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The Best Portable Exercise Equipment That'll Fit in Your Carry-on

These compact fitness powerhouses will help you stay active on your next trip.

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• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Going on a trip but want to stick to your fitness goals? No sweat. Portable exercise equipment — everything from resistance bands and foldable yoga mats to weighted vests — allows you to get in a good workout wherever you are.

These travel-friendly items will easily fit inside a carry-on without breaking size or weight restrictions , and yet they strengthen and tone your muscles just as well as (sometimes even better than) full-size equipment you’d find in a regular gym.

To help you determine which products are worth the weight, we researched and tested a list of portable exercise equipment, specifically looking for compact options that will work well for travel. We also incorporated several options that we’ve personally tested, including a travel yoga mat, a yoga towel, resistance bands, and a massage gun. We evaluated the equipment on several attributes, such as portability, performance, absorbency, and comfort. We’ve continued to use these items since testing wrapped to determine if their performance remains strong (read more about our testing process below).

Once you get to your destination, you’ll have no problem finding room to do the space-efficient exercises. Here are our picks for small but mighty items worthy of a purchase, from massage guns to ab equipment for serious muscle growth.

Best Travel Yoga Mat

Aeromat elite yoga pilates mat.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

This cushioned yoga mat offers luxe features at an inexpensive price.

We noticed a slight rubber smell during testing, which might bother sensitive noses.

If you’re a yogi who’s often on the move, keep up your yoga practice with the Aeromat Elite Yoga / Pilates Mat. During our tests, the sticky polyvinyl chloride fabric ensured that no sweaty feet or palms went sliding. And the built-in mesh has anti-stretch capability so the yoga mat moved with us as we flowed into different poses.

This yoga mat exceeded our cushioning needs by defying the notion that travel yoga mats are notoriously thin. It comes in two sizes: 5 millimeters and 6 millimeters, both of which offer ample comfort for sore joints or knees. Traveling yogis have the option of purchasing the mat with a harness or without. We recommend getting the harness since it makes it easy to sling around your shoulder if you don’t want to sacrifice valuable luggage space. The lightweight mat comes in several calming colors, such as sea glass green, dusty rose, and chai.

The Details: 3.6 pounds︱23.9 x 4.8 x 4.4 inches

Travel + Leisure / Cindy Erskin

Best Yoga Towel

Lululemon the towel.

• Absorbency 5 /5
• Design 5 /5

The strong grip keeps your body rooted to the mat so you’re free to flow from one pose to the next.

The edges could be more tailored to prevent fraying.

Yoga may be a relaxing activity, but that doesn’t mean you won’t work up a sweat. This Lululemon yoga towel with microfiber fabric prevents your mat from becoming a slip-and-slide. If you need more grip, such as during a restorative yoga class, simply spray more water overtop. When we added a decent amount of water to it, we did feel moisture seeping through, but it quickly dissipated into the material. We also didn’t experience any bunching.

The towel overlaps a standard size mat, so you can use it on larger mats or as a towel for your post-workout shower. When it’s time to pack it up, fold it into a tiny square or roll it like a yoga mat. After practice, we cleaned it in the washing machine and were pleased to discover that there were no signs of wear-and-tear or piling. The microfiber fabric remains baby-soft, perfect for laying on during Savasana. Yogis have three stylish colors to choose from: black, hail, or velvet dust.

The Details: 26 x 71 inches

Best Resistance Bands

Chareada resistance bands set.

• Quality 4.5 /5
• Versatility 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Grip 4.5 /5

The resistance tube and loop bands are durable enough to prevent breaks or rebound snaps.

The grips provide a no-slip hold, but certain hand positions can cause tenderness.

For a strength training workout that’s lightweight, portable, and doesn’t incur a monthly gym fee, don’t resist the pull of this resistance band set. The 23-pack combo pulls on the heartstrings of any fitness lover since it has high-quality stackable tube resistance bands and loop bands that provide up to 150 pounds and 40 pounds of weight, respectively.

We traveled with the kit for two weekends and loved the portability of being able to throw it in our bag and get a workout from wherever. We did everything from basic arm curls to fly exercises that work the back and pectoral muscles. The kit also comes with dual-sided sliders, door anchor weights, ankle straps, and an adjustable skipping rope for even more versatility. Within a week, we were already seeing noticeable definition in our arms and shoulders. We loved how much tighter our upper body felt from them after testing.

The Details: Silicone | ‎13.7 x 9.7 x 3.8 inches

Best Massage Gun

Therabody theragun mini.

• Effectiveness 5 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Stall Force 5 /5

It offers Bluetooth connectivity so you can access a library of workouts on the Therabody app even when you’re far from home.

The small size makes it difficult to target large areas, such as the back.

Small but powerful: that’s the best way to describe the Theragun Mini 2nd Generation. The ultra-light massage gun more than makes up for the previous version’s issues in size and portability by being 20 percent lighter and 30 percent smaller. Simply throw it into a gym bag or your luggage for on-the-spot muscle recovery via three powerful speeds and three attachments.

We liked how the ergonomic triangle shape and grip fit nicely into our palms during our tests. The portable size is best-suited to handle the needs of smaller muscle groups, such as the calves, hamstrings, arms, and forearms. And while it doesn’t go quite as deep into the muscle as the company’s larger versions, we were able to relax sore muscles once we pressed down hard enough during testing. Stall force never derailed our recovery. The device has 120-minute battery life, so you can probably leave the charging cable at home if you’re going away on a short trip. We appreciated the carrying case, which keeps the good vibes going by protecting your device.

The Details: 1.5 pounds | 7.9 x 5.9 x 2 inches

Best Yoga Block

Manduka cork yoga block.

The lightweight block takes up no more space than a toiletry bag.

Cork is more likely to stain than foam.

A Manduka block makes your on-the-go yoga setup even more effective. It’s made from coarse-grain cork, which is super compact and lightweight compared to wood, foam, and coarse-grain cork. The non-slip material keeps you stable and secure as it props you up and makes it easier to move deeper into poses. Consider it the ying to your yoga mat’s yang.

The Details: 2 pounds | 4 x 6 x 9 inches

Best for Abs

Vinsguir ab roller.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Quality/Comfort 4 /5
• Versatility 3.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

It has a thick base to keep your body balanced.

The handle isn’t as steady as similar options.

When crunches aren’t doing it for you, try this ab roller to strengthen your core. It tones the abdominal muscles by rolling your body into a plank and back. With a wheel that is 3.2 inches thick, this ab roller keeps you balanced and stable, and you can throw it in any carry-on or bag. There’s also a comfy knee pad to keep you rolling comfortably for years to come.

The Details: 1.4 pounds | 6.5 x 12 inches

Best for Weight Training

Bala bangles.

