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Home gym ideas

No gym? No problem. Find all the equipment you’ll need to create a dedicated workout area in your own home.

Thinking of setting up a home gym? From exercise equipment and accessories to gym wear and music systems, we've got everything to help you reach your fitness goals faster.

What home exercise equipment do you need?

Each piece of equipment serves a different purpose. Get to know how it is used and which one is the best fit for your home gym.

A woman using Adidas T-24c Folding Treadmill with Incline and Bluetooth.

Treadmills

Treadmills allow you to exercise - walk, run or climb from the comfort of your own home.

Wondering where to begin? A smaller entry-level model with a belt size of 100-125cm is just the thing to suit lighter workouts.

Want to level up? Choose a mid-range treadmill with a belt size of 125-132cm. It has automated inclines that help build up your strength and also develop your running.

An advanced treadmill is perfect for longer strides and faster paces. It has a long belt of 132-160cm and can reach a speed of over 16kph. These machines are packed with programmes (up to 36 in some cases) so you can tailor your workout to your goal.

For compact home gyms, choose foldable options that you can easily store once you finish your workout for the day.

A woman using Reebok FR30 exercise bike at home. 

Exercise bikes

Exercise bikes are great for cardio and lower body workouts, as they help you tone your legs and bum whilst burning calories.

Just getting started? A basic manual exercise bike is perfect for you as it measures the number of calories burnt, speed, distance and time.

If you work out regularly, go for a mid-level exercise bike. Its enhanced features like heart rate monitoring and electronic or magnetic resistance settings give you a better view of your health and allow a smoother ride.

If you’re an exercise enthusiast, an air bike or a programmable exercise bike is ideal for you. It comes with bigger flywheels and loads of programs that give you serious training options.

A man picking up an Opti cast iron bar.

Weights

Weights help you build your strength, improve endurance and gain size.

If you're a newbie, free weights like dumbbells and kettlebells can help you build muscle and aren't too heavy on your pocket. You can also use wearable weights and combine weight training with cardio.

Up for a tougher workout? Weight-training barbells can help strengthen some of your largest muscles. And as you progress, try different training bars to work your desired muscle group.

Level up by adding a weight bench to your home gym. They help you lift weights at different angles while providing support for your back and core. So, you can focus on the area you’re targeting without worrying about balance and positioning.

A woman using a Reebok GX40s One Electronic cross trainer in a rustic gym.

Cross trainers

Cross trainers are exercise machines that simulate walking, running or stair-climbing.

They work your upper and lower body simultaneously, providing a full-body workout.

Also, if you just use your legs to power the machine (without your arms), you can engage your core for some tummy toning too.

A woman using Proform Pro Trainer 500 Rower at home.

Rowing machines

Rowing machines provide a full-body workout.

They work on both strength and cardiovascular fitness, helping in burning calories, toning and improving stamina.

They're low impact, with very little strain on your joints. And, as they require a wide range of motion, rowing machines can even improve flexibility.

A man using WonderCore 2 home multi gym.

Multi-gyms

With multi-gyms, you can perform numerous workouts to target different areas of your body.

Generally, the more advanced they are, the greater the ability to hone specific muscle groups to fine-tune the effects of your exercise.

Multi-gyms can also give you a full-body workout to a gym standard.

A woman holding an Opti Neoprene dumbbell.

Dumbbells

Compact and space-saving, dumbbells can be used to target very specific muscles.

Some are of a fixed weight and others are adjustable.

As you use dumbbells independently from one another, they allow for more natural body movement and can be used to correct muscle or strength imbalances.

Our top picks

Where to set up your home gym?

Transform any room or extra space in or out of your house into a gym. Here’s how.

A man exercising using kettlebells in a garage gym.

Garage gym

Here's a smart way to use your garage. Turn it into a gym. You can get heavy equipment like multi-gyms, weight benches and treadmills as the floor can handle the weight. And being out of the main home, you can turn the music up and work out without disturbing anyone. Plus, if you have kids then it’s safer to keep equipment tucked away.

A Mercia wooden 12 x 8ft overlap garden shed.

Shed gym

Spare shed? Why not convert it into a makeshift gym. They're generally made of wood or plastic so you may need rubber floor tiles to support the equipment. Also, if you’re planning to perform exercises like jumping jacks, check the height and width. Make your gym winter-friendly by insulating your shed and you also may need to install a continuous power supply so you can use heating, lighting and music system. This way you’ll also be open for workouts 24/7. And don't forget to use a lock to keep all your equipment safe.

A set of dumbbells and a mat on the floor of a basement.

Basement gym

Transform your basement into a fitness zone. If it's already furnished, then all you have to do is clear out furniture and make way for the gym equipment. If the floor space needs a bit of refresh, just add long-lasting floor mats, vinyl panels or foam tiles. Voila! Basement gym goals achieved.

A weight bench in a small home gym.

Compact spaces

Whether you're short on space or have a small spare room, it's easy to make any space your workout haven. We've got some clever kit that'll fit perfectly into limited spaces, so you don't have to compromise on your workout.

Finishing touches for your home gym

Think about all the small but important extras. Add speakers for motivational tunes or a floor-length mirror to help master form and technique. Exercise mats are great for protecting the floor and providing a safe surface to exercise on. How about a fan too? It will be a saviour when you’re all hot and sweaty.

Top home gym equipment picks

Need more help in choosing which one to buy? Take a look at what our customers have to say about our home gym equipment.

Gym clothing

Tips to stick to your gym routine

A bowl of fruits and vegetables alongside a set of dumbbells.

Stay committed...

Here are some ways to make sure you stick to your fitness regime.

  • If you are a beginner, start with smaller goals. Stick to the basics. Start with cardio and work your way up.
  • Try not to miss your workout session if you are short of time. Each minute and move counts.
  • Focus on what you eat. Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand.
  • It's important to listen to your body. Avoid strains and injuries by stretching and resting after an intense workout.

More inspiration

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Don’t miss out on deals this Black Friday. Pay no interest on any product £99+ when you pay your full balance within 12 months with the Argos Card. Representative 34.9% APR variable. Offer ends: 11.59pm 03/12/2024. Credit subject to status. T&Cs apply.

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