Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
Working out at home can start simply with a fitness mat and a pair of weights. Yet many people buy accessories that hardly get used after a few weeks. A mat turns out to be too slippery, dumbbells roll across the room or a pull-up bar does not fit the door frame properly. With the right selection, you can avoid costly mistakes and gradually create a practical home gym.
With dumbbells, the weight may seem like the most important criterion. However, the handle shape, grip and stability on the floor also determine how comfortable they are to use. A round dumbbell can roll away, while a smooth handle may be harder to hold during longer sets.
Always check:
A yoga mat, fitness mat or exercise mat should suit the exercises you do. For yoga, a more textured surface may be important, while floor-based and abdominal exercises may benefit more from cushioning. A compact mat is easy to store, but may offer less space for wide movements.
Pay attention to length, width, thickness and material. According to the product description, a 1.2 cm NBR mat provides more cushioned support than a thinner model. The surface underneath should always be flat and stable to minimise movement.
Terms such as “extra grip”, “maximum support” or a very high load capacity mean little without technical details. Look at the construction, finish and usage limitations. With a doorway pull-up bar, for example, you should check whether the door frame is suitable and whether it can be mounted correctly without drilling.
With lifting straps, it is important to know what they are designed for. According to the Thor Athletics product information, these straps are intended for strength training and not for Olympic weightlifting. Do not use them for movements such as the snatch or clean-and-jerk.
Cast iron and neoprene are common materials for dumbbells. Neoprene dumbbells generally feel softer than bare metal. A hexagonal shape also prevents the weights from rolling away easily. Check whether the stated weights apply to each dumbbell or to the pair.
With lifting straps, the width, length, wrist padding and stitching determine how comfortable they are to use. According to the product details, the Thor Athletics Lifting Straps Black are 3.8 cm wide and 50.8 to 55.8 cm long. The strap is made from cotton and has a neoprene wrist section. According to the product description, the extra-grip version adds a rubber layer on the bar-facing side.
An exercise mat should lie sufficiently flat once unrolled. With a doorway pull-up bar, the dimensions of the frame and the way the bar is supported are more important than the stated load capacity alone. Check all contact points before use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For cable-machine ankle straps, secure attachment around the ankle is essential. According to the product information, the Thor Athletics Ankle Straps have a wide design, a padded inner side and metal D-rings. They are supplied as a pair and are intended for exercises including kickbacks, leg curls and cable lunges.
Fitness accessories last longer when you keep them clean and dry. Wipe a fitness mat with a damp cloth and allow it to air completely before rolling it up. According to the product information, lifting straps should be washed by hand in cold water and left to air-dry.
Place dumbbells down carefully and do not store them in a high position. Check straps and ankle straps before every workout for fraying, loose stitching or damage. An accessory is not a substitute for correct technique or a safe training environment.
Why it suits this profile: A set of two 4 kg weights is easy to manage for beginners’ strength training and cardio exercises in a small space.
The hexagonal shape helps prevent rolling. The product has a neoprene coating, and the product page states that a weight variation of 3% is possible.
Two 4 kg dumbbells, cast-iron core, neoprene outer coating and a non-rolling shape.
Why it suits this profile: Suitable for athletes looking for a spacious, foldable surface for yoga, Pilates, mobility work and floor exercises.
The dimensions and thickness are clearly stated: 183 × 61 cm and 1.2 cm. This lets you check in advance whether the mat is suitable for your training space.
NBR foam, textured surface, carrying strap and care with a damp cloth.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for users who use lifting straps for heavy deadlifts, rows and other pulling exercises.
The product description specifies cotton, neoprene wrist padding, rubber coating and reinforced stitching. Checking the straps before every session remains essential.
Rubber grip layer, neoprene wrist zone, 3.8 cm width and supplied as a pair. Not intended for Olympic weightlifting.
Why it suits this profile: A practical addition for anyone who already uses a cable machine and wants to add targeted leg or shoulder exercises.
The set consists of two ankle straps with a wide design, inner padding and D-rings. Before use, check that the strap is securely fastened around the ankle.
Split leather, padded inner side, metal D-rings and supplied as left and right straps.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For a simple start, a fitness mat and a set of dumbbells are often enough. If you also want to train your back and pulling muscles, a pull-up bar or doorway pull-up bar may be useful, provided the door frame is suitable. Ankle straps are a practical addition to a cable machine. Start by choosing accessories that suit your current training routine rather than buying everything at once.
Their lifespan depends on the material, frequency of use, storage and care. NBR foam can deform if a mat is left beneath heavy objects for a long time. With straps, fraying, loose stitching and wear are signs that the product should be replaced. Store equipment in a dry place, avoid direct sunlight and follow the care instructions on the product page.
Standalone accessories generally do not use electricity. The main costs are the purchase price, any replacement costs and the space needed for storage. A barbell set or dumbbells can support multiple exercises, while a pull-up bar or cable accessory only adds value if you use it regularly. Therefore, compare not just the price, but also the specifications and the number of exercises for which you will use the product.
No. Lifting straps are a useful aid when grip becomes the limiting factor during heavy pulling exercises. They do not replace basic training of your natural grip and must be fitted correctly. Use them only in accordance with the product instructions and check them before every workout.
