The Mirror
On the surface, The Mirror is just that, a couple of square feet of reflective wall space. And while you’re not using it, it remains so. Switch the thing on however, and it becomes a semi-reflective workout screen, transforming your home gym into a virtual PT session. That includes weekly live classes, on demand recordings and five to 60 minute sessions at every level of fitness. If that seems like too much to parse through, never fear. The Mirror optimises its suggestions based on your preferences and personal profile. It doesn’t come with all the equipment you might need, but if you need some guidance during your workout or simply prefer cardio, look no further.
From $1,495 USD, available at Mirror.co.
Wahoo Kickr Smart Bike Trainer
With space at a premium now, not many of us have enough room in our London apartments to justify both a dedicated exercise bike and a road bike. So, why not combine the two? Enter the Kickr from Wahoo. Just bolt this baby to your back wheel, hook it to your exercise app of choice and off you go. From there the smart trainer will measure your speed, distance, power and cadence throughout your workout. This latest edition of the Kickr includes multi-axis feet for greater stability while cycling; a durable carbon steel body and incredible power accuracy so that no inch of effort is wasted. Oh, and for everyone else around, it also operates virtually noise-free.
£999.99, available at Wahoo Fitness.
Ciclotte Bike
Part penny farthing-esque exercise bike, part sculptural design feature, the Ciclotte bike is a world away from the dull, hard-seated monstrosities you’re stuck with at the gym. Sure, it’s not exactly subtle or particularly spacesaving, but who cares? Look at the thing. Of course, there’s more to the bike than just good looks. Made from carbon fibre, fibreglass and steel, the frame is lightweight and adaptable to different spinning positions. As the rotation is done via the outer wheel, it’s also about as close as you can get to riding on the road, complete with a novel electromagnetic resistance system, controllable via Bluetooth.
£9,855, available at Ciclotte.
Liforme Travel Yoga Mat
The humble yoga mat is a necessity for avoiding bruises or carpet burns in your various poses, but despite appearances not all are made the same. Anyone that’s grabbed the last mat at a yoga class knows what we mean. Liforme create not only some of the best-looking mats out there in a range of bright, eye-catching colours, but some of the most effective. A perfect balance between grip, comfort and practicality, the travel version of Liforme’s signature mat is lighter and thinner than usual. That means it’s easier to take out and about for some fresh air classes. It also makes it a touch easier to store at home as it rolls up considerably thinner. This blue version is especially charming.
£85, available at Liforme.
NOHRD Sprintbok Curved Treadmill
There are a few options for motorless treadmills out there that all work pretty much the same; they have no motor, so they’re powered by you running on them, meaning they keep up with whatever pace you want to set. They also offer a more intense, calorie-burning workout with a natural feel and lack of horrendous squealing noise. So far, so good. None though look better than the Sprintbok. Its beautiful hardwood construction sets it apart from other treadmills, the kind of equipment you actually want in your home gym. Even the slats you run on are wooden, making for a distinctly low-tech and lovely approach to cardio.
£5,295, available at Nohrd.
Bowflex Selecttech 1090 Dumbbells
The humble dumbbell is one of the most important pieces of equipment for gaining muscle out of your entire arsenal. They do however take up more space than they perhaps should, given you need a few different pairs to get the results you want. Not so here. Bowflex’s top-of-the-line, four to 41kg dumbbells are designed to not only make finding the right weight easy, but to save space, which is more than a little important these days. From the stand, simply turn the dial to the weight you want and pull the dumbbell out; it will automatically select the right weight and off you go. Feel that burn.
£529, available at Bowflex.
Water Rower Oxbridge Rowing Machine
The Water Rower Oxbridge lives up to its name. Thanks to the unique water flywheel that defines the machine, the rower simulates the experience of being on the water. If you’re stuck inside but want don’t want to lose your spot on the rowing squad, this is the one for you. Complimenting the wonderfully analogue tech behind the machine, the entire thing is constructed from a selection of sustainably-sourced hardwoods. Not only does that mean it looks lovely – there’s a good reason the original version of the Water Rower is in the London Design Museum – but it keeps things lightweight to allow for easy moving and storage.
£1,175, available at Water Rower.
