Home gym necessities for small spaces

We know some of you are working with small spaces. Maybe a basement, a small garage, even a bedroom with carpet underneath your feet. While these conditions are not always ideal in working toward strength, they can definitely be worked with, and strength can (and will) be achieved. You just have to be a little smarter about the equipment you invest your time and money into. We’ve got some suggestions for you. 

Kettlebells

Lucky for you, all sizes are currently in stock! No matter where you’re at in terms of kettlebell knowledge, strength, or ability, we have the weight for you, guaranteed. We carry every size from 4kg (9lbs) all the way up to 48kg (106lbs) in singles, pairs, and sets. So many things can be done with kettlebells in small spaces, like swings, deadlifts, rows, squats, and presses of many kinds, plus more. These might be considered an accessory piece of equipment sometimes, but kettlebells can easily fit the compound lift bill. If you have more questions about our awesome, matte-black powder-coated kettlebells that are perfect for your small workout space, let us know!

Dumbbells

Dumbbells are sold in pairs, and we carry dumbbells as light as 3lbs and as heavy as 100lbs. These are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can invest in, and they’re especially great for small spaces. So much accessory work can be put in with dumbbells, but they, like kettlebells, can also turn into weights for compound lifts like deadlifts, squats, and pressing. If you’re just starting out, we recommend starting light, but on the challenge-end of the light spectrum.

Strength Bands

We offer two different kinds of strength band sets: our tried-and-true sets (containing latex) that can also be purchased as singles, and our latex-free sets.

Both kinds are perfect additions to your small space because they can be used for so many different things (you might be sensing a trend here). They’re great for strength work, mobility, assistance in movements like push-ups or pull-ups, and more. The lightest band (usually light red) is great for assistance in mobility, but on the other hand, our thickest band (usually dark red or orange in the latex-free set) is great for pull-ups and powerlifting specifically. We carry other sizes/colors that are perfect for personalizing your collection. Maybe you need a little more resistance in your mobility work or assistance in your pull-ups, and our sets of bands will have you covered.

Plus, you can throw in accessories like band pull-aparts, face pulls, and more to get super jacked and strong.

Jump Rope

A jump rope is one of the OG cardio systems, and it’s also great for small spaces (space permitting). If you lack space for a cardio trainer like a bike or treadmill, and running isn’t always a great option, a jump rope is the way to go. You’ll become a pro at single and double unders, and get some awesome cardio in at the same time.

Immortal Ball or Slam Ball

If you’ve got the height for it in your space, an immortal ball will be your best friend. Hello, wall balls! Plus, it’ll last forever (hence its name). Use the immortal ball for wall balls, accessories like Russian twists or weighted sit ups, pressing of all sorts, and more. The immortal ball can be used for ball slams as well, but note that it will likely bounce back, so watch your nose and any other things in your space that might be affected by a wonky slam.

Slam balls, on the other hand, can be used for all of the above (including wall balls, although they generally won’t be the most efficient or fluid). Ball slams, however, are the jam with this kind of ball. Get your power training in and slam that ball! These are meant to be tossed and thrown around, and won’t bounce around and go rogue on you or come for your face after being slammed around.

Sandbag Trainer

Ahh, one of our favorites. Sandbag trainers are endlessly versatile and can be used in a multitude of strength and conditioning-conducting ways. PK’s personal favorite is the sandbag Turkish Get-up. Do a few of those full bad boys on each side and you’re guaranteed to break a sweat and work on muscles you didn’t even know you had.

Sandbags can be used for cleans, snatches, pressing, deadlifts, carries, and so much more. They can be filled to the weight of your liking (or challenge), and that makes your workout gear even more your own.

Garage series squat rack

While this might seem a little crazy, our Garage Series Squat Rack with Pull-up Bar has a small 4x4 footprint, so it not only allows you to get some pull-ups in, but other compound lifts as well (with a bar we’ll talk about shortly). It can be bolted into the floor for extra stability, and holds up to 450lbs. That’s a pretty darn good amount if you’re working with a small space! Plus, this rack will open up the door for some heavy overhead pressing, squats, pull-ups, and other accessories (like band work!) in one fell swoop.

Shorty Bar

If you’re in a tight space and you really want to get in on some barbell work, we recommend the Shorty Bar. It’s 15kg, just shy of 6’ long (regular Olympic bars are over 7’!) and can fit well over 400lbs if you’re loading it with iron. The Shorty Bar also holds a really good amount of bumper plates, like our thinner, denser Milspec plates. This barbell can also be racked on any normal-sized rack because of its full-length shaft (a perfect match for the Garage Series Squat Rack with Pull-up Bar!).

While shorter in length, this barbell can still provide you with some real-deal strength in a smaller space. It’s loaded with 4 bronze bushings for a predictable, smooth spin, and covered in matte chrome for an awesome feel in your hands and ultra-high corrosion resistance. If you’re in a small space and trying to get some gains, this is your barbell.

Not all of these items are necessary to have all in one place, unless you’ve got the space for it. These items can be paired together, used on their own, or all together for an awesome, gains-worthy set-up in a small space. Don’t let your lack of space keep you from massive gains. You just need to be a little bit creative with the pieces you invest in!

If you’re interested in outfitting your small space, let us help! Send us an email at team@fringesport.com and we can get you set up with the perfect equipment for your space.

As always, lift heavy, lift happy :)