Numerous companies assert that they offer portable, high-quality home gym equipment, but choosing the best options can be tricky.
As a fitness trainer, I’ve analyzed extensive user feedback and visited several fitness stores with my colleagues to find equipment that fits comfortably in a carry-on, meets size and weight restrictions, and provides effective muscle strengthening and toning comparable to full-size gym equipment.
In this article, I’ll review the top portable home gym solutions currently available.
The Best Portable Home Gym
- Best Overall Portable Home Gym: Gonex
- Cheapest Portable Home Gym: INNSTAR Resistance Bands Gym
- Best Suspension Training Portable Home Gym: TRX Training
- Best Bow-Style Portable Home Gym: Gorilla Bow
- Best All-in-One Travel Gym: Bodyboss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym
- Best Lightweight Portable Home Gym: OYO Personal Gym
- Best Versatile Portable Home Gym: Fusion Motion Portable Gym
- Best On-the-Go Gym Personal Training: Gymwell Portable Resistance Workout Set
- Best Resistance Bands Portable Home Gym: BodyGym Core System
- Best Resistance Bar Portable Home Gym: TESLANG Resistance Band Bar
- Best Home Gym Storage: Rogue Fitness Universal Storage 2.0
Our Top Portable Home Gym (July 2024)
1 - Gonex Portable Home Gym (Best Overall)
- Dimensions : No
- Maintenance : Low
- Design : Portable
- Warranty : Yes (1 year)
- Premium materials : Yes (High-quality anti-slip material)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can handle 250 pounds of tension and 300 pounds of pressure
- They provide over 70 motion videos with distinct workout levels
- It has a sturdy platform featuring 10 buckles for the resistance bands
- It includes attachments such as Ab Roller, Post Landmine Sleeve, and a Push-up Handle Bar
Cons
- It is somewhat expensive
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Fitness enthusiasts seeking full-body workouts
- Those needing high resistance and durability
Who is it not for?
- Those on a tight budget
Final Verdict
This home gym offers a robust platform with diverse workout options, making it ideal for intense, full-body workouts. It's a bit pricey, but the investment is worthwhile for serious fitness enthusiasts.
Our hands-on experience with the Gonex portable gym found its ten buckles ideal for elastic bands. The diverse equipment it comes with can support up to 300 pounds of pressure.
I like that it comes with various fitness equipment to assist you in accomplishing your fitness goals.
It also has 30/50 pound resistance bands with various training levels for full-body muscle training.
The Gonex Training Base is utilized with various training gear attachments, including an Ab Roller, Post Landmine Sleeve, and a Push-up Handle Bar.
It has a foam bar pad with safety straps and a Professional fitness coach booklet.
2 - TRX All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System (Best Suspension Training)
- Dimensions : No
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Minimalist
- Warranty : Yes (1 year)
- Premium materials : Yes (Durable Nylon)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can be attached to doors, trees, beams, and other structures
- It is lightweight and comes with a free travel pouch
- TRX's app provides access to virtual exercise classes
Cons
- Straps may slide if not securely attached
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Travelers needing a lightweight, portable system
- Those seeking versatile, full-body workouts
Who is it not for?
- Those preferring traditional weight-based equipment
Final Verdict
The TRX system stands out for its portability and ease of use, offering effective full-body workouts almost anywhere. It's perfect for those who travel frequently or have limited space.
From our trials with the TRX System, it stood out as a compact solution for full-body workouts. The set includes a suspension training strap, a suspension anchor, a door anchor, a 35-page exercise plan, and a compact mesh bag to carry your equipment.
The workout system weighs only 1.7 pounds, making it easy to transport from one location to another.
The quality suspension training strap, which has built-in grips on either end, is the cornerstone of the TRX suspension system.
The handles may be utilized as grips for upper-body exercises and foot cradles for lower-body exercises.
I like how the middle of the strap has a proprietary locking loop, so you won't have to stress about the strap sliding out of position mid-workout.
