How to Save Money When Buying Mobile Lifting Platform

How to Build a Weightlifting Platform

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First of all, platforms are and have been available to purchase for years from a number of equipment manufacturers. I have yet to see and use one that I would want in my own gym, especially for the exorbitant prices they go for. Building your own platform(s) is pretty easy and far less expensive, and, at least in my opinion, produces a better platform to lift on anyway.

 

How you build your platform will depend somewhat on where it’s being placed and what else is going on around it. For example, many CrossFit gyms prefer lifting platforms sunk flush into their rubber flooring to keep that space available for multiple uses. This is a good solution in these cases, but it’s not exactly a platform in the conventional sense of the word. The other option is an actual dedicated, raised platform.

 

 

Raised Platform

 

The raised, dedicated lifting platform is the ideal lifting surface if allowable in your gym. Its advantages are better force absorption for dropped weights, meaning less wear and tear on both the equipment and floor underneath, better noise reduction for your stupid neighbors, and it creates a clearly-defined lifting area for the athlete. The disadvantages are the greater cost of materials, time to build, and the fact that it disrupts floor space for other uses.

 

The traditional lifting platform is 8x8 feet. This is a convenient size because standard sheets of plywood and the like are 4x8 feet, and this is enough space for anything a weightlifter would need to do in training, even with a squat rack on one end of the platform. 

 

Build the base of the platform with two layers of inexpensive 3/4" or 1/2" plywood—these sheets can be low-grade, as they won’t be seen or lifted on directly; they just need to create a base of support and absorption. Lay two 4x8 sheets side by side along the long edges, with the seam between the two running front to back. Then lay the other two sheets plywood on top perpendicularly (the seam between them running from side to side). Screw these sheets together along all edges and through the middle areas—you can’t use too many screws here. You can glue instead, or glue and screw, but I prefer not to because it prevents disassembly of the platform for moving or repair later. Lots of screws may be a pain to remove later, but you can remove them, and they’ll keep the sheets lying flat against each other.

 

Next, you need to place your top sheet to create the lifting surface. Many people use an unmodified 4x8 sheet of plywood or MDF here, which will work, but the plates on the bar will be just barely outside the edges. I prefer to trim this top sheet down to 3’6” to add a little more space for the bumpers to land on rubber. Cut if you’re going to, and lay this sheet in the middle of the platform—don’t attach it yet.

 

I like using ¾” MDF on the top—it’s far less expensive than plywood of the quality you need for this application, and it’s heavy and naturally flat, so there’s less of an issue of it bowing up in the middle. If you use plywood, you need a quality sheet with a perfectly flat, smooth surface on at least one side.

 

Now we need to add the rubber landing surfaces along each side of the lifting surface. You can buy this rubber from multiple sources—the best are as horse stall mats from ranch supply companies or as rolled rubber sheeting . Buying “fitness” matting is unnecessarily expensive. Buy rubber with a smooth, flat surface at least on one side—I can’t stand platforms with diamond plating patterns on the rubber. It makes the bar bounce unpredictably and hard to get set up in the exact position you want when lifting. Other rough surfaces are hard to clean and get disgusting in short order.

 

If you’ve trimmed your lifting sheet down to 3’6”, you’ll need to cut two pieces of rubber 27 inches x 8 feet. If you’re leaving the wood 4 feet wide, the rubber will need to be 2x8 feet. This is where additional expense and work comes into play—you can buy rubber in 4-foot widths, which can be cut in half to create your two 2-foot wide pieces if you go with a 4-foot wide lifting surface. If you opt to use a narrower lifting surface, you end up with a leftover piece of rubber 21 inches wide that you can’t use on the platform without having seams. Is it worth it to go narrower? I think so—you can use the extra rubber for other projects, or for on the floor between multiple platforms.

 

Once you have the rubber cut, lay it on the platform along the outside edges of your lifting surface. Get these three pieces aligned and snugged up tightly against each other, then screw the wooden top sheet down. Again, you can glue it if you don’t even plan on replacing it or moving the platform. Screw along the edges and countersink the screws.

