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Do you live in an apartment, but want to build your own home gym? If so, we’ve got you covered.

When you live in an apartment and want a home gym, there are a few things to think about.
First, you need to be efficient with space. Because you probably don’t have a garage or spare room available to work out in. You can look for a space-friendly home gym or portable equipment.
Second, the equipment should fit the aesthetic of your apartment, so that you can leave it in your bedroom or living room. Or it should be stowable.
Third, when you’re at home, try to keep noise levels low—you don’t want to disturb your neighbors. A good way to do this is by placing a mat over your flooring and purchasing quiet equipment.
As a personal trainer, I have lived in apartments most of my life. So, I know what works and what doesn’t.
In this article, I will go over some of the best apartment-friendly home gym equipment and how it can support you in your fitness goals.
Table of Contents
- Best Space-friendly Home Gym For Apartment
- Best Portable Gym Equipment for Apartment
- Best Low-Noise Equipment for Apartment
- 11 Best Home Gym For Apartment
- Which home gym machine for an apartment is best overall?
- What to look for in the best home gym for an apartment?
- FAQ about the best home gym for apartment
- What to do next?
If you want a space-friendly home gym or just want “one machine” for your workouts, then the Total Gym XLS would be a great choice.
With this home gym machine, you can perform up to 80 exercises, including cardio, pilates, strength, and stretching exercises.
It offers up to 6 levels of resistance and can hold 400 pounds of weight. This home gym is lightweight and foldable, so it is a great solution if you live in an apartment.
If you are looking for portable equipment or want to build your own home gym, I recommend the Lusper Adjustable Dumbbell Set.
This weight set comes with 12 weight plates, which add up to 44 pounds of weight. You can use this set as a dumbbell, barbell, or kettlebell.
If you are looking for low-noise equipment, I recommend the Prosource Fit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat. These one-inch mats serve as a cushion for your joints and reduce noise in your apartment.
You can also use it to do body weight exercises. And they are easy to assemble and store. Plus, these puzzle mats have a non-skid textured surface to avoid slippage.
Keep reading to know more about these equipment, or find more home gym options.
11 Best Home Gym For Apartment
Space-friendly Home Gyms
These home gyms provide many exercises and are suitable for small spaces. They are lightweight, compact, and stowable, so you can put them away when not in use.
To find more space-friendly home gym options, check out our article on The 9 Best Compact Home Gyms.
Total Gym XLS
Features | Total Gym XLS |
Dimensions | Length: 90 in (228.6 cm) Width: 19 in (8.62 cm) Height: 43 in (109.22 cm) |
Product Weight | 68 lbs (30.84 kg) |
Resistance levels | 6 |
Maximum User Weight | 400 lbs (181.44 kg) |
Warranty | Lifetime Warranty on Frame 6-Month Warranty on Parts |
Included Accessories | Ribbed Squat Stand Wing Attachment Leg Pull Accessory With 2 Ankle Cuffs Exercise Wall Chart Training Deck Nutritional/Meal Planning Guide Total Gym TV |
Optional Attachments | Leg Pull Accessory with Detachable Bracket Pilates Accessory Kit Total Gym Cyclo Trainer Press Up Bars Dip Bars Weight Bar Kit Stability Gym Floor Mat Ab Crunch Total Gym Personal Workout Training Cards Weight Bar Open Ended Durable Chrome Handles Flexible Nylon Strap Handles |
If you are looking for a versatile home gym that fits your apartment, I recommend the Total Gym XLS. You can use this home gym for cardio, strength, and stretching exercises, as well as pilates.
Total Gym XLS can handle up to 80 exercises, and offers 6 levels of resistance. With a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds, this home gym can accommodate most users.
This home gym comes with the following attachments:
- Ribbed Squat Stand
- Wing Attachment
- Leg Pull Accessory With 2 Ankle Cuffs
You can also purchase additional attachments to expand your workout options.
With Total Gym XLS, you can get a full-body workout without the need for a large space. This home gym is lightweight and foldable, so you can store it away when not in use.
BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0
Features | BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 |
Dimension | Length: 34 in (86.36 cm) Width: 20 in (50.8 cm) Height: 1 in (2.54 cm) |
Product Weight | 16 lbs (7.26 kg) |
Material | Not Specified |
Weight Capacity | Not Specified |
Warranty | 1 year warranty |
Other Features | Free 3 Week Program Instruction Manual + Visuals Durable Accessories Carrying Bag Fold up VectorFit Base (withstands up to 500 lbs of force) Collapsible Workout Bar 1 set of 2 Handles 1 set of 2 Wrist/Ankle Straps 1 Set of 2 Custom Cloth Resistance bands Door Anchor w/ Ring |
Another portable home gym that you can use in your apartment is the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0.
Like Total Gym, you can also get a full-body workout with BodyBoss. However, BodyBoss focuses on strength or resistance training.
At full length, the resistance bands can provide up to 30 pounds of resistance. And you can increase the resistance by shortening the resistance bands using the platform’s anchor point.
There are 10 anchor points on the platform. The VectorFit Base Platform can withstand up to 500 pounds of force.
The set comes with 7 pieces of equipment and weighs 15 pounds altogether. The platform base is also foldable, so I can say that BodyBoss is apartment-friendly equipment.
TRX GO Suspension Trainer System
Features | TRX GO Suspension Trainer |
Dimension | Length: 50 in (127 cm) Width:1.97 in (5 cm) Height: 0.1 in (0.25 cm) |
Product Weight | 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) |
Material | Nylon, Foam Handles |
Weight Capacity | 700 lbs (317.52 kg) |
Warranty | 3 Year Warranty |
Other Features | Suspension Training Strap Indoor/Outdoor Anchors Mesh Carrying Bag |
If you are into suspension training, I recommend the TRX GO Suspension Trainer System. The whole set fits in a mesh carrying bag and weighs only 1.5 pounds. So this is a great solution if you don’t have enough space in your apartment.
Since TRX is a suspension trainer, most of the workouts you can do are body-weight exercises. You can perform TRX’s seven foundational movements: push, pull, plank, lunge, hinge, squat, and rotate.
For more workout options, you can access the TRX training club, which has over 500 workouts guided by certified trainers. The TRX GO Suspension Trainer System can hold up to 700 pounds of weight.
Portable Gym Equipment
You also have the option to build your own home gym using portable equipment. Equipment like dumbbells and pull-up bars are a great solution for small spaces.
For more portable equipment options, check out our article on The Best Home Gym For Small Spaces.
Lusper Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Features | Lusper Adjustable Dumbbell Set |
Dimensions | Length: 18.1 in (45.97 cm) Width: 5 in (12.7 cm) Height: 5 in (12.7 cm) |
Weights | 8 x 2.75-Pound Weight Plates 4 x 5-Pound Weight Plates |
Material | Cement and Ironsand, Plastic |
Color | Black, Gray, and Orange |
Warranty | 30-Day Free Returns 12-Month WarrantyLifetime Maintenance |
Other Features | 2 x Dumbbell Handles 1 x Barbell Connector 1 x Kettlebell Handle 1 x Kettlebell Base Rod 6 x Spinlock Collars 1 x Workout Guide |
If you are looking for a portable weight set for your apartment, check out the Lusper Adjustable Dumbbell Set. This weight set offers up to 44 pounds of weight.
You can use this weight set in three modes: dumbbell, barbell, and kettlebell. It comes with a barbell connector, dumbbell handles, a kettlebell handle, and a kettlebell base rod.
This set comes with the following weight plates:
- 8 pieces of 2.75-pound weight plates
- 4 pieces of 5-pound weight plates
You can secure the dumbbell or barbell using an anti-slip tightening collar to prevent the plates from loosening or falling. The weight plates use concrete mixed with cement and ironsand, which will not break even if you drop it at 2 meters height.
This weight set is a great solution to save space in your apartment.
