But I loved the workouts and the app so much, I wanted a smaller, more compact solution. That’s not the whole story, though, since home gyms provide a lot more than monetary value. When you factor in not driving in traffic or having to work around gym hours, along with having the exact machines and setup you want, home gyms start really showing their value. Before investing in home gyms, we recommend realistically calculating your current gym expenses, considering the price of equipment and how much you’re willing madmuscles blog to put into a home gym.

Science-backed workouts with real-time guidance help you train safely and maximize your effort. I started with 1 kettlebell, and now have a 15lb, 25lb, 35lb, and 44lb. At the gym, if all the benches are taken and I’m waiting on barbell work, I’ll use heavier kettlebells at the gym. Right now I kick things off with the 12 minute Foundation routine, then move into some band work for core and opening up chest, then weights. No exercise area is complete without equipment that targets core muscles in your abdomen, back and hips.
That, along with the treadmill’s other streaming features, earns the 1750 a 5 out of 5 for programming and tech. « The rower can accommodate both longer cardio workouts and high-intensity interval sessions, letting you train multiple energy systems, » says Samuel. « You can easily sit down and row 4,000 to 5,000 meters, or you can go 10 seconds max-effort, 50 seconds rest, for six to 10 rounds. That means you can train multiple energy systems. »
Because strength training boosts metabolism, improves muscle tone, and increases stability, these are worth allocating space for in your home gym setup. Compact strength equipment like adjustable dumbbells can live in a cabinet, closet, or tucked into a corner, ready to pull out for quick workouts. A workout mat can roll out for body weight exercises or stretching, then disappear just as easily. For those who want a more guided strength option, a compact all-in-one system can anchor a small area of a spare room or office without overwhelming the space. Lightweight accessories like resistance bands are especially useful because they store in drawers or hang discreetly on hooks. Options include folding treadmills, walking pads, under-desk bikes, jump ropes, resistance bands, and medicine balls.
You attached an included heavy resistance band, and with that, you’re able to do squats, presses, and more. As with most internet-enabled home gyms with streaming workouts, you’re going to be best served if you can keep your router near your equipment. So keep that in mind if your ideal workout spot is far from where you’re keeping your internet router now.

With the right choices, even a corner of a room can become a functional home gym that fits your lifestyle. Medicine balls combine strength and cardio training in one compact tool. They allow for dynamic, full-body workouts that elevate heart rate while building functional strength. Exercises like slams and rotational movements with medicine balls provide an effective cardio session in minimal space, perfect for a small home gym setup. In recent years, the fitness industry has shifted toward at-home training.
For something a little beefier, try the Force USA G15 All-in-One Trainer. The fold-up motion was fluid, thanks to the four 100-pound gas shocks — we could even fold the rack up one-handed. However, bear in mind that this rack’s petite nature means there’s no built-in storage. You’ll also have to pay extra for add-ons such as spotter arms or a dip station.
Resistance bands are popular apartment and small space workout equipment staples for a reason. They’re highly affordable, take up nearly zero space when storing, and you can use them in a variety of ways. Whether you’re just getting started or experienced with strength training, Tonal has something for every member to hit their goals. Fast-track your fitness results and build muscle up to 2x faster with advanced lifting modes like Drop sets that automatically adjust the weight, so you never have to re-rack.
Virgin rubber offers better durability than the cheaper, recycled rubber crumb that tends to be used to make bumper plates. And finally, the virgin rubber bumpers received by our product tester had no odor, whereas many recycled rubber bumpers can be quite smelly. This popular barbell blends features of powerlifting bars and Olympic weightlifting bars into a single all-purpose lifting powerhouse.
You will need to bring your own dumbbells to the strength training classes. The Echelon Reflect appears to be an ordinary full-length mirror when not in use, but it cleverly conceals an integrated 32-inch, 1080p touch screen on which you can stream workout classes. It features a touch screen and offers access to thousands of live and on-demand exercise classes across a range of modalities for body conditioning, strength training, and recovery.