18
Considered
127
of Research
31
Examined
7
Interviewed
Here's a confession: sometimes, I don’t feel like going to the gym - at all.
I never thought I’d say this as a fitness trainer, but it’s true. And I’m sure many of you would echo the same sentiment.
Thankfully, home gyms exist. There are now countless options out there that feature different designs, components, and functionalities.
Finding the best compact home gym can be tough, so our team spent the last few weeks testing some of the most highly-recommended equipment on the market.
We list our top picks below.
Our Picks for the Best Compact Exercise Equipment (September 2023) (September 2023)
1 - Total Gym XLS (Editor's Choice)
This exercise equipment boasts a slew of features, including a cable and pulley system, a squat stand, flexible nylon strap handles, a padded glide board with head support, a chrome package, a wing attachment, a leg pull accessory, and a Pilates kit.
After personally trying out this all-in-one machine, I can confidently vouch for its versatility. It opens up the possibility for 80 different exercises, effectively targeting all muscle groups.
It also comes with a wall chart demonstrating 35 exercises for the entire body, a training deck, and a nutritional program and meal plan created by fitness expert Dan Isaacson.
Related: Total Gym XLS Review 2023
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 90 x 19 x 43 inches
- No assembly required
- Comes with an armful of easy-to-follow instructional videos
- Folds for easier storage
- Provides a wide range of exercise options and workout items
- Might be too heavy to haul around and difficult to fold/unfold
If you’re looking for a complete gym that offers full-body strength training with all the tools you need, you can never go wrong with this one.
This compact home gym has a maximum user weight capacity of 400 pounds.
2 - Bowflex PR3000 Compact Home Gym
The Bowflex PR300 is another versatile equipment that offers over 50 gym-quality strength exercises for a full-body workout.
What truly impressed me about this machine was its quick change Power Rod System. Having tested it myself, I found that this feature eliminated the need for time-consuming cable changes between sets, allowing for a smoother transition between exercises.
This compact Bowflex home gym machine will have your muscles fired up with its power rod resistance system that provides up to 210 pounds of resistance (upgradable to 310 pounds).
The entire unit can hold a maximum of 300 pounds.
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 63 x 78 x 82 inches
- No cable changes needed in between sets
- Power rods provide constant tension
- Offers a wide range of exercise options that targets all major muscle groups
- Might work better for users looking to strengthen and tone muscles; not for serious bodybuilders
It comes with other useful accessories such as an instructional workout placard, multi-use hand grip/ankle cuffs, and upholstered roller cushions for maximized comfort during leg extensions and curls.
3 - Body by Jake Tower
With its slim built that can slide onto any home, office or dorm door within seconds, the Body by Jake Tower is a full-body home gym ideal for users with limited space.
This resistance band training equipment is made of a durable steel frame and fitted with multi-tension power cords that provide over 200 pounds of resistance.
While exploring various home gyms, I encountered models with larger weight capacities. However, this one made it onto our list because I found that its single pair of hand grips and ankle straps allowed me to effectively engage my arms, chest, shoulders, back, abs, and legs during my personal testing.
The brand claims this home gym machine can support a total of 200 exercises for the entire body.
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 22 x 7 x 79 inches
- Straightforward set up; no assembly and tools required
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Doesn’t take up much space
- Pulleys are made of plastic that have the tendency to wear out over time
The package comes with a Starter Guide, a Tower 200 DVD, and a Two-Sided Tower Exercise Chart.
4 - Marcy MWM-988 Home Gym
Marcy certainly didn’t skimp on safety features and nifty additions with this machine, and that’s what I love best about it.
This compact gym equipment is made of a heavy-duty 14 gauge steel tube frame and features a 150-pound vinyl-coated weight stack that provides resistance for the whole machine.
Its leg developer is fitted with four comfortable foam rollers that align with the knee joints so that you can do rows and leg extensions with comfort.
It has an adjustable preacher curl pad where I performed barbell curls and hammer curls without straining my back too much.
The dual-action arms can be used either as press arms or butterfly arms. All it takes is a switch of a lock knob to change it.
