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2025 Update: 45 Best Small & Compact Exercise Equipment Ideas for Home Workouts (PT-Approved)
- Dawn Chambers, PT, DPT
- Nov 21, 2022
- 13 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
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⭐ Editor’s Note: This post was updated for 2025 to reflect the most current research, product reviews, and expert insights.
45 Best Small & Compact Exercise Equipment Ideas for Home Workouts (PT-Approved)
Choosing the best compact exercise equipment for a small space is a process. Start by looking for the best exercise equipment that will fit in your space. Next, narrow that down to the exercises you perform regularly, whether bodyweight exercises like pull-ups, lower body exercises, or other at-home workouts.
Finally, look for workout equipment that's easy to use. Your home gym should complement your living space and conform to your daily routine. Here's a closer look at choosing compact gym equipment.
Find the Right Fit for Your Space
Home gym equipment needs to be the right size for your living space. Yoga mats, exercise bikes, and other machines need to be small enough to fit. If the exercise equipment is too large, nothing else really matters.
It's also important to think about storage space. Sure, maybe you found the best compact rowing machine for your money. But, if you can't roll it up and store it away, it's not going to work.
One easy solution is to look for portable exercise equipment. Portable exercise equipment is compact by its very nature, so a small space is not a serious limitation.
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Choose Workout Equipment for Your Favorite Exercises
Even the best exercise equipment serves no purpose if it doesn't match your fitness objectives. For example, if you're primarily focused on strength training, a compact treadmill would make little sense. On the other hand, a set of adjustable dumbbells would make perfect sense for strength training.
On the flip side, you wouldn't buy a rowing machine if you're primarily interested in bodyweight exercises. A pull-up bar would make more sense.
Whether you're interested in strength training, HIIT workouts, or cardio, whether your strength training focuses on upper body strength, or whether you prefer a full body workout, look for workout equipment that does what you need it to do.
Your exercise needs and goals should dictate the design of your home gym - not the other way around.
Ease of Use
Convenience is a secondary concern when you're choosing home gym equipment. Your personal trainer would probably encourage you not to consider it at all. But convenience is actually important.
Some of us are motivated to get a great workout under even the worst conditions. If they got stuck at work for two extra hours and spent another two hours in traffic, they'll still find time to fit in their strength training.
For the rest of us, it can sometimes be tough to work up sufficient motivation. If our equipment is too bulky or difficult to set up, we might skip a workout now and then.
So, what's better? Top-quality home gym equipment that never gets used? Or reasonably good exercise equipment that you use every day?
*Do you love Pilates? This Merrithew Pilates Reformer is the perfect size for an at-home Pilates workout.
Best Compact Exercise Equipment for Limited Floor Space (on Amazon)
The Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebells are a pair of tough, cast-iron kettlebells with six removable plates. Each plate weighs five pounds, and the handle itself weighs 10 pounds, so you can adjust between 10 and 40 pounds.
2. Adjustable Dumbbell Update
The Core Fitness® Adjustable Dumbbells are a sleek, space-saving alternative to bulky weight racks. With a simple twist of the handle, each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 50 pounds, letting you move quickly between exercises without skipping a beat. The contoured, soft-grip handles feel secure and comfortable, even during high-rep sets. These dumbbells are perfect for compact spaces and anyone who wants to build strength without sacrificing square footage.
3. TRX Set
The TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer is an advanced set of resistance bands with durable, ergonomic foam handles. The carabiner can hold up to 700 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking loose.
4. Slam Ball
The Yes4All Slam Ball is made from tough PVC rubber that’s easy to grip. It comes in six weights, from 10 to 40 pounds.
5. Yoga Ball
The Live Infinitely Yoga Ball is a rubbery, air-filled ball with plenty of spring. It’s also rated for 2,000 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about it bursting.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Smart Treadmill is a compact, foldable treadmill designed for home use. It features a 20-inch-wide running surface and a 2.5 HP brushless motor that supports speeds up to 10 MPH. With 15 levels of automatic incline, users can customize their workouts to simulate various terrains. The treadmill includes shock absorption technology to reduce impact on joints, making it suitable for both walking and running. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to sync with the SunnyFit® App for access to over 1,000 workouts and real-time performance tracking. The foldable design and transportation wheels make it easy to store and move, ideal for small spaces.
