It's official: I've found the 9 best home gym equipment buys for small spaces

Small workout spaces can still deliver big results

Best home gym equipment: Image of various equipment on yellow background
(Image credit: Future)

Working with a small apartment, a busy schedule, and a gym membership you never get time to use? I know how it is. You have good intentions to go to the gym, but by the time you actually manage to find the time, you're exhausted or something else — more exciting (and less sweaty) — gets in the way.

Why not kick-start the new year with a different kind of routine? I say cancel that monthly subscription and start getting a sweat on in the comfort of your own home. Without having to drive anywhere or rely on public transport, there will be no excuse; plus, think of the money you'll save. For example, canceling a monthly $40 membership will mean you'll be $480 up next year, just something to think about.

Now if the next obstacle is that your apartment or home is too small to work out in, you are wrong my friend. Nowadays you can exercise pretty much anywhere because the latest gym equipment is designed to suit a ton of different spaces, inc. tiny ones. From exercise bikes to dumbells, things are now more adjustable than ever so that you will have zero issues working up a sweat in your bedroom, even if it doubles up as your living room, and kitchen...

From foldable options to handbag-friendly picks, all of the nine buys I've selected below are also super easy to store when not in use too, whether that's in a drawer or tucked away in your closet. 

Note, the adrenaline rush will be big. You have been warned...

What are the best fitness buys for smaller spaces?

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Here's a quick low-down of my favorite small space fitness buys right now. Keep scrolling for full product info.


9 small space home gym equipment buys we're obsessed with in 2024


Browse more home gym equipment

Still looking for the perfect piece of home gym equipment? These are the retailers we would recommend heading to first to secure your next fitness find:

How did we choose these buys?

Ultrasport F Bike in Annie's living room

Foldable Ultrasport F Bike in review in Annie's living room

(Image credit: Future)

We strive to test everything we recommend at Real Homes, but sometimes it's just not possible. In this case, we've managed to get our hands on the yoga mat in this guide, but everything else has been recommended based on their online reviews.

Annie Collyer illustration
Annie Collyer

Hi! I'm Annie, head ecommerce editor at Real Homes. I've been writing buying guides and reviewing products online since 2018 — think everything from air fryers to mattresses and exercise bikes. Why am I educated to talk about home gym equipment? I've reviewed a bunch of machines for a range of publications from Livingetc to Ideal Home, including elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, and smaller fitness buys. I reviewed these machines in my two-bedroom apartment in South East London that I share with my husband and my Pug.

In the case of this guide, there are a bunch of essential criteria that I considered before writing. Including everything from star rating to build and price, that is. Otherwise, I am working to get these buys tested so that I can eventually recommend them from my own experience.

5 things to consider when buying home gym equipment

1. What are your fitness goals?
The gym equipment you choose will be based primarily on the type of fitness goals you have. If you want to increase your stamina, cardio machines are the way to go, just as weights and resistance bands are the best option for those who want to slim up or bulk up. Decide what type of fitness goals you have and build your home gym around that.

2. Consider durability
Choose durable products when building your home gym. Everyone knows that most exercise routines require using the best at-home gym equipment fairly regularly; you'll want pieces that can withstand the test of time. 

3. Don't forget portability 
Whether you are hitting the road or want to go from indoors to outdoors, the best at-home gym equipment will be able to transport you anywhere, any time. 

4. Think about the space you have at home
Sure, some home gym equipment can take up a lot of space, but there are plenty of items that are apartment and small home-friendly, like resistance bands and adjustable dumbbells. 

If you live in an apartment, you may want to bear in mind the noise some gym equipment will make. Dropping weights on floors that aren't padded or running on your at-home treadmill at 6 a.m. could upset your downstairs neighbors.

5. Remember to protect your home and floor 
If you have to use your gym equipment indoors, make sure that you protect your home and floor from the hazards of workout equipment. Purchase padding to place under your cardio machines and always use weights on a workout mat. If those weights fall, you don’t want them to crack your tile or put a dent in your hardwood floor.

Doing a full health kick this year? See our buying guide on the best blenders and our favorite juicers to get your 5 a day in a different way.

Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.

SPONSORS