Best Compact Home Gyms for People with Small Space

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Which is the best compact home gym?

With several options available on the market, the best compact home gym is entirely dependent on your intended use, available home space and budget. To get the best deal, a home gym must be durable, decently sized, have an excellent range of motion and support increasing resistance levels for better progress. 

The world gets busier every day and so does our lives.

Getting time to go to the gym is a challenge. But, what if you could bring the gym to your home?

Equipping full-sized gyms are both space and cost-intensive. That’s where compact home gyms come in handy.

They offer near-full gym experience right from the comfort of your home.

Here’s a rundown of what we’ll provide in this best compact home gyms review:

In this article, we have outlined 9 of the best compact home gyms along with a buyer’s guide to help you get the best deal for your home workout set up.

Welcome.

Best Compact Home Gym Review

1. Total Gym XLS

2. Weider Ultimate Body Works

3. Body solid BSG10X Gym

4. Body Power leverage with Bench

5. Marcy MD-9010G Home Gym

6. Body-Solid GLGS100 Corner Leverage Gym

7. Body Boss 2.0 Home Gym

8. TRX Home gym

9. Goplus Multifunctional trainer

Best Home Gym Equipment Comparison Table

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

10 Best Home Gym Equipment Reviewed

1. Total Gym XLSq? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00169CU66&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cardiozero 20&language=en US

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With decades of reputation in the home fitness industry, the total gym has cemented its place as one of the best in its class.

The XLS model made it to this list for its low impact nature. This makes it ideal for old folks and other users who prefer low-stress workouts.

Using only your body weight, the product still manages to allow several levels of difficulty. Gravity is responsible for this and is directly proportional to the height of training.

There are over 80 different exercises illustrated across 5 DVDs and 1 chart. The XLS succeeds in the total gym supreme.

It has better warranty terms, weight capacity (400 pounds), new cable/pulley system as well as a more comfortable glide board padding. User reviews are great with celebrities like Chuck Norris claiming decent results.

Pros

  • Foldable
  • High weight limit
  • No assembly required
  • Multiple resistance levels
  • Low impact working principle
  • Padded glider to minimize injury
  • Compact size at 19”*90”*43” when unfolded
  • Variety of supported exercises to keep things spicy

Cons

  • Modest footplate
  • Not the best for muscle building
  • Not suitable for extreme user heights

 2. Weider Ultimate Body Works

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Compact gains some meaning with this 71”*25” home gym that can fit in your closet! And that’s the size when it’s fully assembled and extended.

Just like the total gym XLS, it also uses your body weight as leverage. It further has a pulley and cable system for additional resistance.

Together, they allow up to 50 different exercises for all muscle groups. As you might have already guessed, the unit is much cheaper than the XLS and is a perfect pick for tight budgets. In the box, you get a frame, a footpad and a sliding seat mounted on rails.

It’s easy to set up and use. The aforementioned pulleys and cables allow you to move your body weight with more added opposition.

Although full-body exercises dominate this machine, isolation workouts like curls, presses, and fly are also supported. All through, the padded glide board is sure to keep you comfortable.

 Pros

  • Low price in class
  • Excellent build quality
  • Multiple exercise varieties
  • Generous range of motion
  •  Highly portable and lightweight
  • Optional additional 50 pounds resistance bands

Cons

  • Mediocre nylon straps
  • Limited stability compared to more expensive models

3. Body solid BSG10X

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07Y5JZX67&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cardiozero 20&language=en US

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With years of reputable products, Body solid did not disappoint with the good looking PR1000 model.

In place of weights are power rods that extend out from the rear of the machine with varying levels of resistance.

Unlike other home gyms, it’s not a bodyweight machine. It features a padded bench with rails that provide great versatility for its relatively low price.

It’s large with a recommended seating area of at least 127”*82”, thanks to the previously mentioned resistance rods.  Each of them creating 105lbs of resistance.

You can effortlessly get 25 exercises, maybe a few more if you improvise.

