11 Best Compact Home Gyms for Maximum Space Saving

Gym membership fees can make a huge dent on your budget, especially if you count your finances to the penny. Plus, you might not get to maximize your membership if your schedule is always tight!

We know the feeling, and here’s a brilliant idea to work things around…

Investing in a small home gym is a smart idea if you are not fond of shelling out money for expensive gym fees or ready to commit to a strict workout schedule.

Having a home gym also saves you travel time and gas money in the long run. Got a few minutes to spare to get a little physical? Set up your mini home gym and start your sweat sesh!

In this list, we present 11 of the best compact home gyms for you to choose from – giving you an easier time selecting the best one that meets your fitness needs.

11 Best Compact Home Gyms at a Glance:

1. Best Overall: Bowflex PR3000
2. Best for Full-Body Training: Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station
3. Most Comfortable to Use: Total Gym APEX
4. Best for Small Spaces: Bodyboss 2.0
5. Best for Travels: Fusion Motion Portable Gym
6. Most Portable: Bullworker 20″ Steel Bow
7. Zero Setup Needed: Simply Fit Board
8. Best for Ab Exercises: Wonder Core Smart
9. Best Design: Escape Fitness Deck V2.0
10. Best for Those on a Budget: Bowflex PR1000
11. Holds Up Most Weight: Total Gym XLS

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BEST OVERALL: Bowflex PR3000

• Features:
  Offers more than 50 gym-quality full-body exercises
  Upgradable to 310lb Power Rod Resistance

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Quick Change Power Rod system	❌ Most expensive compact home gym in this list
✅ Heavy-duty steel frame

The Bowflex PR3000 lets you enjoy more than 50 different exercises for your whole body — your chest, back, shoulders, arms, legs, and trunk. 

We bet you’re already wondering how you can do all 50 exercises when you can only imagine about ten or so. Don’t worry, because the Bowflex PR3000 comes with an instructional workout placard attached to the machine.

This compact home gym equipment lets you choose from as little as 5lbs or as much as 210lbs. of Power Rod resistance.

With the Power Rod technology, you don’t need to constantly change cables so you can quickly go from one exercise to the next. 

It has comfortable hand grips/ankle cuffs that add flexibility to your workouts.

This home gym also features upholstered roller cushions for comfortable leg extensions and leg curls.

Measuring 82” x 76” x 28”, this home gym is not the most compact machine on this list.

Whether you are trying to build muscle, lose weight, or enjoy cardio exercise, the Bowflex PR3000 looks more than ready to help you hit your fitness goals.

Verdict

Offering over 50 different exercises, the Bowflex PR3000 will make a smart choice for any fitness enthusiast looking for the best compact home gym. Its Power Rod technology eliminates the need for complicated cable changes. It, however, is not the most affordable and space-saving machine on this list.

BEST FOR FULL-BODY TRAINING: Marcy 150-lb Multi-Functional Home Gym Station

• Features:
  Offers more than 30 strength-training exercises
  150lb adjustable weight stacking

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Weight stack lock for safe use	❌ Not the most space-saving design
✅ Heavy-duty steel frame reinforced with guard rods

The Marcy 150-lb Multi-Functional Home Gym Station features a 150-lb selectorized weight stack, which can be customized according to your skill level — you don’t have to manually load or unload weight plates while you exercise.

It has dual-action press arms that allow you to perform chest presses and vertical butterfly exercises, which are perfect for engaging your biceps, triceps, and pectoral muscles. 

This home gym features a leg developer that is fitted with 4 comfortable foam rollers. It is designed to align with your knee joints to make leg day comfortable — no more excuses!

The Marcy 150-lb Multi-Functional Home Gym Station comes with an adjustable preacher curl pad, which lets you perform curls and hammer curls without straining your back. The knob lets you detach, attach, or adjust the curl pad’s angle.

Perform lat pull-downs by using the lat bar that connects to the upper pulley, while the lower cable and ankle strap are great for performing lower body workouts.

This home gym measures 79” x 68” x 36”, so it is not one of the most compact home gyms you will see on this list.

