the FitBit app. There you can use it to create a completely personalised exercise and diet programme – you can set fitness goals and track calories all on your watch. This watch is also compatible with Alexa so you can check the weather, set alarms and reminders as well as ask questions. You can store songs on the watch too – up to 300 – so can keep entertained as you are out exercising. 

The Garmin Forerunner 45 does all the basics you would expect – monitors your heart rate, tracks all your activities and your exercise – it also has GPS built-in so you can easily track your runs, walks and jogs. But what we love about it is the personal training element. With this tracker, you get a PT on your wrist that will help you reach your fitness goals. Plus the free Garmin app assists with running, cycling, indoor track, treadmill, elliptical, cardio and your yoga sessions. Your texts, emails and notifications can also come through to your fitness tracker which is great if you are running long distances and need to be able to stay in touch with people. 

The Fitbit Charge 3 is rated our best fitness tracker for swimmers – its comfortable (and breathable) wrist strap, as well as its slim screen, makes for easy tracking of lengths while in (or under) the water. It's water-resistant to 50 metres, too, while it automatically tracks swimming so you needn't do anything before taking a dip. It can tell you your calories burned from a win, as well as your heartrate while swimming, and more. Essentially, it can do everything all other Fitbit models can –  it connects to your smartphone for feedback, too. With seven-day battery life, it's great for those who are busy. Great for swimmers whether you do it for fun or you compete.

How to buy the best fitness tracker?

Battery life
One of the first things to check when buying a fitness tracker is its battery life. Some last five days, others last weeks. Just note how often you'll need to charge yours to monitor your steps, calories burned, heart rate and more, all day every day.

Heart rate monitor
Not an essential but helpful for some, selected fitness trackers offer a heart rate monitor function. This can be used to track your resting heart rate, average heart rate or your heart rate while exercising. Take the guesswork out of checking if your heart is healthy.

GPS
An ideal feature to look for if you are a runner, having GPS built into your smart tracker means you can leave the house without your smartphone, and your distance, speed and more will all be tracked.

Waterproof?
An essential feature in our eyes, it's a smart idea to ensure your new fitness tracker is waterproof. Whether you like to swim and track your lengths or you often forget to take jewellery off when showering, it's an easy way to avoid accidents.

Also read:

• Home workouts: 30 ways to exercise at home
• Best treadmills: the top foldable and compact machines to workout at home

There's so much more to great running shoes than just running. The footwear of choice for millions of people, running shoes can be worn at work or on holiday, hiking or exercising at home, and even just for the sheer pleasure of wearing comfortable, blister-free footwear.

Our top pick – the Brooks Ghost 12 – will see you through the toughest marathon, as well as being very nice-looking. Our other top choices range from super supportive to super lightweight running shoes that you can wear in any context you like. See them all below.

The Brooks Womens Ghost 12 Running Shoe is the ultimate running shoe, whether you've been running for years or are just beginning. Users praise its supremely cushioning feel – you won't even feel that you're transitioning from heel to toe. Great shock absorption makes these running shoes suitable for long distance running, too. They'll see you through a marathon, if needed. 

The. Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe is the kind of trainer that people buy again and again. If you like your trainers breathable, lightweight and made from textile, there's none better. The shoes are designed to mould to the shape to your feet, and it helps that they look very stylish. Just be aware that they may not be your best bet if you run many miles every day, as they may not offer enough support.

The Asics Gel-Excite is what you need if you wear your trainers throughout the day in a job that requires lots of standing or walking. Having said that, long-time runners equally praise its sturdy build and supportive structure with a gel cushion to aid shock absorption. Bear in mind that if you like breathable, flexbile trainers, you should look at the Adidas instead. These trainers are all about support, not flexibility.

The Under Armour Women's Charged Rogue Running Shoe is the shoe you need if you're not yet sure what you'll be using them for the most, as they are a really decent all-rounder. With enough cushioning for reasoned runner, these shoes are made from a breathable, lightweight mesh that will be comfortable enough to wear on a plane, in an office, or while sightseeing on holiday. 

These Nike running shoes have earned their place in the hall of fame of gym shoes with tonnes of happy reviews from people doing all sorts of exercise, from barre core to treadmill running and even yoga. Whatever your gym ambition, these are the best shoes for indoor training because they support your feet while allowing you to feel the floor underneath, which helps with balance. 

Looking to splurge on the best punching bag? Whether it's to go inside your new home gym, or, perhaps you have space for one in your bedroom? We've found five best punching bags for home use. You needn't head all the way to the gym to work out those arms.

When choosing a punching bag, you'll need to decide whether you want something freestanding, or one that needs to be hung up on your wall or ceiling. That and you should choose a weight to suit the fitness level you are at – 12kg ish for beginners, 20kg - 50kg for intermediate and anything more than that is best for those who know what they are doing. We've listed what each punching bag is filled with and made from, should you be looking for a particular material or avoiding leather. Keep scrolling for our top five buys to get sweaty from home.

Find more best home gym equipment in our ultimate guide.

Best punching bags

The Everlast Omniflex Freestanding Heavy Punch Bag is our best punching bag. It's well-made from long-lasting high-density polyethene, it sits on a stand so you needn't make holes in your wall, and it's manufactured by a popular sporting brand. This punching bag weighs 60kg by itself, before adding water or sand to its base. Boasting an Omniflex neck to absorb impacts, reduce the base movement and improve the stability of the bag, this is a great pick for those who like to practice quick and responsive strikes. An easy and convenient way to build endurance and agility from home since it's freestanding, this punch bag can be used by any size adult since it's height-adjustable up to 171cm.

Standing at 5'9 inches tall, the Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag is perfect for kicking and punching practice and because it doesn’t move – it gives you a more intense workout without the need to wait until it has swung back and settled slightly for the next impact. Featuring a vinyl exterior, this option may not be the most authentic, but users report that they are consistently happy with the quality, making it totally worth the price tag. This bag should make the perfect sparring partner outside of the gym: there’s freedom to move 360 degrees around it (should your space allow).

Buying a punching bag for your home gym? The wall-mounted RDX Heavy Punch Bag comes with gloves and a pull up bar so you can start building your fitness levels form home. The bag itself is lighter than others on our list, so it’s more ideal for beginners looking to improve the power of their punches, but probably too light for those who are capable of full-throttle impact. The gloves won’t be representative of the highest quality (but are perfectly fine for beginners, too) while the pull up bar will allow you to build your upper strength for quicker results.

Everlast is pretty much a failsafe brand if you’re looking for the best punch bag and this is, without doubt, one of our favourites for beginners and small home gyms. As the same suggests, home gym equipment from Everlast is built to last. The Everlast Junior punching bag comes with pre-formed padded gloves so all you need to buy is a wall bracket. It's perfect for bedroom use or if your home is on the smaller side, too. A great buy for beginners, it can help build muscle and improve agility, all from home. It's also budget-friendly and built to last.

If you’re looking to improve the accuracy of your punches or fancy a light and fast workout, the Century BOB Freestanding Punch Bag may just do the trick. With a large base filled with either sand or water, BOB has the weight to withstand fairly strong punches. However, due to less impact absorption, it's not built for power development. You can use BOB to get ahead of your sparring at home; as with our third pick, he’s freestanding, so you have the freedom to move 360 degrees around him should your gym space allow. 

How to buy the best punching bag

Shape, size and weight
They come in all shapes, sizes and weights, with smaller, lighter ones helping you to develop time and speed and long heavy ones helping with power and conditioning. 

Material
It’s also worth considering the material of your punchbag. Most standard ones are made using fake leather, giving them the strength to take regular pummelling without showing much in the way of wear and tear. Genuine leather bags are great, too, but they’re a bit softer and can often be more expensive. 

Filling
Surprisingly, the best filling for punch bags is textile – a posh name for shredded clothing. An alternative filling is foam, which is essentially just as good as textile, just not as authentic. 

What is the best punching bag you can buy?

In our opinion, the Everlast 4ft Boxing Punch Bag is the best on the market right now. It's affordable and durable as well as a great for all fitness levels – particularly beginners.

Also see...

• The best cross trainers for your home gym
• The best ab machines to get that core working

Hands up if lockdown surprisingly turned you into a person who juices and does at home workouts and runs and steams all their food? Okay, more like hands up who actually just found a bit more time over the last few months to get a bit fitter and eat a bit healthier? There were many downsides to being in isolation, but taking up exercising and just generally looking after ourselves a bit more was a small blessing. 

And now as we return to life as (almost) normal, we are keen to make sure we keep that up and we are sure you are all too. Soooo, this shiny new site could not have come at a better time! We have been having a scroll through Fit & Well all morning and we LOVE it. It makes 'healthy living' really accessible and simple, no jargon nothing preachy, just inspiring ways to keep fit and healthy. 

It's also got loads of advice on exercise, literally, you can find workout ideas on whatever part of your body you are looking to work on  – we did the How to get a six pack workout , this morning and OUCH! But it was very easy to follow and you can remember it from the first time you do it so whack on the TV while you workout. 

