Thanks to technology and some clever ideas, lots of great things are now smaller and more convenient. We wear tiny computers on our wrists (I love my Apple Watch), and we get excited about cool things like portable, foldable straws that come with their own case. The same goes for home gym equipment. With more people living in small spaces, the best workout gear is designed to fit right in, whether it’s a compact cardio machine or adjustable kettlebells.
Just because you live in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have a home gym. I totally get it—I’ve lived in a studio apartment, and before I set up my own gym, I even stored my bumper plates in the fireplace (yes, really).
At Garage Gym Reviews, someone on our team has personally tested every piece of equipment we recommend. We pay attention to key things like:
- Size: Is it truly compact?
- Portability: Can you easily move it around?
- Value: Is it reasonably priced for what you get?
We’ve reviewed thousands of products, looking at everything from how well they hold up to how they perform. We’re confident in our recommendations because we actually use this gear ourselves in our workouts every day.
Best Compact Home Gym
Tonal Smart Home Gym
Product Highlights:
- AI learns about you and adjusts the weights automatically
- Offers up to 200 pounds of digital resistance
- Compact, all-in-one gym that saves space
- Access to both live and on-demand classes
- Try it risk-free with a 30-day trial
Pros:
- The AI learns your strength and adjusts the weights for you
- Offers up to 200 pounds of digital resistance (which feels different from regular weights)
- Compact, all-in-one gym that fits into small spaces
- AI monitors your form and gives you tips in real-time
- Includes access to live and on-demand workout classes
- Comes with a 30-day trial period
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- Accessories aren’t included and are important for most workouts
- Requires a 12-month subscription, which adds to the cost
- 200 pounds of resistance may not be enough for serious heavy lifters
Tonal is one of the best smart home gyms out there, earning an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from our expert testers, many of whom have used it for years. That score is among the highest we’ve ever given, and for good reason. This wall-mounted machine offers a full-body, high-tech workout while being just over 4 feet tall and less than 2 feet wide.
Though it’s compact, Tonal features two adjustable cable arms that extend from the screen. Because of the range of motion needed, Tonal recommends having a 7-by-7 foot space in front of the machine for exercising.
With Tonal, it’s like having a personal trainer on your wall. The AI tracks your movements during workouts, adjusting weights and giving you tips to correct your form. It even counts your reps (perfect for those of us who lose track mid-workout). Plus, advanced features like “Spotter Mode” can automatically lower the resistance if it senses you’re struggling with a move.
With a Tonal subscription, you get access to both live and on-demand workouts. The live classes were introduced in late 2021. According to Coop Mitchel, founder of Garage Gym Reviews and a long-time Tonal user, “The live workouts are good, but Tonal still has some technical kinks to iron out before they can compete with platforms like Peloton.” Still, it’s nice to join others virtually during those tough cardio and strength sessions.
To fully enjoy Tonal, you’ll need the smart accessories, which are sold separately. The unit itself costs around $4,000, plus a mandatory 12-month subscription. When you add in extras like the smart bar, rope, bench, and handles, the total price can really climb.
Another thing to keep in mind: Tonal is wall-mounted, so it’s not portable. You’ll have to bolt it into your wall, which means drilling, so apartment dwellers should be cautious. Also, Tonal requires professional installation—doing it yourself could void the warranty.
Key Feature: AI-powered, wall-mounted home gym
Best For: Full-body cable workouts
Size: 21.5” wide, 50.9” tall, 5.25” deep
Weight: 150 pounds (mounts to the wall)
Best Compact Treadmill
WalkingPad Folding Treadmill
Product Highlights:
- Folds up for easy storage
- Great for tall people with longer strides
- Arrives fully assembled
- Works with the KS Fit App
- Has foot-sensing controls for convenience
Pros:
- Costs under $450
- Folds up for easy storage
- Can be controlled via app or remote
- Features automatic foot control
- Comes fully assembled
Cons:
- Maximum user weight is 220 lbs
- No clear warranty included
There are a lot of folding treadmills out there, but the WalkingPad is definitely one of the most compact. It’s just over 56 inches long and 21 inches wide, but you can fold it down to just 32 inches long, so it fits easily under your bed, in your closet, or tucked away in a corner of your home gym.
