Most of us don’t have extra rooms to dedicate to a home gym. My apartment is the size of a postage stamp, but I was determined to create a space where I could work out without having to leave the house. It took some trial and error, but I figured out a few tricks for setting up a functional home gym, even if you’re short on space. If you hate spending money on gym memberships (or just can’t fit it into your budget) but still want to exercise at home, this guide is for you.
We’ll figure out the Best home gym setup for Small Spaces, what equipment is actually worth getting, how to store it all without turning your home into a gym, and most importantly, how to get a good workout without needing a ton of space.
Importance of having a home gym
Going to the gym may not always be the most appealing option. Sometimes you simply want to work out in your pajamas, blast your own music, and not worry about people staring while you’re trying to figure out how to use the leg press machine. Having a home gym, even if it’s just a small space carved out in your house, can make a world of difference.
Some Benefits:
No more excuses: there are a million excuses for not going to the gym. Sometimes it’s too far, other times it’s raining cats and dogs, and sometimes you just don’t want to put on real pants to exercise. Having a home gym (or even just a little workout corner in your house) eliminates all that hassle. You can squeeze in a workout whenever you have a spare 15 minutes.
Your own little sanctuary: Some of us just don’t thrive in the gym environment. I’m one of those people who feels self-conscious trying to figure out how a machine works with a bunch of people watching. Having a dedicated workout space at home means you can focus on your routine and not worry about what anyone else is doing (or thinking).
Save money in the long run: Some home gym equipment can definitely set you back a bit. But those gym memberships aren’t cheap either, especially if you’re paying for one you barely use. Also, you’re saving on gas money (and the temptation to swing by the drive-through on the way home) and those cute workout clothes you feel like you need to look the part. Not to mention the overpriced protein shakes you always end up buying. In the long run, a few key pieces of home gym equipment could actually save you a ton of money!
Figure Out What You Actually Want (And What You Have Room For)
It’s easy to get carried away when buying home gym equipment. But then the reality sets in, and you realize you have no idea where to even put it or how to use it. Before you buy a bunch of stuff you’ll never touch, take a minute to think about what you’re actually trying to accomplish.
We’re working with limited space here, so think multi-purpose. A set of adjustable dumbbells can replace an entire rack of weights and doesn’t take up nearly as much room. Resistance bands are another great option; they’re super versatile and can be stored in a drawer. If cardio is your thing, consider a jump rope (they’re cheap and easy to stash away) or a folding treadmill if you have a slightly bigger budget.
Don’t buy a rowing machine if you’re not going to use it, and don’t fill up your precious space with equipment that’ll just end up collecting dust.
Measure Your Space and Take Inventory of Equipment
Before you spend a fortune at the sporting goods store, take a good, hard look around your house. You probably have more stuff than you think! Dig out those old dumbbells that are hiding under your bed or the yoga mat you bought with good intentions but never used. That resistance band you got as a gift three years ago might finally come in handy!
You don’t need a garage full of equipment to get a good workout. If space is an issue, focus on things that can do double duty. A set of adjustable dumbbells is good – it replaces a whole rack of weights and doesn’t take up half your living room. Resistance bands are another great option – they’re super versatile and can be stored in a drawer. If you have a doorway, a pull-up bar is a pretty awesome addition, and a set of sliders can turn any smooth surface into a workout area.
Get creative with storage! My home gym used to be a corner of my bedroom with a few baskets full of workout gear. It’s not pretty, but it works.
Start with what you have, be smart about what you buy, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to create a home gym that actually works for your space (and your wallet).
Choose Multi-Functional and Space-Saving Equipment
We’re working with limited space here, so choosing the right equipment is important. Avoid those bulky, single-purpose machines that take up a ton of space and are just really expensive coat racks.
When it comes to buying stuff for your home gym, try to be smart about it (we’re on a budget here).
Adjustable dumbbells:
If you have a little extra cash, these are really great. You can swap out the weights, so you don’t need a million different pairs of dumbbells cluttering up your space.
Resistance bands:
They’re surprisingly effective, and you can use them for pretty much everything, from arms to legs to abs. They’re so easy to store; shove them in a drawer when you’re done.
Yoga mat:
This is a must-have. It’ll save your knees and back during floor exercises, and even if you’re not into yoga, it’s a good way to make a little exercise corner in your living room. Nobody wants carpet burn while doing mountain climbers.
Pull-up bar:
If you’ve got a doorframe that’s not going to fall apart, a pull-up bar is a pretty awesome way to work your back and arms. Also, it’s fun to see how many pull-ups you can actually do.
Foldable Weight Bench:
A versatile piece for strength training exercises like bench presses, rows, and step-ups. When not in use, it folds up for easy storage.
Suspension Trainer:
This one’s a little different. It’s basically two straps with handles that you hang from a door or something sturdy. You use your own body weight as resistance, which sounds easy, but it can actually get pretty intense. It’s good for working pretty much everything – arms, core, legs. But the key is having a doorframe you trust with your life. If you have any doubts about the sturdiness of your doors, maybe skip this one.
