Jump to research

Composed by

Profile picture

S. K.

Views

97

Version history

S. K., 790d ago

February 26, 2023

best portable exercise equipment

Have an opinion? Send us proposed edits/additions and we may incorporate them into this article with credit.

Words

986

Time

1m 48s

Contributors

145

Words read

24.7k

Power rack

Power rack

When it comes to portable exercise equipment, a power rack seems to be an option that many people overlook. It's a great way to safely do strength exercises at home without having to worry about the stability of your equipment [5] . Although it may not be as portable as some of the other options [1-4], it can easily be disassembled and reassembled for those who need to move it around. It also offers a wide range of exercises, from squats and deadlifts to bench press and pull-ups [5] , so you can get a full-body workout in. The only downside is that you may need help from another person when setting it up [5] .
oly bar

oly bar

The MaxiGold Portable Bar [5] seems to be one of the best portable exercise equipment options, as it is lightweight and easy to store. People say that it can be set up in minutes and has a storage bag included [5] . It appears to provide more resistance than most other options, as it can handle up to 75 lbs of weight [5] , while the other options seem to have a maximum of 50 lbs. It also looks like a good choice for those needing an adjustable barbell, as it comes with J-cups for the barbell included [3] .
plates

plates

Plates seem to be a great option for those looking for portable exercise equipment. It seems some people opt for weight plates to add resistance to their workouts. At home, the user can add or remove plates to adjust the difficulty of their workout routine [5] . Furthermore, plates are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel [5] . They can even be used with other pieces of exercise equipment, like resistance bands or stability balls [5] , which are also noted in this research as great portable equipment.
a flat bench and a place to do chins

a flat bench and a place to do chins

It seems that a flat bench and a place to do chins [5] is one of the best portable exercise equipment options available. This setup can provide a full-body, resistance-based workout, allowing you to work on strength, coordination and stability. The flat bench can be used for exercises such as chest press and tricep dips [5] , while the chin-up bar gives you the ability to do pull-ups and chin-ups [5] . Additionally, this setup doesn't take up much space, making it easy to transport [7] .
Exerpeutic Upright Bike

Exerpeutic Upright Bike

The Exerpeutic Upright Bike seems to be a great option for those looking for a portable exercise machine. It's compact size makes it easy to transport and store. According to source 1, its dimensions when folded are 46” height x 19” width x 31” depth [1] . Additionally, it has features such as heart rate monitoring and adjustable seat and handles [1] , which makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to get a good workout in, regardless of their fitness level.
All answers

All answers

  • Power rack
  • oly bar
  • plates
  • a flat bench and a place to do chins
  • Exerpeutic Upright Bike
  • HouseFit Water Rowing Machine
  • NordicTrack T Series 6.5S Treadmill
  • Rogue Monster Lite RML-3WC
  • Tonal
  • MaxiGold Portable Bar
  • TRX All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System
  • Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set
  • Peach Bands Resistance Bands Set
  • Iron Gym’s Workout Bar
  • Perfect Fitness’s Push-Up Handles
  • NONE

    [When looking for the best portable exercise equipment, it is important to keep in mind that some options are not truly portable. For example, the Rogue Monster Lite RML-3WC [1] is not easily transportable due to its unfolded dimensions of 90” height x 43” width x 41.5” depth [1] .]

    Dimensions

    [It is also important to consider the folded and unfolded dimensions of any equipment you are considering. The Exerpeutic Upright Bike [1] , for instance, has folded dimensions of 46” height x 19” width x 31” depth and unfolded dimensions of 46” height x 19” width x 15” depth [1] . The HouseFit Water Rowing Machine has folded dimensions of 43” height x 27” width x 19.5” depth and unfolded dimensions of 84” height x 19.5” width x 19.5" depth [1] .]

