The Best Compact Exercise Equipment (2026): Our Favorite Home Gym Gear for Small Spaces

At a Glance 

• Adjustable dumbbells that range from 5 to 60 lbs
• Protected by a lifetime warranty for home use
• Drop-tested for durability
• High-quality knurled handle

If you live in a small space, you can’t have 10 pairs of dumbbells eating up your home gym wall. Sure, they’re great for a total body workout with minimal equipment, but they take up space, nonetheless. Getting a pair of the best adjustable dumbbells means having multiple pairs of weights in just two silhouettes.

A pair of the REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells is only slightly bigger than a shoe box and provides the same amount of weight options as an entire rack of traditional fixed dumbbells. You get eight weights from 5 to 60 pounds for plenty of versatility. They’re built to last, too, earning 5 out of 5 for durability. 

Construction: 5/5

Adjustment Speed: 5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Why We Like The REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells

We love the knurled handle design of these Quickdraw adjustable dumbbells, which feels similar to what you’d find on a commercial gym barbell or dumbbell. Overall, the handle earned 4 out of 5 stars during our testing. 

“The knurling feels really nice in the hands,” says Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC. “It is slightly passive, so it doesn’t feel like you are going to tear your hands up with dynamic movements like the snatch.”

Some of our prior picks for the best dumbbell set for small spaces, such as the iconic Powerblock adjustable dumbbells, didn’t feel like traditional dumbbells. Others, like the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells, couldn’t be dropped due to the large amount of plastic contained within the profile. That’s all to say that these REP adjustable dumbbells are some of the best-built adjustable dumbbells we’ve ever seen.

In our testing, we also found it very easy to adjust the weights. You simply place the dumbbells in their cradle and turn the handle to your desired weight total, which helps these dumbbells earn 5 out of 5 stars for adjustment speed. Lindsay adds, “I like the locking method and the ‘click’ you hear when adjusting weights.”

Alternatives

The main callout we have is the weight limit. Some users may never need 60-pound dumbbells, which is perfectly fine, but for many advanced fitness enthusiasts, this simply isn’t enough resistance, so we only gave the dumbbells 3 out of 5 stars for weight options. 

GGR founder Coop Mitchell also told me that the cradle is plastic and doesn’t seem as durable as the dumbbells themselves. As such, you’ll need to be careful when re-racking your weights.

If dumbbells aren’t your thing, and you prefer cable workouts, you might want to consider the Tonal 2 instead. It’s not cheap, but it’s an all-in-one solution for gym owners who are running low on space.

Testing Breakdown

The REP Quickdraw Dumbbells scored highly in nearly every category, but only received a 3 out of 5 for weight options since the maximum weight of 60 pounds may be too light for some users. 

Vs. The Average

The REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells are significantly more affordable than the average home gym equipment, while offering a lifetime warranty and plenty of versatility. Below are how these space-saving free weights compare to other adjustable dumbbells we’ve trialed.

For more, be sure to read our in-depth REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells review.

At a Glance 

• One of the most durable rowers we’ve ever seen
• Lightweight frame with vertical storage options
• Above-average weight capacity
• The data screen is very basic

Generally speaking, the best rowing machines aren’t really compact. They are often around 6 to 7 feet long at a minimum. However, you can find foldable rowing machines and those that store upright, like Concept2 RowErg. While it doesn’t fold, it does allow for vertical storage. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight, so moving it around is easy. We give 5 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.

Construction & Durability: 5/5

Footprint & Portability: 5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Concept2 RowErg

The first thing to love about the Concept2 rower is the durability, which earns 5 out of 5 stars. It used to be the official rower of the CrossFit Games before Rogue launched its own rowing machine, which speaks to the rower’s construction and resiliency. 

Former GGR Senior Director of Content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, has owned this rower for years and hasn’t had any issues. 