There are also loads of lovely tasty, healthy recipes over there too. If you are gluten free, you need to check out the Gluten free recipes for BBQs – you can definitely do them without a BBQ and they make for lovely summer dinner ideas. 

Paul Newman, Managing Director of FitandWell.com, said: “People’s priorities have naturally changed as a consequence of living through the greatest public health scare in living memory. Being fit and healthy is no longer an option, particularly for those in high-risk groups, it’s a practical necessity. And that’s why we’ve launched FitandWell.com to provide people of all backgrounds with practical and accessible advice for everything from weight loss to eating more healthily. By being the first digital media brand to exclusively target the post-COVID-19 landscape we intend to open up a valuable new audience for our commercial partners in the process.”

We are really excited to keep using this new site to make sure we stay motivated now lockdown is being lifted, so make sure you check it out too. Give them a follow on Instagram for even more recipes and live workouts. 

Read more:

• Home workouts: 30 ways to exercise at home
• Healthy breakfast ideas: start your day right with these breakfast recipes
• Best home gym equipment 2020: 13 top buys for your home gym
  

Good, cheap gym equipment is at the top of a lot of people's list right now – we have been doing our Joe Wicks workouts with a towel on the floor, and our weights workouts with a bottle of wine in each hand, it's time for an upgrade. Lucky for all of us, Aldi's Special Buys this week is a load of cheap gym equipment!

We are talking, weights, mats, rollers and even a rowing machine. As with all Aldi special buys you are going to have to be quick to get your hands on them and you can pre-order from today as they go on sale 7th June. We have rounded up the top picks that are definitely worth popping in your basket.

For more of the best home gym equipment, head over to our buying guide – or see today's best picks at the best prices, just below. 

1. A cheap rowing machine

We think this is the star of the Aldi Special Buys this week. This Crane Home Rowing Machine is just £199.99 – one of the most effective gym machines for a full body workout, plus it's relatively compact so won't take up your entire living room and you can fold it down to store it easily. We can see that loads of people are currently pre-ordering this rowing machine so get in there quick. 

Missed out? Shop our pick of the best rowing machines for some great alternatives. 

2. A 6 in 1 multi trainer 

A multi trainer is such a fab piece of at home gym equipment because you can get so much from just one kit. This Crane 6 In 1 Multi Trainer is just £24.99 and can work out your arms, abs, back and legs. It comes with an exercise DVD that will show you some effective ways to use it and it also folds down so you can store it really easily. 

3. Some really affordable weights 

Something we have realised during lockdown, weights can get expensive! But Aldi are selling some great budget friendly options – you can pick between two 8kg weights, 6k weights or a mix of the two. They are all priced at £17.89 and you can buy them separately at £8.99 each. 

If you are after more of the best dumbells we have a buying guide for you to browse. 

4. And some very stylish gym accessories 

Aldi have loads of cheap gym accessories too. They have some very cute exercise mats in very aesthetically pleasing colours (our fave is the lovely pale coral). There are also some foam rollers too, which are great for a post workout massage to relive your muscles. 

Read more:

• Best multi gym for home: 9 top space-savvy buys for the home
• Home workouts: 30 ways to exercise at home
• Home office design: how to design your own space to work from home

Given that we still can't be sure when gyms and leisure centres will reopen to the public, more of us are considering investing in home gym gear as a means of keeping active. And the best multi gyms are a great option for those who prefer strength training to running, yoga, or HIIT style workouts as a way of releasing those good endorphins.

So, when we spotted the Wondercore 2 Home Multi Gym retailing for just £89.99 at Argos, we were pretty excited to let you know. After all, it's not often that you can get your hands on a five star piece of fitness equipment for under £90. And especially not a multi-gym that allows you to enjoy full body workouts from the comfort of your own home. Bargain.

Perfect for full body workouts, this features an extended range of motion, dual resistance, ergonomic back design and deluxe rowing system to target your core and more. Benefit from the following workouts, as well as the ability to design your own.

• Bench press.
• Butterfly press.
• Leg extension.
• Arm curl.
• Low rowing.
• Triceps press.
• Leg press.
• Shoulder press.
• Chest press.
• Double pulley system

Discover everything we love about it below, then head over to our fitness hub for more workout essentials.

Looking for more workout inspiration?

• Home workouts
• Best exercise bike
• Best cross trainers

Been working up a sweat during home workouts? Cleaned your home gym equipment yet? With gyms closed and the biscuit tin/chocolate drawer temptingly close to hand, we’ve all/some of us have (delete as appropriate) been powering through YouTube fitness classes to try to offset the effects of lockdown comfort eating.

Joe Wicks has become the Pied Piper of PE, energising children and exhausting mums and dads who haven’t star jumped since primary school. We now know our yogic down dogs from our warrior poses, and have reduced ourselves to hot messes with pre-breakfast bootcamps.

But while we’ve all become hyper aware of the importance of keeping things clean, wiping down surfaces and shopping purchases, we shouldn’t neglect whatever we are using to keep fit. A recent survey* shockingly revealed 59 per cent of people don’t think they need to clean their grimy, sweat-stained home exercise equipment.

Wrong! Professionals cleaners End of Tenancy Cleaning London disagree (as do we!), and have some expert tips on what you should do to cleanse your makeshift mats and weights. Keep scrolling...

• Best dumbbells – in case you need a new set
• Best cross trainers – step up that home workout

How to clean a yoga mat

With hundreds of free classes now available online, yoga has become even more popular. However, this means that mats are being used more frequently and therefore become dirty quicker.

If you are participating regularly, you should be cleaning your mat at least once a week. If you are a general user then once per month should be sufficient. 

Yoga mat cleaners are available online, starting from around £6. But you can easily create your own at home. Fill a spraying bottle with clean water, add two drops of tea tree oil and some white vinegar. This recipe contains antibacterial and antifungal oils to clean effectively

Find more ways to clean your home with vinegar.

How to clean dumbbells and free weights

It’s best to clean these after every workout. You can use antibacterial wipes on the weights or use antibacterial cleaner and scrub the surface with a cloth.

If you want to DIY, use a few drops of washing up liquid diluted with water on a clean cloth to wipe down the free weight surfaces.

Exercise enthusiasts who haven’t had access to the proper equipment, or been unable to order it in, have turned to alternative options, such as baked bean cans for dumbbells. Make sure you give the tin a good clean before placing it back in your kitchen cupboard. Use the same solution as free weights – mix washing up liquid with water on a clean cloth and wipe the can down to remove any dirt. Be careful not to unglue the label, unless you like a surprise at dinner.

• 9 secrets of people who always have a clean home

How to wash gym clothes

To clean gym clothes you can put it in the washing machine with your other clothes after every workout, following the care instructions on the label. However, if the smell of sweat is still lingering after washing, there are some tricks you can use:

Avoid using fabric softener as it locks in smells by blocking sweat and odours from washing out, so gym clothes still smell. 

Add baking soda to your laundry; including one cup of it can deodorise your clothes and naturally softens them.

Find out how to do laundry safely during coronavirus.

How to clean boxing gloves

Online boxercise classes have become increasingly popular in recent weeks with a sharp increase in participants. But boxing gloves can hold onto odours and become very unpleasant. Wipe them down with a clean cloth to remove extra moisture and prevent bacterial growth.

There are specific boxing glove deodorisers available on Amazon to absorb smells and leave your gloves smelling fresh. For a money-saving option, use air purifying bags. Just place into the glove and leave overnight to eliminate odours.

How to clean an exercise bike – or bicycle

Whether you are using a static at-home exercise bike or an outdoor bicycle, clean your handlebars after every use as they pick up a significant amount of dirt. Take an old toothbrush and scrub with washing up liquid and water. You can also use disinfecting wipes – wrap them around the bars and use a twisting motion to get inside the small indents.

How to clean running shoes

Running shoes getting extra exercise? Brush or wipe away any excess dirt, grass and mud, then clean with an old toothbrush or a soft scrub brush dipped in warm soapy water. Wipe with a damp towel or wet sponge. If you have removable insoles, scrub them gently with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water then wipe off with a wet sponge. Clean shoelaces using soap, water and a scrubbing brush to remove any visible dirt. Let everything air dry with paper towels scrunched up inside your shoes.

Don’t submerge your running shoes in water or put them in the washing machine if possible as this can lead to damaged fabrics.

Avoid placing shoes in the dryer or near a radiator as heat can cause shoes to lose their shape.

For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda inside when they are dry to absorb odours or residual moisture.

How to clean a carpet and hard flooring

If you are working out on a hard floor, use a damp mop with some cleaning solution to eliminate germs. If you are working out on carpet, vacuum up the dirt, hair and dust to get through the first layer of post-workout grime – this should be done at least twice per week. Additionally, carpet cleaning products provide a deep clean and leaving a protective shield that defends your carpet for longer. This does not need to be done as frequently and can be left for several months.

Find out how to clean a carpet thoroughly in our guide.

*Survey by by Showers To You

• Home workouts: 30 ways to exercise at home
• How to clean a washing machine

On the hunt for the best gym leggings? Gone are the days when your gym clothes could be made up of worn out sweatpants and oversized t-shirts. Now it's all about matching sets, outfits that you can wear from yoga to brunch to the school run (when we are out of lockdown that all starts up again obviously). Getting dressed for a workout has become as daunting as the sit ups themselves, until now...