The two cable and pulley systems are located at the front and back.

Although chest presses and pull-downs are not supported, you get a better range of motion with wider resistance levels.

Keeping up with tech is a media shelf fitted on the central pole to hold your smartphone or tablets in case you want to use video tutorials. You could throw in some dumbbells for complete muscle-building training.

Pros

  • Stable
  • Foldable
  • Wide range of exercises
  • 210lbs resistance range
  • Media shelf to hold gadgets

Cons

  • Limited weight for advanced trainers
  • Power rods may lose resistance as the materials stretch

4. Body-Solid GLGS100 Corner Leverage Gym

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B017HVSS5I&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=aerostep 20&language=en US

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It’s rugged and gives you the flexibility to use free weights. The entire design is based around the idea of providing the most robust training just like in full-blown gyms.

For high tier trainers, this is arguable the best option to incorporate high-intensity workouts with barbells, dumbbells and other weights.

Pulley and cables are replaced with Olympic rubber weight discs for added stress.

The arm platform is easily adjustable and would be a good fit for most people.

In the low position, you can do bicep curls and shoulder presses. 

Triceps and back training is also well optimized with a complete multi-grip bar system.

Abs and core workouts are not left out with the hardy foam leg hold-down mechanism.

Pros

  • Multiple exercises supported
  • Feels like a full-blown gym
  • High-intensity lifting
  • Great build quality
  • Durable materials
  • Free weights

Cons

  • Large in size and heavy

 5. Marcy MD-9010G Home gym

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First off, this home gym is robust. It’s constructed with heavy-duty steel and is a match for beginner to mid-level trainers. We like the pricing considering the multi-function package it delivers.

Measuring in at 67.5” long and 42” wide, it spots a leg extension module, removable biceps pads, a lat bar and dual-function press pads for arms/chest.

Onboard is an instruction graph, typical of all Marcy equipment that walks you through the basic machine utility procedures.

Note that it only provides up to 150lbs of weight which may discourage experienced lifters. You have the option to include free weights for isolation training.

Pros

  • Durable parts
  •  Great value for money
  • The flexibility of workout varieties

 Cons

  • Limited weight range

  6. Body-Solid EXM3000LPS double stack Home Gym

 

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This home gym promises maximum strength and weight training in a compact package. Featuring multiple stations, the machine can simultaneously accommodate up to 3 three people.

This would be perfect for a family of gym enthusiasts. It has a multi-function press arm for bench, shoulder, chest and incline presses. Full range of motion is assured thanks to its 91”*73”*83” size.

The footplate is sturdy and features a non-slip rubber encased exterior that provides an excellent grip.

Made of high-quality steel, you get a 420lb resistance levels, making it a complete home gym set up. We like its performance for chest, back, and shoulder workouts thanks to its adjustable lat mechanism.

The importance of warranty is highlighted with its lifetime frame guarantee and limited 1 –year assurance on moving parts.

Pros

  • Stable
  • Exercise variety
  • Multi-user support
  • Excellent build quality
  • High dual 210lb weight stacks

Cons

  • Heavy, at 1000lbs
  • Additional weights add on the price

7. Body Boss 2.0

 

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01M3VETU9&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=aerostep 20&language=en US

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The impact of Kickstarter is displayed by the massive support this versatile home gym received.

Hundreds of exercises are supported despite its small size. Onboard is a squat bar, ankle straps, two 40lb resistance bands and a base to host them all. Squats, shoulder presses, upright rows, triceps extensions are some of the best muscle exercises achievable in the home gym.

There are accompanying guides and online videos to get the most out of this package.

Pros

  •  Versatile
  • Decent pricing
  • Highly portable
  • Multiple attachments support
  • Can accommodate different user preferences

Cons

  • Periodically unstable base
  • Limited resistance levels at only 40lbs
  • Extra resistance bands are sold separately

8. TRX home gym

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For the nest workouts in minimal space, this all-in-one home gym uses only your weight. It easy to set up in under 60 seconds.