“I’ve owned a Concept2 for more than five years, and it still works as well as it did on day one,” Kate told me. “Since I bought it, I’ve lived in a small apartment and then moved into a small house, where I kept it in my living room until I built a garage gym.”

The monitor on the Concept2 RowErg is incredibly easy to use, spitting out all the metrics you need. You can rotate through different screen views, as well, for a display that matches your training preferences and areas of focus. I love that you can choose a preset program or even customize a session to count down calories, meters, or time (watching the meters tick off a 5K row is so satisfying).

Overall, the Concept2 rower earns 4 out of 5 stars for tech capabilities. 

Alternatives

Without question, this is one of the best rowers on the market, but it’s not perfect. The display shows all your key workout metrics, but it’s a small screen and lacks the live classes and games available on other rowers with larger HD consoles. As a result, it earns only 3 out of 5 stars for dynamic programming. 

Lindsay Scheele, the face of our Garage Gym Reviews Everything channel, also noted that it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing rower, which may be important for some. 

“There are plenty of rowers on the market today that look really sleek and almost artistic, like the Ergatta or Hydrow Wave,” she explains. “The Concept2 looks like something you’d find in a gym.”

It’s also worth noting that the Concept2 can be pretty loud compared to magnetic rowers thanks to the air-resistance flywheel. This may not be a big deal for everyone, but if you have roommates or share a wall with neighbors, they may not appreciate the noise. 

If you’re looking for a cardio machine that offers more in the way of entertainment and virtual classes, we recommend the NordicTrack X24 upright bike, which has a beautiful 24” screen and plenty of streamable workout modules. 

Testing Breakdown

The Concept2 RowErg received higher-than-average scores in every category except dynamic programming, since it doesn’t offer any streamable media or live classes.

Vs. The Average

The Concept2 RowErg has a larger footprint than your average rower, but it’s lightweight and easy to store upright, which saves a significant amount of space.

Learn more in our comprehensive Concept2 RowErg review.

At a Glance 

• Above-average weight capacity
• Offers both incline and decline settings
• Features a 24” pivoting HD touchscreen 
• Somewhat expensive

Stationary bikes are generally among the most compact cardio equipment. By nature, they are smaller than ellipticals and treadmills, making them a great choice for any home or garage gym. While there are plenty to choose from (we’ve tested over 50), the NordicTrack X24 Bike has a compact footprint that only takes up 8.54 square feet of space, and the built-in front transport wheels make it easy to move around. 

It also has a high customer review score of 4.6 out of 5, and it’s our pick for the best compact exercise bike.

Construction: 4.5/5

Tech Capabilities: 5/5

Ergonomics: 4.5/5

Why We Like the NordicTrack X24 Bike

While exercise bikes come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, the X24 is the best choice for anyone who can make it fit their budget. We’ll start with the iFIT-powered dynamic programming, which earns 5 out of 5 stars. 

With an active subscription, you can access over 10,000 classes led by expert trainers, and the bike automatically adjusts your resistance and incline settings based on the onscreen instructions. Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, adds, “This handles like a dream and has an incline and decline that moves seamlessly during your workouts.”

Lindsay was also very impressed with the bike’s adjustability and ergonomics, which earned it 4.5 out of 5 stars for the category. It’s one of the few bikes that offer both incline and decline settings, which help simulate the feeling of real-world cycling.

“It felt so much more like a true outdoor cycling experience,” Lindsay told me. “When it was on the 10% decline, I felt like I was completely leaning forward going down a big hill.”

Alternatives

While we love the X24, we have two callouts:

The first and most obvious is the price: This bike costs $2,799. It’s in the same ballpark as other high-end bikes like Peloton, but it’s far from cheap. We think it’s worth it, though, and give it 4 out of 5 stars for value. However, if you’re not interested in spending nearly $3,000 on an exercise bike, we’ve tested and recommend plenty of budget exercise bikes, as well.

