I get it, you want a home gym, but you don’t really have a lot of room for one of those behemoth home gyms some people get.
It’s ok. There are a lot of home gyms out there that are on the smaller side but still deliver a great workout while in the comfort of your own home.
The problem is, there are a lot of home gyms out there, and it can be pretty tough to figure out which ones are any good.
Luckily we have done the work for you. Without further ado, here are the best compact home gyms on the market today.
We Know Home Gym Equipment
Our experience in the fitness industry has turned us into passionate experts on all things home gym-related. We’ve had heated discussions about cross-training shoes, barbells, and protein powders that showcase our dedication to this field.
But we’re not just enthusiasts – we’re certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and nutrition experts. Our opinions are backed by research-based facts, ensuring that our recommendations are reliable and trustworthy. Count on us to provide expert insights and advice on everything related to home gym equipment and nutrition.
You didn’t really think we were going to put one of those wimpy wall-mounted high-tech and overpriced cable machines at the top of our list, did you? I hope not.
The FT-3000 from Rep Fitness delivers everything you want from a compact home gym.
With an astounding array of options and configurations, the FT-3000 is like your own personal, commercial gym. Dual-weight stacks offer versatility to accommodate any individual fitness routine. Plus, when it comes to cable positions, the possibilities are practically endless – what’s not to love?
This bad boy is loaded with high-end features, like a magnetic-tipped pin to lock weight in place and an additional pin to secure the trolley. The frame is sturdy AF and is double-coated with a chip-resistant, electrostatic powder coating and topped with a matte black finish. Translation: It looks good and can take a beating.
This machine also features laser-etched and numbered on the inside of the uprights, so it’s easy to line up handles.
The FT-3000 also features 21 cable positions and dual-weight stacks that each top out at 187 lbs with a 2:1 ratio. That means 100 lbs feels like 50 lbs. Each stack is 90 lbs per side, it that’s not enough for you, you can upgrade to the FT-5000, which has 224 lb stacks on each side. On top of all that, there is even a pull-up bar,
Are you a noob in need of some serious handholding? Don’t worry. The cable machine has your back. This marvelous machination towers with possibilities; it comes complete with an instructional placard that lists out 12 different exercises and positions – so even if you’re at square one when it comes to fitness skills, this device is sure to give you plenty of options for success. That said, I can think of many more exercises that aren’t on the placard, particularly if you have a weight bench.
Pros
Excellent warranty (lifetime for frame and 10 years for parts)
Relatively easy to assemble
Highly durable and long-lasting
Considered the best cable crossover machine available
Quite versatile
Cons
Limited attachment options included, could benefit from more
If you are looking for more of a free weight experience than the choice above, then the G3 ALL-In-One Trainer is a great choice. This one does have a larger footprint, but if you have the space for it you will absolutely love it.
Whatever you want to do, this bad boy can do it. You got cables, a Smith machine, a power rack, and a chin-up bar. On top of that, you can add a leg press, lat pulldown, low row, dip station, landmine, and more. There really isn’t much you can’t do with this machine. Virtually any exercise you can think of can be done with this machine. Add a weight bench to this, and you are really in great shape to do some serious lifting.
When it comes to strength and safety, the Power Rack on the G3 is unrivaled. A structure of steel tubing that’s powder-coated for protection and then clear-coated for added resilience, plus Westside hole spacing containing 62 adjustable points — this powerhouse takes gym bench presses, squats, and more to a whole new level. The commercial grade J Hooks & Safeties guarantee you can power through training sessions without worry.
The functional trainer on the G3 is no joke, either. Its dual cable pulley system and adjustable plate weight holders provide precise resistance training. The station has 16 adjustable height positions, making it suitable for a full-body workout that targets various muscle groups, including the shoulders, arms, chest, back, core, and legs. The cables, which have a 2:1 pulley ratio, are made of aircraft-quality materials and can support up to 2,000 pounds, ensuring a smooth and natural feel during exercise. The G3 functional trainer comes with 14 attachments that include everything you will ever need,
Pros
Use coupon code Build5 to save 5%
Lots of attachments and add ons
Delivers a true experience like you get with free weights
A bench/squat rack combo is a great way to go if you are looking to save money and room.
