Right, so you’ve decided to actually buy some fitness equipment. Good. Terrifying, but good.
The problem is there are loads of places to buy it in the UK and they are not all equal — not even close. I’ve spent about a decade buying fitness kit from everywhere from Argos to Facebook Marketplace to a very optimistic man in a car park in Leeds (long story, excellent kettlebells, don’t ask), and I’ve had some genuinely brilliant purchases and some proper disasters along the way.
So this is the honest guide. Not ‘here are your options, do your own research’ — I mean an actual verdict on where to shop, when, and what to avoid.
Quick version if you’re in a hurry: Decathlon for basics, Argos only on sale, Facebook Marketplace before anywhere else for weights, and avoid Amazon unless you already know what you’re buying. Full breakdown below.
Prices checked: May 2026
- Argos: Complete Product Guide
- Argos Kettlebells: Complete Guide
- Dumbbells at Argos: What’s Available
- Weights at Argos: Beyond Dumbbells & Kettlebells
- Exercise Equipment at Argos: Cardio Machines
- Gym Equipment at Argos: Accessories & Extras
- Argos Protein Shakes & Supplements
- Argos Keep Fit Equipment: Everything Else
- The Big Three: Quick Verdict
- Decathlon: The Budget Champion
- Amazon: The Wild West
- Other UK Retailers Worth Knowing
- Second-Hand Options: Often the Best Deal
- Price Comparison: Example Items
- My Personal Shopping Strategy
- Red Flags When Shopping
- Shopping at Argos: Specific Tips
- The Bottom Line
- My Final Recommendations
- The Absolute Truth

Argos: Complete Product Guide
Let’s start with Argos since it’s probably where most people think of first for fitness equipment in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about buying gym equipment from Argos.
What Argos Is Good At:
- Reserve online, collect same day
- Physical locations everywhere (inside Sainsbury’s and standalone)
- Easy returns
- Regular sales and clearance
- Trusted brand
- Layaway option (pay in instalments)
- Click & collect is usually free
- Can see/touch products in store
What Argos Isn’t Good At:
- Can be expensive at full price
- Limited selection compared to online-only retailers
- Quality varies massively by brand
- Some items are genuinely overpriced
- Stock availability can be hit and miss
Argos Kettlebells: Complete Guide
Argos kettlebells are actually quite decent, especially their Pro Fitness range. Here’s what’s currently available:
Pro Fitness Kettlebells at Argos:
Cast Iron Kettlebells:
- 4kg: £10 (Pink available)
- 6kg: £14 (Grey)
- 8kg: £20 (regular price)
- 10kg: £17-22 (often on sale)
- 12kg: £25-30
- 16kg: £40 (Black)
- 20kg: £50-60
- 24kg: £50-65
Soft Kettlebells (Vinyl Coated):
- 4kg: £6-12 (often half price – Pink)
- 6kg: £9-14 (Grey)
- 8kg: £10-20 (Blue, often on sale)
3-in-1 Kettlebell/Dumbbell:
- 8kg: £24 (converts between kettlebell and dumbbell)
Argos Kettlebells: What You Need to Know
Pros:
- Decent quality for the price
- Pro Fitness brand is reliable
- Regular sales (watch for 1/3 off deals)
- Cast iron ones are solid and durable
- Soft kettlebells good for beginners/home use
- Can collect same day
- Easy returns if issues
Cons:
- Handle thickness increases with weight (some find heavier ones too thick)
- Cast iron can rust if coating chips
- Often cheaper elsewhere during non-sale periods
- Stock varies by location
My verdict on Argos kettlebells: Wait for a sale and they’re brilliant value. The Pro Fitness cast iron range is solid – literally. I’ve had a 12kg one for 3 years with no issues. The soft kettlebells are perfect for wooden floors or beginners worried about dropping them. Just don’t pay full price – there’s a sale every few weeks.
