The Best Gear for Working Out in Small Spaces—From a Personal Trainer
Updated: Jul. 20, 2023
Not much space at home? You can still get an awesome workout in. A personal trainer suggests the best small space exercise equipment—shop it here.
Want to work out at home? There’s no need to sacrifice your spare bedroom for a home gym when all you really need is a little space and the right equipment for a satisfying full-body workout. “As long as you have space to raise your hands above your head, enough room to stretch your arms out to a T, and a space on the ground for a mat, you are good to go,” confirms Dani Schenone, RYT-200 & ACSM-CPT certified trainer and holistic wellness specialist at Mindbody.
But not all exercise equipment for at-home workouts is designed to be squeezed into the corner of a bedroom or the edge of your apartment balcony. Schenone lists a few workout essentials that are friendly to just about any space: “It’s a great idea to invest in two different pairs of weights, a mat, resistance bands for both resistance training and flexibility work, and one heavy kettlebell.” (So fun.) “Jump rope, medicine balls, an ab roller, and a stability ball are great additions for those who want to round out their home equipment.”
With all that in mind, our team of trainers and fitness instructors approved this list of top picks for small space workout equipment. There’s something for every budget, fitness level, and workout style…so get ready to get inspired.
Love Sweat Fitness Workout Essentials Package
You’ll be impressed with the variety of full-body workouts you can do in a space that’s just big enough for a yoga mat—especially when you arm yourself with the Workout Essential Package from Love Sweat Fitness. This set includes 10 pieces of multi-functional equipment like resistance bands and sliders (such a solid add to your routine, which also work brilliantly on hard or soft surfaces), and booty bands, plus a mat and a foam roller for post-workout relief.
The light-weight tools are easy to travel with, so you can use them in your hotel room. One great way of employing this bundle is to try using the bands for this full-body resistance band workout.
NordicTrack iSelect Voice-Controlled Dumbbells
Who has room to store multiple sets of weights? Nobody. That’s why one of the most brilliant solutions for small space workout equipment is a set of adjustable dumbbells, like the NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells.
The rack has 20 weights that are voice-controlled (“Alexa, add more weight!”) and is adjustable from five to 50 pounds in five-pound increments. That means the set takes your lead as your strength increases—but the space it occupies on your floor remains the same. Never trip over a stray dumbbell again.
Ahead of the curve on the “smart” exercise trend? Read The 3 Best “Smart” Treadmills for Your Home, From Certified Fitness Experts.
Bala Bangles
If you’ve carved out just enough space for a yoga, dance, or aerobic workout, adding wrist and ankle weights like Bala Bangles to the mix is sure to get your heart pumping and boost your muscle tone more efficiently. “You’ll burn more calories, which can accelerate weight loss and toning,” says The Healthy writer, trainer, nutritionist, and resident athlete, Adam Meyer. “You won’t build strength compared to doing resistance training, but it sure can help with bone health and getting toned.”
One-size-fits-all Bala Bangles weigh just one or two pounds each, and—one of our favorite points—are made of recycled stainless steel wrapped in soft silicone. Bala Bangles come in so many fun colors and patterns (more than a dozen) that you’ll probably also want to wear them while running errands and taking walks. (Psst, our senior health editor has a set of Bala Bangles and wears them on runs, as well as on walks with the dogs and even just while doing light chores around the house.)
The DB Method
A full-body workout machine with a tiny footprint that doesn’t require batteries or electricity and only costs $329? It’s almost unheard of these days, yet this is exactly what The DB Method delivers.
The machine is only 45.5 inches long by 20 inches wide (and folds down to seven inches tall, which means you might be able to store it right under your bed). The “DB” stands for “dream booty,” and the brand pledges that’s exactly what you’ll be well on your way to achieving if you dedicate just 10 minutes a day to these assisted squats (you can also try these butt exercises that are better for your glutes than squats). The DB Method is low-impact, while the corresponding app guides your workouts. (And, have you seen these moves? This thing’s a blast.)
TRX GO
If you have a doorway, then you have a prime spot for the TRX GO. This portable suspension trainer system provides killer bodyweight workouts at home or on the go. It assembles in under a minute, weighs less than a pound, anchors to most any door, and pairs with a training app that offers over 500 on-demand workouts. And when you aren’t using it, the TRX GO easily stores away and out of sight.
Tonal
No floor space? No problem! Tonal is an entire strength-training gym that lives on your wall, using AI-powered technology to give on-demand personalized training sessions. And this all-in-one system is no one-trick pony, with 200 movements and thousands of workouts ranging from high-intensity to yoga.
One note: Yes, the unit is pricey, and there’s a monthly subscription fee as well…but you’ll feel motivated to get your movement on, and Tonal is arguably the only thing you’ll need when it comes to small space workout equipment. That’s probably why it landed on the list of at-home smart gym equipment trainers love.
Mini Trampoline Fitness Rebounder
We are so here for this throwback’s comeback—the modern-day mini-trampoline makes for such ideal small space workout equipment.
Get your cardio on and lymphatic system moving with a rebounder, like the Darchen rebounder trampoline. The frame is only 40 inches, but the jumping surface provides plenty of space for a total body workout that’s surprisingly easy on your joints. Our editor tried the Darchen rebounder at home and was hooked.
Bodygym Core System
If you’ve ever said, “I’d love a whole gym that only takes up 17 inches of space for less than $50!” then Bodygym has answered your workout wish. Accompanied by a workout DVD, this adjustable resistance trainer is an all-in-one band and bar kit that works the upper and lower body, yet only weighs three pounds and stores in a closet when you’re not using it.
p.ball
OK—this may look curious, but hear us out. p.volve’s p.ball is an inflated ball to be worn between your thighs, targeting the inner thighs, abs, glutes, and pelvic floor muscles to help define and strengthen the lower body. You can also use it in your hands for upper-body strength training moves, and even behind your back for core work on a mat.
Is it today’s answer to the Thigh Master? Hey, don’t knock it—here’s why you need to take better care of your pelvic floor.
Plankpad PRO
If you could use an interactive device to keep your attention during a workout, meet Plankpad PRO. This may look like a typical core trainer, but it’s actually so much more: Not only does the Plankpad PRO strengthen your abs and back, but also hits your arms, shoulders, glutes, and legs.
When you synch its up with its app (which can also be streamed on any smart TV), it’ll turn your workout into a fun and motivating game you control through your movements. There’s a reason playing games is one of the best workouts for people who hate exercise.
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Originally Published: April 05, 2022
