How to Create a Home Gym When You're Short on Space

What if we told you that even if you don't have a spare bedroom or a dedicated space for it, you can still create an effective home gym? It's true: with the right equipment choices, you can build a workout space that helps you prioritize your goals without taking over your entire home. Space-saving fitness equipment makes it possible to strength train and get your cardio workouts in from the comfort of home.

Why Space-Saving Equipment Matters

Limited square footage shouldn't stand between you and your fitness goals. When you choose equipment that's compact, multi-functional, and easy to store, working out at home becomes realistic — not something you have to rearrange your entire life (and space) to accommodate.

Space-saving home gym equipment offers several key advantages:

• It eliminates the clutter barrier — Equipment you can't easily access won't get used. Compact solutions make it simple to keep your workout space organized and accessible.
• It's cost efficient — Adjustable strength equipment in an all-in-one design replaces bulky equipment while saving you money.
• It's flexible — When your equipment is easy to move or store, you can work out wherever and whenever it fits into your schedule.

Best Space-Saving Home Gym Equipment

Adjustable Dumbbells: The Ultimate Small-Space Hack

Traditional dumbbell sets require racks, shelves, and significant space. Adjustable dumbbells, like the BowFlex Results Series dumbbells, solve this problem by replacing multiple sets of dumbbells with a single, compact set that tucks away on a shelf, next to furniture, or under the bed.

Why adjustable dumbbells are essential for small home gyms:

• One set replaces multiple pairs of traditional dumbbells
• Quick-adjust dial systems let you change weights in seconds
• Compact storage trays keep everything organized
• Perfect for apartments and small spaces

The best adjustable dumbbells for small home gyms:

• The Results Series 552 SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells adjust from 5 to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell, replacing 15 pairs of traditional weights. Made with durable metal components, these dumbbells feature ergonomic handles and a space-saving storage tray. Best for: beginners to intermediate lifters.
• The Results Series 52 SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells offer the same 5-52.5 lb weight range and functionality as the Results Series 552 dumbbells, but with a sleek black-and-white colorway and uniform weight plates so you can choose the style that fits best with your home gym.
• The Results Series 1090 SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells adjust from 10 to 90 lbs per dumbbell, replacing 17 pairs of weights. Made with durable metal components, these dumbbells feature knurled hand grips and a space-saving storage tray. Built for: advanced lifters who want heavier loads for compound movements like squats, deadlifts, chest presses, and rows.

Compare All BowFlex Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable Kettlebell: Total Body Conditioning in One Compact Design

The BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell adjusts from 8 to 40 lbs with the twist of a dial, replacing eight individual kettlebells. This space-saving kettlebell is perfect for functional fitness movements from kettlebell swings to goblet squats — and everything in between. Taking up less than one square foot of space, this kettlebell can be tucked away into small spaces and pulled out just when you need it.

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Compact Cardio Machines: Max Trainer Ellipticals

Traditional ellipticals and treadmills can take over a room, but the BowFlex Max Trainer lineup offers a compact alternative. Combining the smooth motion of an elliptical with the vertical movement of a stair stepper, Max Trainers deliver high-intensity, full-body workouts but use less than half the space of traditional cardio machines.

Why Max Trainers are ideal for small-space home gyms:

• Compact footprint: Uses 50% less space than traditional cardio machines
• Built-in transport wheels for easy room-to-room movement
• Full-body engagement for cardio and strength in one workout
• HIIT-focused programming for effective 4-minute to 30-minute workouts
• Low-impact motion protects joints

Best Max Trainers for small spaces:

• The Max Trainer M6 features a backlit LCD display, 4-grip handlebars, and 16 resistance levels. It also connects to JRNY via your phone or tablet for trainer-led workouts.
• The Max Total 16 includes a 16" adjustable HD touchscreen, 6-grip handlebars, 20 resistance levels, and built-in JRNY access with Bluetooth speakers for an immersive cardio experience.