We've rounded up the best gym legging that are for sure going to get you motivated and make sure you are looking swish for your living room workout or your government approved daily outdoor exercise. So keep scrolling to get shopping and head over to our home gym hub page for more workout ideas. 

H&M make amazing sportswear, it's stylish, long lasting and really affordable. Our favourite of their leggings (and it was a toughy) is the Seamless bum sculpting tights. The lack of seams make them really comfortable, they are high waisted and the STAY UP, the most important feature of the best gym leggings in our opinion. They are quick drying so you won't feel overly sweaty even during the hardest of at home workouts plus the jacquard-patterned details are really flattering. 

Sweaty Betty are known for their amazing leggings, and while they aren't the cheapest option they are well worth the investment. The Power Workout Leggings are a classic, there are loads of colours and patterns to choose from and the high-waisted shape is comfortable as well as flattering. The polyamide elastane fabric is super supportive, soft and moisture wicking (no sweaty feeling, yay). The best part? These gym leggings have pockets! There is a side pocket for your phone and a back zip pocket to keep your keys. 

Another classic, these are the best Nike leggings you can buy. The Nike Pro Training Leggings are a great price for really fab quality piece of kit that's stylish, comfortable and breathable. They are made using Nike's Dri-FIT tech which means they wick away sweat so you never feel overheated or sticky (yum) while you work out.  They have a really thick waistband which is something we always look for because they will stay put, so you don't have to stop running every two seconds to pull up your leggings. 

If you like pattern in your workout wardrobe these Next leggings are a great choice. Unlike the above picks, they aren't super high-waisted either, so if you prefer a mid-rise fit check out these. One thing to watch for is if you go for a lighter colour or pattern they are slightly see-through, fine for a jog but maybe avoid if you like to do lots of squats. 

If you are into running, we think these Under Armour HeatGear Training Leggings would be the best leggings. They are super tight, we mean like second skin tight and once they are on they stay put. No stopping to pull them up and the elastic waistband has a super-soft brushed interior so although they are a tight fit they are still comfy. The material is really light, wicks sweat and dries quickly plus has a 4-way stretch construction so you aren't at all restricted. 

Read more:

• Best home gym equipment: get fit at home with these top buys
• Best yoga mats: 5 top buys for mastering the downward dog
• Best fitness tracker 2020: the top 5 fitness watches you can buy now

On the hunt for the best running shoes? One good thing that's come from increased social distancing is that there's been a significant surge in runners getting out and getting active during their government approved hour of exercise (ironic, innit?).

Whether you're a first time runner enjoying apps such as Couch to 5K, you're getting back into running after a break from the sport, or you're looking to progress from a social runner to taking on something a little more serious like a marathon, or half marathon, the best running trainers have the power to completely transform your performance and, more importantly, protect you from unnecessary injuries.

Below you'll find our top picks for men, women and kids. Then, when you're done, browse more of the best gym equipment. We're also pulling together a range of ideas and activities to keep you entertained during the Coronavirus over on our no place like home hub.

• Home workouts: 30 exercises to try at home

Best running shoes

The best running shoes if you're a complete beginner are definitely the Nike Reactive Infinity Run running trainers. They provide plenty of support to help prevent injury, while still being super comfortable.

If you're a more seasoned runner, you may find the Nike Reactive Infinity Runs a little too cushioned. In which case, the Hoka One One Carbon X running trainers may be a better options. 

Keep scrolling to find full product reviews and to discover the best deals on our top-rated running shoes.

New to running? The Nike Reactive Infinity Run running trainers are more than worth the investment. Here's everything you need to know:

Plenty of support

Not only do they provide plenty of support which will (hopefully) protect you from injury, the additional cushioning shouldn't slow you down too much.

Comfortable fit

Thanks to their flyknit design, these trainers are also super comfortable with wearers suggesting that they don't chafe the ankles too much.

Range of styles available

Okay so running trainers will never be the most attractive footwear, but the Nike Reactive Infinity Runs aren't too unattractive an option. Choose from a range of colour ways to suit your style.

If you're slightly more of a seasoned runner, you may prefer the Hoka One One Carbon X trainers. Here's everything you need to know:

Carbon fibre technology

Thanks to a built in carbon fibre plate, these running trainers can help achieve a smooth running style.

Plenty of support

Plus, on account of the built-in cushioning that Hoka One One are renowned for, they also provide plenty of support for the ankles.

Perfect for a variety of uses

Whether you run daily, enjoy interval training, want to go on long runs or short runs, these running trainers are an all rounder capable of supporting your feet and ankles as you need.

Range of styles available

Choose from a variety of styles, whether your preference is for something super simple – like the white finish above – or you'd prefer something a little more out there.

Next up in our list are the Adidas Ultraboost 19 running trainers, which are much more lightweight than the options above. Here's everything you need to know:

Lightweight design

One of the major selling points of these running trainers are their lightweight design. Not only at they flyknit, which wraps comfortably around the foot without feeling too bulky, they also feature a lightweight sole which won't weigh you down as your run.

Suitable for daily use

If you enjoy getting out for a run everyday, the Adidas Ultraboost 19 are a great option that allows you to run in a variety of locations and conditions.

Stylish design

Much like the trainers above, the Adidas Ultraboost 19 are also available in a variety of finishes. That said, this range are certainly more stylish than some of the running shoes we've seen around.

Another great option for those who are new to running and may be in search of cushioned and supportive running trainers are the New Balance 1080 V8 running trainers. Here's everything you need to know:

Plenty of cushioning

If you're in need of plenty of support for your feet and ankles, the New Balance 1080 v8 running trainers have got you covered with their foam design.

Adapt to fit your feet

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that everyone's feet are different. That's why ultra heel – and its ability to adapt to perfectly fit your feet – are such a great option.

Bright designs

Like something bright and bold? New Balance have you covered. Not only are they super spring-inspired, but they offer a great opportunity to inject some colour into your wardrobe.

Looking for more fitness essentials?

• Best exercise bike
• Best dumbbells

Looking to spend your money on the best ab machine you can buy? It's easy to understand why: toning the abdominals is one of the hardest exercises around, and let's admit that crunches – bicycle, reverse, knee and high – aren't exactly one of our favourite workouts. And since you're here, we're guessing you feel the same.

Well, with a little help from one of these great ab machines, you can work up a sweat at home – in your gym space, your living room or garage – and start building those abs you've always dreamed about. And, since gyms all over the country are officially shut until further notice, it's a great excuse to buy a new piece of home gym equipment for home use. You'll thank us in a few months time!

Keep scrolling for our top six ab machines to get your abdominals burning from home. You'll feel it tomorrow...

What is the best ab machine?

In our opinion, the best ab machine you can buy is the Body-Solid Cam Ab & Back Machine –  it's a dual-function ab machine that features 26 adjustment settings while protecting your back and improving posture all at the same time.

Looking for an affordable machine to keep your abs strong while your gym is closed? We've done our research and popped a load of cheap yet cheerful machines below. This way you can still work out and keep your bank balance high.

The best ab machines you can buy

If you’re a complete beginner, the Body-Solid Cam Ab & Back Machine may look a little bit confusing. However, what is great about this machine is its dual-function works to strengthen your abs while protecting your back and improving posture all at the same time. When you first start working on your abdominals, it can be very easy to hurt your back, so if you’re serious about training, this machine is designed to help you become stronger quicker and with less risk of injury. It’s easy to use (despite looking a little tricky), but it is quite large so make sure you have enough room to use this machine in its full range of motion. In our opinion, this is the best ab machine to spend your money on.

The Perfect Fitness AB Carver Pro Roller is designed specifically to target your obliques, and is a lot harder than it looks! Customers who have this roller say they definitely noticed a difference after regular use, but to be wary that it’s not great for supporting your lower back, so beginners may find this ab machine a little tricky to get on with at first. The design of the ball itself is sturdy and strong, with ergonomic handles and a foam kneepad to help make the exercises as comfortable as possible. Its size and simplicity mean it can be used pretty much anywhere in the house, on any type of floor, although carpet is reportedly better for a more controlled roll.  

If you’re just starting out with your workouts, then the Wondercore 2 might be a little too advanced, but for those who have been into their fitness for a while, they found that the Wondercore 2 is just the thing to really help you tone up alongside your cardio workouts. This device is designed to work your upper, middle and lower abs, obliques and the rest of your muscles including arms and legs. So really you are getting a full body workout from this machine, and the dual resistance ensures that your core is always engaged for maximum results. 

Do you find that you strain your neck when you sit up? If so, then the Body Sculpture Ab Trimmer has a cushioned headrest which will support your head and neck when you sit up, and holding on to the frame helps you maintain posture throughout its full range of motion. The two different handles are designed to help you work the abs differently and more intensely as you build up strength. Beginners should start by holding the top bar which will strengthen the upper body, too, while those who are further along in training can use the side handles to really focus on the core muscles by performing a tighter crunch. The best ab machine for those who need a little more support, we think.