Related Article: How To Disassemble A Marcy Home Gym
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 68 x 36 x 79 inches
- Compact enough to fit small spaces
- Easy to assemble
- Offers a great range of motion
- Machine can hold up to 300 pounds
- Many customers said the weight stack came covered with dents
The upper pulley system will let you do a lat pulldown, which is a great way to work towards doing pull-ups.
5 - Total Gym APEX G1
Whether you’re looking to burn calories, improve flexibility, or build muscle, the APEX G1 can help you achieve all that.
With a design that caters to over 60 different workouts, spanning cardio, stretching, and strength training, it offered a well-rounded fitness experience during my personal test.
It has a padded and ergonomic glide board that moves, which allowed me to engage my core as I steady myself while working out other muscle groups.
It has six levels of resistance, and the manufacturer claims it’s suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
It’s constructed with a quality steel frame that can hold a maximum of 300 pounds.
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 93 x 15.5 x 43.25 inches
- Folds for easier storage
- Easy to assemble and use
- Provides many workout options and ample resistance
- Ideal for beginners only; advanced users will find the resistance a bit too light
The package comes with accessories such as a wing attachment, a leg pull accessory, an exercise wall chart, a Total Gym TV access, exercise & nutrition guides, an owner’s manual, and a DVD.
6 - BodyBoss Portable Home Gym
If you’re not a fan of heavy weight plates, the BodyBoss Portable Home Gym is the ideal workout equipment for you.
It works as simple as it looks. Just clip on the cloth-covered resistance bands to the VectorFit Platform to replicate the functions of the equipment and machines you’d find at a regular gym.
You can use the collapsible workout bar to mimic lifting weights at the gym.
The handles will imitate any exercise you’d perform with dumbbells, while the limb straps are provided for cardio workouts.
During my testing, I also attached the door anchor to a door frame to simulate lat pulldowns, chest flies, and tricep extensions.
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 20.1 x 15.9 x 2.8 inches
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Provides a truly complete workout that targets all muscle groups
- Bands offer great resistance
- The collapsible workout bar is made of weak material
Each resistance band simulates between 0-30 pounds.
True to its word, this exercise tool by BodyBoss will bring the gym to you.
7 - GR8FLEX Military Gym
GR8FLEX certainly didn’t hold back on accessories when they created this Military Gym, and it’s probably my favorite thing about it.
This gym equipment comes with a wing bar, dip bars, a leg harness/pulley system, a cell phone holder/stand, an EZ Curl Bar, a crunch ab accessory, soft-grip handles, and 50 pounds of bands for resistance.
Thanks to its extensive range of attachments, I was able to perform numerous lower and upper body exercises with this machine during my testing.
The brand also provided an extra-large squat stand for additional support and safety.
The package also comes with high-quality protector mats, so you won’t have to worry about damaging your floors.
All these accessories come with the unit, which means you get to save on cash.
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 52 x 20 x 10 inches
- Comes with a lifetime warranty on the entire machine and accessories (must register through the website within 10 days to activate)
- Great value for money
- Comes with plenty of attachments
- Heavy and might be too large for most apartments
With 15 levels of resistance, the GR8FLEX ranks as the compact home gym machines with the highest resistance tower among the home gyms in this guide.
Able to handle up to 450 pounds, this beast also has the best weight capacity among the best compact home gyms on this list.
8 - Fusion Motion Portable Gym
This all-in-one home gym folds up and weighs just 17.3 pounds, which means it’s something you can practically carry around with you and use anywhere.
One aspect I truly appreciated about The Fusion Motion Portable Home Gym is its versatility. It comes with eight distinct attachments that enable precise targeting of various muscle groups in both the upper and lower body.
It comes with the main base to accommodate the attachments, two ergonomic handlebars for push-ups, an ab roller wheel to stimulate your core, and a bar to work out your triceps.
Other accessories include a Fusion bag, four resistance bands with varying tensions, a detailed guide showing 200 different exercise options, a heavy-duty door anchor, and two dynamic pulse attachments for hardcore resistance training sessions.
