Living in an apartment comes with its perks: cozy living spaces, low maintenance, and often, unbeatable locations. However, when it comes to working out at home, space can be a bit of a challenge. The great news is that there’s plenty of fitness equipment designed specifically for compact spaces, allowing you to get fit without sacrificing precious square footage. In this guide, you’ll discover the best compact fitness equipment for apartments—versatile, highly-rated gear that many people swear by. Let’s dive in!

1. Foldable Treadmills: The Ultimate Compact Cardio Machine

A treadmill is often the go-to piece of cardio equipment, but the size can feel overwhelming in a smaller apartment. Fortunately, foldable treadmills are a lifesaver! They offer the cardio benefits of a traditional treadmill without taking up half your living room.

One highly recommended option is the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill, available on Amazon. With thousands of positive reviews, people love it for its easy-folding design and sturdy build. It features a 2.25 HP motor, a wide range of speed settings, and even different preset workout programs. It can easily be folded up and stored against a wall or in a closet when you’re done.

Another great pick is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill. This one has a soft-drop system, which means it folds up smoothly, making it easier for you to tuck away after a workout. Plus, it features an LCD screen and heart rate monitor to keep you engaged.

2. Resistance Bands: Versatile and Space-Saving

If there’s one piece of equipment every apartment dweller should own, it’s resistance bands. These stretchy, colorful bands can give you a full-body workout without the need for bulky weights. They’re perfect for toning your arms, legs, glutes, and core.

The Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands are one of Amazon’s most popular options, with over 100,000 reviews. These bands come in a set with varying levels of resistance—light, medium, heavy, and extra-heavy—so you can challenge yourself at your own pace. They’re compact enough to fit in a drawer or even your purse, which makes them ideal for apartments and traveling.

Another set worth checking out is the TRX Strength Bands. They might be a bit pricier, but they’re extremely durable and have handles that make them easy to grip, giving you an amazing workout experience.

3. Adjustable Dumbbells: Strength Training Without the Bulk

You don’t need a full rack of dumbbells to add strength training to your routine. Instead, opt for adjustable dumbbells that let you change the weight easily. Adjustable dumbbells are incredibly space-saving, making them a perfect choice for apartments.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are hugely popular on Amazon, and for good reason. They allow you to adjust the weight between 5 and 52.5 pounds, meaning you can use them for anything from bicep curls to shoulder presses. These dumbbells replace 15 sets of weights, saving space without compromising variety.

A more budget-friendly option is the Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells. With a compact design, these dumbbells let you add or remove plates easily, and they can be stored under your bed or in a closet when not in use.

4. Kettlebells: Compact and Effective

Kettlebells offer a dynamic, fun way to work on strength and conditioning in a small space. Because of their compact size, they’re perfect for apartments, and they can add versatility to your workouts.

The Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Kettlebell is a fan favorite. It’s adjustable, allowing you to set the weight to your desired level, eliminating the need to buy multiple kettlebells. The ergonomic handle also makes for easy gripping.

Alternatively, the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell is another great pick if you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest in an adjustable model. It’s affordable, compact, and comes in various weights to suit your preferences.

5. Mini Steppers: A Low-Impact Cardio Solution

A mini stepper is another great way to get a cardiovascular workout at home without the need for a full-size machine. These compact devices are perfect for toning your legs and glutes and are easy to store.

One of the most popular options on Amazon is the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands. This mini stepper not only offers a lower-body workout but also comes with detachable resistance bands to incorporate arm exercises. It has a small footprint and can be kept in a closet or corner when not in use.

6. Yoga Mat and Accessories: Perfect for Mind-Body Workouts

Don’t underestimate the power of bodyweight exercises and stretching for a full-body workout. A yoga mat is one of the most versatile pieces of fitness equipment for an apartment. Not only can you do yoga, but you can also use it for Pilates, ab workouts, or even meditation.

The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is highly rated on Amazon and is perfect for those who need extra cushioning for their joints. Plus, it’s lightweight and comes with a carry strap, making it easy to roll up and store in a closet.

Consider pairing the yoga mat with some accessories like yoga blocks and a stretching strap. The REEHUT Yoga Blocks are affordable and provide stability during stretches, while the Tumaz Stretching Strap helps you deepen your flexibility without straining.

7. Doorway Pull-Up Bars: Efficient and Space-Saving

When it comes to upper-body strength, pull-ups are hard to beat. A doorway pull-up bar can help you tone your back, arms, and shoulders—all without requiring permanent mounting.

The Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar is an excellent option available on Amazon. It requires no screws for installation, and you can simply hook it onto your doorway whenever you’re ready to use it. You can also use it on the floor for push-ups or tricep dips, making it a versatile piece of equipment for a compact space.

The Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar is another great choice that fits most door frames and comes with padded handles for different grip options.

8. Compact Rowing Machine: Full-Body Workout in a Small Space

Rowing machines provide an amazing full-body workout, but they can be a bit bulky. Luckily, there are options out there that are more apartment-friendly.

The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is highly rated, compact, and features hydraulic resistance. This machine is easy to fold and store, making it ideal for small spaces. Plus, rowing gives you both a cardio and strength workout in one, making it incredibly efficient.

9. Ab Roller: Core Training Made Simple

An ab roller is a small, simple, and effective way to work on your core without taking up any space. It might look like a humble piece of equipment, but it provides a serious challenge for your abs, arms, and shoulders.

The Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller is popular for its extra-wide wheel, which provides greater stability, especially for beginners. It also has ergonomic handles that make the workout more comfortable. The compact design makes it easy to store even if you have minimal space.

10. Jump Rope: The Old-School Calorie Burner

If you’re looking for a high-intensity cardio workout without any bulky equipment, a jump rope is the way to go. It’s perfect for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), warming up, or simply adding a bit of cardio to your day.

The DEGOL Skipping Rope with Ball Bearings is highly rated on Amazon for its tangle-free design and adjustable length. It’s incredibly compact and can be stashed in a drawer or hung on a hook when you’re done.

11. Exercise Ball: Great for Core Stability

An exercise ball might seem big, but they’re lightweight and versatile enough that you can store them in the corner of your room when not in use. They’re fantastic for improving core strength, doing stability exercises, and even working as a makeshift office chair for better posture.

The Trideer Exercise Ball is a favorite on Amazon, available in multiple sizes and colors. It’s anti-burst, durable, and comes with a pump, making it easy to inflate. You can use it for everything from ab workouts to stretches.

12. Under-Desk Pedal Exerciser: Multi-Tasking at Its Best

If you work from home and are looking for a way to stay active while working, an under-desk pedal exerciser is a game-changer. This compact device fits right under your desk and allows you to pedal while sitting—perfect for keeping your legs active during long work hours.

The DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser is a highly-rated option on Amazon, allowing you to adjust the resistance level to suit your fitness needs. It’s compact, quiet, and easy to store.

Final Thoughts: Get Fit Without Sacrificing Space

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on working out at home. There are plenty of compact fitness equipment options that can help you stay in shape without taking over your living room. From foldable treadmills to resistance bands, there’s something for every fitness level and goal.

The key is to pick equipment that’s versatile, space-saving, and easy to store—and the products highlighted above fit the bill. So go ahead, pick what suits your routine, and transform your apartment into a functional, efficient home gym.

Which piece of compact fitness equipment are you most excited to try? Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll be amazed at the progress you can make—all from the comfort of your apartment!