Written by Garett Reid | NSCA, CSCS, CISSN, M.S.E.S.S
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
Having 1,000 square feet of extra room for a gym would be pretty nice. But let's be honest, most of us don't have that. Many of us will only have a spare room; some will have a small room, and others will just have the corner of a room.
But have no fear; you don't need much space for an awesome workout. As long as you have some space, this article will help you find the best equipment for a small gym.
Prepare to maximize your gains with our exclusive 12-week hypertrophy training program. Choose between a 4 or 5 day training split and gain 2-12 pounds of muscle over 90 days...
Landmines
We're starting this list with what we believe is the most versatile and cheap piece of equipment you can buy for a home gym. In fact, it can be your gym.
We're talking about the landmine.
A landmine is a piece of equipment consisting of a rotating sleeve, often attached to the end of a barbell secured at one end to the ground or a base. This effectively turns the barbell into a lever that can then be loaded and used for various exercises.
And by various, we mean you can easily train the entire body with different exercises. Some include;
- Landmine press (Standing/kneeling, double/unilateral)
- Landmine rows (Standing/kneeling, double/unilateral)
- Meadows row
- Landmine clean
- Landmine squat
- Landmine hack squat
We could literally keep going. Plus, you can buy various attachments to expand your exercise selection further. You can even purchase two landmines and set up two systems next to each other.
You can purchase several variations, such as floor-mounted or rig-mounted. However, to space, you can just use a plate setup or platform. Both of these models can be set up anywhere easily and then put away.
The only other things you would need to buy are the barbell and weight plates. You could keep these under your bed and set them up on your driveway when you want to use them.
This is easily one of the best pieces of small home gym equipment you can get.
Some Good Options
The landmine is a terribly simplistic piece of equipment, so you don't need to put a lot of thought into its purchase. However, here are a few options to get you started.
1. EVERSTRONG
EVERSTRONG offers a plate attachment that allows an Olympic barbell or standard. This gives you a bit more freedom when buying your barbells and weights. However, we still recommend using an Olympic barbell.
Price: $30
2. TTCZ Platform
A platform consists of a heavy base to which the landmine attaches. This eliminates the need to purchase a weight plate to secure it.
Price: $80-$100
Wall-Mounted Folding Rack
If you think about it, a barbell and weights don't need a ton of room. What does require extra space is the rack.
Therefore, if you could minimize the space taken up by a rack, you could still do all of your classic barbell exercises. This is what a wall-mounted rack does!
The basic design has an upper and lower rail attached to the wall. Then, on either side, two arms are connected to construct your rack. However, these arms can swing in when not in use or out when needed, and supporting rods secure them in place.
When not in use, these take up virtually no space. Even in use, they protrude out shorter distances than other wall-mounted racks.
Some Good Options
With the rise in home gyms, there has been a response in the market bringing several quality buys to consider.
1. PRx Performance Profile® PRO Squat Rack
Price: Around $500
The PRx Performance Profile PRO Squat Rack is unique as its brand specifically builds folding racks. This makes it one of the best in the game.
Key Features:
- Unfolded Dimension: 49" x 90" x 27.5"
- Folded Dimension: 49"(w) x 90"(h) x 6.75"
- Weight Capacity: 1000lbs
- Space-Saving Design: The rack folds flat against the wall, saving precious floor space when not used.
- Adjustable Heights: With multiple adjustment settings, it caters to different exercises and user heights.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Made from high-grade steel, it's built to withstand heavy lifting and regular use.
- Easy Installation: The rack includes clear instructions and mounting hardware for straightforward installation.
2. RitFit
Price: Around $300
The RitFit Multi-Functional Folding Wall-Mounted Rack is space-efficient and versatile gym equipment, perfect for those looking to maximize their home gym setup. It is designed to offer a range of exercises in a compact form, so it's a sit's choice for strength training at home.