3 - Original Gorilla Bow (Best Bow-Style)
- Dimensions : No
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Bow shape
- Warranty : Yes (No)
- Premium materials : Yes (Aircraft aluminum and double-wall latex)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It is robust and long-lasting and will last for years
- It offers resistance in small increments
Cons
- It is difficult to perform small movements
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners and those gradually increasing resistance
- Users looking for easy-to-use, robust equipment
Who is it not for?
- Those needing more advanced, varied exercises
Final Verdict
The Gorilla Bow is a durable and user-friendly option for resistance training, especially suited for beginners. However, it may not satisfy those looking for high-intensity or highly varied workouts.
“Gorilla Bow Portable exercise equipment is an excellent alternative for novices and those who wish to increase resistance gradually. It's also a good option if you want to improve your strength and motions. The bow is extremely robust and easy to use.”
- Caroline Lubinsky, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Having tested the Gorilla Bow, its 5.6-pound weight impressed us for quick exercises. Its design makes car transport more feasible than flying.
It also has a little training routine that you can conduct in your garage or any other part of your home.
I appreciate that the Gorilla Bow provides a variety of training possibilities; nevertheless, I found it difficult to perform chest presses and smaller motions.
If you need to tour with a bow, they have a smaller alternative that can be divided into three pieces.
The package includes a bow and four bands. The bands are available in weights of 10, 20, 30, and 50 pounds.
4 - Bodyboss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym (Best All-in-One)
- Dimensions : No
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact
- Warranty : Yes (No)
- Premium materials : Yes (High-grade silicone)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes with several pieces of gear in one
- It is simple to travel with
- Has accessibility to a free exercise program
Cons
- Has a lot of pieces to keep track of
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those who want a gym that mimics traditional gym equipment
- Space-conscious users
Who is it not for?
- Those who prefer high-intensity training with heavier weights
Final Verdict
Bodyboss 2.0 is versatile and excellent for simulating a range of gym equipment. It's ideal for those with limited space, but may not meet the needs of more advanced fitness enthusiasts.
The BodyBoss 2.0 includes a fold-up base, two resistance bands, a resistance bar, two ankle straps, two handle grips, and one door anchor.
You'll also get accessibility to a free training program to get you going with your novel home gym.
When you start experimenting with the BodyBoss 2.0, you'll immediately learn that you can use it to replace a squat rack, a bench press, a punching bag, and free weights, allowing you to reproduce your favorite gym program at home.
When you're done using your BodyBoss 2.0 Full, fold it up for easy storage. I like that despite it being 16 pounds in weight; it includes built-in handles that render it easy to transport.
5 - OYO Personal Gym (Best Lightweight)
- Dimensions : 26"L x 7"W x 3"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact and portable
- Warranty : Yes (3 years)
- Premium materials : Yes (Stainless Steel, Polymer)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is incredibly small and lightweight
- It's ideal for quick exercises during breaks
- It is excellent for lower-weight reps
Cons
- It has a learning curve and only has a resistance of 25 pounds
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Office workers or travelers needing quick workouts
- Beginners to moderate fitness levels
Who is it not for?
- Serious bodybuilders or very high-intensity trainers
Final Verdict
OYO offers a compact and convenient solution for maintaining fitness on the go, perfect for light to moderate workouts. Not suitable for high-intensity training or building significant muscle mass.
If you detest the sensation of rubber bands or resistance bands, the OYO personal gym may be a better option for you.
It employs the same mechanism as Bowflex, including crisscrossing wires and pulley systems. The smooth and steady motions make the training mechanics ideal for novices.
I also appreciate that the straps aren't latex and can withstand high stress. This means that when you use it, you won't have to stress about it sliding back and harming you.
This home gym is highly compact and portable, requiring little to no setup.
It is only 2.5 pounds in weight and includes two 10-pound resistance packs, a door anchor, and one 5-pound resistance pack. It also has ankle straps.
