Top-Recommended Home Workout Equipment for Compact Areas, as Advised by Professionals and Editors
Struggling to fit exercise into your day due to busy schedules, inclement weather, or the distracting gym crowd? A well-chosen home gym setup can help you overcome these obstacles and get in a workout whenever and wherever you want.
To find the best home gym gear for small spaces that truly warrants investment, our team consulted fitness experts and our in-house staff. We tested their recommendations and created this list of top-performing equipment that meets your space and budget needs.
In this guide, you'll discover expert advice on setting up a compact home gym, our favorite foldable and adjustable cardio equipment, weights, and other space-saving accessories.
Top Picks for Small Space Home Gyms
- Urevo SpaceWalk Lite Treadmill
- Peloton Bike+ Ultimate Package
- Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
- Tonal 2
- Lululemon The Mat 5mm
Key Considerations for Small Space Home Gym Equipment
Storage Solutions
Incorporate wall-mounted shelves or tall cabinets to keep your home gym tidy and free of clutter, as advised by certified running coach and personal trainer Amanda Grimm of We Run. While foldable equipment saves space when not in use, it may also be less durable and more cumbersome to set up frequently.
Versatility
Find multifunctional equipment (such as Tonal, a wall-mounted system that combines resistance bands, a cable machine, and a weight set) to save space and offer additional workout options in a compact form factor.
Budget-Friendly Options
Take a practical approach to your budget by starting with essentials and upgrading as needed. Grimm suggests looking for second-hand equipment to cut costs and consider what works well for you before investing in upgrades.
Our Home Gym Equipment Testing Process
Many of the picks on this list were part of our annual Home Fitness Awards. Every year, we ask fitness professionals and staff testers (who've tried lots of gear) for their tried-and-true equipment recommendations. We then test these products extensively to determine the best of the best, ensuring only truly exceptional items make the cut.
How to Set Up a Home Gym in a Small Space
Before you start shopping, measure your space and consider any exercises you enjoy. Grimm suggests being reasonable about what will fit in your available space. For instance, if you have a treadmill, ensure there's still room for stretching and lunges without bumping into walls.
Consider your fitness goals and prioritize cardio exercises that can be done outdoors, freeing up space for strength training and flexibility work in your home gym.
Cardio Equipment Recommendations
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
This treadmill stands out for its high-tech features, broad speed range, incline and decline settings, built-in fan, and cushioned running deck. However, it is heavy and may not be easy to move around when necessary.
Urevo SpaceWalk Lite Treadmill
This affordable walking pad offers a versatile option for those needing a low-profile, space-saving piece. While its top speed may not allow for intense running, it is sufficient for consistent walking and jogging.
Peloton Bike+ Ultimate Package
The Peloton Bike+ Ultimate Package caters to diverse workout options, including cardio and strength training, as well as access to instructor-led classes through its large touchscreen. However, this comprehensive package comes at a premium price.
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike With Pulse
This Home Fitness Award winner is ideal for those limited on space. It is foldable, easy to assemble, offers multiple resistance levels, and tracks workout statistics.
DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
This versatile under-desk bike can help keep you moving while you work and adjusts to eight resistance levels. Although setup may be tricky when using a chair with wheels, it offers a convenient way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
Adjustable Dumbbells, Kettlebells, and Weights
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
These impressively engineered dumbbells replace multiple pairs and come with their own stand. Their easy-to-adjust dial system allows for seamless weight changes, making them a worthy investment.
Bala Bangles
These wrist or ankle weights provide an added intensity to mat workouts and can be used to enhance walking or jogging. They are available in various colors and come with a mesh carrying case.
BalanceForm Neoprene Dumbbell Set
This three-weight set includes three five-pound, eight-pound, and 12-pound pairs of weights and a stand. Their neoprene covers offer a comfortable, non-slip grip, and they cater to upper body work effectively.
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
This adjustable kettlebell replaces up to six kettlebells with a simple dial system, providing a wide weight range for efficient workouts. It also includes access to two free months of workout classes to stream.
Home Gym Systems
Tonal 2
The Tonal 2 wall-mounted system combines cables, air resistance, and real-time form correction technology to optimize strength training. This system learns from your performance and adjusts workouts automatically as you improve.
Additional Accessories
TRX Go Suspension Trainer System
This portable suspension system offers a full-body workout in limited space. It has a 700-pound weight limit and includes access to over 500 on-demand workouts through the TRX Training Club app.
Lululemon The Mat 5mm
This mat stands out for its durability, excellent cushioning, and ability to stay in place during use. While it may be too cushioned for heavy weight lifting, it is suitable for yoga, Pilates, and other floor exercises.
Bodylastics Resistance Band Set
This resistance band set offers everything needed for a full-body workout, including door anchors for maximum versatility. Its safety features, such as an interior cord, prevent injury if the rubber breaks during use.
Sonic Boom M2 High Speed Jump Rope
This adjustable-length jump rope is lightweight and easy to store, making it an ideal option for cardio workouts in small spaces. The silicone grips on the handles prevent slipping during Use.
ProsourceFit Multi-Grip Chin-Up/Pull-Up Bar
This doorframe pull-up bar features multiple grip options and can hold up to 300 pounds. Its adjustable screws help keep it steady and secure during use.
Yoleo Adjustable Dip Bar
This portable dip bar comes with three adjustable height options and padded handles for optimal comfort. It can be used for various exercises, such as dips, push-ups, leg-ups, and back exercises.
Triggerpoint Grid Textured Foam Roller
This award-winning foam roller stands out for its variety of textures across the surface, durability, and ability to withstand substantial weight. Its hollow interior design makes it suitable for deep tissue work and stimulating muscle recovery.
With careful planning, strategic equipment choices, and efficient space utilization, you can create a compact yet functional home gym that meets your health and fitness needs, regardless of the size of your living space.
- A well-chosen home gym setup can help overcome obstacles like busy schedules, inclement weather, or distracting gym crowds, allowing for workouts whenever and wherever desired.
- In this guide, expert advice on setting up a compact home gym, top-performing equipment for small spaces, essential storage solutions, and versatile multifunctional equipment are provided.
- The Urevo SpaceWalk Lite Treadmill, Peloton Bike+ Ultimate Package, Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, Tonal 2, and Lululemon The Mat 5mm are top picks for small space home gyms.
- When considering a small space home gym, it's important to prioritize multifunctional equipment that saves space and offers additional workout options, such as Tonal.
- For budget-friendly options, start with essentials and gradually upgrade, considering second-hand equipment and finding what works well for you before investing in upgrades.
- Key considerations for small space home gym equipment include incorporating wall-mounted shelves or tall cabinets, choosing versatile and space-saving equipment, and taking a practical approach to your budget.
