If the lockdown years taught us anything, it’s that we do not necessarily need to be in a studio setting to get a good workout. You just need the right equipment and an internet connection.
Weights can be the difference between an effective at-home workout and a sweat-free experience. “Adding weights boosts strength, builds muscle and increases calorie burn”, explains Luke Townsend, Technogym Education Manager. “It also improves bone density and helps you push past plateaus for better fitness results”.
And they don’t even need to be back-breaking in weight. In fact, the gym equipment expert stresses beginners are better off with less kgs. “Start with lighter weights, like 2–5 kg, to master form and technique. Increase the weight gradually based on your goals and strength level, usually 8–12 kg for more of a challenge”.
Weights come in many forms; ankle and wrist straps, medicine balls, sand bags and the more ubiquitous dumbbells and kettlebells. “Dumbbells are versatile and great for beginners, while kettlebells add a cardio element and challenge stability. Choose based on your goals—or mix both for a balanced workout!”, says Townsend.
But what they all have in common is the storage conundrum that they provide. Gym weights are generally speaking not the most attractive design details, and the houseproud will likely not relish the idea of having them littered around their space. While many are not sizeable and can be stashed into the smallest of spaces, a proper weight rack will keep them stowed away, tidy and ready for your next workout.
“Look for something compact that has stability and enough storage to not only store your weights, but other tools such as recovery accessories and resistance bands”, recommends Townsend. “This will keep your home gym organised and make the training experience accessible and effective”.
With that in mind, we have selected weight racks to suit all manner of exercise areas – whether you have a dedicated home gym or a corner of your living space. There are options that include the dumbbells for an all-encompassing solution, as well as hard-wearing steel constructions to mimic those you’ll find in professional studios. You will spot dumbbell-specific racks and those with storage capabilities for yoga mats, blocks, resistance bands and all the gear you need for disciplines of the high and low intensity nature.
Shop the best weight racks below
Technogym Bench Home gym bench
Technogym is a name you’ll often spot in high-end studios, a sign of the functionality of the equipment as it is about their good looks (well, as far as gym equipment goes). The aptly named Technogym Bench was made as a slimline home gym solution. With this in mind, you can find maximum impact without a whole lot of floor space required.
The accessory-packed weight bench is not adjustable but doubles as a storage solution for bulky and hard-to-store equipment such as dumbbells. Inside you will find varieties of weights, elastic bands and knuckles as well as a mat for comfort. The brand suggests there are over 200 exercise options available from the equipment provided to tone muscle, improve strength and enhance flexibility.
Buy now £1450.00, Technogym
Mythinglogic Gym Storage Rack
Mythinglogic offers an all-encompassing storage option for those with diverse workout routines. Its organiser on wheels can house all the gear for a huge range of disciplines - be it yoga, strength and conditioning, core and more. The three mesh tiers are made for dumbbells, yoga blocks, kettlebells and the like, while at the back, place your mats. There are even slots for foam rollers, ab rollers and resistance bands.
Buy now £149.99, Amazon
BodyMax Selectabell SB500 Weight Bench
Weight storage and adjustable bench in one, BodyMax offers a forward-thinking solution that edits your home gym to one essential. You can move the backrest from flat to three levels of incline to make it versatile for all manner of weight-based movements.
The weight bench is made from a heavy-duty alloy steel construction to stand the test of time and through the rigour of your workout – but it comes on wheels so it is easy to move around when needed. The Selectabell Dumbbells pictured are not included.
Buy now £549.00, Amazon
Primal Performance Series Studio HIIT Bench
Primal has designed an all-encompassing weight bench that can store up to five pairs of dumbbells so you can build up and get creative with your workouts.
There is even space for kettlebells or a slam ball and an anchor for a battle rope if you want to incorporate the dynamic fat-burning, full-body exercise into your home workout. The bench itself is adjustable and can go fully flat when needed.
It comes with a one-year warranty.
Buy now £599.99, Best Gym Equipment
Opti Dumbbell Storage Rack
Create your own mini gym in the comfort of your home with the addition of this dumbbell tower that holds three sets of varying weights. With options for each type of workout, the versatile workout essential comes in fun colours that you can use to step your fitness routine up a few notches. The dumbbells are ergonomically designed, comfortable and sturdy. And you can’t beat that price.
Buy now £4.00, Argos
YOLEO 1100LBS/500KG Dumbbell Rack
This professional-looking dumbbell rack keeps things simple on the design front. Much like you would find in a boutique gym across the capital, it has a heavy-duty steel construction that is durable and can withstand almost 500kg in weight. There are three tiers in which each has a gap in the middle for ease of accessibility. An essential addition to your home studio.
Buy now £74.99, Amazon
PROIRON Heavy Duty All-In-One Weight Rack
While stashing your dumbbells tidily on two tiers, this weight rack offers more storage options to support a wide range of gym equipment. The bottom row is made for kettlebells while the tactically placed bars will house weight plates. It is made up of commercial-grade steel so you can be sure it will stand the test of time, while looking in tip-top shape thanks to a specialised scratch-proof powder coating.
Buy now £89.99, Amazon
BRTGYM Dumbbells Rack Weight Stand
If variety is what you’re looking for, variety is what you’ll get with this weight stand that can hold four different sets of weights. Combined, it is sturdy enough to support around 260kg, so is made for advanced training in the high weight bracket. The brand prides itself on the sturdiness of its design as well as the rubberised feet to protect your flooring. Note that the price is for the rack alone and the dumbbells are sold separately.
Buy now £74.75, Amazon
Gym Master 12kg Dumbbell Weight Set with Storage Tree
If you’re a total beginner who’s looking to incorporate some light resistance training into your morning routine, Gym Master’s colourful rack of light dumbbells is a great place to get started. There are three weight options included, coming in at 1, 2 and 3kg per weight, and each pair is handily colour-coded for quick identification.
Unlike a lot of the other hand weights on the market, this nifty set neatly slots onto a rack that isn’t too heavy to lift and can be easily stored away in a cupboard after use. An excellent and affordable option for anyone who’s on a tight budget.
Buy now £31.99, Amazon
Mirafit 3 piece kettlebell set with stand
Looking for a set of kettlebells, rather than just one? This rack of three different weights, designed for a combination of exercises, will look good in your home gym.
From 5lbs to 15lbs, the three weights fit in a standing rack, allowing the weights to be stored away or shown off - depending on who you’re trying to impress. The sturdy handles make them easy to grip and keep hold of - especially if you love a kettlebell swing. The weights also have a very reasonable price point for the amount you get.
Buy now £24.95, Mirafit