• Ease of Use 4.9 /5
• Fit/Comfort 5 /5
• Versatility 4.5 /5

They add an extra challenge to whatever workout you have going on that day.

One to two pounds of weight resistance may not be challenging enough for some.

For workout equipment that moves with you, you can’t go wrong with these Bala Bangles. Featured on Shark Tank, they’re as stylish as they are durable, made with only the highest-quality recycled steel and wrapped in baby-soft silicone. Don’t be surprised if people confuse them for actual bracelets!

The design is unisex and one-size-fits-all, so there’s something for everyone. Customize the bracelet to your personal style and fitness goals with the large selection of colors and choice of one to two pounds of weight resistance. Then, strap them on, and enjoy the extra challenge.

The Details: 1 to 2 pounds | 13.5 x 3.5 x .75 inches per bangle

Best for Leg Day

Vaunn folding pedal exerciser.

 Amazon

• Ease of Setup 4.5 /5
• Performance 3.5 /5
• Features 4 /5

This pedal exercise is an easy way to get your legs moving.

Some users find the pedal strap to be too big.

Friends never let friends skip leg day, so allow us to introduce you to the Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser. It only weighs 5.4 pounds ( much easier to transport than an actual exercise bike), and the design is compact enough to fit under most desks and tables. You can easily combine it with your daily activities, such as work meetings and TV-watching, or use it when you have time to kill at the airport.

The base is sturdy enough to prevent wobbling, so don’t be afraid to amp things up with the resistance knob. Since no tools are required, assembly is quick and easy, and the quick-release folding mechanism makes it simple to store everything between sweat sessions.

The Details: 5.4 pounds | 11.2 x 15.2 x 18.2 inches

Best for Total Body

Trx all-in-one suspension training fitness system.

This suspension training tool can be modified to fit every fitness level and can provide a thorough workout without the use of weights or dumbbells.

You have to pay for access to the TRX Training Club app after the 30-day free trial ends.

TRX (Total-Body Resistance Exercise) is a popular name in the world of fitness, and you don’t even have to go to an actual gym to use the equipment, or have access to a trainer. This highly-rated portable workout system uses the tried-and-true suspension training straps to provide you with a total body workout — no weights or dumbbells required. It’s lightweight at under two pounds, and it takes up hardly any space in a suitcase.

The whole kit is an incredible value that can be used in even the most modestly sized hotel rooms. It comes equipped with a door anchor, a suspension anchor, and a mesh bag to take with you on the go. Since TRX exercises require some guidance, the kit comes with a 35-page workout guide for routine ideas, and you can download the TRX Training Club app for a free 30-day trial of coach-led workouts.

The Details: 1.7 pounds | In package: 12.2 x 8.7 x 8.5 inches; Out of package: 53 x 1.5 x 6 inches

Best Portable Home Gym

Oyo personal gym.

It requires almost no space to use.

The 25 pounds of resistance may be too little for some people.

This portable home gym is out of this world — literally. It’s made with SpiraFlex resistance technology, which was invented by Paul Francis to help NASA astronauts get fit on the International Space Station. With durable nylon-coated stainless steel cables and polymer construction, this total-body system is built to last. It provides 25 pounds of resistance in each hand for a killer workout, yet the entire system only weighs two pounds. You’ll also receive access to workout videos that were created by OYO fitness director Nick Bolton (although the app isn’t highly rated). To top it all off, you’ll enjoy peace of mind with a three-year warranty.

The Details: 2 pounds | 26 x 7 x 3 inches

Best Weighted Vest

Omorpho g-vest+.

Whether you’re walking, hiking, or doing CrossFit, this vest amps up your workouts.

They only come in two sizes per gender.

When it comes to a weighted vest, you want a product that adds resistance without making your carry-on unwieldy. Another must-have: It has to fit like a compression shirt without the restriction of a compression shirt. This design from Omorpho checks all the boxes.

Available in five colors, the G-Vest+ cinches at your sides and has adjustable shoulder straps so you can find the perfectly snug fit. The weight of the five-pound women’s version and the 10-pound men’s version are equally distributed around your torso so you have full range of motion with an extra bit of challenge. It’s made of a super-soft neoprene and includes a back panel for ventilation. Connect to the Omorpho app to be led through high-intensity, do-anywhere workouts.

The Details: Up to 10 pounds

The Travel + Leisure team took part in testing a total of 69 portable workout items in our New York City testing lab. By incorporating them into our workout routines, we assessed several attributes across the board, such as quality, portability, and durability. Since no item is alike, we chose specific attributes to apply for each. For example, we evaluated Lululemon The Towel’s grip and absorbency during our yoga practice and paid special attention to the stall force rating of the Theragun Mini 2nd Generation.

Since portability is an important factor while traveling, we packed up the most compact fitness items to take them home and on trips. In the end, only products with the highest ratings and portable sizes were selected for the tested portion of this roundup. In addition to our tested items, we also included researched options in this roundup.

Tips for Buying Portable Fitness Gear

Consider workout facilities and opportunities at your destination.

Many hotels provide guests with a gym and/or swimming pool. Check to see if your destination has a fitness room or fitness classes available to avoid trying to fit unnecessary items in limited suitcase space. If you’re planning to do activities like jogging or power walking during your travels, make sure a safe route is available, and map it out ahead of time. Consider the level of activity that may already be a part of your journey. For example, you might not want to lug weights for your legs on a ski vacation.

Have a packing plan

Preparation is key when it comes to a fitness packing plan. Before adding fitness equipment to your cart, think about what bags you plan to take and whether you’ll have room for everyday essentials along with your gear. If using a foam roller after working out is key to your fitness routine, then consider purchasing a more travel-friendly version. After use, be sure to clean the items before packing to avoid dirt and bacteria spreading. Finally, pack fragile fitness equipment securely with packing tape or a box, and whenever you can, choose items that come with a carrying case for easier transport.

Factor in both weight and size

Of course, you’ll want to choose exercise equipment that fits inside your carry-on to avoid checked bag fees, but don’t forget that weight is also a factor. On most airlines, bags are considered overweight if they exceed 50 pounds, and they are subject to fees usually starting around $50. Moreover, even if your equipment doesn’t exceed weight limits, dense items can make suitcases inconvenient and uncomfortable to maneuver.

Exercise doesn’t have to be left off the itinerary just because you’re traveling. Try any one (or all) of these activities to stay active:

• Use the hotel’s amenities, such as the gym or pool
• Take advantage of fitness apps for quick in-room workouts 
• Go for a walk and explore ( a smartwatch can track your daily steps)
• Try walking meetings 
• Do calf raises while waiting in line 
• Book a local fitness class near your hotel or vacation rental 
• Go for a bike ride (many cities offer bike rentals)
• Stretch after a long day of travel 
• Use your body weight (lunges, sit-ups, squats, and planks are all good options)

Yes, you’re allowed to travel with workout supplements (pre-workout, protein powder, vitamins, etc.) in either your carry-on or packed luggage. These are classified as “Protein or Energy Powders” by U.S. Transportation Security Administration. It’s recommended that protein or energy powders larger than 12 ounces be packed in your checked bag in a clear bag or the original packaging.

