Figuring out if you would rather workout at home or a gym might be a tough decision that weighs on your mind.
Gym memberships can get expensive, and you might be wondering if it is even worth it.
Buying expensive equipment that takes up a lot of space may seem like overkill, but there are alternative compact exercise equipment available.
Many ‘at home’ equipment has been modified to be more compact and adjustable in order to take up less space.
Some things to look for when trying to conserve space is to see if the piece of equipment is foldable, small in size, able to be stored, and how heavy it is.
The following equipment are some of the most affordable, functional, and compact workout machines that are considered better alternatives to going to the gym.
1. Exerpeutic Folding, A Compact Exercise Equipment for Small Spaces
The Exerpeutic folding magnetic upright bike is built to be ideal for users with little workout space. It can accommodate consumers who are 5’3 to 6’1 and up to three hundred pounds.
It can be folded easily, and its transportation wheels make moving it easier for the user.
This magnetic upright bike is convenient and effective for all users due to its various features.
It has eight levels of magnetic resistance, double drive transmission, high pulse monitoring, and a ‘high torque’ three-piece crank system.
All of these features help the user adjust the tension level to suit their workout needs whenever and however they want.
This bike’s dimensions are 31 X 19 X 46 inches making it ideal for consumers that do not have a lot of space. What truly pushes this item over the edge is its affordability.
You can find the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike on sale at Amazon at a low price. After many reviews, Amazon consumers gave it a four and a half out of five stars.
One customer said that its craftsmanship, low noise level, and ability to fold up were impressive.
2. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
This bike is a fairly versatile work out machine that provides a great workout with eight levels of adjustable magnetic tension.
It is perfect for a person who wants a machine that uses LCD display to track their calories, distance, speed, time, and heart.
When in use it is quiet and measures about 33”x 19” x 46” (LxWxH Format).
If you want to be able to put it away, it folds down to 20" X 17" X 54". Its ability to be put together easily and do its job makes it a very attractive choice when deciding to buy workout equipment that is functional and cost-efficient.
Many verified buyers were very happy with their purchase and rated it four and a half stars. Quite a few customers stated that it worked very well, didn't take up much space, was sturdy, and quiet during the workout.
3. Wonder Core Smart Fitness Equipment
The Wonder Core may be small, but it is a very reliable piece of equipment that gives your entire body an energetic workout.
Its design allows it to target all the main muscle groups while allowing you to focus on cardio. It also has adjustable dual resistance levels if you want to push yourself even further.
Plus it comes already preassembled meaning you can jump right into your workout.
The Wonder Core is 20.5 X 21.6 X 15 inches in length, width, and height making it easy to store. However, this product doesn’t adjust from person to person so what you see is what you get.
For those of you looking for functional and versatile equipment that can give your whole body a workout, this might be the product for you.
The average customer review ranked the Wonder Core Smart Fitness Equipment four and a half stars. Many agreed that this device allowed them to take regular exercises and crank it up a notch.
Buyers on Amazon noticed that this machine not only helped utilize all muscle groups but also relieved back pain by promoting core workouts.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Equipment SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill
The SF-T7603 treadmill has a 16 X 49-inch running surface that is powered by a 2.2hp peak DC motor. The handrail provides options that allow you to start, stop, manage your speed, and monitor your pulse.
It has three levels of incline and comes with nine different program options to choose from. This electric treadmill is simple to use and can help you add some good cardio to your routine.
After you are done with your workout, it can be folded by using the Easy Folding mechanism. When you want to take it back out, it has a soft drop system that allows you to set up your treadmill safely without too much effort.
The product weighs about 103 pounds and can only accommodate users of 220 pounds or less.
The entire treadmill is 62 X 27 X 47 inches when open and is available at an affordable price. Amazon customers rate this product four and a half stars and overall seem to be very satisfied with its performance.
One verified customer stated that they loved that the machine was quiet and allowed them to walk or jog while watching TV.
The most common things that the reviews mentioned was its ease of assembly, lack of bulkiness, and its good speed performance.
