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How To Set Up A Home Gym In A Tiny Space

From gear to efficient workouts, here's how to break a sweat in even the tiniest of condo corners.
How To Set Up A Home Gym In A Tiny Space

Photo illustration by Aimee Nishitoba.

As lockdowns come, go and come back again, setting up a home workout area may not seem like a bad idea—but it’s easier said than done when you’re short on space. However, even if you’re stuck in an itty-bitty shoebox apartment, a little creativity and the right gear can go a long way.

Don’t buy the first all-in-one compact gym system you see a sponsored ad for. “There are a lot of gimmicky things out there,” says Sopearin Yos, a personal trainer and founder of Toronto gym Common Ground. Working out in a tight space means every item should be tailored to your preferred activities, so consider what your training is focused on.

You don’t need an entire dumbbell set to pump iron; an adjustable one will save you plenty of space. If you just want to get some light weight training in, Yos says even a pair of 10-pound weights offers a lot of versatility.

If you’re looking to get your heart pumping with a good cardio session, Saman Munir, a personal trainer and Under Armour athlete, suggests an agility ladder. This flexible device has slats you can roll out and do drills over—even high-intensity interval training. “They’re underrated,” she says. “But they’re one of the best cardio workouts you can get.” While machines aren’t a must, if you prefer them, Munir recommends a space-saving treadmill or stationary bike.

If you’re a newbie, Munir and Yos suggest buying a couple of basics, regardless of your fitness level: Resistance bands elevate even the simplest routine and a barbell is easy to work with and stash away. And don’t forget the equipment already built into your home. Yos says ottomans, counters and other elevated surfaces are great guides for sit-ups and push-ups.

Above all, watch your technique. “If you’re a beginner and your form isn’t correct, you’re going to get hurt,” says Munir. Tuning in to a live-streamed class or two could help.

Five tiny gear picks that pack a punch

How To Set Up A Home Gym In A Tiny Space

GHB Pro Agility Ladder Usable indoors or out, this 20-foot agility ladder folds up to suit small spaces. $30, walmart.ca

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How To Set Up A Home Gym In A Tiny Space

Bodylastics Stackable Resistance Bands The five-piece set of exercise bands can be combined for up to 96 pounds of resistance and comes in a small bag that’s easily stowed under your bed. $150, amazon.ca

How To Set Up A Home Gym In A Tiny Space

TRX Home2 Suspension Training System TRX uses gravity to create resistance, and can be anchored on a door. The brand also offers free workouts on YouTube. $200, store.trxtraining.com

How To Set Up A Home Gym In A Tiny Space

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Feierdun Adjustable Weight Set Transform these weights into either a dumbbell or a barbell as needed. $287, amazon.ca

How To Set Up A Home Gym In A Tiny Space

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike This bike can be folded up and rolled away post-spin. $160, marcypro.com

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