Verdict

Fitted with a 150-lb weight stack and pulley system, the Marcy 150-lb Multi-Functional Home Gym Station looks like a machine that you can find inside most gyms. It lets you perform more than 30 different exercises and comes with a weight stack lock for safety. There are reviewers, however, who say that the range of motion while exercising is quite small.

MOST COMFORTABLE TO USE: Total Gym APEX

• Features:
  Offers more than 80 exercises with 10 resistance levels
  Allows you to exercise using your own body weight

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Makes little to no noise when being used	❌ Not the most space-saving design
✅ Padded, ergonomic glide board with pillow headrest
✅ Supports a maximum weight of up to 375lbs.

The Total Gym APEX home gym uses a pulley/slide board system, which lets you workout using your body weight.

You can add more resistance and intensity to your workouts by adjusting the slide board to a higher level.

This mini gym set includes:  a wing attachment, a large squat stand, a leg pull accessory, dip bars, a training deck with holder, 2 stability mats, Total Gym TV access, exercise and nutrition guides, an owner’s manual, and a training DVD.

The Total Gym APEX lets you perform a wide variety of exercises, such as pullovers, pullover crunches, pull-ups, chest presses, chest flys, lateral flys, sprinter starts, triceps extensions, biceps curls, hop twists, and more.

When in use, this home gym measures 93” x 43.25” x 15.5”, so it can end up eating quite a lot of floor space. 

Verdict

Unlike conventional home gyms that rely exclusively on weighted plates, the Total Gym APEX uses your body weight for resistance. It can take up quite a lot of space, but it’s a foldable gym equipment for easy storage. There are also users who say that this machine is really quiet to use — except, of course, when you’re huffing and puffing your way through each rep.

BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: BodyBoss 2.0

• Features:
  Offers more than 300 exercises
  Relies on resistance bands that attach to the fold-up platform

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Lightweight and compact design	❌ There are users who say that the resistance bands easily snap
✅ Fuss-free setup

The Bodyboss 2.0 is your best bet if you want an apartment home gym.

When fully assembled, it only measures 20.1” x 15.9” x 2.8” – so it’s a great home gym for small spaces.

This space saving home gym has a foldable platform with attachments for connecting the cloth-covered resistance bands. 

The bundle comes with a vector fit foldable base, a collapsible workout bar, resistance bands, padded wrist and ankle straps, handles, and a door anchor.

The Bodyboss 2.0 lets you perform a wide assortment of exercises that engage your shoulders, traps, upper body, chest, lats, lower back, quads, calves, abs, core, and arm muscles.

The platform folds up into a compact bundle that fits nicely inside the included carrying bag. 

Bring this portable gym with you on outdoor trips or holiday adventures — the hustle doesn’t have to stop when you’re away from home!     

Verdict

If portability is what you are looking for, Bodyboss 2.0 is probably the best choice. You don’t have to deal with heavy plates or complicated cables – just resistance bands that attach to the foldable platform. There are some reviews, however, that say that the resistance bands can snap off easily — yikes!

BEST FOR TRAVELS: Fusion Motion Portable Gym

• Features:
  Offers more than 200 exercises
  Uses resistance bands that attach to the main platform

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Lightweight and compact design	❌ Some users say that the elastic bands easily break
✅ Complete accessories
✅ Supports a maximum weight of up to 290lbs

The Fusion Motion Portable Gym is designed to give you a full-body workout without the heavy plates, large dumbbells, or complicated machines.

This compact workout station includes: a platform, 2 “normal” resistance bands, 2 “strong” resistance bands, 2 dynamic pulse attachments, 2 dynamic handles, 2 static push-up handles, 1 fusion bar/squat rack, 1 ab roller wheel, 1 door anchor, 1 training guide, and 1 carrying bag.

You can tone and sculpt your arms, legs, and butt using the resistance bands.

The static handles let you perform perfect push-ups.

The ab roller engages your core, while the tricep bar targets your arm muscles.

The base is reinforced with steel bars to handle heavy and intense workouts. 

Pack the base and all these accessories inside the storage bag, and you can take this compact exercise station with you whenever you go on outdoor trips and travel adventures.  

