Frequent travel and a busy schedule can make reaching your fitness goals feel impossible. Fortunately, portable gym equipment is a great way to help you stay active anywhere, anytime. It's also an excellent way to diversify your exercise routine. If you already have some equipment, like a compact cardio machine, you can work on strength and resistance with a portable home gym.
Portable home gyms are easy to take on the road or use at home, and they require very little space. Some systems can integrate with your favorite workout app, and the best portable gym will be there for you when you need it, no matter your lifestyle or schedule. Here at ACTIVE.com, we've selected our top five portable gyms to help you conquer your fitness goals.
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The Best Portable Gym - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Portable Gym: TRX Sweat System
- Best Budget Portable Gym: Fusion Motion Portable Gym
- Best Portable Resistance Gym: OYO Personal Gym
- Best Compact Portable Gym: TRX Home2 System
- Best Quality Portable Gym: TRX Rip Trainer
Best Overall Portable Gym - TRX Sweat System
SPECS
- Weight: 1.10 lbs.
- Features: Capacity 700+ lbs., focuses on 7 foundational movements, mesh carry bag
The TRX Sweat system is an all-in-one training system that you can take anywhere. It leverages your body weight for seven foundational movements to create a powerful full-body workout. It suits a variety of training needs, from strength to cardio, recovery to core training.
The nylon straps are made to last, and the foam handles are comfortable and easy to grip. At just 1.10 pounds, this portable home gym won't weigh you down, and it comes with a mesh carry bag for convenient transport. It comes with a strong suspension and door anchor, so it can be used indoors or outdoors. If you need a place to start, there are six workouts included.
What We Like
- Weighs just 1.10 lbs.
- Focuses on the seven foundational movements
- Weight capacity is 700+ lbs.
- Suits a variety of needs and goals
- Quick set-up
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't include resistance bands
- App offered but at an additional cost
Best Budget Portable Gym - Fusion Motion Portable Gym
SPECS
- Weight: 14.19 lbs.
- Features: Folding base with carrying handle, bar and resistance bands for a full-body workout
If you have a limited budget, the Fusion Motion Portable Gym is our wallet-friendly choice. Similar to adjustable kettlebells, you can use this gym to sculpt and tone your upper and lower body. The eight different attachments, including tension elastics, can add resistance to simulate lifting weights. It also comes with handlebars, a core wheel, and other accessories you can attach to the base.
This portable home gym is sturdy enough to handle heavy resistance bands, making it a great option if you want to build strength. It weighs around 14 pounds, which may be too much for some to transport. However, you can lighten the load by leaving the base behind and just using the door anchor with the accessories.
What We Like
- Bag included for easy transport
- Detailed guide with 200 exercises
- Great for beginners or advanced trainers
- Resistance bands simulate lifting weights and build muscle
What We Don't Like
- Heavy
- Push-up bars don't have a foam grip
BUY: Fusion Motion Portable Gym
Best Portable Resistance Gym - OYO Personal Gym
SPECS
- Weight: 2 lbs.
- Features: Up to 25 lbs. of resistance, 3-year warranty, free access to 60 workout videos, 197 exercise videos, and a nutrition guide
The OYO Personal Gym offers up to 25 pounds of resistance in each hand, yet remains extremely portable. Weighing just two pounds, it folds in half so you can easily fit it in a backpack or suitcase. It comes with a variety of FlexPacks that let you choose your level of resistance, starting at just five pounds.
With the included ankle and door attachment, you can work out each muscle group in your upper and lower body. The handles are round and coated to prevent the grip from slipping. The heavy-duty polymer construction and nylon-coated steel cables make this portable home gym durable and long-lasting. We also love that OYO includes a three-year warranty and 60 online workout videos to help you get started.
What We Like
- 5–25 lbs. of resistance is great for beginners or intermediate trainers
- Includes 60 online workout videos, a 10-week challenge, and a PDF nutrition guide
- Leg and door attachments
- Lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Round grips may be hard for some users to hold
- Doesn't include a travel bag
Best Compact Portable Gym - TRX Home2 System
SPECS
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Features: Builds strength, cardio, and mobility; includes adjustable resistance, door and suspension anchor, mesh carry bag
At 1.5 pounds, you can take the TRX Home2 System anywhere and set it up in seconds. A carabiner clip secures the door and suspension anchor, and the locking loop keeps the straps even throughout your workout. You can adjust the strap heights to allow a variety of movements, as well as increase or decrease the difficulty of each exercise. The nylon straps are durable and the foam handles stay comfortable throughout your workouts.
With the TRX Home2 System, you get access to the TRX Training Club app, which has some valuable resources. However, you'll need to subscribe after the 30-day free trial if you want to keep using it. If you're new to using a suspension trainer, there are plenty of videos on YouTube to guide you.
What We Like
- Made with high-quality, durable materials
- Very light and portable
- Mesh carry bag included
- 2-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- App offered but at an additional cost
Best Quality Portable Gym - TRX Rip Trainer
SPECS
- Weight: 20 lbs.
- Features: Band-based bodyweight training system, up to 20 lbs. resistance, safety strap, door anchor, mesh carry bag
The TRX Rip Trainer is the heaviest portable home gym we've mentioned. Why so heavy? Because it includes a bar to help you build rotational strength, speed, and power. This is an excellent option if you're trying to build the core strength necessary to support sports performance and life’s physical challenges. This trainer can be used in any room with a solid, sturdy door. It can also be mounted outside to a secure anchor like a thick tree branch.
The bar is a two-piece weighted baton with a comfortable rubber grip. It comes with a medium-resistance bungee cord that offers resistance up to 20 pounds. The safety strap attaches to your body to prevent you from losing the bar during training. This portable gym comes with an instructional guide to help with setup and workout suggestions. The bar can be dismantled and transported using the mesh carry bag.
What We Like
- Bar has rubber grips to prevent slipping
- Safety strap prevents you from losing the bar
- Carry bag included
- Up to 20 lbs. of resistance
- Strength-focused
What We Don't Like
- Heavy
- Reviews mention the instructional guide isn't impressive
- Expensive
What to Look for in a Portable Gym
Weight
When considering the weight of a portable home gym, think about your lifestyle. If you're on the road and you can store items in your car, you might not mind a more heavy option. If you're constantly flying or need to keep it in your backpack, a lightweight option will be ideal.
Features
Keep in mind your goals and fitness level when you're considering which features you want in a portable home gym. If you want to build strength and muscular endurance, a portable home gym that offers resistance is a good choice. Suspension trainers are also great for building endurance, and they can also help develop your mobility.
Some portable gyms need to anchor to something sturdy like a door or post, while others don't need to be anchored to anything. Your portable gym should allow you to target different muscle groups for a full-body workout. If you're a beginner, we recommend choosing one that comes with a guide or an app to inspire workout ideas and show you proper form.
FAQs About Portable Gyms
Is a portable gym worth it?
Absolutely. A portable home gym allows you to prioritize your fitness no matter your lifestyle.
What equipment do I need for my portable gym?
Your portable gym equipment should come with everything you need for a full-body workout.
How much should I spend on a portable gym?
That depends on your budget and personal goals. Many great options on the market vary in price and features, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one that works for you.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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