The Merrithew Pilates Reformer is a compact home gym machine with a 22 x 97-inch footprint. It comes with five interchangeable tension springs, including one at half-tension. And a pair of workout DVDs provide added value. A good pilates reformer is a great addition to an at-home pilates workout.
Studies from the National Institutes of Health demonstrate multiple yoga health benefits, including reduced stress and improved sleep quality.[*] A good quality yoga mat is an essential part of the equation.
The MOTR Pilates Training System was developed by Darya Bronston, a world-famous Pilates instructor. It’s an adjustable strap and roller system with adjustable tension and up to 8 positions.
10. Resistance Bands
The Fit Simplify Resistance Bands are a set of five resistance bands with differing levels of resistance. They’re color-coded, which makes it easy to keep track of which band is which.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Recumbent Bike offers a low-impact, full-body workout ideal for home use. Its wide, cushioned seat and backrest provide comfort, while the 16 levels of magnetic resistance allow for customizable intensity. Integrated resistance bands enable upper-body exercises, enhancing workout versatility. Bluetooth connectivity with the SunnyFit® App grants access to over 1,000 trainer-led workouts and real-time performance tracking. Additional features include a device holder, bottle holder, and transportation wheels for easy mobility.
12. Pull Up Bar
Elevate your home workouts with the Yes 4 All Pull-Up Bar – the ultimate solution for effective and versatile upper body training in small spaces. Engineered for durability, the heavy-duty one-piece main bar can withstand up to 300 lbs, ensuring stability and preventing bending or deformation.
With 5 positions of handles, this pull-up bar caters to all fitness levels, allowing you to target multiple upper body and core muscles with exercises like pull-ups, chin-ups, hanging leg raises, and wide-grip pull-ups.
A bench press can be hard to fit into a small space. The FLYBIRD Adjustable Bench Press is the solution to that problem, with a 15.94” x 34.65” footprint. Even so, it can adjust between seven back positions and three seat positions.
14. Under Desk Bike
The DeskCycle under-desk cycle incorporates premium magnetic resistance for an especially smooth pedal stroke. It is whisper-quiet, easier on your joints, and won't disturb others around you.
15. Walking Pad
The UREVO Under Desk Treadmill is meant as a companion for your standing desk. It can operate at speeds up to 7.6 miles per hour and supports up to 265 pounds.
16. Power Tower
The RELIFE Power Tower is a versatile, all-in-one strength training station designed for home gyms. It supports a variety of exercises, including pull-ups, dips, push-ups, and vertical knee raises, targeting multiple muscle groups. Constructed from heavy-duty steel, it supports up to 400 lbs, ensuring stability during workouts. With 9 adjustable height levels and 3 armrest positions, it accommodates users of different sizes and fitness levels. The compact design makes it suitable for small spaces, and the non-slip foot pads enhance safety during use.
17. Peloton Bike
The original Peloton isn’t just packed with smart features. It also has a small 4’ x 2’ footprint for easy storage.
18. Foam Roller
A good foam roller can boost circulation and improve lymph flow.[*] The Amazon Basics Foam Roller is crafted from high-density foam and is available in four colors.
19. Fan Bike
The Marcy Fan Bike uses a large fan to provide resistance. As a bonus, it keeps you cool while you’re riding.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart 2-in-1 Upright Elliptical offers a compact, low-impact cardio solution for home workouts. With 8 levels of magnetic resistance and an 11-inch stride, it provides smooth, quiet operation suitable for users up to 220 lbs. The integrated digital monitor tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate, while Bluetooth connectivity allows syncing with the SunnyFit® App for access to over 1,000 workouts and real-time performance tracking. Its space-saving design includes transportation wheels for easy storage, making it ideal for small spaces.
21. Vibration Plate
The AXV Vibration Plate offers the perfect compact solution for full-body workouts, utilizing whole-body vibration to engage muscles and enhance circulation. Its anti-slip surface ensures stability during exercises, and the included resistance bands add versatility to your routine. With adjustable vibration speeds and a user-friendly remote control, it's suitable for various fitness levels. The built-in Bluetooth speaker allows you to enjoy music while exercising, making workouts more enjoyable. Its sleek design and portability make it ideal for home use, especially in limited spaces.
