The Best Compact Exercise Equipment of 2023

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

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/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

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

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/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

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/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

Specs

• Price: $1,399
• Resistance Type: Air and magnetic
• Weight Capacity: 400lbs
• Dimensions: 52” H x 97” L x 19” W 

Pros

• At roughly eight feet in length, the SR550 is a foot smaller than most home rowers. 
• It folds up for easy storage. 
• Controls built into the handlebar allow you to adjust resistance without disturbing your flow.
• This model has a 10.1-inch display with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. 
• You get a lifetime warranty on the frame.

Cons

• Since it operates on a combination of air and magnetic resistance, the rower is a touch louder than those that use strictly magnetic resistance. 
• This rower is a bit pricey at $1,399. 

The Sole SR550 measures roughly eight feet long, a good foot less than many rowing machines you’ll find on the market. It also folds up so you can more easily tuck it in closets or under the bed when you’ve sweat enough for the day. 

An upgraded version of Sole’s SR500 rower, the SR550’s 10.1-inch display is nearly twice the size of its predecessor’s, allowing a clearer look at your resistance level, distance, stroke rate, split time, estimated calories burned, and heart rate, should you sync up a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth. It can also connect with WiFi, which allows you to stream classes via the Sole+ app. 

Several reviews tout the user’s ability to adjust resistance via the rower’s handlebar, a handy feature that lets you intensify or abate your experience without letting go and disrupting your flow. “The ability to wirelessly adjust intensity at the handle is an awesome feature,” reads one five-star review. “It performs as well as more expensive rowers.”

Like the SR500, the SR550 operates with a combination of air and magnetic resistance, which, per our review, “creates a smooth drag similar to what you’d experience on open water.” In terms of noise, you can expect it to be a touch louder than rowers that only use magnetic resistance but quieter than your typical water rower. 

Perhaps most impressively, the SR550 takes up roughly the same footprint as the SR500 despite upgrades like the addition of a bigger display. If you’re looking to maximize every inch of your space in your home gym, this is the rower for you. 

Best Compact Kettlebell: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell

Specs

• Price: $149.99-$209.99
• Weight Range: 8-16kg; 16-24kg; 20-40lbs
• Material: Cast iron with a powder coat

Pros

• This adjustable kettlebell can take the place of six individual kettlebells. 
• Its competition-style body is forged from powder-coated cast iron for a sure grip. 
• Protect hardwood floors with its rubber bottom.

Cons

• The adjustment mechanism is made out of plastic. 
• Maxes out at 53 pounds, which might not be enough for some strength trainers. 

One REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell takes the place of six, clearing up space in your home gym to make room for additional gear and save you the pain of stubbed toes. It’s available in three different size and weight ranges — eight to 16 kilograms, 16 to 24 kilograms, and 20 to 40 pounds — and adjustments are made with the simple spin of a dial. 

REP’s model even maintains the appearance of a traditional kettlebell by masking the plates inside its cast iron body. To adjust it, just set the kettlebell down, choose your weight, and lift it back up. If you’re decreasing the weight, the undesired plates will release. If you’re increasing it, the plates will secure themselves back inside the kettlebell with the help of an internal thermoplastic fastener. 

Watch BarBend’s Jake Herod demonstrate the process (and put the kettlebells to work) in his video review below. 

https://youtu.be/lapZNTf6VHw

The kettlebells themselves are forged from chip-resistant powder coated cast iron that’s textured to provide a strong grip. We also like the rubber ring around the bottom that protects hardwood floors. It’s worth noting, however, that the adjustment mechanism is made of plastic, which can’t take a beating quite like cast iron. 

For those working with limited space, the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell frees up a lot of room while still providing a broad range of weight for your workouts. That it looks and feels like a traditional kettlebell is just the icing on the cake. 

Read our full REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell Review.

Best Compact Weight Bench: Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench

Specs

• Price: $320
• Material: 11-gauge steel
• Machine Dimensions: 17” H x 47” L x 14” W 
• Weight: 48lbs

Pros

• This collapsible weight bench comes with a wall-mounted hanger for easy storage.
• It is forged from 11-gauge steel with wide-set legs for additional stability.
• The 2.5-inch foam pad provides comfort and grip. 
• Its rubber feet work to protect hardwood floors. 

