If you’ve got a toddler clinging to your ankles or anewborn sleeping upstairs we’re pretty sure hitting the gym is neither your priority nor a possibility.
Regular exercise is vital to the health of everyone, parents also. Not only will it support and keep you bodily strong and sturdy, lowering sickness and wounds, but it also shows important benefits for your mental health, especially for stressed out parents.
Best at a glance:
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The best fitness buy for a full body workout: FK Sports Mini Bike, buy on Amazon
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The best fitness buy for price: Opti mini fitness trampoline, buy on Argos
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The best fitness buy for durability: 500kg Studio Pro Swiss Ball - 55cm, buy on Mad HQ
But if you’re keen to get back in shape, take inspiration from this gallery of great workout equipment to get you feeling and looking amazing from the comfort of your home. Who knew you could achieve so much, without even leaving the house.
The best fitness buy to monitor heart rate
Recommended
Ever wondered how many calories you burn doing the housework or pushing the buggy to town? The Withings Steel Smartwatch lets you know your heart rate and the number of calories burnt, so make sure you put it on when you’ve got a busy day ahead or are following a fitness DVD in your living room. One happy buyer said:"I've been using Withing’s products since 2015. I originally bought the Activite Pop before Withing’s was acquired by Nokia and then reacquired by Withing’s again. I went for the Steel HR as it had dropped quite a bit in price since it first came out and was happy with the features in the Pop but was wanting some heart rate tracking for exercise."
Pros
- Steel HR is water-friendly
- Comes with an Silicon wristband
Cons
- Only a few left in stock
The best fitness buy for skipping
Recommended
Skipping isn’t just for the playground, but it is a great way – not to mention a cheap way – to burn fat fast. Ten minutes of skipping is also said to have the same health benefits as a 45-minute run, so is the perfect express workout for busy mums. If you’ve got a little skipper on your hands, too, make it into a game and get your little one to join in. One parent, who loved its special features said: "The Gritin Skipping Rope has become an indispensable part of my fitness routine, earning a perfect 5/5 rating for its exceptional design, adjustable features, tangle-free performance, and overall contribution to effective workouts. As someone committed to staying active, here's why the Gritin Skipping Rope stands out
Pros
- Skipping rope is made of high tensile steel wire
- It's adjustable 3m length design allows you to customize the length to suit your needs,
Cons
- Only comes in one colour - black
The best fitness buy for spinning
Recommended
A weighted hula hoop is a god-send for the abs (and it's harder than it looks!) Simply rotate your hips to keep the hoop spinning, whilst keeping your core engaged. Choose from 1kg and 1.5kg depending on your goals. What's more, the hula hoop collapses into 8 separate pieces, meaning storage won't be a problem. In awe with the colours used, one buyer said: "Absolutely love this hoop! Fair enough I did bruise for the first week or so, but the bruising slowly faded away. It's so much fun to do and so easy to do as a beginner. Also, I love the colours! Highly recommend this hoop."
Pros
- 8 sections that can be quickly assembled
- Made from durable plastic
Cons
- Can only use the product for 2 minutes per day for 1-2 weeks before using it regularly
The best fitness buy for exercising at home
store.google.com
The Google Home Hub isn't just a voice-activated device that will show you any recipe, YouTube video and your calendar at a mere 'hey Google', but is also a perfect way to display your home workouts. It's great for when you can't get to the gym (hi, small children!) and still want to do a full fitness routine from YouTube. Choose from Yoga, stretching routines and even HIT if you fancy a good sweat. We love how small it is, so you can fit it in even the cosiest of flats.
Pros
- Nest Hub helps with your busy home.
- control hundreds of compatible smart devices from one central display
Cons
- Quite pricey
5.
Balance Yoga Mat
The best fitness buy for yoga
Meet your new yoga BFF: the Balance Yoga Mat from Sweaty Betty! This isn't just a mat, it’s your trusty sidekick for every downward dog, warrior pose, and impromptu stretch session. With grip that could rival Spiderman’s wall-climbing skills and cushioning so perfect it feels like clouds under your hands and feet, it’s here to elevate your flow. Made from eco-friendly materials and built to last, this mat ensures your practice is not only sustainable but also stylish. Say goodbye to slipping and hello to your most balanced practice yet—because this mat truly lives up to its name. One reviewer, who appreciated its snug and soft feel said: 'Nice soft material, works nicely on carpet or on wooden gym studio floor. Finger imprints are slightly noticeable when applied pressure but I didn’t find this an issue personally. Recommend the yoga straps to go for this too. Thickness of the Matt is great, not too thin but good enough that I decided to stick with sweaty Betty as opposed to Lululemon which tend to have slightly thicker Matts".