22. Smart Home Gym
The Speediance Gym Monster is an all-in-one smart home gym that combines strength training and cardio in a compact, foldable design. Featuring a 21.5" HD touchscreen and AI-powered digital resistance up to 220 lbs, it offers over 300 guided workouts and 700+ exercises. No assembly or wall mounting required, making it ideal for small spaces. Plus, it comes with a lifetime membership, eliminating ongoing subscription fees.
23. Smart Stepper
The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Twist Stepper Machine offers a full-body workout solution ideal for small spaces. Its unique twisting motion engages the core and lower body, while adjustable resistance bands provide upper-body training. An integrated digital monitor tracks time, steps, and calories burned, and Bluetooth connectivity enables syncing with the SunnyFit® App for access to guided workouts and progress tracking.
24. Pilates Chair
The Merrithew Pilates Chair is a well-crafted and sturdy chair with support handles on the sides and a padded leg bar on the front.
25. Ab Wheel Roller
An ab wheel roller provides a great workout, even in a tiny space. The Vinsguir roller offers excellent stability, with a wide, 3.2-inch rolling surface.
26. Foam Floor Tiles
The ProsourceFit EVA Foam Tiles are made from high-density foam to absorb the impact of your workout. They’re ½-inch thick, interlocking, and come in a 6-, 12- or 36-pack.
The JumpSport PRO is a rugged fitness trampoline with 36 tough elastic cords rated to support 300 pounds. It’s easy to customize, with seven bounce settings.
The Theraband Rocker Balance Board provides a shaky, sensory-stimulating surface for balance exercises that provide proprioceptive feedback and aid in rehabilitation, post-rehabilitation conditioning, and general fitness.
The Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine uses electromagnetic resistance, which allows for a smaller footprint than most rowing machines. Rowing is one of the best exercises for general fitness since it exercises the entire body.[*]
30. Core Sliders
A good set of core sliders can allow for an intense core workout on pretty much any surface. AZURELIFE makes some of the best sliders on the market.
31. Ankle Weights
The Sportneer Ankle Weights have five pockets each, with five inserts to go with them. Each insert weighs one pound, so you can adjust between 0 and 5 pounds with ease.
The Stamina Under Desk Elliptical isn’t only for under-desk use – it can also be used standing up. But at 17” x 24.5” x 12”, it’s purpose-built for use while you’re working.
The RENPHO Cordless Jump Rope features two weighted handles with short tethered balls, allowing you to simulate the motion of jumping rope—without the rope. This tangle-free design is perfect for small spaces or low ceilings. Built-in sensors track your jumps, and the integrated digital display shows key metrics like jump count, time, and estimated calories burned, making it ideal for efficient, space-saving cardio workouts.
34. Dip Bars
The ProsourceFit Dip Bars are tough and durable. They’re made entirely from powder-coated iron and can support up to 400 pounds.
35. Yoga Blocks
The BalanceFrom Yoga Blocks are a pair of two high-density foam blocks. Each one measures 9” x 6” x 4”, with a safe, anti-slip surface.
36. Pilates Ring
The Balanced Body Pilates Ring is a straightforward and versatile pilates exercise tool. It’s a 15-inch ring with ergonomic rests on the sides and can be used for upper and lower extremity exercises.
37. Medicine Ball
The Amazon Basics Medicine Ball weighs 6 pounds and is made from a strong, firm rubber material. The texture is easy to grip, with a high-contrast black and yellow finish.
The MAXPRO Fitness Portable Cable Machine is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a cable machine that’s small enough to fit in your luggage, and it provides up to 300 pounds of resistance.
This Weighted Fit Hoop is an adjustable fitness hoop designed for adults aiming for weight loss. It features 32 detachable links, accommodating waist sizes up to 65 inches, ensuring a comfortable fit for various body types. The hoop combines exercise and massage, providing a 2-in-1 workout experience that targets core muscles while promoting relaxation. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, and the design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it convenient for home use.
The ProsourceFit Balance Trainer is shaped like a flattened top, and you’re meant to balance on it. It’s made from PVC material, with a textured surface and 14-inch diameter.