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 34 x 20 x 2 inches
- Comes with many high-quality accessories
- A portable home gym that doesn’t take up much workout space
- Comes with a beginner-friendly training guide
- The platform is too light and kept coming up during workouts
This compact home gym is reinforced with steel and built to handle even the most intense workouts.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 290 pounds.
9 - Icon Fitness Gold's Gym XRS 50
This home gym has a built-in 112-pound vinyl weight stack that offers 280 pounds of resistance.
I particularly like that It’s equipped with various functions, such as a chest press/fly station, a four-roll leg developer, a high pulley system for sculpting your lats and back muscles, and a low pulley for toning your glutes and leg muscles.
This home workout equipment also comes with an exercise chart developed by a certified personal trainer.
The brand fitted this home gym with sewn vinyl seats made with durable and comfortable material to ensure maximum support during workouts.
You may check out our comprehensive Gold's Gym XRS 50 Home Gym Review.
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 47.5 x 21.75 x 12.25 inches
- Good for beginners
- Has a built-in 112-lb weight stack
- Offers a wide range of exercises
- Great value for money
- Taller people might find this a bit awkward to use
This home exercise machine can hold up to 300 pounds
10 - Weider Ultimate Body Works
This home gym has an inclined platform with wheels and comes with four resistance bands that can provide an additional 50 pounds of resistance beyond your own body weight.
I was able to perform chest presses, crunches, squats, lateral pull-downs, rows, planks, squats, calf raises, lunges, and even Pilates testing this machine.
This home gym has a rolling bench with seven incline levels that can help enhance your flexibility and mobility.
- Dimensions (LxWxH) : 59 x 27.5 x 48 inches
- Folds up easily so you won't have to worry on how much space you have
- Offers a wide range of workout options, including Pilates
- Great piece of exercise gear at an affordable price
- Can only hold up to 250 pounds
This simple yet versatile home gym can support over 70 different lower and upper body exercises.
As great as it is, the Weider Ultimate Body Works falls short when it comes to weight capacity. It can handle only a maximum of 250 pounds.
What to Look for in Compact Exercise Equipment?
In compact exercise equipment, look for space compatibility, weight handling capacity, portability, exercise options, and a resistance system that aligns with your fitness goals.
1. Space and Size
While these home gyms are labeled “compact,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will fit into any space.
Before shopping for a home gym in-store and online, make sure you do your homework by first measuring your available floor space.
That means taking the length and width of your intended workout area at home. If you have low ceilings, it would be best to account for the height as well.
List down these measurements and keep them in mind when you shop.
The next step is to check the exact assembled dimensions of the home gym you’re planning to get. Also, examine any attachments or extensions that come with it.
"It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday."
- Stephanie Chappa, Fitness Competitor
Another thing to consider is the space it will occupy when in use. For example, doing leg extension and chest fly would definitely extend the space requirement, so be sure to factor that in as well.
Add a few feet of wiggle room on each side of the home gym so you have enough space to achieve a full range of motion.
If you prefer a gym with a weight stack system, ensure that your area can handle the heavy weights. If you live in an apartment complex, determine the maximum weight allowed on your floor.
Most local building codes are based on the International Residential Code, which states that non-sleeping rooms must support a minimum live load of 40 pounds per square foot.
If you’re in a living situation where you need to put your home gym away after every sweat session, foldable and quality portable home gyms like the Weider Ultimate Body Works would be the most suitable piece of fitness equipment for you.
Related: Best Sissy Squat Equipment
2. Resistance
The most common resistance types you’ll find on compact home gyms are weight stacks, resistance bands, and body weight.
The resistance system you should choose will largely depend on your fitness goals, so you should first determine what they are before shopping for one.
Here are the pros and cons of each system.
Weight Stacks
Compact home gyms using weight stacks offer several advantages, especially for muscle building exercises.
Since this system utilizes weight plates, the resistance will remain the same throughout the arc of your movements.
It will almost feel like you’re lifting dumbbells or barbells, allowing you to enjoy a more traditional gym feel.
You'll surely appreciate this quality, especially if you used to have a gym membership.
This resistance type of home gym will fit those who are building muscle through strength training.