This bad boy is perfect for anyone that likes to lift weights but knows that skipping leg day is bad so they want more than just a bench.
The bench can hold up tp 1000 lbs and comes with adjustable safety catches and a spotter platform that ensures the safety of the lifter. It also features band pegs and nylon rollers to protect your bar from getting scratched up.
The bench is modified so that you can easily remove the bench to give you a nice area for squatting.
You can bolt this bench squat combo to the ground, or you can weigh it down by putting plates on the storage pins to make it stable when squatting heavy.
If you are a guy who loves to lift weights and loves the bench and squats then this is a great option that doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Pros
Smaller footprint
Free shipping
Holds up tp 1000 lbs
Uses 3′ x 3″ tubing
Thick bench pad
Less expensive
Cons
Should be bolted or weighted down for stability when squatting
The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym is a compact and versatile machine that allows you to perform more than 50 exercises, making it ideal for full-body workouts at home.
One of the standout elements of the Bowflex PR3000 is its compact design, which does not require much space, making it an excellent option for smaller apartments or home gyms. Despite its compact size, the machine provides a wide range of resistance levels, with an option to perform exercises with up to 210 pounds of resistance. If that’s not enough, you can upgrade to 310 pounds of resistance, but it costs extra, of course.
The Bowflex PR3000 caters to different muscle groups, providing exercises to work the shoulders, chest, back, abs, arms, and legs. One of the benefits of this machine is the Bowflex Power Rod technology, which enables smooth and continuous resistance throughout the entire range of motion.
Another advantage of the PR3000 is its ease of use. It comes with a user-friendly manual that explains how to set it up, how to use it, and how to perform each of the exercises. This feature makes it ideal for beginners who are looking for an effective way to start their home gym routines.
With the Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym, you can perform exercises like chest press, lat pull-down, seated row, leg extension, leg curl, preacher curl, and many more.
Overall, the Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym is an excellent investment for those who want to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle but do not have the space or budget for a traditional gym. The machine’s compact design, variety of exercises, and ease of use make it an ideal option for beginners and advanced users alike. It is no surprise that the PR3000 is considered one of the best compact home gyms by Bowflex.
Pros
Upgradable to 310 lbs of resistance
Performs over 50 exercises
Heavy-duty steel frame construction
Trusted name
Cons
Larger footprint than it looks like it should have
If you want a compact home gym with all the bells and whistles you can possibly imagine, then the G20 All-In-One Trainer is for you.
The G20 is hailed as the ultimate home gym for various reasons. It offers an extensive range of over 400 movements across eleven strength machines, including a Smith machine, leg press, core trainer, suspension trainer, power rack, VersaPad, calf raises, low row, lat pulldown, pull-up, and functional trainer. With this machine, you’ll never be short of exercises to perform in the comfort of your home. In fact,, your whole family could train on this bad boy simultaneously and not crowd each other.
Furthermore, it comes with 29 attachments, such as J-hooks, leg plate, chains, handles, and training bars, providing you with a variety of exercise options. Its walkthrough design ensures smooth transitions between workouts. The G20 can accommodate up to three people exercising simultaneously, and it’s almost impossible to reach its maximum potential, particularly when using the optional Force USA Super Bands.
You may want to opt for the gym flooring to put underneath the home gym because it is heavy at over 1000 lbs.
Also, the assembly can be time-consuming, But if you don’t want to take the time or aren’t mechanically inclined, they do offer a service where someone comes to your home and assembles it for you, which does cost extra but could certainly be worth it if you have the cash.
If you are looking for the ultimate in compact home gyms then the TRX Pro4 is for you. It’s litterally just some suspensions straps.
Don’t think these straps can’t give you a great workout. Former Navy Seal Randy Hetrick created these bad boys, and you know Navy Seals don’t play around when it comes to working out.