Adjustable Kettlebell:
If you’re into kettlebell swings (or want to try them), this is a space-saving alternative to buying a bunch of different weights. But they can be a little intimidating if you’re not used to them.
Foam Roller:
This isn’t for working out, it’s for the day after your workout. Roll out those tight muscles to relieve soreness and speed up recovery.
Jump Rope:
This is a cheap and easy way to get your cardio in. Also, it takes up basically zero space when you’re not using it.
Foldable Treadmill:
These are the splurge items on the list, and they still take up a decent amount of space even when folded up. But if you really want to do cardio at home, and you have the budget, it might be worth it.
Your budget and space limitations might mean you can’t get everything on this list right away. That’s okay! Start with a few basic items, and add more as you can.
Going Vertical: Making the Most of Your Walls
Most of us don’t have endless square footage to work with. That’s where using your walls wisely comes into play.
- Mount it up: Anything you can get off the floor is a win. A pull-up bar that mounts in a doorway is a classic for good reason; it takes up zero floor space and gives you a killer upper-body workout.
- Look for hanging storage solutions: There are a ton of different racks, hooks, and other solutions that let you hang up things like resistance bands or jump ropes. This frees up valuable floor space and keeps things organized.
- Shelving: Nobody wants to trip over dumbbells every time they walk across the room. Adjustable shelving is a decent way to store those and anything else small enough to fit, but just make sure those shelves can actually handle the weight. Otherwise, you’re just creating a new kind of disaster.
Not everyone has a spare room they can dedicate to a home gym. But with a little creativity and a willingness to hang things on your walls, you can make a surprisingly functional workout space without sacrificing your entire living room to fitness equipment.
Embrace the Foldable and Portable
If you don’t have a spare room, you can turn it into a fitness paradise; foldable and portable equipment will be helpful for you.
- Foldable Treadmills and Bikes: If you’re into cardio but hate the gym scene, these are a viable option. Just be sure to measure first – some of them still take up a decent amount of space, even when folded up.
- Collapsible Weight Benches: These are great for adding variety to your workouts, especially if you do a lot of upper body exercises. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle your weight.
- Resistance Bands, Dumbbells, etc.: I’ve mentioned these before, but they are best for you if your workout space is limited. Resistance bands don’t take up any room, and a set of dumbbells with a rack keeps things tidy and easy to access.
- Storage Solutions: If your place looks like a tornado hit it, adding workout stuff to the mix isn’t going to help. Think vertical; hang up those resistance bands on hooks, or if you have a little extra cash, invest in a storage bench that doubles as a weight bench (bonus points for extra storage underneath!). Worst case, find some stylish bins or baskets to throw your equipment in. Tripping over a yoga mat in the middle of the night is not the move.
Creating Your Workout Zone: No Home Gym Makeover Required
Some of us barely have enough space to turn around without bumping into something! But that doesn’t mean you can’t create a little corner of your house that’s dedicated to fitness. It might not be as glamorous as those perfectly curated spaces you see online, but having a designated workout area can do wonders for your motivation.
I like having a space that’s just for working out. It helps me mentally switch gears and get in the zone, even if it’s just a tiny corner of my bedroom with a yoga mat and a few dumbbells. It’s about creating a space where you can focus on yourself and your fitness goals. Also, it’s a good way to keep your workout stuff organized, so you’re not tripping over resistance bands every time you walk through the living room.
Here’s what I’ve found helpful:
- Pick a spot: It doesn’t have to be huge. A corner of a room, a spare closet, or even the space behind your couch could work. Just make sure it’s a place where you can actually move around a bit.
- Light it up: Natural light is ideal, but if you don’t have that, make sure you have a decent lamp or overhead light. You don’t want to be doing squats in the dark.
- Mirrors: Try to put your workout area in front of a mirror. It’ll make the space feel bigger. Also, it helps you avoid looking like a total weirdo when trying to figure out that new yoga pose.
- Give yourself some privacy: If you can, choose a spot where you won’t be constantly interrupted or distracted. If your home gym is in the living room, maybe work out when everyone else is out of the house.
- Make it yours: A yoga mat or some rubber flooring tiles can help define the space. And definitely add some personal touches – a plant, a speaker for music, whatever makes it feel like a space you actually want to be in.
Don’t stress about making it perfect. Even a small corner of your bedroom can become a decent home gym if you’re willing to think outside the box.
Maximize Storage Options for Equipment and Accessories
Even if you’re just dedicating a small area for your workouts, it’s easy for that space to quickly become a black hole of tangled resistance bands and rogue dumbbells. I’ve stumbled over enough of them in the middle of the night to know. So, here are a few tips to keep your workout gear from taking over your life:
Utilize Vertical Space:
- Walls: Get stuff off the floor and onto the walls. Floating shelves are great for lighter items or invest in a sturdy rack for heavier weights.