    Resistance Range

    [The resistance range is also a key factor when selecting portable exercise equipment. According to my notes, Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set offers 2-30 lbs of resistance [4] , while Empower's Ankle and Wrist Weights have 0.5 lbs each [5] . In addition, Fusion Motion Portable Gym does not specify a range of resistance levels [4] , while BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym has a resistance range of 60-160 lbs [4] .]

    Exercise Options

    [When selecting portable exercise equipment, you should also consider the variety and number of exercises that can be performed with it. For instance, the TRX All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System comes with a suspension training strap, door anchor, suspension anchor, 35-page workout guide, and small mesh bag; all which provide access to lots of exercises [5] . In addition, Iron Gym's Workout Bar can be used for pull ups or push ups [5] , while Yes4All's Aqua Weight Bags can be filled with water or sand for strength training exercises such as squats and bicep curls [6] .]

    Usability

    [Finally, usability is an important factor when selecting portable exercise equipment; as some may be difficult to use or require more effort than others. For instance, my notes state that Perfect Fitness's Push-Up Handles ensure proper form during push-ups with their rubber grips and non-slip bases [5] , while Fusion Motion Portable Gym requires clumsy and time consuming adjustments which may not work well for certain exercises due to its limited size constraints [4] . On the other hand, OYO Personal Gym provides smoother resistance than bands due to its steel construction and comes with lots of free extras available online for extended usage options [4] .]

    Jump to top

    Research

    Source: "NordicTrack T6.5 S Review | Tested by GearLab" (from web, www.outdoorgearlab.com)

    • NordicTrack T6.5 S
      • 10 mph top speed, up to 10% incline, fairly large tread surface, connected features, 300 lb weight limit
      • 20 programs workouts, works with iFit app
      • 55-inches long and 20-inches wide running surface, top speed of 10 mph, up to 10% incline
      • Bluetooth, works with iFit app
      • 10 years frame warranty, 2 years parts warranty, 1 year labor warranty
    • Echelon Stride
      • Folds small for storage, easy to move around, good size running surface, 12 mph top speed, works with Echelon app
      • Less cushioned than other high-end models, doesn’t feel as sturdy as some, ongoing cost of Echelon app (if you choose to use it)
      • 55” L x 20” W running surface, 0.5- 12 mph speed range, 0 to 10% incline
      • Bluetooth, works with Echelon app
      • 12-month limited parts and labor warranty
    • XTerra Fitness TRX3500
      • Large running surface, 12 mph top speed, 350 lbs weight limit, works with third-party training apps, good warranty
      • Moderately expensive, larger size
      • 60” L x 20” W running surface, 0-12 mph speed range, 0 to 12% incline
      • Bluetooth FTMS and Auxilary input
      • Lifetime frame and motor warranty, 2 years deck and parts warranty, 1 year labor warranty
    • Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill
      • Affordable, 9 mph top speed, folds when not in use
      • Smaller running surface, manual incline adjustment, 220 lb weight limit
      • 49” L x 15.5” W running surface, 0.5-9 mph speed range, 3 (0, 2%, 4.37%) incline levels
      • No connectivity
      • 3 years frame warranty, 180 days parts warranty
    • Goplus SuperFit 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
      • Small closed size, very storable, 2 in 1 functionality, Bluetooth speaker, affordable
      • Display location, remote control, have to remove handles to fold closed, louder noise level, short and narrow belt surface - not great for running
      • 40

    Source: "Wondering which rowing machine to buy? Here is ..." (from reddit, r/Rowing)

