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If these past few years have taught us anything, it's that we can accomplish a lot from the comfort of our home. And yup, that includes our regular workouts. If you're team #EverythingFromHome and prefer to practice your fitness routine in your humble abode —even if it’s just some of the time — we feel ya. But smaller spaces can make fitting all the necessary equipment challenging. That's why we've rounded up a few compact home gym ideas, from workout mirrors to desk exercise equipment and more that’ll keep you feeling great and keep your space tidy. Also check out our recs for winter workout clothes and accessories and more ideas for building a small home gym (with expert tips).
A workout mirror that doubles as a personal coach…
The Lululemon Studio Mirror is the ultimate smart home gym, with more than 10,000 classes on demand spanning 50 categories — from boxing to dance to barre, and so much more. You can either curate your own workout experience or opt for weekly personalized programs that include muscle focuses and challenges. Plus, if working out with other people in the same class isn’t your style, use the personal trainer option for a one-on-one session anytime you like. Psst…we highly rec looking into the bundled options that come with everything from weights to yoga blocks and band packs. Want something a bit more lightweight? Check out the new Fiture Mini. It weighs 30 pounds less and comes with all the must-have fitness features as its larger counterpart. ($795+, Mirror.co)
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A compact home gym that looks deceptively like a side table…
And all you need to make it work is a TV and an iPhone. The Tempo Move uses your phone camera to capture and analyze your movements while your instructor models your class on the TV screen. It’s got over 2,000 live and on-demand classes to choose from — including prenatal, core, HIIT, and low-impact, to name just a few. You’ll also get two 7.5-pound dumbbells, four 1.25-pound plates, four 2.5-pound plates, and four 5-pound plates to store in the Move cabinet. The best part? You don’t even have to commit. If you’re not sure about the workout, rent it for $59 per month instead (membership included). Sounds like a win-win. ($495+, Tempo)
Under-desk exercise equipment to get your steps in while WFH…
These pedals have eight calibrated levels that go up to almost 40 pounds of resistance. The device is designed to fit under desks as low as 27 inches. A removable LCD display lets you track your progress throughout the day, noting speed, time, distance, and calories burned. Psst…if you’re looking for more desk exercise equipment (ahem, deskercise equipment?), check out our in-depth review of the Flexispot fitness chair, which is essentially a desk chair and stationary bike in one. ($143.20, Amazon)
A set of adjustable wrist and ankle weights you can wear all day…
They come in several different chic colorways and in either 1-pound or 2-pound weight options. The thick, adjustable Velcro strap is strong enough to ensure that they won’t fall off no matter what you’re doing — whether that’s chores around the house, your daily workout or run, or simply going about your day. ($44+, Amazon)
An ergonomically designed hand weight…
That’ll take up barely any space at all. Say ‘buh-bye’ to bulky kettlebells and medicine balls. The Bala Power Ring weighs 10 pounds and has been designed so you can squat, swing, hold, and increase agility with ease. Use it during your at-home Pilates, yoga, and HIIT workouts, and beyond. ($88.99, Amazon)
Resistance bands with handles for a tight grip…
Target your arms, back, abs, and legs with this bundle. It comes with three bands, a travel bag, an e-book exercise guide, and a door anchor that can be attached to any hinged door so you can turn any room into your personal home gym. ($29.99, Amazon)
Neoprene-coated dumbbells that include 3-pound, 5-pound, and 8-pound weights…
What’s great about this set is that you’ll also get a stand. Heavier dumbbells are available too, so pick the weight that is best for your body and fitness goals. Consider them an at-home gym staple. They’re incredibly versatile and will come in handy with upper- and lower-body workouts, so you really can’t go wrong with ’em. If you’re tight on space, try a pair of adjustable dumbbells. ($39.63/3 pairs, Amazon)
An under-desk treadmill to get your blood pumping…
If you’ve been working from home for a while, perhaps you’re not as active as you were when you were regularly commuting to an office. Enter: this solution to help you get your steps in without leaving home. It’s got a handheld remote for manually adjusting the speed, but it also has a feature that lets you control it based on your position on the treadmill — towards the top to speed up, in the middle for continuous speed, and at the bottom to slow down. And its compact design means that after you’re done using it, you can just slide it out of sight under your couch, or fold it in half and store it upright. ($499, Walking Pad)
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