The nine best pieces of home gym equipment

When it comes to saving space, look out for adjustable – this is your friend. Instead of having an entire row of weights to pluck from, like they do in the gym, this Bowflex SelectTech 1090i Dumbbell allows for a wide range of free weight training on a single bar. Founded in Washington state in the 1980s, Bowflex have made a name for themselves in innovative and durable home equipment. This adjustable dumbbell shifts swiftly from 4kg to 41kg thanks to a unique dial system. You can also download the accompanying JRNY app, which features strength classes designed for use with specific Bowflex products.

If you only have room for one item in your home gym, consider getting a good foldaway bench. With one of these you can easily plan a full body workout, from the standard bench press (although you’ll need weights too) to work your pecs, arms and shoulders, to crunches that’ll tone up your abs, to decline sit-ups to work your core, pelvis and thighs. The Flybird Weight Bench is a sturdy option made from commercial quality steel that allows for six back and four seat positions, and folds away neatly to be stored.

Sure, you could run for free in nature, but we live in England, a country notorious for its frequent rainfall, so an indoor treadmill isn’t such a bad idea. Now, in the gym they’re usually massive, with inbuilt TVs and whatnot. There’s no room for such pomp in the average home. All you need, frankly, is the actual running part, which is why this CitySports Folding Motorised Treadmill is such a canny design. The more expensive version (£339) comes with a tablet holder, but honestly, at such a light weight (10kg) and built-in wheels, you could roll it in front of whatever view you want.

Really want to get that six-pack look? Grab yourself an exercise roller. This H&S one is simply constructed and space-saving (it packs down), so can be pulled out at any point to give the abs an extra hit. Heck, weighing in at just 340g, you could even take it on your travels for a bit of strength-building and ab-definition on the go. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to use – once you’ve gradually built up the core strength required, of course, don’t expect an instant miracle. This H&S wheel also comes with a knee pad, which isn’t essential, but is a nice addition.

Don’t want to ruin your door frame with scuffs, scratches and – worse – drill holes? Grab yourself an Umi Essentials Door Pull-Up Bar. This impressive bit of kit locks in place by the directional force of your bodyweight, aided by the anti-slip PVC pads either end. Quite a feat of ingenuity. It’s made from 3mm thick stainless steel, so is strong and sturdy, it adjusts between 72cm and 92cm wide, and claims to take up to 200kg. There are also foam handles to ensure a firm grip, but – and this is a bonus – they are removable and can be chucked in the washing machine.

You’ve probably seen those Peloton ads doing the rounds, featuring fit 20-somethings in their high-rise apartments and minimalist homes peddling away to an on-screen trainer. Not only is that glossy image miles away from us average Brits, you don’t actually need any of that gumpf (not to mention the thousand-pound price point). If all you want is an exercise bike to use at home, then this affordable Songmics Fitness Bike and Mat will fit the bill. It’s lightweight (18kg), quiet even at high speed and easily folds up (with wheels to move it). One added bonus, is the lip just below the speedometer that can hold a tablet.

If you’re going to have gym equipment lying around the house, you may as well get some that looks good. These Spri Vinyl Kettlebells come in very décor-friendly colours, including moss green, taupe and teal. John Lewis stocks the 8lbs, 18lbs and 20lbs weights, but if you hunt around you’ll find them from 5lbs up to 50lbs. They’re not just pretty, of course, they also give good grip thanks to the cast iron they’re made from. Plus, the coloured vinyl covering means they’re not only comfortable when coming into contact with skin, but won’t scuff your floors either.

The foam roller is an odd beast. They come in all shapes and sizes and generally look a bit, er, quirky, but they don’t take up much room and are hugely beneficial. The knobbly kind, like this Starwood Sports Foam Roller, works a little like a massager, in that it breaks down knots in muscles, so it’s great to work out any aches and soreness. It also increases tissue elasticity and blood flow, allowing for better mobility before and after a workout. It’s super light to boot, so you can easily hide it away on the top of a bookcase or at the back of a wardrobe.

With a name like battle ropes, you’d be forgiven for skimming past this entry, but your upper body will thank you if you don’t. This simple tool works your back, arms, abs and glutes in one, plus it improves grip strength and endurance. All from a totally unterrifying little rope. Ok, a super heavy, super huge rope that somewhat resembles a snake, but that’s beside the point. The point is, you can buy one to use at home, like this Power Guidance Battle Rope, which comes with an anchor that you can bolt to a floor or wall. If you don’t want to deface property, wrapping it through a heavy kettlebell also works.