While they’re pretty straightforward in terms of operation, the downside to a home gym that uses weight plates is you can’t upgrade them.
Some units are upgradable; however, they’re usually seen only in top-of-the-line models.
These machines also tend to take up a lot more space compared to other kinds.
Lastly, if you’re looking to strengthen your legs, your workout options will typically be limited only to leg extension and leg curls with this type.
Resistance Bands
Unlike weight stacks, this type offers variable resistance, which means it changes throughout the arc of your movement.
The resistance you feel increases as you stretch the band further.
You also have the liberty to move the band however you like, giving you more control over your movements.
Another benefit of bands is that they don’t rely on gravity for resistance, which means you can perform a wider range of lower and upper body exercises with them.
That can’t be said about free weights, which only provide resistance in a vertical plane.
When you’re working out with resistance bands, your muscles are subject to constant tension throughout your entire movement.
That means there will be more muscle breakdown involved. With proper recovery, these muscles can grow back stronger.
So, if one of your top fitness goals includes toning muscles and you value versatility, I would recommend that you go for a resistance-based compact home gym.
Resistance-based compact home gyms are also a great option if you’re someone who is always on the go.
Most compact home gyms are space-saving and portable, which means you can easily fold them up along with their attachment, fit them in a bag (a freebie that usually comes with the unit), and carry it with you when you travel.
No matter how convenient they are, resistance-based home gyms won’t work for everyone, particularly serious bodybuilders.
Since they don’t provide as much resistance as free weights, this might not be the best choice if you’re looking to pack on muscle.
Some resistance bands also tend to break with use, which means there is a potential for injury.
They can also wear out over time, making your full body workout less effective as time goes by.
Bodyweight
Compact home gyms that utilize body weight are usually space-saving, making them the best choice for users with small spaces.
To change the resistance, you simply have to adjust the gliding board’s angle. The steeper the incline, the tougher it is to perform movements.
Some of these machines also allow for the addition of more resistance with the use of bands.
Since this type of home gym relies mainly on body weight, it’s harder to achieve more intense workouts with it.
You can’t also mimic a “lifting” movement with this, which is sometimes essential to achieving an intense, total body workout. Consider this fact when looking for the best compact home gym.
3. Exercise Options
Some people are content with sticking to tried and tested methods of building muscle and burning fat, while others prefer exploring different types of exercises.
If you classify as the former, a compact gym setup with basic functions such as lat pulldowns, chest presses, bicep curls, leg curls, triceps pushdowns, and so on should be the best option for you.
“You have to think it before you can do it. The mind is what makes it all possible.”
– Kai Greene, Pro Bodybuilder
But if you like to switch up your workout routine—a recommended practice that can prevent plateauing and muscle imbalances—then you should go for compact home gyms that you can use to perform varied whole-body workout routines.
The best compact home gyms are equipped with pulley and cable systems as well as resistance band systems that allow for a ton of exercise options.
Typically, these types of home gym equipment offer over 60 different exercise choices, which is more than enough to keep your workouts fun and exciting. It applies even when you want to achieve a full-body workout.
What Is the Best All Around Exercise Machine at Home?
Out of all the best compact home gyms reviewed, the Total Gym XLS was the definite standout.
This equipment is endorsed by famous martial artist Chuck Norris, which already says a lot about its quality and trustworthiness.
It requires no assembly, folds for easier storage, offers a wide variety of exercise options—including Pilates—and comes with plenty of instructional videos that make it the perfect exercise tool for advanced users and beginners.
Add to that its considerable weight capacity of 400 pounds, and the deal is already sealed.
This machine ticks all the boxes when it comes to convenience, functionality, and portability, and I believe that’s what makes the Total Gym XLS the best compact home gym.
Our #1 Recommendation
Total Gym XLS
- No assembly required
- Comes with an armful of easy-to-follow instructional videos
- Folds for easier storage
- Provides a wide range of exercise options and workout items
- Might be too heavy to haul around and difficult to fold/unfold
About The Author
You May Also Like
Impressive list, but cost should be a top factor too. Though, investing in your health with compact gym machines might be worth it.