12 Best Cardio Equipment For Small Spaces 2024 – For Compact House Gym

Creating a household gym is an excellent idea since it will keep you healthy and in shape. However, many top-of-the-line products such as treadmills, exercise bikes, or rowing machines often take too much room, which can present itself as a problem if you have limited storage space. This issue is not something that cannot be resolved, so today, we are going to talk about the best cardio equipment for small spaces.

The compact cardio exercise equipment is not exactly hard to find, but you have to look for specific details and dimensions. In order to help you with this purchase, we have put together a list of some of the best-reviewed products you can find in today’s market in the section below, so without further redo, let us get started.

List of Best Cardio Equipment For Small Spaces

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper

This product is excellent for a household gym facility since it takes very little room and comes at a very affordable price. Although it does not provide you with an intense workout like high-end bikes or treadmills, it will do a pretty good job and keep you active and healthy.

This mini stepper features an LCD monitor that keeps track of your steps and counts calories that you burn throughout the workout. It is a very strong and durable exercise product due to its heavy-duty steel construction.

The product is equipped with large slip-resistant footplates that grant you superb stability and comfort throughout your workout sessions. It also does not put any unnecessary stress on your joints which is not the case with other steppers. Overall this mini stepper takes a small portion of your home gym space and offers amazing value for a very affordable price.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical machine is one of the best products in this price range due to its construction quality and strength of resistance. It takes a small amount of the space in your household gym and very little time to assemble.

This machine is an excellent choice if you are looking for low-impact cardio exercise that you can do from the comforts of your house and do not want to break the budget. It boasts magnetic resistance and grants a smooth workout for both your upper and lower body.

The product is equipped with a pulse monitoring system that allows you to track your exercise progress, check the number of calories you have burned throughout it, and observe your target heart rate. It also has anti-slip pedals and can handle the weight up to 280 pounds. Since the product itself weighs only 68 pounds, you can transfer it from room to room without any issues.

3. XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike

This compact exercise bike is an excellent pick for a small space household gym since it can be folded and stored with ease pretty much anywhere. It is beautifully designed with blue and silver colors and weighs mere 32 pounds, so you can easily move it from room to room.

This folding bike boasts a 2-piece X-frame that adds significantly to its durability. Although very durable and strong, this does not compromise on its weight, so you can still move it around. All metals in construction are finished with rust-resistant paint so that sweat will not diminish the quality.

It is equipped with pulse sensors on both sides of handlebars allowing you to measure the heart rate. The product also features a manual magnetic resistance system that enables adjusting the difficulty of a workout by simply turning the dial, and there are 8 resistance levels available. The seat is very comfy, which every fitness enthusiast that loves to practice for extended periods will appreciate.

4. Cubii JR1 Elliptical Machine for Home Workout

This product is a trainer that can easily fit under your desk and allow you to work out while sitting comfortably. You can connect it with the free Cubii app using Bluetooth and keep track of your workout performance and calories burned.

The Cubii looks like the bottom half of a standard elliptical machine that you can find in most gyms. It is compact and can fit pretty much anywhere. The product offers a sturdy feel, and it weighs 28 pounds which is quite heavy for a workout machine of this type. Moving it around can be a bit hard, but built-in handles between pedals can ease this process.

This elliptical machine features an easy-to-read LCD that allows you to track metrics such as distance traveled, calories burned, rotations per minute, and active time. It is also fairly quiet, so you can work out without being distracted by the noise. The Cubii also boasts 8 resistance levels, so you can challenge yourself with more intensity during exercise hours and slowly progress.

5. VIGBODY Exercise Bike

Coming from the Vigbody store, this stationary exercise bike is an excellent solution for everyone building a home gym but does not have space to store bigger equipment. It weighs 64 pounds but can be easily transported using the back set of wheels.

The bike features a 1.5 mm heavy-duty square tube and bidirectional flywheel that goes up to 35 lbs. It also offers anti-slip pedals that prevent you from accidentally slipping off and injuring yourself. You can also adjust the resistance level using a tension knob, but it really is not the most precise way to do so.

The Vigbody exercise bike is also equipped with an LCD monitor that shows time, speed, distance traveled, calories burned, and odometer. The bike has a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds which can accommodate most users. Overall it is an excellent product for the price.

6. Fast88 Electric Desk Elliptical Machine Trainer

This compact and quiet elliptical machine trainer is coming from the Fast88 store, and you can choose between blue-gray, gray, and red colors. You can exercise with it while conveniently seated on your couch or chair while watching TV or working on your computer.

The product boasts comfortable large pedals that are anti-slip and move in two directions – forward and backward. It also has an integrated display panel that keeps track of your fitness data and measures your current exercise progress. It has the standard fitness indicators of speeds, calories burned, strides per minute, and distance traveled.

This electric machine trainer comes fully assembled, and you can start using it straight out from the box. It boasts sturdy construction and looks very modern and sleek. You are provided with 5 resistance levels, allowing you to challenge yourself progressively.

7. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer

This product is coming from the Teeter store, and it is an excellent choice for users that are concerned about putting stress on their knees during workout sessions since it lets you perform leg and arm movements from a seated position.