Pros
- A conscious yoga mat that’s kind to your practice and the environment.
- Made from soft, lightweight and durable TPE fabric.
Cons
- Scrubbing the mat as this could damage it
The best fitness buy for jumping
www.argos.co.uk
Bounce your way to fitness fun with the Opti Mini Fitness Trampoline! This isn’t just any trampoline—it’s your secret weapon for a workout that feels more like play. Compact yet sturdy, it’s perfect for squeezing in a sweat session at home, whether you’re jumping into cardio or just shaking off the day’s stress. Its durable, low-impact design is easy on your joints while still delivering a heart-pumping workout. Plus, it’s so compact you can tuck it away when you're done (or keep it out for spontaneous bounce breaks). Get ready to leap into a healthier, happier you. Enjoyed with their music on, one buyer said: "I just love the Opti trampoline, I've cut down on my walking on the beach, because it gets dark very early, so this is enjoyable. I started slowly, but now I love it with my music on, really gets the heart pumping, a great buy."
Pros
- Sturdy and good bounce ability.
- Stable and quiet to enjoy
Cons
- Maximum user weight 100kg
The best fitness buy for weight lifting
Recommended
Turn up the intensity and add a little extra oomph to your workouts with Reebok Wrist Weights. These little power-packed accessories are like secret helpers for your arms, transforming every punch, plank, or power walk into a strength-boosting session. Lightweight yet mighty, they strap on snugly and stay put while you move, making it easy to level up your fitness game without skipping a beat. Whether you’re toning, sculpting, or just feeling unstoppable, Reebok Wrist Weights are your ticket to hands-free gains. Finding it much easier than holding a hand weight, one customer said: "When I first put these on I found them very heavy & clunky, I looked like I'd broken my wrist, but I am now used to them and think they are great, much easier than holding a hand weight."
Pros
- Easily adjustable hook and loop closure
- Ideal for adding extra weight to your workout
Cons
- Can get quite sweaty
The best fitness buy for versatile workouts
www.mad-hq.com
Get ready to roll into your best workout yet with the 500kg Studio Pro Swiss Ball (55cm). This isn’t just a ball, it’s a multitasking marvel designed to boost your balance, core strength, and flexibility all at once. Built to hold up to 500kg, it’s as tough as your gym ambitions and as versatile as your workout playlist. Whether you’re perfecting planks, mastering seated stretches, or adding a wobble to your squats, this Swiss ball makes every move more dynamic. Compact, durable, and oh-so-fun, it’s the ultimate fitness buddy for home or studio sessions. Let’s bounce into greatness.
Pros
- Can be wiped clean using a damp cloth and mild detergent
- Includes a hi-speed pump
Cons
- Never leave the Swiss Ball near a heat source.
The best fitness buy for scaling body weight
Recommended
The smart scales can calculate your fat, muscle and water percentage, BMI and your weight. It even tells you the morning weather and up to eight people can register themselves per scale - perfect for when your partner wants to join in! The scales are paired with the Health Mate app, meaning it's never been easier to track your progress. Making weighing easy, one mum buyer said: “This set of scales, paired with the Withings mobile app has done a great job of allowing me to monitor my weight over time, in such a hand off and easy way. It allows me to weigh myself daily after my morning shower, without really having to even think about what the scale is saying, as it seamlessly stores that information within the app, which sync's with Apple Health straight away."
Pros
- Synchronizes with Apple Watch and more than 100 health and fitness apps
- Allows you to record the digital weight and history of up to 8 users,
Cons
- It does not take your muscle mass into account
The best fitness buy for leg toning
Recommended
Whether you're squatting, lunging, or just getting your glute game strong, this band is here to bring the burn and the results. Compact and portable, it’s the perfect workout buddy, whether you’re at the gym, in your living room, or crushing it at the park. Designed to stay in place no matter how hard you push, the Teknifit Glute Band adds resistance to level up your moves and help you sculpt, strengthen, and slay. Who knew such a small band could pack such a big punch? Glad with their purchase, one customer said: ”This glute band offers heavy resistance for the ultimate glute workout. There's no doubt that it activates your glute muscles, as you start to feel the burn (in all the right places) after a few reps. It's nonslip, so it stays in place unlike some of those annoying bands that twist and slide. If you're new to exercise, this band might be a little too hard to use initially. You may need to start with a lighter resistance band and work your way up to this one. Otherwise, this band is golden!! I should have the glutes of Gods by the time I'm done with this thing!"