- Pegboards are surprisingly versatile, Not just for tools! Add hooks and baskets to hang everything from resistance bands to towels.
- Look up: If you have high ceilings, consider hanging a rack or shelf overhead for stuff you don’t use as often, like foam rollers or yoga blocks.
Optimize Floor Space:
- Storage benches: They give you a place to sit and hide your workout gear when you’re not using it.
- Get some bins: Those random exercise bands and jump ropes will look a lot less messy if they’re contained in a bin.
- Think about a rolling cart: This is a great way to store heavier weights or other bulky items. You can just wheel it out when you need it, then tuck it away when you’re done.
Smart Equipment Choices:
- Adjustable weights: Save yourself the hassle of having a million different dumbbells. Get an adjustable set, and you’ll save a ton of space.
- All-in-one systems: These can be expensive, but if you’re short on space, something like a TRX system might be worth considering. It basically gives you a full-body workout with just straps and your own body weight.
Organization:
- Label everything: It might seem a little over the top, but it’s worth it. It’s annoying having to dig through a bunch of bins trying to find that one resistance band.
- Get rid of unused stuff: Be honest with yourself; if you haven’t touched that ab roller in a year, it’s time to let it go.
Don’t let a lack of space stop you from creating a home gym you actually want to use. A little bit of planning and organization goes a long way.
Keep the Space Clutter-Free and Organized for Maximum Functionality.
Nobody wants their living room to look like they’re training for the next CrossFit Games. Even if you’re dedicated to working out at home, workout gear can take over your space quickly. Here are some tips to keep it under control, even if you don’t have a ton of room:
- Think vertical: Empty wall space is prime real estate for workout gear. Hooks are great for hanging resistance bands, jump ropes, or even smaller dumbbells. If you have the budget, wall-mounted shelves or racks can be a lifesaver; just make sure those shelves can actually handle the weight of whatever you’re putting on them.
- Hidden storage: Storage ottomans or benches are perfect for stashing yoga mats, foam rollers, and other bulky items. Also, then you don’t have to look at your workout gear when you’re not using it.
- Use under-bed storage: This is a classic for a reason. If you have space under your bed, it’s the perfect spot for tucking away stuff that you don’t use every day.
- Bins and baskets: Invest in some decent-looking storage containers. That way, your workout stuff can live in the corner of a room without looking like a hot mess.
The most important thing is finding a storage solution that actually works for you. If it’s a pain to put things away, you’re not going to do it. Keep it simple and functional!
Conclusion
Even if you have a super tiny apartment, having a dedicated workout space in your home can be so good.
Forget the fancy machines and the giant squat racks that fitness influencers have. You can still get a solid workout with just a few key pieces of equipment. Think dumbbells, resistance bands, a yoga mat – that kind of stuff. Focus on what you actually want to do, whether it’s strength training, cardio, or yoga, and then choose equipment that you can realistically fit into your space.
Don’t let the size of your apartment be an excuse to skip your workouts. A little creativity goes a long way!
FAQ
How can I build a home gym without spending a fortune?
You don’t have to go broke to get fit. Start with the basics – a yoga mat, some resistance bands, and maybe a couple of dumbbells (you can even find used ones online). As you get stronger and more into your routine, then consider adding other equipment.
My workout space is poorly ventilated. How do I deal with that?
Open a window if you can, or use a fan to get the air circulating. Maybe add a few plants – they can help purify the air a bit.
Can I do cardio workouts in a small space?
You bet! A jump rope is a classic for a reason, and there are tons of bodyweight cardio exercises that don’t require a lot of room. If you have the space (and the budget), a foldable treadmill or bike is also a good option.
How do I avoid hurting myself when working out in a small space?
Give yourself enough room to move around, and make sure there’s nothing you’re going to trip over. If you’re using weights, start with a lighter weight and focus on good form before you start lifting heavy.
What if I live in an apartment with thin walls?
Yeah, that’s a legit concern. If noise is an issue, try sticking to quieter activities like yoga, Pilates, or resistance band exercises. If you have to jump, maybe do it during the day when most people are at work, or put down a thick mat to help absorb the impact.
What are some effective small-space cardio exercises?
Jumping jacks are classic, but they can be noisy. Try high knees, butt kicks, or even just jogging in place. If you have a bit more room, a jump rope is surprisingly effective (and takes up minimal space).
Can I build muscle with a small home gym setup?
You can absolutely build muscle without a squat rack! Resistance bands, dumbbells, even your own body weight can provide enough resistance. Focus on good form and gradually increase the intensity over time.
How often should I clean my home gym equipment?
A quick wipe-down after each workout is a good habit to get into. It prevents sweat and dirt from building up. For a deeper clean, once a week or so should be fine.
How do I stay motivated to work out at home?
It’s easy to lose motivation when you’re not going to a gym. Try setting clear goals, track your progress (a little bit of improvement is still improvement!), and find a workout buddy who will hold you accountable. If you’re the kind of person who gets bored easily, try different types of workouts each week.
