Living in a small apartment or limited space doesn’t mean you can’t have a great home gym setup. The right compact, foldable, or multi-purpose fitness equipment can help you build strength, improve endurance, and stay active without taking up much room.
We researched and tested the best at-home workout equipment based on size, versatility, storage, and effectiveness to bring you the top picks for small spaces.
🏆 Best Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Best for full-body strength training without clutter
💰 Price: $$$$ | 📏 Size: Compact (15.8” x 9” x 8” per dumbbell) | 🏋️♂️ Weight Range: 5-52.5 lbs
Why We Picked It
- Replaces 15 sets of dumbbells in one compact system.
- Adjustable weight system saves space & money.
- Quick dial system for seamless weight changes.
- Perfect for strength training, HIIT, and muscle building.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Higher price than standard dumbbells.
- Bulkier than traditional fixed dumbbells.
📌 Best for: Anyone looking for a space-saving, adjustable dumbbell set that replaces an entire rack of weights.
🧘 Best for Yoga & Mobility: Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat
Best for stretching, bodyweight workouts & easy storage
💰 Price: $ | 📏 Size: 68” x 24” (folds to 10” x 12”) | 🧘 Thickness: 4mm
Why We Picked It
- Folds up compactly for easy storage in a drawer or bag.
- Textured, non-slip surface for better grip.
- Great for yoga, Pilates, stretching & mobility exercises.
- Lightweight and travel-friendly.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Not as cushioned as thicker yoga mats.
- May take time to flatten after unfolding.
📌 Best for: Anyone needing a foldable, non-slip yoga mat for stretching, Pilates, and floor exercises.
🏋️ Best Compact Cardio Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands
Best for low-impact cardio & leg toning in a small space
💰 Price: $$ | 📏 Size: 16” x 12.5” x 13.5” | 🔥 Resistance: Hydraulic stepping system
Why We Picked It
- Small enough to fit under a desk or in a closet.
- Provides a solid cardio & lower-body workout.
- Comes with resistance bands for upper body engagement.
- Great for improving endurance & toning legs/glutes.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Not ideal for high-intensity workouts.
- Weight capacity limited to 220 lbs.
📌 Best for: People looking for a compact, low-impact cardio option that also works the legs and glutes.
💪 Best for Strength Training: TRX GO Suspension Trainer System
Best for bodyweight resistance training without bulky equipment
💰 Price: $$$ | 📏 Size: Compact (Fits in a small travel bag) | 🏋️ Weight Limit: 700 lbs
Why We Picked It
- Uses bodyweight resistance for a full-body workout.
- Attaches to a door or sturdy anchor—no heavy equipment needed.
- Folds into a small bag for easy storage & portability.
- Engages core, arms, legs & back with hundreds of exercises.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Requires a door or anchor point.
- Initial learning curve for beginners.
📌 Best for: Anyone who wants a complete bodyweight resistance training system that’s easy to store and use anywhere.
🚴 Best Foldable Cardio Machine: XTERRA Fitness Folding Treadmill
Best for running & walking workouts in small apartments
💰 Price: $$$$ | 📏 Size: 63.4” x 28.75” (Folds to 28” x 28” x 51”) | 🔥 Max Speed: 10 mph
Why We Picked It
- Folds up vertically for easy storage against a wall.
- Shock-absorbing deck for joint protection.
- Built-in workout programs & incline settings.
- Great for indoor running, walking, and interval training.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Still takes up floor space when in use.
- Limited incline settings compared to full-size treadmills.
📌 Best for: Runners and walkers who need a foldable treadmill for cardio workouts in a small space.
🔥 Best for Full-Body Workouts: Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
Best compact home gym for strength training
💰 Price: $$$$ | 📏 Size: 84” x 38” x 82” (Folds to save space) | 💪 Resistance: Up to 200 lbs
Why We Picked It
- Offers 25+ strength training exercises for a full-body workout.
- Uses power rods for smooth resistance training.
- Folds vertically to free up space when not in use.
- Great for muscle toning, endurance, and flexibility.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Requires some floor space when in use.
- Assembly can take time.
📌 Best for: Strength trainers looking for a compact, foldable home gym with multiple exercise options.
💡 Best for Smart Home Workouts: LIT Strength Machine (Rowing + Resistance Training)
Best for high-intensity, low-impact full-body training
💰 Price: $$$$$ | 📏 Size: Compact (Stores upright, small footprint) | 🔥 Workout Types: Rowing, strength, cardio
Why We Picked It
- All-in-one machine for rowing, resistance training & Pilates.
- Compact & stores upright—great for small apartments.
- No electricity required—uses water resistance.
- Pairs with an app for guided workouts & progress tracking.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Higher price point.
- Limited to rowing & resistance-based workouts.
📌 Best for: People who want a compact, high-intensity workout machine with guided workouts.
🔎 The Bottom Line
| Equipment | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowflex SelectTech 552 | Best Overall | Adjustable weights, replaces 15 dumbbells | Bulkier than fixed dumbbells | $$$$ |
| Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat | Best for Yoga | Folds small, lightweight, non-slip | Not as cushioned | $ |
| Sunny Mini Stepper | Best Compact Cardio | Small footprint, works glutes & legs | Limited intensity | $$ |
| TRX GO Suspension Trainer | Best Strength Training | Full-body workouts, portable | Requires a door/anchor | $$$ |
| XTERRA Folding Treadmill | Best Foldable Cardio | Compact when folded, good shock absorption | Still takes floor space when in use | $$$$ |
| Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym | Best for Full-Body Strength | Foldable, multiple resistance exercises | Assembly required | $$$$ |
| LIT Strength Machine | Best Smart Workout Machine | Full-body training, stores upright | Expensive | $$$$$ |
How to Choose the Right At-Home Workout Equipment for Small Spaces
✅ For adjustable strength training → Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
✅ For compact yoga & stretching → Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat
✅ For small-space cardio workouts → Sunny Mini Stepper
✅ For full-body bodyweight training → TRX GO Suspension Trainer
✅ For a foldable cardio machine → XTERRA Folding Treadmill
✅ For a compact home gym setup → Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
✅ For a smart, all-in-one fitness machine → LIT Strength Machine
✨ Which workout equipment fits your small-space needs best? Let us know in the comments!