Key Features:
- Unfolded Size: 48.4 inches (H) x 48.4 inches (W) x 21.7 inches (D)
- Folded Size: 48.4 inches (H) x 21.7 inches (W) x 6.7 inches (D)
- Weight Capacity: 800 lbs (rack and attachments)
- Space-Saving Design: The rack folds flat against the wall when not in use, making it an excellent option for smaller spaces.
- Multi-Functional: Includes attachments for squats, bench presses, pull-ups, and more, allowing for a wide range of exercises.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: The rack is built with high quality, 1.8mm thick steel, 60mm x 60mm uprights that can handle intense workouts and heavy loads.
- Adjustable Features: Offers multiple height settings to accommodate various exercises, from bench presses to squats.
- Warranty: Basic Warranty lasts for 36 months on the Main steel frames and 12 months on the accessories
3. Mikolo Folding Squat Rack
Price: Around $450-$500
The Mikolo Power Cage is a space-saving foldable power rack designed for home gyms that have limited space. It offers the versatility of a full-sized cage but in a more compact, adjustable format that can be folded away when not in use.
What really makes it stand out is it has an integrated, dual cable system greatly increasing the amount of exercises you can perform. This almost makes it an all-in-one weight machine.
Key Features:
- Unfolded Dimensions: 76.8” H x 45.3” W x 48.8” D
- Folded Dimensions: 76.8” H x 45.3” W x 12.5” D
- Weight Capacity: 1000lbs
- Foldable Design: Unlike traditional power racks, this unit folds up, allowing you to reclaim floor space after your workout. This is ideal for users in apartments or small home gyms.
- Heavy-Duty Steel Construction: The Mikolo power cage is built with a solid steel frame of 2x2 inch 14-gauge steel. Designed to handle a variety of strength training exercises and heavy lifting.
- Adjustable Barbell Holders and Safety Bars: These bars can be adjusted to accommodate different users and exercises, and they also ensure safety with adjustable safety catches for squats and bench presses.
- Multi-Function: Includes pull-up bar and dip bar as well as a cable crossover machine & lat pulldown, with five adjustable function modes
- Over 80 Exercises: Squats, bench, lat pulldown…..
4. Bell Of Steel
Price: $400
The Bells of Steel Folding Rack offers a high-quality, space-efficient solution for home gym owners looking for a heavy-duty rack without taking up permanent floor space. Its unique folding design allows users to perform various strength exercises while keeping their workout area uncluttered.
It does have the least weight capacity on our list of 600lbs so this wouldn't be appropriate with big lifters.
Key Features:
- Unfolded Size: 91" H x 48" W x 24" D
- Folded Size: 91" H x 48" W x 8" D
- Weight Capacity: 600lbs
- Folding Design: The rack conveniently folds against the wall when not in use, saving valuable space and offering flexibility for smaller home gyms.
- Built for Moderate Lifting: Made from 11-gauge steel, this rack is designed to withstand tough, heavy lifting and support up to 600 lbs of weight.
- Adjustable J-Hooks and Safety Spotter Arms: These arms provide a range of height options for different exercises, offering flexibility for squats, bench presses, and more.
- Multi-Functionality: The rack features a pull-up bar, which adds to its overall versatility, making it suitable for a variety of exercises, such as pull-ups, dips, and other upper-body movements.
- IMPORTANT: A single 2" x 10" stringer (not included) must be tied into a minimum of 4 studs. It is NOT recommended to install the Fold Back Rack on a wood, drywall, or metal stud wall without a stringer or additional support.
5. Rogue
Price: Around $600
The Rogue RML-3W Fold-Back Wall-Mount Rack offers a perfect blend of sturdiness and space-saving design for home gym owners. It's an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their workout area without sacrificing the durability and quality of a full power rack.
