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Fit and Fabulous at Home
21
items This list is your one stop shop for getting fit at home because let's face it, we don't all have the time or the courage to go to the gym.
Sections
2
Equipment for the Home
Exercise Apps and Games
Equipment for the Home
Useful equipment to use for exercising at home
When I decided to start exercising at home, this was one of my first purchases. I love the practicality of being able to fold it up and stash it behind the door in the lounge.
In terms of features, it is purely manual, so you do need to propel it yourself. It has 16 gears. I've had this a few years and I don't cycle above 13. The seat is huge, and I like the back support as well as the handles beside the seat or out in fro...
As well as heart rate, the monitor demonstrates your total distance in miles, the collective distance you have travelled since the batteries were last changed, average speed, and approximate calories burned.
In terms of features, it is purely manual, so you do need to propel it yourself. It has 16 gears. I've had this a few years and I don't cycle above 13. The seat is huge, and I like the back support as well as the handles beside the seat or out in fro...
As well as heart rate, the monitor demonstrates your total distance in miles, the collective distance you have travelled since the batteries were last changed, average speed, and approximate calories burned.
YYFITT 2-in-1 Foldable Exercise Bike w/Display
I purchased the homeTro 4-in-1 Folding Treadmill with 9% Incline. It serves as a different cardio device to my usual cycling. I love that you can fold the bar down and store it under the sofa, but also use it with a standing desk. As someone that wor...
Although you can jog on it, with a maximum speed of 12KMph, I find myself speed walking, if I am solely working out.
A plus point of this particular bike is that it comes fully assembled. I had to build my bike and that took a hot minute. With the treadmill, it was straight from box to usage. A word to the wise though, it states that it is portable, and yes, it's fine from carrying from one end of the room to the other, but you wouldn't want to carry it around in general.
Although you can jog on it, with a maximum speed of 12KMph, I find myself speed walking, if I am solely working out.
A plus point of this particular bike is that it comes fully assembled. I had to build my bike and that took a hot minute. With the treadmill, it was straight from box to usage. A word to the wise though, it states that it is portable, and yes, it's fine from carrying from one end of the room to the other, but you wouldn't want to carry it around in general.
Incline Treadmill
I have a few different resistance bands set depending on what I am using them for. I bought these ones specifically for using when I do the FitOn workouts.
These bands are the great quality they claim to be. They are a thick band. I wanted these ones because I thought they would be least likely to slip against my yoga pants. I was right. They are machine washable. There is nothing worse than sweating ov...
These bands are the great quality they claim to be. They are a thick band. I wanted these ones because I thought they would be least likely to slip against my yoga pants. I was right. They are machine washable. There is nothing worse than sweating ov...
CFX Resistance Bands - Strength Training
Truth be told, I love my vibration plate, but if I had my time again, I would probably spend and extra few dollars and get the WeightWorld one that comes with the resistance bands i didn't get with mine.
the EVOLand plate gives you a remote control. It's handy, expecially if you are vibrating at a high speed. It also has two resistance bands that are connected to either side of the machine. A couple of pals purchased the machine at the same time, and...
I was sceptical about these plates, and although they do not wobble at the rate of ones I have seen in retail outlets, this isn't bad gadget.
If you plan to use is for v-sits and the like, it does feel a little on the small side to balance on the board sideways, but you do get used to it.
the EVOLand plate gives you a remote control. It's handy, expecially if you are vibrating at a high speed. It also has two resistance bands that are connected to either side of the machine. A couple of pals purchased the machine at the same time, and...
I was sceptical about these plates, and although they do not wobble at the rate of ones I have seen in retail outlets, this isn't bad gadget.
If you plan to use is for v-sits and the like, it does feel a little on the small side to balance on the board sideways, but you do get used to it.
EVOLAND Vibration Plate Exercise Machine
These were my first ever resistance bands, and i'm not going to lie, I bought them because they were cheap for the amount of supplies included. Although I'm glad I have them now, I didn't always feel this way.
These are not loop bands and they cannot be looped comfortably. Instead, they are designed to be used with a closed door for exercises like wood chops and leg raises.
I wanted to be able to stand on them, but they are so thick, that the only way to do this without hurting your feet is to wear trainers. I do this with or without the vibration plate so I can perform arm raises and bicep curls.