If you don’t have access to a washing machine, do a quick rinse with soap or travel laundry detergent. Afterward, allow the clothes to dry outside or around your hotel room.

To prevent your workout clothes from stinking up your luggage, pack some scented dryer sheets and store sweaty workout clothes away from dry items, such as in a bag or protective organizer . There are also plenty of duffel and weekender bags that offer a separate compartment for sneakers or dirty clothes.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Sarah Kester is a writer and editor who has covered everything from lifestyle to health and fitness for over a decade. Her work has been published in Healthline , Tracy Anderson Magazine , Verywell Health , and more. For this roundup, Sarah relied on our in-house testing insights, researched the best portable exercise equipment on the market, and combed through dozens of customer reviews.

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16 Best Portable Exercise Equipment For Travel 2024

Exercise When Traveling With Portable Workout Equipment

Traveling is fun, and so is exercising, so how do you combine the two? Well, with portable workout equipment that lets you exercise no matter where you are.

After traveling for a couple of years, my wife and I figured out what kind of equipment works best for us, but it took us a while.

Now we exercise daily with resistance loop bands (click to view on Amazon) , and we’re having more fun than we ever had in a gym because we can do it anywhere.

Outdoors in the desert, playgrounds, parks, in the RV, or even in airplanes (okay, we haven’t tried that yet).

Today I would like to help you find the best travel workout equipment so you can stay in shape no matter where you go.

There are ways to do strength training, cardio, and yoga even if you travel by air and need something that fits in a suitcase.

Maybe you’re a truck driver and need something compact and portable to stay in shape on the road.

It’s also possible that you’re looking for mobile equipment to bring to work, and we’ll talk about a couple of office-friendly tools as well.

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The post is split up into three sections: Strength training/Weights, Cardio, and Yoga. You can use the table of contents to get to the part you’re interested in. Now, let’s get started.

Table of Contents show Exercise When Traveling With Portable Workout Equipment Best Portable Strength Training/Weights Workout Equipment Fitnessery Ab Roller NewMe Fitness Bodyweight Exercise Cards Weinas 11 Piece Resistance Bands Set Meister Elite Portable Sandbag Kettlebells Undersun Fitness Loop Bands Set Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Pair Best Portable Cardio Workout Equipment ASICS Women’s Running Shoes Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike Schwinn Loop Folding Bicycle Best Portable Yoga Workout Equipment Gaiam Folding Travel Yoga Mat NewMe Fitness Yoga Cards URBNfit Exercise/Stability ball JBM Cork Yoga Blocks Nature’s Integrity Yoga Wheel Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Exercise Equipment What exercises or workouts can I do with no workout equipment when traveling? What are the best bodyweight exercises for beginners? How important is it to exercise when you’re traveling? What is the best travel bag for workout clothes? What is the best portable pull-up station? How much cardio workout can you get from a portable foot peddler? What is the best portable home exercise machine for a small space? How do you travel with workout supplements and which ones are the best? Are “as seen on TV” exercise products legit? What are the best workout apps for iPhone/Android?

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Portable Strength Training/Weights Workout Equipment

Fitnessery ab roller.

Check Price at Amazon

When it comes to portable exercise equipment, the ab roller is one of the most known tools in the world.

It’s nothing new, but it’s one of the best ab exercise accessories for everybody that wants to strengthen their core .

With its distinctive look and compact design, it’s easy to travel with. Travel by air, car, RV, van, or even by foot, and the ab roller won’t be a hassle to pack or add tons of weight to your bag.

The ab roller wheel will not only make your abs sore, but it will fit in most bags since it’s so compact and light.

If you’re traveling by air, the ab roller wheel will not add a lot of weight and could even go in your carry-on bag. It’s the ultimate fitness buddy!

Using the ab roller is easy and does not require a gym or any other exercise equipment.

It’s easier to do on a hardwood floor than outdoors on gravel, but most ab rollers are made with materials that can handle rough grounds as well.

The Fitnessery Ab Roller is just one of many ab rollers on the market.

This particular one comes with a knee pad which you’re going to want to protect your knees. It also comes with two e-books related to working out abs and dieting.

When using the ab roller, you want to make sure you have proper form not to hurt your lower back.

I recommend watching the video below about this specific exercise. Do a couple of sets with the ab roller, and you’ll wake up with sore abs.

While the ab roller wheel mostly works out your core and strengthens your abs, side, and lower back, it also activates your upper back, biceps, chest, thighs, and shoulders.

You should, however, focus on and think about flexing your abs while doing the exercise. Doing so makes it easier to do it the right way and not cause injury.

But don’t stop there, there are several other exercises that you can do with the ab roller.

Yuri Elkaim has written a great post about different exercises using on the ab wheel.

I recommend the Fitnessery kit because it’s an affordable quality product that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

With a wheel made out of heavy-duty PVC and rubber and a handle made out of stainless steel, it will take a beating and last a long time.

It also has comfortable grips so you can focus on doing the exercise right instead of how your hands are aching.

Mix the ab roller with some bodyweight exercises, and you can do a full-body workout no matter where you are.

For the best bodyweight workout, check out the FAQ at the bottom where I answer a question about this.

If you’re not looking to buy an ab roller for yourself, it also makes an excellent gift for people that like to spend time at the gym or people that want to get into exercising but haven’t taken the step yet.

Just make sure your friend learns how to do the roll correctly not to hurt their lower back. For other great gifts for travelers, check out this post.

• Super Portable
• Lightweight
• Works Core, Shoulders & Arms

NewMe Fitness Bodyweight Exercise Cards

Bodyweight exercises are done using only your body as weight and is a way of training that is very easy to do no matter where you are.

If you travel with limited space, knowing a couple of simple bodyweight exercises can be very useful.

There are lots of workouts to do both for beginners and more advanced fitness fanatics that will leave you sweaty and wake up sore in the morning.

NewMe Fitness makes this deck of cards that each have an exercise on them. Each card shows in pictures how a specific activity is performed.

On the other side, you’ll find the exercise explained in words, what muscles it targets, and what to think about. It’s like having a personal trainer in your bag at all times.

The pack includes 50 cards with exercises targeting your core, abs, glutes, chest, shoulders, arms, upper body, and legs, in other words, you can do a full-body workout using only these cards for guidance.

