PT

Equipment Reviews

Honest, no-nonsense reviews to help you find the right gear for your training.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on these pages are affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

53 reviews

★★★★☆ £8-£25 (pair)

Best Yoga Blocks for Flexibility and Support

The best yoga blocks for modifying poses and improving flexibility. Cork, foam, and bamboo options compared with buying advice.

Best for: Modifying poses and improving flexibility
★★★★★ £15-£80

Best Yoga Mats for Practice and Training

Find the best yoga mats for yoga, pilates, and stretching. Non-slip surfaces, eco-friendly materials, and top picks at every price point.

Best for: Yoga, pilates, and floor stretching
Essential
★★★★★ £15-£50

Dip Belt Guide: Add Serious Weight to Your Dips and Pull-Ups

Best dip belts for weighted pull-ups and dips. Chain vs strap compared, plus our top picks for progressive overload.

Best for: Weighted dips and pull-ups
★★★★☆ £10-£40

Exercise Mat Buyer's Guide: Protect Your Joints and Your Floors

Find the best exercise mat for home workouts, yoga, and stretching. Thickness, grip, and material compared — from £10 to £40.

Best for: Floor work, stretching, yoga, and core exercises
Essential
★★★★☆ £20-£80

Gym Bag Guide: Find the Right Bag to Carry All Your Training Gear

Best gym bags for lifters and athletes. Duffel vs backpack compared, with our top picks from £20 to £80 for every budget.

Best for: Carrying all your training gear
Essential
★★★★★ £3-£15

Gym Chalk Guide: The Cheapest Way to Instantly Improve Your Grip

Best gym chalk for deadlifts and pull-ups. Block vs liquid chalk compared, plus gym-friendly options and our top picks.

Best for: Deadlifts, pull-ups, and any grip work
★★★★★ £20-£80 (per bell)

Kettlebell Buyer's Guide: One Bell, Hundreds of Exercises

Find the best kettlebell for swings, squats, and conditioning. Cast iron and competition bells compared — from £20 to £80.

Best for: Swings, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups, and conditioning
Essential
★★★★★ £25-£80

Knee Sleeves Guide: Keep Your Knees Warm and Supported for Heavy Squats

Best knee sleeves for squats and leg work. Compare 5mm vs 7mm neoprene sleeves from SBD, Rehband, and budget brands.

Best for: Squats, lunges, and leg pressing
★★★★★ £25-£100

Lifting Belt Buyer's Guide: The #1 Accessory for Heavy Compound Lifts

Find the best lifting belt for squats and deadlifts. We compare lever, prong, and Velcro belts across every budget — from £25 to £100.

Best for: Heavy squats and deadlifts
Essential
★★★★★ £60-£200

Lifting Shoes Guide: Why a Raised Heel Changes Everything for Squats

Best lifting shoes for squats and Olympic lifts. Compare Nike Romaleos, Adidas Adipower, and budget options from £60 to £200.

Best for: Squats, Olympic lifts, and pressing
★★★★★ £5-£25

Lifting Straps Guide: Stop Letting Your Grip Hold Back Your Gains

Best lifting straps for deadlifts, rows, and pulls. We compare lasso, figure-8, and hook grip straps from £5 to £25.

Best for: Deadlifts, rows, and pulls when grip fails
★★★★★ £200-£800

Power Rack Buyer's Guide: Train Heavy at Home Without a Spotter

Find the best power rack for your home gym. Full racks, half racks, and squat stands compared — from £200 to £800.

Best for: Squats, bench press, and heavy barbell work at home

Frequently Asked Questions

What gym equipment do I actually need?
For a commercial gym, just bring a water bottle and a towel. Optional but useful: lifting straps, chalk, resistance bands (for warm-ups), and a gym bag. A belt and lifting shoes are worth investing in once you're squatting and deadlifting heavier weights.
What equipment do I need for a home gym?
Start with adjustable dumbbells and a pull-up bar — these two items unlock hundreds of exercises. Add a weight bench next, then a barbell and plates. A power rack is the ultimate upgrade for safe heavy lifting at home. Budget around £500-£1000 for a solid starter setup.
Are the reviews independent?
Yes. Some links on our review pages are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn't influence our ratings or recommendations — we recommend what we'd genuinely use ourselves.

Ready to transform your training?

Join thousands of people tracking their fitness journey with PT Tracker. Start for free, upgrade when you're ready.