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Giselle Castro-Sloboda Fitness and Nutrition Writer
I’m a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or binge-watching many TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I’ve had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women’s Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.
Expertise Fitness and Wellness
You don’t need a designated home gym filled with bulky fitness equipment. There are plenty of workout accessories designed with small spaces in mind. From adjustable kettlebells to a smart home gym to even the best pull-up bar, it’s never been easier to get a great workout in. The best part is you don’t need a ton of space to enjoy them.
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A recent CNET survey found that US adults spend over $1,000 a year on subscriptions, so there’s no reason to let your apartment stop you from canceling that unused gym membership. You can do a lot with a small space than you might realize, and I’m going to show you how.
As a fitness expert who lives in a NYC apartment and has worked out in the same space for five years, I know what it takes to exercise in a small space. I’ve looked at quality, price, size and versatility when choosing home workout equipment.
Best overall workout equipment for small spaces
Workout equipment for small spaces vary and have different purposes, which is why we didn’t pick a best overall. Instead, we recommend building your own small space gym with some of the selections below.
If you’re looking for something equivalent to cable machines at the gym, the Maxpro is your solution. This portable cable gym was designed to be a space-saving, versatile and easy resistance training workout tool that can be used anywhere, anytime. It’s reminiscent of a hoverboard with cable attachments and dials on the side that you can adjust to increase or decrease resistance.
The best part about the Maxpro is that you can fold it in half and store it away in the travel bag it comes in. The strength training machine has over 50 different resistance settings, and weights range between 5 and 300 pounds. It also includes two workout handles, a pair of ankle and wrist straps, a quick connect bar and a door mount kit (in case you have the room for a permanent fixture) and a long bar to best fit your strength training needs. Additionally, the Maxpro has an app you can connect to via Bluetooth when you’re looking for personalized workout classes or to learn new exercises.
If you don’t have room to spare for the Tempo Studio, the Tempo Move (starter bundle) is your next best option. This version has a compact weight storage cabinet that can hold all of your smart weight plates and fits into just about any space in your home. It requires a TV or HDMI connection to access its thousands of workout classes. The one downside is that this home gym is only compatible with iPhones, so not everyone will be able to access the programs. Initially, you’ll pay $49 a month for the first year until your Temp Move is paid off. This includes the equipment and virtual personal training membership. After the year is up, you’ll just cover the cost of the membership, which is $39 a month.
To add to the personalized experience, you can get real-time feedback on your form and reps via the 3D Tempo vision. Reviews show that customers are satisfied with the Tempo Move — many call it one of the best purchases they’ve made.
It’s possible to have a weight bench at home without it taking over your living room. The key is to choose one that can be folded in half after use for easy storage. The Flybird Adjustable Bench is a versatile option that is designed with six back positions and four seat positions. It can hold up to 600 pounds and is made up of heavy-duty commercial-quality steel.
Reviewers say this bench is sturdy, can be easily adjusted and is just as good as the ones found at the gym. Users rave that this is the ideal bench for a small space because it’s simple to fold for storage and can fit under the bed or in a corner when not in use.
You can turn any door into a piece of gym equipment by hanging a pull-up bar on the frame. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at pull-ups or are trying to get better at them, you can practice them at home. ProsourceFit’s multigrip chin-up and pull-up bar is easy to assemble and store away. It also has multiple grips, making it ideal to practice both your chin-ups and pull-ups.
This bar can support up to 300 pounds and can fit in doorways that are at least 36 inches wide. CNET recommended this pull-up bar as the best multi-use bar for home gyms because of its affordable price tag and positive customer reviews.
If you’re looking to strengthen your core at home without doing sit-ups, then workout sliders are a good option. They’re affordable, portable, can be used in limited spaces, and they pack a punch when training your abs. The ProsourceFit core sliding exercise discs are a pair of flat, round dual-sided core sliders that you can use on carpet or wood floors.
These sliders are a good way to get your heart rate up, improve your stability and make exercises such as mountain climbers, pikes, leg exercises, rollouts and pushups more challenging. I swear by this little tool when I’m looking to progress my planks, pushups and even physical therapy exercises. If you’re looking for ideas on how to use these sliders in your daily workouts, you can use this CNET tutorial as a guide.
Kettlebells are an excellent all-in-one workout tool that lets you reap the benefits of strength and endurance training. If you’re new to kettlebells or want to brush up on your skills, it helps to follow some instructional videos to do the exercises safely. The BowFlex’s SelectTech 840 adjustable kettlebell is a great addition for your home gym because it replaces six kettlebell weights, ranging between 6 and 40 pounds, and can be adjusted using a dial.
If you’re new to kettlebells, you can work your way up to the heavier weights as you become more experienced. BowFlex users appreciate that the adjustable kettlebell saves them space and is a durable piece of home gym equipment.
Editor’s note, June 10: BowFlex is now owned by Johnson Health Tech, which also owns Horizon Fitness and Matrix. You can still buy BowFlex products through its website and via retailers such as Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Having a set of resistance bands is ideal if you’re just starting to strength train. They don’t take up much room and can be stored in your closet. Having high-quality bands is key, too, because many on the market break. Resistance bands are made of sturdy elastic tubes covered in a safety sleeve to protect you if the band does break.
These FitCord X-Over resistance bands are available in seven different weights, which is why they’re suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. CNET writer Amanda Capritto previously recommended these resistance bands because of their longevity. Many Amazon customers agree, saying they’re well-designed and nicely constructed. Some people say they’ve been able to use them as part of their physical therapy exercises.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
