You don’t need a big space to build an epic home gym. As Louie Simmons put it, “Big isn’t strong. Strong is strong.” If you can clear out the corner of your garage, basement, or even a bedroom, you can get in a killer workout from home.
And we’re not talking about bodyweight exercises with a few bands (not that there’s anything wrong with that). We’re talking full-on strength-training with weights, cables, cardio, the whole shebang. All you need is the right gear to build a great compact home gym. Here’s how to do it.
Compact Home Gym Package
To help you find the right home gym equipment when space is tight, we've put together the Compact Home Gym Package with the perfect items to keep your footprint small and your gains big. The following space-saving pieces of equipment are included in the package, but you'll have the option to add what you want and leave off what you don't.
Wall Mounted PR-5000 Rack and Cable System
Set up with the PR-5000 wall-mounted rack, plus options for a cable system to provide you with an all-in-one home gym.
Pictured above: the wall-mounted ARES™ 2.0.
Adjustable Bench
The BlackWing™ adjustable bench is a premium FID bench (flat, incline, and decline) with a ladder system for quick and easy angle adjustment. The bench features ZeroGap® technology, allowing you to slide the bench's pad to eliminate bench gap at whatever angle you're working from.
The Nighthawk™ adjustable bench offers a wide range of adjustability, with 0 to 85 degrees of back rest adjustments and -15 to 20 degrees of seat adjustments. The rei-pod leg design is perfect for powerlifters looking for the freedom to tuck their feet, and when your workout is done, it can be stowed upright to help save space.
Adjustable Dumbbell
While rows of various dumbbells in all sizes might work for those with expanisive home gym spaces, adjustable dumbbells can replace a full set of dumbbells — saving you both floorspace and money. Choose between two different types depending on your needs:
QuickDraw® adjustable dumbbells are the most cost-friendly option, featuring innovative switch technology that's secure, easy, and fast to change. Choose from four different size options: a pair that spans 5-30lbs; 5-40lbs; 5-50lbs; or 5-60lbs. These dumbbells have been proven to withstand not only flat but also angled drop tests.
Then there are the REP® x PÉPIN FAST Series adjustable dumbbells. These premier adjustable dumbbells are heavier and more compact than most adjustable dumbbells on the market. An adjustable dumbbell that starts at 10lbs and can go up to 125lbs at only 18.3” long is pretty much unheard of.
It’s quick, easy, safe, and satisfying to change the weight in 10lb increments – with just the press of a magnetic pop-pin. Adjust weight inside or outside the cradles (ideal for drop sets). Or add the included 2.5lb micro-plates for smaller adjustments. Adjustable dumbbells take up a small footprint in your gym, especially when compared with a standard set of 10-125lb dumbbells.
Dumbbell Storage
Add a Dumbbell Storage Cart for a practical, mobile organization solution (extra storage = maximize space) with a central cutout design so you can step in for easy access to your weights.
Or opt for the Adjustable Dumbbell Stand to keep your adjustable dumbells off the ground and within reach. A dumbbell weight holder is a smart addition to your gym because it maximizes storage in a small footprint, while adding convenience.
Wall-Mounted Storage
Space saving solutions from REP help you stow your gear, get organized, and keep your space clutter free. Here are options to help you clean up.
Store your weight plates up and off the floor with a Wall-Mounted Plate Storage rack. Opt for the double weight horn for extra storage. Just mount this unit on your wall and keep your plates organized and out of the way. This rack is made from solid steel, so it’s tough and aesthetic.
Get the rest of your goodies off the floor with a Multi-Use Wall Storage. This gorgeous, wall-mounted organization system can hold up to six barbells, or other gear, like jump ropes, weight belts, chains, and bands. Paired with the weight storage unit, and you’ve got a zero-footprint equipment solution.
Then there's the Wall Mounted Gym Storage Rack with dedicated space for two barbells, two medicine balls, and various hanging accessories. Attach this to your wall and get your equipment off the floor and organized.
Barbell with Clips
Your set-up isn't complete without a barbell to help you tackle squats, deadlifts, benmch press, and more. Here are two options worth your consideration.
A barbell is an incredible versatile piece of equipment, and the Colorado™ Bar can do it all. This bar is mixed-use, meaning it’s built for powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and cross-training/HIIT-style workouts. It features medium-depth knurling for good grip when you need it, but it won’t demolish your hands when you need to do high-rep speed work.
If you want the best equipment for your compact home gym, the Black Diamond™ Power Bar is REP's top-of-the-line powerlifting bar. With IPF-standard knurl markings to help set you up in the right position for your lifts, smooth sleeves for easy loading and unloading, and an agressive-depth, volcano-style knurling to keep your grip locked in through heavy deadlifts.
Weight Plate Sets
For a set of plates, go with Equalizer™ Urethane-Coated Plates. Equalizer™ plates are thinner, high quality, and the larger plates feature symmetrical grip holes that add versatility. In addition to loading the plates on your barbell, you can also grip the holes for front plate raises, makeshift farmer carries, and other exercises, in lieu of more dumbbells or other equipment.