If you don’t have the space for the WonderCore 2 or some of the other ab machines on the list, then the WonderCore Smart could be a space-saving alternative for you. You can use this machine to target your upper, middle and lower abs, as well as your obliques and for performing push ups, tricep dips and bridges. Users have found this machine to be just as good as a larger machine, the only downside is with the size it means it is susceptible to wear more than a larger bench, which with frequent use may mean it doesn’t last as long. All in all, this is our top pick of the best ab machine if you're tight on space in your home gym.

This Bodymax CF306 Adjustable Abdominal Board is a pretty simple tool which allows you to add intensity to your standard sit ups and crunches. All you have to do is change the incline of the bench to suit your needs, which will make the move more difficult when required. Having the bench supports the back, which in turn makes it easier to do more exercises than you would normally. Those who struggle to find motivation in doing crunches may prefer one of the more interactive ab machines, but if you’re someone who also uses weights, this bench can be multifunctional and its compact design means it’s not too cumbersome for the home.

How to choose an ab machine

Ab machines come in many shapes and forms. They all assist your ab workout in some way, but the type you choose will depend on what kind of exercises you want to do, which muscle groups are a key priority and how much space you have.

For ultimate flexibility at a good cost, we recommend an ab board or bench. You can do pretty much any crunch or sit up using these – as well as other exercises to work your legs and arms – and their use can be combined with free weights to up your game.

If you need a little more assistance, try something designed to support your sit ups. You can also work your obliques with ease using one of these. They are great for a small space too and can often be folded away, but if you have a home gym, you might like a bigger ab machine. They include weights, pullies and resistance bands that give you a full-body workout and guide your movements – brill for beginners and advanced users alike.

Designing a home gym and looking for the best turbo trainer? This piece of gym equipment is a great way of factoring in your resistance training at home. It gives you the same benefits of riding a bike outdoors, indoors! Self-isolation friendly and great for rainy days.

If you're tight on floor space in your home gym or are buying one of these to pop in behind your sofa and use while catching up on your favourite series, rest assured that turbo trainers are a compact alternative to exercise bikes, and, are a lot cheaper than a gym membership in the long run. Amazing.

Now, since a lot of us are having to stay home at the moment and gyms are shut, several top gym equipment buys are out of stock. This, unfortunately, includes turbo trainers. Don't sweat: if you're looking for a quick fix and something that's cheap yet cheerful to help you get your sweat on while in self isolation, we've popped a widget below with a load of cheap turbo trainer options. If you're actually looking for the best turbo trainer, keep scrolling.

Here's our pick of the best turbo trainers so you can create a home gym; find the best home gym equipment picks in our buyer's guide. Head over to our home gym hub page where you'll find design ideas and equipment recommendations aplenty. 

What is the best turbo trainer?

The best turbo trainer you can buy is the Wahoo KICKR Smart Turbo Trainer: it's smart, sturdy and offers the ultimate training experience.

Click to shop the Wahoo KICKR Smart Turbo Trainer at the cheapest price on the web.

After a cheap model to see you through lockdown and no more? These are the most affordable turbo trainers on the web right now. Enjoy!

Struggling to find home gym equipment to buy to get fit at home? Use our handy price comparison tool below to find the best deals on home gym equipment. This widget updates itself every 30 minutes to ensure everything displayed is in stock.

The best turbo trainers

The Tacx Flux Direct Drive Smart Trainer more than earns its place with a wealth of training and tracking options. It’s compatible with a huge range of smart cycle software, meaning you can take advantage of VR training, video courses, and a whole load of workouts to keep things interesting year-round. For such a versatile trainer, it’s pleasantly surprising to clock the mid-range price. There are some very slight negatives noted by reviewers, such as a small lag when changing resistance, that might throw you slightly off a particularly intense ride, but other than that, it looks to be unbeatable in its price band. 

Touted by Wiggle as 'the ultimate training experience', it’s little wonder the Wahoo KICKR has nabbed our top spot for best turbo trainer. Realistic and responsive, the trainer reacts to the course set out on the buddy Wahoo Fitness app, replicating inclines, intervals and sprints instantaneously for the most realistic cycling experience this side of the velodrome. Reviewers reported no wheel slip, a solid build, an easy setup, and superb realism. 

Click to shop more turbo trainers at Wiggle

This affordable turbo trainer uses fluid resistance for a unique experience that, according to the manufacturer, is best suited to road racers. That’s because the weight of the user, and the power they put into the workout, influences the resistance that comes out, so it’s a good way of training up for your next race, letting you feel a realistic imitation of what you’ll be getting up to out on the road. The extra-large flywheel is immersed in oil, which sounds weird, but it’s all in the name of resistance: namely, offering high resistance even at lower speeds for a really good workout. In our opinion, it's the best turbo trainer for those who are competitive riders.

This direct drive turbo trainer eliminates the annoyance of potentially bumpy tyre-to-roller contact by foregoing to rear wheel and attaching straight to the frame. This, plus the heavy base, is designed for a smooth ride, and that’s precisely what you get, an uninterrupted resistance training experience that lets you switch seamlessly between intense intervals and casual cool-downs. Finally, there were two particular high notes that reviewers picked up on: the quietness, and the ease of setup. If you want to introduce resistance training into your routine with as little fuss or fanfare as possible, this looks to be a good way to do it.

This Kinetic trainer boasts the world’s only free-moving fluid trainer, combining that innovative tech with app-based training for what is, by all accounts, a pretty high-tech at-home workout for cyclists. Of course, with the wealth of apps such as the brand’s own Kinetic Fit, Zwift and TrainerRoad on offer, it’s a great one for tracking your progress, but the realistic feel of the fluid resistance in this trainer is recommended for a core workout, so if cycling is your method of choice for getting or keeping fit, you’ll get a great deal of use out of it even if apps aren’t your thing. If you're looking for something realistic, this is the best turbo trainer for you.

With its out-of-the-box readiness and clever quick release mounting system setting it apart from the competition, this magnetic resistance turbo trainer is one of the best for a quick setup – because sometimes, you just want to get down to business. With its wide base and anti-slip feet it’s designed to stay put, even if you’re pushing hard to get up that imaginary incline or relegated to the room with the treacherously slippy hardwood floor. JetBlack also promise a particularly smooth and quiet ride, claiming that the M5 Pro Mag can take the amount of resultant tyre wear from normal composite rollers and slash it by a not-inconsiderably 25 to 30 per cent, not to mention reducing noise by 55 per cent. Not too shabby – and your tyres won’t be either, making this a good bet if you work out frequently and are worried about wear and tear. 

What to consider when buying a turbo trainer?

Magnetic and fluid resistance trainers 
These offer an admirably realistic experience for the rider who’s used to being out on the road. 

Smart resistance trainers
If you pick one up that’s also labelled as smart, you don’t have to rely on thinking about where you want to push yourself. Using buddy and universal apps, smart turbo trainers connect wirelessly to your device and allow you to everything from downloading virtual reality courses to uploading your data as you progress. 

Wheel size and direct drive trainers
For most the picks in our buying guide, we’ve listed the wheel sizes suitable for use, with one exception: direct drive trainers. These require you to remove the back wheel and attach to the bike frame instead, which reduces wear on the tyres and can make for a smoother ride, but is a little more fiddly. 

All round functionality
What we advise doing is thinking about the practical implications of each trainer: the wheel sizes suitable, the strenuousness of the setup, and the quietness of the ride, and seeing which one is suited to your particular needs.

Want more home gym advice?

• The best multi gyms
• The best home spin bikes
• The best treadmills: our top 5 running machines for your home gym

Gyms are closing their doors nationwide in an attempt to enforce social distancing, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your workout routine. After all, keeping fit and healthy has countless benefits for your immune system and mental health. When it comes to working out at home, we know what we’re talking about. We’ve covered everything from the best treadmills to the best dumbells, and now we’ve tracked down the best home gym equipment deals on Amazon.

We recently told you about this great deal on a foldable exercise bike, but you might not have the space for anything bulkier - like a rowing machine or bench press. Investing in a few small (and inexpensive) items can see you through prolonged periods indoors while still keeping active. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard you can even indulge in some fresh air while you exercise, as many of our top picks are lightweight and don’t need to be kept indoors. Be sure to check out our guide to home workouts for inspiration on workouts and easy reps you can manage at home. 

• Check out these home fitness deals 
• The best of Amazon's home workout equipment

Let's start with the iconic balance exercise ball. We love these for strengthening the core and improving posture when working from home, but they're not just good chair substitutes! This versatile piece of equipment can be used to enhance your floor workout, too. 

Resistance bands are another simple piece of gym equipment. They can be used in yoga, pilates, resistance training or to help your squats pack an extra punch. With either of these, you'll probably need a yoga mat to make your space workout-worthy. These cushion, support and add grip for safe at-home exercise. 

A low-cost way to stay fit if you're looking to get your pulse racing comes in the simple form of a jump-rope. Just be careful to clear a wide space, or you'll send furniture flying. Another high-intensity option (with a slightly higher price) is an upright bike. A great Amazon deal can secure you one with eight levels of resistance for less than $200. If you're a committed gym-goer willing to spend a little more for some high-quality equipment, this is our top pick. 

