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Not everyone has access to a warehouse-sized commercial gym or a room in their home they can stock with cardio machines and free weights. It’s important, then, to identify and highlight the best compact exercise equipment on the market. Size, after all, isn’t an indicator of quality. When selecting the best compact exercise equipment, consider both your own...
The post The Best Compact Exercise Equipment of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Not everyone has access to a warehouse-sized commercial gym or a room in their home they can stock with cardio machines and free weights. It’s important, then, to identify and highlight the best compact exercise equipment on the market. Size, after all, isn’t an indicator of quality.
When selecting the best compact exercise equipment, consider both your own fitness needs and the exercise you most enjoy doing. Is strength training your game? Do you prefer zoning out on a cardio machine like a treadmill or elliptical? If benches and machines are entirely out of the picture, the good news is that there are other options to consider. Not every workout, after all, requires weights and machines. We scoured every corner of the fitness market to find space-saving alternatives for athletes of every stripe.
Best Compact Exercise Equipment of 2023
How We Tested the Best Compact Exercise Equipment
Over the years, BarBend’s team of experts have explored the gamut of cardio, strength, and flexibility equipment, cultivating a studied understanding of the key features to look for in any machine, dumbbell, or fitness tool. Drawing upon the knowledge they’ve cultivated through hands-on experience, not to mention their years as certified personal trainers and competitive athletes, they’ve learned what features you can and can’t sacrifice when making a compact version of any piece of equipment.
Since our picks for the best compact exercise equipment encompass weights, machines, bodyweight suspension straps, and smart home gyms, we sought to consider a number of factors as they relate to a product’s footprint. Was the craftsmanship or durability in any way compromised by the manufacturer’s effort to save space? How has its accessibility been impacted? We also wanted to include travel-friendly options to cater to those who have no gym, cluttered or otherwise, to call home. See our picks below.
Best Compact Home Gym: Tonal
Tonal
Tonal
The Tonal is an interactive home gym that delivers up to 200 lbs of total electromagnetic resistance with the use of two maneuverable pulleys. What's most impressive is that it adapts as you progresses, which means you'll always be pushing closer to your fitness goals.
Shop Tonal
Specs
Pros
Cons
If your space is limited but you’ve got money to spend, the Tonal provides an interactive and comprehensive workout that requires roughly seven square feet of space, much smaller than your average treadmill or elliptical.
A smart home gym, the Tonal is a wall-mounted piece of equipment with a pair of pulleys that rely on electromagnetic resistance. You can perform 200 moves with up to 200 pounds of weighted resistance with the pulleys alone, which can negate the need for barbells, weight plates, dumbbells, and strength machines. On-demand strength, cardio, HIIT, and mobility workouts from Tonal can be accessed via the 24-inch touchscreen. If a clean, streamlined gym is what you’re looking for, Tonal will give you one.
But it’s the Tonal’s tech features that may result in it being the “Rolls Royce of smart home gyms,” as BarBend’s Jake Herod put it in his video review. An adaptive machine, the Tonal detects when you’re struggling and will automatically adjust the weight to your needs. On the other hand, Tonal also has a feature that will add difficulty to the lowering and lifting portions of your movements. Built-in sensors, meanwhile, will alert you when your form is flagging and provide suggestions on how you can fix it.
See Jake walk through its many features in the video below.
https://youtu.be/Wzv8WWrbPSYVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: UPDATED Tonal Home Gym Review (2022) — Is It STILL The BEST? (https://youtu.be/Wzv8WWrbPSY)
You can make adjustments yourself as well. The handles include controls that let you increase or decrease resistance, allowing you to situate yourself ahead of sets and new exercises without disrupting your flow. You can also link up Apple Music and Spotify accounts so you’re not routinely returning to your phone or laptop.
Tonal’s Smart Handles. Credit: BarBend
If the 200-pound weight limit sounds limiting, it’s worth noting that Tonal’s pulleys operate on a 1:1 ratio rather than the 2:1 you’ll find on a cable machine at the gym. That will significantly amp up the challenge, as you’ll need 200 pounds of force to move the weight. Still, the Tonal might not be best suited for powerlifters used to increasingly heavy loads.
For the average user, however, the Tonal should provide ample challenge. And if you have a little extra money to spend (and space to spare), you can trick out the Tonal with a variety of accessories that include a weight bench, bar, rope, and foam roller.