Cons

• The bench has no adjustability options. 
• The hinges can result in a very slight wobble for some users. 
• The 12-inch pad might be too narrow for those with narrow backs. 

This multipurpose weight bench from Rogue doesn’t just collapse when not in use; it gets off the floor entirely. When your presses and rows are finished, fold up the bench and pop it on the provided wall-mounted hanger. With the extra floor space, you can comfortably roll out a yoga mat or unfold a treadmill.

Folding is easy thanks to the bench’s hinged legs, which are secured in place by removable detent pins. When hitched to the laser-cut steel hanger, the bench sustains a slim profile by extending just eight inches off the wall. Since it weighs just 48 pounds, hoisting it onto the hanger shouldn’t provide too much of a challenge. 

Don’t let its small footprint fool you, though. The bench, built from 11-gauge steel, can handle heavy loads thanks to its wide-set legs, which are capped with rubber feet to prevent sliding. Rogue doesn’t provide a weight capacity for the bench, but 11-gauge steel benches tend to support up to 1,000 pounds. A 2.5-inch thick foam pad, meanwhile, provides comfort and grip during presses and skull crushers. 

Our tester had a few minor concerns. You might feel a slight wobble during lifts thanks to the hinges. The pad, too, is only 12 inches wide, which might be a bit too narrow for those with wide backs. If you can live with that, you’ll no doubt be pleased with the versatility and low profile of this bench. 

Read our full Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench Review.

Best Compact Elliptical: Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Specs

• Price: $349.94
• Weight Capacity: 260lbs
• Machine Dimensions: 64” H x 44” L x 25” W 
• Weight: 95lbs

Pros

• This compact cardio machine provides an elliptical-like workout without a lengthy track.
• Climb and stride at the same time for a workout that evokes ellipticals and steppers. 
• Sweat through eight levels of magnetic resistance.
• It’s affordable at just $349.94. 

Cons

• Its weight capacity tops out at 260 pounds. 
• The nine-inch stride length may not accommodate taller users. 
• The built-in monitor only tracks basic metrics. 

Since they’re typically all about the stride, ellipticals tend to require a wide berth. The Cardio Climber saves some crucial inches with a design that combines elements of both ellipticals and stair climbers, resulting in a machine that won’t overcrowd your home gym.

The Cardio Climber has a vertical climbing height of nine inches and a horizontal stride of five inches, which eliminates the need for a traditional elliptical track while still providing a dynamic workout for your lower-body muscles, triceps, and rhomboids. Its inertia-ready flywheel makes for a quiet ride, providing smooth transitions through the machine’s eight levels of magnetic resistance. 

The Cardio Climber’s small footprint comes with a few compromises. Its nine-inch stride length, for example, can be inhospitable to taller users, and we wish the steel frame had a weight capacity of more than 260 pounds. 

Its small stature has benefits, though. Not only is it unobtrusive, but it’s under 100 pounds and equipped with wheels for easy transport from nook to nook. Customers agree. “Our space is limited (a small alcove off the dining room) and it is perfect for that,” reads one five-star review.

Best Compact Squat Rack: REP SR-4000 Squat Rack

Specs

• Price: $684.99
• Material: 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Height Options: 96″ and 103″
• Machine Dimensions: 96’’ or 103’’ H x 71.4’’ L x 52.4’’ W

Pros

• This bare-bones squat rack is up to 25 inches less wide and 40 inches less deep than many full-size squat racks. 
• Choose from two height options: 96’’ and 103’’.
• Its 11-gauge steel construction can support up to 1,000 pounds.
• Enjoy additional weight plate storage with built-in horns. 

Cons

• Though it’s compatible with REP attachments, the rack itself is a no-frills stand. 
• Some might find it pricey, considering its bare-bones design. 

Though it’s on the smaller side, the 1,000-pound capacity of the REP SR-4000 Squat Rack can still cater to your maxes. And since it’ll have a smaller footprint on your home gym than other racks, you’ll have plenty of space for other gear — especially since it’s got built-in weight horns for easy plate storage. 

