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45 Ideas for Workout Equipment for Small Spaces
Updated: Oct 15
Finding good home gym equipment can be a challenge. It can be even tougher when you need compact exercise equipment for small spaces. Fitness equipment is often large, which is problematic when you're short on floor space.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options, from resistance bands to adjustable dumbbells. But what's the best choice for your home? I've looked for the best compact exercise equipment so you don't have to. Here are 45 ideas to get you started.
Choosing the Best Exercise Equipment for Small Spaces
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 those are 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.
Choose Workout Equipment for Your Favorite Exercises
Even the best exercise equipment serves no purpose if it doesn't match your personal 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.
Related: 9 Best Pregnancy Workout Apps to Keep Moms Fit
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 stuck 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)
1. Pilates Reformer
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.
2. Adjustable Dumbbells
The JamGym Adjustable Dumbbells are made from tough, high-density alloy steel. By adding or removing individual spacer weights, you can adjust between 5 and 25 pounds.
3. TRX Set
The TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer is an advanced set of resistance bands with durable, ergonomic foam handles. The carabineer can hold up to 700 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking loose.
4. Adjustable Kettlebells
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.
5. Durable Yoga Mat
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.
6. MOTR Pilates Training System
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.
7. 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.
8. Recumbent Bike
A recumbent bike provides a low-impact alternative[*] to a traditional stationary bike. The Schwinn Recumbent Bike is one of the best, with 25 resistance levels and 29 built-in workout programs.
9. Stationary Bike
If you prefer a traditional exercise bike, the Cyclace Stationary Bike is a solid choice. It can support 330 pounds, with a 36-pound flywheel. And with a 40.9” x 24.2” footprint, it takes up minimal floor space.
10. Smart Treadmill
The YDZJY Smart Treadmill is designed to work with biometrics and a smartphone app. It has a large running belt for the size, and has an adjustable speed of 0.6 to 7.5 MPH.
11. 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.
12. Adjustable Bench Press
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.
13. Under Desk Bike
For an especially smooth pedal stroke, the DeskCycle under desk cycle incorporates premium magnetic resistance. It is whisper-quiet, easier on your joints, and won't disturb others around you.
14. 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.
15. Power Tower
The Sagler Power Tower is a compact dip station with nine adjustable height levels. It’s made entirely from steel and boasts an impressive 400-pound weight capacity.
16. 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.
17. Peloton
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 an added bonus, it keeps you cool while you’re riding.
20. Bowflex Max Trainer
The Bowflex Max Trainer is a tough little stair-stepping machine, with a compact, 22.5” x 46.5” footprint.
21. Jump Rope
Jumping rope is as demanding an exercise as you’ll find. The Loocio Jump Rope is up to the job, with a tough steel wire and protective PVC coating.
22. Echelon Smart Mirror
The Echelon Smart Mirror is more than a mirror. It’s also a smart camera that can connect you with live personal training sessions.
23. T2 All in One Trainer
The T2 All in One Trainer is a versatile fitness band with a built-in ratcheting system. It can be adjusted to perform a number of workouts.
24. Boxvr VR Fitness Game
Boxvr is an innovative fitness game where you box along with pre-recorded routines. You’ll need a PlayStation 4 or PS5 to use it.
25. 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.
26. Ab Wheel Roller
An ab wheel roller provides a great workout, even in a very small space. The Vinsguir roller offers excellent stability, with a wide, 3.2-inch rolling surface.
27. Pull-Up Bar
The Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar is a sturdy aluminum bar that mounts in most door frames. It also includes a set of straps for other workouts and can function as a door anchor.
28. Yoga Ball
The BalanceFrom 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.
29. Fitness Trampoline
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.
30. Rocker Balance Board
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.
31. Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
The Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine uses electromagnetic resistance, which allows for a smaller footprint than most rowing machines. And rowing is one of the best exercises for general fitness since it exercises the entire body.[*]
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. Under Desk Elliptical
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.
34. Cordless Jump Rope
The Treino Live Cordless Jump Rope consists of a pair of handles with little weighted fobs. You swing them around as you would ordinarily jump rope handles, but there’s no connecting rope. Each swing registers with an internal computer, and a built-in display counts your calories burned.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. Portable Cable Machine
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.
40. Weighted Fitness Hoop
The Dumoyi Weighted Fitness Hoop is a segmented, weighted hoop with 24 different sections. They’re easy to add and remove, so the hoop is quick to adjust to different sizes.
41. ProsourceFit Balance Trainer
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.
42. 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.
43. Weighted Vest
A weighted vest can pump up the intensity of your jogging routine. The RUNMax Weighted Vest comes with multiple weighted plates, to adjust the weight between 20 and 140 pounds.
44. 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.
45. Under Desk Treadmill
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.
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.
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