By Rachel Sokol

​

Seeing your friend's vast and impressive at-home gyms can take a toll on your confidence. 
Newsflash: You do NOT need a huge basement filled with shiny gym equipment to get an effective workout. Certified personal trainers around the world agree—gym size doesn't matter. Results do!
   "It's not about having fancy equipment, but about movement and creativity," says Josh York, CEO of GYMGUYZ, who's trained clients in various spaces, including tiny Manhattan apartments. "You can perform exercises, from dumbbell presses to lunges, with just a few pieces of equipment."

Here's exclusive advice from trainers about setting up a mini-gym:

 

Stick to the Basics
Opt for resistance bands, dumbbells, a medicine ball, and a step box—"all of which can be easily stored in corners, closets, or on the wall," says York. Sure, you can invest in a $7,000 piece of machinery if you want, but "you can also stick to basic exercises like compound movements, which are more effective than trendy gadgets."

​

Hire a Virtual Trainer
Can't budget for in-person sessions? No problem! Consider hiring a virtual trainer or using free resources like YouTube for workout guidance if you need some inspiration for your at-home workout. "Ultimately, the key to fitness success is taking action and avoiding excuses, rather than focusing on having an elaborate gym setup," says York.

​

Consider a Fitness Mirror
These smart devices resemble a full-length mirror but function as an interactive home gym thanks to a built-in screen that displays workout videos, live classes, and personalized fitness training. Users follow along with exercises while watching themselves in the mirror. According to trainer Cassandra Padula Burke, RDN, CPT, of Catalyst Performance Lab, they can be pretty effective! 
"If you have a bigger budget for equipment, the new smart fitness mirrors offer access to trainers leading virtual workouts while providing a wall-mounted, space-saving design."

​

Invest in a Glider Disc
Burke says they challenge your muscles, stability, and balance, making them an easily portable option "for getting in an intense full-body workout."

​

Use Suspension Trainers
"Try TRX, which is designed for use in small spaces to fire up your core and engage muscles for an intense full-body workout," says Burke. "Any exercise you can do with weights, you can do with a suspension trainer."

​

Take Advantage of the Wall Space
"In a small gym, we want to use all the space possible," says Benjamin Nevares, MS, CPT a high-performance wellness coach. "Have a couple of spaces to hang your strength bands, booty bands, jump ropes, and maybe even a barbell. This would save space and make it much more convenient to walk around the organized room without risk of falling or injury."

​

Speaking of Walls—Buy a Timer
"There are plenty of timers for purchase that can be hung. This small item ties a room together and makes you feel like you're at the gym, and not just in your home," says Nevares. "You can keep yourself honest with a timer staring at you in between sets. Some timers have programmable options to make your workouts more fun." A timer that allows you to count up, down, add EMOMs (every minute on the minute), or Tabata protocols (structured, high-intensity interval training) gives you access to a variety of workout types. "This may also keep you off your phone scrolling through Instagram."

​

Have the Right Floor Design
Make sure you have some foam or rubber mats (depending on your budget) on the ground in your mini gym. "This will allow you to feel comfortable sweating on the ground and having your weights/equipment on the ground," says Nevares. "The rubber mats are much longer-lasting but come with a price." You will have to replace the foam mats, says Nevares, but they offer the convenience of portability since they're lighter and easier to replace when one unit may be damaged or broken. "
I would personally opt for the rubber mats since they're easier to clean and safer as they provide extra grip for your shoes."

​

Use Your Closet
If you're fortunate enough to have one in your space, "this can store a stationary bike and any extra materials that you may not want on your walls for the sake of aesthetics," says Nevares.

​

Invest in a Walking Pad: Speaking of closets…
a walking pad is another compact piece of equipment you can store in a closet. "A portable walking pad is also great for days when the weather isn't ideal for walking outside," says Umo Callins MS, RD/LD, CSSD, CPT, a fitness trainer based in Oklahoma City, OK. (They're usually priced between $200 and $600.)

​

Use a Sound System:

Nevares believes in the importance of some good jams during a training session, or maybe even a podcast or e-book. "Sound systems from Bose, UE Booms, or Sonos can all be great options."
They may also make your small space feel more professional and gym-like during a workout.

​

Find Budget-Friendly Barbells
When it comes to budgeting—because let's face it, gym equipment can be pricey—consider products from Titan Fitness, advises Nevares. "This brand is a great option for affordable barbells and lifting equipment. Their strength bar is priced at $155." Living Fit has a weightlifting bar for $200, he adds.

​

Purchase a Budget-Friendly Workout Bench
Nevares recommends the FLYBIRD Adjustable Bench, currently sold on Amazon for $139. "I like adjustable benches. It's a lower price point and perhaps lower quality material, but treat it well and it can last you decades."

​

Use a Barbell Rack to Store Equipment
"One of my clients turned an open office space into a small home gym," says Nevares. "We had a rack for the barbells to keep them organized, which reduced our risk of tripping and falling." He warns that it's rare to find an equipment rack for less than $200, but a great option is the K KiNGKANG - Adjustable Squat Rack available on Amazon for less than $140. "It has safety racks, and you can both bench and squat using this rack. It will take up more space than some other more expensive options, but because it offers a lot of versatility, this can be a great option."

​

Ensure Good Lighting and Ventilation
Many online fitness sites agree that proper lighting and ventilation are important for creating a comfortable workout environment. Make your workout area, even if it's in a small Manhattan apartment, airy, bright, and cozy.
  When designing a tiny home gym, don't go "crazy" buying tons of equipment at once. Go one step at a time. "It's okay to start small with a few pieces of equipment that can be used for multiple workouts and then build more into your equipment options as you go," says Callins. "Consider going to garage sales, or connecting with gym owners who may be selling equipment to find great options at discounted prices."  And as you construct your small gym, York suggests hanging up some motivational posters for an extra boost. (Why not, right?!)
  However you decide to decorate your mini gym, remember this—it's all about working out safely and moving the body, not about impressing your friends. Good luck!