 

Finally, screw the rubber down—I only screw the corners and a few spots on the outside edges. This is enough to keep it tightly in place, and you then have no screw heads where the bumpers will be dropping, so you won’t damage them.

 

If you need to increase sound-dampening, you can add a second layer of rubber (and an equally thick wooden layer under the top sheet to keep the lifting surface flat). This rubber can be underlayment , which is less expensive and more absorptive. Keep in mind that this will reduce the noise somewhat, but dropping heavy weights will be loud no matter what you do if the lifting surface is stable and hard as it should be.

 

 

Flush Platform

 

Building a flush platform is very simple, but depending on how you do it, it can be easy or a nightmare. Its advantages are its simplicity, lower cost and the ability to use the space in multiple ways mentioned above. Its disadvantages are limited force absorption and protection of the underlying floor, less noise reduction, and no clearly defined lifting area to keep lifters contained.

 

First, decide what dimensions you want for the actual wooden lifting area. Often these are somewhat smaller than a traditional platform—for example, 4x6 feet. Buy a sheet of wood that’s the same thickness as your rubber flooring. Remember, for this to work well and be safe, these layers have to be identical in height—you don’t want a raised edge that toes and heels can catch on.  If you’re using plywood, you’ll need to shell out good money for a quality sheet that has a smooth, consistent surface and won’t warp easily. MDF is another option, which is convenient because it’s heavy and naturally very flat, as well as considerably less expensive than quality plywood.

 

Cut the wood to the desired dimensions and lay it on the floor where you want to sink it. Once you have it perfectly positioned, trace its edges carefully with a pencil, or if you’re brave, you can score the rubber immediately with a utility knife. In the latter case, be careful and be sure that you’re scoring in immediate proximity of the edge.

 

Pull off the wood and finish cutting the rubber. I recommend trying to angle the cuts slightly inward/downward—that is, the bottom of the rubber should be cut very slightly wider than the top. This will allow the wood sheet to fit in tightly along the top edges but slide in all the way easily and not cause the rubber to bunch.

 

The wood should be affixed to the floor in some way to prevent its shifting. I have made a flush platform in one gym in which the wood was not attached to the floor and worked fine, but it was based on luck of a good piece of wood, perfectly flat, smooth floor, and very precise, tight cuts. I don’t recommend relying on this. You can use some construction adhesive in spots along the edges and through the middle to prevent the wood from bowing up in the center, or if you have the tools and the patience, you can use masonry screws into cement flooring; if you’re going to screw it down, make sure you countersink the screws adequately so the lifting surface is perfectly flat.

 

 

Finishing the Wood

 

I prefer leaving the lifting surface unfinished. As long as it’s kept clean—dusted and very lightly mopped regularly—it will be a solid, non-slippery surface, even with MDF. Varnished surfaces tend to be slippery, so why spend all that time and money and brain cells finishing your platform when it doesn’t work as well anyway? Some people mix very fine sand into the finish to create a slightly rough surface… again, a lot of additional work unnecessarily in my opinion.

About 100 years ago, I posted an article about how to build a lifting platform on a slope . It was something I had to do at the time, so I figured I’d post some instructions while I was at it. Now years later, I’ve been asked more times than I can calculate how to build a platform—I’ve written out instructions in emails and website comments so many times I could have written this article a thousand times over.

We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.

Generally speaking, exercise equipment is pretty bulky and expensive (e.g., treadmills, exercise bikes, squat racks, and barbells). However, not all of us are graced with spacious garages, basements, and bonus rooms to outfit our home gyms. Perhaps you’re renting, sharing a home, or living somewhere temporarily—with those barriers, it doesn’t always make sense for you to invest in traditional workout equipment. 

Whatever your circumstance might be, you’re probably landing on this roundup of the best portable home gym options because you need a unique solution to your living (or traveling) situation. 

