A list of the top 10 best at home exercise equipment for small spaces. Perfect for anyone living in an apartment or working out in your living room at home!
Living in New York definitely has its pros and cons. On the one hand, we have access to pretty much everything imaginable and most of the time it's right around the corner. And often at all hours of the night. There's also a ton to do in this city; it caters to pretty much all types of interests. From the shopping, the food, the sights and the even the park (for all you outdoorsy folks), New York has it all.
But visiting is one thing. Living here is another.
One of the biggest adjustments for me, when we moved to New York, was the space. Even though the city feels huge, everything in it feels small. Subways are crowded, grocery stores are crowded, sidewalks are crowded and even apartments can feel crowded…especially when you live with your significant other and a dog.
Then there's the whole cost thing. Everything in New York is expensive. It was shocking to discover that the things I could afford when we lived in Vermont simply weren't going to be in the budget anymore. The gym being one of them.
So I started working out at home. It was really tough at first, but I really started to find my groove and now I actually really love it. I can go at my own pace. Can workout whenever I want. Don't have to “drag” myself to the gym. I think now that I have my own “home gym” I'm so much more likely to workout every day.
Best At Home Excercise Equipment
I think a common misconception about working out at home is that you need a lot of space. Sure, space is helpful, but that's not a luxury I have right now. Our entire apartment is just about 600 feet, so my workout space is limited, to say the least. I actually work out in front of our TV in between our media console and the coffee table. It's just big enough to lay down my yoga mat.
That might seem crazy to those of you with large living rooms or even entire rooms dedicated to your workout space, but for me, it totally works. And it beats paying $100+ per month on a gym membership. You really don't need a lot of space to have an effective workout.
So for those of you who have limited space like me, but still want to work out, I have a list of my favorite at home exercise equipment for small spaces. This is all the equipment I have and personally use on a weekly basis – it's small, easily stored and SUPER effective.
Adjustable Dumbells
Adjustable DumbellsGreat for: Strength training
Price: $150 – $200
I am seriously obsessed with these weights. In the past year, I have focused more on strength training and I have seen huge improvements. These dumbbells allow you to go from 3lbs all the way to 24lbs (which is definitely enough for me) and take up the space of just 1 set of weights!
2. Kettlebell
2. KettlebellGreat for: Strength training, conditioning, cardio
Price: $25 – 50
If you haven't worked out with kettlebells before, they're amazing. They burn a ton of calories in a small amount of time and are really effective. I have just one (a 15lb one) and it takes up no space but is a nice change of pace from dumbbells. You can also get an adjustable kettlebell set that also doesn't take up a lot of space and lets you switch between different weights.
3. Yoga Mat
3. Yoga MatGreat for: stretching, toning, yoga, pilates
Price: $50 – 90
Even if you don't do yoga at home, I think having a yoga mat is pretty important. It gives extra cushioning and also helps you from sliding around too much if you're on carpet. There are millions to choose from, but I'm partial to the Jade and Manduku yoga mats. I also love having a yoga towel for when I go to hot yoga and take this mat. It helps me grip to my mat better but also reduces the amount of sweat I drip onto it!
4. Resistance Bands
4. Resistance BandsGreat for: stretching, toning
Price: $20 – 30
Not only are these great for travel, but they're also an effective tool to add to your strength training routines. They're great for toning and flexibility and take up practically zero space. I like getting a set like this so you have a few different weights to choose from. You can use these to tone your entire body too (which makes them even better for travel!).
5. Booty Bands/Mini Resistance Band Loops
5. Booty Bands/Mini Resistance Band LoopsGreat for: toning, pilates, butt & thigh
Price: $10 – 20
If you're looking for a good booty exercise, these bands are awesome, especially for your outer thighs. They're also cheap and teeny tiny so you can easily store them or take them with you. They also come in a variety of weights and are one of my favorite things to use. I incorporate them into pilates routines, as well as cardio to up the intensity and really burn the booty.
6. Mini Inflatable Exercise Ball
6. Mini Inflatable Exercise BallGreat for: pilates, abs
Price: $10 – 15
The larger version of these are awesome, but when you've got limited space they're not really an option. That's why I LOVE the mini version. These balls are actually now used in a lot of barre classes and are great for workouts that target your abs and inner thighs. I like do crunches on these balls and also planks – burns so good!
7. Sliders
7. SlidersGreat for: toning, abs
Price: $5 – 10
These are a semi-new addition to my workout box, but they're awesome. I like to follow a specific slider workout, but you can target your entire body using them. All you'll need is a flat surface and you're good to go. The best thing about sliders is they take up zero space AND you're using your body's own resistance so they're effective for all strength levels.
8. Ankle Weights
8. Ankle WeightsGreat for: toning, pilates
Price: $10 – 20
If you're someone who likes doing low impact workouts like pilates, these are a great way to increase the intensity without adding too much strain to your muscles. Talk about burning out the booty and thighs! I love adding these into my routines whenever I'm doing something that uses body weight only and I want to rev it up. It can seriously get a good burn going!
9. Light Dumbbells
9. Light DumbbellsGreat for: toning, yoga, pilates, kickboxing
Price: $10 – 15
Another one for toning, in addition to my adjustable dumbbells, I also have one set of light dumbbells. I have a pair of three-pound ones and use them to intensify workouts where I'm just using my body weight. I love adding them to yoga flows, to pilates routines, but especially to kickboxing. It burns my muscles out and leaves me feeling super strong. They're also just a bit more manageable (and cheaper) than a full adjustable set.
10. Mini Foam Roller
10. Mini Foam RollerGreat for: stretching, toning, yoga, pilates
Price: $40
Ahhh the foam roller. I have a love-hate relationship with this bad boy; even tough I know it's good for me, it hurts like hell. These are so good for stretching out your muscles and help with lengthening. The mini versions are easy store and still relieve those tired muscles.
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