Nicole Davis, the head of content at Garage Gym Reviews and a certified personal trainer, has been using the WalkingPad for over a year and a half. She gives its portability a solid 4.5 out of 5. The treadmill is super compact, and the folding mechanism has held up really well over time. “I fold and unfold the WalkingPad several times a week, and it still works perfectly,” she says.
The WalkingPad is super compact and lightweight, but it does have a few trade-offs, especially in terms of motor size and build quality. It scores 3 out of 5 for construction and durability, mainly because it supports a maximum user weight of 220 pounds, which is lower than the usual 275 pounds.
The 1-horsepower motor is designed more for walking than for intense running. While shorter and lighter users might manage a bit of light jogging, the WalkingPad tops out at just under 4 miles per hour. If you’re looking for a small, space-saving cardio machine to add to your workouts, though, it’s a good choice.
Key Feature: Folds up for easy storage
Best For: Walking, light jogging
Size: 56.37” long x 21.5” wide x 5” high (32.5” long x 21.5” wide x 5” high when folded)
Weight: 62 lbs
Best Compact Rowing Machine
Concept2 RowErg
Product Highlights:
- Costs around $1,000
- Uses air resistance from a fanned flywheel
- Features an advanced PM5 Performance Monitor
- Provides a low-impact, full-body workout
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Can be taken apart into two pieces for storage
- Can also be hung up for space-saving storage
Pros:
- Best-selling rowing machine worldwide
- Easy to assemble
- Fits users up to 6.6 feet tall and 500 pounds
- Comfortable seat and handlebar
- Seat height is 14 inches
- Handle has a 10-degree angle for a natural grip
- Uses air resistance with adjustable airflow
- Comes with a Performance Monitor 5 (PM5)
- Features a nickel-plated steel chain
- Adjustable footrests
- Simple to store
- Comes with a limited 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Costs around $1,000
- Has only a few built-in workouts
In general, the best rowing machines are pretty big, usually around 6 to 7 feet long. However, there are foldable models and ones that can be stored upright. We picked the Concept2 RowErg for this list because, even though it doesn’t fold, it stores upright easily and is super lightweight, making it easy to move around.
I’ve had my Concept2 for over 5 years, and it still works as well as it did on the first day. I’ve moved from a small apartment to a small house, where I kept it in my living room until I set up a garage gym.
It gets a perfect 5 out of 5 for portability because it’s only 57 pounds, making it really easy to move. I’ve rolled it over carpet, hardwood, grass (I love rowing outside), and rubber flooring without any problems. For storage, you just tilt it upright on the front wheels and flywheel—that’s all there is to it.
After logging thousands of miles on the Concept2, I can confidently say this machine is built to last. I’ve never had any maintenance issues with mine. However, I’ve been into CrossFit for almost 10 years, and I’ve seen heavily used rowers sometimes need deep cleaning or new monitors.
The monitor on the Concept2 RowErg is super user-friendly and gives you all the metrics you need (and some extras if you’re into data). You can switch between different screen views, like making the time the main focus while keeping distance, splits, and stroke rate smaller. I love that you can choose a preset program or even set up your own to count down calories, meters, or time (seeing those meters tick down during a 5K row is so satisfying).
This machine uses air resistance, so it’s not the quietest. You’ll hear a constant whooshing sound from the flywheel. It’s not a disruptive noise, but it’s louder than magnetic rowers.
For comfort, the seat is hard plastic. It’s shaped to reduce pressure on your back but isn’t cushioned. I’ve done a 10K row without any issues, but if you remember the 2018 CrossFit Games’ Marathon Row event, many athletes used towels to ease the discomfort.
Key Feature: Rowing machine that stores vertically
Best For: Cardio workouts
Size: 96” long x 24” wide x 33” high
Weight: 57 lbs (68 lbs with tall legs)
Best Home Exercise App
Caliber Strength Training
Product Highlights:
- Strength training and nutrition app
- Custom workout programs based on your data
- Expert habit coaching
- Available in both free and paid versions
- Option for private 1:1 coaching
- Includes weekly lessons, metric tracking, and nutrition syncing
Pros:
- Training plans are based on scientific research
- Paid subscriptions provide in-depth coaching for both fitness and nutrition
- The free version has a library of workout plans
- Reported to be user-friendly
Cons:
- Personalized macronutrient goals are only available with the paid version
We totally get it—no matter how many apps you have on your phone, they won’t take up physical space in your home gym. But we think Caliber is the best home exercise app because it offers personalized workout plans for any setup, whether you have a tiny, minimalist gym or a full-on garage gym like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Caliber also fits different budgets with its free version and two paid options. The free version gives you access to the app’s video library, workout suggestions, and a workout tracker, but doesn’t include coaching.