We’re Home Gym Experts

Our expert product testers are not only owners and users of home fitness equipment, we’re also fitness professionals ranging from certified personal trainers to Olympic athletes. We’re well versed in training with barbells and dumbbells, as well as resistance bands and bodyweight exercises. 

Our team has had their hands on each of the products listed in this roundup and we’re excited to show you our top picks for best portable home gyms.

7 Best Portable Home Gyms: 

Best Overall Portable Home Gym: TRX Home Suspension Trainer

Good for: Folks looking for a truly portable home gym that is easy to set up and take down

Best Overall

TRX Home Suspension Trainer

GGR Score: 4.1

Community Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Durable nylon webbing straps with locking adjusters
• Carabiner tested at 1,300 lbs
• Door anchor allows for use in any room with a sturdy door
• Suspension anchor hang straps off bars, hooks, etc.
• Comes with TRX App with workout options
• Mesh Carrying Bag

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable nylon webbing straps
• Lightweight and Portable
• Comes with TRX app

Cons

• Learning curve for some exercises
• Expensive compared to other suspension trainers

Bottom Line

The TRX Home Suspension Trainer is a great way to get a full-body workout with a lightweight and portable piece of equipment.

Portability-wise, the TRX Home Suspension Trainer really takes the cake—it’s less than 2 pounds and fits into a small carrying bag to stow away or take with you on the go. The TRX suspension training system is a unique method to incorporate all the major muscle groups and add more range of motion to your bodyweight training. You’ll be able to perform hack squats, inverted rows, pull-up variations, push ups, core exercises, stability drills, pilates, and even supported yoga poses. 

The TRX is an all-in-one system because you have the ability to target every part of your body. Plus, you have the ability to adjust the straps, which changes your body’s angle and distance to the floor on each exercise—meaning you are in control of the level of difficulty regardless of your fitness level. 

The TRX Suspension Trainer won’t replace free weight training, but it can level-up your bodyweight training. For about $230 you’ll receive the suspension trainer straps made with heavy-duty nylon, door anchor, suspension anchor (for squat racks, light posts, trees, or any other sturdy objects), and a mesh carrying bag. You’ll even receive a 30-day free trial to the TRX Training Club app, which has home workouts and exercise tutorials on how to get the most out of your suspension trainer. 

You might also like knowing your purchase even comes with a two-year warranty. As you might imagine, this warranty covers manufacturer defects not normal wear and tear or misuse of the TRX system. 

Price$229.95 FootprintN/AProduct weight 1.5 lbsResistanceBodyweight suspension training

Best Smart Portable Home Gym: MAXPRO SmartConnect Home Gym

Good for: Anyone who needs a lightweight functional trainer for at home or on the go

Best Smart

MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• All-in-one machine that works different muscle groups
• Lightweight at 9 lbs
• Small footprint at 16" L x 10" W x 4" H
• Produces resistance up to 300 lbs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Small footprint
• Produces resistance up to 300 lbs

Cons

• Pricey for a small piece of equipment
• Sub-par accessories
• Compatible app is not streamlined

Bottom Line

The MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine is a lightweight and portable full body machine, which offers up to 300 pounds of resistance. This makes it an extremely versatile piece of portable equipment with a small footprint.

MAXPRO SmartConnect Home Gym has had a lot of buzz in recent years, and for good reason—it’s less than 10 pounds, foldable, and is basically a mini functional trainer (aka cable machine) delivering up to 300 pounds of resistance. 

Much like a full-size functional trainer, this mini gym is an all-in-one machine. You can pretty much hit all the major compound movements (like squat, row, and press) in addition to isolation movements (like biceps curls, and single-leg exercises).  

GGR founder and equipment expert, Coop Mitchell personally tested the MAXPRO and finds he uses it quite frequently. He enjoyed the fact that this lightweight machine is pre-assembled and pretty much ready to use right out of the box. However, he notes in our full in-depth review of the MAXPRO that it will be worth purchasing the wall-track up front with your initial purchase, saying that, “you can do way more exercises with this addition to your MAXPRO.”