The list of exercises it comes with are very helpful and you'll see that you can trim and tone quite a lot with enough space around your door frame and a little practice. Plus, they take up far less space than weights. I'm currently still working my ...
These are not loop bands and they cannot be looped comfortably. Instead, they are designed to be used with a closed door for exercises like wood chops and leg raises.
I wanted to be able to stand on them, but they are so thick, that the only way to do this without hurting your feet is to wear trainers. I do this with or without the vibration plate so I can perform arm raises and bicep curls.
The list of exercises it comes with are very helpful and you'll see that you can trim and tone quite a lot with enough space around your door frame and a little practice. Plus, they take up far less space than weights. I'm currently still working my ...
HYBRID Heavy Duty Resistance Bands Set 12pcs
Sometimes you don't want to contend with the vibration plate but still want to add a little resistance to your exercising.
I bought this two-level step after an aerobics class where the warm-up included some bridges with feet resting on the step whilst using weights, followed by exercises where the use of the step was optional. It certainly makes a difference to simple e...
I purposely chose the step for it's different heights as I usually interupt my workouts to raise and lower the step so I teeter between basic, medium, and maximum burn potential.
I bought this two-level step after an aerobics class where the warm-up included some bridges with feet resting on the step whilst using weights, followed by exercises where the use of the step was optional. It certainly makes a difference to simple e...
I purposely chose the step for it's different heights as I usually interupt my workouts to raise and lower the step so I teeter between basic, medium, and maximum burn potential.
Home Gym Exercise Stepper
This is probably one of my smallest pieces of home gym equipment. it is so easy to assemble. You literally, unscrew the mut most of the way, slide it under an open door, then tighten the nut back up.
It's perfect for people like me that lack upper body strength and are unable to lift themselves up without your feet also raising. Not bad if you are aiming for v-sits, but that wasn't my plan. I also love that with the bar, I find I can crunch a lot...
It's perfect for people like me that lack upper body strength and are unable to lift themselves up without your feet also raising. Not bad if you are aiming for v-sits, but that wasn't my plan. I also love that with the bar, I find I can crunch a lot...
York Fitness Sit Up Bar
Admittedly, I do not use my pilates ball heaps. I originally bought it to help with sit ups. Resting with it at the small of your back makes it easier to rise up and return. However, when timing is important, it is good for throwing and catching so t...
I'm not sure about you, but I have found that when I am posing with the ball, my attention is on my arm placement rather than tensing over my body posture, so once I have my position, I switch my focus and am able to still myself for a lot longer.
I'm not sure about you, but I have found that when I am posing with the ball, my attention is on my arm placement rather than tensing over my body posture, so once I have my position, I switch my focus and am able to still myself for a lot longer.
Pilates Ball with Pump
Having a baby? Get an exercise ball. if labour is coming along to slowly, bouncing on one of these (safely) can be therapeutic and help speed things along, especially if walking around is too difficult.
For everyone else, balancing on an exercise ball even during basic exercises, helps train your core muscles. It takes effort to engage your brain to get it to make you sit fairly still and balanced, whilst the rest of your body is lifting and bending...
Great for yoga and pilates enthusiasts, but if you are doing the same exercises and feel they are getting easier as you get stronger, adding the exercise ball into your routine can help with fine tuning toning and posture.
Ideally you want one with a pump, and if they throw in a small exercise ball too - result! See my card on small exercise balls for more details.
For everyone else, balancing on an exercise ball even during basic exercises, helps train your core muscles. It takes effort to engage your brain to get it to make you sit fairly still and balanced, whilst the rest of your body is lifting and bending...
Great for yoga and pilates enthusiasts, but if you are doing the same exercises and feel they are getting easier as you get stronger, adding the exercise ball into your routine can help with fine tuning toning and posture.
Ideally you want one with a pump, and if they throw in a small exercise ball too - result! See my card on small exercise balls for more details.
Exercise Balls - ROMIX
If you are sort on space,, a cordless skipping rope is the best way to go. You can select whether to use an entire rope, you just thread the end of the cord through each handle and secure with an elastic, plastic grip. Equally, you can opt for the we...