Key Features:
- Unfolded Dimensions: 90.5" H X 53" W X 24" D
- Folded Dimensions: 90.5" H X 53" W X 12.5" D
- Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs (rack frame)
- Fold-Back Design: The rack features a unique fold-back function, pushing it flat against the wall when not in use, saving precious floor space. This makes it especially useful for home gyms with limited room.
- Heavy-Duty Steel Construction: Made with 3x3 11-gauge steel, it's designed to support serious lifting. The rack can handle loads up to 1,000 lbs, making it robust enough for heavy squats, bench presses, and more.
- Westside Hole Spacing: The rack has Westside spacing on the uprights, allowing for more flexibility and adjustment for different lifts, particularly bench presses and squats.
- Pull-Up Bar Included: The package includes a multi-grip pull-up bar, which adds versatility to your upper body workout.
- Easy Installation: The wall-mount design ensures the rack stays stable while providing a relatively simple installation process.
TR-X / Suspension Trainer
If you're low on space, calisthenics is a great option for a full-body workout. However, you're limited with exercises, even if you have a pull-up bar. This is where TR-X suspension trainers come in.
TR-X burst onto the scene around 2005 and consisted of an extremely effective design: 2 straps with handles that you hang from any secure structure. The only caveat is that the structure should be high. In addition, it's best if it's not up against a wall.
At the end of the day, you can hang it from anywhere you can;
- Ceiling mount
- Pull-up bar
- Tree
- Door mount
Suspension trainers are a very affordable piece of gym equipment for small gyms that allows you to train virtually anywhere, so long as it has a solid structure. In fact, this piece of equipment is actually a compact gym that you can take wherever you want!
Some Good Options
TR-X
TR-X is the original and is always a good choice. The downside is they'll be pricer than other brands, but many say indoors.
Off-Market
While TR-X is the brand name, many other suspension trainers have hit the market. Here are some to check out.
Adjustable Dumbbells
Dumbbells are another great option for those looking for a compact home gym. Well, not a full set of dumbbells, as that takes a ton of space. Rather, a new product to hit the market over the years has been adjustable dumbbells.
Adjustable dumbbells work through various mechanisms to control the amount of weight plates attached to a single handle. When sitting on its stand, you can switch various levers to the amount of weight you like.
For example, you may have a dumbbell with 50 lb increments in 5-10 lb increments. This gives you the benefit of having a range of dumbbells that take up the space of one large dumbbell!
Thanks to innovations on the market, you can find some that adjust up to 100 lbs per dumbbell! Yeah, 200 lbs of dumbbells would be plenty of weight for most people to encompass their entire gym.
While these can cost a bit of money upfront, if you really pride yourself on efficiency but have limited space, they are a must-have.
Some Good Options
Quite a few products have hit the market over the years. While we sometimes recommend going for economical brands (sometimes as cheap as you can find!), adjustable dumbbells are not one of those cases.
Cheaper options do not perform well due to the complexity of the mechanisms that control the weight while maintaining durability.
1. Powerblock Pro 100 EXP
The PowerBlock Pro 1000 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells are designed to provide a compact, versatile home strength training solution.
These dumbbells offer easy weight adjustments and a broad weight range, supporting various exercises. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lifter, the Pro 100 EXP model is ideal for those who want a space-saving and durable set of dumbbells.
While they have 4 different initial setups, you can build these out to 100lbs per dumbbell, the largest on the market.
Key Features:
- Size: 5-40lb // 5-60lb // 5-80lb // 5-100lb
- Price: $480 // $680 // $880 // $1,080
- Adjustable Weight Range: The PowerBlock Pro 1000 EXP Dumbbells allow you to choose weights from 5 lbs to 100 lbs per dumbbell.
- Incremental Weight Increase: Depending on the jump, you can make either 2.5lb increases or 5lb increases per dumbbell.
- Easy-to-Use Pin Selector System: The selector pin system lets you change the weight in seconds. Simply insert the pin into the weight stack to adjust the load, which ensures fast transitions between exercises.