Because you can carry it around and use it both indoors and outdoors, it still manages to give you a full-body workout.

All the magic happens in the TRX app where you can access over 80 different regimes.

From building muscle to burning fat and strength training, the free 30-day trial on the app will allow you to extend your horizons.

Right out of the box you will find an anchor point, a locking loop, integrated handles, foot cradles a 35-page full-color instruction manual, and a bestselling TRX shaker bottle.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Lightweight
  • Video training
  • Up to 300 exercises

Cons

  • Limited resistance
  • Not fit for muscle building especially for advanced-level trainers

 9. Goplus Multifunctional trainer

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07H5B35DM&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=aerostep 20&language=en US

 

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If you are looking for convenience, this home gym is the answer. It combines both arm and leg stations in its 50*39*85 inches form factor.

Reinforced steel form the skeleton with fastened guard rods that support up to 330lbs of user weight. The unit weighs a modest 119lbs and it is easy to move around.

The leg ports are padded with durable foam to enhance comfort during workout. For upper body workouts, conveniently placed pulleys maintain the lateral bar and press arms for bicep, pectorals and triceps training.

The five press arm and nine base positions maximize training variety on the machine. The back pad is adjustable and feels comfortable at all positions.

No need for professional help as the assembly is clearly outlined in a brief instruction manual.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  •  Comfortable back pad
  • Multiple exercise variety
  • Durable steel construction
  • Full body workout capability
  • Adjustable press arm and base modules to accommodate most user sizes

Cons

  • Limited range of motion
  • The low weight limit for advanced muscle building 

Compact Home Gym Machines Buyers Guide: What to Consider before you Invest

The following are some of the factors you need to consider before purchasing equipment for setting up your home gym:

1. Weight limit

To this end, the frame material is the key determinant of the level of stress, in this case, mass, that a piece of training equipment can handle.

Most companies specify the limit of their products right out of the box. However, I’d recommend that you go for one that is mostly made of metal and with minimal plastic and rubber.

To be on the safer side for extended use, an extra 100-pound rating on the top of your weight would be great.

2. Folding and storage

The ability to transform such big equipment into a small form factor is useful, especially for small home living.

Putting the “gym” away after every session will be easy and can free up space for you to do other things. This won’t be that big of a deal if you have a dedicated gym area.

3. Adjustability

Both height and incline adjustment are crucial when choosing a compact home gym. As you already know, a progressive increase in difficulty is what allows continued results.

This is arguably one of the most important pointers to be on the lookout for if you intend to depend on the equipment for a long time.

4. Exercise Varieties

The more the workout options you there are, the more the fun you’ll have during your training sessions.

It also makes it much easier to find a routine that resonates well with you! Squat, push up, curl and preacher curl bars should come as a minimum in the compact gym variant you decide to purchase.

5. Packaging

We are talking about the overall design and finish of the home gym. The size and weight should be solid but still, allow for manoeuvrability whenever you wish to switch positions.

Glide boards should be smooth and quiet to ensure peace and full concentration during a workout. The rest should be well padded to avoid injury and support a longer running time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#Is it cheaper to buy your own gym equipment?

In the long run, yes. However, purchasing the whole equipment set at once comes at a steep cost. The best approach would be getting an item at a time until your gym is fully stocked.

#Why home gyms are better?

They give you the flexibility of exercising at the time of your choosing.

#How much should a home gym cost?

While there is no specific quote on this, anything from $1000-$2000 should be fine.

#How big does a gym need to be?

According to the American Council on Exercise, 20*50 square for free weight and 50*200 square feet multi-station gyms is the recommended gym size.

#Do I need to join the gym to get fit?

No. Any activity that gets you pumped up and stretches your physical limits will help you get fit. On the other side, gyms provide you with better structure and better results when you stick to your workout plans. 

Bottom Line

Compact home gyms enable you to enjoy all the benefits of good exercise without having to leave your house. Consider the space, budget, goals, and level of anticipated weekly activity when choosing the optimal compact home gym set up.

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