It takes a brief moment to get use to their being no rope their and you have to be honest with yourself in the sense, you are never going to trip on the invisible rope, so pay attention to your technique and work yourself into a rhythm whilst twirlin...
It takes a brief moment to get use to their being no rope their and you have to be honest with yourself in the sense, you are never going to trip on the invisible rope, so pay attention to your technique and work yourself into a rhythm whilst twirlin...
YOTTOY Cordless Counter Skipping Rope
Hula hoops are so basic, but so good. This particular recommendation is for a hoop to get you started. You can also pick one up for the kids.
Hoops come in a range of size and are great for finding your rhythm, increasing, your stamina, trimming your waist, and all whilst having fun and not realising what you are doing or how long you have been going for.
I love these specific hoops for their ease of storage, you can pull them apart and clip them back together easily. They also come in a range of different sizes so you can be working the waist with one siz, or the arms and legs with a smaller hoop.
Hoops come in a range of size and are great for finding your rhythm, increasing, your stamina, trimming your waist, and all whilst having fun and not realising what you are doing or how long you have been going for.
I love these specific hoops for their ease of storage, you can pull them apart and clip them back together easily. They also come in a range of different sizes so you can be working the waist with one siz, or the arms and legs with a smaller hoop.
CHulahoopsusa
Exercise Apps and Games
These are apps and console games that I have had fun using.
Firstly, this app is free! Even if you only give it a quick squizz, you have nothing to use.
If you are a member of Pure Gym, you'll want this app as it tracks your visits, holds your keycard, and a few other nifty things like having the ability to view and book classes. For the rest of us, there is a workout section on here that doesn't req...
In the ‘Training’ section of the app, you have three tabs. Now initially, when you sign up, you would have picked a goal. Now in the ‘Training’ section, you have a tab for workouts. This gives you access to tons of free workouts that you can do at ho...
In addition, there is a ‘Your Plan’ session that builds you a program based on your original goals and and no. of weekly sessions you committed to. More recently, they have added digital classes. Now you can cast your workout to the big screen and in...
If you are a member of Pure Gym, you'll want this app as it tracks your visits, holds your keycard, and a few other nifty things like having the ability to view and book classes. For the rest of us, there is a workout section on here that doesn't req...
In the ‘Training’ section of the app, you have three tabs. Now initially, when you sign up, you would have picked a goal. Now in the ‘Training’ section, you have a tab for workouts. This gives you access to tons of free workouts that you can do at ho...
In addition, there is a ‘Your Plan’ session that builds you a program based on your original goals and and no. of weekly sessions you committed to. More recently, they have added digital classes. Now you can cast your workout to the big screen and in...
Free PureGym App
FitOn is currently my favorite app for working out with. There are a lot of free benefits that are more than enough to get by on. Initially, you complete questions about your goals which are useful if you choose a pro plan.
Pro plan aside, the app suggests free workouts for you based on your original goals. In addition, you can pick workouts based on time you have available (even if it's only 7 minutes), the body part you want to workout, or the type of exercise you wan...
If you are looking for a fully rounded program, the pro account offers you access to tailored programs over the course of 3-8 weeks. It also provides meal plans, although I am not prepared to give up my vices for the healthy eating they prescribe.
It's easy to make friends on the app through various groups. By curating individual relationships and connecting, you are able to share progress in your feeds and receive likes from people cheering you on. Then there's the ability to take a photo aft...
I like the step counter that runs in the background. You are automatically enrolled in the monthly challenge where you compete with yourself to maintain your streak, but as you make friends/ invite people you know to the app, it maps their progress a...
Overall, this is the greatest exercise app I have come across. It takes into account the things you like and don't like when making suggestions, helps you select workouts based on your equipment, and most of the trainers show you modified exercises, ...
Pro plan aside, the app suggests free workouts for you based on your original goals. In addition, you can pick workouts based on time you have available (even if it's only 7 minutes), the body part you want to workout, or the type of exercise you wan...
If you are looking for a fully rounded program, the pro account offers you access to tailored programs over the course of 3-8 weeks. It also provides meal plans, although I am not prepared to give up my vices for the healthy eating they prescribe.
It's easy to make friends on the app through various groups. By curating individual relationships and connecting, you are able to share progress in your feeds and receive likes from people cheering you on. Then there's the ability to take a photo aft...
