Building a stronger, healthier body doesn't have to drain your bank account, especially during the Black Friday sales. Fitness writer and coach Harry Bullmore has highlighted three essential pieces of home workout equipment, all available for under £40, that can seriously upgrade your fitness without the need for an expensive gym membership.
Affordable Tools for Full-Body Fitness
While flashy exercise machines can be appealing, Bullmore argues they are not a prerequisite for success. The core principle of effective strength training is simply making your muscles work hard against resistance. This opens the door to numerous cost-effective options. As a fitness professional, Bullmore has repeatedly seen the value in two particular tools: kettlebells and gymnastic rings. Both can be purchased for less than £40 and have been instrumental in improving his own strength, mobility, and overall fitness outside of a traditional gym setting.
The ongoing Black Friday sales present a perfect opportunity to invest in your health and get a head start on New Year's resolutions. Below are Bullmore's top picks for the best value fitness investments this season.
Top Black Friday Picks for Home Gym Essentials
Northern Cast Iron Kettlebell (16kg)
This versatile weight is now £32.89, down from £46.99. Bullmore describes the kettlebell as a complete gym condensed into a package the size of a football. Its unique design, with a handle offset from the weight's centre, allows for a huge range of exercises. You can develop full-body strength and muscle with moves like presses, squats, and rows, while dynamic exercises like swings boost power and cardiovascular fitness.
The Northern cast iron kettlebell is praised for its robust construction, textured handle for a secure grip, and colour-coded strips for easy weight identification. It’s a simple, durable tool built to last.
Bulldog Gear Wooden Gymnastic Rings
This set is now £35.95, reduced from £39.95. Although they may look intimidating, gymnastic rings are a highly adaptable piece of equipment for all levels. By looping them over a sturdy anchor point like a tree or beam, users can progress from basic ring push-ups and rows to more advanced movements like dips and pull-ups.
Bullmore notes that rings allow your joints to move through a more natural path, which can reduce injury risk and develop significant stability alongside strength. While cheaper sets are available, he recommends the Bulldog Gear rings for their reliable quality and solid reputation in the strength training community.
FitBeast Pull-Up Bands Set
This resistance band set has been slashed to £18.99 from £31.99 on Amazon. In his guide to the best resistance bands, Bullmore awarded this set an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. The colour-coded bands offer varying levels of resistance from 5 to 170lb and come with a door anchor, enabling exercises like face pulls and seated rows.
He highlights their portability, having used them for strength sessions everywhere from a Portuguese plaza to Yosemite National Park. They are an excellent, space-saving tool for adding variety and assistance to bodyweight workouts.
Investing in Health Without Overspending
Harry Bullmore's core philosophy is empowering people to get fitter and healthier while spending as little as necessary. The Black Friday discounts on these three proven items—the kettlebell, gymnastic rings, and resistance bands—make that goal more achievable than ever. Each offers a pathway to improved strength, muscle, and mobility from the comfort of your home, proving that effective fitness equipment doesn't need to carry a hefty price tag.