Our Experts
Giselle Castro-Sloboda Fitness and Nutrition Writer
I’m a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or binge-watching many TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I’ve had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women’s Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.
Expertise Fitness and Wellness
If you live in a small space but still want to get in an effective workout, you no longer have to compromise with the best compact fitness equipment. From adjustable kettlebells and a foldable treadmill to a smart home gym and the best pull-up bar, you can easily perform a variety of workouts with equipment that doesn’t take up much room in your home.
As a fitness expert who lives in an apartment, I know what it takes to exercise in a small space. With that in mind, I considered quality, price, size and versatility when choosing this home workout equipment.
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If you’re looking for something equivalent to cable machines at the gym, the Maxpro is your solution. This portable cable gym was designed to be a space-saving, versatile and easy resistance training workout tool that can be used anywhere, anytime. It’s reminiscent of a hoverboard with cable attachments and dials on the side that you can adjust to increase or decrease resistance.
The best part about the Maxpro is that you can fold it in half and store it away in the travel bag it comes in. The strength training machine has over 50 different resistance settings, and weights range between 5 and 300 pounds. It also includes two workout handles, a pair of ankle and wrist straps, a quick connect bar and a door mount kit (in case you have the room for a permanent fixture) and a long bar to best fit your strength training needs. Additionally, the Maxpro has an app you can connect to via Bluetooth when you’re looking for personalized workout classes or to learn new exercises.
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If you don’t have room to spare for the Tempo Studio, the Tempo Move is your next best option. This version has a compact weight storage cabinet that can hold all of your smart weight plates and fits into just about any space in your home. It requires a TV or HDMI connection to access its thousands of workout classes. The one downside is that this home gym is only compatible with iPhones, so not everyone will be able to access the programs.
To view the fitness classes, you’ll need a Tempo membership, which costs $35 a month and gives you access. To add to the personalized experience, you can get real-time feedback on your form and reps via the 3D Tempo vision. Reviews show that customers are satisfied with the Tempo Move — many call it one of the best purchases they’ve made.
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If you don’t have room for multiple dumbbells, then adjustable dumbbells are your best bet. The BowFlex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells replace 17 sets of weights and can be adjusted in 5-pound increments with weight ranges of 10 to 90 pounds. These are ideal if you’re trying to maintain your gains while taking a hiatus from the gym.
One common thing I’ve heard about these dumbbells is that the size takes some getting used to because of how bulky they are. CNET contributor Lindsay Boyers said these dumbbells are best for heavy lifters, and the weights’ rounded shape and grooved texture make it easy to hold during single dumbbell exercises.
Editor’s note, June 10: BowFlex is now owned by Johnson Health Tech, which also owns Horizon Fitness and Matrix. You can still buy BowFlex products through its website and via retailers such as Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
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It’s possible to have a weight bench at home without it taking over your living room. The key is to choose one that can be folded in half after use for easy storage. The Flybird Adjustable Bench is a versatile option that is designed with six back positions and four seat positions. It can hold up to 600 pounds and is made up of heavy-duty commercial-quality steel.
Reviewers say this bench is sturdy, can be easily adjusted and is just as good as the ones found at the gym. Users rave that this is the ideal bench for a small space because it’s simple to fold for storage and can fit under the bed or in a corner when not in use.
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You can turn any door into a piece of gym equipment by hanging a pull-up bar on the frame. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at pull-ups or are trying to get better at them, you can practice them at home. ProsourceFit’s multigrip chin-up and pull-up bar is easy to assemble and store away. It also has multiple grips, making it ideal to practice both your chin-ups and pull-ups.
This bar can support up to 300 pounds and can fit in doorways that are at least 36 inches wide. CNET recommended this pull-up bar as the best multi-use bar for home gyms because of its affordable price tag and positive customer reviews.