Don't live in a home with a lot of floor space? Then you should check out these compact home gym setups!
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Total Gym APEX G1 Versatile Indoor Home Workout Total Body Strength Training Fitness Equipment | Best Overall |  |
| QuickFit 2 Pack Dumbbell Workout Exercise Posters | Budget Pick |  |
| Bowflex Home Gym Series | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Total Gym APEX G1 Versatile Indoor Home Workout Total Body Strength Training Fitness Equipment
Pros:
- Made for all fitness levels
- Durable construction
- Includes pre-loaded workout program
- Machine can be used differently every workout (like a suspension trainer or a stability ball)
- Easy to assemble and fold up for storage
Cons:
- Limited range of motion
- No resistance when feet in air
- Not an actual functional product
The Apex G1 home gym includes a wide array of attachments. Its versatility allows it to be used both as an in-home suspension training system as well as an in-home traditional weight machine. In the end, though, it’s more of a workout product than a resistance trainer. Ideally, you can use it as your sole strength training tool but it will not be a replacement for your gym membership.
Ease of use is one of its strengths, and while it takes a bit of assembly, it’s easy to use after that. The downside is that there are no handle bars, which makes using it a bit awkward, as it is intended for pull-ups, pushups and any other bodyweight exercise.
It’s not the right choice if you want to build muscle, other than your core. For that, you’ll need heavier weights. Its intended use is for cardio-esque workouts where you are using your bodyweight only to improve endurance and overall physical appearance. It is not for muscle mass building workouts, but that’s not what it was designed to do.
2. Kettlebell Workout Exercise Poster Laminated
Pros:
- Large Poster
- Great instructions
- Brought back my good friend “Motivation!”
- I was looking for something permanent to remind me to keep after my exercise schedule. This laminated poster is the perfect reminder.
- Overall I am very pleased with my purchase.
- Looking forward to incorporating these exercises into my daily routine.
Are you having trouble keeping up your home workouts? Training at home can become very difficult if you don’t have the right fitness tools available to you. Having a large home gym set up is nice, but not always practical. This is why I have compiled a list of the 13 best compact home gyms for tight spaces in 2020.
When I workout at home, I need to be extremely limited of the space I have. If the workout is too complicated, I can’t stick to it! This workout poster is a great way to remind you of your workout schedule!
The poster is a large laminated chart that demonstrates a wide variety of exercises you can do right at home. There are 26 illustrated exercises that are described with proper movement figures and are illustrated with pictures showing the different fitness positions.
3. Bowflex Home Gym Series
Pros:
- Wide range of weight options
- Full-body exercise system
- Stores easily
- Adjusts quickly
- Classic dumbbell shape
The Bowflex XTLU is a complete, compact workout system featuring Bowflex’s traditional rounded shape. These dumbbells are much more budget-friendly than the Bowflex SelectTechs, although they’re not quite as convenient.
The Bowflex XTLU is a set of adjustable dumbbells that includes a 40-pound pair and an additional weight set that includes one 5 pound and two 2.5 pound add-ons. Between the two sets, you’ll have a total of 15 dumbbell combinations that range from 20 pounds to 50 pounds per hand.
Like the SelectTechs, the Bowflex XTLUs feature easy, quick-change dials to adjust the weight. They each have a textured grip, so they’re comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
4. Weider Ultimate Body Works
Here is a routine case made by a home gym manufacturer that has developed a reputation for offering excellent quality for the price. This is one of the best home gyms for those people who can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars for a better product from the high-end manufacturers.
It has a back extension, leg extension, chest press, and exercise guide. It is made of durable Styrofoam and steel frame construction. It’s rated very highly among its customers. Even those who have owned this product for many years have said that it has withstood the test of time. The truth is, this home gym is just as functional today as it was when it was first purchased.
The Weider Ultimate Body Works also comes with a two-year warranty. This is excellent when you consider that other brands will only offer one year, or even less. In essence, you are getting a much better deal than what it would appear. It comes with some great features that will ultimately make it one of the most user-friendly home gyms to date.
5. QuickFit 2 Pack Dumbbell Workout Exercise Posters
Pros:
- Great price.
- Detailed poster that you can actually hang on your wall.
- Comes with two posters so you can have one at home and one at the gym.
- The posters are easily readable.
- The posters are inclusive of all the key exercises.
- The posters are effective.
Cons:
- The posters are tricky to put up.
- Poster quality might not be as high-quality as you want.
- You will have to resize the pictures to hang them on the wall.
If you have got a home gym, you might just need one of these. This two roll posters are going to get you all the weight training exercises that you need. You don’t have to waste your money on expensive trainers. This is the best way to get tips and advice from some of the best gurus in the business.
These posters are going to keep your gym experience exciting and fun. You can use them to learn new exercises and get new ideas for your routine. What is more, you are going to see results when you follow these posters and do the exercises these trainers recommend. You are going to start seeing muscles in your body grow and your fitness levels improve by using these charts.