- Durability: The Pro 1000 EXP dumbbells are built with high-quality steel and durable rubberized coating. This ensures longevity, protects your floor from damage, and provides a firm, comfortable grip during exercises.
- Ergonomic Handle: The handles are designed to be comfortable and provide a secure grip, which is critical when performing high-intensity exercises.
Dimensions:
- Weight Range: 5 to 100 lbs per dumbbell (with expansion kit)
- Length: 12.5 inches (each dumbbell)
- Width: 7.5 inches (each dumbbell)
- Height: 6.5 inches (each dumbbell)
2. REP Quick Draw (30-60lb)
The REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells offer a compact and versatile solution for those looking to add adjustable weights to their home gym. Their simple yet effective design allows for quick weight changes, making them perfect for various exercises and fitness levels.
If you were to peruse home gym forums, you would see that REP Quick Draw are often mentioned as being a favorite adjustable dumbbell.
Key Features:
- Sizes: 5-30 // 5-40 // 5-50 // 5-60 lbs
- Price: $300 // $400 // $480 // $500
- Adjustable Weight System: The quick-change mechanism lets you switch between weights quickly, enabling smooth transitions during workouts.
- Incremental Load Increase: Ability to add just 2.5lbs per dumbbell
- Durable Construction: These dumbbells feature a robust cast iron design and a sturdy metal weight plate system. This ensures they last while providing a reliable weight option for users.
- Compact Design: The dumbbells are designed to be more compact than traditional adjustable dumbbells, helping reduce the amount of space needed for storage. They are perfect for home gyms with limited space.
- Ergonomic Handle: The dumbbells have an ergonomic, textured handle for a comfortable grip, reducing the risk of slippage during intense workouts.
- Warranty: Lifetime
Dimensions:
- Weight Options: 5-50 lbs, 10-75 lbs (depending on the model you choose)
- Overall Length: 15.5 inches (for the 5-50 lbs version)
- Width (of each dumbbell): 7.5 inches
- Height: 6.5 inches (approx.)
3. Snode AD-80
The Snode AD-80 Adjustable Dumbbells are designed to provide an efficient and space-saving home strength training solution.
These dumbbells offer a quick weight-adjustment mechanism, allowing users to easily transition between weights during their workout. With a range of 10-80 lbs per dumbbell, they are versatile and suitable for beginners and advanced lifters.
What makes these stand out is they have the most similar design and feel to a normal dumbbell. Users report this makes performing exercises feel natural as they do not impede in any way,
Key Features:
- Price: Approximately $800
- Quick Weight Adjustment: The quick-adjust dial system allows fast weight changes in seconds. This mechanism allows you to switch from 10 to 80 lbs in 10-pound increments.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: These dumbbells are built with a steel core and a high-quality molded plastic casing. They are designed to withstand heavy use and provide long-lasting durability. The robust construction also ensures smooth adjustments without the risk of wear over time.
- Ergonomic, Non-Slip Grip: The anti-slip grip ensures a secure and comfortable hold, even during intense workouts. The ergonomic handle is designed to reduce hand strain and improve exercise control.
- Sleek Design: Many people report preferring the design, as it feels most similar to using a pair of traditional dumbbells, regardless of size.
Dimensions:
- Weight Range: 5 to 80 lbs per dumbbell
- Length: 15.7 inches (each dumbbell)
- Width: 9.4 inches (each dumbbell)
- Height: 9.4 inches (each dumbbell)
Adjustable Kettlebells
Like the adjustable dumbbells, the fitness industry has also created adjustable kettlebells. The same basic mechanisms apply, except now you're changing the weight of a kettlebell with a simple turn of a knob or flip of a switch.
This makes it one of the most useful pieces of compact gym equipment.
Some Good Options
The same principle applies to adjustable kettlebells. We would only recommend purchasing one if you have the budget to buy a quality brand.
