Best Compact Exercise Equipment for Small Spaces
Living in a small apartment or a home with limited space shouldn’t stop you from staying active. Fortunately, many exercise equipment options are designed to be compact, functional, and easy to store, making it possible to achieve a full-body workout without cluttering your space.
Whether you're into strength training, cardio, or mobility workouts, the right gear can help you stay fit while maximising your available area.
1. Adjustable Dumbbells
Traditional dumbbells take up a lot of space, but adjustable dumbbells offer multiple weight settings in a single set. They allow you to progress in your strength training without needing a full rack of weights.
Whether you're performing bicep curls, shoulder presses, or weighted squats, adjustable dumbbells provide a versatile and compact solution.
Storage Tip: Keep them under your bed or in a small corner when not in use.
2. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are one of the most space-efficient and versatile pieces of workout equipment. They are great for strength training, mobility work, and even rehabilitation exercises.
Unlike bulky machines, resistance bands provide constant tension, helping to build muscle effectively while being easy to store and transport.
Storage Tip: Store them in a drawer, gym bag, or hang them on a hook.
3. Foldable Treadmill
A traditional treadmill can take up too much room, but a foldable treadmill offers the same cardiovascular benefits without the bulk. Many modern designs allow you to fold the machine completely flat, making it easy to slide under a bed or against a wall.
It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy walking or running indoors but don’t have the space for a full-sized treadmill.
Storage Tip: Fold it and place it behind furniture when not in use.
4. Kettlebells with Adjustable Weights
Kettlebells are fantastic for full-body, dynamic workouts, but owning multiple sizes can take up too much room. An adjustable kettlebell solves this problem by allowing you to modify the weight with a simple mechanism.
This is ideal for swings, deadlifts, presses, and functional training, giving you a compact yet effective workout tool.
Storage Tip: Keep it in a closet or in the corner of a room.
5. Suspension Training System (e.g., TRX)
A suspension trainer like TRX is a game-changer for bodyweight workouts. It takes up almost no space and can be attached to a doorframe, wall, or ceiling anchor.
This system allows for strength training, core stability, and flexibility exercises, making it an excellent option for those with limited space.
Storage Tip: Pack it into a small bag when not in use.
6. Foldable Yoga Mat
A foldable yoga mat is an ideal alternative to traditional roll-up mats that can take up unnecessary space. It provides the same level of comfort for stretching, yoga, or bodyweight exercises, but can be easily folded and stored in a drawer or backpack.
Storage Tip: Fold it and place it under your bed or inside a storage bin.
7. Mini Stepper Machine
If you want to improve your cardiovascular health and leg strength but lack space for a treadmill or elliptical, a mini stepper is a perfect choice. These compact machines allow for low-impact stepping motions, simulating a stair climb without needing a full gym setup.
Some models even come with resistance bands, adding an upper-body workout component to your routine.
Storage Tip: Slide it under a desk or keep it in a small corner.
8. Doorway Pull-Up Bar
A doorway pull-up bar is one of the best space-saving tools for upper-body strength training. It allows you to build back, shoulder, and arm strength without taking up floor space.
Most bars require no screws and can be easily removed when not in use, making them ideal for apartments.
Storage Tip: Store it in a closet or under a bed when not needed.
9. Exercise Ball with a Stand
An exercise ball is great for core workouts, balance training, and flexibility exercises, but they can be tricky to store. A version with a stand or weighted base prevents it from rolling around while making it a useful seating option when not in use.
Storage Tip: Keep it in a corner and use it as a chair when not working out.
10. Under-Desk Pedal Exerciser
A compact pedal exerciser allows you to stay active while sitting at a desk or watching TV. It's an excellent option for improving cardiovascular fitness and leg endurance without requiring a dedicated workout area.
Storage Tip: Store it under a desk or inside a cabinet when not in use.
Close-up of a Prime Ape lifting strap wrapped around a wrist gripping exercise equipment. Essential gym wear for enhanced grip strength and weightlifting support.
Maximise Your Home Gym with Prime Ape Gear
While having compact exercise equipment is key for small spaces, using the right gym accessories can enhance your workouts and boost your performance.
Whether you're lifting dumbbells, using a resistance band, or training with a pull-up bar, having high-quality lifting grips and lifting straps can help you improve your grip strength, reduce hand fatigue, and prevent injuries.
At Prime Ape, we offer premium lifting straps and grips designed to give you better control over your weights, ensuring you can push past your limits safely and effectively. Whether you're training in a home gym or a commercial setup, these accessories are the perfect addition to maximise your strength training sessions—without taking up any extra space.
Ready to level up your training? Explore Prime Ape’s lifting gear and take your compact workouts to the next level!