Buying advice: which piece of equipment suits you?
Twelve pieces of equipment in five categories — and in each exactly one question decides whether the equipment will actually be used or end up standing in a corner. This page answers them one by one. All figures come from the products' data sheets, not from manufacturer promises.
Basketball hoop: the minimum height decides
With a basketball hoop, most people look at the maximum height — and then buy something that does not suit the child. What matters is the minimum height: if the rim hangs too high, the first shots miss, and after two weeks nobody plays any more. As a rule of thumb, allow roughly 30 to 50 cm above the player's reach height.
| Age | Sensible rim height | Suitable equipment | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–6 years | 150–170 cm | Outdoor basketball hoop for children (150–210 cm) | €79,99 |
| 7–10 years | 170–210 cm | Outdoor basketball hoop for children (150–210 cm) | €79,99 |
| 10–16 years | 210–260 cm | Outdoor basketball hoop for teenagers (147–260 cm) | €129,99 |
| 16 years and over | 260–305 cm | Outdoor basketball hoop Pro (135–305 cm) | €189,99 |
| several children of different ages | 135–305 cm | Outdoor basketball hoop Pro – largest adjustment range | €189,99 |
Only the Pro model reaches the official competition height of 305 cm. If you are looking for a hoop that grows with the user from primary school age into adulthood, this is the best choice — it starts at 135 cm and therefore also covers the very youngest.
Outdoors or indoors?
The outdoor stands stand freely on a base that is filled with sand or water — up to 90 kg of sand on the Pro, 65 kg on the Youth and 45 kg on the Kids model — and they can stay outside all year round. The mini hoops hook onto a room door without drilling — for a child's room, an office or a hobby room. They do not replace the outdoor stand; they solve a different task: you go to the stand in order to play, whereas the mini hoop gets used because it is right there in the way.
The only difference between the two mini hoops is the electronic score counter (€44,99 instead of €39,99). It is worth it if two people play regularly.
Yoga headstand bench: the room decides, not the technology
All five versions are technically identical: 61.5 × 36 × 33 cm, solid natural wood with non-slip feet, a 7 cm thick seat pad with a waterproof cover, a load capacity of up to 150 kg, and a light weight of around 4 kg. A yoga strap, an exercise poster and tools are included, and the seat pad is removable and can be used as a yoga block.
The choice is therefore a question of the room — and that matters more than it sounds: equipment that suits your interior stays out in the open instead of disappearing into a cupboard after three weeks.
| Version | Character | Price |
|---|---|---|
| White | understated, for bright rooms | €89,99 |
| Black | hard-wearing, the most understated version | €89,99 |
| Grey textile | warmer feel than synthetic leather, looks like a piece of furniture | €99,99 |
| Violet | the most eye-catching version | €99,99 |
| Black Edition | dark frame, the only one without visible natural wood | €99,99 |
The bench carries the weight on your shoulders, leaving your head and cervical spine free. That is why you can use it even without headstand experience — unlike a free headstand, where a considerable part of your body weight rests on your neck.
When it is not the right piece of equipment: the inverted position puts a strain on the circulation. If you have high blood pressure, glaucoma or other eye conditions involving raised internal pressure, retinal problems, if you are pregnant, or if you have acute neck or shoulder complaints, someone familiar with your individual case should take a look before your first exercise.
Wall bars: the wall decides
Wall bars are the most space-saving piece of training equipment for the home — 80 cm of wall width for pull-ups, dips, hanging leg raises, traversing and back exercises. The question before you buy, however, is not the equipment but the wall it is going to hang on.
| Wall type | Assembly |
|---|---|
| Concrete, solid calcium silicate brick | Unproblematic, the supplied material is sufficient, free-standing wall mounting possible |
| Vertically perforated brick, aerated concrete | Special fixings required (injection mortar with sleeve, or aerated concrete plugs), drill without hammer action |
| Plasterboard, timber stud wall | Never into the boarding — only into the substructure, or with floor-standing support |
| Period building, clay, pumice hollow block | Test drilling in an inconspicuous spot; if in doubt, call in a tradesperson |
The VALENESS wall bars are 225 cm high, 80 cm wide and 115 cm deep with the pull-up bar fitted, with a load capacity of up to 150 kg, made of solid beech with a rung diameter of 3 cm. Six drill holes, an assembly time of around 45 minutes, video instructions included. Tested to DVN:5878. A pull-up bar, dip station and two gymnastic rings are included — €239,99.
For children they double as a climbing wall. In that case a soft mat in front of them and a clear rule on supervision are part of the package, and the bolted connections should be checked regularly.
Walking pad: the height decides
With a walking pad people look at the top speed – and therefore at the wrong number. A machine for the desk is not driven fast, it is used alongside something else. Whether that works comes down to three figures: height, width of the running surface and noise level.
| Criterion | What matters | VALENESS walking pad |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Has to fit under a bed, sofa or desk, otherwise it stays in the way | 13 cm, with transport wheels |
| Running surface | Too narrow constrains the stride; from about 40 cm wide the walk feels natural | 42 × 100 cm |
| Noise level | In a home office you still need to be able to take calls | up to 40 dB, plus a non-slip mat for damping |
| Speed | Walking pace is enough; higher figures cost height and quiet | 0–6 km/h, continuously adjustable |
| Load | Has to match your body weight | up to 120 kg |
The VALENESS walking pad can also be set to an incline of up to 4° and used as a vibration plate – two forms of training on one machine, without a second spot in the room. It is operated by remote control or the FitShow app, and the display shows speed, time, distance and calories. The fitted non-slip mat is included – €239.99.
When it is not the right machine: anyone who wants to run rather than walk needs a treadmill with a higher speed range. The same goes for anyone who wants a handrail to hold on to or a folding design – this unit is deliberately built flat and in one piece.
Frequently asked questions about choosing
Which basketball hoop grows with the user for the longest?
The Pro stand with 135 to 305 cm. It is the only model that covers the whole path from the first shots at pre-school age up to the official competition height.
Is a mini hoop worth having in addition to the outdoor stand?
They solve different tasks. You go to the stand in order to play, whereas the mini hoop hangs on the door and gets used in passing. With children it is precisely the mini hoop that leads to considerably more shots per week.
Which version of the yoga headstand bench is the best?
Technically, none of them — dimensions, material and load capacity are identical across all five. Choose according to the room the equipment will stand in.
Can I fit the wall bars in a rented flat?
Six drill holes in a load-bearing wall are generally permitted and must be filled when you move out. With plasterboard stud walls, a version with floor-standing support is the safe option.
Walking pad or a classic treadmill?
It comes down to the speed you will actually use. If you want to walk – while working, while on the phone, in front of the TV in the evening – the walking pad is the better choice: flatter, quieter, easy to stow. If you want to jog, you need a treadmill with a higher speed range and accept the height, weight and noise that come with it.
How quickly is delivery?
For orders placed before 2 p.m., dispatch takes place on the same day, with free shipping and no minimum order value. In addition there is a 30-day return policy and a two-year VALENESS warranty, handled personally by the owner.