The second issue is the weight. While the footprint is reasonable, the bike itself is fairly heavy at 205 pounds, so we only give it 3 out of 5 stars for portability. Lindsay says, “Most fit, able-bodied individuals should be able to move it around, though older people or those with mobility issues may need assistance getting it from one room to another.”

For a more affordable way to enjoy your cardio with streamable entertainment, we suggest checking out the Bowflex Max Trainer M6.

Testing Breakdown

The X24 bike received high scores in nearly every category, though we only gave it an average 3-out-of-5 rating for portability due to its weight. 

Vs. The Average

The X24 is significantly more expensive than the average compact home gym equipment, but we still think it’s well worth it if you have the money. Here are some more comparable specs adjacent your average exercise bike.

To read more, be sure to check out our in-depth NordicTrack X24 Bike review.

At a Glance 

• Wall-mounted digital home gym
• 250 lbs of resistance
• Very durable compared to the original Tonal
• Below-average warranty

If you’re tight on space, the Tonal 2 may be the only thing you need for a complete workout. This wall-mounted gym offers digital resistance via two adjustable cable arms and includes powerful software that guides you through workouts and adjusts your resistance as needed. 

It earns a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability, making it our top pick for the best compact home gym. When the arms are folded away, its slim, next-to-nothing profile conveniently keeps floor space open, making it a versatile and compact option for home gym owners.

Construction: 4.5/5

Smart Features: 5/5

Footprint & Portability: 4.5/5

Why We Like Tonal 2

The Tonal 2 is one of the most comprehensive home gyms we’ve seen, offering virtual coaching, progressive overload, and plenty of data tracking. You can train nearly any muscle group in your body with the Tonal 2, and as long as you don’t mind using cables (which we love), you don’t need anything else to get a complete workout. 

It can do just about anything, which is why it earns 4 out of 5 stars for versatility from GGR founder and home gym expert, Cooper “Coop” Mitchell. He said, “It’s basically made to be an all-in-one smart home gym, so you pretty much wouldn’t need anything else.”

Each arm provides 125 pounds of digital resistance, so when both arms are used together, the machine reaches a maximum of 250 pounds. However, it often feels like much more weight due to the spotter, chain, and eccentric modes, which can adjust resistance as you move through each rep.

“Also, digital resistance feels heavier than free weights because there’s no momentum,” Coop told me. “That consistent resistance makes 250 pounds more than enough for most people.”

It provides plenty to love and enough resistance for most users, which is why we give it 4 out of 5 stars for value. Even though it’s expensive, we feel it offers fantastic value with its durable cables, built-in coaching, and exceptional versatility, so it’s worthy of the high price tag.

Alternatives

One interesting callout is the construction of the Tonal 2. While we loved the original, many users experienced issues with the cable system. Tonal 2 has upgraded the system with 75% stronger cables, which we appreciate, but they’ve changed from aluminum to nylon pulleys. 

This provides better longevity, so we still give this machine 4.5 out of 5 stars for durability, but the nylon pulleys aren’t as smooth and don’t have as much of a premium feel.

The Tonal 2 is also very expensive at $4,295. You won’t need anything else, but it’s far from cheap. You’ll also need an active membership to use all of the features, which costs $59.95 per month. 

If you don’t want or need cable resistance, you can save a lot of money and still get a great full-body workout with adjustable dumbbells. We recommend the REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells for such needs.

Testing Breakdown

The Tonal 2 received above-average scores in every testing category we used. 

Vs. The Average

Compared to the average home gym (compact or otherwise), Tonal 2 is significantly more expensive, but we feel it’s well worth it given the available programming and cabled resistance. 

For more information on our experiences with Tonal’s original iteration, be sure to check out our Tonal Smart Home Gym review.

At a Glance 

• Foldable, wall-mounted rack
• Uses standard 3” x 3” uprights
• 10-year warranty
• Small footprint, but not very portable once installed

If you’re interested in strength training with a barbell, a good squat rack is a must-have, and we recommend the PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack for anyone tight on space. You’ll need to mount it to a sturdy wall, but once installed, the squat rack can be folded away to regain space post-training. This would be a great choice for a garage, as well, since you can fold it up to park your car, if needed. Accordingly, it earns 5 out of 5 stars for its footprint. 