Read our full Tonal Review.
Best Compact Treadmill: Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Shop SOLE
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Sole F63 is a budget-friendly, space-saving treadmill that doesn’t skimp when it comes to power. Though it can slip snugly in the corner of your gym — and fold closed when not in use — the treadmill packs a robust 3.0 HP motor capable of supporting an impressive 325 pounds while reaching speeds of 12 miles per hour.
As far as folding is concerned, the hydraulic folding mechanism does most of the work for you. When you’re ready to run, just give the hydraulic tube on its underside a slight kick and lace up as it automatically unfolds. When you’re done, fold it back up with ease to make room for dumbbells, kettlebells, or a yoga mat.
The F63 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for functionality. Our testers were impressed by its storage compartments, integrated tablet stand, and pair of cup holders, as well as the ability to control speed and incline via buttons on the handlebars. The 6.5-inch display leaves something to be desired, but the USB charging port and built-in Bluetooth speakers compensate for its lack of tech-savvy.
We wouldn’t recommend the F63 for long-distance runners, as its undersized 1.8-inch rollers won’t resist belt wear as well as rollers 2.5 inches or higher would. Still, for casual joggers who want to round out their gym with a compact, well-designed treadmill that won’t break the bank, the F63 is a solid pick.
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Compact Dumbbells: Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
These adjustable dumbbells offer weights ranging from 10 pounds to 80 pounds in 10-pound increments and are almost entirely made from metal.
Shop Snode
Specs
Pros
Cons
BarBend’s Jake Herod calls adjustable dumbbells, “some of the best pieces of equipment you can add to your home gym.” There is much to their appeal, but the amount of space they save is one of their most compelling features. One set of Snode Adjustable Dumbbells, after all, takes the place of 16 individual dumbbells.
Snode Adjustable Dumbbells are unique in that they range from 10 pounds to a whopping 80 pounds. Most adjustable dumbbell sets only go up to 50 or 55 pounds, making these ideal for those who want to push themselves during presses and curls. The dumbbells come nestled in a cradle that makes adjustment a breeze — simply twist the dial to your desired weight to add on or release plates, then lift them out and start pumping.
See Jake’s demonstration in the video below.
https://youtu.be/VrUme1zq7cYVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: The NEW Standard? — Snode Adjustable Dumbbell Review (2023) (https://youtu.be/VrUme1zq7cY)
There’s a lot we love about these dumbbells, including that they’re made almost entirely of cast iron, which is rare when it comes to adjustable dumbbells. Specifically, we enjoy the thickness and knurling on the chrome-plated handles. In addition to providing a sure grip, they have the heft and feel of a traditional set of dumbbells.
Jake bench-pressing with Snode Adjustable Dumbbells. Credit: BarBend
One downside is the 10-pound adjustment range. During training, athletes may desire more gradual adjustments of two to five pounds. One solution is to add on a set of eight magnetic weight plates, though they’ll run you an additional $59.99.
These dumbbells cost nearly $800, which might be a dealbreaker. It’s worth reiterating, though, that one set of these dumbbells subs in for eight pairs of traditional dumbbells. In addition to the space you’ll save, you’ll likely even save some money in the long run.
Read our full Snode Adjustable Dumbbells Review.
Best Compact Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
While there are certainly more compact exercise bikes on the market, the NordicTrack S22i is notable for how much it packs into its relatively small footprint. There’s its 22-inch HD display, for one, as well as its 24 levels of resistance and impressive incline and decline options.
The S22i is one of the rare bikes to offer a 20 percent incline and a 10 percent decline. Better yet, the bike will automatically adjust the incline and decline based on the classes and scenic rides you can access via the iFit app.
The NordicTrack S22i’s 22-inch touchscreen monitor. Credit: BarBend
iFit offers more than 16,000 classes taught by a roster of trainers that runs 180 deep and counts Olympians and marathon runners among its ranks. It doesn’t stop at cardio, either. Thanks to the 360-degree swivel of its touchscreen, you can roll out a yoga mat and grab some dumbbells to partake in strength and stretching classes off the bike.