Best time to buy: January sales, summer clearance, or when they do “1/3 off fitness equipment” promotions.
Dead pleased with my Pro Fitness 12kg one, for the record. Three years old, used twice a week minimum, looks exactly the same as when I bought it. The cast iron ones last. Just make sure you’ve got something to put under it — I learned the hard way that dropping a cast iron kettlebell on laminate flooring is not a sound you want to hear at 7am.
Dumbbells at Argos: What’s Available
Argos stocks a decent range of dumbbells, from tiny 1kg neoprene ones to proper 20kg hex sets.
Neoprene Dumbbells at Argos:
Opti Neoprene Sets:
- 2 x 1kg: £5-8 (various colours)
- 2 x 1.5kg: £6-10 (Purple)
- 2 x 2kg: £8-12
- 2 x 3kg: £10-15
- 2 x 5kg: £15-20
Cast Iron Dumbbell Sets at Argos:
Opti Cast Iron Dumbbell Set – 20kg:
- Price: £45-60 (often on sale)
- What you get: 2 x bars (1.7kg each), weight plates totalling 20kg, spin locks
- Max per dumbbell: 10kg each (or one 17.5kg dumbbell if you load it all on one)
Opti Vinyl Dumbbell and Barbell Set – 50kg:
- Price: £70-90
- What you get: 2 x dumbbell bars, 1 x barbell bar, 6x5kg plates, 4×2.5kg plates, 6×1.5kg plates, spin locks
- Max per dumbbell: 25kg
Hex Dumbbells at Argos (Pro Fitness):
Pro Fitness Hex Dumbbell Sets (sold as pairs):
- 10kg set (2 x 5kg): £30-40
- 15kg set (2 x 7.5kg): £60-80
- 20kg set (2 x 10kg): £70-90
- 30kg set (2 x 15kg): £120-150
Argos Dumbbells: Pros & Cons
Best buys:
- Neoprene sets for light weights (perfect for beginners)
- Opti Cast Iron 20kg set when on sale (£45-50 is excellent value)
- Hex sets during clearance
What to avoid:
- Hex sets at full price (expensive compared to competitors)
- Really cheap adjustable sets under £30 (mechanisms break)
- Davina McCall branded stuff (you’re paying for the name)
My take: The Opti vinyl sets are brilliant starter sets. I bought the 20kg cast iron set 4 years ago for £45 in a sale and it’s still going strong. The hex dumbbells are quality but expensive – only buy on sale or clearance.
Weights at Argos: Beyond Dumbbells & Kettlebells
Argos stocks more than just dumbbells and kettlebells. Here’s what else they have:
Weight Plates:
- Vinyl weight plates from £8-15 per pair (1.5kg-10kg)
- Cast iron plates £10-30 depending on weight
- Olympic plates (limited stock, expensive)
Barbells:
- Standard 1-inch bars with sets
- EZ curl bars £20-40
- Tricep bars occasionally in stock
Weight Benches:
- Opti Folding Weight Bench: £40-60
- Pro Fitness benches: £50-100
- Marcy benches with weights: £150-300
Ankle & Wrist Weights:
- Opti sets: £8-15 (1kg-2kg per pair)
- Good for adding resistance to cardio
Exercise Equipment at Argos: Cardio Machines
Argos has a surprisingly decent range of exercise machines, though quality varies wildly.