6 - Fusion Motion Portable Gym (Best Versatile)
- Dimensions : Portable size with multiple attachments
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact
- Warranty : Yes (1 year)
- Premium materials : Yes (High-grade steel and rubber)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The workout guide guarantees that there are options for people of various abilities
- A wide range of workouts are available to train the entire body
- Its many attachments make it extremely versatile
Cons
- Max weight limit may be limiting for some users
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those wanting a wide range of possible workouts
- Fitness enthusiasts who enjoy body weight exercises
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for heavy lifting options
Final Verdict
Fusion Motion provides a great variety of exercises with a focus on body weight routines, making it versatile for general fitness. It might not be the right choice for those focused on heavy lifting.
The Fusion Motion Portable exercise equipment was created to exercise your entire body.
It comprises a baseboard that may be used as a platform for activities like squats while also providing a flat surface for workouts like push-ups and planks.
Resistance bands, which are mostly used for body weight workouts, raise the difficulty above that of your body weight.
Its multiple attachments swiftly and easily detach and attach, allowing you to quickly transition from training your legs to working other sections of your upper body.
I appreciate that it has a weight capacity of 290 pounds, meaning that it is appropriate for most individuals.
The Fusion Motion Portable Gym's major selling feature is that it is both lightweight and compact.
"The Fusion Motion Portable Gym is an excellent piece of home exercise equipment, especially for people with limited room or who travel frequently but want to workout their full body."
- Ahmed Zayed, Doctor of Medicine
7 - INNSTAR Resistance Bands Gym (Cheapest Option)
- Dimensions : Compact size
- Maintenance : Minimal
- Design : Portable and lightweight
- Warranty : Yes (2 years)
- Premium materials : Yes (Durable rubber and steel)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ideal for all levels of fitness (From novice to Professional Athlete)
- Fully Adjustable - Adjust the number of resistance bands (weight) to match your fitness level
- A professional workout manual with instructions for 40 different types of exercises is provided
Cons
- It is relatively expensive
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Novices to professional athletes adjusting resistance levels
- Users seeking a variety of exercises with one tool
Who is it not for?
- Those preferring weight-based equipment
Final Verdict
INNSTAR offers adjustability and a range of exercises, making it ideal for users at any fitness level. It's not suitable for those who prefer traditional gym equipment or heavier resistance.
Innstar Resistance Bands Gym is built to last, withstanding even the most rigorous workouts and extreme conditions.
It's an excellent choice for novices who want to build strength without needing to lift hefty weights.
You can perform exercises like Chest Fly, Push Ups, Overhead Triceps, Tricep Pulldowns, Squats, Deadlift, and Shoulder Presses, to mention a few.
I appreciate that they have appropriately colored their bands so you can tell which band resistance category you are using. They have pink with very light resistance and are suitable for women just starting out.
They offer blue with mild resistance which can be used with both men and women. They also offer red camo with high resistance, and brown camo with extremely high resistance.
8 - Gymwell Portable Resistance Workout Set (Best Personal Trainer)
- Dimensions : Lightweight and portable
- Maintenance : Low
- Design : Versatile
- Warranty : Yes (30 days money-back guarantee)
- Premium materials : Yes (Durable rubber bands)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- They provide over 70 free fitness videos
- It can be used to exercise all the major muscle groups
- It has a tension level ranging from 30 to 120 pounds
Cons
- Resistance bands are not as strong as the competition
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing a lightweight, adaptable workout system
- Users looking for a range of muscle group exercises
Who is it not for?
- Athletes needing high-resistance training
Final Verdict
Gymwell's set is adaptable and comprehensive for a variety of workouts, suitable for general fitness routines. It may not meet the demands of those needing more intensive resistance levels.
The Gymwell Portable Resistant Workout Set simulates barbell, cable machine, and dumbbell workouts in one piece of equipment and offers virtually infinite variation.
Gymwell provides maximum adaptability, allowing you to exercise all six major muscle units - back, abs, arms, shoulder, chest, legs, and hips.
It also includes three sets of resistance bands with tension levels ranging from 30 to 120 pounds, allowing you to make exercises easier or harder.
They provide over 70 free fitness videos on their website.
In our testing, we found that it comes with two complimentary posters explaining exercises classified by muscle type and exercise cards from which you may choose your Gymwell workouts of the day.