The wall-track might allow you to adjust your leverage point on the wall, but it’s worth noting that it will cost an additional $325. However, with the base price of $799 you’ll get the MAXPRO machine, three-piece “Quick Connect” bar, two handles, ankle straps, door mount system, and a USB charger. 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Self-propelled Aerial Work Platform.

Suggested reading:
9 Things You Need To Know When Choosing A Goods Lift

The MAXPRO can not only provide several hundred pounds of resistance, you can also connect via Bluetooth to the brand’s app for workouts and to monitor your metrics. Coop mentions the app was a little clunky when he tested it, and notes not to expect Peloton-level quality. 

Price$799Footprint10″ L x 16″ H x 4″ WProduct weight 9 lbsResistance300 lbs of resistance training 

Best Portable Home Gym Personal Trainer: Future App

Good for: Individuals who want a personal trainer in their pocket! 

Best Portable

Future

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Virtual training from qualified coaches
• Personal plan designed to help reach your goals
• Great interface
• Use our link for 50% off your first month

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Incredible user interface; very well designed and intuitive
• Choose your own coach based on your personal preferences and goals
• Lots of variety in your workouts

Cons

• No real-time coaching from your trainer
• $199 per month membership cost

Bottom Line

An online training program that's staffed by real-life humans, and one of our favorite fitness apps.

OK, OK, so technically Future isn’t a true portable gym—but like I mentioned earlier, we all live under unique circumstances and perhaps Future (and having a personal trainer at the touch of a finger tip) is the best solution for you at the moment.

Here’s what you need to know about Future: It’s an app that can pair you with a personal trainer based on your personal fitness goals, your preferred type of training, your equipment, and even common interests you share. 

I will say that just like finding a personal trainer IRL, you won’t jive with everyone’s methods (or personalities) so it’s OK to get picky with your selection. When I browsed through the coach profiles on the Future website, I noticed you can select a trainer based on their coaching style—detail oriented, high energy, even keeled, and supportive to name a few. 

Speaking as a certified personal trainer myself, I think that is a nice feature. I personally would dread being paired with a super bubbly, high-energy coach when I need someone who is more laid back but extremely detail oriented. 

All that said, Future requires a $150 monthly membership fee (and let’s remember that’s just for the app—no equipment comes with this monthly price). If you’re someone who is limited in space and equipment, your personal trainer can design a bodyweight-specific workout plan for you. However, for the price there are probably better options for bodyweight-only programs. 

Coop personally tested (and still uses) Future and likes the ease of use on the app platform, the actual programming, and the ability to record and send videos to your coach. If you think Future is the right option for you, check out our in-depth review before you ditch your gym membership!

Price$150 per monthFootprintN/AProduct weight N/AResistanceN/A

Best High-End Portable Home Gym: Vitruvian Trainer+

Good for: Folks with limited space but who want a solid piece of exercise equipment 

Best High-End

Vitruvian Form Trainer+

GGR Score: 3.5

Community Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Adaptive weight system that produces weight from 0 to 440 pounds
• Advertised as working similarly to a rack without having to change plates or store any of the weight
• The technology will do it all for you
• However, different from a squat rack, you are able to do over 200 different exercises that target all parts of your body
• All Access Membership costs $39 per month.
• Without the Trainer All Access Membership, you are still able to work exercises and create your own workouts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Full functionality of the machine is available without a subscription (i.e. access to all workout modes)
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 1-year all-access app membership for in-depth data tracking included with purchase (at the time of publish)
• Free shipping
• Provides up to 440 pounds of resistance
• Small and compact
• Relatively easy to move and store
• Workouts led by certified instructors
• Adaptive weight changes as you work out 
• Community challenges and leaderboard
• Tracks several workout metrics 
• Can easily view progress
• Safe and controlled way to exercise
• Provides exercise technique tutorials
• 1 membership allows unlimited profiles
• Lifetime membership available
• Financing available via Affirm 
• Can create your own workouts or follow classes