Phoeros Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Features | Phoeros Adjustable Dumbbell Set |
Dimensions | Length: 16.93 in (43 cm) Width: 12.2 in (31 cm) Height: 5.51 in (14 cm) |
Weights | 4 x 3.8-Pound Steel Dumbbell Plates 4 x 2.7-Pound Steel Dumbbell Plates 4 x 2.2-Pound Steel Dumbbell Plates 4 x 1-Pound Steel Dumbbell Plates |
Material | Alloy Steel |
Color | Silver |
Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
Other Features | 2 x 2-Pound Anti-Slip Shaft Handle 1 x 2-Pound Metal Connecting Rod 2 x Weight Stands 1 x Storage Box 1 Pair of Non-slip Gloves |
Another weight set option for you is the Phoeros Adjustable Dumbbell Set. This weight set offers up to 44 pounds of weight.
You can use it as a dumbbell and a barbell. It comes with a connecting rod that you can use to lengthen the dumbbell handles and turn them into a barbell.
This weight set comes with the following weight plates:
- 4 pieces of 3.8-pound weight plates
- 4 pieces of 2.7-pound weight plates
- 4 pieces of 2.2-pound weight plates
- 4 pieces of 1-pound weight plates
Each dumbbell plate has a rotating thread and uses a double locking system so you can secure them on the handles. The set comes with a storage box where you can fit all the pieces of your weight set.
The weight set also includes two weight stands and a pair of non-slip gloves.
Kakiclay Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar
Features | Kakiclay Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar |
Dimensions | Length: 41.42 in (105.21 cm) Width: 6.81 in (17.30 cm) Height: 2.28 in (5.80 cm) |
Weight | 11.88 lbs (5.39 kg) |
Material | Carbon Steel |
Mounting Type | Door Mount |
Maximum Weight Recommendation | 440 lbs (200 kg) |
Warranty | 100% Money-Back Guarantee |
Other Features | Suspension Straps Soft Foam Handle Silicone Pad |
If you want a pull-up bar in your apartment, try the Kakiclay Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar. You can mount this pull-up bar at the top of your apartment door.
This pull-up bar includes 8 handles with a foam grip, to provide you with various grip options. It also comes with two suspension straps for more exercise options.
The bar itself is steel and can withstand up to 440 pounds of weight, so it’s very durable and stable. The distance between the two angled handles is 21.56 inches, making it suitable for most standard doors.
If you are worried that this equipment might damage your door, Kakiclay uses silicone door protectors to prevent leaving marks or scratches.
BDL Wall-Mounted Multifunctional Dip Station
Features | BDL Wall Mounted Multifunctional Dip Station |
Dimensions | Upper Bar: 37.4 in (95 cm) Width: 30.3 in (76.96 cm) Lower Bar: 22.44 in (57 cm) |
Weight | 25 (11.34 kg) |
Material | Alloy Steel |
Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
Maximum Weight Recommendation | 440 lbs (200 kg) |
Warranty | Not Specified |
Other Features | Pull-up Bar Hangers for Punching Bags and Power Ropes |
The BDL Wall-Mounted Multifunctional Dip Station combines a pull-up bar and a dip station. You can mount this equipment to your wall, and it does not take up a lot of space.
This equipment comes with 8 handles with foam grips for various grip options. It also comes with two armrests and back support, with 2-inch cushions to make your workouts more comfortable.
You can mount this equipment upright for pull-up exercises. And you can also install it upside-down to perform dips and hanging leg raises.
You can also purchase additional accessories, such as punching bags, TRX straps, power ropes, or yoga straps, to get the most out of this equipment.
This equipment can hold up to 440 pounds of weight and requires you to install it on concrete or brick walls.
Low-Noise Equipment
Some workouts can be noisy, so be mindful of your neighbors when choosing a piece of equipment. You can buy quiet equipment or a mat to help absorb sound and reduce noise.
Prosource Fit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat
Features | Prosource Fit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat |
Dimensions | Length: 24 in (60.96 cm) Width: 12 in (30.48 cm) Thickness: 1 in (2.54 cm) |
Material | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate |
Color | Black |
Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
A mat is the most effective way to reduce noise, especially when your exercise involves jumping or dropping your weights. A mat also protects you and your floors. So I recommend the Prosource Fit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat.
These thick mats are great for apartments, because they have a puzzle mat design, so you can arrange the pieces to your needs. And you can also separate and stack the pieces together if you want to store them, which saves you a lot of space.