Durability: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Footprint: 5/5

Why We Like the PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack

This isn’t the only foldable squat rack on the market, but it’s the best one we’ve tested. It takes up very little space when stored, it’s durable, and it uses 3-inch by 3-inch uprights, the most common sizing, which means it’s compatible with plenty of third-party power rack attachments. This helps the rack earn 4 out of 5 stars for versatility. 

GGR founder Coop Mitchell also gave it 5 out of 5 stars for both stability and durability, saying, “Whether my dainty wife or 300-pound friend is using it, they enjoy the same rock-solid experience.” The rack has a 1,000-pound weight capacity, which is more than most gym owners will ever put on a barbell, which speaks to its exceptional durability, as well. 

When folded up and stored against the wall, the PRx Profile PRO rack only has 12 inches of depth, which means you’ll only lose a foot of wall space where your rack is installed. Even though it’s not very portable, it takes up very little space.

Alternatives

While we love the PRx Profile PRO, it’s not for everyone. Since it needs to be mounted to a wall, you won’t be able to easily move it, so for folks who need something more portable, a standalone half-rack or squat stand may be better. 

Coop also pointed out that PRx uses 0.625-inch holes on the uprights, which he’s not a fan of. The company claims it offers plenty of durable accessories, but Coop isn’t a fan. “This allows users to choose from a lot more holes, but the downside is that 1-inch holes allow for much stronger attachments, and my favorite attachments, like the leg roller, require 1-inch holes.”

At $1,099, it’s also somewhat expensive compared to other half-racks. You’re paying for the folding technology, and we think it’s well worth the cost, giving it 4 out of 5 for value, but those on a budget can find more affordable options. 

If you like the idea of a wall-mounted unit but don’t have the space or desire for a rack, the Tonal 2 is another good option capable of supporting a full-body workout. 

Testing Breakdown

The PRx Profile PRO Rack received above-average scores in nearly every category. The only area that received less than 4 out of 5 stars was delivery and assembly, simply because it requires wall-mounting. 

Vs. The Average

This rack is cheaper than the average piece of home gym equipment in this guide, though it has a larger overall footprint as it’s a tall power rack. Here’s how it compares to your typical squat rack:

For more, read our full PRx Profile Squat Rack review.

At a Glance 

• Cushioned running deck
• Incline is adjustable up to 12%
• Completely flat when folded
• Waterfall design allows you to take longer strides

While there are many folding treadmills to choose from these days, few lie completely flat when folded, so they still take up quite a bit of space. The Echelon Stride 6s-10, on the other hand, folds for either vertical or horizontal storage, allowing it to be easily stowed away under a bed or behind a couch when not in use. 

This near-flat orientation makes for one of the most compact footprints we’ve seen in testing, which is why we chose the 6s-10 as the best compact treadmill. Accordingly, it earns 5 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.

Delivery & Setup: 5/5

Dynamic Programming: 4/5

Footprint & Portability: 5/5

Why We Like the Echelon Stride 6s-10

We love many of the features of Echelon’s Stride 6s-10 treadmill, especially for those looking to save space. The first feature to point out is the waterfall design on the front of the treadmill. While most treadmills have a plastic hood that covers the motor bay, this one is completely open, which means you can take longer strides forward without worrying about stepping on any important components. 

We love this design choice and give the treadmill 4 out of 5 stars for construction and durability. Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, adds, “If you have a long stride, it’s definitely worth looking into, because you can essentially stretch out like a gazelle.

It’s also easy to assemble, according to Lindsay, who gave it 5 out of 5 stars for delivery and setup. She told me, “This is actually a very easy machine to assemble that takes one person less than 30 minutes, and the handlebars fold down, which makes it more space-saving for easy storage.”

