Bowflex BXT8Ji
£1599
Yes, I enjoy running in the cold, the wet and the mud… but there’s something deeply gratifying about getting miles done, in the warm, while watching Bob’s Burgers.
Pity, then, that most high-quality treadmills cost thousands, while ‘affordable’ options are often not fit for purpose.
But with the BXT8Ji, Bowflex has produced a sturdy, powerful and feature-packed treadmill for half the price of the Peloton Tread. The running belt is longer than most cheaper designs at 152cm, it can hit 12mph and has a motorised incline up to 15%. It’s cushioned and sturdy, and I had no qualms about running hard on it. You get three free months of the JRNY app, which syncs with your phone or tablet and offers slick trainer-led classes and 200+ virtual courses.
Bowflex BXT8Ji
The interface lacks a screen, but there’s a slot for an iPad and the JRNY app for interactive workouts. The LCD display, plastic buttons and simple beeps do feel a bit ‘budget’, but it’s all responsive and there are 26 built-in workouts included. The BXT8Ji features hand-held heart-rate sensors for immediate feedback as you run, but you also get a chest strap. With USB charging, built-in speakers, aux-in and Bluetooth, there’s no excuse to be bored as you clock up the static miles.
It’s important to flag up just how big this thing is: at 115kg it’s a beast, and I implore you to pay the extra £95 for installation. I didn’t, and it took hours – and this treadmill was never getting upstairs. The running deck does fold up to save floor space, but measure carefully!
Still, I can’t fault it as a treadmill at this low price. It’s easy to adjust speed and incline, the pacing is only marginally slower than my Garmin, and I felt comfortable on it at all times.
Now add these…
Roll Recovery R8
Roll Recovery R8
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A torture device the likes of which we’ve not seen since mediaeval times, but if you’re serious about deep tissue massage this spring-loaded roller will sort you out.
Polar Recovery Tub
Polar Recovery Tub
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£80 / polar-recovery.com
Hoka Ironman Ora Recovery Slides
Hoka Ironman Ora Recovery Slides
These recovery slides are made from eco-friendly injection-moulded sugarcane EVA, with a plush outsole to help you forget what you’ve just been through.
£50 / hoka.com
BetterYou Boost Vitamin B12 Oral Spray
BetterYou Boost Vitamin B12 Oral Spray
Vitamin B12 helps brain functions, energy release and the formation of healthy red blood cells. Each bottle of this spray holds 48 daily doses.
£12.45 / betteryou.com
Cardiostrong Aquastream
Cardiostrong Aquastream
Rowing machines work 85% of your body’s muscles, and water rowers offer the most realistic ‘on water’ feeling without the risk of harassment by ducks. Most are so big they’re only suited to gyms and mansions, but this one packs in a 10L tank with three internal paddles and eerily quiet operation. It has 10 training modes and can be stowed upright.
€1699 / cardiostrong.com
Tempo Move Starter
Tempo Move Starter
The little brother to Tempo’s fitness mirror, this stylish box of wizardry features an iPhone mount (Lightning or USB-C); once linked to your TV it gives you access to thousands of workout videos via the Tempo Core fitness app. It utilises your phone’s camera to track your reps, and comes with four collars, two dumbbells and 16kg of colour-coded weights.
From $599 / tempo.fit
Eau Me Balance Board
Eau Me Balance Board
A popular off-season training aid for skiers, surfers and snowboarders, balance boards improve co-ordination, strengthen lower leg muscles and ankles, boost motor skills and can even help with injury rehab. Many designs offer little more than a foam roller and a plank; this sloshy water-filled design is harder to master, is rated up to 250kg and looks fantastic.
From £289 / nohrd.com
Pivot Lite Bed
Pivot Lite Bed
A gamechanger for anyone who wants a dedicated home gym but doesn’t have the space: Pivot offers a range of full-sized beds that lift up in seconds, revealing a dedicated workout space underneath. The all-metal Lite model is ideal for calisthenics, with a full-width adjustable pull-up bar for hanging exercises, and adjustable dip bars for working your core, shoulders, arms and back.
£2999 / pvt.fit
Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat
Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat
A good yoga mat will make all the difference to your daily flow, and this luxury design from Sweaty Betty has unrivalled grip thanks to its rubber and polyurethane blend. At 5mm it’s relatively thin, but your joints are well protected still and we love the stylish markings that look great while also helping to align your pigeon pose.
£65 / sweatybetty.com
Crossrope Amp Jump Rope Set
Crossrope Amp Jump Rope Set
This Bluetooth-connected skipping rope set comes with three different-weighted ropes, for a challenging cardio workout that requires virtually no floorspace and no heavy lifting. It tracks your performance in real time and there are a host of training plans available via the app. The heavier ropes also help to engage all your major muscle groups, even your upper body.
£179 / crossrope.com