When you're used to the lumbar-supporting chairs from work, working from home can be a back-killer. It's definitely worth checking out our guide to Amazon work from home office deals if you're lacking home-office essentials, but a foam roller will get your blood rushing and help stretch out tired and under-worked muscles. A worthwhile investment for warming up or down when working out from home. This one even has a spinal column, relieving knots and easing back pain. 

Whether you’ve been vegan for years, or you've just successfully completed Vegan-uary and are thinking about going vegan for the long-haul, or you're simply looking to live a little more eco-consciously this year, then you may have to re-think a few of the things that you have around your house. 

When you’re vegan, you tend to be hot on cruelty-free beauty products and vegan food, but when it comes to household products, even furniture, it’s not always clear what’s vegan and what’s not. Don’t feel bad, though: the fact that products contain animal bi-products is not something that brands tend to rave about, so you have to be conscious of what household items could need double checking. 

• Find more advice on living more sustainably at our eco hub page

How to have a vegan and eco-friendly home

From a few ‘no no’ ingredients to other key elements/manufacturing notes to look out for, we’ve done our homework so that you don’t have to when ensuring that you live in a vegan and eco-friendly home.

What’s ideal about leading a vegan lifestyle is that it goes hand in hand with being earth friendly, too. So in essence, even if you’re not vegan, whether you make a few tiny changes or if you choose to completely veganise your home, you’ll be opting in to way more conscious and eco-friendly surroundings, which is something to be proud of. 

We’ve made a conscious (see what we did there?) effort to ensure that these changes are all achievable and pocket-friendly too. We’re not talking about solar panels, and no planning permission will be needed, but, here are some items to reconsider:

• Leather furniture – darned beautiful but very much not vegan;
• Wool/silk or any animal-derived bedding/cushion covers and more – as above;
• Fur throws or blankets – you can work this one out;
• Mattresses – some may be treated with fire retardants that aren’t vegan like wool or silk;
• Furniture polishes – many of which may contain beeswax;
• Wall paints - may contain Casein and/or beeswax;
• Household bleach & cleaning products – it is really hard to come by vegan bleach that has not been tested on animals at some point in the supply chain;
• Loo roll – paper, yes fine. But, binders including gelatin can be used, and a few companies may still test on animals.

Find the perfect vegan couch + accessories

To ensure that your sofa, armchairs, headboard and all the rest is vegan, you want to ensure that it’s made from cotton or synthetic materials. If you still love the look of leather, then you can go for a faux leather piece as they’re looking more and more stylish and if you’re a complete sucker for a deep buttoned sofa (you know the ones we’re talking about) you can now even find vegan Chesterfields.

The changes you make really depend on whether you’re looking to buy something new, or there are heaps of vegan and more sustainable fabrics to choose from. 

Those are your options when you’re buying something new for your home, but if you’ve only recently invested in an expensive leather three-piece suite for example, what are your options? 

1. You could donate it to charity or sell it on eBay for a good price and use the cash to invest in a new or pre-loved vegan number (where eBay is the perfect place to look too!)
2. You can use it until the bitter end, and this should be enough to keep your conscience in place.

Then when it comes to choosing soft furnishings, bedding and the likes, opt for natural materials such as organic cotton, sustainable banana fibre, bamboo, Tencel or another recycled natural/synthetic fibre. What they can do with natural fibres now is pretty unbelievable and when the texture is on point too, you just will not miss any of your old soft furnishings! Remember to recycle what you have of course.

Try a homemade furniture polish

If you’ve bought a beautiful wooden piece of furniture like a coffee table, bookcase or side table to upcycle, it’s vegan and eco-friendly up to the point when you sand it down and give it a few coats of furniture polish... Yep, not that obvious, but many furniture polishes contain animal derivatives such as beeswax. You can get around this by either choosing a vegan furniture polish, or by making your own!

There are so many uses for coconut oil, but did you know that furniture polish is one of them? It moisturises wood, highlighting its natural colours, and its high saturated fat content means that it is slow to oxidise as well. In addition to coconut oil, you can also use soy wax, olive oil, walnut oil, jojoba or almond oil, and this is how to use coconut or another oil of your choice on furniture:

• Sand and prep the wood as needed, let it dry;
• Use an old rag to apply the oil over the entire surface using long, even strokes;
• Let it dry for 10–15 minutes before buffing it with a dry cloth in a circular motion for extra shine.

You can use most of the oils pure, but you can also add white or cider apple vinegar to any of these and this will actively clean off any grubby marks as you go. Plus, the anti-bacterial properties will prevent it going rancid. Try it on your bed frame, dining room table and whatever you choose to spruce up to see how stunning it turns out.

The best homemade furniture polish recipe

• 1 cup of the oil of your choice
• ¼ cup white or cider apple vinegar
• A few drops of an essential oil of choice (lemon works for us)

Application:

• Mix all of the above in a bottle and agitate;
• For a light polish you can spray it on to an old rag and apply it, following the wood’s grain;
• For a deeper treatment you can spray it directly to the furniture and give it a couple of coats.

Check out your vegan and eco paint options

Opting for paints that are VOC free and non toxic usually means they are better for you, the environment, and they are more likely to be vegan-friendly too. Casein is an animal derivative, made from milk and it’s fast-drying, durable and permanent qualities means that it is often present in wall paint. 

Beeswax is another product that may feature in generic wall and household paints but there are more and more paint brands like Farrow & Ball and Dulux that are creating eco-friendly paint formulas that are low VOC, vegan and therefore cruelty-free.

Remember: paint brushes need to be vegan too

Paint brushes are often made from 'natural' bristles which usually means they are made from animal fur or a combination of animal furs. From pony and ox hair to labels like 'Sabel' which can indicate a combination of fur from minks, ferrets and weasels, to 'camel' hair that can actually be from goats, squirrels and other animals, natural paint brushes are definitely not vegan.

There are vegan and cruelty-free alternatives, thankfully, which even tend to work better. Rather than absorbing the paint, their texture makes for a smooth and consistent finish, plus they are easier to clean. So, whether you're painting furniture or dabbling in a little watercolour for an original print, pick up one of the many beautiful synthetic brushes around. 

Start using vegan and natural cleaning products

There are now heaps of vegan cleaning products and you can find more information in our guide to the best eco-friendly cleaning products online. If you want to play it even safer, then you could DIY and make your own cleaning products. Here are some natural alternatives to bleach and the likes that you can use safe in the knowledge that they are vegan, gentle on your surfaces and kind to the environment:

• Lemon juice – a natural disinfectant which happens to smell lemon-fresh too;
• Baking soda – mixed with vinegar will create a potent cleaning paste so be sure to check out our baking soda cleaning tips;
• Castile soap – dilute with water and use this pet-safe and biodegradable product everywhere;
• Vinegar– use with a rag and dilute with water and some essential oils for a more pleasant fragrance;
• Tea tree oil – naturally antibacterial, simply mix a few drops with water and use where needed.

As we've said, non-vegan items are everywhere, unless you know what you're looking for. Take the above on board and, if in doubt when buying something new, check the materials list and where it's from, (you'll need the leaping bunny logo if it's a product) and always read the small print.

Make sure you're using eco-friendly toilet paper

Yep, you even need to keep an eye on your loo roll! Be sure to check for the leaping bunny logo and go for packets that are marked up as recycled or biodegradable. The fact of the matter is that some companies use chemicals in the production line and animal derivatives in the final product to bind fibres too, so you need to triple check that what you're buying is certified as vegan-friendly before you bring in to your eco-friendly home.

Read more about it:

• Sustainable laundry habits

Want to get fit for 2020, but don't know where to start? There are tons of ways you can get fit quickly, mostly at home and very cheaply, just by making a few basic changes. 

Really taking it seriously? Don't miss our buyer's guide to the best home gym equipment and check our guide to exercise at home to find the best work out regime for you. Otherwise, read on, make these small changes and get fit fast.

1. Ensure you're eating enough

While it can be easy to assume that drastically cutting calories is the easiest way to get fit – or lose weight – quickly, doing so will likely lead to short lived results. We'd recommend using the NHS calorie checker for expert advice on reducing your calorie intake, if this is something you'd like to learn more about, though it should by no means be considered essential. 

2. Eat healthily, regularly and after exercise

This will keep your body fuelled – just make good choices. We're not saying never eat processed foods, but simply swapping white bread for brown, processed meat for fresh chicken (etc) will make a big difference.

3. Try a PT session/an online tutorial/fitness video

If you've never exercised, are new to High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), or aren't sure if you're doing it right, it's really worth using a personal trainer once or twice, watching a YouTube tutorial or a fitness video to get yourself started and motivated. 

4. Build muscle with strength training

Doing this a couple of times a week with your body weight, resistance bands or weights makes it easy to dip in and out of. Look at doing two to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise.