The 6s-10 also features a 10-inch HD touchscreen that allows users to enjoy trainer-led workouts, scenic rides, and more. It earns 4 out of 5 stars for dynamic programming. 

Alternatives

One small issue we had with this treadmill was the cushioning. It’s certainly comfortable and supportive enough for walking, but running may cause some aches and pains for those who aren’t used to training on hard surfaces. 

“I’m not sure how well it would do with heavier users running, but walking should be fine. It’s not the most cushioned deck I’ve used,” says Lindsay. “The deck feels much closer to running on the road.”

As such, we docked a couple of points and gave it 3 out of 5 stars for adjustability and ergonomics. 

We also found that the 10” HD touchscreen is a little small and hard to see while running. It’s a nice feature to have, but it’s smaller than many alternatives, and you have to look down to see the screen. This is fine while walking, but it doesn’t feel great if you’re trying to run. 

If you prefer low-impact cardio, the space-saving Concept2 RowErg may be a better choice. 

Testing Breakdown

While this received high scores in many categories, the cushioning is pretty average, and while the screen offers streamable programming, it’s a little small and hard to see.

Vs. The Average

The Echelon Stride 6s-10 has a higher-than-average price and footprint, but it’s one of the most compact treadmills we’ve tested that’s not a simplified walking pad.

To learn more about this compact powerhouse, be sure to read our in-depth Echelon Stride 6s-10 review.

At a Glance 

• Features a cowbell shape
• Adjustable via selector pins
• Two weight options available
• Only three weight options per kettlebell

A kettlebell is a versatile tool that allows you to perform either strength exercises, conditioning exercises, or both, and adjustable kettlebells are typically the best choice for compact home gyms. Compared to having multiple kettlebells at a variety of weights, the PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebells offer three different weights for each kettlebell, and earn 4.5 out of 5 stars for the weight range.

We also appreciate the durable steel construction and the secure pin-style adjustment mechanism, which allows you to adjust the weight between exercises with ease. 

Construction: 5/5

Shape: 4/5

Handle: 5/5

Why We Like the PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell

The first feature to highlight is the unique shape of the PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell. While most kettlebells are shaped like a cannonball, these feature a more squared-off design that looks something like a large cowbell. 

Our expert product tester was a fan of the silhouette, saying, “Most kettlebells are spherical, whereas this is relatively flat, making it more comfortable to rest on an arm or shoulder when performing certain exercises.”

We give this kettlebell 5 out of 5 stars for the handle, and 4 out of 5 stars for the shape. We like it, but some may prefer the traditional kettlebell profile to better accommodate the rack position or other exercises. 

The PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell uses a selector pin to change the weights, so you won’t need any additional tools to disassemble your bell and change the working total. GGR founder Cooper Mitchell told me, “It’s quick to change increments, and the pin is magnetic, which is a nice touch.”

Alternatives

While we love the shape, we know that some users won’t want to use a flat kettlebell, and instead stick with the classic rounded geometry. If you’re used to traditional kettlebell exercises, this one may take some getting used to. 

Coop also noticed that the weight increment stickers tend to peel off over time, which he found to be annoying. Because of this, we docked a point from the durability rating, giving it 4 out of 5 stars. 

If you’re not interested in kettlebell training, but like the idea of adjustable free weights, you might want to choose the REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells instead.

Testing Breakdown

This kettlebell scored highly in most categories and received good customer reviews, but it’s a little pricey compared to other options. 

Vs. The Average

Even though it’s expensive for a kettlebell, this product is significantly more affordable than most of the equipment on this list, making it a great choice for strength training enthusiasts shopping on a budget. 

Read our PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell review to learn more.

At a Glance 

• Offers flat, incline, and decline settings
• Very durable construction
• Supports up to 1,000 lbs
• Features a handle and transport wheels for portability

All the best workout benches are going to take up a fair amount of space (they do, after all, have to support a whole human), but the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2 makes the most of its profile by offering incline and decline adjustments, a commercial-grade back pad, and 11 lockout angles.