Exercise Bikes at Argos:
Budget Options (£100-200):
- Pro Fitness Folding Exercise Bike: £100-150
- Opti Manual Exercise Bike: £80-120
- Davina Folding Bike: £120-180
Mid-Range (£200-400):
- Pro Fitness 2-in-1 Cross Trainer/Exercise Bike: £200-300
- Opti Magnetic Exercise Bike: £150-250
- Marcy Recumbent Bikes: £250-400
Higher-End (£400+):
- Reebok FR30 Exercise Bike: £499-599 (with connected fitness)
- Adidas Indoor Bikes: £500-700
- Decathlon bikes: £300-500
Rowing Machines at Argos:
- Opti Manual Rowing Machine: £150-200 (basic, does the job)
- Marcy Folding Magnetic Rower: £300-400
- ProForm Electromagnetic Rower: £400-600
- Concept2 RowErg: £800-1000 (the gold standard, rarely on sale)
Treadmills at Argos:
- Pro Fitness T1000 Folding Treadmill: £400-650
- Reebok FR30z Treadmill: £700-900
- Limited stock, order online
Cross Trainers at Argos:
- Pro Fitness 2-in-1: £200-300
- Reebok FR30 Elliptical: £499-599
- Decathlon Cross Trainers: £300-500
What’s Worth Buying:
Good value:
- Folding exercise bikes under £150 (for casual use)
- Opti manual rower (if you just need something basic)
- Marcy mid-range equipment (decent quality)
Not worth it:
- Really cheap treadmills under £300 (break quickly)
- Budget cross trainers (wobbly and unreliable)
- Complex machines with lots of tech from unknown brands
My honest take: For cardio machines, only buy from Argos if:
- It’s heavily discounted (30%+ off)
- It’s a known brand (Marcy, Reebok, Concept2, Decathlon)
- You can collect from store (returns are easier)
Otherwise, you’re often better off at specialist fitness retailers or Decathlon.
Gym Equipment at Argos: Accessories & Extras
Exercise Balls (Gym Balls) at Argos:
Opti Gym Balls:
- 55cm: £7-10 (Silver/various colours)
- 65cm: £7-10 (Purple/various colours)
- 75cm: £7-10 (Blue/various colours)
- Anti-burst technology
- Pump included
- Max user weight: 125kg
What size do you need?
- 55cm: Under 160cm tall
- 65cm: 160-175cm tall
- 75cm: Over 175cm tall
Pros:
- Cheap (£7!)
- Anti-burst
- Pump included
- Actually decent quality
Cons:
- Basic (no fancy features)
- Pump is a bit rubbish (but it works)
My take: For £7, these Opti gym balls are brilliant. I’ve had mine for 2 years, use it for core work and as a desk chair sometimes. Can’t go wrong at this price.
Other Accessories at Argos:
Resistance Bands:
- Pro Fitness sets: £12-25
- Various resistance levels
- Good quality, last well
Foam Rollers:
- Basic foam rollers: £10-15
- Textured versions: £15-25
- Vibrating foam rollers: £40-60 (Opti brand)
Yoga Mats:
- Basic mats: £8-15
- Thick yoga mats: £15-25
- Pro Fitness branded: £10-20
Medicine Balls:
- 2kg-10kg range: £15-40
- Various brands
Skipping Ropes:
- Basic ropes: £5-10
- Weighted ropes: £15-25
- Pro Fitness speed ropes: £10-15
Ab Wheels:
- Basic ab rollers: £8-15
- Pro Fitness versions are decent
Pull-Up Bars:
- Doorway bars: £20-35
- Check reviews for your door type
Argos Protein Shakes & Supplements
Important note: Argos doesn’t really sell protein powder or supplements anymore. They used to stock some diet shakes and protein products, but they’ve mostly phased them out.
What Argos DOES sell:
- Decathlon Protein Shakers: £10 (700ml, leak-proof, good quality)
- Gym accessories (shaker bottles, water bottles)
Where to actually buy protein in the UK:
- Myprotein (always use discount codes – never pay full price)
- Bulk (good quality, decent prices)
- Amazon (check reviews carefully)
- Sports Direct (overpriced usually)
- Aldi/Lidl (when they stock it – brilliant value)
- Holland & Barrett (expensive but good sales)
My advice: Don’t expect to buy protein powder at Argos. Get your protein shaker there (the Decathlon ones are great), but buy your actual protein elsewhere.