9 - BodyGym Core System (Best Resistance Bands)
- Dimensions : Compact and portable
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Simple, one-bar system
- Warranty : Yes (Offers a money-back guarantee)
- Premium materials : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is cheaper than most best portable exercise equipment
- Comes with a DVD that provides extra workout options
- Its assembly is quick and simple, thus saving you time
Cons
- Lighter and less durable than almost every other model we evaluated
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Users looking for a simple, no-setup workout
- Those interested in light and recovery workouts
Who is it not for?
- Advanced athletes and heavy lifters
Final Verdict
BodyGym Core System is best for users seeking straightforward, light workouts. It's highly portable but lacks the capacity to support intense, heavy lifting or advanced fitness goals.
In our budget-friendly equipment exploration, the BodyGym Core System stood out. Its resistance band and flexible bar ensure a straightforward setup.
A cushioned foam layer and a pair of foot loops split the band's midsection, providing more stability than resistance bands alone.
Exercises are illustrated with detailed stickers on the bar, making it simple to complete your workout and continue your day. I like that the collection includes two DVDs with extra activities and routines.
The BodyGym Core System is our lightest and smallest home gym. However, this degree of simplicity is limited when it comes to strength-building.
10 - TESLANG Resistance Band Bar (Best Resistance Bar)
- Dimensions : Portable size
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact and sturdy
- Warranty : Yes (No)
- Premium materials : Yes (High-quality rubber and steel)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It has an innovative removable design for multiple functions
- It features an upgraded 500 pounds load resistance bar
- It features high-quality accessories, including upgraded bands with higher resistance
Cons
- It may not be convenient for heavy-duty workouts
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Users wanting a portable, versatile workout bar
- Those enjoying resistance band workouts
Who is it not for?
- Users needing more comprehensive gym equipment
Final Verdict
TESLANG provides a practical and affordable option for those who enjoy resistance workouts with moderate versatility. However, it may not fully replace a comprehensive gym setup for more advanced users.
The TESLANG Resistance Band Bar is an excellent home gym fitness equipment that is versatile for complete body workouts.
TESLANG Resistance Band Bar is full-body home gym fitness equipment great for extreme versatility exercises.
It is affordable and comes with triangular hooks, a resistance bar, fitness bands, and handles that can be easily removed and combined based on your needs.
In our testing, we noted that they provide a user handbook and a training guide to help complete the exercises correctly.
Like the Olympic Bar, the resistance bar is chrome coated with steel structure for durability.
It also has additional knurling positions for a strong grip and circle hooks with built-in bearings for a 360-degree swivel while using the bar.
It features natural rubber latex resistance bands that can stretch up to three times their initial length.
How We Tested the Best Portable Home Gyms
- Collaborated with fitness professionals: Utilized their expertise to assess the effectiveness and quality of the portable home gyms.
- Focused on various features: Examined aspects like portability, weight capacity, versatility, and ease of use.
- Personal testing and observation: Noted the ease of setup, stability during use, and the overall workout experience.
- Assessed specific benefits for targeted exercises: Looked at products that offered benefits for full-body workouts, strength training, and core exercises.
- Monitored real-world impacts: Tracked improvements in fitness, muscle tone, and overall physical health among users of the portable home gyms.
- Evaluated user feedback: Incorporated user reviews and feedback to gauge overall satisfaction and effectiveness of the portable home gyms.
Buyer's Guide to Portable Gyms
There are several aspects to consider before purchasing portable gyms. And we've made it our duty to identify products that are certainly worth your money.
Some examples include size, weight, and the number of pieces that come with the set.
Weight
Portable fitness equipment should be light and easy to transport.
That's why it's critical to consider a product's weight, particularly if you're traveling with it.
Airlines have weight restrictions on checked luggage, and you don't want your exercise equipment to push you over the limit.
Number of Pieces
There are several types of portable workout equipment. Some objects are offered singly, while others are sold in sets, which might comprise up to 10 distinct pieces.
Bear this in mind while you go hunting.
The more stuff you have, the more room your equipment is going to take up in your backpack.
Even if the parts are extremely small, more pieces mean more things to keep track of when on the move.
