It’s that time of year again. The Christmas chocolates have quietly disappeared, the mince pies are on clearance and suddenly every supermarket aisle is shouting about New Year goals and fitness motivation.
Aldi Specialbuys are no exception. One week you’re buying milk and bananas, the next you’re standing in front of weighted vests, dumbbells and inflatable boxing things wondering if this is the year you finally become that person who works out at home.
But here’s the honest question, what’s actually worth buying, and what’s going to end up gathering dust, living under the bed, or being donated to the charity shop by February?
I’ve taken a proper look at Aldi’s fitness Specialbuys due in store on Friday 2nd January and this is my no nonsense guide to what I’d genuinely recommend and what I’d happily leave on the shelf.
What I’d actually recommend from Aldi’s fitness Specialbuys
These are the bits that are practical, versatile and most importantly, things you’ll realistically keep using once the initial New Year motivation settles.
Weighted Vest
If you’re looking for something that genuinely levels up your training without needing loads of space or equipment, a weighted vest is a really solid buy.
This Aldi weighted vest is around 6kg and works brilliantly for walking, running, strength training or even bodyweight workouts at home. You don’t need to change your routine to use it, you just add it on and suddenly everything feels a bit harder, in a good way.
Why it’s worth buying:
- It increases the effectiveness of both strength and endurance workouts without needing extra kit
- Adjustable straps mean it fits most body shapes comfortably
- Reflective strips make it safer if you’re using it outside
- Great for walking workouts, hill training or short strength circuits
This is one of those pieces that feels simple but actually has long term value. You’ll keep reaching for it long after January.
Dumbbell Set
A set of dumbbells is one of the most useful bits of fitness equipment you can own, especially if you like Pilates, barre, or strength based workouts at home.
Aldi’s dumbbells come in 2kg or 3kg options, which is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to add a bit of resistance without going full gym mode.
Why they’re worth buying:
- Ideal for Pilates, toning workouts and low impact strength training
- Easy to store, no bulky equipment needed
- Great for building strength gradually without feeling intimidating
- You’ll use them for years, not just January
These are especially good if you follow online workouts or YouTube classes and want something simple you can grab and use straight away.
Massage Roller
Recovery is often the bit everyone forgets when setting New Year fitness goals, but it’s just as important as the workouts themselves.
A massage roller is one of those things that doesn’t look exciting, but once you have one, you wonder how you managed without it.
Why it’s worth buying:
- Great for easing tight muscles and post workout soreness
- Helps improve mobility and recovery
- Ideal for runners, walkers and anyone doing strength training
- Small, affordable and easy to store
If you’re increasing your activity in January, this is a really sensible addition that supports consistency rather than burnout.
Grip Socks
If you’re doing Pilates, barre, yoga or any kind of low impact home workout, Grip socks are one of those small buys that make a big difference.
They help you feel more stable during movements without needing a mat or shoes and they come in ankle or ballerina styles, and a few different colours too
Why they’re worth buying:
- Grippy soles help prevent slipping during Pilates and strength workouts
- Great for home workouts, studios and gym classes
- Keep feet warm while still allowing flexibility
- Affordable, practical and easy to store
These are the kind of thing you’ll keep in your workout drawer and actually reach for week after week, rather than forgetting about them once January is over.
What I wouldn’t recommend, and why
These are the items that sound fun or motivating in theory, but realistically are more likely to annoy you, take up space, or be used twice before being forgotten about.
Adjustable Step Deck
On paper, this sounds great. In reality, it’s one of those things that quickly becomes a household obstacle.
Why I’d skip it:
- Bulky and awkward to store in smaller homes
- Easy to trip over if left out
- Most people stop using step workouts pretty quickly
- Comes with lots of extras that rarely get used
Unless you already love step workouts and know you’ll use it consistently, this is likely to become clutter rather than motivation.
Inflatable Boxing Machine
This is a classic Aldi impulse buy. It looks fun, it promises stress relief, and it definitely gets attention in the aisle.
But realistically?
Why it’s not worth it:
- Takes up a lot of space once inflated
- Needs filling with sand or water, which is effort in itself
- Novelty wears off fast
- More likely to become a toy than a workout tool
It’s fun for a few days, but not something most people stick with long term.
Push Up Board
Push up boards look clever, colourful and very fitness focused, but they’re rarely as useful as they claim to be.
Why I’d leave it:
- Push ups don’t require equipment
- The board adds complication without real benefit
- Takes up space for something you can do anywhere
- Often ends up unused once the novelty fades
If you want to get better at push ups, consistency matters far more than gadgets.
Final thoughts, what’s actually worth buying this New Year?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over years of running and training, it’s this. The best fitness equipment is the stuff you’ll actually use.
Stick to versatile basics that support real, sustainable habits and fit easily into everyday life. The bigger, gimmicky items might look motivating in January, but they’re often the first things to be abandoned once life gets busy again.
If you’re setting New Year fitness goals, keep it simple, realistic and kind to yourself. You don’t need loads of kit to make progress, just the right tools and a bit of consistency.