Argos Keep Fit Equipment: Everything Else
“Keep fit equipment” is Argos’s catch-all category. Here’s what else they stock:
Steppers:
- Basic steppers: £30-50
- Steppers with resistance bands: £40-70
- Good for low-impact cardio
Vibration Plates:
- Budget models: £80-150
- Mid-range: £150-300
- Controversial effectiveness – I’m sceptical
Multi-Gyms:
- Opti Home Multi Gym: £200-300 (65kg weight stack)
- Pro Fitness Multi-Gym: £300-500
- Marcy Pro Smith Machine: £800-1200
- Only buy if you have space and commitment
Boxing Equipment:
- Punch bags: £40-100 (various sizes)
- Boxing gloves: £15-40
- Stand-up punch bags: £80-150
Weighted Vests:
- 5kg-20kg options: £30-80
- Good for adding intensity to bodyweight exercises
The Big Three: Quick Verdict
Decathlon: Best overall value for money. Decent quality own-brand stuff at fair prices.
Argos: Convenient for quick purchases and same-day collection. Good for basics, can be pricey at full price. Regular sales make it worthwhile. Strong on kettlebells, dumbbells, and accessories. Cardio machines are hit and miss.
Amazon: Biggest selection, but wildly inconsistent quality. Read reviews carefully. Best for specific items you’ve researched.
Now let’s dig into the others…
Decathlon: The Budget Champion
What they’re good at:
- Own-brand equipment at excellent prices
- Brilliant for beginners
- Great range of basics
- Physical stores to see/touch products
- Actually good quality control
What they’re not good at:
- Limited selection compared to Amazon
- Not always the cheapest on individual items
- Own-brand only (no big-name brands)
- Stores are not everywhere (though good online delivery)
Best Buys from Decathlon:
Resistance bands: Their Domyos sets are about £12-15 and really solid. I’ve had mine for 2 years, no issues.
Yoga mats: £10-25 depending on thickness. Good quality for the price.
Dumbbells: Fixed-weight dumbbells from £8-15 per pair (light weights). Vinyl sets from £15-30. Fair prices.
Kettlebells: From about £12 for 8kg. Decent quality, nothing fancy.
Exercise balls: Around £8-12. Do the job fine.
Skipping ropes: £5-8. Basic but effective.
Adjustable dumbbells: Around £40-60 for 10kg sets. Not the fanciest mechanism, but they work.
Protein shakers: £10 for 700ml. Leak-proof, good quality. (Available at Argos too)
What to Avoid:
Complex cardio machines: Stick to basic stuff. Their budget treadmills/bikes are hit and miss.
Clothing beyond basics: Fine for t-shirts and shorts, but technical gear isn’t their strength.
Shopping Tips:
- Sign up for their emails – regular sales and discount codes
- Check click & collect to save delivery charges
- January sales are brilliant
- Free returns to store
- Price match with their website if store is higher
Website: decathlon.co.uk
Stores: Major cities across UK
Verdict: Start here for basics. Reliable, affordable, good quality for price. Often better value than Argos.
Amazon: The Wild West
What they’re good at:
- Absolutely massive selection
- Competitive pricing (when you find genuine sellers)
- Fast delivery with Prime
- Customer reviews (when they’re real)
- Easy to compare products
What they’re not good at:
- Quality wildly inconsistent
- Fake reviews everywhere
- Random Chinese brands with weird names (XZDFGH Fitness)
- Difficult to return heavy items
- You’re taking a gamble on unknown brands
Best Buys from Amazon:
Resistance bands: Loads of options £10-20. Read recent reviews.
Yoga mats: From £10 upwards. Stick to brands with lots of genuine reviews.
Foam rollers: £10-20. Hard to go wrong.
Pull-up bars: £15-30 for doorway ones. Check reviews for your door type.
Adjustable dumbbells: Mid-range options £40-100. Research the brand first.
Interlocking foam tiles: £20-40 for packs. Good for floor protection.