    • Concept 2
      • Many users recommended Concept 2 as their top pick, citing it as their go-to choice for rowing machines. It is mentioned as being the world standard, and the cheapest option. It is also mentioned as being loud but less space-consuming than other rowers.
    • WaterRower
      • WaterRower is mentioned as an attractive, quiet option. It is also said to offer more dynamic resistance than other rowers. It is also noted as being able to bear more weight than other rowers.
    • Ergatta
      • Ergatta is mentioned as being an official WaterRower, almost, if not 100% the same. It is also noted as being an upgrade to any wooden WaterRower.
    • Life Fitness HX
      • Life Fitness HX is mentioned as being torn between Concept 2 and Life Fitness HX. It is noted for being a hobbit-like machinery and for having swooshy water sounds.
    • Peloton
      • Peloton is noted as being something that people are waiting for and that would be just like the bike in terms of engaging platform, competition and variation.
    • RowPerfect/RP3
      • RowPerfect/RP3 is mentioned as an option that should be added in the flowchart.
    • Bodycraft VR200
      • Bodycraft VR200 is mentioned as a machine that popped up on marketplace for $500 with light use. It is noted as being cheaper than C2.

    Source: "Looking for home exercise bike, anyone familiar..." (from reddit, r/xxfitness)

    • Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
      • Folds up for storage
      • Can get one on ebay for $90
      • Family has put about 2800 miles on it in the last ten months
      • Came flat packed, takes one person about 45 minutes to assemble
      • Can be used to watch tv, read the news on a phone, play duolingo, etc.
    • Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Exercise Stationary Bike
      • Good things about this brand
      • Can get one on ebay for around $150
      • Used 3-5 days/week and holding up great
      • Great value for the price
      • Magnetic fly wheel
    • Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance
      • Looks like I can get one on ebay for $135
      • Low impact, lower effort alternative
      • More aerodynamic on flat ground/in wind
      • Can’t crank the resistance on a recumbent and power through the way you can on a standard bike

    Source: "Best equipment for full workout at home" (from reddit, r/Fitness)

    • Power rack, oly bar, plates, a flat bench and a place to do chins
      • Cost: ~$400
      • Occupied area: Not specified
      • Can do pull-ups, squats, bench press
    • Half rack, hi/lo cable pulley machine, 300lb oly set, ~200lbs in standard weights, weight tree, bench, and dumbbell set
      • Cost: ~$800
      • Occupied area: Not specified
      • Can do pull-ups, squats, bench press, cable pulleys
    • Kettlebells
      • Cost: Varies
      • Occupied area: Not specified
      • Can do swings, get-ups
    • Barbell, barbell weights (45, 35, 25, 10x2, 5, 2.5, 1,.75,.5,.25), bench, and a rock climbing hangboard
      • Cost: ~$1000
      • Occupied area: 8’x6’
      • Can do squats, bench press, one-legged deadlifts
    • Squat rack, barbell, barbell weights, power rack or squat stand, and a bench
      • Cost: Varies
      • Occupied area: Varies
      • Can do squats, pull-ups, bench press, power rack exercise

    Source: "nordictrack t series 6.5 for running or other o..." (from reddit, r/treadmills)

    • Sole F63 and Horizon 7.0 AT
      • 2.6 CHP motor is good for walking only
      • 3 CHP motor is needed for running for an hour daily
    • Sole F80 or Horizon 7.4at
      • Good treadmills for running for an hour daily
    • Nordictrack 1750
      • Good option for running for an hour daily
    • Look for used treadmills
      • Local used treadmills may be a good option
    • Be careful when buying from Amazon
      • Can’t always find someone to sell you replacement parts when they fail

    💭  Looking into

    What are the best resources for learning about how to use portable exercise equipment?

    💭  Looking into

    What are the benefits of using portable exercise equipment compared to traditional exercise equipment?

    💭  Looking into

    What is the weight of the MaxiGold Portable Bar?

    💭  Looking into

    What type of display does Tonal have?

    💭  Looking into

    What attachments can be used with the Rogue Monster Lite RML-3WC?

    💭  Looking into

    What is the maximum speed of the NordicTrack T Series 6.5S Treadmill?

    💭  Looking into

    What type of resistance does the HouseFit Water Rowing Machine use?

    💭  Looking into

    How much weight can the Exerpeutic Upright Bike support?