With a light frame and built-in wheels for easy transportation, we give this bench 5 out of 5 stars for portability.

Stability: 4/5

Construction: 3.5/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2

Coop Mitchell, founder of Garage Gym Reviews, has this adjustable bench in his own home gym and uses it often for dumbbell exercises, barbell bench press, and more. He loves the changes Ironmaster made between the first and second iterations, which include a handle for portability, laser-etched numbers for seat and pad adjustments, and a tapered pad profile.

The biggest reason we love this bench, besides its attachments (which we’ll get to in a second), is just how sturdy it is. You can lift some serious weight on this thing and not feel it wobble at all. It has a 1,000-pound weight capacity when flat and a 600-pound limit when used as an incline bench, so unless you’re Tom Stoltman or Larry Wheels, that should be more than enough for your lifting needs. Overall, this bench earns 4 out of 5 stars for stability.

“The frame mixes 11- and 12-gauge steel,” Coop says. “I’d prefer 11-gauge throughout, but the mix does lighten the overall weight of the bench.”

This is also one of the few benches that’s compatible with a wide variety of attachments, including crunch attachments, a dip bar, a chin-up bar, a leg attachment, and much more. We give it 5 out of 5 stars for attachments.

Alternatives

Our one big beef with this weight bench is that the detachable seat is at a 90-degree angle at all times and can’t be adjusted. You can remove the seat for a completely flat surface, but if you’re using the bench at various inclines, you’re unable to adjust the angle of the seat, too. The back pad is also 10.5 inches in width, when the industry standard is closer to 11.5 or 12 inches, so it may not be the best pick for bigger lifters.

Coop noted that he wished the padding felt better too, and says, “Although I like the shape of the pad, the foam and vinyl is still not there for me, especially when so many other benches use materials that feel better.”

The positives do outweigh the negatives for us when speaking to the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2, but the lightweight design sacrifices a little bit of quality, as it mixes 11- and 12-gauge steel, which is why we only give it 3.5 out of 5 stars for construction and durability. 

If you’ve already got your strength covered and need to focus on your cardio, the NordicTrack X24 Bike is an excellent choice for home gym owners.

Testing Breakdown

This bench scored highly in nearly every category, but received only slightly above-average scores for construction and durability due to the mixed steel gauges. 

Vs. The Average

The bench is less than half the average cost of the gear that made this list, and an excellent choice for anyone who doesn’t already own a weight bench.

Learn more in our Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2 review.

At a Glance 

• Feels like a hybrid between a stairclimber and elliptical
• Very compact footprint
• Below-average warranty
• No built-in touchscreen

For low-impact cardio training (and a high-intensity glute workout), the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is one of the best options for small spaces.

Whereas most of the best ellipticals are around 7 to 8 feet long, this is just under 4 feet in length because it’s vertically oriented, which saves you substantial space and helps it earn 4.5 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.

Construction: 4.5/5

Footprint & Portability: 4.5/5

Ergonomics: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Bowflex Max Trainer M6

Even though this looks like an elliptical, it’s significantly lighter and more portable than most traditional machines. 

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, notes that while it isn’t a lightweight machine, most fit individuals should be able to move it around. It has front transport wheels that allow you to tilt it and wheel it wherever you need it to go. 

Due to its compact nature, this functions more like a vertical climber than an elliptical. Instead of long, running-like strides, the pedals glide in much more of an up-and-down motion, and it earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for ergonomics. 

It’s also challenging, according to Linsday Scheele, CPT, who told me, “This isn’t your typical elliptical; it’s more of a hybrid between a stair stepper and an elliptical. Even the first resistance level kind of kicked my butt, and I consider myself in decent shape.”