Ankle/wrist weights: £10-20. Simple items are safer bets.
What to Avoid:
No-name brand dumbbells/kettlebells: Rubber coating can smell awful and peel off.
Cheap adjustable dumbbells under £30: Usually rubbish mechanisms that break.
Complex equipment from unknown brands: Benches, racks, etc. – buy known brands only.
Anything with suspiciously perfect 5-star reviews: Probably fake reviews.
Shopping Tips:
Check for fake reviews:
- Lots of reviews posted on the same day = suspicious
- Generic comments that could apply to anything = fake
- Perfect 5-star reviews with no detail = probably fake
- Use Fakespot.com to check review authenticity
Research before buying:
- Google the product name to see if it’s rebranded cheap stuff
- Check YouTube reviews
- Look at 3 and 4-star reviews (more honest)
- Verify seller reputation
Other tips:
- Prime Day (July) and Black Friday can have genuine deals
- Subscribe & Save on regular purchases (protein powder, etc.)
- Amazon Warehouse for returns/refurbished (can be bargains)
- Set up price alerts for items you want
Website: amazon.co.uk
Verdict: Great for specific items you’ve researched. Terrible for impulse buys. Buyer beware. Often more expensive than Argos on sale for the same item.
Other UK Retailers Worth Knowing
Sports Direct
Good for:
- Sales and clearance bargains
- Big brand names when discounted
- Protein and supplements
- Basic gym bags and accessories
Avoid:
- Full-price items (usually overpriced)
- Their own brands (hit and miss)
Top tip: Only shop the sale section. Full price is rarely worth it.
Verdict: Sale section only. Can find bargains but inconsistent quality.
TK Maxx
Good for:
- Yoga mats (£40 mats for £12-15!)
- Resistance bands
- Fitness accessories
- Gym bags and bottles
- Activewear bargains
- Foam rollers
Avoid:
- Nothing really – it’s all discounted anyway
- Just accept stock is unpredictable
Top tip: Check regularly because stock changes constantly. When you see a bargain, grab it.
Verdict: Bargain hunter’s paradise. Worth checking regularly. Often better than Argos prices.
Genuinely my favourite shop to find yoga mats. I’ve bought three from TK Maxx over the years — two of them were clearly £40+ mats (Lululemon, one was a Gaiam) that I paid £14 for each. Stock is completely random but that’s sort of the point. Worth a look every time you’re near one.
Aldi/Lidl Special Buys
Good for:
- Yoga mats (around £8)
- Resistance bands
- Exercise balls
- Activewear
- Occasionally larger equipment
- Kettlebells (when in stock)
- Dumbbells sets
Avoid:
- Complex cardio machines
- Anything you haven’t seen reviewed online first
Top tip: They do fitness events usually in Jan/Feb and sometimes in the summer. Stock sells out FAST. Check their websites for schedules.
Verdict: Brilliant value when they stock fitness gear. Limited availability but often beats Argos prices.
Gym+Coffee, Myprotein, Bulk (Online)
Good for:
- Protein powder and supplements
- Specific fitness nutrition
- Workout clothes (Gym+Coffee)
Avoid:
- Equipment (not their main focus)
Top tip: Always use discount codes (Google “Myprotein discount code” – there’s always one). Never pay full price.
Second-Hand Options: Often the Best Deal
Facebook Marketplace
Why it’s brilliant:
- People sell barely-used equipment constantly
- Weights don’t wear out – second-hand is perfect
- January = goldmine (failed New Year resolutions)
- September = house moves
- Can negotiate prices
- Local collection (no postage on heavy weights!)