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Foldable Treadmill: Cardio That Stores Away

If you prefer incline walking or running on cardio days, the BowFlex T6 Treadmill offers a space-efficient option with SoftDrop folding technology. Store it vertically when not in use to reclaim valuable floor space.

T6 Treadmill features:

• Speeds: up to 12 mph
• Incline: up to 15% motorized incline
• Running surface: 20" W x 60" L
• Flex Zone cushioning for joint protection
• Foldable design for vertical storage
• Connects with: Apple Watch, Samsung Watch, JRNY, Peloton, Zwift

Shop the T6 Treadmill

All-in-One Home Gym: Xtreme 2 SE

For strength training without the sprawl of free weights and benches, the BowFlex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym delivers 70+ exercises in one compact machine.

Xtreme 2 SE features:

• 70+ exercises targeting all major muscle groups
• Power Rod resistance technology (up to 210 lbs)
• Compact footprint: Approximately 6' x 8'

Shop the Xtreme 2 SE

Small-Space Home Gym Setup Ideas

Setup 1: The Minimalist Home Gym

Equipment: BowFlex Results Series Dumbbells + Max Trainer M6

Best for: Apartment dwellers and beginners who want both strength and cardio options

This minimalist setup delivers full-body strength training with adjustable dumbbells and efficient cardio with the space-saving Max Trainer. Both pieces of equipment are compact enough for small spaces and can be moved around or stored easily.

Setup 2: Strength + Cardio Starter Kit

Equipment: BowFlex Results Series Dumbbells + SelectTech 840 Kettlebell + T6 Treadmill

Best for: Those who want versatile strength training plus traditional cardio options

This combination covers all bases: dumbbells for strength exercises, an adjustable kettlebell for functional movements and core work, and a foldable treadmill for walking and running that stores vertically when not in use.

Setup 3: The Strength Training Powerhouse

Equipment: Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

Best for: Strength training enthusiasts who want an all-in-one solution

The Xtreme 2 SE replaces an entire gym's worth of equipment (think: dumbbells, barbells, benches, and cable machines) in a single station. Perfect for smaller spaces where comprehensive strength training is the priority.

Building Your Space-Saving Home Gym Today

Whether you're starting with a single piece of equipment or building out a complete small-space gym, BowFlex offers compact solutions for strength and cardio equipment at every price point to help you reach your goals.

Shop Adjustable Dumbbells | Shop Max Trainers | Shop Treadmills | Shop Home Gyms

FAQ: Small-Space Home Gym Equipment

What's the minimum space needed for a home gym?

You can build an effective home gym in a 6' x 6' space with compact equipment like adjustable dumbbells and a kettlebell. For a complete setup with cardio equipment like a Max Trainer or foldable treadmill, plan for at least 8' x 8' to 10' x 10' of space.

What is the best home gym equipment for small spaces?

The best small-space home gym equipment includes adjustable dumbbells (which replace multiple sets of weights), adjustable kettlebells, compact Max Trainers, and foldable treadmills.

Are adjustable dumbbells worth it for a home gym?

Yes. Adjustable dumbbells like the BowFlex Results Series Dumbbells replace entire dumbbell sets, save significant space, and support the same exercises as traditional dumbbells. They're ideal for small apartments and home gyms where space is limited.

What home gym equipment is best for apartments?

For apartments, choose quiet, compact equipment: adjustable dumbbells, adjustable kettlebells, and Max Trainers. These options minimize noise while providing wholistic strength and cardio training.

Can you build muscle with just adjustable dumbbells?

Yes. Adjustable dumbbells support hundreds of exercises targeting all major muscle groups — chest, back, shoulders, arms, legs, and core. Combined with progressive overload (gradually increasing weight), adjustable dumbbells are highly effective for building muscle at home.

What cardio machine takes up the least space?

The BowFlex Max Trainer takes up the least space among cardio machines, using approximately 50% less floor space than traditional treadmills and ellipticals. Foldable treadmills like the T6 Treadmill are also space efficient.

The content on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. This information is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always consult with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program, making changes to your fitness routine, or if you have questions about your health.