Included are also some cardio tips, stretches, a goals card, and several workouts. In total, there are 62 cards.

What I like about this deck of cards is that they will take you through a full workout, while being extremely portable, lightweight, and easy to travel with.

For somebody that travels full-time in my RV, the more compact my workout equipment is, the better, and you won’t find anything more compact than these.

A kit like this is perfect for RV, van, car, truck drivers, or air travelers.

Sure, an app on your phone could do the same thing, but then you have to focus on not letting your phone screen go dark while you’re exercising, and keeping your phone charged.

This deck of cards will always be there and easy to access. No machines, electronics, or other workout equipment is needed.

For some of the workouts, I recommend using a yoga mat (click to view on Amazon) that you put on the floor.

The reason is that some of the exercises are done seated or on your knees, and a gym mat will make them easier to do without hurting your knees.

Simple bodyweight exercises are also great for seniors.

Always having a pack of activities in your bag as a senior will make sure you will get your exercises and stretches done and keep your body in good shape.

Always consult with a professional about what exercises would be the best for you.

What if you’re into strength training, will the bodyweight cards be useful? Yes, definitely!

What I like about bodyweight is that there are exercises for everybody. Both beginners and serious athletes can gain from doing bodyweight.

Some of the cards in this kit also have a picture showing harder ways to do an exercise.

For example, the single-leg squat can be done both with and without a bench or a chair, where without a chair is much harder and not an exercise I recommend for beginners.

Sometimes it’s hard to get into the exercise mood when you’re in a hotel room or nature.

What gets me going is some great music in my ears, and I recommend using noise-cancelling headphones so you can turn all of the outside noise off completely.

Check out our post on the best noise-cancelling headphones so you can work out in peace while listening to your favorite tunes.

If you’re interested in bodyweight workouts, check out the FAQ at the bottom of this post where I answer a question about working out with no gym equipment whatsoever.

• Great For All Fitness Levels
• Whole Body Workout
• Instructions for Exercise

Weinas 11 Piece Resistance Bands Set

Another tool handy for beginners, experienced, and seniors are resistance bands. Resistance bands are known for their portability and ease of use.

They’re very beginner-friendly, which is why they’re often used by physical therapists to help clients strengthen their bodies enough to move and do daily activities.

The resistance band kit by Weinas comes with tons of accessories to assist you during a workout.

Two foam handles, two door anchors, two ankle straps, and a carrying bag to put everything in while you’re on the move.

If you have ever been to a gym and done exercises on a rope machine, you’re going to like the door anchor.

With the door anchors, you can create more natural push and pull movements by anchoring the straps to the top of a closed door.

The light foam handles connect to the bands with carabiners and can easily be swapped between the many bands.

Ankle straps are included to make it easier to perform some of the leg exercises often found in resistance band workouts.

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Weinas has put a lot of thought into these bands and added an extra nylon sleeve to protect both the bands and your body.

Most resistance bands on the market are “naked” and can whip you if they snap or by accident.

Included with the kit is also an e-book. The e-book is a workout guide that will teach you how to exercise with resistance bands.

Five bands with different resistance allow for a full workout. The bands offer 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 pounds of resistance.

This is an excellent variety for both endurance exercises and lower rep strength training.

Each band is individually colored to make each easier to recognize, but a small tag is also sewn onto each with the respective resistance printed.

What I like about resistance bands is that they’re very portable, lightweight, and versatile.

Even though the bands in this kit range from 20 to 40 pounds, you can add several bands together to create more resistance when needed. The exercises are simple yet rewarding.

I exercise with resistance bands and what I like the most is that I can do my workouts no matter where I am.

I can be outdoors, in the RV, at a playground, or at a friend’s house and get a great workout. The bands are light enough to bring with me on a hike, that should tell you something.

If you or somebody you know travels for work, resistance bands are a great way to get a workout done for all body parts.

I have used my bands in hotel rooms, and it’s a freeing feeling when you can stay in shape even on vacation. The fact that they’re so lightweight makes it all possible.

Resistance bands also make a great gift to guys and girls that like to exercise.

Even if somebody goes to the gym a lot, resistance bands can be of great benefit when they can’t make it to the gym, or even better, be brought to the gym and used together with free weights.

They’re a great gym accessory for both men and women.

The YouTube channel HASfit has made a great video showing a full 30-minute resistance band workout that is easy to follow.

For some of the exercises, a gym or yoga mat is recommended to make it easier on your knees.

If you’re a more experienced lifter, I recommend Undersun Fitness Loop Bands Set down below that offer more resistance.

I also recommend using bands together with regular weights if you have access to a gym.

Studies have shown that it’s a great combination, and I suggest reading through this study if you want to learn more about it .

• Bag Included
• Accessories Included
• Exercise E-book Included
• Great For All Skill Levels

Meister Elite Portable Sandbag Kettlebells

Another popular way of exercising is with kettlebells.

Most free weight exercises can be done using a kettlebell, so it’s easy to understand why most gyms have a couple of kettlebells in a corner.

Kettlebells have also become a popular accessory for yoga.

The thing with kettlebells is that just like free weights, they weigh.

That’s what this company is trying to solve with this product.

Meister Elite Portable Kettlebells are sandbags that you fill with sand, gravel, or water until it weighs the desired weight for a specific exercise.

The kettlebells are not sold in a kit but singular. There are a couple of sizes to choose from. 0-15 pounds, 0-30 pounds, and 0-45 pounds.

Selecting a heavier weight means that the bag will be bigger to fit more sand or water.

A comfortable rubber handle makes it easy to hold the kettlebell during your exercises.

If you’re new to kettlebells, here are ten great kettlebell exercises to get you started.

I love portable workout equipment like this. They’re so lightweight and compact when not in use and can be put in any travel bag.

If you’re going on vacation to the beach, this will be a great tool to have.

Fill it up with some sand from the beach, do your exercises, and then go for a swim. No machines are necessary. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?

The exercises shown in the picture above are great for people of all ages, and it doesn’t matter how much experience you have.

They’re simple to do and will make both a beginner and a fit person sore. They’re also good for seniors using less weight.

Kettlebells are so versatile, which also makes them a great gift for friends that like to work out.

Even if your friend is into strength training, a kettlebell can help them progress when they’re traveling.

If you can’t decide between resistance bands and kettlebells, let me help you.

A set of resistance bands will be easier to get a workout started with, and if you’re aiming for hypertrophy or strength, resistance bands are the better choice.

The fact that you can combine several bands to create more resistance is a great feature on its own.

Kettlebells are great for some bodyweight exercises to add some weight to them, but you’re more limited since the max load in this kit is 45 pounds.

If you’re new to lifting or prefer endurance exercises for more tone than muscle, kettlebells are a great option.