Cons

• Expensive, as all smart gyms are, with prices starting around $2,900
• Subscription required for in-depth data tracking after trial period ($39/month)
• Accessory kits sold separately
• No hour-long workout classes yet (sessions go up to 43 minutes)
• Can be overwhelming to create your own workouts in the app at first, according to our product tester 
• Buyers are responsible for return shipping if sending the item back

Bottom Line

The Vitruvian Trainer+ is a smart home gym with a fantastic value proposition. For most people, it can replace an entire traditional home gym set up while taking up minimal space and providing and opportunity for in-depth data tracking and coaching.

When it comes to home gym equipment that can serve as an all-in-one strength training machine, the Vitruvian is a unique choice if you have a flexible budget. The Vitrvian is essentially a platform that provides digital magnetic resistance (up to 440 pounds) via cables and handles. 

I’d call this a compact home gym that’s fairly portable, but it’s not a toss-in-your-bag type of portable. It’s not super heavy but it’s worth noting that the Vitrvian platform is about 80 pounds and measures over 3 feet in length and is just under 2 feet wide. That said, this could be suitable for someone who just needs to have their home gym setup completely stored away while not in use. It’s also worth mentioning that the Vitruvian has a 330-pound user weight capacity. 

The Vitruvian starts around $2,900 and the monthly membership is $39 per month, which you’ll need if you want full functionality of the machine. With the membership, you’ll have access to a library of workouts and real-time tracking of every repetition you perform and the loads you use. 

There are four modes to training: pumped, time under tension (TUT), old school, and eccentric-only. Coop notes in his in-depth video review of the Vitruvian that the eccentric training might be the most unique feature of this device. In this eccentric-only mode, the digital resistance of the concentric (upward portion of a given lift) is essentially removed and the eccentric (lowering portion) is the only part that is loaded with resistance. It might not sound like a lot, but trust me that will make for some seriously hard workouts. 

RELATED: Vitruvian Trainer+ Review 

PriceStarting at $2,900Footprint44” L x 20” W x 5” HProduct weight 80 lbsResistance440 lbs of digital resistance 

Best Lightweight Portable Home Gym: Gorilla Bow

Good for: A simple and lightweight option for resistance training 

Best Lightweight

Gorilla Bow Portable Home Gym Resistance Band System

GGR Score: 4.3

Community Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Unique product
• Up to 300 lbs of resistance
• Fun workout classes
• Check out our full Gorilla Bow Review.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fun classes to follow
• Unique product that has the ability to work your entire body
• Can use up to 300 pounds of resistance

Cons

• Not very portable
• Might need to purchase extra bands if you’re particularly strong
• Not the best option for a beginner

Bottom Line

A unique resistance band set that generates up to 300 lbs of resistance and comes with an extensive workout library.

The Gorilla Bow is a fairly inexpensive and lightweight option for your home gym or for bringing with you on the go. Essentially, you have a set of tube bands—all ranging in levels of resistance—and an aluminum workout bar in the shape of a bow. 

What’s interesting about the Gorilla Bow is that it’s pretty much a self-contained portable gym capable of full-body workouts where your own body acts at the anchor (versus using a door anchor). 

For example, you will have to stand on the band to anchor it down for lower body exercises like deadlifts, squats, and lunges. For upper body movements you’ll have to anchor the band with your back muscles to perform a chest press or sit on the band for an overhead seated press. 

Additionally, you can even mimic a pulling motion similar to using a real bow and arrow by holding one arm out straight and using the other to pull back the resistance band. 

A former GGR product tester, Caroline Lubinksy, used the Gorilla Bow and liked the clever and simple design. However, the one thing she noted was the fact the Gorilla Bow might be confusing for beginners. 

In Caroline’s in-depth Gorilla Bow review she also mentions that the all-access app does have a beginner category focused on learning basic movement patterns. The app is $14.99 per month but you will get a free 30-day trial with your purchase. 

