Do you live in a small space and want the luxury of owning a personalized home gym so you can work out from the comfort of your own home? Or maybe you are tired of driving to and from your local gym and spending hundreds of dollars on memberships.
If this sounds like you, then owning your own personal gym equipment may be the perfect solution for you.
We searched long and hard to find the best compact exercise equipment for small spaces. Whether you live in a condo, apartment, or simply want to maximize the space in your home, you can finally gain the same benefits from a professional gym, without having to worry about space.
Since everyone has different goals, we selected the best products by category, including weight loss, building muscle, and even cardio exercises while sitting at your office or home desk.
The Best Compact Fitness Equipment For Cardio and Comparison Chart
Comparison Chart
BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 by 1Loop – Full Portable Gym Workout Package, Includes 1 Set Of 2 Resistance Bands – Collapsible Resistance Bar, 2 Handles + more – Full Body Workouts For Home, Travel or Outside
Exerpeutic
Size: 33 X 20 X 55.5 (inches)
Weight: 42 lbs
The Exerpeutic fitness bike has the ability to fold magnetically, making it great for storage. It is also constructed with a solid steel frame that supports up to 300lbs of body weight, making it ideal for heavier individuals who want to implement cardio exercises into their routine.
Some key features that we liked were the large LCD display, which helps you keep an eye on the time, distance, speed, pulse, and calories burned. The tension is adjustable for up to 8 levels of resistance, giving you the option to adapt your workouts to your fitness level.
You will find that this fitness bike gives you a quiet and smooth motion when peddling, so you can still enjoy your cardio sessions while listening to music, watching TV, or reading.
Pros
- Supports up to 300lbs
- LCD Display tracks calories, distance, time, speed, and pulse
- Large seats are adjustable to fit people from 5’3′, to 6’1 inches in height.
- 3 piece high torque crank system reduces noise and provides a smooth ride.
- It can be folded for easy storage.
- 8 resistance levels
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Proprietary seating cannot be swapped out. You are stuck with this seat.
- The seating is a bit firm according to reviews
Stamina
Body Trac Glider Rowing Machine
Size: 50 x 12 x 10 (inches)
Weight: 39lbs
If you want to experience a cardio workout that mimics rowing on the water, then the Stamina is your best option for your home. It offers a smooth and adjustable ride and gives you the ability to change the resistance settings to make rowing easier or more difficult, depending on your preference.
This rower also has a built-in display that tracks your workout time, calories burned, stroke count, as well as the total number of strokes accumulated during your sessions. We really liked the placement of the display, as it makes it easy to look at without obstructing your view.
Overall, this is a great option if you want to integrate strength training in your cardio workout and are looking to maximize space in an existing home gym.
Pros
- Foldable arms for easy storage
- Mimics rowing on water
- Sturdy steel frame construction
- Comfortable molded seating lengthier training sessions
- Electric monitor tracks calories, strokes, time, and the total accumulated strokes.
- List Item
Cons
- Difficult to assemble (may take up to 45 minutes
- It could be quieter during use.
XTERRA
Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Size: 40 x 18 x 43 (inches)
Weight: 32lbs
The XTERRA is another folding bike, however, this one can fit into even smaller spaces than most other products currently on the market. It even has mounted transportation wheels to help make it easier to haul around your home.
Some features that we loved about this cardio bike was the quality. It is made of solid steel construction and has a 3 piece pedal crank for extra durability. The quality of pedals is a common problem with these kinds of bikes, so this feature really makes this product stand out above all others.
Additional features include an LCD display which monitors your speed, distance, time and calories. The bike also has 8 resistance levels that can be manually adjusted with a knob for your preferred intensity level when performing cardio exercises.
Overall, this bike is a great option if you’re looking for a quiet and smooth ride for an affordable price.
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Description
- LCD displays distance, speed, time, calories and pulse
- 8 levels of resistance
- Durable pedals
- Adjustable seating
- 1-year warranty
- Affordable
- Smooth and quiet operation
Cons
- Does not support individuals over 5’10 inches tall.
The Best Compact Exercise Equipment For Muscle
BodyBoss
Full Portable Home Gym Workout Package
Size: 20 x 16 x 3
Weight: 16 lbs
Want to create any room into a gym without having to buy weights? Then the BodyBoss is the best option if you want to save yourself thousands of dollars on gym equipment. It allows you to perform over 300 workouts using resistance bands, bars, straps, handles that attach to a strong, non-slip platform.
It is very versatile and compact, allowing you to store it practically anywhere. This product also has many safety features including non-slip grips pads, and cloth bands to protect you during your sessions. The bands can even be anchored to your door to perform chest exercises.
Overall, the BodyBoss is a great space and money saver for all fitness levels. It can be used for building muscle and/or strength training in a whole new way using resistance bands. It also comes in two color options for both men and women for more personalization.
Pros
- Provides over 300 exercises using resistance bands.
- Durable for it size
- Safe
- Light weight
- Color options for men and women.
- Supports all fitness levels.