For $19 a month, you can join group classes led by instructors. If you want one-on-one coaching or training, it’s available for at least $200 a month.
The app includes cardio and HIIT workouts, but it really shines with its focus on strength training. It scores a perfect 5 out of 5 for progressive overload, meaning it’s great for increasing strength over time.
Even though the cost might seem high, Amanda Capritto, a GGR expert product tester with multiple certifications, thinks it’s worth every penny. She gives it a 5 out of 5 for value, saying, “For individual fitness coaching, Caliber offers one of the best financial deals out there.”
Key Feature: 3 tiers of personalized programming
Best For: Strength, cardio, HIIT, and other fitness types
Size: Mobile app
Cost: Free, $19/month (group classes), $200+/month (personal training)
Best Resistance Bands
Living.Fit Resistance Bands
Product Highlights:
- Made from natural latex
- Available in sets of 4 or 6 bands
- Offers 6 resistance levels, from 10 lbs to 200 lbs
- Includes a door anchor
- Bands are 41 inches long
Pros:
- Versatile bands for many exercises
- Wide range of resistance levels
- Save money by buying a set
- Comes with a door anchor
Cons:
- Not many reviews yet
- Bands can only be purchased in sets, not pairs
- No handles included
Quality space-saving exercise equipment is often the kind that can be used in multiple ways. After testing the top resistance bands, we found that Living.Fit Resistance Bands stand out for their value and versatility. They also offer latex-free options for people with latex allergies.
The regular Living.Fit bands, made from natural latex, come in sets of four or six and offer resistance ranging from 5 to 200 pounds, depending on the band’s thickness. If you need latex-free bands, they come in cool camo colors and are available in sets of four.
Let’s talk about space. Bands are super compact, lightweight, and portable. They each weigh just a few ounces, so you can easily toss them into a drawer or basket, or hang them on hooks in your garage.
When it comes to practical use, large-loop tube resistance bands are quite versatile:
- Warm-up exercises like pull-aparts
- Strength moves like good mornings, presses, and squats
- Assistance with pull-ups and dips
- Mobility work like banded stretches
Honestly, most resistance bands are pretty similar across brands. What sets these apart is their price. They’re cheaper than competitors like Rogue or EliteFTS, and they often go on sale. “This is a great price—especially for a whole set,” says Lindsay Scheele, our lead reviewer at GGR. She gives the value a perfect 5 out of 5.
Key Feature: Affordable resistance bands
Best For: Strength exercises, stretches, warm-ups
Length: 41 inches
Resistance: 5 to 200 lbs
Best Compact Exercise Bike
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
Product Highlights:
- 24 digital resistance levels
- Adjustable incline and decline
- Fully rotating touchscreen
Pros:
- Large 22″ smart HD touchscreen
- Incline and decline adjustments
- Works with iFIT
- Adjustable seat and handles
- Dual-sided pedals
- Built-in fan
- Includes 2 x 3-lb dumbbells
- 24 resistance levels
Cons:
- Pricey
- iFIT membership is helpful but not required
- Assembly can be challenging
- Not suitable for garage storage (doing so will void the warranty)
- Heavy and hard to move, weighing over 200 pounds
Exercise bikes are generally among the most compact cardio equipment available. They’re naturally smaller than ellipticals and treadmills. So when we were picking the best exercise bike, we looked beyond just the size and considered how much value you get from the equipment. Based on that, the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle line really stands out.
The Commercial S22i (and its sibling, the S15i) are more than just exercise bikes. They come with iFIT programming (you get a 30-day free trial with your purchase), which not only includes cycling workouts but also offers strength training, yoga, and various other fitness classes. Both bikes have screens that swivel, so you can rotate them for HIIT workouts or other exercises.
I was hooked on the S22i the moment I started using it. It’s a great alternative to Peloton, with its 22-inch touchscreen, interactive programming, live and on-demand classes, and included dumbbells.
In short, it’s like having a full home gym in one piece of equipment. Our testers gave it perfect 5 out of 5 scores for customizations, tech features, and programming.
The S22i really stands out because it can incline and decline, which you don’t often see on exercise bikes. When it first started declining automatically during a workout (thanks to iFIT’s auto-adjust feature), I nearly lost my balance. It’s like pedaling downhill, but without the wind in your face.