Last but not least, I think kettlebells are fun to work with since you can do some swings and workout differently compared to resistance bands or free weights.

• Portable When Empty
• Adjustable Weight
• Full Body Workout

Undersun Fitness Loop Bands Set

This set by Undersun Fitness is also a resistance band kit, but they’re different in the way that they’re loop bands and don’t have handles.

The guy behind these bands is James Grage, a YouTuber who in the past couple of years states that he works out exclusively with loop bands.

Before I praise these bands too much, I want to make it clear that I am not associated with Undersun Fitness or sponsored by them.

I am excited about this product though, as I have been in and out of the gym for the past eight years.

It was not until now that I found a product so portable, light, and compact usable outside of the gym that can give me a workout as a free weights gym can.

Since my wife and I started traveling full time in our travel trailer, we only workout with these resistance bands. We purchased this kit that comes with five bands.

Each band is different from the others and offers different levels of resistance. The resistance levels are 0-15 lbs, 15-25 lbs, 30-60 lbs, 45-100 lbs, and 50-120 lbs.

If the resistance is not enough, take a step back to make the band longer, which increases the resistance.

You can buy the bands separately as well if you want to try them out.

I recommend starting with the light bands. In the beginning, the X-large 50-120 pound band won’t be used much unless you’re somebody with a lot of gym experience.

The reason we decided to go with loop bands is that we had a set of resistance bands like the ones above with handles, but felt that we wanted to try something new.

We like both kinds, but the amount of resistance you can get with these loop bands is higher than the handle bands.

Compound exercises work multiple muscle groups at the same time and are what most lifters start their workouts with.

Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are all compound exercises.

With the Undersun Fitness Loop Bands Set , we can begin our workouts with these using a lot of resistance.

Just like with the other kind of resistance bands, you can add several bands together to create more resistance. We haven’t gotten to where that has been needed, but it’s a neat feature.

When we travel down the road, we can stop pretty much anywhere and get our workouts done.

In public parks, playgrounds, football fields, or a relative’s house during holidays.

There is no need for a gym, machines, or other tools to get our workout done.

If you travel for work and spend days or weeks away from home at a time, you’re going to fall in love with these bands quickly when you realize the potential they have to break a sweat.

Some hotels have gyms, but they often lack free weights to do the heavier lifts, these will let you work out without leaving the room.

James Grage has lots of videos showing how he exercises with resistance bands on his YouTube channel , but for a full-body workout, check out the video down below.

He goes through not only chest, legs, and back exercises but also shoulders and arms.

The bands come with a string bag for easy transport. They’re easy to pack down into a suitcase and travel with all over the world.

I like to call them a portable all in one gym tool since I can work out my whole body no matter where I go.

If you know somebody that travels full time in an RV or for work and struggles with not being able to visit a gym, these make a great gift.

As someone that has been lifting weights for the past eight years, I can tell you that I don’t go anywhere now without my bands. They’re great for both men and women.

Resistance bands are also great for truck drivers. Since these are stored in a bag when not in use, they won’t take up a lot of space in your truck.

• Included Bag
• Up to 120 lbs of Resistance

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Pair

Some people have tried resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, or a deck of cards with exercises, but they can’t quit using free weights. Free weights are the most traditional tool in the gym.

Using gravity to create resistance instead of a band is the way some people like to do it, and that’s fine.

Fortunately, there are ways to lift heavy weights when you’re traveling, with the downside being that you have to bring the heavy weights with you. But if it has to be done, this is the way.

The Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are sold in pair and let you adjust how heavy you want the dumbbells to be. When I lived in an apartment, this is what I used to exercise at home.

You can set the weights from 5 to 52.5 pounds. They adjust by turning a dial to the desired weight. I like this kind better than the adjustable dumbbells with discs you take off because discs take longer to adjust. With these adjustable dumbbells, it’s done within seconds.

The reason I believe they’re the best free weights for traveling if you want real weights is that they weigh 118 pounds in total.

That might not sound like a good thing, but imagine bringing a weight set with you capable of the same weight. Having separate dumbbell sets weighing 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 pounds would weigh 300 pounds.

If you travel by air, it won’t be possible to bring free weights like these, but if you travel on the road in a car, van, RV, or truck, it’s not impossible.

Match it with a portable workout bench like the Escape Fitness Deck Workout bench (click to view on Amazon) , and you’ll have a gym with you at all times ready to go.

It’s not the most portable solution to working out when traveling, but it’s the one that will be the most like an actual portable gym.

Menshealth has a great post about the 10 best dumbbell exercises that you can read by clicking here. 

Note that Bowflex also makes a bigger set that can be set from 10 to 90 pounds, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbell (click to view on Amazon) , not sold in pair.

• Adjustable Free Weights
• Great For Strength Training

Best Portable Cardio Workout Equipment

If there is one thing most of us did as kids, it’s skipping rope. During the breaks in school, my friends and I would go out and jump and try to do it for as long as possible.

What we didn’t think about then is how good of a cardio workout it is. The fact is that jumping rope for only 10 minutes is equal to a 30-minute run.

Not only is skipping rope an excellent cardio workout to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time, but all you need is a rope, which is extremely portable.

It might be the most compact workout accessory in this whole post. You won’t notice it in your suitcase or bag when traveling.

Skipping, or jumping rope can be done in more than one way for a better workout. Check out the image below by Darebee.com for a full jump rope workout.

The is a premium kit made with high-quality materials so you can focus more on your workout than your gear.

Steel bearings make the rope smooth to skip with, and the set is very lightweight at less than three ounces.

If the rope is too long for you, you can easily adjust it by shortening it with some wire cutters.

A downloadable manual is included with your purchase and tells you how to size it for your length. It also includes a guide with exercises.

Skipping rope can be done anywhere you have a flat area to stand on. It’s hard to find exercise equipment this lightweight and so effective.

Sometimes there is not enough time to go for a run, or it’s way too hot outside, then a jump rope can be used indoors and with better results.

• Great Cardio
• Can Be Used Anywhere
• Height Adjustable

ASICS Women’s Running Shoes

This one might be obvious to most of you, but a great way to get a cardio workout done when you’re traveling is by running.

So why not bring a great pair of running shoes, so you’re always ready to go?

A lot of hotels nowadays have an exercise room with treadmills and sometimes a machine or a couple of free weights.

You should use this room to get your exercises done when you’re on vacation.

Even if it’s 100 degrees outside, you can get a run done in this air-conditioned room.

I recommend ASICS running shoes because it’s what my wife prefers.

They’re not the fanciest running shoe there is, but great for the occasional run.

There are running shoes for all budgets so if you’re new to running I recommend getting a relatively cheap but good pair so you can go for a couple of runs to see whether you like it or not.

I don’t recommend running without running shoes.