- Comes with workout guide
- Versatile
Cons
- Exercise guides lack clarity and quality. It’s recommended that you look for Youtube videos online to learn about all the different exercises you can do using this trainer.
THERACK
30lb Multi Target Work Station
Size: 15.8 x 24 x 34 (inches)
Weight: 30lbs
THERACK is perfect for performing circuit training and aerobic workouts in your living room or bedroom. It allows you to perform 19 different exercises, from dips, curls, pushups, rows, including abb exercises. It can be easily stored by taking it apart and can fit in tight spaces like under your bed, closet, or car trunk when traveling.
This trainer reconfigures to 3 different levels and is built from a durable steel frame, weighing only 30lbs. Included, you will receive a nutrition guide and 6 workout DVD’s that will demonstrate how to fully maximize your use out of this portable trainer.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame construction
- Reconfigures to 3 levels
- Allows you to perform 19 different exercises
- Durable
Cons
- Problems with delayed shipping through the supplier, however, there hasn’t been any recent issues with this
- Expensive
BowFlex Select Tech 522
Adjustable Dumbbells
Size: 16 x 8 x 9 (inches)
Weight: 118 lbs total
Buying multiple sets of dumbells can get pricey, and may take up a ton of space. The Bowflex Select Tech 22 solves this problem by packing 15 sets of weights into one.
What we like most about these weights is they allow you to switch to the desired weight quickly and efficiently thanks to the rapid switch mechanism, making them ideal for supersets and fast-paced workout routines for building strength and muscle.
This set of adjustable dumbells is made of durable molding, however, I wouldn’t recommend dropping them as you would with regular dumbells to avoid breaking the mechanism. Yet, they are reliable and can save you tons of space if you love using dumbells during your workout sessions, making them a great addition to any size room or gym.
Pros
- Received the Men’s Health Best Home Fitness Award in 2019
- Easy rapid weight switch mechanism dial.
- 2-year warranty on parts
- Durable molding
Cons
- Cannot be dropped or abused
- Expensive
The Best Fitness Exercise Equipment For Office Or Home Desk
Stamina
In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
Size: 24.5 x 17 x 11.5 (inches)
Weight: 30 lbs
This is the best small ‘under-the-table’ elliptical trainer we found. It is compact, affordable, and can be used either standing or sitting. It is small in size, lightweight, and stays quiet when in use, keeping it discreet if you are in your office at work, or in your living room watching TV.
Key features include a monitor that tracks exercise time, calories, strides per minute, and your total strides. It’s also bi-directional, therefore allowing you to pedal forwards or backward’s with the same amount of set intensity for a much more effective cardio workout.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Monitors calories, time, and strides.
- Textured non-slip grip pedals for safety
- Quiet operation
- Easy to assemble
- Comes in 3 colors
- Can be used sitting or standing
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for taller individuals over 6 feet due to short stride gap.
Stamina
In-Motion Compact Slider
Size: 24 x 18 x 12 (inches)
Weight: 24 lbs
The Stamina Compact Slider offers more features compared to our other step exercise machines, including adjustable resistance bands for upper body workouts, and a workout DVD. It also has a convenient handle, mounted on the top of the machine which makes it easy to carry around your home.
What we like most about this product is that the resistance level can be easily controlled using a knob, and the display will monitor your strides, time, and calories. You can use the Stamina either standing, or sitting, and can be used in both directions (forward and backward).
Overall, this is a great piece of equipment if you want to implement strength training with cardio, all at the same time!
Pros
- Adjustable tension for preferred intensity level
- Bi-directional movement
- Fitness tracker monitors strides, speed and calories.
- Includes workout DVD
- Easy to assemble
- Durable resistance bands
- Convenient handle for portability
- Affordable
Cons
- Could be quieter while in use.
DeskCycle
Desk Exercise Bike
Size: 24 x 20 x 10 (inches)
Weight: 24lbs
Our favorite home desk cardio bike comes from DeskCycle. It has the lowest pedal height available on the market and can work with desks as low as 27 inches in height. The magnetic resistance mechanism provides smooth and quiet operation while in use and is also bi-directional.
We like that the display tracks your time, distance, calories and scan which can all be saved through an app on either your phone or tablet. Also, for intensity settings, you have 8 levels of adjustment which are controlled by turning a dial located in the center of the unit.
Overall this is a great option if you want a small and highly durable piece of equipment that can be used anywhere while sitting at your home office. It’s a great cardio alternative to purchasing a treadmill that would otherwise take up too much space.
Pros
- Designed for low desk heights up to 27 inches.
- 8 calibrated resistance settings
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Display tracks time, distance, calories and scan.
- Bi-directional
- Optional progress logging with app.
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not ideal for taller people above 6ft in height and long legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Compact Workout Equipment?
Many people today are downsizing due to various reasons. If you live in a condo, apartment, or simply want more room, then going for compact exercise equipment will help you reduce clutter.
In addition, if you want to put together your very own home gym and have limited space to work with, then compact gear can also be a great alternative to purchasing oversized gym equipment.
