How to Make a Home Gym in a Small Space: Best Equipment & Setup Tips

Key Takeaways

• You can build a fully functional home gym in a small space by choosing folding or compact equipment, prioritizing vertical storage, measuring clearance before buying, and using adjustable pieces that replace multiple single-purpose items, making it possible to train in areas as small as 6 by 8 feet.
• The best cardio equipment for small spaces includes folding treadmills like the SOLE F80, which cuts its footprint by roughly 47% when stored, and the SOLE SR550 rowing machine, which folds vertically in under 30 seconds to approximately 7 square feet while delivering both cardiovascular and full-body strength training.
• The best strength equipment for small spaces includes adjustable dumbbells like the SOLE SW155, which replaces 10 pairs of fixed weights in a compact 2-tray station, and the SOLE SW116 adjustable bench, which covers 9 back positions and 5 seat positions in roughly 7 square feet instead of requiring four separate benches.
• An effective small-space home gym setup relies on measuring before buying, installing rubber flooring for noise and stability, using transport wheels to reposition equipment between exercises, checking ceiling height for overhead movements, and storing accessories on walls to keep the floor clear.
• SOLE designs its folding treadmills, vertical-storage rowers, and adjustable strength equipment specifically for home gyms where space is shared with daily life, and backs every product with lifetime frame and motor warranties and free access to the SOLE+ App with no ongoing subscription fees.

How to Build a Complete Home Gym in a Small Space?

You can build a complete home gym in a small space by choosing folding cardio equipment, multi-position strength pieces, and adjustable dumbbells that replace entire fixed sets. A spare bedroom, garage corner, or living room alcove is enough to support consistent training in cardio, strength, and conditioning without a dedicated room.

SOLE Fitness designs its equipment specifically for this kind of setup. The F80 folding treadmill, SR550 rowing machine, SW155 adjustable dumbbells, and SW116 adjustable bench together cover the full range of home training in under 70 square feet of active floor space, with most pieces storing against walls when not in use. 

All SOLE cardio and strength equipment includes free access to the SOLE+ App with no recurring subscription fees. This article covers space-saving gym equipment, the best options for small spaces, sample layouts, and long-term maintenance tips. 

Best Space Saving Cardio Equipment

SOLE F80 Folding Treadmill

The F80 delivers full-featured treadmill training in a folding design that stores vertically, reclaiming the 35-square-foot running footprint for other exercises whenever the treadmill is not in use. 

The SOLE F80 provides commercial-quality treadmill training that folds to roughly 4 feet by 3 feet (about 12 square feet) for storage against a wall. 

When folded with the hydraulic-assisted Easy Assist system, the deck rises to a vertical position and occupies approximately 45" × 38" of floor space. You can then use the remaining floor area for stretching, dumbbell work, or floor exercises. 

The 3.5 HP motor handles all training intensities, the 22" x 60" running surface accommodates full stride at any speed, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen displays FREE SOLE+ App guided workouts at no ongoing subscription cost.

SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine

The SR550 provides full-body cardio and strength training and folds vertically for storage against a wall.

The SR550 provides full-body cardiovascular and strength training in a machine that folds vertically for storage. The in-use footprint of 97" × 19" occupies approximately 13 square feet of floor space. 

The 16-level air and magnetic hybrid resistance system, 10.1-inch touchscreen, and FREE SOLE+ App guided rowing workouts are included without an ongoing subscription cost. The 400-pound weight capacity and lifetime frame warranty cover serious home use.

SOLE B94 Upright Bike

The B94 provides effective cycling workouts in one of the smallest permanent footprints available. 

The B94 provides effective cycling workouts in a permanent 48" × 23" footprint, requiring just 7.7 square feet of floor space, which is smaller than many folded treadmills. 

For users who want always-ready cardio without setup and takedown cycles, the B94 suits small spaces where the compact permanent presence is more practical than a larger piece that needs folding before other exercises. 

The 20-level resistance, 9-inch backlit LCD with integrated tablet holder, and FREE SOLE+ App access cover all cycling training needs.

Best Space Saving Strength Equipment

SOLE SW116 Adjustable Weight Bench

Nine back positions on the SW116 replace four specialized benches in one roughly 7 square foot piece, with transport wheels enabling repositioning between exercises. 

The SW116 replaces flat, incline, decline, and military press benches with one adjustable piece providing 9 backrest pad positions and 5 seat positions. The 550-pound weight capacity handles serious loading at any bodyweight. 

Transport wheels allow repositioning between exercises without lifting the full bench, which weighs approximately 99 pounds. Exercises enabled include flat and incline bench press, decline press, seated overhead press, seated rows, Bulgarian split squats, step-ups, hip thrusts, and tricep dips using the edge of the bench.