In his video review, BarBend’s Jake Herod touted the bike’s various conveniences, which include Bluetooth compatibility, a built-in fan, and the quiet ride that comes courtesy of its magnetic flywheel system. “I feel like I am riding a finely tuned European sports car,” raves one five-star review.
Watch Jake give the S22i a spin below.
https://youtu.be/e6JbKMsCmG4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review (2022) — Most INTERACTIVE BIKE? (https://youtu.be/e6JbKMsCmG4)
You get one free month of iFit with your purchase, but it will cost you $39 a month after that. If you don’t plan on subscribing, you may want to consider another bike, as the iFit app is key to unlocking the S22i’s full potential.
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Review.
Best Compact Rowing Machine: Sole SR550
Sole SR550 Rower
Sole SR550 Rower
This WiFi-equipped rowing machine combines magnetic and air resistance to evoke the experience of rowing on the open water. It's roughly a foot smaller than most home rowers and can fold up for easy storage.
...
Click here to view the article.
The post The Best Compact Exercise Equipment of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Not everyone has access to a warehouse-sized commercial gym or a room in their home they can stock with cardio machines and free weights. It’s important, then, to identify and highlight the best compact exercise equipment on the market. Size, after all, isn’t an indicator of quality.
When selecting the best compact exercise equipment, consider both your own fitness needs and the exercise you most enjoy doing. Is strength training your game? Do you prefer zoning out on a cardio machine like a treadmill or elliptical? If benches and machines are entirely out of the picture, the good news is that there are other options to consider. Not every workout, after all, requires weights and machines. We scoured every corner of the fitness market to find space-saving alternatives for athletes of every stripe.
Best Compact Exercise Equipment of 2023
- Best Compact Home Gym: Tonal
- Best Compact Treadmill: Sole F63
- Best Compact Dumbbells: Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best Compact Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial S22i
- Best Compact Rowing Machine: Sole SR500
- Best Compact Kettlebell: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Compact Weight Bench: Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench
- Best Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine
- Best Compact Squat Rack: REP SR-4000 Squat Rack
- Best Resistance Bands: Living.Fit Resistance Bands
- Best Portable Home Gym: TRX Home2 System
How We Tested the Best Compact Exercise Equipment
Over the years, BarBend’s team of experts have explored the gamut of cardio, strength, and flexibility equipment, cultivating a studied understanding of the key features to look for in any machine, dumbbell, or fitness tool. Drawing upon the knowledge they’ve cultivated through hands-on experience, not to mention their years as certified personal trainers and competitive athletes, they’ve learned what features you can and can’t sacrifice when making a compact version of any piece of equipment.
Since our picks for the best compact exercise equipment encompass weights, machines, bodyweight suspension straps, and smart home gyms, we sought to consider a number of factors as they relate to a product’s footprint. Was the craftsmanship or durability in any way compromised by the manufacturer’s effort to save space? How has its accessibility been impacted? We also wanted to include travel-friendly options to cater to those who have no gym, cluttered or otherwise, to call home. See our picks below.
Best Compact Home Gym: Tonal
Tonal
Tonal
The Tonal is an interactive home gym that delivers up to 200 lbs of total electromagnetic resistance with the use of two maneuverable pulleys. What's most impressive is that it adapts as you progresses, which means you'll always be pushing closer to your fitness goals.
Shop Tonal
Specs
- Price: $3,495
- Resistance Type: Cable/Magnetic
- Max Tension: 200lbs
- Dimensions: 50.9” H x 5.25” L x 21.5” W
Pros
- This wall-mounted smart home gym requires just seven square feet of space.
- The adaptive machine automatically adjusts resistance to your output.
- Tonal’s app provides access to thousands of fitness classes on its touchscreen.
- Handles include resistance controls, so you won’t disrupt your workout.
Cons
- 200-pound weight resistance might be limiting for powerlifters and strength trainers.
- It’s very expensive at $3,495, and the optional accessories will cost you another $500.
- The Tonal app, key to the machine’s appeal, will cost you another $49 a month.
- If you need to move the Tonal, it will need to be reinstalled by Tonal’s installation team.
If your space is limited but you’ve got money to spend, the Tonal provides an interactive and comprehensive workout that requires roughly seven square feet of space, much smaller than your average treadmill or elliptical.