41. Pushup Bar
Forget about a traditional straight bar and its poor ergonomics. The Perfect Fitness Pushup Bar is a pair of individual PVC handles that rotate with your hands as you push up.
The ZELUS Weighted Vest offers a versatile solution for enhancing your workouts. Available in weight ranges of 4–10 lbs, 11–20 lbs, and 20–32 lbs, it allows you to customize resistance to match your fitness level. The vest features six removable iron sand weight bags, enabling incremental adjustments as you progress. Its ergonomic design ensures even weight distribution, reducing strain during exercises.
43. Massage Gun
The Toloco Massage Gun is the ideal tool for loosening up after a hard workout. It comes with 15 unique massage heads, and the motor operates at 7 different speed levels.
44. Battle Rope
The ZENY Battle Rope is as tough as they come. It’s made from industrial-grade polymer and is 1.5 inches thick. You can order it in 30-, 40-, or 50-foot lengths.
45. Bosu Ball
The BOSU Home Balance Trainer is a versatile tool designed to enhance your workouts by challenging your balance, strength, and flexibility. Its unique half-dome design creates an unstable surface, engaging core muscles and improving overall stability. Whether you're performing squats, lunges, or planks, the BOSU adds an extra layer of difficulty, making your exercises more effective. It's compact and easy to store, making it ideal for home gyms with limited space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Home Exercise Equipment
1. What is the best compact exercise equipment for small apartments?
When space is limited, it helps to stick with multi-functional tools that store easily and support real results. Adjustable dumbbells, foldable treadmills, and under-desk bikes all offer solid workouts without taking up permanent floor space. Resistance bands and sliders are also great add-ons that pack a punch in a tiny footprint.
2. How do I choose the right equipment for my goals in a small space?
Think of your space as a toolkit: what you include should match your needs. If you're focused on strength training, go for adjustable weights, benches, or a portable cable system. For cardio, options like walking pads or stair steppers work well. Those recovering from injury or just starting out may benefit from low-impact tools like balance boards or recumbent bikes.
3. Which compact exercise tools deliver fast, full-body results in small spaces?
If you’re short on space but want meaningful results, a few tools stand out for how efficiently they target multiple systems without taking over your home: vibration plates, mini stair climbers, and walking pads.
Vibration Plates: A 2023 study in Frontiers in Physiology found that performing exercises on a vibration platform significantly increased oxygen uptake and calorie burn compared to traditional training. Another 2023 trial showed improvements in resting metabolic rate over time. When combined with basic strength moves like squats or planks, vibration plates stimulate deep muscle contractions and amplify intensity without adding bulk to your routine.
Mini Stair Climbers: These compact machines engage both the glutes and core, offering a low-impact way to elevate heart rate. Studies from the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation have shown that stair-step movements can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lower-body strength, making them ideal for quick, effective home workouts—especially in small vertical spaces.
Walking Pads: For those who prefer a steady-state cardio option, walking pads (also called under-desk treadmills) provide a practical way to hit daily step goals. Research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirms that even light-intensity walking can improve blood pressure, weight control, and insulin sensitivity—all within the comfort of your living room.
4. Are compact fitness machines just as effective as full-size gym equipment?
They can be. A 2023 meta-analysis found that when matched for resistance and workout frequency, users saw comparable results using space-saving equipment. The key is consistency and choosing gear that matches your workout style—whether it’s HIIT, resistance training, or mobility work.
5. What should I look for when buying compact gym equipment online?
Pay attention to durability, adjustability, and how easily it stores between workouts. Bonus points if it includes features like Bluetooth tracking, app integration, or modular resistance. Verified reviews and actual use-case photos can also help you avoid cheap materials or poorly designed gear.
6. Can small equipment really improve strength and mobility?
Yes—and often faster than expected. Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that tools like sliders, resistance bands, and balance trainers can significantly improve mobility, muscle control, and flexibility over time. And they’re especially helpful for those recovering from injury or starting a new routine.
Final Thoughts
Every one of these compact gym equipment options could be viable under the right circumstances. But no matter whether you’re doing bodyweight workouts or resistance training, at least one of them should be perfect for your personal gym.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your specific condition.
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