The SR-4000’s 3’’ x 3’’ tubing is forged from 11-gauge steel with a matte powder coating that’s built to last. The key design flourish contributing to its strength, however, is the addition of triangular reinforcements around the base of its uprights. Several customer reviews pointed out its stability, noting that it’s sturdy enough to support kipping pull-ups, toes to bars, and dips from users over 200 pounds. 

“Purchased this rack for my garage gym and could not be more pleased,” reads one five-star review. “Assembly was quick and easy and the rack is solid with pull-ups, anything with rings, and all your standard barbell or Olympic lifts.”

The SR-4000 is a bare-bones rack, but it does come fitted with a 1.25-inch pull-up bar and a pair of pre-drilled feet should you want to bolt it into the ground. If you’ve got a little space to spare, it’s also compatible with most of REP’s 4000-series attachments. 

Best Resistance Bands: Living.Fit Resistance Bands

Specs

• Price: Single bands start at $14.99; a set of four costs $34.99; a set of six costs $79.99 
• Weight Range: 5lbs to 200lbs
• Material: Natural latex
• Length: 41’’ with a circumference of 81.9’’
• Width: 0.5’’ to 3.2’’

Pros

• These strength bands come in a variety of resistance ranges and fold up for easy travel.
• They’re strong enough to assist with bodyweight exercises and weight training. 
• The natural latex construction is stretchier and more durable than rubber models. 
• The color-coded design makes it easy to identify each band’s resistance level. 

Cons

• The loop-style bands have no handles. 
• The sets don’t include mini bands, as each band is 41 inches in length. 

Travel-ready and as low-profile as they come, resistance bands are perfect for sustaining a fitness routine when you’re on the road or lacking the space for a proper gym. We’re big fans of Living.Fit’s bands, which come in a variety of resistance ranges that cater to basic stretches and serious strength workouts. 

You can scoop up Living.Fit’s bands individually or in sets of four or six. Depending on which bands you purchase, resistances can range from five pounds to 200 pounds. They’re also color-coded based on weight so you won’t have to waste time snapping and stretching looking for the right resistance. 

In his review, BarBend’s Jake Herod touted the durability and versatility of Living.Fit’s bands. The solid red 10-pound band, for example, was perfect for banded pull-aparts before getting to work on the upper body. The heavier bands, on the other hand, were useful for warming up the hips and providing a boost during pull-ups. 

Bands can be utilized to add resistance to any number of bodyweight workouts. Since they’re strength bands, though, you can also pair them with equipment to intensify bicep curls, overhead extensions, barbell squats, and bench presses. Simply loop the bands around a bar or band peg and start lifting. 

The natural latex of Living.Fit’s bands is also worth noting, as it provides more elasticity than bands with a rubber build and is more likely to retain its shape after repeated use. Since many resistance band exercises incorporate high reps, you’ll want a band like these that won’t rip mid-lift. 

Read our full Living.Fit Resistance Bands Review.

Best Portable Home Gym: TRX Home2 System

Specs

• Price: $229.95
• Includes: Adjustable straps, handles, door anchor, suspension anchor, mesh carry bag
• Material: Nylon
• Weight Capacity: 350lbs
• Max Strap Length: 55’’

Pros

• This portable bodyweight strap system is ideal for constant travelers. 
• Perform a near-endless array of bodyweight exercises with a pair of nylon straps and handles.
• Door and suspension anchors allow you to work out in hotels and outdoor spaces.
• It can support users up to 350 pounds. 

Cons

• If you prefer working with weights and cardio machines, this isn’t the workout for you. 
• It’s not best suited for those generally resistant to resistance training. 

If you spend most of your time on the road and don’t have a home gym to call your own, the TRX Home2 might be up your alley. 

A strap system with no heavy or bulky equipment, the Home2 provides a portable resistance workout with nothing more than a pair of foam handles and two long, rugged nylon straps. With these tools, you can cycle through variations on seven basic bodyweight movements: push-ups, lunges, planks, squats, rotations, hinges, and pull-ups. 