A smart home gym, the Tonal is a wall-mounted piece of equipment with a pair of pulleys that rely on electromagnetic resistance. You can perform 200 moves with up to 200 pounds of weighted resistance with the pulleys alone, which can negate the need for barbells, weight plates, dumbbells, and strength machines. On-demand strength, cardio, HIIT, and mobility workouts from Tonal can be accessed via the 24-inch touchscreen. If a clean, streamlined gym is what you’re looking for, Tonal will give you one.
But it’s the Tonal’s tech features that may result in it being the “Rolls Royce of smart home gyms,” as BarBend’s Jake Herod put it in his video review. An adaptive machine, the Tonal detects when you’re struggling and will automatically adjust the weight to your needs. On the other hand, Tonal also has a feature that will add difficulty to the lowering and lifting portions of your movements. Built-in sensors, meanwhile, will alert you when your form is flagging and provide suggestions on how you can fix it.
See Jake walk through its many features in the video below.
https://youtu.be/Wzv8WWrbPSYVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: UPDATED Tonal Home Gym Review (2022) — Is It STILL The BEST? (https://youtu.be/Wzv8WWrbPSY)
You can make adjustments yourself as well. The handles include controls that let you increase or decrease resistance, allowing you to situate yourself ahead of sets and new exercises without disrupting your flow. You can also link up Apple Music and Spotify accounts so you’re not routinely returning to your phone or laptop.
If the 200-pound weight limit sounds limiting, it’s worth noting that Tonal’s pulleys operate on a 1:1 ratio rather than the 2:1 you’ll find on a cable machine at the gym. That will significantly amp up the challenge, as you’ll need 200 pounds of force to move the weight. Still, the Tonal might not be best suited for powerlifters used to increasingly heavy loads.
For the average user, however, the Tonal should provide ample challenge. And if you have a little extra money to spend (and space to spare), you can trick out the Tonal with a variety of accessories that include a weight bench, bar, rope, and foam roller.
Read our full Tonal Review.
Best Compact Treadmill: Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Shop SOLE
Specs
- Price: $1,099.99
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 15 percent
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 67’’ H x 77’’ L x 35’’ W
Pros
- The F63’s hydraulic folding mechanism makes storage easy.
- It supports up to 325 pounds, and reaches speeds of 12 miles per hour.
- Has a tablet stand, so you can comfortably stream workouts or your favorite shows.
- Lifetime warranty on frame and motor.
Cons
- It’s not suitable for long-distance runners due to Its undersized 1.8-inch rollers.
- We sensed a light rattle during sprints.
- Its built-in fan could pack more power.
The Sole F63 is a budget-friendly, space-saving treadmill that doesn’t skimp when it comes to power. Though it can slip snugly in the corner of your gym — and fold closed when not in use — the treadmill packs a robust 3.0 HP motor capable of supporting an impressive 325 pounds while reaching speeds of 12 miles per hour.
As far as folding is concerned, the hydraulic folding mechanism does most of the work for you. When you’re ready to run, just give the hydraulic tube on its underside a slight kick and lace up as it automatically unfolds. When you’re done, fold it back up with ease to make room for dumbbells, kettlebells, or a yoga mat.
The F63 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for functionality. Our testers were impressed by its storage compartments, integrated tablet stand, and pair of cup holders, as well as the ability to control speed and incline via buttons on the handlebars. The 6.5-inch display leaves something to be desired, but the USB charging port and built-in Bluetooth speakers compensate for its lack of tech-savvy.
We wouldn’t recommend the F63 for long-distance runners, as its undersized 1.8-inch rollers won’t resist belt wear as well as rollers 2.5 inches or higher would. Still, for casual joggers who want to round out their gym with a compact, well-designed treadmill that won’t break the bank, the F63 is a solid pick.
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Compact Dumbbells: Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
Snode Adjustable Dumbbells
These adjustable dumbbells offer weights ranging from 10 pounds to 80 pounds in 10-pound increments and are almost entirely made from metal.
Shop Snode
Specs
- Price: $795
- Weight Range: 10 to 80 pounds in 10-pound increments
- Material: Cast iron
- Assembled Dimensions: 7.87’’ H x 19.29’’ L x 7.48’’
Pros
- These adjustable dumbbells can take the place of 16 individual dumbbells.
- They go up to 80 pounds, about 30 pounds heavier than most adjustable dumbbells.