Verdict

The Fusion Motion Portable Gym looks like a worthy exercise station to invest in if you’re always on the go. It includes a variety of accessories that help you target different muscle groups. Just keep in mind that there are some users that reported the resistance bands having a tendency to easily snap off in the middle of intense workouts.

MOST PORTABLE: Bullworker 20” Steel Bow

• Features:
  Offers more than 200 exercises
  Uses resistance bands that attach to the main platform
  Relies on isometrics to maximize muscle growth

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Fits easily inside your bag or car compartment	❌ Limited range of motion due to its smaller size
✅ Interchangeable springs for custom resistance

Don’t be fooled by the size of this small home exercise equipment. The Bullworker 20” Steel Bow is backed by several decades of experience when it comes to strength-training and muscle-building.

The Bullworker 20” Steel Bow comes with 5 interchangeable springs to customize your workout intensity.

This equipment uses isometrics, a fitness technique that can maximize muscle growth by exerting 60% of muscle strength against strong resistance for only 7 seconds each day.

This workout accessory lets you perform biceps cable curls, reverse flys, chest compressions, and triceps extensions.

It also lets you target lower body muscles through calf extensions, leg extensions, hip adductions, or resisted crunches.

This compact full body workout machine includes removable hand grips, a carrying case, and an exercise manual to guide you through your workouts.

Verdict

If you are not fond of lugging around heavy dumbbells or bulky exercise machines, go for the Bullworker 20” Steel Arrow. Since it’s compact, you can store it nicely in your bag, office drawer, or car compartment. But, its small size also comes with a disadvantage — it might offer a rather-limited range of motion.

ZERO SETUP NEEDED: Simply Fit Board

• Features:
  Multi-functional balance board with no setup required
  Great for toning your core, abs, legs, and upper body

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Only weighs 3.2lbs	❌ Rather-limited number of exercises to perform on this board
✅ Measures 26” x 11” x 4”	❌ There are users who say that the board can easily crack
✅ Easy to store
✅ Supports up to 400lbs of weight

Among all the exercise machines included in this list, the Simply Fit Board has — just as its name suggests — the simplest design! It takes on the shape of a curved board with handles, and that’s it!

To use this exercise equipment, just stand on the board and twist your body. This is meant to engage your core, improve your balance, and help tone your abs and legs at the same time.

You can use weights while you twist on the board if you want to take your workout to the next level.

The board is made of premium-quality ABS plastic, and features an anti-slip surface for safe and comfortable training — so don’t worry about slipping or breaking the board!     

With this compact workout equipment, you can perform squats, twisted bridges, screaming squats, spider planks, tricep kickbacks, donkey kicks, and more.

Verdict

If you are looking for a fun way to spice up your cardio or aerobic exercise, the Simply Fit Board won’t disappoint. Its curved base encourages you to find your balance while you twist and train. While it is marketed to hold up to 400lbs, there are some users who say that the board can easily crack under heavy weight.

BEST FOR AB EXERCISES: Wonder Core Smart

• Features:
  Primarily targets your core and abs
  May also be used to tone your arms and legs
  Supports up to 250lbs of maximum weight

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ No assembly required	❌ Rather-limited resistance and number of exercises to perform

Ab workouts are probably one of the most punishing exercises. But, don’t fear because the Wonder Core Smart is here to help you sculpt your abs and engage your core the easy way.

The Wonder Core Smart is designed for doing cardio and muscle-toning exercise in one compact workout equipment, and can be adjusted between 2 resistance levels to meet your exercise needs.

It lets you engage different muscle groups, such as your upper, middle, and lower abs, obliques, thighs, glutes, calves, forearms, triceps, and biceps.

This compact home exercise equipment already comes fully assembled, so you don’t have to deal with complicated assembly instructions.      

This machine lets you perform sit-ups, bridges, scissor kicks, tricep workouts, push-ups, forearm and bicep exercises, and more. It also comes with an exercise DVD and a fitness guide.

Verdict

If your main goal is to strengthen your core and achieve shredded abs, the Wonder Core Smart can be your best friend. It makes it easier to do ab-focused exercises, such as sit-ups, push-ups, and scissor kicks. While it is marketed to support up to 250lbs of maximum weight, there are users who say that the spring-loaded mechanism can easily give way.