PriceAbout $215 on AmazonBow length56”Product weight About 8 lbsResistance300 lbs of tension

Best Portable Home Gym for Strength Training: X3 Bar

Good for: Folks looking to progressively get stronger with an ultra-portable gym system 

Best for Strength Training

X3 Bar

GGR Score: 4.14

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Product Highlights

• Up to 300 lbs of force
• Upgrade to up to 600 lbs
• Free workout program included
• No assembly necessary

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Can create up to 300 pounds of force (up to 600 if you get the Elite Band, sold separately)
• Free 12-week workout program with high-quality workout and nutrition advice
• Bar has great knurling
• No assembly necessary
• Bands are dipped in layered latex, making them thick and durable

Cons

• Platform’s embedded rollers don’t allow bands to roll during lift, but that's nitpicky
• Quite pricey at around $550 (financing available)
• Only 1-year warranty for the bands
• Some complaints of the bands wearing down after only a few weeks

Bottom Line

A compact piece of strength training equipment that combines the best parts of resistance bands and barbells into one.

The X3 Bar is a unique solution if you’re limited on space and serious about getting stronger. It comes with four heavy-duty latex bands, a foot plate, and a mini workout bar.

So what sets this system apart from a set of Rogue Monster bands? Honestly, it’s the foot plate and the workout bar. The bands alone are high-quality, but the added components make the system really versatile. 

The bar features knurling and bearings that allow it to rotate smoothly with your movement. The entire setup is 17 pounds and can easily be thrown into a backpack for a weekend getaway or your luggage during a vacation. 

Although the price is a little steep at $549, there is a lot of value in being able to take the X3 Bar with you wherever you go. In fact, our GGR social media manager Brittany Combs talks about bringing the X3 Bar with her on vacation and into her living room during her kid’s playtime in our in-depth video review on the X3 Bar. 

With the price you’ll also get a 12-week program with instructional workout videos to help you navigate each movement. Brittany liked following the program and using the app and says she enjoyed the metrics and progression reports as she got stronger.  

RELATED: X3 Bar Review 

Price$549Bow length10” L x 19” W x 1” HProduct weight 17 lbsResistance300 lbs

Best Portable Resistance Band Set: Rogue Tube Bands

Good for: Folks who prefer classic tube bands for easy storage and portability

Best Band Set

Rogue Tube Resistance Bands

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Made extremely well
• Option to purchase just one or in a set
• Comfortable handles
• Color-coded

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High quality handles with textured grip
• Well-made bands
• Fairly portable

Cons

• Resistance tension isn’t printed on the tube bands
• Sometimes squeak while in use
• On the shorter side

Bottom Line

If you're looking for tube resistance bands with handles, these are easily the highest quality. The grips on the handles are a nice touch that similar tube bands don't always have.

Rogue Tube Bands are the OG of portable home gyms. As simple and straightforward as they might be, bands are always my fallback when it comes to easy, full-body workouts on the go.  

On the Rogue website you can purchase bands individually (ranging from very light to over 60 pounds of resistance) or for $75 you can purchase all six Rogue bands as a set. 

The downside to the Rogue Tube Bands is they don’t come with ankle straps or a door anchor. That said, when I use tube bands at home I’ll loop them around the support post in my basement or if I’m outside, it’ll use the balusters on my deck. 

Makeshifting an attachment point can help you achieve movements like lat pull-downs, triceps extensions, and chest flyes. Many lower body movements can be anchored by your feet, such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts. 

Additionally, our former product tester Caroline mentioned that she didn’t appreciate that the resistance band tension in weight is not listed on the band like you might find on competitor brands. If that’s not a dealbreaker, check out our in-depth review on our full experience with the Rogue Tube Bands. 

Price$75 for complete setBow length48”Product weight N/AResistance60 lbs

Other Portable Home Gyms We Researched

Harambe System: Although we’ve tested this product and agree it’s a solid competitor to the X3 Bar, the price is slightly higher without providing that much additional value. However, if you’re really interested in the X3 Bar, I urge you to read our in-depth review on the Harambe System so you can make that call yourself. 