    Source: "The Best Portable Exercise Equipment of 2023 | ..." (from web, www.travelandleisure.com)

    • Primasole’s Folding Yoga Mat
      • Folds down into a compact size that can fit into a tote bag
      • Made with PVC, which is durable and tear-resistant
      • 4-millimeters thick
      • Comes in a selection of colors
    • Manduka Block
      • Made from coarse-grain cork
      • Non-slip material
      • 4 x 6 x 9 inches
    • TRX All-in-one Suspension Trainer
      • Lightweight and compact enough to fit in a suitcase
      • Comes with a door anchor, a suspension anchor, and a mesh bag
      • Comes with a 35-page workout guide
      • Access to the TRX Training Club app for a free 30-day trial of coach-led workouts
    • Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser
      • 5.4 pounds
      • 11.2 x 15.2 x 18.2 inches
      • Has a resistance knob
    • Resistance Bands
      • Natural rubber and non-slip handles
      • Comes with a door anchor, two cushioned handles, and a carrying case
      • Color-coded system with 10 to 50 pounds of resistance
    • Bala Bangles
      • Stylish and durable
      • Made with recycled steel and wrapped in baby-soft silicone
      • One to two pounds of weight resistance
    • Therabody Mini
      • Three speeds
      • Three attachments
      • 120-minute battery life
    • Portable Home Gym
      • SpiraFlex resistance technology
      • 25 pounds of resistance in each hand
      • Access to workout videos
    • Ab Roller
      • 3.2 inches thick wheel
      • Comfy knee pad
    • Lululemon Cotton Terry Sweatband
      • Soft, stretchy, and absorbable material
      • Five bright colors
      • Machine-washable

    Source: "The 5 Best Portable Home Gyms | Tested by GearLab" (from web, www.outdoorgearlab.com)

    • Gonex Portable Home Gym
      • Exercise Options: 9.0
      • Usability: 8.0
      • Portability: 5.0
      • Durability & Safety: 8.0
      • Resistance Range: 60-160 lbs
      • Packed Size: 24” x 13” x 3” (+ folded base board)
      • Reasons to Buy: Tons of exercise options and components; Detailed directions and safety manual; Solid build and covered resistance bands; Adjustable and large enough for wider range of users
      • Reasons to Avoid: Heavy, large, and bulky; No additional components for purchase (to extend range)
    • Gymwell Portable Home Gym
      • Exercise Options: 8.0
      • Usability: 8.0
      • Portability: 7.0
      • Durability & Safety: 7.0
      • Resistance Range: 60-240 lbs
      • Packed Size: 25.5” x 10” x 5”
      • Reasons to Buy: Multi-use components provide wide range of exercises; Compact and travel-friendly; Great directions and suggestions; Easy to use
      • Reasons to Avoid: Limited resistance options; No additional components for purchase (to extend range)
    • Fusion Motion Portable Gym
      • Exercise Options: 8.0
      • Usability: 4.0
      • Portability: 6.0
      • Durability & Safety: 6.0
      • Resistance Range: Not specified
      • Packed Size: 17” x 13” x 6” (+ folded base board)
      • Reasons to Buy: Lots of components offer a wide variety of exercises; Detailed instruction booklet included; Less expensive than others
      • Reasons to Avoid: Adjustments are clumsy and time-consuming; Not wide enough for certain exercises; Less durable construction and materials
    • OYO Personal Gym
      • Exercise Options: 6.0
      • Usability: 7.0
      • Portability: 8.0
      • Durability & Safety: 9.0
      • Resistance Range: 10-25 lbs
      • Packed Size: 24.5” x 6” x 2”
      • Reasons to Buy: Smoother resistance than with bands; Highly portable and good for discrete use; Lots of free extras available online
      • Reasons to Avoid: Fairly intense learning

    Source: "The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipme..." (from web, www.verywellfit.com)