Size
Weight isn't the only factor to consider when it comes to portability; size and form can be as essential.
“Before getting any home gyms, acquire estimates from the supplier based on the physical activity you want to conduct at home with your new fitness equipment.”
- Kristen Geil, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Although an object may be lightweight, it may be difficult to move if it is bulky. Check the measurements of an item before purchasing.
Larger objects may be difficult to carry or keep in a bag. The same is true for goods with unusual shapes.
Fitness Level
Some portable workout kits provide less resistance than others, making them ideal for beginners or those seeking a softer workout.
Other sets, such as the Gymwell and Gorilla Bow, feature higher resistance and are therefore better suited for intense training.
Therefore you should consider how much resistance a portable gym is providing.
Versatility
An all-in-one kit is your best choice if you want to work out with various equipment.
However, if space is tight or you want something more portable, you may have to forgo versatility.
Price
While portable gyms are far less expensive than a weight rack or gym subscription, we all have spending constraints for equipment.
Our list contains both low-cost and high-priced solutions, all of which provide value in some manner.
Who Should Invest in a Portable Home Gym?
You should invest in a portable home gym if you want simple equipment that can workout your entire body anywhere.
Also, if you prefer bodyweight workouts and routines and don't wish to load up your home with a bunch of workout devices that may take up space, you should invest in a portable gym.
Also, people who are time deprived of going to a physical gym, and those that travel a lot, should invest in portable gyms.
Who Shouldn't Invest in a Portable Home Gym?
You shouldn't invest in a portable home gym if you are on a weight training program and require certain weights to track your reps, sets, or loads.
Also, weightlifters, bodybuilders, and autocrats who require certain weight plates for their training should not invest in a portable gym.
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Home Workout Psychological Benefits
Engaging in home workouts provides four psychological benefits, enhancing overall mental well-being.
- Improved Mood: Home workouts, like any form of exercise, stimulate the release of endorphins. These natural chemicals act as painkillers and mood elevators.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Engaging in regular physical activity at home regulates stress hormones, leading to a more relaxed state of mind. The familiar environment further reduces external stressors, promoting a more focused and calming workout experience.
- Enhanced Self-esteem: Achieving fitness goals in the home comfort boosts self-worth and confidence.
- Better Sleep: Physical activity regulates sleep patterns, ensuring deeper and more restful sleep, which is crucial for recovery and mental clarity.
FAQs
Is a Portable Gym Worth It?
Yes, a portable gym is worth it. Even if you opt to keep your gym membership, you'll probably discover that having some portable equipment at home comes in handy on days when you can't make it or are short on time.
What Equipment Do I Need for My Portable Gym?
The equipment that you need for your portable gym is one that provides you with everything you need for full-body workout.
What Is the Best Home Gym Storage?
The best home gym storage is the Rogue Fitness Universal Storage 2.0 System due to its versatility as a multi-purpose rack, space-efficient design in contrast to larger mass-storage equipment, and provision for barbell holder attachment through side holes on the base.
Our Recommend Portable Home Gym
After rigorously testing several portable home gyms, I've chosen the Gonex Portable Home Gym as the top performer. Its robust platform, equipped with ten buckles for resistance bands, showcases its adaptability to diverse training regimens.
Including specialized attachments, such as the Ab Roller and Push-up Handle Bar, elevates functional training sessions.
With a resistance threshold of 250 pounds and a pressure capacity of 300 pounds, it's built for endurance and strength workouts. The library of 70+ exercise tutorials is akin to a fitness manual, guiding users through optimized routines.
For those serious about maintaining their fitness regimen wherever they are, the Gonex is a crucial choice, as it will help you burn calories and fats while also building muscles and improving and toning your appearance.
Our #1 Recommendation
Gonex Portable Home Gym (Best Overall)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- It can handle 250 pounds of tension and 300 pounds of pressure
- They provide over 70 motion videos with distinct workout levels
- It has a sturdy platform featuring 10 buckles for the resistance bands
- It includes attachments such as Ab Roller, Post Landmine Sleeve, and a Push-up Handle Bar
- It is somewhat expensive
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