As far as workouts go, the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is compatible with the JRNY app, though you need to stream the classes through your own device. You get a two-month free trial with your purchase, unlocking access to literally thousands of on-demand workouts. It earns 4 out of 5 stars for dynamic programming.

Alternatives

We love this elliptical, especially for the price, but we have some concerns about its durability. It doesn’t feel shaky when in use, but Lindsay says, “It is made with a lot of plastic components, which usually raises concerns about long-term durability.”

This wouldn’t be a major concern if it weren’t for the limited warranty, which is only two years. At this price point, we’d expect a longer warranty period, so we only gave this 3.5 out of 5 stars for its warranty.

If you don’t want such a challenging, vertical workout, we also love and recommend the Echelon Stride 6s-10 for small spaces.

Testing Breakdown

This machine received above-average scores in most categories, but we wish the warranty were better.

Vs. The Average

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is priced right around the average cost of the equipment on this list and identical to your typical elliptical machine, although it offers below-average warranty coverage.

If you want to learn more, be sure to read our full Bowflex Max Trainer M6 review.

At a Glance 

• Made of natural latex material
• 6 available resistance levels
• Affordably priced
• Includes lifetime warranty

Quality space-saving exercise equipment is often gear you can use in multiple ways, and nothing offers more versatility and portability than resistance bands. After testing out the best resistance bands, we like Living.Fit Resistance Bands for their value and unrivaled workout potential. They’re also very durable and are protected by a lifetime warranty, helping them earn 5 out of 5 stars for the materials.

Resistance: 4/5

Materials: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like Living.Fit Resistance Bands

The first reason we love these budget-friendly bands is the affordable price that still offers fantastic durability and materials. The complete set has a suggested retail price of $128.94, which isn’t exactly cheap, but they’re extremely durable and have a lifetime warranty, so they’re the last resistance bands you’ll ever need to buy. We’ve also often seen the bands on sale for a significantly lower price, so you may not have to pay the full retail cost.

Multiple options are also available for ordering in sets, so you can pick and choose based on which bands you need, and you can add a door anchor for $5.99 to increase the number of moves you can do with the bands. 

Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, was also impressed with the value, saying, “Overall, they’re a good price, especially when you buy the set. They’re about half the cost of more expensive bands.” As such, we give these bands 4 out of 5 stars for value. 

In addition to the reasonable price, they’re very high-quality, as well. Former GGR Senior Director of Content and expert product tester Kate Meier said they reminded her of the Rogue Monster bands, albeit with one exception. “They’re not as chalky,” she notes. “You can definitely tell they’re high-quality.”

We also appreciate the variety of ordering options. You can choose from multiple set options that vary in the resistance levels they include, or order in double sets if you want two of each band. These bands earn 5 out of 5 stars for optionality. 

If you’re worried about missing out on any gains, don’t be. Research shows¹ that training with elastic resistance can provide similar strength improvement to traditional resistance training.

Alternatives

While we think these are great bands, Lindsay told me that they feel a little stiffer than other bands she’s used in previous training sessions.

“When you compare the resistance on these bands to other brand-new bands that state the same resistance, the Living.Fit options seem to provide more resistance and less give,” she explained. “This might be something people like, but for me, I felt like they were just a touch too restrictive for some movements, even with the lightest band.”

The only other drawback, which is true for any type of resistance band, is that they don’t provide as much resistance as traditional free weights, and the feel is different. We love bands, but some may prefer the feel of traditional resistance training. 

Unfortunately, the bands are also made of latex, which may cause issues for any athletes with latex allergies. Many resistance bands are made of natural latex, so this isn’t unique to Living.Fit, but it’s worth pointing out.

If bands aren’t your thing, the PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell is another affordable, versatile, and compact option for resistance training.

Testing Breakdown

These are some of the best bands we’ve ever tested, and they received high marks across the board. 

Vs. The Average

These bands are more expensive than other resistance bands but offer a lifetime warranty.

To learn more, be sure to read our full Living.Fit Resistance Bands review.