I like the step counter that runs in the background. You are automatically enrolled in the monthly challenge where you compete with yourself to maintain your streak, but as you make friends/ invite people you know to the app, it maps their progress a...
Overall, this is the greatest exercise app I have come across. It takes into account the things you like and don't like when making suggestions, helps you select workouts based on your equipment, and most of the trainers show you modified exercises, ...
FitOn
To be honest, it doesn't matter wat version of tis game you get. You get the same workout and range of energetic dances, jus different music, so if you're still stuck in 2023, get that version instead.
Using one controller, you select the dance you want based on the song and difficulty level, then you can potentially pick the person you want to emulate if you are following a group. You'll soon see, some characters have easier moves, or perform them...
The more in sync you are, the more coins you earn to purchase in-game features. For a subscription, you can buy an expansion pack that opens up even more music and dances.
This game is not only good for getting in some fun exercise, whilst hanging out with the kids/friends as you can have up to 4 people playing, it's also good for learning the latest dance crazes because it follows the routines the artists do.
Using one controller, you select the dance you want based on the song and difficulty level, then you can potentially pick the person you want to emulate if you are following a group. You'll soon see, some characters have easier moves, or perform them...
The more in sync you are, the more coins you earn to purchase in-game features. For a subscription, you can buy an expansion pack that opens up even more music and dances.
This game is not only good for getting in some fun exercise, whilst hanging out with the kids/friends as you can have up to 4 people playing, it's also good for learning the latest dance crazes because it follows the routines the artists do.
Just Dance 2025 Edition: Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Don't laugh, but I love this game and it makes exercise truly fun to the point you almost forget you are working out.
You connect a controller to the ring and one to your thigh. After calibrating them, you are ready for your adventure. For much of the game, you are jogging through the world collecting rings and special objects as you jog with the ring out front as t...
The ring feels flimsy at first, but you are not going to hurt it. It will tire you out first.
Each zone/level has an array of different mini zones you have to enter. However, you are on a path and can only move to the next stage by completing the one before. So, sometimes, you have to work your way back to the shop stage. At the shop, you buy...
At the end of each session, you have to defeat the boss. you will be given a choice of two exercises to do, say Russian twists vs v-sits, or jumping jacks vs squats. The more acurrate you are, the harder you hit the boss when you have to attack. Equa...
You connect a controller to the ring and one to your thigh. After calibrating them, you are ready for your adventure. For much of the game, you are jogging through the world collecting rings and special objects as you jog with the ring out front as t...
The ring feels flimsy at first, but you are not going to hurt it. It will tire you out first.
Each zone/level has an array of different mini zones you have to enter. However, you are on a path and can only move to the next stage by completing the one before. So, sometimes, you have to work your way back to the shop stage. At the shop, you buy...
At the end of each session, you have to defeat the boss. you will be given a choice of two exercises to do, say Russian twists vs v-sits, or jumping jacks vs squats. The more acurrate you are, the harder you hit the boss when you have to attack. Equa...
Ring Fit Adventure | Nintendo Switch games
Sweatcoin is an app that pays you in tokens to walk. It sets you a challenge and your aim is to walk that set number of steps daily.
In return, you earn coins that you can put to discount on items of all manner, not just fitness related. if you also join the Sweat platform, you can use your coins to grow your crypto Sweat tokens by stashing them in Jars.
Sweatcoin is great for tracking steps. You can join different challenges in the month, either paid or free, and have the chance to win sweatcoins towards your pot.
Once upon a time, pre-crypto, you use to be able to save coins towards TVs and phones, now the prizes are not so good. However, I still think this app is motivational. A few too many ads if you want to claim bonus steps through the games, but you can...
In return, you earn coins that you can put to discount on items of all manner, not just fitness related. if you also join the Sweat platform, you can use your coins to grow your crypto Sweat tokens by stashing them in Jars.
Sweatcoin is great for tracking steps. You can join different challenges in the month, either paid or free, and have the chance to win sweatcoins towards your pot.
Once upon a time, pre-crypto, you use to be able to save coins towards TVs and phones, now the prizes are not so good. However, I still think this app is motivational. A few too many ads if you want to claim bonus steps through the games, but you can...