5. Embrace the trend for HIIT

Tried and tested for getting fit fast by the Realhomes.com team, HIIT increases calorie burning, even after you're finished your home exercise. It's good for burning abdominal fat; aerobic and anaerobic fitness; and a healthy heart. Simply put, it's intense aerobic exercise punctuated by periods of recovery (although don't take that to mean 'lying on the sofa').

6. Go for walks

Got a dog? Perfect. Not got a dog? Still perfect. It needn't be a purposeful walk around a park – although this is undoubtedly the best for your mental wellbeing, too – simply getting off the bus a stop or two early, walking to the shops instead of driving (and so on...) will do the trick. The ideal? A good, brisk, 20 minutes per day.

7. Stand up more at work

Sitting at a desk all day? Once an hour (set an alarm on your phone), make a point of standing up and moving about. Doing 10 star jumps and a few minutes of stretching is perfect but if that's awkward in the office, even just taking a walk around the office or climbing a few flights of stairs will make all the difference.

8. Stand up more at home

Class yourself as a couch potato and love nothing more than vegging out in front of the TV at night? Fine, do it. But every time there's an ad break, get up and do some exercise – sit ups, skipping, star jumps... whatever takes your fancy.

9. Swap to a vegan diet

Considering a plant-based diet? Why not check out our guide to how to be a vegan? It's not something you have to do every single day if you really can't commit, but swapping from fatty meat to low-fat plant alternatives at least two or three times a week will make a difference.

10. Take up yoga

We're big fans of yoga here at Realhomes.com. And whether you do yoga at home (try Yoga with Adriene if you're a beginner); in a church hall or (if you're lucky) at a local hot yoga studio (our personal favourite), you'll find you feel both better from the stretching and core work that you do – but also more relaxed and less stressed.

Gone are the days when your gym clothes could be made up of worn out leggings and oversized t-shirts. Now it's all about matching sets, outfits that you can wear from yoga to brunch to the school run. Getting dressed for the gym has become as daunting as the sit ups you have to do when you get there, until now. We've rounded up the best gym clothes that are for sure going to get you motivated!

Lucky enough to have the space for your own home gym? Find all the best home gym equipment in our guide to get it kitted out. Check out how to build a home gym, too.

• Exercise at home: 30 exercises to get fit fast

1.Pick out a floral workout combo

Same rules apply as in the home, go easy on mixing and matching your floral prints, and either pick a matching set or go for a plain workout top and jazzy workout bottoms or vice versa. 

If you are after just a hint of floral to add a bit of interest to an all black work out outfit then go for a floral sports bra; we especially love these Adidas leggings. Wonder if that print comes in a wallpaper...

2. Go for bold coloured gym clothes 

Just as with interiors, colour blocking is big in the world of stylish gym wear. There seems to be two clear cut styles when it comes to colour blocking in fashion. You could go down the New Rave colour palette route that's all about the neon (ie, these Asos leggings that we do actually love) or alternatively, if you don't want to blind everyone in your 6am spin class, pick out a more subtle combo of muted colours – these Bjorn borg leggings are perfect. 

3. Go for an entirely ombré workout outfit

We are still loving ombré in both interiors and in fashion, and personally we see nothing wrong with wanting to match your gym wear with your newly painted ombré accent wall. We love this set from Puma, the ombré effect is super subtle but is way more interesting than your standard all black outfit.  

4. Be on trend with pink gym wear

We are big fans of pink, we dedicated a whole feature to pink room ideas, so yer it's pretty serious. So it makes sense that our love of this rosy hue should seep from our baby pink walls and bright fuchsia sofas into our workout wardrobes. The great thing about workout gear is you can stray from your usual style. So, sure, maybe you wouldn't wear neon pink hot pants or a pastel pink tank top on the daily, but at the gym? Bring it on. 

If you want to add a little pink to your gym outfits but prefer to exercise in a more neutral colour palette, go with a pink wind jacket that you can stick in your locker when you get there. 

5. Choose a classic grey workout outfit 

If the thought of wearing colour even at the gym makes you shiver, then switch things up from your trusty black and delve into grey gym wear (crazy, we know). By sticking to all neutrals, all your gym wear is pretty much going to match, so you won't have to stress about being late to Legs, Bums and Tums because you couldn't find the rainbow print sweat band to match your rainbow print leggings. 

You can be more slightly adventurous with grey and pick something with a subtle pattern, like these Reebok leggings and pair them a plain grey top.

6. Mix it up with marble gym wear

Looking for some cheap gym wear? These marble print leggings from Asos are only £22, so you can save money on your gym kit and go and spend it on an over-priced green juice after your work out instead. Or you could treat yourself to a matching marble drinks bottle and hey, why stop there? Pick out a cute marble gym bag, too. 

7. Be brave with a statement tropical prints

Banana leaf and palm leaf prints are definitely having a bit of moment in the world of interiors so no surprise there's also a load of gorgeous tropical inspired gym wear out there too. If you are feeling brave, we love these funky M&S leggings, seriously they are going to cheer up any early morning gym session.

8. Introduce some animal print into your gym wear 

Animal print has definitely been making a come back in interiors, but the key to getting it right is to start small, don't dive straight in there with a leopard print sofa maybe start off with some throw cushions or a lamp shade. Same goes for gym wear, pick out a few pieces that you can mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe (case in point this Wolf & Whistle khaki gym set) then you can work up to Scary Spice levels of animal print.  

9. Pick out soft colours for a boho vibe

Boho interiors have got to be the most popular home trend at the moment, we can't scroll through Instagram with out seeing a living room decked out in soft pastels, rattan accessories and berber rugs. And while you probably can't find rattan running trainers anywhere you can definitely be influenced by these boho colour palettes and prints. Look out for brands like M Life and The Upside (both of which have a very on-trend quirky, boho style) and pick out gym wear in pinks, peaches, pale mustard yellows and orange. Throw this cute yoga mat over your shoulder and you're good to go...

10. Pick a bold colour for your gym shoes 

In interiors, we talk a lot about adding 'a splash of colour' as a way of creating interest in a space. The trainers you choose can work in much the same way, a way to brighten up an all-black outfit, and since they only take up a small surface area you can afford to be much braver than you might be with the rest of your work out gear. Our favourite from the sea of neon bright trainers available, are these Asics running shoes; as well as looking fab, they are lightweight, breathable, supportive and flexible.

Read more:

• Best multi gym: working out at home has never been so comfortable
• The best treadmills: top 5 running machines for your home gym

Personal trainer apps are now a thing. You'll love this if you've been shopping for home gym equipment and will be working out without expert supervision. If you already have been, you'll know it's hard to be confident you're actually performing your lunges, squats and other exercises correctly – to get the best out of the work out – and safely – so you don't injure yourself, right? And we know that not everyone can afford a personal trainer, so a virtual solution sounds too good to be true.

Kaia is the world's first full-body virtual personal trainer and is free to download. It was developed by physiotherapists and fitness experts to bring you real-time audio feedback on your exercise positions. It can also be used for personalised fitness routines lasting 15 minutes and covering all body parts and muscle groups no matter your fitness level – go check it out. 

For a bit of fun, the experts behind Kaia have come up with a list for us of the most common exercises we get wrong at home or at the gym if we're unsupervised. The majority are compound exercises that use multiple muscle groups at one time. Here's how to execute these popular exercises properly, without breaking a leg...

Visit our home gym page for more exercise tips and product recommendations.

Exercise #1: Squats

What are the most common mistakes when it comes to squating?
Leaning too much to the front and extending the knees.

What happens when squats are performed wrong?
They can, believe it or not, reduce strength and muscle gain, as well as increase injury risk.

How to squat the right way

• Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips;
• Keep your spine in neutral and put your arms straight out;
• Feel the weight in the heels and balls of your feet;
• Tense your core;
• Breathe deeply, bend at your hip, lower your body and push your butt back;
• Keep your knees in line with your feet and ensure they do not move inwards; 
• Lower your body until your hip joint is lower than your knees; 
• Breathe out, still tensing your body, and raise your body through your heels.

What happens when a squat is performed correctly?
Squats exercise multiple muscle groups and improve core position and posture.

Exercise #2: Lunges

What are the most common mistakes when it comes to lunging?
Not keeping your upper body straight and performing the exercise too fast.

How to lunge the right way

• Start in a kneeling position;
• Then lunge forward with one leg;
• Shift your weight to the front leg and bring your other knee up off the ground; 
• Keep your upper body straight, tense your core;
• Keep your front knee over your ankle, not pushed out too far;
• Slowly lower your knee to the ground; 
• Always return to the starting position and repeat the movement.

What happens when a lunge is performed correctly?
Lunges help to strengthen, sculpt and build muscles in the thighs, buttocks and hamstrings.

Exercise #3: Bird dog

What are the most common mistakes when it comes to performing the bird dog?
A lot of people only lift one arm and the opposite leg for just a second.

How to do the bird dog properly

• Start in the all-fours position with your hands and knees touching the ground;
• Extend one leg straight backwards and the opposite arm out straight in front of you;
• Try to keep your arm and leg parallel to the ground;
• Bring your elbow and your knee back underneath your body then extend your arm and leg again;
• Repeat this movement.

What happens when the bird dog is performed correctly?
Having a strong core tension stabilises the movement to make it more challenging.