    • TRX All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System
      • Lightweight
      • Includes suspension training strap, door anchor, suspension anchor, 35-page workout guide, and small mesh bag
      • Can anchor to trees, doors, beams, and more
      • Complimentary travel pouch
      • Access to virtual fitness classes via TRX’s app
    • Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set
      • Lightweight
      • Includes five resistance bands (2-30 lbs of resistance), two soft-grip handles, two ankle straps, and an anchor
      • Can combine bands to reach resistance levels up to 75 lbs
    • Peach Bands Resistance Bands Set
      • Includes five circular resistance bands (10-35 lbs of resistance)
      • Clear labeling to keep track of favorite bands
    • Iron Gym’s Workout Bar
      • 3 feet long, 1 foot wide, 1 foot tall
      • Uses leverage and safety brackets for installation
      • Heavy duty steel bar supports up to 300 pounds
    • Perfect Fitness’s Push-Up Handles
      • Ensures proper form during push-ups
      • Rubber grips and non-slip bases
    • Black Mountain Products’s Stability Ball
      • Ships deflated but comes with ball pump and beginner’s brochure
      • Can handle up to 2,000 pounds of weight
    • Empower’s Ankle and Wrist Weights
      • 0.5 lbs each
      • Comes with eight half-pound cast-iron bars
    • BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym
      • 9 pieces including a fold-up base, a resistance bar, two resistance bands, two ankle straps, two grip handles, and one door anchor
      • 16 pounds with built-in handles
    • Yes4All’s Aqua Weight Bags
      • Crafted from durable PVC
      • Ships empty but can weigh up to 49 lbs when filled
    • Gaiam’s Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
      • 72 inches long and 42 inches wide
      • 2.5-inch thickness
    • Degol’s Skipping Rope
      • Crafted from PVC and woven steel wire
      • Comes with two memory foam handles

    Source: "The Best Foldable Exercise Equipment, According..." (from web, www.livestrong.com)

    • Exerpeutic Upright Bike
      • Unfolded dimensions: 46” height x 19” width x 15” depth
      • Folded dimensions: 46” height x 19” width x 31” depth
      • Features: heart rate monitoring, adjustable seat and handles
    • HouseFit Water Rowing Machine
      • Unfolded dimensions: 84” height x 19.5” width x 19.5” depth
      • Folded dimensions: 43” height x 27” width x 19.5” depth
      • Features: large display, quiet
    • NordicTrack T Series 6.5S Treadmill
      • Unfolded dimensions: 67.5” height × 35.8” width × 73” length
      • Folded dimensions: 12” height × 35.8” width × 73” length
      • Features: 12-month iFit membership, Auxiliary music port, media rack, deck cushioning, self-cooling technology
    • Rogue Monster Lite RML-3WC
      • Unfolded dimensions: 90” height x 43” width x 41.5” depth
      • Folded dimensions: 90” height x 43” width x 3” depth
      • Features: J-cups for barbell included, can be outfitted with attachable pull-up bar (sold separately)
    • Tonal
      • Unfolded dimensions: 84” height × 105” width × 5.25” depth
      • Folded dimensions: 50.9” height × 21.5” width × 5.25” depth
      • Features: expert-led workouts, multi-user friendly
    • MaxiGold Portable Bar
      • Unfolded dimensions: 75” height x 45” width x 15.75” depth
      • Folded dimensions: 9.5” height x 45” width x 9.5” depth
      • Features: quick assembly, storage bag included

    Source: "The Best Portable Exercise Equipment 2023 Revie..." (from web, homechit.com)

    • Jump Starters, Batteries& Chargers for car
      • They are the perfect replacement for your car’s battery
      • They have a wide variety of prices, styles, and color options
    • Blenders & Food Processors
      • They are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to blend foods
    • Computer Accessories& Peripherals
      • They sell slowly, and self-designers behind those products suffer from a dominant mindset
    • Dress Shoes
      • They are an accessory to wardrobe that requires frequent attention and maintenance to ensure your favorite pair isn’t missing from your closet

    💭  Looking into

    What is the best portable exercise equipment?