When buying brand shoes online, you must be careful not to buy knockoffs. Usually, the reviews will let you know so you can make a judgment.

The most significant difference between running shoes and regular shoes is that they usually have more cushioning in the heel.

They’re designed that way to handle the impact better when you run. I recommend reading this publication on selecting the right shoe for you depending on your specific foot pattern.

You might wonder, can I wear my running shoes all the time?

While I agree that it sounds comfortable to wear your running shoes even when you’re exploring a city, it’s not a great idea to mix walking and running with the same shoe.

The reason is that when you run, the shoe gets worn in a different pattern than when you walk.

What I recommend doing is having a pair of running shoes for running and a pair for walking.

The walking pair doesn’t have to be as cushioned as your running pair, but they should still be comfortable enough to not hurt your feet after exploring a city for a day.

Since most shoes are lightweight, they won’t add too much weight to your suitcase.

That’s what my wife and I do, and we both like how most running shoes are more breathable than sneakers, so our feet don’t get as warm and sweaty from all the walking.

While running is an exercise most of us can do, it can be harder to go running at night. For this, I recommend a great headlamp so you can see what’s ahead.

Even if you have been running since you were a kid, it’s worth it to read a little bit about how to run correctly.

Running correctly is essential not to injure yourself in the long run and cause unnecessary wear and tear on your muscles and joints.

As with any exercise, doing it with the proper form is crucial.

This image made by primermagazine.com goes through the most critical points when it comes to running.

A cardio exercise like running is also suitable for seniors. Studies have shown that it’s a good way to slow down the maximal endurance capacity loss for people aged 30-70.

While sedentary adults lose about 10 percent of their capacity every decade, people that did exercises like running lost only about 5 percent until age 70.

• Multi Purpose
• High Calorie Burning Exercise
• Easy to Get Started With

Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands

There are not a lot of portable exercise machines that work, but this mini exercise stepper is one of the few.

A mini stepper is a low-impact aerobic exercise that mostly gives you a good cardio workout.

Its hydraulic drive system gives resistance hard enough to feel like you’re going on a brisk walk.

It can be used anywhere there is a flat surface which makes it a great option for travelers.

It weighs 15 pounds so while it could fit in a suitcase and be taken all over the world, it’s more for car, van, or RV travelers.

I also recommend it for truck drivers that sit still for hours on end. Getting on a mini stepper for a while after a day of driving can extend your life by years.

The range of motion on a mini stepper is more limited compared to a bigger machine, but still very effective for being in such a small and compact form.

It’s not the machine you build huge muscles on, but one that can give you a good cardio exercise and tone your body.

If you’re stuck in a hotel room because it’s too hot outside but still want to exercise, a mini stepper is a great tool.

There are mini steppers for all budgets, and while most of them look the same, it’s important to take a more in-depth look at what features they offer.

This one made by Sunny Health & Fitness is a popular one that I like for two specific reasons.

First, it comes with resistance bands that you can use while you’re stepping.

I have praised resistance bands above and the many exercises you can do with them. I like that Sunny Health & Fitness put these on the mini stepper to expand the workouts you can do on this little machine.

The second reason I like this specific model is that there is a height adjustment. This will let you choose between short bursts or long steps.

That’s a useful feature since most mini steppers only have one level of steps, and being able to choose means that you can do different workouts on it.

Shorter steps will be easier to do for a long time, and if you would like to stand on it for an hour, this is the setting to choose.

Longer steps will be more like the bigger machines found at gyms and work out your legs more.

How many calories you’re going to burn will also depend on your step intensity. For a tougher leg exercise, do long steps with high intensity.

A small digital monitor shows the step count and calories burned. This makes it easy to track your workouts and record them on your phone or paper.

For a quick stationary cardio workout, mini steppers are a great and practical choice.

Mix it with some rope skipping or a couple of bodyweight exercises, and you’ll burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time.

A portable exercise stepper is also a great option for somebody working in an office.

These are portable enough to take to work during the week and put under your desk. You don’t have to do it intensively if you’re doing it for an hour or two to benefit from it.

• Very Portable for a Machine
• Resistance Bands Included
• Adjustable Height
• LCD Screen Shows Calories Burned

Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike

Who knew that an exercise bike could be portable?

This model by a company called Exerpeutic measures 22 by 20 by 55.5 inches when folded up, which makes it portable enough to bring with you in a car, van, and RV.

You would have to be brave to bring it with you as a carry-on, but it might be possible. It won’t fit in a suitcase, however.

It has a 300-pound weight limit, with a nice large seat cushion for comfort during long bike rides.

A large LCD display will show distance, calories burned, time, speed, and your current heart rate.

Exercise bikes are one of the most popular forms of exercise, especially in gyms.

Every gym I have ever been to, and that includes workout rooms at hotels, has had a couple of exercise bikes. My grandpa even used to have one in his office!

What’s great about exercise bikes is that they usually have several levels of resistance.

This specific one by Exerpeutic has eight different levels of tension. It allows the user to choose if they want to go on a light bike ride or a heavier, more intense ride.

I recommend doing HIIT cardio, which stands for high-intensity interval training. HIIT is easy to do on a bike. It’s a great cardio and leg exercise.

Check out the video below to understand how a HIIT workout can be done on a portable exercise bike like this.

You might have heard that HIIT is the best kind of cardio exercise, but most studies done surrounding the subject haven’t found that to be 100 percent true.

The best way to exercise is to do a mix of things. Do resistance training some days, go for a brisk walk some days, and do HIIT cardio once a week.

Nerdfitness.com has a great post on the subject that I recommend reading if you’re interested in what the studies have said.

Whether you choose to do HIIT cardio or sit on the bike for 30 minutes isn’t as important as getting on the bike in the first place.

As long as you get on the bike a couple of times a week, you’re doing great!

While exercising on your bike, I recommend playing some music to get you excited and in the right mood.

Check out our post on the best portable Bluetooth speakers.

Working out on a bike is simple enough for anybody with functioning legs to do it. The downside is that it’s not as portable as some of the other tools.

Exerpeutic also has a model called ExerWork 1000 (click to view on Amazon) that is a folding bike with an adjustable desk.

If you do most of your work on a laptop, this can be your desk while also being your exercise tool. I

can see somebody leaving this set up in their RV or semi-truck permanently, to have a place both to work and move your legs to stay in shape.

• Easy on Knees
• Folds Down for Easier Transport
• Heart Rate Monitor

Schwinn Loop Folding Bicycle

Last but not least, I must show you this folding bicycle.

There is nothing quite like exploring a town or a road on a bicycle, and with this compact folding bike, it can become a reality without being too much of a hassle to travel with.

Schwinn makes this 7-speed model with front and rear fenders, a rear carry rack, and a kickstand.

