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Where to Buy Fitness Equipment in the UK: The Honest Breakdown (Argos, Amazon, Decathlon & More)

May 16, 2026June 2, 2026 Corinne Post a comment
Where to Buy Fitness Equipment in the UK: The Honest Breakdown (Argos, Amazon, Decathlon & More)

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

Where to Buy Fitness Equipment in the UK
  • Argos: Complete Product Guide
    • What Argos Is Good At:
    • What Argos Isn’t Good At:
  • Argos Kettlebells: Complete Guide
    • Pro Fitness Kettlebells at Argos:
    • Argos Kettlebells: What You Need to Know
  • Dumbbells at Argos: What’s Available
    • Neoprene Dumbbells at Argos:
    • Cast Iron Dumbbell Sets at Argos:
    • Hex Dumbbells at Argos (Pro Fitness):
    • Argos Dumbbells: Pros & Cons
  • Weights at Argos: Beyond Dumbbells & Kettlebells
    • Weight Plates:
    • Barbells:
    • Weight Benches:
    • Ankle & Wrist Weights:
  • Exercise Equipment at Argos: Cardio Machines
    • Exercise Bikes at Argos:
    • Rowing Machines at Argos:
    • Treadmills at Argos:
    • Cross Trainers at Argos:
    • What’s Worth Buying:
  • Gym Equipment at Argos: Accessories & Extras
    • Exercise Balls (Gym Balls) at Argos:
    • Other Accessories at Argos:
  • Argos Protein Shakes & Supplements
  • Argos Keep Fit Equipment: Everything Else
    • Steppers:
    • Vibration Plates:
    • Multi-Gyms:
    • Boxing Equipment:
    • Weighted Vests:
  • The Big Three: Quick Verdict
  • Decathlon: The Budget Champion
    • Best Buys from Decathlon:
    • What to Avoid:
    • Shopping Tips:
  • Amazon: The Wild West
    • Best Buys from Amazon:
    • What to Avoid:
    • Shopping Tips:
  • Other UK Retailers Worth Knowing
    • Sports Direct
    • TK Maxx
    • Aldi/Lidl Special Buys
    • Gym+Coffee, Myprotein, Bulk (Online)
  • Second-Hand Options: Often the Best Deal
    • Facebook Marketplace
    • Gumtree
    • eBay
  • Price Comparison: Example Items
    • 10kg Kettlebell:
    • Resistance Band Set:
    • Yoga Mat (good quality):
    • Adjustable Dumbbells (20kg set):
    • Exercise Ball (65cm):
    • Exercise Bike (Budget):
  • My Personal Shopping Strategy
  • Red Flags When Shopping
  • Shopping at Argos: Specific Tips
  • The Bottom Line
  • My Final Recommendations
  • The Absolute Truth
Resistance bands, a gym ball, dumbbells and a yoga mat laid out on a marble surface — the kind of basic kit this guide covers

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 0.5kg: £3-6 (Navy Blue)
  • 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:

  1. It’s heavily discounted (30%+ off)
  2. It’s a known brand (Marcy, Reebok, Concept2, Decathlon)
  3. 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
  • Consistent quality (it’s not premium, but it’s reliable)
  • 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):

  1. Check TK Maxx first
  2. Then Decathlon
  3. Argos if on sale
  4. Amazon only if I’ve researched the specific brand

For specific items I’ve researched:

  1. Check Facebook Marketplace
  2. Compare Argos sale price vs Decathlon vs Amazon
  3. Buy from most trusted source at best price

For heavy weights (kettlebells, dumbbells, plates):

  1. Facebook Marketplace first (seriously, such good deals)
  2. Then Argos on sale (Pro Fitness brand is decent)
  3. Decathlon
  4. Amazon only if specific brand I want

For cardio machines:

  1. Second-hand first (massive savings)
  2. Decathlon for mid-range quality
  3. Argos only during major sales (30%+ off)
  4. Specialist retailers for high-end (Concept2, etc.)

For supplements/nutrition:

  1. Myprotein or Bulk (with discount code – ALWAYS)
  2. Amazon Subscribe & Save
  3. Aldi/Lidl when they stock it
  4. Never buy from Argos (they don’t really stock it)

For accessories (shakers, bags, etc.):

  1. Argos (Decathlon protein shakers are great)
  2. TK Maxx for bargains
  3. 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:

  1. Buy basics from Decathlon or Argos on sale
  2. Check Facebook Marketplace for weights
  3. Don’t overspend on fancy equipment

If you’re on a tight budget:

  1. Facebook Marketplace for everything heavy
  2. TK Maxx for accessories
  3. Aldi/Lidl special buys
  4. Argos clearance section

If you want quality on a budget:

  1. Decathlon for most things
  2. Argos Pro Fitness range on sale
  3. Known brands from Amazon (researched)

If you value convenience:

  1. Argos (but wait for sales)
  2. Amazon Prime, if you’ve researched the item
  3. 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:

  1. Check Facebook Marketplace for weights
  2. Wait for Argos sales for new equipment
  3. Use Decathlon for basics
  4. TK Maxx for accessories
  5. 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

Back to Complete Guide to Building a Home Gym in the UK on a Budget

About Corinne

About Corinne

I'm Corinne, a fitness blogger from York who has been writing about strength training, running, and women's health for over a decade. I train in my garage gym and run when the weather allows — sometimes consistently, sometimes not, and I'm fine with that. Slimmedcartree is honest fitness writing for real life, not the Instagram version of it. I also run a lifestyle blog at skinnedcartree.com.

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