From Spare Room to Power Room
Converting a spare room into a gym is easier than you think. With the right equipment, you can target every major muscle group and improve your cardio, flexibility, and endurance, all without monthly fees. The following equipment, ranging from budget-friendly basics to pro-level gear, can open up a world of exercise possibilities right in your home.
1. Adjustable Dumbbells
Instead of a bulky rack of weights, adjustable dumbbells consolidate dozens of weight increments into a single compact design. Models like Bowflex’s SelectTech adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds with a quick dial system. Plus, each dumbbell takes up less than 2 square feet of space.
Are Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It? by Unmatched Value
2. Resistance Bands Set
Perfect for strength training and mobility work, resistance bands offer color-coded tension levels from light to extra heavy. Some sets include door anchors and ankle straps for expanded exercises. The Bodylastics system prevents snapping with its inner safety cord—a critical feature for injury prevention.
INNELO Resistance Band Set (up to 210lbs) by RickMakes3. Exercise Ball
Exercise balls strengthen the core and improve balance. They're commonly used for wall squats, crunches, or even as an alternative to a bench during dumbbell routines. Proper sizing matters, though, so choose a ball that allows your knees to remain at 90 degrees when seated.
4. Jump Rope
Jumping rope boosts cardiovascular endurance while sharpening coordination and foot speed. Compact and highly portable, it burns more calories per minute than many other cardio options. Ropes with ball-bearing handles reduce wrist fatigue and allow smooth, fast rotations for double-unders and speed training.
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia
5. Suspension Trainer
By leveraging body weight and gravity, suspension trainers provide scalable workouts that target balance and flexibility. Installation requires only a door frame or ceiling anchor. The TRX GO model weighs under 2 pounds but supports over 700, making it highly durable for full-body training.
TRX Suspension Trainer Review by a Physical Therapist by Tim Fraticelli - PTProgress
6. Pull-Up Bar
With mounted or doorway pull-up bars, you can develop upper body strength using just your body weight. Many models support multiple grips for chin-ups, wide-grip pulls, and core-focused moves like hanging leg raises. Most doorway versions hold up to 300 pounds without needing permanent installation.
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia
7. Yoga Mat
A quality yoga mat provides essential cushioning for stretching, Pilates, and bodyweight workouts. (Non-slip surfaces also enhance balance and safety during movement.) Standard mats measure approximately 6mm thick, and thicker options offer enhanced joint protection, particularly for extended floor sessions.
8. Weight Bench
A sturdy weight bench enables presses, rows, hip thrusts, and even step-ups. Adjustable models also offer incline and decline settings for targeted muscle work. You can prioritize a design with a weight capacity of at least 600 pounds and a broad, stable base to handle intense, compound lifts safely.
9. Medicine Ball
Medicine balls are excellent for functional strength and explosive training. Weighing between 4 and 20 pounds, they’re commonly used in slams, throws, and partner drills. Textured surfaces improve grip, some can rebound, and others dead-bounce for floor-based control.
10. Kettlebells
As dynamic tools, kettlebells help condition the body while building grip strength and core balance. Cast iron versions are more durable, while vinyl-coated types help protect floors. Rogue’s E-Coat Kettlebells are known for their balanced weight distribution and chip-resistant finish, ideal for swings and Turkish get-ups.
11. Foam Roller
Foam rollers help reduce muscle tightness and speed up recovery post-workout. High-density versions provide deeper pressure, and the textured surfaces target knots and trigger points more effectively. A 36-inch roller offers more versatility for both upper and lower body muscle groups.
Aleksander Durkiewicz on Wikimedia
12. Compact Rowing Machine
Enjoy a full-body workout with a rowing machine that’s both effective and gentle on the joints. Compact models fold upright for easy storage, making them practical for small spaces. Magnetic resistance types are quieter than air or water models, and are ideal for shared living environments.
Johnteslade~commonswiki on Wikimedia
13. Portable Cable Machine
Portable cable systems simulate traditional cable machines in a compact, foldable form. With adjustable resistance levels up to 300+ pounds in some models, they support rows, presses, curls, and more. Many models also connect to smartphone apps for tracking reps and progress.
MaxPro Portable Cable Machine Review: 300 LB Resistance! by Garage Gym Reviews14. Plyometric Box
Plyo boxes build explosive strength through box jumps, step-ups, and elevated push-ups. Don't worry if you're a beginner either—foam-covered models reduce shin injuries and are ideal for those just starting out. Many have non-slip surfaces for added safety, and a 3-in-1 design offers multiple heights by simply rotating the box during use.
15. Smart Home Gym System
Smart resistance systems combine digital weights and real-time feedback into a sleek, wall-mounted unit. These machines can generate up to 200 pounds of resistance without the use of physical plates. Systems like Tonal also tracks performance metrics to personalize your progress over time.
Meet Tonal | The World’s Most Intelligent Fitness System by Tonal
16. Foldable Treadmill
No matter the weather, a foldable treadmill is a convenient way to stay on track with your cardio routine. Many models, like the NordicTrack T Series, offer built-in incline and iFit compatibility for virtual runs. When folded, these treadmills can be stored vertically in a closet or against a wall.
UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill Review! by Unmatched Value
17. Barbell and Plates
A barbell opens the door to compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and presses. Olympic barbells weigh 45 pounds and fit 2-inch plate holes, providing better load capacity and durability. However, beginners should prioritize bumper plates, which are safer and protect floors during drops.
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia
18. Gym Timer
This small but essential tool accurately structures intervals and rest periods. Most models feature customizable rounds, countdowns, and loud alerts. They also come with magnetic backing or wall mounts to keep it visible during intense sessions. Some even include remote controls or Bluetooth connectivity for seamless adjustments mid-workout.
Seesii Gym Timer Ultra Clear LED Interval Timer To Buy On Amazon by POWER MART
19. Battle Ropes
These heavy ropes provide high-intensity, full-body conditioning while boosting grip and shoulder endurance. Typical ropes are 30 to 50 feet long and weigh between 15 and 30 pounds. Heavier, longer versions offer more resistance and are best anchored to a wall or weighted base.
20. Adjustable Weight Vest
An adjustable vest adds resistance to bodyweight moves like push-ups and stair climbs without sacrificing mobility. Models like the Hyperwear Elite distribute weight evenly and allow precise adjustments. This makes them useful for progressive overload in calisthenics or cardio drills.
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