A small space is not a barrier to training. The right gear fits in a closet, makes little noise and still gives you a full workout.
What to look for
- Small footprint. It should fit under a bed, in a closet or behind a door.
- Low noise. Drops, jumps and clanging weights travel through floors.
- Easy setup. If it takes ten minutes to set up, you will skip it.
- Multi-use. One item that does many exercises beats several single-purpose ones.
The short list
- Resistance bands. Nearly silent and tiny. They cover most strength work.
- A thick mat. Cushions floor work and absorbs a little noise.
- A kettlebell. One bell can do squats, swings and carries. Place it on a mat to protect the floor.
- A foam roller. Store it standing in a corner.
- A walking pad. Slim enough to slide under a couch and quiet enough for a call.
Keep noise down
- Choose low-impact cardio such as brisk walking, step-ups or cycling in place of jumping.
- Use a thick mat under any weights.
- Lower weights slowly instead of dropping them.
- Train at hours that suit your neighbors.
A space you can count on
You need about the area of a yoga mat plus room to stretch your arms. Stand in the middle of a clear spot and reach out. If your hands do not hit anything, you have enough room for most bodyweight and band work.
Where to store it
- A basket or bin by the door for bands and a mat.
- A hook for a jump rope and a loop of bands.
- A small shelf for a kettlebell.
If you are starting from scratch, our home gym buying order shows what to purchase first, and our strength gear page has options.