5. Marcy Upright Mag Bike (ME-708)
The Marcy Upright Mag Bike is an upright exercise bike that uses smooth magnetic resistance. Its frame is made of steel and has rubber feet.
The Marcy Upright Mag has a large console that tracks distance, calories burned, speed, and time. Its pedals are counterbalanced and have adjustable work out straps to accommodate its users.
It measures 31.5 X 48.75 X 18 inches and has wheels to make the 43-pound bike easier to transport.This stationary bike allows the user to have a productive aerobic workout while in the comfort of their home.
Its seat is adjustable allowing a wide range of users to benefit from its use.
Its price is very reasonable considering what kind of equipment it is. Amazon customers rated this product a solid four out of five stars and stated that while it was tricky to put together, they wouldn't hesitate to recommend this product.
6. Stamina InMotion Compact Strider
The Stamina Inmotion Compact Strider is a low impact workout machine that targets the lower body. It is a small version of an elliptical that can be used standing or sitting.
It has a small screen that monitors your distance and comes with large non-slip pedals. This machine only weighs about 24 pounds and is 24.3X 17.5 X11.4 inches.
The Compact Strider is a great piece of equipment that doesn’t take up a lot of space and provides an excellent low-intensity workout. If you are looking for a way add cardio to your workout routine without buying a gym membership, this might be the product for you.
Due to its small size and easy carry handle, it can be quickly stored wherever and whenever it is not in use.
For a small device that allows a comfortable workout, it seems to be a great bargain.
Many verified consumers stated that this product helped improve their basic fitness levels and circulation while normally doing sedentary tasks. They enjoyed the fact that this product was easy to assemble, easy to transport, and extremely quiet.
Many users love the fact that they can take it to work and use it due to its ability to remain silent while in use.
7. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (ST552)
These adjustable dumbbells provide a wide range of weight choices to the user without having the clutter of multiple dumbbells.
The Bowflex SelectTech can take the place of up to 15 dumbbells leaving your living space organized and clutter-free. These dumbbells go up to 52.5-pounds, and each adjustment is done in 2.5-pound increments for the first 25 pounds.
The dumbbell dimensions are each about 16 inches long by 8 inches wide by 9 inches tall. These weights are a little more on the pricey side, but if you are looking for 15 sets of weights in one device without all the clutter, then these are the weights for you.
Many consumers were very satisfied with the fact that they now have access to their own weight room and no longer have to pay for a gym membership.
Others mention that they love not having to worry about their weights taking up living space.
8. Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine with Free Motion Arm
The Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine is a full range rowing machine that has adjustable tension controls and smooth hydraulic cylinder resistance.
It also comes with a monitor that shows speed, time, distance, row count, calories burned, and miles rowed. The seating is thick and padded so the user can be comfortable while completing their workout.
It does require some assembly but is fairly straightforward. The average user should have no problem putting this together.
This rowing machine is an impressive piece of equipment because it is very compact and great for cardio.
It is 50X 32.5 X 31 inches meaning it doesn’t take up as much space as a regular rowing machine. The pricing for this item is a little on the expensive side but if you are looking for something that can give you a full body workout without taking up too much space, look no further.
Verified purchasers have said that this is a great product for its price. There have been reports of the shocks breaking, but this doesn’t seem to be a very common problem.
9. Polar M400 GPS Smart Sports Watch
This smartwatch is a fitness tracker that monitors calories burned, workouts, steps, distance, and sleep quality.
It is waterproof and comes with its own program that syncs your devices. It has a battery that can be recharged through a USB Port.
The watch isn't bulky, and you can keep all of your workout information in one place. It is affordable for most consumers, and many rated it four out of five stars.
While many verified users did say it was a great product, there seemed to be one common problem. After about two months many saw issues with the USB port due to sweat getting inside. Without the USB port, there is no way to charge the device.
10. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418 Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike, Gray
This workout machine is a small magnetic stationary bike.