These posters are designed to motivate and guide you while you are exercising. It is going to be fun to manage a home gym with these posters. You are going to come home from your work out and walk into your home gym to see the beautiful posters hanging on your walls. You will also notice that you have made excellent progress with these posters.
6. GR8FLEX High Performance Gym
Pros:
- Super affordable, also very high quality.
- Featuring over 100 exercises to promote muscle growth and fat-burning.
- Infinite weight stack, meaning it can be adjusted from as little as 2.5 lbs to as much as 250 lbs.
- Great for beginners and experienced lifters alike.
Cons:
- The multi-grip pull up bar is plastic and might feel a bit flimsy.
- If you are a big guy, opt for bigger sizes.
- The squat stands are a little short.
In a nutshell, the GR8FLEX offers all the top features you can expect from a commercial gym at less than a third of the price. The first plus is that the GR8FLEX has a military XL design, which is why it feels substantial and well-built, despite being very compact.
The fact that it does not require much space also means it can be stored virtually anywhere. It features an infinite stack design, meaning the weight can be adjusted from as little as 2.5 pounds up to 250 pounds, which means it can cater every need. The bench has three different attachments for decline, incline, and flat position.
One great thing about the GR8FLEX is that it comes with various attachments either for free, or for very little. The deluxe package provides 2 extra weight stacks and 4 unique olympic bars.
7. Sportsroyals Power Tower Dip Station Pull Up Bar
Pros:
- 3 Year Warranty.
- Portable and Durable for Everyday Training.
- Room to grow, increase the height as you progress.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to store.
- Traction Pads hold mat in place, no need to worry about sliding down.
- Rope grip is comfortable to hold and non-slip.
- Thick rubber padding under the tubes, to prevent damaging your flooring.
- Easy to assemble.
- Sturdy metal construction.
Cons:
- No padding, can hurt hands if you don’t wrap hands with a cloth to prevent calluses.
- Your hands will get sweaty, so keep a towel handy.
- The doorways of some houses’ hardwood flooring, it can leave a mark.
- The foam padding on the side can break down faster if used often.
This allows you to perform dips and pull ups in the comfort of home, and is suitable for most doorways. This pull up bar is the best pull up bar for home due to its compact nature.
Three grips are spaced out along the bar, so no matter what heights you’re comfortable with, there’s one for you.
The tube poles can be adjusted by hand, into different heights. They range from 38.9 inches to 63.5 inches, so it can grow with you.
8. XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
Pros:
- Pre-assembled.
- Resistant to even the roughest use: the handle bars are reinforced.
- Quiet operation. Not a distraction to others around you.
- Single-pedal design creates a realistic feel.
- Easy to store.
Cons:
- Because of the resistance, this machine is not designed for higher speeds.
- Excellent for low to moderate intensity cardio workouts.
- Packed with 75 tension levels, your exercise experience will not be dull.
- Unlike other XTERRA exercise equipment, this bike does not have an on-board computer.
- The resistance can be difficult to modify.
This compact exercise bike is an excellent addition to your workout routine. Reviewers find it surprisingly comfortable, quiet, and sturdy, even in the worst conditions.
With a small footprint but sturdy construction, it’s easy to find a spot to put it. Demonstrating the company’s dedication to quality, it is available with a 2-year warranty.
It comes pre-assembled, so you can start using it as soon as you get it. The resistance comes from a knob that changes the tension in the flywheel.
9. MaxKare Folding Treadmill Electric Motorized Running Machine 17'' Wide Tread Belt w/Incline LCD Display and Cup Holder Easy Assembly
Pros:
- Folds very flat for easy storage.
- Instruction manual is clear and easy to understand.
- Compact design makes it easy to access into most rooms.
- Very stable and sturdy (not shaky at all!)
- Cushioned belt and handles provide comfortable workout.
- Easy to use controls.
- Walking belt is very wide.
- Grat for jogging, walking, running, training.
- Sturdy frame and stable.
- User manual and clearly written.
Easy to assemble. Cord storage could be better.
This treadmill is a gem. The value is tremendous. And it’s what you need for a light to moderate level of exercise. It’s a great value for the money.
The MaxKare treadmill is the ultimate gym substitute. It has a number of great features plus it is very sturdy with quality and is affordable.
10. ICON Fitness Gold's Gym XRS 50
Pros:
- Compatible with fit guides, leg developer and balance trainer
- Built to last for a long time with high-quality construction
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Maximum user weight of 300 pounds
- Good value for the money
- Basic, simple design fits virtually anywhere
- Easy to set up and store after use
Cons:
- Noisy
- Not the highest maximum weight capacity
If you are in the market for a good home gym set up, one option to consider is the XRS50 from ICON Fitness.
This is a very basic setup with a standing leg curl, chest press, lat pulldown, leg extension and leg press. The machine is heavy-duty with a steel frame and chain driven system, so it will give you a good, solid workout.
It is also easy to set up. You can have it up and running in just a few minutes.
11. Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench
The bench is sturdy enough to handle a lot of weight. This is important for safety and will keep your bar, plates and dumbbells from sliding around the bench.
The bench has a sturdy and attractive design.
The wider backrest and seat help to keep you more comfortable during your workout.
12. Bowflex SelectTech 552
Pros:
- Solidly built and dependable
- The number of weight options comes in quite handy
- Can use them for a variety of exercises
- Most customer raves about the ease of switching between weights
- Provides the opportunity to "incrementally" increase weight without having to buy expensive plates
- Has a unique dial system that allows you to adjust the plates with just a few clicks
- Combines the advantages of free weights with those of weight machines to make the overall exercise experience safer and more efficient
Cons:
- Tricky to change weight at first
- Slightly bulky, but most likely can still find a place for them
- A bit more expensive than the bars but if you're only going to get one set of dumbbells then they're a great buy
This is by far the best adjustable dumbbells set for the money. The bowflex 552 will last you a long time and you can grow with the weights as you get stronger.
Bowflex makes a mean product and this is no exception. It can take up a good amount of room if you buy the stand, but most people still find a place for them.
13. ALTAS Strength AL-2003 Multiple Function Home Gym Body Weight Training
Pros:
- Well packaged
- Has a place to adjust for all heights
- Compact and solid
Cons:
- The base isn’t heavy enough, causing it to sag
- Assembly of the stand was difficult, however, directions were very explicit
- Not the prettiest piece of equipment
Prior to purchasing this home gym, I decided to read the reviews and a few similarity struck me. These reviews weren’t indicating that this piece of equipment was bad, they just wanted to make sure I understood what I was purchasing. Now, I know why.
Assembly was not easy, I don’t know how some of the customers managed to get the equipment assembled. They certainly had to have a “hero” on this job. I guess I’m just a little touchy about not having things go smoothly.
After a few hours of endless aggravation, I decided to take a break. The company suggested adding more washers to the screws and once I did that, it made a difference. The machine is now stable.
14. Cap Coated Hex Dumbbell Weights
Pros:
- The kit has every weight you need to start great fitness training program.
- These free weights have a nice protective coating that will keep them looking great.
- They are carved out of cast iron which makes them heavy duty and very long lasting.
- The weights are colored coded so you can easily identify which weights you are reaching for.
- They are easy to handle and fit perfectly in any type of workout area.
- They can easily be stacked on top of one another so you can save space in storage.
- They would be perfect for anyone who wants a complete free weight set to perform all kinds of fitness training exercises.
- These solid cast iron hex dumbbell weights are guaranteed for life to be free of defects and breakage.
Cons:
- These weights will not include any weight plates for the 10 and 15 pound bars.
- They are very well built but are a little bit on the heavy side.
- The downside of free weights is that they will be more expensive than weight machines.
- You will need to consider having a place to store them when not in use.
Set: 40 to 100 lbs (20 to 44kg)
15. Kinelo Fuel Pureformance Home Gym
Pros:
- Low cost metal frame with no pulley.
- High weight but low profile, space saver design.
- Simple foldable design for storage.
- Includes extension pull up bar.
Cons:
- Board hard to adjust.
- Impeded by bar, pulls out and away from bar when doing bench presses and tricep work.
- Can only use the weights if bar is in an up position.
The Kinelo Fuel Pureformance Home Gym is a space saver. It is compact, easy to fold and easy to set up.
This model is composed of heavy-gauge metal tubing; it includes a sturdy bench and you can add in your own weights, as many as 125-pound total.
This model has six positions for the bench, and four attachments in the back. This enables you to get in a wide variety of exercises.
Conclusion
A home gym doesn't have to be huge, and it can actually be a great way to optimize your home workouts. If you're short on space, you might find the ability to avoid going to the gym at all times appealing, to say nothing of your ability to keep working out even while you're on vacation or traveling.
But some home gyms can take up a lot of space, so you'll want to be sure you have somewhere to put your home gym. If you're reviewing your garage, basement, or guest bedroom, and wondering if a garage gym can be setup in the space you have available, consider these size requirements for a garage gym for two people.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Home Gym?
Before you get started on the task of building your home gym, you'll need to figure out how much space you actually have available. Fortunately, this is pretty easy to determine.
Step 1: Get a yardstick.
Step 2: Measure out how much space you have.
Step 3: Tip your yardstick horizontally until it's supported by the wall.
Step 4: Measure the distance from your yardstick to the floor.
Step 5: Multiply that distance by two.
Note: If you're trying to decide if you have enough space for a garage gym for two people, you'll need to account for both of you in your calculations. If you're thinking of a guest room, garage, or basement, and trying to figure out how much space you have to work with, measure the space and then double it.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Total Gym APEX G1 Versatile Indoor Home Workout Total Body Strength Training Fitness Equipment | Best Overall | |
| QuickFit 2 Pack Dumbbell Workout Exercise Posters | Budget Pick | |
| Bowflex Home Gym Series | Upgrade Pick | |