Pros
- Comfortable elasticised fabric
- Colour is unique
Cons
- Reviews say the band may be too small for some
The best fitness buy for beginners
www.argos.co.uk
Do a whole-body workout with these dumbbells to sculpt your legs, bum, arms, shoulders and back. The anti-roll means you don't have to worry about these rolling away (or your little one trying to give them a push and hurt themselves) giving you peace of mind. Making use of this after a warm-up, one customer said: "These were a tad bigger (and heavier) than I anticipated but there is room to hold with 2 hands if you're after an ab breaker of a twist. I would recommend a thorough warm up before use and cool down otherwise reaching for a top shelf the next day may make you look like a T-Rex with tiny not able to stretch out arms."
Pros
- Anti-roll shape weights
- 2 pieces in this weight set.
Cons
- Fixed weights - the weights attached to the bars cannot be removed or added to
The best fitness buy for balance
alliancesportsinnovation.co.uk
Meet the Urban Fitness Vinyl Kettlebell: your all-in-one ticket to strength, sweat, and seriously fun workouts! With its smooth vinyl finish and easy-grip handle, this kettlebell makes swinging, lifting, and pressing feel effortless, well, almost. It’s versatile enough to supercharge your cardio, build muscle, and torch calories, all while looking sleek and stylish in your workout corner. Durable, beginner-friendly, and available in a range of weights, it’s the perfect partner for everything from quick circuits to full-body sessions. Ready to swing into action? The Urban Fitness Vinyl Kettlebell has got your back (and your biceps)!
Pros
- Powder-coated cast iron kettlebells.
- Perfect for core stability and functional full body workouts.
Cons
- Only 8 colours to choose from
The best fitness buy for mountain climbers
mirafit.co.uk
Slider pads are brilliant for adding a whole new dimension to your core workout. Pop them underneath your feet and use them to assist your mountain climbers, or bring both feet into your chest. It may sound easy, but trust us, after a few reps your body will be burning. Whether you’re gliding through mountain climbers, lunges, or ab rollouts, these sliders add a dynamic twist to your moves, challenging your balance and stability for next-level results. Lightweight and easy to pack, they’re perfect for home, gym, or travel workouts. Durable and smooth, they work on both carpet and hard floors, so no excuses! Get ready to slip, slide, and sculpt like never before. Their favourite exercise equipment right now, one buyer said: "Another great purchase from my favourite exercise equipment company... slidey side for carpet, non-slidey side for wood floors/tiles etc. Great on their own or good to combine with TRX style suspension straps, very compact and suitable to bring on holiday."
Pros
- Mirafit Core Exercise Sliders
- Supplied in pairs
Cons
- One reviewer said the logo peels off, and leaves mess all over floors
The best fitness buy for running
Do you love running? But from the comfort of your own home? This will help you feel at ease and provide you with a healthily lifestyle and routine. You won’t have to leave you home for the gym, and it will end up being your perfect treadmill. With adjustable speed settings, built-in workout programs, and a cushioned running deck, it’s easy on your joints while keeping the intensity high. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or sprinting, the XEO Home Treadmill keeps you motivated with its user-friendly controls and compact, foldable design for easy storage. A buyer who purchased this to reduce taking a walk during late hours said:"I’m 58 and usually go out on my MTB every night, but it’s getting dark early in the UK so I’m not able to do that. I didn’t want an exercise bike so bought this to maintain my exercise regime. I do 30 mins a day, which it recommends you only use it for 30 at a time. I gently walk on speed 3.""
Pros
- Foldable
- Features a water Bottle Holder, Compact Design
Cons
- Only comes in black
The best fitness buy for a full body workout
Don’t fancy converting your conservatory into a gym? A mini bike or foot pedal is great for majorly saving space and being able to burn calories anywhere in the house (or even for a secret workout at your desk.) Peddling away while sitting at the sofa as your little one makes Tree Fu Tom Magic – surely this can’t be good for you? Best. Workout. Ever. Impressed with just how simple assembling was, one buyer said: "Easy to assemble & use whilst watching tv at night or any time of day. Well made, good value."
Pros
- Improves circulation, muscle strength, joint mobility, and coordination
- The LCD computer display shows essential workout metrics
Cons
- Only a few left in stock
FAQs
How many times a week should I exercise?
Well, aim to exercise five days per week. To be honest, the number of days you work out may depend on your available time, schedule and fitness level.
Adejumoke Ilori is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum to a little girl, and has worked for various digital platform. She has produced content that empowers women from all walks of life by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and motherhood.