What to look for:
- Dumbbells and kettlebells (same quality as new)
- Weight benches
- Barbells and plates
- Larger equipment
- Exercise bikes/rowers
Safety tips:
- Meet in public place or take someone with you
- Check equipment condition before paying
- Don’t pay until you’ve seen it
- Trust your instincts
My experience: I’ve bought 3 kettlebells, a weight bench, and 40kg of plates from Marketplace. Paid about 40% of retail prices. Weights are weights – they don’t go off! January is genuinely the best time for this. Every year without fail, around the 15th of January, people start listing gym equipment they bought on New Year’s Day and have already given up on. I’ve seen full dumbbell sets for £20, a Concept2 rower for £250, a barely-used weight bench for £35. Get your notifications on and be ready to collect quickly — the good stuff goes fast.
Verdict: Absolutely worth checking first, especially for weights. Often beats even Argos sale prices.
Gumtree
Similar to Marketplace. Worth checking both as different people use each. Same safety precautions apply.
eBay
Good for:
- Specific items you’ve searched for
- Brand-name equipment
- Complete home gym setups
Watch out for:
- Postage costs on heavy items
- Condition descriptions (read carefully)
- Returns can be a hassle with heavy equipment
Price Comparison: Example Items
Let’s compare prices as of May 2026. These are current as of this update — I spot-check them regularly but always worth confirming before you buy, especially for Argos where things shift with sales:
10kg Kettlebell:
- Argos (Pro Fitness): £22 (full price), £17 (sale)
- Amazon: £15-25 (varies by brand, check reviews)
- Decathlon: £15-18 (Domyos brand)
- Facebook Marketplace: £8-12
- Aldi (when stocked): £12-15
Winner: Second-hand, then Decathlon, then Argos on sale
Resistance Band Set:
- Argos (Pro Fitness): £18-25
- Amazon: £10-20 (quality varies)
- Decathlon: £12-15 (good quality)
- TK Maxx: £8-15 (when in stock)
Winner: TK Maxx if in stock, otherwise Decathlon
Yoga Mat (good quality):
- Argos: £15-25 (Pro Fitness)
- Amazon: £15-30 (varies)
- Decathlon: £12-20
- TK Maxx: £10-15 (branded mats)
- Aldi/Lidl: £8-10 (when stocked)
Winner: TK Maxx or Aldi, then Decathlon, then Argos
Adjustable Dumbbells (20kg set):
- Argos (Opti Cast Iron): £50-80 (sale £45-60)
- Amazon: £40-100 (huge variation)
- Decathlon: £50-70
- Second-hand: £30-50
Winner: Second-hand, then Argos on sale
Exercise Ball (65cm):
- Argos (Opti): £7-10
- Amazon: £10-20
- Decathlon: £8-12
- TK Maxx: £8-12 (when stocked)
Winner: Argos (actually brilliant value)
Exercise Bike (Budget):
- Argos: £100-150 (folding models)
- Amazon: £80-200 (quality varies wildly)
- Decathlon: £150-300 (better quality)
- Second-hand: £40-80
Winner: Second-hand, then Decathlon for new
My Personal Shopping Strategy
For basics (bands, mats, light weights, balls):
- Check TK Maxx first
- Then Decathlon
- Argos if on sale
- Amazon only if I’ve researched the specific brand
For specific items I’ve researched:
- Check Facebook Marketplace
- Compare Argos sale price vs Decathlon vs Amazon
- Buy from most trusted source at best price
For heavy weights (kettlebells, dumbbells, plates):
- Facebook Marketplace first (seriously, such good deals)
- Then Argos on sale (Pro Fitness brand is decent)
- Decathlon
- Amazon only if specific brand I want
For cardio machines:
- Second-hand first (massive savings)
- Decathlon for mid-range quality
- Argos only during major sales (30%+ off)
- Specialist retailers for high-end (Concept2, etc.)