These mats have a thickness of one inch and use Ethylene Vinyl Acetate foam, which provides support and cushioning. These puzzle mats have a non-skid textured surface to avoid slippage, are water-resistant, and have a noise-reducing design.
They are easy to clean and maintain, so they are convenient to use. You can also use a mat for various body weight exercises, such as yoga.
For more mat or flooring options, check out our article on The 10 Best Home Gym Flooring Options.
Veick Resistance Bands
Features | VEICK Resistance Bands |
Dimension | Length: 48 in (121.92 cm) Thickness: 0.086 in (0.22 cm) |
Material | Latex |
Resistance Levels | 5 varying levels (10-150 lbs) |
Warranty | 1 Year Warranty |
Other Features | Two HandlesOne Door Anchor Two Ankle Strap |
Most exercises that involve resistance bands do not make a lot of noise.You can also get a full-body workout using resistance bands, so I recommend the Veick Resistance Bands.
Veick Resistance Bands is a set of five bands that can provide up to 150 pounds of resistance. Each band has the following resistances:
- Yellow (Beginner): 10 pounds
- Blue (General Fitness): 20 pounds
- Green (Muscle Training): 30 pounds
- Black (Professional Training): 40 pounds
- Red (High-Intensity Fitness): 50 pounds
You can combine two or more bands for more resistance. And combining all 5 gives you a maximum resistance of 150 pounds.
The set also comes with 2 exercise handles, 2 ankle straps, 1 door anchor, and a carrying bag. The whole set fits into the bag for easy storage and portability.
Niceday Elliptical Machine
Features | Niceday Elliptical Machine |
Dimensions | Length: 48 in (121.92 cm) Width: 25 in (63.50cm) Height: 62 in (157.48 cm) |
Stride Length | 15.5 in (39.37 cm) |
Pedal Step Height | Not Specified |
Weight | 106 lbs (48.08 kg) |
Maximum User Weight | 400 lbs (181.44 kg) |
Resistance Levels | 16 |
Workout Programs | Not Specified |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Other Features | 16LB Flywheel Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Drive System 90% Pre-built Pulse Monitor Device Holder Transportation Wheels |
If you are looking to add a cardio machine to your apartment, I recommend the Niceday Elliptical Machine. This elliptical machine offers up to 16 resistance levels.
If you are worried that an elliptical machine might be too noisy, the Niceday elliptical controls the sound at 20 decibels. So you won’t disturb your neighbors or roommates.
This elliptical machine has a weight capacity of 400 pounds. It comes 90% preassembled and is easy to put together.
Since it is 90% preassembled, you can disassemble it when you store it. And this elliptical is foldable, so it doesn’t take up too much space.
Sportsroyals Vertical Climber
Features | Sportsroyals Vertical Climber |
Dimensions | Length: 30.2 in (76.71 cm) Width: 17.32 in (65.02 cm) Height: 78.7 in (199.9. cm) |
Handle Range | 3.9 to 19.7 in (9.91 to 50 cm) |
Weight | 39.04 lbs (17.71 kg) |
Material | Steel Alloy |
Maximum User Weight | 300 lbs (136.08 kg) |
Warranty | 30-Day Free Trial 1-Year Warranty |
Other Features | LCD Monitor 90% Pre-assembled |
If you are looking for a space-friendly and quiet cardio machine for your apartment, I recommend the Sportsroyals Vertical Climber. This vertical climber targets your arms, core, and thighs.
You can adjust the climbing arms at 5 heights, ranging from 3.9 to 19.7 inches. This feature is helpful, as it allows you to adjust the equipment to match your height.
This vertical climber can hold up to 300 pounds of weight. Like the Niceday elliptical, Sportsroyals vertical climber comes 90% pre-assembled and foldable to save space.
Which home gym machine for an apartment is best overall?
Space-friendly Home Gyms
In my opinion, the best space-friendly home gym for an apartment is the Total Gym XLS. With this home gym, you can perform pilates, cardio, strength, and stretching exercises.
You can do up to 80 exercises, and it offers up to 6 levels of resistance. You can add additional attachments to expand this home gym’s capabilities further.