It consists of two handles and two-foot cradles attached to straps. The system includes a door anchor for those without a suitable overhead structure.
The TRX strap adjustment system is very user-friendly. To adjust, pull the strap up or down while holding the buckle. Looping one handle through the other converts to single-handle mode in seconds.
The TRX system’s versatility is a key benefit. Weighing only two pounds total with a carry case. Your portable home gym can be used almost anywhere.
Overall, the TRX Pro4 is a premium suspension trainer that provides a challenging full-body workout using just your body weight. It’s a versatile, portable, and durable system suitable for all fitness levels. If you’re looking for an effective way to exercise at home or on the go, the TRX Pro4 is an excellent choice.
All that being said, it is a bit on the expensive side, considering it is just some straps with handles.
Looking for a top-notch compact home gym that packs a punch? Look no further than the Workbench Levergym. This beast is designed to be both space-saving and muscle-rippling, giving you a workout experience that’s truly next-level.
But what sets this gym apart from the rest? For starters, the adjustable incline settings on the bench make it easy to target different muscle groups. Plus, the dual-action levers allow for both pressing and rowing exercises, while the variety of press bar levels means you can up the ante no matter your fitness level.
Of course, safety is a top priority, too. The adjustable safety lock system and secure lever design help ensure your workouts are as safe as they are effective.
This bad boy also has extras you can add on, like a leg curl attachment, preacher curl attachment, and pec deck fly attachment to make it even more versatile.
Best of all, the Workbench Levergym won’t break the bank. This compact home gym delivers an unbeatable full-body workout experience with unparalleled quality. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best compact home gyms on the market today.
If you are looking for a power rack but want one that takes up little to no space, then the PR-4100 od for you.
This power rack folds right up against the wall, so it takes u virtually no space when not in use. On top of that, it is incredibly affordable and can handle some serious weight for you heavy lifters out there.
This beast uses 11-gauge steel and has virtually no wobble at all. This rack can handle 1000 lbs, and the manufacturer says it is stable enough for kipping pull-ups as well. Not bad at all for a folding rack or even a standard rack, for that matter.
The PR-4100 comes with 1-inch Westside spacing holes for its bench pressing area so you can find just the right height for you when racking the weight.
All you need is a bench to go with this rack, and you are all set with a pretty nice home gym for lifting that folds away when not in use.
Pros
Uses virtually no space when not in use
Can hold up to 1000 lbs
Folds and unfolds easily
Less expensive
Cons
Must be secured to the wall and doesn’t come with stringers
Looking to get a good whole-body cardio workout? Rowing is the answer.
Rowing is a full-body workout that engages several major muscle groups in your body. During a rowing session, your legs, glutes, core, back, arms, and shoulders all work together to move the rowing machine’s handle and seat.
The Rowerg from Concept 2 is by far the most popular machine on the planet. This machine has preset cardio workouts for you to do or you could make your own workout or just row.
When not in use, the Rowerg folds up nicely so it can be ticked away.
This is the best rowing machine on the market, and it has been for a while now. And the nice part is, it’s not nearly as expensive as some of the other rowers out there.
Are you unsure about investing in your own personal gym? Owning a home gym offers several advantages, including convenience, customization options, and long-term cost savings.
Convenience
Probably the biggest benefit of having your own home gym is the convenience. You can workout whenever you want, even at 3 am if your heart desires. You can workout in whatever clothes you want to, or in your underwear, or even buck naked if you really want to. It’s your gym, do whatever you want.
Customizable
Another great part about having your own home gym is that it’s entirely yours. You get to decide what equipment you want to have. If you’re into CrossFit, you can buy a simple squat stand, a plyo box, some rings, and a few kettlebells. For powerlifting enthusiasts, a more robust power rack, a quality barbell, and plenty of plates may be preferred. Alternatively, you can go with strongman equipment or even have your own American Ninja Warrior home gym.
You have the freedom to make your home gym as minimal or equipped as you desire without having to answer to anyone except maybe your spouse.