1. REP Adjustable Kettlebell
The REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells offer a versatile, space-saving solution for kettlebell enthusiasts who want to perform various exercises without cluttering their home gym.
These adjustable kettlebells are designed to be both convenient and durable, providing a range of weights to accommodate different fitness levels and training styles.
Most people consider these to have the most realistic feel and performance to compete with kettlebells.
Key Features:
- Size: 8-16kg // 20-40lb // 16-24kg
- Price: $150 // $160 // $210
-
Adjustable Weight Range:
- 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16kg
- 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40lbs
- 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24kg
- Quick and Easy Adjustments: Thanks to the easy-to-use adjustment system, changing the weight is quick and straightforward. The kettlebell features a rotating handle mechanism that lets you add or remove weight plates as needed, making it easy to adjust between sets without interruption.
- Compact and Space-Saving: These adjustable kettlebells save space in your gym by combining multiple weights into a single kettlebell. They are also perfect for home use, offering the functionality of several kettlebells in one.
- Durable Construction: The kettlebell is made from heavy-duty steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.
- Ergonomic Handle: The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip and is designed for both single-handed and double-handed exercises. The textured surface ensures full control, even during high-intensity workouts.
2. BowFlex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell offers a versatile, space-saving solution for anyone looking to add kettlebell training to their home gym.
With a weight range from 8 to 40 lbs, this adjustable kettlebell is perfect for various exercises, including swings, squats, presses, and more.
Coming from one of the original companies on home gym equipment, you can rest assured you're buying a quality product.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Weight Range: The Bowflex SelectTech 840 kettlebell can be adjusted from 8 lbs to 40 lbs in 5 lb increments. This range is perfect for users of all fitness levels and is ideal for both beginners and more advanced lifters who want to progressively overload their workouts.
- Simple Weight Adjustment: SelectTech dial system
- Space-Saving Design: The Bowflex SelectTech 840 replaces multiple fixed-weight kettlebells with a single, compact unit. This design saves space and reduces clutter, making it an ideal choice for home gyms or small workout spaces.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials, the kettlebell features a durable steel core and a rubberized coating that helps protect floors and ensure longevity. The coating also prevents rusting and helps maintain the kettlebell over time.
- Ergonomic Handle: The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable and secure grip during single-handed and double-handed exercises. The wide handle design is great for users with larger hands and promotes a stable grip during intense workouts.
- Versatile Workout Tool: This kettlebell suits various exercises, including swings, squats, deadlifts, lunges, and presses. Its adjustable nature makes it suitable for various types of training, from strength-building to endurance training.
3. Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell
The PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell is another product from the entire Powerblock product line.
It uses a simple design that lets you choose from 4 different weights per kettlebell. Its simplicity makes it perfect for those who want to maximize their home gym space without sacrificing the versatility of their workouts.
This kettlebell adjusts between 8 to 40 lbs using their simple selector pin mechanism".
Key Features
- Size: 18-35lb // 36-62lb
- Price: $170 // $299
-
Adjustable Weight System:
- 18, 22, 26, 35 lbs
- 35 // 44 // 53 // 62 lbs
- Square Design for Stability: The kettlebell's unique square shape ensures it stays upright when not in use. This design also makes it easier to store, stack, and grab without worrying about it rolling around your gym space.
- Adjustment System: Steel Selection Pin with Magnetic Lock
- Comfortable and Secure Grip: The PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell's wide handle is ergonomically designed to provide a secure grip during even the most intense workouts.
- Construction: Built with a steel core and covered with a rubberized coating, the PowerBlock Kettlebell is made to endure years of use. The rubber coating protects your kettlebell and floor, reducing the risk of damage from drops or collisions.
- Warranty: 5-Year
Full Adjustable Weight System
Above, we spoke about adjustable dumbbells and adjustable kettlebells. Both of those are great options. But what if you could use both with the same system? Now, what if you could buy different barbell attachments compatible with those weights?
