The short answer: you do not need a spare room to train at home. Measure a clear patch of floor, check your building's rules, protect the floor, and then choose equipment that either folds away, adjusts or does several jobs at once. A pair of adjustable dumbbells, a bench and one cardio machine will cover most people's goals in a condo or apartment. Want to see what is available? Browse our home gym equipment.
Why build a home gym in a small space?
Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that adults aged 18 to 64 get at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days (see the guidelines). Training at home removes the commute, the waiting for a machine and the weather. A small space just means you plan more carefully, and that is something this guide helps with. If you have a health condition or an injury, check with your doctor before starting a new routine.
Step 1: Measure your space
Start with a tape measure, not a shopping cart. Measure the floor area, the ceiling height and the width of every doorway, hallway, stairwell and elevator the equipment must pass through. Then note two things people often forget: you need clear room around a machine to step on and off safely, and you need room overhead for any exercise where your arms go up.
As a starting point, a clear area of about 6 by 8 feet usually works for dumbbell and bodyweight training, and a folding treadmill or a rower needs a little more. This is a general guide, not a rule, so always check the exact dimensions, both in use and stored, on each product page.
Step 2: Check your building's rules
Before you buy, read your lease or condo bylaws and ask your landlord, property manager or condo board about:
- Noise rules and quiet hours: these decide when you can use cardio machines or drop weights.
- Floor limits: heavier equipment is easier to place on a ground floor, in a basement or in a unit with a concrete floor.
- Delivery and access: some buildings require you to book the elevator, and large boxes may not fit through every door.
Step 3: Protect your floor and your neighbours
Flooring does two jobs in a small space: it protects the floor underneath and it absorbs impact and vibration, which are what your neighbours below actually notice. Put a mat or rubber flooring under anything heavy or anything that pounds, and lower weights under control instead of dropping them. Our gym flooring guide explains how thick it should be for cardio, dumbbells and heavy lifting. Choose machines with good cushioning and quieter drive systems, and save the loudest sessions for the hours your building allows.
Step 4: Choose equipment that earns its space
In a small home, every piece of equipment must justify its footprint. Look for gear that folds, adjusts, stacks or does several jobs.
Strength. Adjustable dumbbells replace a whole rack of fixed pairs, so they are the best space-saver in strength training (our guide to adjustable vs fixed dumbbells compares the two). Add an adjustable bench for pressing, rowing and step-ups, and you can train every major muscle group. Kettlebells and resistance bands take almost no room at all. If you want to lift heavier, a folding all-in-one machine can combine a rack, a Smith machine and a cable trainer in one footprint. See our strength equipment and functional trainers.
Cardio. Choose one machine you will really use. A folding treadmill suits walkers and runners (our treadmill buying guide explains how to choose one). A rowing machine gives you a full-body workout in a long, narrow footprint. An indoor cycle or an elliptical is a lower-impact choice. You can compare them all in our cardio equipment hub.
Three small-space setups
| Setup | What it includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | Adjustable dumbbells, an exercise mat and resistance bands | Small condos and shared spaces where everything must fit in a closet |
| Balanced | Adjustable dumbbells, an adjustable bench and one folding cardio machine | Most apartments with a spare corner or den |
| Full | A folding all-in-one strength machine plus a cardio machine and flooring | Larger condos, basements and townhomes |
Compact equipment to start with
Here are five space-saving options from our range. Check each product page for full dimensions, current price and warranty details.
Trulap 8552 G4 Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable weights: twist the handle to change from 8.5 to 52 lbs per dumbbell in seconds, replacing 14 pairs of fixed dumbbells.
Bench: flat, incline and decline positions with preacher curl and leg developer attachments, in a compact frame of about 5.2 by 2.4 feet.
Folding cardio: folds up for storage, with 12 incline levels, speeds up to 12 mph and 12 workout programs.
Full-body cardio: an air-resistance rower that weighs 58 lbs and is easy to store, with a monitor for time, pace, distance and calories.
Altas Strength AL-3107 Folding Smith Machine
All-in-one strength: combines a power rack, Smith machine and functional trainer, and folds to about 52.5 by 24 inches when stored. It is a heavy machine, so check your building's floor and delivery rules first.
Want more options? Browse all of our home gym equipment.
Step 5: Plan storage and layout
- Go vertical: use wall space and a small rack for bands, mats and accessories.
- Zone the room: keep one clear workout area, and store everything else on its edges.
- Choose folding or movable gear: if a piece cannot fold, check that it fits where you will use it and where you will keep it.
- Use mirrors and light: a mirror makes a small room feel bigger and lets you check your form.
- Keep the walkway clear: you should never have to climb over equipment to leave the room.
Try it before you buy it
Spartan Fitness has showrooms across Canada where you can see equipment in person, check how much space it really takes and get advice from our team. Bring your room measurements and your goals, and we will help you match them to the right equipment.
Small-space home gym checklist
- Have I measured the room, the ceiling, the doors and the elevator?
- Have I checked my lease or condo bylaws for noise and floor rules?
- Do I have flooring that protects the floor and cuts vibration?
- Does each piece of equipment fold, adjust or do more than one job?
- Have I chosen one cardio machine I will actually use?
- Can I store everything safely, with a clear walkway?
Frequently asked questions
How much space do I need for a home gym? About 6 by 8 feet of clear floor usually works for dumbbell and bodyweight training. Cardio machines and benches need more, so check each product's dimensions.
What is the best home gym equipment for a small apartment? Adjustable dumbbells, an adjustable bench and resistance bands give you the most training for the least space. Add one folding or compact cardio machine.
Can I use a treadmill in an apartment? Usually, yes. Choose a quieter, well-cushioned folding model, put a mat underneath and check your building's noise rules. Our treadmill buying guide has more detail.
How do I keep a home gym quiet in a condo? Use rubber flooring or mats, lower weights under control, choose machines with good cushioning, and train during the hours your building allows.
What is the best cardio machine for a small space? A folding treadmill or a rowing machine usually takes the least room, depending on which you will use more. A rower has a long footprint but is easy to store.
Can I build a home gym on a budget? Yes. Start with adjustable dumbbells, a mat and bands, and add a bench or a cardio machine later as your goals and space allow.