The wheels are 20-inches, which makes it perfect for going around a town or the campground.

It folds down and measures 29.5 by 29 by 19 inches when in storage which makes it a great small option.

A popular way to bring bikes when traveling is to get a hitch bike rack that can hold several bikes.

That requires quite a lot of work every time you want to get on the road though, as you must make sure they’re secured and safe for the highway.

With folding bikes, you can store them easier either inside the RV or in the back of your truck.

Schwinn’s folding bike weighs 33 pounds. The selling feature here is that it folds and can be stored easier.

I don’t recommend taking this kind of bike on any intermediate mountain biking trail, but it’s good enough to take on scenic trails or through cities.

Just remember to wear a helmet and carry a patch kit (click to view on Amazon) in case you get a flat tire.

All you have to worry about when it comes to bike rides is the weather.

I recommend traveling with a great weather station with forecasts built-in , so you will be ready for whatever mother nature decides to do.

Biking is a great way to get a cardio workout while having lots of fun. It’s for all ages and great for your body.

With a compact folding bike like this, the bikes can be stored in an RV without any extra accessories needed.

• Folds to Portable Size
• Great Way to Explore More
• 7-speed Drivetrain
• Storage Rack & Bag

Best Portable Yoga Workout Equipment

Gaiam folding travel yoga mat.

You have most likely heard about Yoga . The exercise form focuses on becoming more flexible, improving your breath, and learning how to relax.

It’s a philosophy that I think most of us need more of.

I think part of why yoga has become popular is not only because it’s a philosophy a lot of us feel like we need more of, but because it’s so easy to do without any equipment.

The only tool that makes it easier to do no matter where you are is a yoga mat.

Yoga mats are great not only for yoga, pilates exercises, and stretches but for strength training, cardio, and resistance band exercises we have talked about earlier.

There is no need to go to a gym for your workouts when you have this mat in your suitcase or backpack.

On hard floors, it adds a comfortable base to do your yoga exercises on.

In other places, like a hotel room, it lets you do your workouts on the floor without touching the nasty hotel carpet.

The Gaiam Folding Travel Yoga Mat is the perfect travel mat since it folds down and becomes a compact 10 by 12 inches.

It’s 2 mm thick and has a sticky non-slip texture so you can focus more on your form than on not slipping.

When it’s unfolded, the mat measures 68 by 24 inches.

It weighs 1.8 pounds which makes it portable enough to throw in a suitcase or bring with you in a car, van, RV, or truck.

Gaiam lets you choose from five different colors and patterns.

If you have never done yoga but are interested in getting started, I recommend reading this post by Kristin McGee over at DoYouYoga with ten great beginner poses to get you started.

With a portable yoga mat, you can do these anywhere.

• Folds to Small Size
• Great for All Ages

NewMe Fitness Yoga Cards

The same company that makes the bodyweight deck of cards we looked at up in the weights section also makes these yoga cards.

Seventy cards have a unique yoga pose that will both teach and remind you how to do the most common yoga poses.

These are great not only for beginners but intermediate and advanced yoga fanatics since it can be hard to remember poses sometimes.

With 70 of them in your pocket, you can be an expert no matter where you are.

A deck of cards like this is very portable, lightweight, and small. Why not have a collection of different types of exercises and stretches?

Each card shows a different pose illustrated. The name of the specific post is also printed together with a card number so you can quickly find what you’re looking for.

On the back of each card, you’ll find instructions on how to do a specific pose.

It will also let you know how hard a pose is on a scale.

NewMe Fitness also includes these neat sequence cards; nine of them come with this pack.

As an example, one sequence is called “Yoga for beginners” and tells you card numbers and in what order it wants you to do them.

It’s a creative way of including nine workout guides without taking up a lot of space.

The best yoga poses are the ones you can do and gain something from, but I recommend starting with the easy poses in the beginning and working your way up.

I like these cards a lot because they’re beginner-friendly. Anybody can get through a yoga workout with these, without a gym or extra accessories.

A yoga mat makes it easier to do at home, or in hotel rooms, but I recommend visiting a nearby park when you’re traveling and doing it on the grass.

In addition to yoga cards, I recommend traveling with a portable power bank to keep your phone and other devices charged up at all times.

Portable battery packs can be brought onto planes and fit in any bag. Check out our post on the best alternatives on the market.

If you have a friend that has been talking about yoga but can’t seem to get started, or recently started, then this deck of cards makes a great gift.

• 70 Yoga Poses
• For All Ages
• 9 Sequences
• No Additional Equipment Needed

URBNfit Exercise/Stability ball

When I was a kid, I would always get excited when I saw one of these balls.

I would jump on them and go flying across the room. I used it more than my mother who bought it to do some exercises.

A company called URBNFit makes this exercise/stability ball which comes in lots of different sizes and colors.

You can choose between five different sizes, 45 cm to 85 cm, and 11 different colors.

The size that’s the best for you depends on your height.

Exercise balls can be used for not only exercises of different kinds like cardio and yoga, but also as desk chairs.

The reason that this has become increasingly popular in the past decade is that it’s believed that it increases your posture, engages your core, and decreases discomfort compared to regular desk chairs.

So, is there any truth to that? The studies say: No. 

If you plan on buying an exercise ball, let’s use it for exercising and not sitting on while getting your work done.

Fortunately, a workout guide in PDF form is included with this kit that shows a handful of exercises.

However, I recommend looking up some videos online like the one below for a good full workout.

Traveling with a huge ball is of course not optimal, but as you might already know, it deflates and inflates with a pump.

A dual-action inflation pump is included to inflate it no matter where you are.

When deflated, it’s portable and lightweight enough to put in a suitcase.

It’s a great accessory for car, RV, or van travelers since it barely takes any space at all when deflated.

It’s very common to use resistance bands with stability balls in strength training routines since it lets you do exercises like chest presses and seated rows on the move.

Verywellfit.com has a great post on some of the most common uses for this.

If you plan on doing strength training with the stability ball, I recommend choosing the kind with a stability base (click to view on Amazon).

The reason I recommend using stability balls for yoga is that it makes it easier to start doing the more advanced yoga poses sooner.

Using an exercise ball when you first start with the more intermediate and advanced poses means that you can slowly build the muscles and the balance you’re going to need to do them without the ball.

It also makes a great gift for somebody that struggles with the more advanced poses.

• Dual Action Pump Included
• Workout Guide Included
• Great For Beginners
• High Weight Capacity

JBM Cork Yoga Blocks

If you’re into Yoga, you have probably seen yoga blocks in videos or a class. They’re a great yoga accessory for beginners and intermediates.

The reason they’re good for beginners is that they can be helpful for certain poses or stretches that you’re not 100 percent comfortable with yet.