Aside from the ability to work out in the comfort of your home, owning your personal set of equipment can provide multiple benefits that memberships otherwise cannot offer, therefore making them a much better option.
What Are The Benefits Of Owning Compact Exercise Equipment?
Saves You Money
Paying for monthly gym memberships can start racking up the bill quite fast.
The average person in the U.S will pay anywhere between 1000 to 1500 dollars in memberships and fuel alone. For this price, you can own multiple pieces of exercise equipment, and never have to worry about investing money consistently on a month to month basis.
The reality of this is that you will have to pay a significant amount upfront, depending on what you need. However, purchasing your own gear rather than paying for memberships can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the long run.
Saves You Time
Aside from the financial cost, owning your own gear can save you a ton of time. Constantly having to drive both ways to and from a gym, waiting in line for equipment to become available, and having to prepare before heading out, are all things that take away from your precious and most valuable commodity…TIME.
With owning your own compact exercise equipment, you can build your very own home gym. You can get fit where you want and when you want since it makes everything you need, available at your disposal.
In addition to saving time driving, you can spend more of it training and doing the things that will move the needle that much forward. Whether its weight-loss or becoming more healthy in general, there is no doubt that owning your own fitness equipment is the better option!
Customize To Your Liking
Owning your own equipment gives you complete control over what you use, and how you want to build your home gym. You can mix and match the types of equipment together for a fully customized experience that is tailored to you and your fitness style.
Having this kind of ownership will allow you to adapt the equipment to you, rather than you adapting to the equipment.
It’s Sanitary
One of the greatest challenges that I faced in the past when going to my local gym was that I got sick often. Even though I was eating healthy, getting proper sleep, and taking all my multivitamins, I still managed to get the flu or cold. It’s no secret that this was caused by the large number of people who were touching the equipment all the time at the gym.
Once I got my own compact exercise equipment, this problem went away.
Shocking!
When owning your own gear, you are far less likely to get sick since there aren’t hundreds of people transferring germs and bacteria around. And let’s be honest, those towels and spray bottles at your local gym, there’s a reason why they stay full 90% of the time…
No More Excuses!
Have you ever woken up, or got home from work and second-guessed whether you want to drive through town, or go through the hassle of preparing before commuting to your gym?
What if you can by-pass all that hustle and bustle, slam back your shake, and go right to working out in any room in your home.
With your own gear, there is no more room for excuses. Everything is right there, and readily available. No matter what the weather, if its rain or snow, you can have all you need right at your disposal.
What Is The Best Compact Home Exercise Equipment To Lose Weight?
There are tons of innovative products today that are compact and may help you lose weight.
In order to target weight loss, you need to focus on performing cardiovascular exercises. These are exercises that force your heart to work harder, requiring more oxygen for your muscles and cause you to burn more calories. This helps you lose unwanted fat from your love handles, tummy, arms, legs, and thighs.
Some of the best compact exercise equipment for cardio are spin bikes, rowing machines, or anything that requires you to use your legs muscles using pedals, specifically your quadriceps. Treadmills are great, however, there is no way to reduce the size of them.
Because your quadriceps are one of the biggest muscle groups in your body, they require that much more blood and oxygen consumption. Targeting these muscles is one of the best ways to get your heart going and burn through calories in order to lose weight.
How To Choose The Best Compact Exercise Equipment For Condos
Portability
Going for workout equipment that is compact and you can be stored easily is a huge plus. After all, the goal is to maximize the space in your home and make room for more equipment without cluttering your area.
Consider features like folding, or easy re-assembly can help you hide your equipment into a closet, under your bed or storage space. We suggest looking at the dimensions to see whether or not portability will be an issue. Also, make sure you go for something lightweight and sturdy.
Your Space
Before purchasing, it is always a good idea to measure how much space you have first. Once you create a list of all the necessary hardware, add and see whether or not you will have room to properly use the equipment.
Quality
Since compact exercise equipment is intended to be small and lightweight, companies will oftentimes use cheap plastics and low-quality materials to cut down on costs.
Going for steel, carbon fiber, and more durable plastics will help you avoid breaks and problems down the road. Machines like spin bikes, treadmills, and rowing machines, have many moving parts to them.
Going for quality mechanisms are always a better option if you want to avoid any mechanical issues later down the road. You can check this by going through reviews and reading reports on other people’s feedback about the product
Warranty
Home gym equipment is not cheap, and parts may be expensive to replace. Keep an eye on the warranty, as it will save you from paying hundreds on parts and labor.
A long term warranty also communicates to me that the brand or company is confident about the product lasting. The longer the warranty, the lesser the odds are of the equipment breaking.
Budget + Goals
The reality is that home gym equipment is not cheap. Especially if you are going for quality and durability.
Make sure you set a realistic budget and determine what your goals are. Then list all the types of exercise equipment that can help get you to your goal, whether that’s weight-loss, strength training, or building muscle.
If you can only purchase one piece of equipment, then go for the highest priority piece that you think will help you produce the best results, then slowly start adding more items to your home gym once you can afford to do so.