BEST DESIGN: Escape Fitness Deck V2.0

• Features:
  All-in-one tool for BODYPUMP, aerobics, strength-training, or cardio exercise
  16 possible configurations

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Integrated storage for handweights or resistance bands	❌ There are users who say that it doesn’t work great as a weight bench for taller people.
✅ May be used as a weight bench, stepping platform, plyometric box, or resistance bands anchoring station

The Escape Fitness Deck V2.0 is a great compact multi gym no matter what type of exercise you are into.

It can be set to 16 different configurations, including being used as a stepping platform, a weightlifting bench, a plyometric box, or a resistance band anchoring station.

The backrest may be set to 3 different angles to meet your weight press demands (30, 45, and 70°). 

Lifting the backrest will reveal a storage compartment where you can store your dumbbells, exercise bands, and other workout equipment.

This exercise platform features an anti-slip top mat with anatomic target details, which show optimal foot position for exercise safety.

You can check out more exercise ideas and user guides on the Escape Your Limits app or on Escape’s YouTube channel.

Verdict

Having the right exercise equipment can help you make the most out of your workouts. The Escape Fitness Deck V2.0 will make an excellent companion, whether you love lifting weights, taking on aerobics or cardio exercises, or workout with resistance bands.

BEST FOR THOSE ON A BUDGET: Bowflex PR1000

• Features:
  Offers more than 25 gym-quality full-body exercises
  More than 200lb Power Rod Resistance

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Quick Change Power Rod system	❌ Can take up quite a lot of floor space
✅ May be used for strength and cardio workouts, as well as aerobic rowing

Showing off a lower price tag than the Bowflex PR3000 mentioned at the top of our list, the Bowflex PR1000 also uses Power Rod Technology. This mechanism removes the need to keep swapping out cables or changing weight plates while you exercise.

This compact gym gives you more than 25 different exercises to perform, with a maximum resistance level of up more than 200lbs.

Multiple cable pulley positions give you the freedom to adjust the angle of resistance and intensity level of most exercises.

The Bowflex PR1000 can be used for performing a variety of chest, back, shoulder, arms, legs, and trunk exercises – all of which are featured on its user manual.

It comes with a mounted media rack for placing your tablet or smartphone, and watching trainer-led workouts.

When fully assembled, this mini home gym measures 103” x 80” x 82” – which means that it can eat up quite a lot of floor space. 

Verdict

With over 25 exercises for you to choose from, the Bowflex PR1000 still looks like a good choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly compact gym. Its Power Rod technology makes way for smooth and fuss-free exercise sessions. However, if you live in a small dorm or apartment, this home gym is probably not the most compact home gym you can get.

HOLDS UP MOST WEIGHT: Total Gym XLS

• Features:
  Offers more than 80 exercises with 6 resistance levels
  Allows you to exercise using your own body weight

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ Makes little to no noise when being used	❌ Not the most space-saving design
✅ Padded, ergonomic glide board with pillow headrest
✅ Supports a maximum weight of up to 400lbs.

Just like the Total Gym Apex, the Total Gym XLS also offers more than 80 different exercises. However, it only features 6 levels of resistance, instead of 10. 

It also uses the same pulley/slide board system, which lets you exercise by using your body weight. 

This compact home gym equipment can accommodate a maximum body weight of up to 400lbs, making it suitable for heavy-built individuals.

The mini gym set comes with a ribbed squat stand, a wing attachment, a leg pull accessory with 2 ankle cuffs, an exercise wall chart, a training deck, and a nutritional/meal planning guide. You also get access to stream workouts from Total Gym TV for additional training guidance.

When in use, this home gym measures 19” x 90” x 43”, so it can end up taking up a reasonable amount of space in your room.

Verdict

Marketed as the Most Popular Total Gym machine in their lineup, the Total Gym XLS looks well-equipped to give you the full body workout you are looking for. It offers more than 80 different exercises, which you can perform at 6 different intensity levels. While it can be folded up to save storage space, it can eat up quite a lot of floor space when in use.

What are the Benefits of Using a Compact Home Gym?