OYO Personal Gym: This is another mini functional trainer option and it did not make this list because it provides only 40 pounds of resistance. 

Bodylastics Resistance Bands Set: This set of bands is quite similar to the Rogue Tube Bands featured on this list and they’re priced considerably cheaper than Rogue. So why did we choose the more expensive set? Here’s my reasoning: If you use bands as your primary method of resistance training—meaning your resistance bands are not just for warm-ups and accessories—you’ll want to invest in a high-quality set.  

How We Picked and Tested

Before we curated this list of the best portable home gyms, our GGR team considered the following:

• Price: With a portable option, we know you’re not going to match the durability or functionality of traditional home gym options (like barbells, dumbbells, cardio equipment, etc.) so we figured the price needs to reflect the limitations of a portable gym. 
• Footprint and weight: If something is going to be truly portable, it needs to be light enough to move on your own and small enough to store in a bag or your vehicle. 
• Training options: We made sure that the options on this list allow you to train full body workouts, through different ranges of motions and different planes of movement. 
• Targeted fitness level: We wanted to make sure this list had options for both beginner lifters and experienced lifters alike. 

Benefits of A Portable Home Gym

If you’re someone who is on the go or not quite settled into a long-term living situation, here are some of the benefit of a portable gym:

Build Muscle

Beginners and experienced lifters alike can benefit from a portable home gym. In the case of the beginner, introducing a fitness routine won’t take much resistance, time, or reps to build strength (especially if you’re coming from a sedentary lifestyle). As you adapt and get stronger, you’ll need to make changes and progressions to keep getting stronger. However, it is worth mentioning that you don’t always have to add more weight—progress can come from changing your rep range, overall volume, rest time, or range of motion.

Portability 

If you’re someone who travels frequently, lives a nomadic lifestyle, or is just limited on space, a portable gym might be your best option. Portability means it’s easy to pick up, move, and store out of the way. 

Buying Guide For Best Portable Home Gym

Before you go ahead and click “add to cart” be sure to go over our buying guide for portable home gyms: 

Price Tag

As with any home gym purchase, we suggest setting a budget because it can be easy to get excited and go overboard. Generally speaking, portable equipment is fairly affordable given the small size and limited resistance offered. However, you’ll notice the more weight offered and more technical, the bigger the price tag. 

Product Weight and Portability 

Depending on your needs and just how portable you want your equipment, be sure to review the specifications to determine the footprint and product weight. It’s also not a bad idea to consider if it’s compact enough to fit into a carrying bag or if you’ll need to use the transport wheels for moving it around. 

Versatility  

Speaking as a certified personal trainer, nothing excites me more than being forced to get creative on building workouts around limited equipment. It makes me feel like the ultimate problem solver. However, I understand that not everyone feels that way. What I do urge you to think about is if you can perform full-body workouts and use the equipment to exercise more than one group of muscles. 

Resistance Levels

Be sure the resistance levels offered on the equipment you’re interested in can accommodate not only where your fitness level is today, but as you get stronger and more physically fit. 

Best Portable Home Gym FAQs

What is the best all-round home gym?

The best all-around home gym will depend on your goals, fitness level, and budget. The best part of owning your own home gym is that you can curate a lineup of equipment tailored to your training style. You don’t have to be loyal to one brand, either! If you’re curious about the best all-around gym equipment we think might have a place in your home gym, check out our roundup of the best home gym equipment.

Do portable gyms work?

Yes, a portable home gym system is a viable option for anyone short on space or who travels frequently. Portable gyms certainly won’t replace weightlifting or CrossFit but can still help you build muscle and strength.

Do at-home no equipment workouts work?

Depending on your fitness level and your fitness goals, bodyweight workouts can be an appropriate option. Luckily for you, we have pulled together six challenging bodyweight exercises you can try today (with scalable variations, too).

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Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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