The standing base is has a wide rectangular shape with four short legs that add to the product’s stability and sturdiness. The handlebars are adjustable, so you can easily set them up according to the length of your arms. They are also equipped with safety locks that prevent them from moving while working out.

Teeter Free Step is designed with home use in mind, and it is very easy to store and move around. It also does not take too much space, so in case you have a small home gym, you will find the spot for it easily. You also get 8 resistance levels, and the machine is equipped with a digital console that keeps track of your exercise progress.

8. Goplus Folding Rowing Machine

This entry-level fitness machine comes from the Goplus store, takes a small portion of space, and can be easily moved around due to its built-in wheels. It is made with home use in mind and offers exceptional value for the price.

The Goplus rowing machine boasts an all-steel frame, but it is not a heavy product despite this type of construction so that it can be assembled and carried easily by a single person. The product is equipped with a magnetic resistance system, meaning that you do not need to connect it to the power source. The system offers you 10 resistance levels so that you can take your exercise to the next level step by step.

The Goplus folding rowing machine features a basic ergometer that has a 3.5-inch LCD display that is easy to read. It shows strokes per minute, total strokes, time, and calories burned. Since you cannot input your personal data such as age or weight, the calories burned section is based only on your stroke count.

9. OVICX Folding Treadmill

This folding treadmill covers all the essentials that a quality product of this sort should possess. It has an outstanding build quality, offers a comfortable running experience, and features an easy-to-use LCD monitor.

Assembling the product is fairly easy, and it will take you roughly 40 minutes to complete it. Although it is quite lightweight at 43 kg, the whole process will be much faster and easier with the assistance of one more person.

The running surface is wide enough at 16 inches and grants you a suitable and comfortable running session. The pads are anti-slip and provide superb traction and stability during exercise. Overall, the product is very compact, versatile, and offers excellent value for the money.

Things to Consider When Buying Cardio Equipment for Small Spaces

There are many cardio exercise machines that can fit small spaces in today’s market, and building a household gym was never easier. However, when purchasing such products, there are some tiny details that you should consider before spending any money. In order to help you get the best value for your cash, we have put together a brief list of guidelines you should follow in the section below.

Versatility

Since these products are meant for users that are tight on space, the more versatility it offers, the better. You should consider purchasing adjustable dumbells that will allow you to perform various lower and upper body exercises without taking too much room. The more muscle groups the product can target, the better it will work for you and the less space it will take.

Size

The size of the product is one of the crucial aspects to take into consideration. Before spending any money, make sure to measure the space you plan to place the exercise equipment in. You can also look for exercise equipment that can be folded since it will save you tons of space.

Portability

If you plan to use several rooms as your gym, it is important that the product you are purchasing is portable. Before investing the money into the product, make sure that it has transportation wheels and that it is not too big or too heavy, so you can easily move it from room to room.

Comfort

Since you will be spending at least 30 minutes using this equipment, it is essential that it provides a sufficient comfort level and feel good while using it. For example, if you are buying a treadmill, look for the one that will not bruise your feet, or if you are buying an exercise bike, ensure that it has a comfortable seat and quality cushioning on the pedals.

Policies

When investing money in expensive cardio equipment, it is essential to read the fine print and check if the product has a warranty, return policy, and initial trial period. It will save you a lot of hassle, save you the money for fixing if something breaks down, or enable you to return the product if you are not satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exercise equipment takes the least space?

Home gym equipment that will not take much of your space are treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary exercise bikes, portable rowing machines, or any type of equipment that can be folded and stored easily.

Are there any disadvantages of home exercise equipment?

The main disadvantage is the fact that you will have to spend money, but it is an excellent long-term investment since you will not have to pay for a gym membership every month. On the other hand, it is an investment in your health and well-being, so it is very much worth it.

How to exercise in small spaces?

The best way to do so is by putting the space you have to the best use you can. Make sure to measure the space and pick the cardio equipment according to it. You can also save a lot of space by purchasing equipment that is foldable or can be transferred via transportation wheels.

What should I look for in cardio equipment for small spaces?

The most important are the product’s size, weight, and versatility. Make sure that it is lightweight so you can transfer it easily from room to room or that it can be folded and stored in a secluded spot.

Final Words

Creating a household gym in a small space may be difficult, but it is not something that cannot be done. Finding the right pieces of equipment will ultimately depend on what you value and require in the workout.

We hope our article will help you get the product that will suit you best. Make sure to measure the space you plan to store it in carefully, look for second opinions and reviews, and you will surely find the one that will serve you for a long time and provide superb value for your money.

References:

https://lifehacker.com/advisor/fitness/best-exercise-equipment-small-spaces/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/reviewed/2022/04/19/compact-exercise-equipment-small-home-gyms/

https://www.active.com/fitness/articles/the-best-pieces-of-exercise-equipment-for-small-spaces

https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/health-fitness/best-home-gym-equipment

Steve Adams

Steve is a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience and he holds a Master’s in Sports Science. Prior to Boston Rock Gym, Steve worked for two years as a personal trainer.