SOLE SW155 Adjustable Dumbbells

The SW155 consolidates 10 pairs of fixed dumbbells into a roughly 1.4 square foot station, with hex-shaped plates that prevent rolling and a twist-handle mechanism that changes weight in 2 to 3 seconds. 

The SW155 consolidates 10 pairs of fixed dumbbells into a 2-tray station, saving 6 or more square feet compared to a fixed dumbbell rack setup and eliminating rack cost. 

The 5 to 55 pound range covers every dumbbell exercise from light lateral raises to heavy goblet squats, and the FREE SOLE+ App provides guided dumbbell workouts at no subscription cost.

SOLE SW180 Adjustable Dumbbells

For users needing heavier weights, the SOLE SW180 extends the range to 80 pounds per dumbbell with knurled steel handles and replaces 16 pairs of fixed weights in the same compact footprint as the SW155. 

For small gym owners who currently use 50-pound or more dumbbells and expect to progress further, the SW180 eliminates the need to add more fixed weights to the space later.

Small Space Home Gym Setup Tips

1. Measure before buying: Sketch your layout with equipment dimensions, door swings, and 3 feet of clearance around cardio equipment for safe mounting and dismounting.
2. Prioritize vertical storage: The SR550 stores vertically in approximately 7 square feet of floor space, while the F80 folds to about 12 square feet. Resistance bands can be hung on wall hooks, freeing up additional floor space for exercise. 
3. Install rubber flooring: 3/8 to 1/2 inch rubber tiles protect subfloors, reduce noise to rooms below, and provide a stable footing during exercises.
4. Use transport wheels: Equipment like the SW116 bench rolls between exercises without lifting, transforming one floor area into multiple workout stations.
5. Check ceiling height: Overhead pressing, pull-ups, and jump rope require adequate clearance, so measure your height with arms extended before finalizing placement.
6. Position for airflow: Small spaces heat quickly during intense training, so place cardio equipment near windows, fans, or vents.
7. Store accessories on walls: Wall-mounted racks for bands, hooks for towels, and vertical baskets for mats keep the floor clear for movement.

Why Does SOLE Design Equipment Specifically for Small-Space Home Gyms?

Building a home gym in a small space comes down to choosing equipment that earns its footprint, folds when not in use, and replaces multiple single-purpose pieces without sacrificing training quality. The right combination of folding cardio, adjustable strength, and smart layout decisions makes a complete training setup possible in almost any room.

At SOLE Fitness, we build our treadmills, rowers, bikes, and strength equipment with exactly this in mind, so you never have to choose between a capable workout and the space you live in. Every piece we make carries an industry-leading warranty and includes free access to the SOLE+ App. If you want to find the right equipment for your space, explore the full SOLE collection.

Shop the SOLE collection today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the minimum space needed for a functional home gym?

A 6 x 8 foot area (48 square feet) can accommodate meaningful strength training with adjustable dumbbells, an adjustable bench, and floor exercise space. Adding folding cardio equipment requires approximately 8 x 10 feet (80 square feet) to maintain a comfortable workout space. Very minimal setups (resistance bands, mat, pull-up bar) can function in even smaller areas.

Should I buy a treadmill or a rowing machine for a small space?

Both fold for storage, but they serve different purposes. Choose a treadmill if running/walking is your preferred cardio and you want dedicated cardiovascular training. Choose a rowing machine if you want combined cardio and strength work (rowing trains back, legs, and core) in one piece of equipment. The rower has a slight edge for total-body efficiency; the treadmill wins for dedicated runners.

Are adjustable dumbbells worth the higher cost compared to fixed dumbbells?

For small spaces, absolutely. A set of fixed dumbbells from 5 to 50 lbs requires a rack occupying around 8+ square feet and costs $500 to 1,000+. Adjustable dumbbells providing the same weight range cost $380 to 800 and occupy less space without a rack. The space savings alone justify the investment, and the total cost is often similar or lower.

How do I reduce noise in an apartment home gym?

Rubber flooring provides the primary noise reduction, absorbing impact from equipment and footsteps. Using controlled movements (no dropping weights) eliminates most impact noise. For treadmills, rubber mats underneath reduce vibration transmission. Timing workouts for reasonable hours and communicating with neighbors also helps maintain good relationships.

Can I get a complete workout with just dumbbells and a bench?

Yes. Adjustable dumbbells and an adjustable bench enable training every major muscle group through full ranges of motion. Add a pull-up bar for vertical pulling, and you have complete upper body coverage. Dumbbell squats, lunges, and Romanian deadlifts cover the lower body effectively. This minimal setup supports muscle building, fat loss, and general fitness goals for most people.

 

*Disclaimer: Products and prices mentioned in this article are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Please visit the official SOLE website for the most current information.