This compact bike comes with lots of extras: a cooling fan, Bluetooth for your headphones, dual water bottle holders, and a device holder.
However, it’s not perfect. I tried to assemble it myself, and I wouldn’t recommend it. It took me over an hour because nothing comes preassembled, you need to run wires to the monitor, and the large console is tricky to attach on your own. If you can, spend the extra $200 for professional assembly.
Even though it has front wheels for moving, the S22i weighs over 200 pounds, making it tough to move, especially on carpet. Also, storing it in a place that’s not temperature-controlled could void the warranty.
Key Feature: Interactive programming on a high-quality bike
Best For: Cycling workouts; also supports iFIT for strength, cardio, yoga, and more
Size: 63” L x 22” W x 60” H
Weight: 203 lbs
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Best Kettlebell Set for Small Spaces
PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell
Product Highlights
- Feels like a traditional kettlebell
- Easy-to-use adjustment mechanism
- Weight adjusts up to 52.9 lbs
- Rubber bottom to protect your flooring
- Available in both kilos and pounds
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Saves space
- Replaces 5 different kettlebells
- Comfortable grip
- Color-coded weight labels
Cons
- The shape is a bit unusual compared to standard kettlebells
- Uses a pin mechanism, so if you lose the pin, you can’t use all the weights
Finding space for all your kettlebells can be a real challenge when setting up a home gym. You need a heavy one for farmers’ carries, a lighter one for stability exercises, and a medium one for swings. Storing all these can quickly take up around 3 square feet of valuable space.
That’s where the PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebells come in. They come in two sizes and can adjust from as light as 16 pounds to over 60 pounds. Each kettlebell can replace five traditional ones, making them super versatile. Plus, their compact design means they don’t take up much room, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5 for being space-saving.
The PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell is really well-made, scoring a 5 out of 5 for its build quality and durability. Our tester appreciated how secure the pin stayed during use—he never worried about it coming loose. He also liked the flat shape, saying it felt better than traditional round kettlebells, giving it a 4 out of 5 for comfort.
The maximum weight of 62 pounds might not be enough for serious powerlifters, so if you need something heavier, you might want to look elsewhere. But for its excellent feel and space-saving design, it’s a great choice.
Key Feature: Available in 2 sizes, each replacing 5 traditional kettlebells
Good For: Strength training
Size: 8″ L x 5.5″ W x 11.25″ H
Weight: 16-35 lbs or 25-62 lbs
Best Pull-Up Bar
Titan Wall Mounted Pull Up Chin Bar
Product Highlights
- Made from heavyweight steel for stability
- Supports up to 500 lbs
- Matte black powder-coated finish
- Adjustable mounting options
Pros
- Can be installed either vertically or horizontally
- Supports a heavy 500 lbs
- Can be mounted on concrete or wood
- Sturdy heavy-duty steel construction
Cons
- Mounting hardware isn’t included
- May not be suitable for kipping movements
- Comes with a short 1-year warranty
A wall-mounted pull-up bar is a great way to save floor space since it’s up off the ground. But the Titan Fitness Pull-Up Bar offers more than just a compact design; it’s our top pick for the best pull-up bar.
This pull-up bar is built to last with sturdy 11-gauge steel, supporting up to 500 pounds. GGR founder Coop Mitchell loves how versatile it is for installation. You can mount it on studs spaced 16, 32, or 52 inches apart, or on a concrete wall up to 52 inches apart. And all this solid construction and flexibility comes for under $100. That’s why it scores a perfect 5 out of 5 for value.
The Titan Pull-Up Bar has a standard black powder coat, which is pretty common for fitness equipment, but it doesn’t offer extra grip texture.
If your home gym has a low ceiling, using a wall-mounted pull-up bar can be tricky. You might struggle with exercises like bar muscle-ups, and getting your chin over the bar might have your head bumping into the ceiling. If you don’t have enough ceiling height or can’t attach a bar to your wall (like if you’re renting), a door-mounted pull-up bar might be a better option. However, if you can make the Titan bar work in your space, it’s a great choice.
Key Features:
- Durable and compact wall-mounted pull-up bar
- Great for pull-ups, hanging exercises, and core workouts
- Dimensions: 32” D x 53” W x 31” H
- Weight: 35 lbs