Less Expensive
In general, a home gym will be less expensive than a gym membership in the long run (that is, unless you really go crazy and buy a crap ton of gym equipment.
Think about it, it’s not just the membership fees you will save on but also the gas money of driving to the gym and back.
Second, it saves you the time you’d be driving to and from the gym, along with the time you have to wait for equipment. For most, this extra time can turn into energy and time invested in other areas of their life, like making that sweet cheddar.
How We Chose The Best Compact Home Gyms
Believe it or not, we didn’t just randomly pull these names out of a hat to form the best compact home gyms list, we had certain criteria we went by.
Size
Obviously, if you are making a list of the best compact home gyms then the gyms on your list better be smaller in size.
Not everyone has a spacious room or a dedicated workout area, so choosing a home gym that can fit comfortably into a small space is essential.
To rank the best compact home gyms, we gave priority to models that had a smaller footprint. We measured the length, width, and height of each machine and calculated the total floor space required. We also considered the ease of assembly and storage, as these factors can affect the overall footprint of the gym.
Versatility
Home gyms need different equipment than commercial gyms. Generally, you’re not going to have unlimited space in a home gym, which means each piece of equipment has to do double duty (or more).
The more types of exercises or purposes that a piece of equipment can serve, the better it will rank on this list because of that. It might be nice to have a machine dedicated to each movement, but those that can serve multiple needs are valued more for a home gym list.
Price and Value
Let’s face it – outfitting a home gym can be a pricey endeavor. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. We’re all about getting the most bang for your buck and that’s why we’ve curated a list of products that offer excellent value.
But hold on. We don’t just look at the price tag. We understand that quality and durability play a huge role in the value a piece of equipment offers. That’s why some of the items on our list may be on the pricier side.
Why, you may ask? Well, it’s all about what they bring to the table – or in this case, the garage, basement, or spare room. We choose these items for their exceptional quality and longevity, and we expect them to last a lifetime with proper care.
Functionality
Some home gym equipment sounds great in theory until you get them in your home gym, and they don’t quite function the way you expected and they end up collecting dust from lack of use. The functionality of your equipment is important to setting up an area that works for your training needs. For us to recommend something, it has to do what it is made to and do it exceptionally well. Otherwise, we kicked that product to the curb and didn’t consider it for our list.
How Much Does a Home Gym Cost?
Are you ready to be stunned by the price range of home gyms?
From virtually free to costing thousands of dollars, the range of home gym costs is worth exploring. While the thrifty types might look for offers online to cut costs to the bare minimum, others don’t hesitate to dish out tens of thousands on fancy custom equipment, including engravings, embroidery, and color coordination.
For most, it is a balancing act. Cheaper choices and expensive splurges are the way to go for equipment that receives moderate to heavy use. Are you ready to invest in your well-being and set up your own home gym? Explore the options and see what fits your budget.
Types of Home Gyms
Whaaat?!? Compact home gyms have evolved to a whole new level!
Gone are the days when you had to compromise on your fitness regime due to space constraints. Say hello to the new era of compact home gyms that have taken the fitness industry by storm! Confused about your options? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a sneak peek into the various types of compact home gyms currently available. Get ready to be amazed!
All-In-One Trainer
An all-in-one trainer is a fitness machine that integrates multiple workout stations, enabling you to engage your entire body during exercise. This type of equipment may use conventional weight plate resistance, with the option of a built-in weight stack or separate weight plates added by the user.
It encompasses a wide range of machines, including power racks, Smith machines, and functional trainers. All-in-one trainers are suitable for bodybuilding, powerlifting, functional training, and weight loss exercises, making them a versatile addition to any fitness routine.
Power Rods
When you think about power rods, think about the Bowflex machine. All of you that are a certain age remember those Bowflex infomercials that would go on and on talking about their power rods and all the “iron pumping” exercises you can perform with a Bowflex.
