“This weighted vest instantly adds challenge to every move, whether I’m sneaking in lunges between school drop-offs or adding resistance to a neighborhood walk,” says Sara Haley, a Los Angeles-based fitness expert with over 25 years of experience. 

A former Reebok Master Trainer turned award-winning at-home workout plan creator, she knows small equipment can make a big impact. This vest is compact for storage and easy to just throw on. 

“If it’s your first time using a weighted vest, I recommend starting with 8 to 12 pounds, depending on your size, then working your way up,” Haley says. 

The AIRHOP Upgraded Adjustable Weight Bench is a great pick for those looking to lift and save space. Having a useful design for storage is one thing, but having equipment that can pivot and move easily is a game-changer because you don’t want to struggle when putting away your equipment after an intense lifting session.

“I love this bench because it folds flat for storage, pivots easily between flat and incline angles, and feels sturdy enough for presses and rows,” Haley says. “I only purchased this in the last year or so, and I wish I had done it sooner.”

Forget having several kettlebells scattered across the floor: With just the turn of a dial, you can go from 8 to 40 pounds with the BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell. 

“I love how this adjustable kettlebell saves space,” Haley says. “Switching from swings to squats is so quick, and I don’t have a pile of weights or bells cluttering up the floor,”  

“Adjustable dumbbells give you the versatility of multiple weight options in a smaller storage space,” says Tara Collingwood, an Orlando-based sport dietitian and certified personal trainer. She calls them a “staple” for compact home gyms. 

The Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set  can get you set up with up to 38 pounds of adjustable weight options, meaning you can dial in your workout while saving space. 

“They’re great for strength training and full-body workouts without clutter,” Collingwood says. 

Plus, they’re a great at-home changeup to your routine if you don’t have room for a barbell.

“You can perform any compound movement with dumbbells that you can do with a barbell,” says Baltazar Villanueva, a personal trainer and nutrition coach, as well as owner at Relentless Spirit Personal Training and Nutrition. 

This set of resistance bands might seem basic, but you can get an intense workout going (and need almost zero storage space when you’re done with them). 

“They’re versatile, affordable, and can easily add resistance to bodyweight movements,” says Jordan Langhough, a certified personal trainer and owner of Jordan Langhough Nutrition and Movement. “They are a space-efficient piece of equipment that builds stretch, enhances mobility, and stabilization.”

The bands also come in “a wide variety of resistance levels,” Langhough says, making them ideal for all fitness types.

In terms of less-expensive, storage-friendly all-rounders, it doesn’t get much better than a good set of resistance bands. 

“You can use them for upper body, lower body, and core work,” personal trainer Collingwood adds. 

For a more intense band set, there’s the Military Resistance Band Set. “I have worked with people of all ages with resistance bands in their homes or at the gym,” personal trainer Villanueva says. “They let you scale the difficulty based on the band's size,” allowing for versatility and “the progress overload that all trainers push for in their clients.”

“They are also great if you don't have much space in your home to work out,” Villanueva says, due to how small they are compared to other equipment. But they still pack a punch: This set is good for up to 150 pounds of resistance. 

They may be small, but they have some real power as they “can handle your bodyweight for moves like pull-ups,” Villanueva says.

“Working on pull-ups is a great way to improve upper body strength,” personal trainer Armendariz says. “You don't need to go to a gym to work on pull-ups, either.”

For just $20, you can do them anytime you pass under a doorway right in your home. The Multi-function Pull-Up Weight Bar 250lbs is an amazing and simple solution to pull-ups at home. “This pull-up bar fits in your door frame, allowing you to work on your pull-ups as many times a week as you want,” Armendariz says. While some people love the idea of leaving their bar up all the time for quick workouts, this piece of equipment is still suitable for stowing away at 38.58” and 5lbs.

“These are fun ways to add resistance into your day,” says personal trainer Langhough. “You can wear the weighted bangles on your wrists or ankles while working, walking outside, or walking on your walking pad under the desk.”

Not only are the 1-, 2-, and 3-pound weights an easy addition to your everyday activities or when you’re puttering around the house, but they’re a great way to add an extra challenge to your larger workout.  

“They are very versatile, and I love that you can instantly make any workout more challenging by changing up where you wear these bangles,” says Langhough. “They also have different colors to choose from, which in my opinion, a pop of color in your equipment always makes exercise more fun.” 

“As I have gotten older, I realize the importance of stretching,” Armendariz says, a habit she really got into after finding the Gaiam Restore Multi-Grip Stretch Strap.

“I like this particular band because you can loop your foot through, and for me, it seems to help my range of motion,” Armendariz says, making it a top choice for its ease of use. “This is perfect if you have tight hamstrings, and it doesn’t take up any space.” 

Langhough recommends a stability ball as an essential part of your home gym, because “it is a simple yet effective addition to your workout corner as well as your daily activities. 

“When the stability ball serves as your desk chair for parts of the work day, it can better support balance, posture, and engage your core,” Langhough says. “It’s also useful for pilates exercises, core work and flexibility movement.”

“I love this band and recommend it all the time,” says ACE certified group fitness trainer Jennifer L. Armendariz. “I like that it comes in regular, strong, and extra strong strength for that added booty burn.”

Even if you get a couple resistance levels, the band is a win for rooms that don’t have much storage. “It doesn’t take up any space, and it’s something you can keep in your bag or at your house,” she says. 

Plus, it’s made to last, thanks to its elastic, grippy, well-woven construction. “I love the durability as well,” she says. “I have had mine for over five years, and it is still intact.”