If you're looking for a set of plates that'll keep noise down, or can take the wear and tear of drops, the Black Bumper plates are the right choice for you. These Bumpers are perfect for Olympic weightlifting and HIIT-style workouts, thanks to their low bounce, and durable build — factory tested to withstand more than 12,000 drops from a heaight of eight feet.
And if budget is your biggest concern, our Old School Iron Plates can't be beat. They're marked in both pounds and kilograms with raised silver letters, and are great additions for strength training or powerlifting.
Cable Attachments
Your cable machine setup isn't complete without the right cable attachments to support your lifts, strength and hypertrophy training, and accessory work. We've got three options worth your consideration:
Pictured above: the REP® x Kleva Built® Cable Attachment Bundles.
The REP® x Kleva Built® Cable Attachment Bundle is our premier cable machine attachment setup. With ergonomic and innovative attachments for you to tackle lifts, pulls, rows, and more. This package includes REP® x Kleva Built® attachments: either the Atlas™ or Angled Atlas™ close-grip cable and landmine attachment, Atlas™ multi-grip cable and landmine attachment, tricep pushdown attachment, and the Genesis Jack® 2.0.
Pictured above: the Performance Package.
The Performance Package features lightweight and durable attachments, made from a hard chrome for equipment that'll last. You'll get five attachment pieces in this set — an ankle cuff, multi-grip curl bar, a 20" straight bar, a sports handle, and a tricep rope — supporting total-body strength, hypertrophy, and power training.
Pictured above: the Pro Series Package.
Bring home everything you need to utilize your new cable system to the best of its ability. The Pro Series Package includes the Pro Series Triangle Row Attachment, Pro Series D Cable Handle, Pro Series Neutral Grip Lat Bar, Pro Series 48” Lat Bar, and the Pro Series Straight Bar. Each attachment features standard knurling to support your grip throughout your reps.
Space Saving Accessories
Here are some of our favorite compact accessories to help you tackle cardio, strength work, mobility, and recovery.
If you need a low-impact cardio option, the Ski-Row Dual Function Ski and Rowing Erg is an impressively compact piece of high-quality equipment that’s two machines in one. Use it for both rowing and skiing workouts.
Top off your tiny home gym with some simple Pull-Up Bands. These small, lightweight bands can add a ton of options to your workout. Use them for warming up, recovery, to train pull-ups, and to provide extra challenges on compound lifts. These come in seven different sizes of varying widths and colors. A super inexpensive and easy way to round out your gym.
Landmine Attachment
Utilize your barbell for landmine work with the REP® x Kleva Built® Adroit Landmine attachment. Tackle landmine rows, presses, rotations, and more with this compact accessory. And when your workout is done and dusted, a magnetic hook keeps this accessory attached to your rack and out of your way.
Yoga Mat
For floor work, abdominal exercises, cable crunches, yoga, and more, a yoga mat is an essential. Choose between our standard Yoga Mat or the cork Premium Yoga Mat that's soft and grippy even when your workout heats up.
More Tips for Building a Small Home Gym
Now that you know the best exercise equipment for a compact workout area, here are some additional small home gym setup tips to make the most of your space. From clever design ideas to budget-friendly solutions, these strategies will help you build a functional and efficient workout zone at home.
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Prioritize Multi-Use Fitness Equipment
Opt for versatile workout equipment like adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, or a foldable bench. These items save space while allowing for a variety of exercises. -
Use Vertical Storage Solutions
Wall-mounted racks, pegboards, and over-the-door hooks can store fitness equipment efficiently, keeping your area organized and clutter-free. -
Choose Low-Impact Cardio Equipment for Small Spaces
For effective cardio that’s easy on the joints and fits in a small home gym setup, consider space-saving low-impact options like the STEPR Stair Climber. This compact machine delivers an intense workout without taking up as much room as a traditional treadmill or elliptical. Its sleek design makes it ideal for home gyms where space is limited, offering a challenging yet joint-friendly way to improve endurance and overall fitness.
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Optimize Layout with a Smart DesignArrange your small home gym setup strategically—place mirrors to make the space feel larger, use modular flooring for versatility, and keep pathways clear for safe movement.
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Consider Other Budget-Friendly Workout Equipment
Setting up a gym doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out this guide to home gym products under $50 for affordable options that still deliver a great workout.
With the right approach, your small home gym can be both efficient and inspiring, no matter the size of your space!
Takeaway
Even when you're working with the corner of your garage, a small spare bedroom, or a sliver of space in your living room, REP has you covered with versatile pieces of equipment that'll help you keep your home gym compact. Measure out the space you're working with, take inventory of the equipment you already have, then check out the Compact Home Gym Package to see which pieces will help you turn your compact home gym into your personal santuary.
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