Sweatcoin: Healthier planet. Healthier, wealthier you
Probably the most basic app I have come across. this app is stupidly simple. You literally select the area you are working out, the time you have available (5,8, or 20 minutes) and the number of sets you want to do. Then you just follow the instructo...
It's quick, free, and good for making a snap decision. It's one of the few apps that require so little time to complete a workout.
It's quick, free, and good for making a snap decision. It's one of the few apps that require so little time to complete a workout.
Daily Workout App
This app is a bit of an all-rounder. You can use it to tediously log meals, which it then analyses some of the noteworthy food groups such as fats and proteins. I lasted 2 days before I gave up on this, but, I did eat less for a while because I knew ...
Anyways, it then has an array of workout videos to choose from based on what you want to work out. Like Pure Gym's digital classes, although with less choices, you have an instructor taking you through full workout sessions they are pre-filmed. I lik...
Anyways, it then has an array of workout videos to choose from based on what you want to work out. Like Pure Gym's digital classes, although with less choices, you have an instructor taking you through full workout sessions they are pre-filmed. I lik...
MyFitnessPal
Calling all iPhone users who want to virtually walk the world. (Android users can use the website Worldwalking.org - more about that in a mo)
The world walking app tracks your steps which you then bank. It is up to you to then transfer them to your virtual walks.
When you start, you can opt to join various groups, whether with friends or with strangers and you can choose public or private groups. The aim is to conquer the distance you selected. So, for example, your group might be walking around Spain as a co...
When you reach a milestone, you receive pictures and information about where you have just landed.
It's an interesting way to see the world's greatest sites without jumping ona boat or a plain. It's just a pity you cannot see the entire terrain you are traversing.
The world walking app tracks your steps which you then bank. It is up to you to then transfer them to your virtual walks.
When you start, you can opt to join various groups, whether with friends or with strangers and you can choose public or private groups. The aim is to conquer the distance you selected. So, for example, your group might be walking around Spain as a co...
When you reach a milestone, you receive pictures and information about where you have just landed.
It's an interesting way to see the world's greatest sites without jumping ona boat or a plain. It's just a pity you cannot see the entire terrain you are traversing.
World Walking App
This app is highly energetic and is made more for advanced exercises. Having not worked out with any real gusto for quite some time, I found the programs too energetic for the person I was at the time I acquired the app, so it was money down the drai...
However, I am thinking of returning because the videos were simple enough with instructions and included a lot of dance styles and music. You just have to find your stamina and coordination to put it all together. Either way, there is a lot of fun to...
The questionnaire at the beginning before you get started is long and tedious and I could have done without that.
However, I am thinking of returning because the videos were simple enough with instructions and included a lot of dance styles and music. You just have to find your stamina and coordination to put it all together. Either way, there is a lot of fun to...
The questionnaire at the beginning before you get started is long and tedious and I could have done without that.
Dancebit app
There is a limited amount of free workouts on this app and with so many freebies out there, I haven't felt the need to pay for this one, but if you go ahead and sign up fully, do come back and let me know your thoughts because I am still on my own fi...
As I am only on the free plan, there is not much to really report. It is a really simple interface. As soon as you log in, you are confronted with workouts, and straight away, in bold type, it offers you ‘free classes’. I love this because it suggest...
Beneath the free classes are some group sessions. It's a bit like the process I described in the FitOn card where there are scheduled classes, that aren't live, but they give that impression. You can see how many other people have booked in and feel ...
Again, like FitOn, you can sign up for the pro/unlimited plan and have access to specific training packages that last several weeks, but it isn't at all necessary, particularly as you are getting started. That said, the monthly cost is way less than ...
As I am only on the free plan, there is not much to really report. It is a really simple interface. As soon as you log in, you are confronted with workouts, and straight away, in bold type, it offers you ‘free classes’. I love this because it suggest...
Beneath the free classes are some group sessions. It's a bit like the process I described in the FitOn card where there are scheduled classes, that aren't live, but they give that impression. You can see how many other people have booked in and feel ...
Again, like FitOn, you can sign up for the pro/unlimited plan and have access to specific training packages that last several weeks, but it isn't at all necessary, particularly as you are getting started. That said, the monthly cost is way less than ...
Fiit