You want to work out at home, but your apartment has about as much storage space as a shoebox. The good news? You don’t need a spare room or garage to build a functional home gym.
Foldable gym equipment lets you get a solid workout and then tuck everything away when you’re done. No tripping over dumbbells, no weights permanently living in your hallway, and no sacrificing your entire living room to fitness equipment.
Here are seven fold-away picks that actually fit in a closet — and won’t make you regret your space-saving goals.
1. Foldable Weight Bench
A weight bench opens up your workout options — chest press, rows, step-ups, tricep dips — but standard benches take up a lot of floor space. Foldable weight benches collapse flat and slide right under your bed or into a closet when you’re done.
Look for one with multiple incline positions so you can hit different muscle groups. Most foldable benches hold 600-800 lbs, which is more than enough for most home workouts. The Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max is a solid pick with 12 adjustable positions and a steel frame that folds down to about 10 inches thick.
Pro tip: Test the folding mechanism before you buy. Some benches have finicky pins or awkward latches that turn into a hassle after the first few uses.
2. Folding Treadmill
Running outside isn’t always an option — weather, safety, or just not feeling it. Folding treadmills give you cardio on demand without eating up half your apartment.
Modern folding treadmills aren’t the flimsy things they used to be. The Horizon Fitness T101 has Bluetooth connectivity and folds up vertically against a wall. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a step up with a larger running belt and more incline options, though it’s pricier. Both fold to less than a foot thick.
If you’re tight on budget, look for models with hydraulic-assist folding — they make it easier to lift and lower without straining your back.
Pro tip: Measure your closet height before you buy. Some folding treadmills are 6+ feet tall when stored upright.
3. Wall-Mounted Folding Squat Rack
If you’re serious about strength training but live in a small space, a wall-mounted folding squat rack is a game-changer. These racks mount to your wall studs and fold flat when not in use — usually less than 5 inches from the wall.
PRx Performance makes racks that fold away completely and can handle serious weight (up to 1,000 lbs depending on the model). Rogue Fitness also offers wall-mounted options with similar specs. Yes, they require installation, but if you own your place or have a landlord-friendly setup, they’re worth it.
Pro tip: Make sure you’re mounting to wall studs, not drywall. These racks need solid anchoring to stay safe under heavy loads.
4. Resistance Bands (With Door Anchor)
Resistance bands are the ultimate foldable gym equipment — they literally fit in a drawer. Add a door anchor, and you can replicate cable machine exercises like lat pulldowns, chest flys, and tricep extensions.
A good resistance band set costs $20-$50 and gives you a full-body workout. When you’re done, roll them up and toss them in a basket or hang them on a hook. If you’re debating between bands and other foldable equipment, our comparison of resistance bands vs. dumbbells for small spaces breaks down which works best for different goals.
Pro tip: Get bands with handles and a door anchor. Loop-style bands are great for stretching, but handled bands are better for strength training.
5. Foldable Exercise Bike
Stationary bikes are great for low-impact cardio, but full-sized bikes are bulky. Foldable exercise bikes collapse to about half the size and usually come with wheels so you can roll them into a closet or corner.
The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is a popular budget option that folds in seconds and has adjustable resistance. If you want something more advanced, look for models with Bluetooth connectivity and app integration — but expect to pay more.
Pro tip: If you have downstairs neighbors, check the noise level. Some folding bikes have louder flywheels than others.
6. Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells aren’t technically “foldable,” but they collapse an entire rack of weights into one compact set. Instead of storing six pairs of dumbbells, you get one pair that adjusts from 5 to 50+ pounds.
Brands like Bowflex and PowerBlock make dumbbells that twist or slide to change weight. They take up about as much space as a shoebox and fit on a closet shelf or under a bed. For tips on maximizing storage for gym gear and other small-space essentials, check out our article on vertical storage hacks for small apartments.
Pro tip: Read reviews before buying. Some adjustable dumbbells feel clunky or have awkward weight distribution compared to traditional dumbbells.
7. Folding Multi-Gym / Power Rack Combo
If you want an all-in-one solution, folding multi-gyms combine a squat rack, pull-up bar, cable system, and sometimes even a Smith machine — all in one foldable frame.
The Major Fitness F35 Foldable Power Rack and ALTAS STRENGTH 3101 both offer 80+ exercise options and fold against the wall when not in use. They’re pricier (usually $800-$1,500+), but if you’re committed to home workouts and have the wall space, they replace an entire gym.
Pro tip: These require wall mounting and take up more visual space than smaller equipment. Make sure you have the room and permission before committing.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Space: Measure your closet, under-bed clearance, or wall space before ordering. “Foldable” doesn’t always mean “fits anywhere.”
Weight capacity: Check the max weight limit, especially for benches and racks. If you’re lifting heavy, don’t cheap out on durability.
Ease of folding: If folding and unfolding your equipment feels like a workout on its own, you’ll stop using it. Look for smooth mechanisms and simple latches.
Portability: Some foldable equipment has wheels; some doesn’t. If you’ll be moving it around often, wheels matter.
Noise: Apartment dwellers need to think about downstairs neighbors. Treadmills, bikes, and dropping weights can be loud.
You don’t need a home gym that takes over your living room. With the right foldable equipment, you can work out whenever you want and reclaim your space the moment you’re done.
Start with one or two pieces that fit your goals and storage situation. The best home gym is the one you’ll actually use — and that starts with equipment that doesn’t make your apartment feel cramped.
And if you’re looking for more ways to maximize your small space, subscribe to our newsletter for weekly tips on compact living and clever storage solutions.
Quick Comparison: What Fits Where
Fits in a standard closet:
- Resistance bands (fits anywhere)
- Foldable weight bench (10″ thick when folded)
- Adjustable dumbbells (shoebox-sized)
Needs vertical wall space:
- Wall-mounted folding squat rack (5″ from wall)
- Folding multi-gym (6-12″ from wall)
- Folding treadmill stored upright (6+ feet tall)
Fits under a bed or couch:
- Resistance bands
- Yoga mat
- Some foldable weight benches (check clearance)
Needs a dedicated corner:
- Foldable exercise bike (even when folded)
- Larger folding treadmills