Here are several advantages of using a compact home gym:

1. There’s no need for you to spend gas money heading to your local gym every day.
2. Workout at your own pace.
3. Save on costly gym membership fees.
4.  Perform a variety of exercises without purchasing multiple workout equipment.
5. You don’t have to worry about other people sweating on your equipment.

Factors to Consider in Choosing a Compact Home Gym:

Now that you’ve got your mind set on purchasing a portable home gym, how exactly do you choose which one works best for you?

Fitness Goal

Is your goal to build muscle? Lose weight? Or just stay fit and healthy each day?

If you are thinking of doing light exercises, buying a fitness ball, an exercise mat, or a skipping rope can be a good idea.

But if you are looking for complete and more-intensive workout sessions, you might be better off getting a larger cable machine where you can do several exercises at once.

Maximum Weight Resistance

As you exercise regularly, you gradually build up muscle strength. And, over time, you might end up overpowering your home gym – forcing you to buy a new one with more resistance.

If you are taking on strength-training exercises, it would be wise to choose one that offers a wide variety of resistance levels, so you can easily customize your workouts.

Amount of Required Space

The main purpose of a compact home gym is for you to save space.

If you live in a smaller apartment, it wouldn’t make sense to purchase a bulky and cumbersome piece of exercise equipment.

Consider how you will store the machine and where you will place it while you exercise.

Ease of Use

The last thing you need is an exercise machine that is too complicated to set up or operate.

Make sure to learn how to use the machine properly, including how to care for it, install its accessories, adjust its resistance levels, and disassemble it for storage.

Your Budget

Always consider how much you are willing to shell out for your compact home gym. Just shop within your price range and choose the best one that will fit your exercise needs.

It’s no use spending all your money on a high-end exercise machine, if you won’t have any cash left to take care of your basic needs.

The Number and Types of Exercise Options it Provides

There are home gyms that are meant to target just a small group of muscles, while some are built to give you a full-body workout.

Depending on your fitness goal, select a compact home gym that lets you engage the muscle groups that you are thinking of working out.

Weight Capacity

If you are more on the bulkier side, it would be wise to find out the maximum weight capacity your exercise machine has. This will help reduce the risk of accidents or injury while you workout.

Design and Construction

There may be compact home gyms that look cool and all, but are made of flimsy materials that easily break.

Check to see the quality of your machine’s frame, its pulley systems, its resistance cables, and overall construction. Remember, you are making an investment – so better choose one that will last many years.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1 – How much space do I need for a home gym?

It all depends on the home gym you purchase. You want to make sure that your range of motion is unhindered from all angles while you are using the exercise machine.

2 – How much does a home gym cost?

Compact home gyms cost somewhere between $300 to $3000, depending on the features they offer.

3 – What can I do with a home gym?

Most compact home gyms allow you to exercise your chest, arms, shoulders, back, trunk, legs, abs, and glutes.

4 – Is a home gym worth it?

If you have the space for it and as long as it lets you perform all the exercises you usually do at the gym, it is definitely a smart investment. 

5 – Can I do full workouts in a home gym?

It depends on the home gym you purchase. Choose one that offers a full-body workout as its main feature.

6 – What is a good mini home gym?

If you have limited floor space, the Body Boss Home Gym 2.0 can be a good choice. It accommodates a variety of workout styles without taking up a lot of floor area in your room.

7 – What is a good compact cardio machine?

If you are planning to go heavy on cardio, the Simply Fit Board is as compact as you will get. It just features a rounded board that helps you develop your balance and engage your core while you do your cardio exercises.

8 – Who can benefit from a home gym?

Those who are looking to stay fit, planning to lose weight, or thinking about building muscle size and strength can benefit from a home gym.

9 – What is the best flooring for a home gym?

Choose durable material that protects your floor from getting damaged, scratched, or dented by heavy equipment. Rubber, foam, or wood are some of the most popular flooring options for those with home gyms.

10 – Is the footprint all I need to worry about when choosing a compact home gym?

You also need to consider its durability, features, price, ease of use, and weight capacity, among others.

11 – Is there a difference in the exercises I can do with a compact home gym versus a larger model?

It depends on the compact home gym that you choose. However, a larger model will probably have more resistance levels and a broader range of motion.