Man caves used to be thought of as just a place to sit on the couch and drink beer, but now more than ever guys are making space for their daily workouts as well. As we have all been forced to spend more time at home, home gyms have become increasingly common.
Not everyone has the space to set up bulky workout equipment found at fitness center. Fortunately with an increase in demand, companies are producing more space saving cardio equipment to fit in virtually any home or apartment. Here is a list of some of the best choices if you don’t have a lot of room.
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
Compact and weighing just over 20 pounds, this exercise machine can move around easily when not in use. It supports anyone up to 220 pounds for a great home workout. With 12 levels of resistance, users are sure to progress through each level to modify their exercise routine over time.
The included digital monitor tracks all of your progress, with time, count and count total, scan functions, and calories burned. This rowing machine is ergonomic to ensure less strain on your back, shoulders, and arms, all while maintaining comfort. The cushioned seat, foam handlebars, and adjustable foot pedals ensure optimal hand and foot placement during use.
Promising Review: “I immediately hopped on and was impressed. I went slowly and did 5 minutes in my living room. I then moved it outside, it is SO light. I can carry one handed if I wanted to. It fits nicely in the space I set aside.”
2. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
For runners looking for a treadmill that doesn’t take up a lot of room, this NordicTrack treadmill uses EasyLift Assist to fold up easily when not in use and stays out of your way. Having a quality machine like this can mean the difference between working out or collecting dust.
At 219 pounds this is a sturdy piece of equipment that can be used by anyone up to 300 pounds.
The Smart-Response Motor includes speed, endurance, and interval training to achieve effective results while at home. Equipped with a smart Bluetooth connection, users can incorporate iFit to use the trainer feature to auto-adjust their workout incline and speed.
Note that iFit is optional and you do not have to sign up in order to use the treadmill.
Promising Review: “This treadmill is well made and sturdy. It does not shake when I run and is easily portable.”
3. Exerpeutic Gold Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Exerpeutic Gold Recumbent exercise bike is not your average stationary bicycle. Not only does the heavy-duty steel frame support up to 400 pounds of weight, but it also folds up easily to store away when not in use. Using magnetic tension, users can go through 8 levels of resistance for optimal training indoors.
This unit folds to virtually half of the size to store and is easy to move with the installed transportation wheels. The Exerpeutic Gold Recumbent bike is adjustable to fit anyone 5’2” up to 6’5” in height. Monitor your heart rate and progress using the easy to read built-in LCD computer screen.
Promising Review: “You can’t go wrong with this bike especially if you only have a small home like myself because it folds away easily (it’s very quick to do) has wheels so it’s easy to move once it’s folded down and takes up hardly any space while folded.”
4. MaxiClimber XL-2000 Hydraulic Resistance Vertical Climber
If you have more vertical than horizontal space in your home, the MaxiClimber XL-2000 Hydraulic Resistance Vertical Climber is an exceptional choice. Users will burn twice the amount of calories using High Intensity Interval Training routines and produce a 40% increase of afterburn once your workout is complete.
It contains 12 resistance levels and is bi-directional, making it versatile and optimal for any workout. It comes with a mobile device holder so you can follow all the fitness routines included on the MaxiClimber fitness app for iOS and Android products. This vertical climber gives you a total body workout in less time.
Promising Review: “Small enough to use almost anywhere. I have it in a bedroom and I fold it up and put it behind the door when I’m finished. I can carry it by myself to different rooms, down to the garage, etc.”
5. Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine design has a smaller footprint but still allows full strides during operation. With 16 levels of resistance, you can participate in virtual courses and trails with the Explore the World app.
Schwinn’s included display panel shows calories, time, distance, speed, and current heart rate from the built-in sensors in the contact grip handlebars, in both stationary and moving variations. With a water bottle and media device holder, everything you need is at your fingertips while you workout.
Promising Review: “What I love is that it’s compact (I have a 1 bedroom apt), feels smooth, and its so quiet.”
6. Champs MMA Boxing Reflex Ball
If you miss boxing class or prefer shadow boxing, the Champs MMA Boxing Reflex Ball is an exceptional exercise tool to use anywhere. One of the easiest ways to build quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and reaction speed, this is a must for boxers of all levels.
The comfortable Velcro headband is adjustable to fit any head size, from kids to adults. The Champs MMA Boxing Reflex Ball is a fun way to get your training done without expensive equipment in a large space. You can use this virtually anywhere you have room to extend your arms.
Promising Review: “At first it was really humbling but w some practice I got better. The product is super simple to use and pack-able for out of town trips. It does what it is supposed to do — works on hand eye coordination.”
7. Gazelle Edge Glider
This low-impact Gazelle Edge Glider is the perfect solution for users who want to transition from a walking to running cardio workout without hurting their joints. You can keep track of your exercise with the 5-function built-in computer that displays speed, time, distance, and calories. Great for all fitness levels, this glider includes an exercise manual, workout DVD, and a nutrition guide.
With a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds, users remain secure on the wide, non-skid foot platforms and solid construction. The split suspension, dual-action gives you a full-body workout. The Gazelle Edge Glider folds up easily when not in use to store out of the way.
Promising Review: “I love that it’s compact and easily fits in a corner of my apartment living room! We live on the third floor, so noise level is important as we want to be considerate of our neighbors!”
8. Proud Panda Weighted Jump Rope
A weighted jump rope is a great way to combine cardio and weight training. At 2.8 pounds, this heavy jump rope is designed to give you the best total body workout possible in the shortest amount of time. Proud Panda claims that just 10 minutes of skipping with their weighted jump rope can burn the same amount of calories as swimming or cycling for 40 minutes.
In addition to burning calories and getting a cardio workout, you can also improve your balance, enhance your agility, and develop muscle endurance. Using a heavy jump rope is full body workout that works your calves, glutes, back, shoulders, biceps, and forearms at the same time.
Promising Review: “If you want to lose weight and increase your cardio, I would highly recommend buying this jump rope.”
Space Saving Cardio Equipment
For those looking to purchase space saving cardio equipment for their home gym, there a plenty of options. No matter your fitness level, budget, or preferences, there is something for everyone.
Individuals who regularly workout may prefer a more intense machine like the NordicTrack treadmill or Schwinn elliptical, while others may want to start with an easier workout like the Gazelle glider.
If you prefer the options to workout outside, the MMA boxing reflex ball and the weighted jump rope are perfect choices.