Straps in hand (or looped around your feet thanks to the included foot cradles), you can spike your heart rate with squat jumps and mountain climbers or develop muscle with flye variations and any number of flexibility exercises. There’s no barrier to entry, as difficulty is determined by the user. If you want to intensify a workout, simply adjust your position or add a few reps. This is extra helpful for those looking for a workout that’s easy on the joints. 

Several customer reviews highlight how accessible the Home2 is, especially for older users and those in rehabilitation. “Great piece of equipment due to ease of accessibility and effectiveness of giving me a great and challenging work out,” reads one five-star review. Another calls it, “the most versatile bit of [equipment] I’ve ever bought!”

You’ll also find a door anchor and a suspension anchor tucked inside the Home2’s portable mesh bag. Use these to secure the straps to anything from a hotel room’s door to an old, thick oak tree in the park. No additional tools are required, and the included carabiner is rated for 700 pounds. The straps and handles, meanwhile, can support anyone up to 350 pounds. 

Since it’s unwise to load up a suitcase with kettlebells, the unobtrusive, lightweight Home2 is a perfect addition to any travel bag. Whether you’re itinerant by choice or just really trying to rack up those frequent flier miles, the Home2 is an endlessly versatile exercise alternative when your gym is beyond your reach. 

Read our full TRX Home2 System Review. 

How We Chose the Best Compact Exercise Equipment

Our picks hop between various corners of the fitness market, but we approached each one by asking ourselves what constitutes “compact” in their specific verticals before examining how they stack up to more traditional products in terms of versatility and craftsmanship. 

Size

Obviously, the foremost consideration on our mind when choosing the best compact exercise equipment is the question of how it will fit in a small apartment or a crowded gym. And since we sought to explore various corners of the fitness space, it was a no-brainer to include picks for resistance bands, suspension strap systems, and smart home gyms that were specifically designed to save space. 

It was a little trickier in the case of traditionally heavy or bulky fitness equipment. When it comes to kettlebells and dumbbells, adjustable options with removable weight plates are the best choice, as a single set can take the place of six to 16 individual weights. Foldability was a big consideration when it came to cardio machines, though we also wanted to make sure that our picks still packed enough features to make them desirable. Squat racks are going to have a large footprint no matter what, but we looked for a model that could sacrifice a few crucial inches without compromising on its weight capacity 

Versatility

Since compactness isn’t just a necessity for home gyms, we also wanted to include products that could travel easy in suitcases or gym bags while still providing a well-balanced workout. It’s easy to lose motivation when you’re cut off from weights and machines on work trips or vacations, but the simple addition of a strap system or a flexible set of resistance bands can go a long way in providing options for basic stretching sessions or even intense bodyweight training when there are no dumbbells in sight.

Construction

It’s not a given that compact variations of common fitness tools will lack the fortifications of commercial products, but that can often be the case. As such, durability and craftsmanship were key considerations when we made our picks, and we made pains to note when a product’s weight capacity or components weren’t as robust as its regular-sized counterparts. 

How Much Does Compact Exercise Equipment Cost?

Compact doesn’t always mean less expensive. Sometimes, as in the case of smart home gyms, it’s the streamlined nature of the product that bumps up its price tag. A top-of-the-line smart home gym can cost anywhere from $2,000 and $4,000, and that’s before factoring in installation, app subscriptions, and optional accessories. The same goes for adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells, which can cost anywhere from $80 and $800 depending on their weight range and design. 

Since you typically want the extra space to stride and stretch on cardio machines like rowers and treadmills, compact models tend to cost less than commercial ones. Depending on the brand and special features, compact cardio machines can range between $350 and $2,000. 

Benefits of Compact Exercise Equipment

There are a number of advantages to investing in compact exercise equipment, especially if you’re someone who’s often traveling or looking to ease the burden on your wallet. More space, lower cost, and more portability are just some of the potential benefits. 

Less Clutter, More Space

As you build out your home gym, it’s easy to find yourself tripping over loose dumbbells and squeezing between cardio machines. Cluttered gyms can be unproductive in a number of ways, from increased injury potential to a lack of space to perform lateral movements and ground exercises like burpees and bicycle crunches. Overstuffed spaces can also make it more difficult to concentrate — nobody wants to be distracted when they’re holding a few hundred pounds over their neck. 