You would have an entire gym set that you easily store under your bed! This is what Powerblock offers.
Three of their adjustable dumbbells were constructed with the foresight of creating an entire weight-lifting system.
- Pro 100 EXP
- Elite USA 90
- Pro 50
To create the system, you need to purchase;
- The adjustable dumbbell set
- Kettlebell handles that are compatible with the same adjustable weights
- Various barbells: Straight barbell, EZ-Curl bar
You can now load a barbell up to 200 (Pro 100 EXP) and a set of dumbbells and kettlebells.
Wall-Mounted Pulley Cable System
We at SET FOR SET love the classic barbell. However, putting that aside for a minute, one of our favorite pieces of equipment would have to be the cable machine. That's because this single machine actually opens up the possibility of exercises 10-fold. Some of these include;
- Chest flys
- Reverse flys
- Standing rows
- Kneeling shoulder press
- Bicep curls
- ……we could go on and on
The problem is that a full cable crossover doesn't really work well as small home gym equipment. While crossover cable systems require a significant amount of space, you could look into wall-mounted cable systems instead! These systems attach directly to a wall and generally use a plate-loaded system to add weight.
The systems generally come with two independent pulleys, which can be adjusted to different heights. You can then use various attachments to support different exercises, such as;
- Straight bars
- Rope attachment
- V-Handles
- Single arm attachments
- …And so on
These systems require a solid wall and some work to secure them. However, once installed, you have an entire gym for a full-body workout, taking up a minimal amount of space.
Some Good Options
Unlike some other options on this list, there aren't a ton of great options out there, but there are a few to check out.
1. Titan Fitness Tall Wall Mounted Pulley Tower
The Titan Wall-Mounted Cable System is a versatile, space-saving fitness solution for small home gyms. It offers a high level of adjustability and universal compatibility with various attachments, making it suitable for various exercises targeting different muscle groups.
Key Features:
- Price: Typically around $300-350
- Dimensions: 27.5"D x 25"W x 84.5"H
- Adjustable Pulley System: 18 adjustable positions for maximal exercise variations
- High Weight Capacity: Supports a maximum load of 350lbs
- Durability: Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Attachment Options: Compatible with standard accessories like rope attachments, handles, and bars for different exercises.
2. Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station
The Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station is a high-quality, durable piece of equipment designed for those looking to enhance their compact home gym with a versatile, space-saving cable machine.
It is ideal for strength training and offers a solid foundation for various resistance exercises. This includes major compound movements as well as unilateral isolation exercises.
Key Features:
- Dimension: 25"D x 25"W x 80"H
- Price: Typically around $300-350.
- Dual Pulley System: 16 adjustable positions allow for various exercises such as cable rows, tricep pushdowns, and more.
- Adjustable Strap Handles: 5 positions
- Adjustable Height: This feature allows users to adjust the pulleys to different positions, enabling customizable workouts for various muscle groups.
- Heavy Duty Construction: Built with steel for durability, ensuring long-lasting performance even with frequent use.
- Weight Capacity: Supports up to 200 lbs of weight, offering enough resistance for most strength training routines.
Prepare to maximize your gains with our exclusive 12-week hypertrophy training program. Choose between a 4 or 5 day training split and gain 2-12 pounds of muscle over 90 days...
Building A Small Gym
With home gyms becoming popular, choices have grown immensely over the years. Why it would always be nice to have an unlimited amount of space and an endless budget to purchase whatever you want, that's just not the reality for most people – but a small gym doesn't mean small gains.
As you can see in this list, you don't need a ton of space to build an awesome home gym. There are a lot of great options for compact equipment to ensure you get in a great, full-body workout.
Recommended Programs
SFS Single Session Fitness Consultation
SFS Single Session Plus Personalized Program
SFS 3-Month Personalized Coaching Program
SFS 3-Month Personalized Coaching Program Plus
SFS 6-Month Fitness Lifestyle Program
Garett Reid
Author