- The cast iron construction is built to last.
- The chrome-plated iron handle has knurling to help provide a sure grip.
Cons
- The 10-pound increments may be limiting for those desiring gradual weight increases.
- The adjustment dial is plastic.
- They’re pricey at nearly $800.
BarBend’s Jake Herod calls adjustable dumbbells, “some of the best pieces of equipment you can add to your home gym.” There is much to their appeal, but the amount of space they save is one of their most compelling features. One set of Snode Adjustable Dumbbells, after all, takes the place of 16 individual dumbbells.
Snode Adjustable Dumbbells are unique in that they range from 10 pounds to a whopping 80 pounds. Most adjustable dumbbell sets only go up to 50 or 55 pounds, making these ideal for those who want to push themselves during presses and curls. The dumbbells come nestled in a cradle that makes adjustment a breeze — simply twist the dial to your desired weight to add on or release plates, then lift them out and start pumping.
See Jake’s demonstration in the video below.
https://youtu.be/VrUme1zq7cYVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: The NEW Standard? — Snode Adjustable Dumbbell Review (2023) (https://youtu.be/VrUme1zq7cY)
There’s a lot we love about these dumbbells, including that they’re made almost entirely of cast iron, which is rare when it comes to adjustable dumbbells. Specifically, we enjoy the thickness and knurling on the chrome-plated handles. In addition to providing a sure grip, they have the heft and feel of a traditional set of dumbbells.
One downside is the 10-pound adjustment range. During training, athletes may desire more gradual adjustments of two to five pounds. One solution is to add on a set of eight magnetic weight plates, though they’ll run you an additional $59.99.
These dumbbells cost nearly $800, which might be a dealbreaker. It’s worth reiterating, though, that one set of these dumbbells subs in for eight pairs of traditional dumbbells. In addition to the space you’ll save, you’ll likely even save some money in the long run.
Read our full Snode Adjustable Dumbbells Review.
Best Compact Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,899
- Max Incline and Decline: 20 percent and -10 percent
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Dimensions: 58” H x 61” L x 22” W
- Weight: 205lbs
Pros
- The S22i packs a lot of power and convenience in nine square feet.
- One of the rare exercise bikes with a 20 percent incline and -10 percent decline.
- Its magnetic flywheel provides a whisper-quiet ride.
- Comes with a free 30-day iFit trial.
Cons
- iFit, which costs $39 a month after your free month, is what brings out its full potential.
- You’ll need a strong WiFi connection to minimize buffering during rides.
- There are transport wheels but no dedicated handle, which can make moving it tough.
While there are certainly more compact exercise bikes on the market, the NordicTrack S22i is notable for how much it packs into its relatively small footprint. There’s its 22-inch HD display, for one, as well as its 24 levels of resistance and impressive incline and decline options.
The S22i is one of the rare bikes to offer a 20 percent incline and a 10 percent decline. Better yet, the bike will automatically adjust the incline and decline based on the classes and scenic rides you can access via the iFit app.
iFit offers more than 16,000 classes taught by a roster of trainers that runs 180 deep and counts Olympians and marathon runners among its ranks. It doesn’t stop at cardio, either. Thanks to the 360-degree swivel of its touchscreen, you can roll out a yoga mat and grab some dumbbells to partake in strength and stretching classes off the bike.
In his video review, BarBend’s Jake Herod touted the bike’s various conveniences, which include Bluetooth compatibility, a built-in fan, and the quiet ride that comes courtesy of its magnetic flywheel system. “I feel like I am riding a finely tuned European sports car,” raves one five-star review.
Watch Jake give the S22i a spin below.
https://youtu.be/e6JbKMsCmG4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review (2022) — Most INTERACTIVE BIKE? (https://youtu.be/e6JbKMsCmG4)
You get one free month of iFit with your purchase, but it will cost you $39 a month after that. If you don’t plan on subscribing, you may want to consider another bike, as the iFit app is key to unlocking the S22i’s full potential.
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Review.
Best Compact Rowing Machine: Sole SR550
Sole SR550 Rower
Sole SR550 Rower
This WiFi-equipped rowing machine combines magnetic and air resistance to evoke the experience of rowing on the open water. It's roughly a foot smaller than most home rowers and can fold up for easy storage.
...
Click here to view the article.