Of course, not everyone has available space to clutter up. Even if all you have is an alcove or a tight corner, you can still get a full-body workout with a space-saving cardio machine, a set of resistance bands, and a pair of adjustable weights that allow for incremental gains without having to make space for eight to 12 sets of dumbbells. 

Stay Active on the Road

It can be hard to settle on a fitness routine if you spend a lot of time on the road. You can throw a few dumbbells in the back of your car, but you’ll have to get creative if you’re hoping for a full-body workout. Thankfully, there are a number of travel-friendly options that encourage that kind of creativity. 

Bodyweight suspension straps, for example, come with anchors that can be set up in seconds in hotel rooms, public parks, and other available spaces. If you’re interested in more intense strength work but lack the weights, a heavy-duty set of strength bands can provide up to 200 pounds of resistance as you cycle through push-ups, curls, and overhead presses. Better yet, they’re thin and lightweight enough to slip into the front pockets of your suitcase. 

Save a Few Bucks

While this isn’t true for all compact exercise equipment, getting a cardio machine on the smaller end of the scale can be beneficial for casual exercisers who don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. Compact cardio machines tend to be less expensive than commercial models, as their smaller builds weren’t built to support extensive use and a variety of different body types. If you’re looking for a straightforward, bare-bones machine and don’t mind the smaller footprint, there are plenty of well-built models that can cost hundreds or even thousands less than many commercial models. 

What To Consider Before Buying Compact Exercise Equipment

Sometimes it’s as simple as needing a treadmill that will fit in what you’ve deemed the “fitness nook” of your new apartment. Sometimes, though, your need for compact exercise equipment might contain multitudes. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider. 

Your Space

Since what constitutes “compact” will differ for everyone, you’ll want to consider the space where you’ll be working out. For some, that’s a walk-in closet they’ve turned into a fitness nook. For others, it’s a garage that’s already loaded up with racks and benches. No matter the space, you’ll want to break out the tape measure to determine the exact dimensions with which you’re working. With some clear numbers in mind, you can avoid the frustration of bringing home a rack, machine, or bench that bumps the wall or scrapes the ceiling. 

If you’re looking to streamline your home gym, it can help to take a look at what’s contributing to the clutter. If it’s an ever-growing pile of loose weights, you might want to invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells. If it’s an ancient rowing machine that crowds an entire wall, try looking at a compact model with a folding option. If you’re overwhelmed by, well, everything, it’s worth looking into smart home gym options that can negate the need for nearly all of your old gear. 

Your Fitness Needs

If you’re entering into a fitness routine but lack the space and budget to stock up on a variety of equipment, ask yourself where you’re most at ease. Is it on an exercise bike? On a bench with a barbell in both hands? At the bottom of a squat with a few hundred pounds on your shoulders? You can find compact variations on most types of fitness equipment, so don’t limit yourself with traditionally compact gear you won’t end up using. 

Price

Is price an issue in your search for compact fitness equipment? If so, many compact cardio machines can cost hundreds of dollars less than traditional and commercial models. Resistance bands and bodyweight strap systems are also cost-effective (and travel-ready) tools for working up a sweat in close quarters. 

If you’ve got a few (thousand) bucks to spare, on the other hand, wall-mounted smart home gyms offer a cutting-edge fitness experience that requires minimal hardware and as little as seven square feet of space. They’re pricey, but the full-body workout they promise can relieve you of additional machines, weights, and racks. 

Final Word

If you’re living in a cramped apartment, bumping weights in a cluttered gym, or searching for travel-friendly gear that you can bring on the road, compact exercise equipment can provide a solution. The picks on our list encompass cardio, strength, and flexibility, and feature products that were designed to save space or provide a uniquely portable workout. 

Since there’s a lot to sort through here, you’ll want to consider the limitations of your space in addition to your fitness needs. Are you looking for an exercise bike or squat rack that can fit in the shed in your backyard? Are you interested in adjustable weights that can relieve your rack of holding so many individual dumbbells? Whether you’re interested in a single machine or a full streamlining of your home gym, there’s an option on this list for you. 

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