Total Gym XLS can hold up to 400 pounds of weight. It is compact, lightweight, and foldable, so it does not take up a lot of space.
Portable Gym Equipment
If you are looking to build your own home gym, I recommend the Lusper Adjustable Dumbbell Set. You can use this set as a dumbbell, barbell, or kettlebell.
This weight set comes with 12 weight plates, which add up to 44 pounds of weight. And it included an anti-slip tightening collar to prevent the plates from loosening or falling.
Low-Noise Equipment
If you are looking for low-noise equipment, I recommend the Prosource Fit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat. These mats serve as a cushion for your joints and also reduce noise in your apartment.
You can arrange these puzzle mats in any way that you like. And they are also easy to store, as you can separate and stack the pieces together.
You can also use these mats for body weight exercises, such as yoga, or as protective flooring. Plus, these puzzle mats have a non-skid textured surface to avoid slippage.
What to look for in the best home gym for an apartment?
Type of Exercise
The type of exercise should be your priority when shopping for a home gym. Think about what kind of exercise you want to do, your fitness goals, and the muscles you plan to target.
If you want to do weightlifting, then equipment that offers resistance and strength training is what you need. If you want to do cardio, find a piece of equipment that will make you sweat and burn calories.
There are also other types of exercises, such as yoga, suspension training, pilates, and more. You can look for equipment that can do these types of exercises.
If you want to do multiple exercises, you can use a versatile machine that offers various types of exercises.
Space
Once you decide what type of exercise you want to do, you need to think about the space available in your apartment. Dedicate a space in your apartment for your home gym.
You might need to do some decluttering and organizing to clear some space for your home gym. Then, look for equipment that can provide the type of exercise you plan to do, and that will fit into the space.
If you have enough space for a home gym, you’ll have more exercise options, and it saves money too.
Portability
You can also opt to use portable equipment. This is a great option if you want to exercise in your apartment, but don’t want to commit to a large piece of equipment.
Some portable pieces of home gym equipment include dumbbells, resistance bands, and portable home gym. Portable equipment is a great solution if you plan to move out of your apartment or use your home gym machine outside.
Noise Level
Since you live in an apartment, you wouldn’t want to disturb your neighbors with noisy exercise equipment. To ensure the machine does not make a lot of noise, try it out first before purchasing it.
If possible, ask the seller if you can try out several machines before making your selection. You can also purchase a mat to reduce the noise and impact when you are working out.
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the permissible exposure limit for noise is 90 dBA [1].
Price and Warranty
Price is also an important factor when choosing an exercise machine. Most versatile equipment is more expensive than their single-purpose counterparts.
But it’s worth it if you can do more exercises with one machine and save space simultaneously.
You should also look for the warranty that comes with the home gym machine. Warranties can vary from one year to a lifetime, and cover different parts of the machine.
A warranty guarantees the product is durable, and you can have it repaired or replaced if it breaks down, which can also save you more money.
FAQ about the best home gym for apartment
What is the best exercise equipment for a small apartment?
The best exercise equipment for a small apartment provides the exercise you need while being space-friendly. If you are unsure what you want, check out the Total Gym XLS. This equipment can provide up to 80 exercises, offers 6 levels of resistance, and is foldable, which makes it perfect for small apartments.
How can I exercise at home with an apartment?
If you don’t have a lot of space, doing body-weight exercises or using portable and space-friendly equipment can be a great way to stay in shape. If you are worried about making too much noise, then you can buy quiet equipment or do exercises that incorporate slow and deliberate movements like yoga and light weightlifting. A mat is also another option to reduce the noise
Is it OK to exercise in an apartment?
Yes, it is OK to exercise in an apartment. As long as you have enough space, don’t make too much noise, and be careful not to cause damage to your apartment unit, it shouldn’t be a problem.
What to do next?
No matter how little space you have in your home, if you have the initiative and creativity to find a way to exercise, there’s nothing stopping you from doing so.
Working out in your apartment can be as effective as working out in the gym, and it saves you money in the long run. Finally, if all else fails, there is always jogging around your neighborhood or taking walks with your dog.