Whether you’re setting up a home gym, optimizing a small commercial space, or squeezing gym equipment into a fire station or apartment complex, space efficiency is everything.
The goal is to pack as many exercises as possible into the smallest footprint without sacrificing variety or functionality.
Let’s break down five expert tips to help you get the most workouts from the least amount of space.
Wall-mounted equipment is a game changer for space optimization. Folding racks, wall-mounted pull-up bars, and wall-mounted functional trainers allow you to reclaim floor space while still providing essential strength-training options.
What to mount:
Folding squat racks
Wall-mounted cable pulley systems
Storage racks for dumbbells, kettlebells, and medicine balls
Pro Tip: Use vertical storage racks for weight plates and bars to keep the floor clear and organized.
Adjustable equipment reduces clutter while still offering a full range of exercises. Instead of racks of dumbbells and kettlebells, invest in high-quality adjustable versions that take up minimal space.
Best adjustable options:
Weighted mace bells with adjustable weight attachments
One of the best ways to maximize workout variety in a small space is to invest in a multi-purpose cable system like the AnCore or Beyond Power Voltra. With a full set of cable attachments, you can simulate dozens of exercises that typically require large machines.
Why it works:
Takes up almost no space (mounts on a wall or power rack)
Offers hundreds of exercises
Affordable compared to full-size machines
Must-have cable attachments: Tricep rope, lat bar, ankle straps, neutral grip row handle, single-arm cable handles.
Multi-purpose machines give you more bang for your buck and make better use of limited space. Instead of buying a dedicated chest press, rower, and squat rack, look for machines that combine multiple functions.
Examples:
Functional trainers with adjustable pulleys
Multi-station home gyms (lat pulldown, low row, leg extension, and press in one)
Half racks with pull-up bars and built-in cable systems
Bench press racks that double as squat stands
Maximizing your vertical space keeps your gym organized and opens up your workout area.
Best vertical storage solutions:
Plate trees and vertical barbell racks
Ceiling-mounted TRX systems
Pro Tip: Use stackable plyo boxes and collapsible benches to maintain versatility without permanent bulk.
Bodyweight and band-based exercises require little to no equipment but still offer incredible versatility. Add chains, weighted belts, and resistance bands to scale up intensity without taking up space.
What to include:
Suspension trainers (TRX)
Resistance bands with various tension levels
Weighted dip belts for bodyweight progressions
Chains for squats, bench presses, and deadlifts
Related Articles:
Complete Beginner Gym Equipment Buying Guide
Matt Gemkow, the author of this content section at Select Fitness, boasts more than 15 years of fitness experience. He started out in sports and athletic training for many years and has since 2014 transitioned into heavy-weight training and bodybuilding. As a result, he has become one of the most experienced fitness equipment experts out there, and a valuable source of information.
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