For supplements/nutrition:
- Myprotein or Bulk (with discount code – ALWAYS)
- Amazon Subscribe & Save
- Aldi/Lidl when they stock it
- Never buy from Argos (they don’t really stock it)
For accessories (shakers, bags, etc.):
- Argos (Decathlon protein shakers are great)
- TK Maxx for bargains
- Amazon if can’t find elsewhere
Red Flags When Shopping
Avoid if:
- Reviews are suspiciously perfect (all 5-star)
- Brand name is random letters (XZDFGH Fitness)
- No UK returns address
- Shipping from China (unless you’re patient)
- The price seems too good to be true
- Product photos look stock/generic
- No weight limit specified (for benches, etc.)
- Argos reviews mention “broke after 2 weeks”
- Amazon seller has no history
Shopping at Argos: Specific Tips
When to shop Argos:
- January sales (30-50% off)
- Summer clearance (June-July)
- Black Friday (limited stock, not always the best deals)
- When they email “1/3 off fitness equipment” codes
- End of month clearance
How to save money at Argos:
- Sign up for emails (discount codes)
- Use Nectar points (Sainsbury’s)
- Click & collect (free delivery)
- Check the clearance section online
- Price match if you’ve seen it cheaper
- Use voucher code sites
What to buy at Argos:
- Kettlebells (Pro Fitness brand)
- Exercise balls (Opti brand)
- Basic dumbbells (Opti brand)
- Protein shakers (Decathlon)
- Resistance bands (Pro Fitness)
- Weight benches when heavily discounted
What NOT to buy at Argos:
- Protein powder (they don’t really stock it)
- Cheap exercise machines at full price
- “As Seen on TV” fitness gadgets
- Anything over £100 at full price
- Unknown brand cardio equipment
The Bottom Line
Best overall value: Decathlon (consistent quality, fair prices)
Best for convenience: Argos (same-day collection, easy returns) – but ONLY on sale
Best for kettlebells & dumbbells: Argos Pro Fitness range on sale OR second-hand
Biggest selection: Amazon (but buyer beware)
Best bargains: TK Maxx, Aldi/Lidl events, Facebook Marketplace
Best for heavy weights: Second-hand (Marketplace/Gumtree)
Best for gym balls: Argos (£7 Opti balls are brilliant)
Best for protein: NOT Argos – use Myprotein/Bulk with discount codes
My Final Recommendations
If you’re just starting out:
- Buy basics from Decathlon or Argos on sale
- Check Facebook Marketplace for weights
- Don’t overspend on fancy equipment
If you’re on a tight budget:
- Facebook Marketplace for everything heavy
- TK Maxx for accessories
- Aldi/Lidl special buys
- Argos clearance section
If you want quality on a budget:
- Decathlon for most things
- Argos Pro Fitness range on sale
- Known brands from Amazon (researched)
If you value convenience:
- Argos (but wait for sales)
- Amazon Prime, if you’ve researched the item
- Never pay full price at Argos
For specific Argos purchases:
- Kettlebells: Pro Fitness range on sale = excellent value
- Dumbbells: Opti cast iron sets on sale = good deal
- Exercise balls: Buy them (£7 is brilliant)
- Protein shakers: Decathlon ones are great
- Exercise bikes: Only on 30%+ discount
- Resistance bands: Pro Fitness sets are decent
The Absolute Truth
Argos is great IF:
- You wait for sales (which are frequent)
- You buy their own brands (Pro Fitness, Opti)
- You need something same-day
- You’re buying accessories/small items
Argos is NOT great IF:
- You’re paying full price
- You’re buying cardio machines
- You’re buying unknown brands
- You expect protein/supplements
The smart approach:
- Check Facebook Marketplace for weights
- Wait for Argos sales for new equipment
- Use Decathlon for basics
- TK Maxx for accessories
- Amazon only works when you know exactly what you want
Never pay full price at Argos – wait for a sale. Never trust Amazon reviews without checking them. And never underestimate the power of Facebook Marketplace for fitness equipment.
The average Argos sale happens every 6-8 weeks. If something’s full price today, it’ll probably be 30% off within a month. Be patient.
Where do you buy your fitness equipment? Any disasters or amazing bargains to share? Let me know in the comments! x
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