Exercise #4: Glute bridge

What are the most common mistakes when it comes to performing the glute bridge?
Often, people begin to lower their hips before the extension.

How to do the glute bridge right 

• Lie flat on your back and raise your legs so that your feet are together and are flat on the ground;
• Pull your toes up so that only your heels are touching the floor;
• Lift your buttocks off the ground and raise it so far that your shoulders, buttocks, and knees create a straight line;
• Lay your upper body, one vertebra at a time, slowly onto the ground and repeat the exercise.

What happens when the bird dog is performed properly?
It activates the posterior chain, especially the glutes.  It can also correct you.

Exercise #5: Plank

What are the most common mistakes when it comes to planking?
Most people either have their hips too low or too high and look ahead.

How to plank properly

• Support your body on your forearms and toes;
• Tighten your abs by pulling your belly button slightly inward;
• Ensure your cervical spine is aligned with your upper body and legs;
• Look downwards;
• Hold this position.

What happens when the plank is performed right?
It allows you to fully concentrate on the tension in your core.

More fitness buys:

• The best exercise bikes
• The best dumbbells

Do you really, like, really hate going to the gym? We get it. Dragging yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn to sweat in a room of equally sweaty people who would also rather be anywhere else is hardly appealing. But you gotta do what you gotta do to stay fit, it's a Joe Wicks world and we're just living in it. But have you ever thought you could be getting the same workouts from the comfort of your living room FOR FREE with a fitness app? Enter Fiit. 

As you may (or may not) know, we're big on smart home tech and exercising at home, so this is a perfect, er, fit for us. So what is Fiit? Well, it's an app you can download on to your smart phone, that you can also connect to your TV or laptop, allowing you to take part in a whole load of exercise classes from home. 

Before you start having visions of  those old school workout DVDs, with the leotards and the leg warmers, let us just tell you that Fiit is so different. It gives you access to on-demand fitness classes led by high profile fitness experts all from your mobile (or TV, or laptop). Basically, see is as that boutique gym you wish you could join, but in your living room, and, let's just say it again, it's free. 

• Best home gym equipment: everything you need for your home gym

This summer, Fiit is also launching its first ever summer shape up plan. It began yesterday, and will run for four to six weeks, depending on which programme you choose. Each week, you’ll focus on achieving a mini goal and you can keep track of your progress using a personal dashboard. 

You'll have to upgrade to Premium Membership to access them, but then you can pick from three different plans – a six week or a four week plan, both of which focus on improving strength and toning through cardio and weight classes, or you could go for the Rebalance Series, which focuses on more holistic classes. 

Fiit Premium membership, which costs just £45 for three months or £120 for the whole year, which is way cheaper than a gym membership. That means unlimited classes with live stats, progress tracking and personalised training plans; you'll also get a Fiit device worth £65! 

But don't forget once you have downloaded the app you can still access hundreds of classes, on more time, for free. 

BRB while we cancel our gym memberships. 

More home fitness advice:

• The best gym wear for working out in style at home
• The best yoga mats

While building your own home gym might sound like a luxury, gym memberships can easily cost £500 each a year. So, with a bit of careful planning, you can have all the benefits of fitness equipment available for your exclusive use whenever you want it — and potentially save money into the bargain.

You can create a home gym either through extending or remodeling your home or, more easily, you might have a small space in a home office or spare room that you could put to better use with the addition of a few bits of kit. 

We look at where to add a home gym and what best home gym equipment you might need to get started, as well as extra design considerations such as lighting and flooring as well as other home gym ideas.

Home gyms for working out

Where to put a home gym?

You may be restricted by what space you have available, but if you are undertaking an extension or remodel, your options will be less limited. Garage conversions are a popular location for a home gym, or you could add a garden outbuilding.

Locating the gym on the ground floor is the most sensible option for several reasons:

• Installation of heavy gym equipment needs to be accounted for. If the gym is downstairs, and near an entrance, this will prove much easier than lugging heavy equipment upstairs;
• Exercise machines can be heavy so it is best if you can avoid having to worry about reinforcing an existing upper storey (particularly in an older house);
• If you do plan to put a gym above ground level, you will need to soundproof the floor – rowing machines and treadmills can be particularly noisy to the room below.
• If you plan to use your gym early in the morning before the rest of your family are awake, you will want to ensure it is away from their bedrooms.

How much space do you need?

Most machines need at least 2m² and you need to allow for plenty of circulation space. Some equipment will need extra room for movement during operation. 

Fitness Superstore’s gym planner helps you visualise the layout of your room, with their detailed machine measurements.

Does the space need to be multifunctional?

If you don’t have the option of dedicating a whole room to your fitness needs, your new gym could share a space with your home office or spare room. Just remember to plan the space carefully, prioritising exactly what kit you need so you don’t overcrowd the room. If your gym can be packed away, this will help you get ‘in the zone’ whether you are working or working out.

Converting a garage into a home gym

An underused garage is one of the best places to locate your gym. The floor has been built to take the weight of a car, so there will be no worries about strength. 

You will also have strong block walls which are well-suited to hanging equipment on. What’s more, even an attached garage will tend to be sensibly located in relation to other rooms (most are attached by a kitchen or utility, so you are less likely to find noise transfer to be an issue). 

Find out about garage conversions in our guide.

How much does a home gym cost?

Costing a home gym will depend on what kit you need. This is why it is important to be clear about exactly what you want to use the space for. If you get your cardio workout in other ways (going for a run or swim), then don’t waste space or money on expensive treadmills and machines. 

It is also worth noting that the costs of gym equipment vary widely, but you really do get what you pay for. For example, a foldable, manual treadmill can be picked up for as little as £70 yet commercial-standard machines cost £1,000s because of the extra features, quality and sturdiness of the product. 

So, if you are committing budget to specialist equipment, don’t scrimp — check it has all the functions you want (heart monitors, training programmes, fitness app connectivity etc), or you will quickly be looking to upgrade.

Here is a guide to the costs of associated building or renovation work to create the room:

• Converting a garage (including heating, lighting and flooring): £5,000–10,000 to convert the average single garage.
• Building a heated garden room with connection to mains power: £300–1,200/m² for a bespoke building - typically £8,000–20,000
• Renovating an existing room (updating flooring, decorating and adding task lighting): £500–2,000

How to choose the right equipment

If you already have a very set routine at the gym, you will know exactly what kit you need. For example you might be sure you want to use your space for one workout such as yoga or weightlifting. 

If not, you need to do a little bit of practical research to decide what you need. Have a look at the our guide to home exercise: 30 exercises to get fit fast. Or take advantage of a trial at a local gym where you can try out lots of different machines. You might even want to book a session with a personal trainer where you can discuss your fitness goals and work out what kit will be most beneficial for your training program.

Choosing the best home gym equipment will come down to how much space you have and what your budget is, but if you want your gym to cater for all-round strength and fitness, the basic needs are:

Best home gym equipment for cardio

It is recommended that everyone does 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a week. Walking/running on a treadmill, rowing, using an exercise bike, stepping on a turbo trainer or stepper, or hopping on the cross trainer will all get your heart rate up and burn fat, as will using a punchbag or spin bike. If you don’t have enough room for a machine, just ensure there is space somewhere for a cardio routine (think burpees, star jumps — even just running on the spot).

Why should you buy a treadmill?

'Not only is running at home easier and warmer than running in say a park or on the streets, but you can also train at any time of day or night and plan your schedule around what suits you!' says David Graham, content author at Powerhouse Fitness.

'That’s not to say that running outside doesn’t have its advantages, of course, it does! It’s free, you have total freedom of routes and you can generally prepare better for road runs or marathons.'

'But by pointing you in the right direction in terms of suitability, value for money, and interactive classes, you'll break down which of the best treadmills will be a welcome addition to your home whilst enhancing your workouts!'

What type of treadmills are available?

'The first part of making any purchase is deciding on what style of treadmill you need that will best meet your needs,' says Graham.

Desk: Desk treadmills or walking pads are a superb option for home and office working. Walking at a gentle pace has been proven to increase creativity, productivity as well as general health and well-being improvements.

Motorized treadmills: With built-in motors from a range of different powers, the belt revolves around itself at the speed selected by you. Perfect for individual walks or runs, these treadmills can range from anything between 1kp/h and 22kp/h.

Curved treadmills: The latest trend of treadmills. Self-powered, curved treadmills allow you to run with a natural running style, on the balls of your feet, pushing your boy forward and creating momentum to rotate the treadmill belt.

Considerations to make when buying a treadmill

'There are lots of things to consider, are you looking for a treadmill to walk or jog on?' asks Graham.

'Perhaps you are a fan of HIIT and need something more robust with incline? Or are you a serious athlete that is looking for top performance with a higher top speed?'

Other important factors are space; so consider folding treadmills rather than fixed treadmills where you are working with limited floor space. And deck size, remember your height has an impact, so the taller you are the bigger the running deck you will need to fit your stride.'

'Cushioning should also be considered as this helps to reduce the impact on your joints, especially your knees and ankles. In general, the higher the price, the better the cushioning technology tends to be.'

