The first step to building the (hidden) gym of your dreams is figuring out what type of equipment is best for your fitness goals. Whether you want to make gains with strength training or build endurance with cardio, knowing what details to look out for makes the shopping process easier. In this case, weight, portability, and versatility are key factors.
What To Consider
Weight and portability
Not every piece of equipment on this list is small in size, but it’s all lightweight and portable. For example, the Merach Walking Pad is just over 45 inches long, but has wheels for easy maneuvering. It’s also so slim it can be stored under a bed (!). Workout equipment often features exact measurements, so make sure to check the specs before ordering.
Versatility
Sheridan recommends choosing equipment that can be used to perform different workouts. Our best overall pick, the TRX Home 2 System, fits the bill perfectly given it tackles strength training and cardio workouts. Overall, it all comes down to your fitness goals and personal preference.
How We Chose
To find the best compact home gym equipment, we first consulted physiotherapist Kieran Sheridan on his recommendations for essential categories to consider for a home gym, depending on your goals. Then, as Women’s Health’s fitness commerce editor, I tested most of the recommended equipment and cross-referenced my experiences with previous testing done by Women’s Health experts and editors across categories to come up with the best picks.
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Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
Our team decided the TRX Home 2 System is the best multipurpose piece of compact home gym equipment you can invest in thanks to its lightweight and multipurpose functions. I love that it supports both resistance training and cardio workouts while taking up zero surface area of my shoebox apartment.
All you do is hook the TRX Home 2 System onto the back of a door, beam, or pole with the included anchors. The hooks and suspension straps stay in place while executing explosive movements like lunges and squats, which is essential for safety. In my apartment, I attached it to the back of my door. I was able to install it properly on my first attempt and it never budged, no matter how much weight I put on it.
After using it a dozen times, I never lost balance or felt at risk of injury. It may look flimsy, but I attest it’s strong and mighty. For further stability, the straps feature grippy handles, which Sheridan recommends.
I know this product is top-notch because it has superior durability to withstand high-resistance, low-impact workouts. With weekly use, the anchors are not worn out and still feel as good as new—you get what you pay for! Plus, the TRX Home 2 System was specifically designed by a Navy Seal over 20 years ago and has proven its effectiveness.
As a runner, it’s excellent for cross-training muscles I wouldn’t otherwise use, and stretching out my tired limbs. I plan on also using it on vacation for quick hotel room workouts because I need my daily endorphins.
Read More: Best Portable Home Gyms
| Weight | 1.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Strength Training | Yes |
| Cardio | Yes |
Best Compact Home Gym Equipment For Cardio
Merach Walking Pad
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Walking pads are viral, and for good reason. They allow you to easily hit your step goal at home and take up minimal space. Whether you want to get in movement while watching TV or working, the Merach Walking Pad is slim and only weighs 40 pounds for easy storage. I wouldn’t say it’s lightweight, but compared to other brands like Sperax and SupeRun which are closer to 50 pounds, it’s definitely easier to maneuver via the attached wheels. The Merach Walking Pad is my go-to for hot girl walks at my desk when I know I won’t be able to get outside—it fits and effortlessly glides right underneath! Compared to other walking pads, this one is the most portable and mobile model we’ve tested.
The Merach only reaches up to 3.8 miles per hour, so it’s best for long-distance and endurance walking instead of speed. While I wish it had an adjustable incline, the non-slip and silent belt cancel out that con. The motor is designed to be inaudible, and there is an added plate on the machine to reduce noise. It’s not the only walking pad with these features on the market, but I attest this one actually lives up to what it claims to do!
| Weight | 40 lbs |
|---|---|
| Strength Training | No |
| Cardio | Yes |
Best Compact Home Gym Equipment Resistance Band
Pvolve P.band
Pros
- Doesn’t slip and stays secure
- Built-in gloves and wrist straps
- High-resistance
Cons
- Only for upper body workouts
Resistance bands are Sheridan’s favorite for strength training, stretching, and rehab exercises. But, the Pvolve P.band is unique given it’s specifically tailored to arm, back, and shoulder workouts. This band is unable to accommodate leg workouts, but as someone who is easily frustrated by bands slipping or tangling during lower body sessions, I’d rather do bodyweight or dumbbell moves on leg day anyway. What makes these bands different is the built-in woven gloves and wrist straps that stay secure during upper-body workouts. It definitely feels more secure compared to traditional resistance bands since the gloves offer individual support and grip to each finger when stretching the nearly 14-inch latex band.
I love performing pull-apart, banded push-ups, and row exercises with it. It’s a fraction of the size compared to dumbbells and the high tension makes my upper body burn while fully engaging my core. I also find it’s low-impact and easier on my joints, which makes it great for physical therapy exercises or nursing an injury. Like the best overall pick, I just toss it in the drawer once I’m done working up a sweat. If you’re looking for a traditional band set that works for the upper and lower body, we recommend these editor-tested Fit Simplify Resistance Bands.
| Weight | 0.2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Strength Training | Yes |
| Cardio | No |
Pros
- More affordable than other adjustable dumbbells
- Weight isn’t over-the-top, so it’s portable
- Non-slip grip
Cons
- Weight only goes up to 25 pounds if you want to lift heavier
A good pair of adjustable dumbbells is the shortcut to pumping heavy iron at home. This set from LifePro features five weight ranges—five,10,15, 20, and 25 pounds—and can be easily adjusted with a slider that locks in. “It is important to be able to change the weight because as you become stronger you will want more resistance,” says Sheridan. A single adjustable set means you won’t have to keep purchasing new ‘bells as you gain strength.
This LifePro set is our pick because it’s much more affordable and portable than other options on the market such as Bowflex and NordicTrack. For context, a set of Bowflex dumbbells costs over $400 and weighs over 100 pounds, while these cost under $200 and weigh 50 pounds. Our research finds they’re still easy to adjust and feature the same non-slip grip you’d find on pricier options.
As for workouts, adjustable dumbbells are great for classic strength moves like bicep curls and sumo squats, and adding to yoga to crank up the intensity. Plus, thanks to the non-slip grip, you don’t have to worry about losing control while in motion.
| Weight | 50 lbs |
|---|---|
| Strength Training | Yes |
| Cardio | No |
Meet The Expert
- Kieran Sheridan is a registered physiotherapist and the founder of GulfPhysio, a physical therapy supply store.
Nicolette Accardi is the Fitness Commerce Editor at Women’s Health with a specialty in running content. She likes to chase her next best time by testing out shoes and other running gear while training for races. Nicolette studied journalism and health sociology at Rutgers University. She has written for NJ.com, VICE, Rolling Stone, NBC News Select, and U.S. News & World Report.
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