It has pedal straps that work well with hands and feet making it optimal for arm and leg exercises.
This mini exercise bike has eight levels of tension and has an LCD display showing distance, speed, time, calories.
The bike itself is 22 X 14 X 18 inches and only weighs about 21 pounds.
The Mini exercise bike has a handle down its center making its movability easier on the user. The max weight it can take is about 220 lbs, and it uses two AA batteries which are included when purchased.
This product was rated four and a half stars and is sold at an affordable price. This makes it ideal for people looking to save money on a functional and versatile piece of equipment.
Many verified users said that they enjoyed using it at work because it was easy to transport, quiet, and sturdily built.
They loved the fact that it was sold at a terrific value and helped them get into shape.
11. Portable Medical Exercise Peddler
The exercise peddler is an inexpensive, reliable product if you are looking for a low-impact workout machine.
It is reasonably priced and is able to adapt to the user's needs. It has anti-slip rubber feet and adjustable resistance.
On its monitor, there is a digital screen that displays time, speed, distance, RPM, and calories burned.
The exercise peddler itself is not adjustable in size, but it can be used by both hands and feet allowing the user to target those muscle groups.
This product is primarily for rehabilitative use due to its safe and low impact nature. Its compact design is an added advantage. Verified Amazon users rated this product four out of five stars because of its high quality and easy usability.
They loved that the monitor was easy to read and that they were able to share it with their entire family.
12. Body Press Dip Bar Fitness Station
This portable dip bar is ideal for many different exercises focused on full body workouts.
It is adjustable and can fold flat locking into place making it simple to transport. The steel tubing is about 1.5 inches thick and can adjust its width to suit users 6’5” or up to 350 pounds.
The dimensions are flexible, but it is about 24 X 36 X 36 inches. The dip bar has high-density padding to reduce strain on the user. It also has anti-skid rubber wraps on its feet to keep it in place.
Assembly uses spring tabs and color coding to make it simple to put together.
It is available for a completely affordable price, so it has peaked a lot of interest. Ultimately, this is one of the best pieces of workout equipment and has an overall review of four and a half stars.
Verified Amazon users fell in love with this product because it allowed them to use their entire body weight for resistance. Its adjustable nature and ability to be folded up after each use were features that they couldn't get enough of.
13. TNT Body wraps
TNT Body wraps have been used for losing weight and excess fat in upper arms and thighs.
Each four-piece kit comes in small, medium, and large. It is also utilized in reducing cellulite in target areas after significant weight loss.
After placing the wrap on your arm or leg, it adjusts to your size. Then it uses anti-slip technology to stay snug despite any excess movement. To assure the comfort of the user it was designed to repel any moisture or sweat.
This feature is important and reduces any bacteria build up. These body wraps retain the body’s natural heat while getting rid of any excess water weight.
This product was rated four, and a half stars and verified users confirmed that it was great to wear while completing their regular workout. They felt it really gave them an edge and allowed them to see better results after each use.
14. CAP Barbell Vinyl Kettlebell
Kettlebells are the best workout weights to use when trying to lose weight or tone up.
It has a vinyl shell that is perfectly able to withstand the ravages of time. They help build strength, balance, and stability making it ideal for creating the bodies users want.
Kettlebells are relatively inexpensive and can be ordered in different weight levels.
Many consumers said that this product was a great workout tool that allowed them to practice targeted exercises. Its overall rating was four stars. Many female users stated that it fits perfectly in their hands and pushed them to work harder. Overall, many believed that it was a great investment.
Conclusion
Finding compact exercise equipment or machines that can be easily accommodated at your home is not an easy task. Fortunately, with this guide, it doesn't have to be a long and arduous process.
Sometimes the best workout equipment is the simplest one. Small machines don't equate to small results.
Instead, it will allow you to use it wherever, whenever, and however, you want.
Versatility is key. With these 14 compact exercise equipment, you will be able to push yourself even further without spending boatloads of money on huge and excessive machines that completely dominate your living space.

Image: Amazon.com