What features should I look out for in a treadmill?

'Pretty much every treadmill has an on-board console of some sort, that you can use to track your progress and stay motivated.' says Graham.

'Technology is always changing and consoles now can range from a basic 5 inchTFT monitor to a 22 inch HD console with a range of functions and entertainment apps.'

'Look out for Hot Keys. These are buttons with pre-set functions such as speed, incline, quick start, stop and volume control, that make changing settings really simple.'

'Next review the workout programs. Most consoles come with pre-installed workouts programs, it is always worth checking how many programs there are including heart rate options.'

'Stats. Make sure that the console at a minimum provides you with your real-time stats; time, distance, speed, incline, resistance, heart rate, calories and watts.'

' From an entertainment perspective, check which apps are included. This can be things like Kinomap, Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Also check and see if the console has in-built speakers or a port to connect your device or earphones to.'

Best home gym equipment for strength

Anyone who is into weightlifting can’t go without a good set of weights, but don’t assume weights are only for those looking to build muscle mass. Muscle strength is important for overall fitness, and healthy joints. Holding small dumbells while lunging, squatting, or crunching will help tone your body.

One of the best multigyms with various pulleys, bars, and levers will work for all your major muscle groups. They allow you to lift weights safely by aiding technique. However, they can be big, expensive, and tricky to set up. An abs machine is a good alternative, allowing you to use bodyweight to work out.

If space (and budget) is at a premium, free weights such as barbells, kettlebells, and dumbbells are more appropriate. Look for options that come with their own racks or storage systems to keep your gym organized.

How to buy the best dumbbells: Hex dumbbells

'Choosing dumbbells can be tricky… Mostly because at first glance they all look very similar,' says Joanna Musisz, content executive, Powerhouse Fitness.

'And because they do look so similar one may wonder – what’s the reason for the difference in price? In reality, there’s a lot of factors that contribute to that including shape, materials, the thickness of layering, and durability.'

'The main two categories of dumbbells are fixed dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells. That divides dumbbells into the ones that come with a fixed weight and usually, you’ll buy a few pairs of them to get a variety of weights, and adjustable ones where you buy a set or a system that lets you adjust the weight in one pair of dumbbells. Both categories offer a variety of different dumbbell types.'

'Hex dumbbells are the most common type among fixed-weight dumbbells. They’re usually the cheapest fixed weight option which brings most people to them, especially if they don’t know the differences between hex dumbbells and more expensive types. Thanks to their hexagonal shape, they don’t roll away when you put them on the floor. This also makes them perfect for exercises that require stability such as dumbbell push-ups.'

'The hexagonal shape makes them easy to store, even without a rack – you can place them on one another. Hex dumbbells incorporate durable rubber coating that makes them quiet to use, protects your floor from damage, and prevents rusting. Additionally, the knurled handle offers supreme grip, making sure the dumbbell doesn’t slip out of your hands. One disadvantage of the hex shape is that the edges wear off way faster than round dumbbells.'

'Pros: They don’t roll away, are easy to store on top of each other, most budget-friendly fixed weight options can be used for exercises such as dumbbell push-ups, coated with durable rubber.'

'Cons: The edges of the hexagonal shape are prone to wear and tear.'

How to buy the best dumbbells: Pro dumbbells

'Pro dumbbells are similar in features to hex dumbbells – rubber coating and knurled handle – but with one major difference that affects their functionality,' says Musisz.

'The shape of Pro dumbbells is round, which means… they roll. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a disadvantage as you can use them for exercises such as ab roll-outs. The round shape makes them less prone to wear and tear so they are a more durable option.'

'Pro dumbbells (like hex dumbbells) are made of cast iron and coated in thick, durable rubber that prevents floor damage, rusting, and noise.'

'Pros: They more resistant to wear and tear, can be used for rolling exercises such as abs roll-out, are coated with durable rubber, more long-lasting compared to hex dumbbells.'

'Cons: They tend to be More expensive than hex dumbbells, may roll away when placed on the floor / stored.'

How to buy the best dumbbells: TPU dumbbells

'Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile thermoplastic elastomer with high durability and flexibility,' explains Musisz.

'Unlike rubber, it has no smell, it’s highly resistant to scratches, oils, and greases and its color doesn’t fade away with time. TPU dumbbells are covered with a thick layer of TPU coating that makes them extremely robust and hard-wearing. Their functionality resembles that of Pro dumbbells – they can be used for rolling exercises such as ab roll-outs; however, their TPU coating makes them superior to any rubber coating. TPU dumbbells can be used in both in-home and commercial gym environments thanks to their full commercial warranty.

'Producing TPU is more expensive compared to rubber, which affects their selling price too, making them a bit more expensive compared to hex and pro dumbbells. They’re also sold as a single dumbbell, so remember to buy 2 if you need a pair.'

'Pros: There's no smell, extremely durable and robust TPU coating, very resistant to wear and tear, can be used for rolling exercises such as abs roll-out, high scratch resistance, superior color stability, resistance to oils and greases, commercial warranty.'

'Cons: They're more expensive than hex and pro dumbbells, and may roll away when placed on the floor / stored.'

How to buy the best dumbbells: Adjustable dumbbells

'Adjustable dumbbell sets consist of handlebars, a set of plates, and collars,' says Musisz.

'There’s a variety of those on the market so you can find both cast iron and rubber-coated plates. Depending on the size and materials the prices vary, however they’re always cheaper than buying a set of fixed weight dumbbells which makes them a perfect budget-friendly option for beginners.'

'If you are a more experienced weightlifter, this may not be the choice for you. Unfortunately, the weight adjustment system isn’t very efficient and it takes a lot of precious exercising time to change the plates and adjust the weight. Usually, we don’t have few minutes in between each exercise to change the weight, which is why if you’re a more advanced fitness enthusiast you may want to consider a set of fixed weight dumbbells instead.'

'They're budget-friendly, adjustable weight, space-saving, but it can take a lot of time to change the plates and adjust the weight, less hard-wearing than fixed weight dumbbells.'

Best home gym equipment for flexibility

A flexible body is less likely to suffer injuries and will lead to better posture (which in turn also prevents injury). Stretching your body does not require special equipment, but it is definitely worth investing in a mat to make sitting or lying on the floor more comfortable. You can also buy resistance bands, exercise balls, yoga mats and rollers, to assist stretching and strength workouts.

Don’t forget to relax:

The sole purpose of your home gym is not to punish your body — relaxing is just as important for wellbeing. Why not invest in a massage chair (or massage pad), home sauna, or even something as simple as an aromatherapy diffuser and mood light to take your cool down to the next level.

Walls and ceilings in gyms

You may want to suspend kit from your gym walls or ceilings, such as storage or punch bags. If you don’t have solid block walls, you will have to reinforce the walls and secure heavy items to the studs. 

At the same time, you should address the soundproofing of the room as gyms can be noisy places. Look for special, sound insulating plasterboard, or add insulation between walls, floors and ceilings to decrease sound transfer.

Which flooring should you choose for a home gym?

When choosing flooring for your gym, you need to ensure you find a product that:

• you won’t slip on while exercising;
• can withstand the wear of weights and equipment.

Carpet is a bad choice because it is hard to keep clean and you will want to avoid porcelain, stone or ceramic tiles that will crack if you drop weights on them. Tiles can also be slippy.

The best choices are:

• Specialist shock absorbent gym flooring (usually made from rubber) can be bought online;
• Non-slip rubber flooring is available in a number of colours;
• Carpet tiles are hardwearing;
• Luxury vinyl tile will handle scuffs well and is easy to clean.

Climate control in a home gym

Your body temperature will change a lot while you work out. Cardio will get you hot and sweaty, but you need to remember to keep your muscles warm while you cool down. So it is important that you include heating and cooling that can be easily controlled.

While underfloor heating is generally a good option, radiators will offer more instantaneous heating control. In a dedicated home gym, you will almost certainly want to include an air conditioning unit too.

Windows

When adding windows to your home gym, you need to consider passive solar gain. If you have lots of south-facing glazing, the room will quickly become unbearably hot in summer, rendering the space useless. If south-facing windows are unavoidable, look for units with solar control.

At the same time, think about privacy as nobody wants to be gawked at while working out. Clerestory windows at ceiling height are one option, or you could specify privacy glazing.

Lighting a home gym

When designing a lighting scheme for any room, experts split the kinds of lighting you need in to three types

Ambient lighting for home gyms

 Also known as general lighting, this is the type of lighting that provides a good level of visibility without being too bright. Overhead pendants or wall-lights usually offer a good level of ambient lighting. You might want to use dimmable lights if you plan to use the space for something like yoga or as a relaxation room.

Task lighting for home gyms

This is the lighting needed to ensure you can see what you are doing. In a home gym, this might be best achieved with a set of spotlights positioned somewhere where you might need brighter lighting, such as over your weights area.

Accent lighting for home gyms

Accent lighting does just that — it accents a specific feature in a room such as a piece of art or an architectural element like the treads of a staircase. While it does not serve a practical function in your home gym, accent lighting can add a layer of interest or even color to the space.

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