Well, the infomercials are gone (I think), but the Bowflex is still around with its power rods. The revolutionary power rod technology has been a bit of a game-changer when it comes to most home gyms. With an exceptionally smooth and gentle range of motion, it provides joint-friendly exercises that are easy on connective tissues. Each power rod is crafted from a composite polymer substance, expertly coated with rubber, with individual weight values ranging from 5 lbs to 50 lbs. While Bowflex home gyms generally offer a maximum resistance equivalency of 210 pounds, you can also upgrade the home gym machine so you get 300 lbs of resistance which work better for more experienced lifters.
But here’s the catch: unlike traditional free weights, power rods do not provide uniform resistance throughout the range of motion. This can be problematic for exercises such as bench press, which requires more effort at the beginning but becomes easier afterward. Therefore, the power rod system might feel awkward and unnatural to some users.
The power rods also tend to lose their resistance over time and need to me replaced.
If you are a serious lifter I was stay away from the power rod gyms like the Bowflex. If you are more of a beginner, then the Bowflex-type home gyms can be a great option.
Power Racks
The power rack is my preferred option and is what I use in my garage gym. The power rack is a great option if you are a weightlifter, and it doesn’t have to take up a lot of room. You can even get a folding power rack like the one listed above that folds into the wall when not in use.
Power racks are great for lifters that want to do squats, and they also provide you the safety of the cage with the spotter bars if you get stuck.
Squats aren’t the only exercise you can do with a power rack, though. You can also do things like bench presses, military presses, tack pulls and much more. Most racks also come with a pull-up bar which is a nice bonus.
If you are serious about lifting weights, then a power rack is the way to go, in my opinion. They come in different sizes so if your garage has limited workout space, then there most likely will be an option for you that fits.
Suspension Trainers
Suspension Trainers are another great option that is often underrated by most people.
With a suspension trainer, you can do a variety of exercises using only your body weight and the suspension trainer. It’s great for people who prefer calisthenics over traditional lifting.
One great thing about suspension trainers is that they are incredibly portable. All you need to take them with you is the straps and handle. This makes them great for people who travel or don’t have a lot of space to dedicate to exercise equipment at home.
Considerations When Buying a Home Gym
To determine if investing in home gym equipment or building your own gym is financially wise, consider your strength goals, available workout space, and budget.
What Are Your Goals?
This one is common sense, it you want to build muscle and be huge like Arnold Schwarzenegger, then you probably aren’t going to want to get the rowing machine or even the Bowflex. If you want to be Arnold, you will need to do some serious weightlifting and will need a home gym that gives you that option.
This goes for whatever your goals are. Make sure your home gym matches those goals.
How Much Space Do You Have Available?
To determine the fitness equipment that aligns with your goals and lifestyle, consider the workout space you have available. If you reside in a one-bedroom apartment, compact options like Tempo or resistance bands could be suitable for you. On the other hand, if you have a roomy two-car garage, you have the liberty to construct a full-fledged gym.
Budget
We all know money doesn’t grow on trees, so make sure you don’t overspend. Always remember the “needs and wants” talk from economics.
You may want the biggest and baddest home gym out there, but do you really need it?
Make sure you stay within your budget and get something that will work for you without breaking the bank.
What Kind of Home Gym Do I Have?
I’m not one of those clowns that write fitness articles and doesn’t even lift or workout. There are a lot of those out there, though so be aware.
I used to have an old-school bench/squat combo. It was great for benching but not great for squatting.
I recently upgraded and got myself a nice power rack and a bench to go with it. My power rack is incredible, but it is not compact, so it’s not on the list.
That said, the folding power rack and the All-In-One Trainers that are on the list are great options in my experience.
Final Word
When setting up your home gym, remember that versatility, value, and functionality are key factors to consider. Don’t stress too much about finding the perfect equipment, as the purpose of a home gym is to allow you to work out on your terms. With a variety of options available in the market, from smart gyms to power racks, you can easily find a home gym that suits your needs and preferences, whether you’re a lifter, CrossFit enthusiast, yoga fan, or endurance athlete. This article aims to make your search for the right equipment easier, so you can continue to make gains from the comfort of your home.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
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