A good yoga block is made from cork, and that’s exactly what these are made of. JBM sells these in pairs, and with the purchase, you also get a yoga strap.

Yoga straps are used to help you improve your poses while increasing your flexibility and physical rehabilitation.

So why use cork for yoga blocks? Because cork is an excellent odor-free, non-absorbent, and moisture-proof material.

Perfect for yoga due to their soft grip and not the kind of exercise equipment that will get filled with bacteria.

Note that while the blocks come in different colors, only one of them is made with cork, the rest are foam.

Foam is also a great and safe material to use, but I prefer the grip of the cork.

Yoga blocks are brick-sized and weigh 0.38 pound each. Each block measures 9 by 6 by 4 inches.

The YouTube channel PsycheTruth has a great video on how to use yoga blocks.

I like the JBM Cork Yoga Blocks because they’re portable, adding less than a pound to your suitcase, meaning that it’s very travel-friendly.

You don’t have to stop doing yoga because you travel since you can bring a travel mat and yoga blocks with you.

Sure, you can’t fold these blocks in half, but they’re such a lightweight and compact exercise tool that it might be worth bringing.

Finding a place to store these in a car, van, RV, or semi-truck shouldn’t be a problem either.

Yoga is great because you don’t need a gym, machines, weights, or specialized gear.

This kind of accessory is only to assist you, making it easier for your body to do certain poses and stretches.

• Helps Beginners Do Yoga
• Yoga Strap Included

Nature’s Integrity Yoga Wheel

Another yoga accessory used much like the blocks is the yoga wheel. It’s a great tool for beginners that are looking to improve their poses and stretches.

Nature’s Integrity sells this high-quality yoga wheel. It’s 13 inches and made with quality materials to keep you safe while doing the more difficult stretches.

The wheel doesn’t flex or bend while you’re using it.

It has a 650-pound weight capacity, a non-slip and sweat resistant surface, and thick TPE foam padding around the whole wheel for comfort and support.

Getting started is easy, as Nature’s Integrity includes a workout guide in PDF form with 18 exercises and stretches to try.

The wheel weighs 2.8 pounds and can easily fit in a suitcase. Its portability and utility are why it makes such a great accessory for a traveling yoga lover.

When you learn how to do the exercises, you’ll be set for life and be able to do yoga no matter where you are.

It’s five inches wide, so you will feel safe and stable while stretching.

The padding is 6mm thick for comfort so you can focus entirely on your form instead of how much it hurts.

A wheel with thick padding is obviously preferred since you will be putting a lot of your body weight on it for certain exercises and poses.

So, is it good for your body to roll over a wheel?

Yes, when done right, it’s a great way to stretch your back and spine, improve your range of motion, and help with lower or upper back pain.

The size of it makes it better to use than the small foam roller kind.

YogiApproved.com has a great video on how to start using a yoga wheel.

I recommend starting with the easier stretches, like stretching your back after a long day of work.

Get to know the wheel and find your balance before you try anything more advanced.

Even if you have used a yoga block or wheel before, each one can be different from the other, so for safety reasons go through a couple of easy workouts before you advance.

• Helps Beginners

Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Exercise Equipment

What exercises or workouts can i do with no workout equipment when traveling.

Working out when traveling is extremely easy to do even if you don’t have any gym equipment.

You shouldn’t feel like you need to buy anything since there are so many other things you can do and count as exercise.

If you’re a frequent gym-goer and mostly exercise by lifting weights, it’s a little bit harder to do it without any equipment at all, but it’s still possible with bodyweight exercises.

Here are a couple of ways you can exercise when you travel that don’t require any gym equipment (except for a good pair of running/hiking shoes for those activities).

Hiking is so good for you, and available pretty much anywhere you go.

There are hikes everywhere, and finding trails to hike is easy to do with a website like AllTrails.com .

Whenever my wife and I visit a new city or town, we look up popular hikes in the area. You can see so much more of an area by taking a walk.

It doesn’t have to be a hike that takes all day.

Climb a steep mountain, and you’ll get a tough cardio workout done in a couple of hours that will keep burning calories throughout the day.

If you’re staying at a hotel, there might be a pool available that you can use for a swim.

I prefer swimming outdoors in the ocean and rivers, but hotel pools are better than nothing if that’s the only thing available.

How many calories you burn when you swim depends on how much you weigh, and if you’re more interested in that, I recommend checking out Active.com’s article on the subject .

Just like there are trails for hiking, there are lots of trails for biking.

Mountain biking is so much fun and is an activity and workout available to anybody of any age with any experience.

Even if you have never been mountain biking before, you can rent a bike and try out a beginner-friendly trail.

It can be extremely taxing on your legs and give you a great workout.

Nowadays it’s very common to rent bikes in cities as well, so you can rent a bike and explore the town while getting a cardio workout.

It’s safer than renting an electric scooter, and your body will gain something from it.

We talked about running shoes in the cardio part and how it’s a great way to get exercise.

I have never been anywhere where I have felt like I can’t go for a run, so keep it on your mind.

If you’re more into strength training than cardio, I recommend doing HIIT cardio, high-intensity interval training .

Thomas DeLauer has a video about HIIT and how to do it properly.

Exploring a new-to-you city or town on foot is always fun. All you need is a good pair of shoes.

Take a brisk walk through a city to see what it has to offer, and I bet you will feel good when you go to bed that night.

To me, walking is very energizing, and I like being able to stop and go as I want. It’s relaxing and enjoyable.

I bet you have walked down several floors of stairs sometimes and ended up out of breath, or even sore the day after.

Stairs are such a great workout that they even make machines to imitate the movement.

If you’re at a hotel, there are probably several floors of stairs you can climb. Maybe you’re visiting a capital city in the United States.

Then you should head to the capitol building because that’s another place where there often are lots of stairs in front of the building.

One of my favorite ways to exercise is by doing bodyweight exercises.

If you’re somebody that has been working out for years, you might think that your body won’t be enough to give you a workout, but believe me, it can.

Bodyweight exercises are exactly what they sound like; all you’re using is your body.

You don’t need any accessories or equipment, and it can be done anywhere in the world.

Do you know squats and push-ups? Those are bodyweight exercises.

Finding ways to work out when traveling is a lot about being creative.

You don’t need a gym to get a good workout. It’s all about knowing how to use things around us to get the blood pumping.

What are the best bodyweight exercises for beginners?

There are lots of bodyweight exercises that are great for beginners. Some of the best are ones you have probably heard about, like squats, pull-ups, push-ups, and the plank.

I recommend watching this video by Fraser Wilson for a quick 10-minute bodyweight workout.

How important is it to exercise when you’re traveling?

During a time when cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally , most of us need to start being more active.

It’s not always easy to do, depending on where you live. Some live full time in their RVs and travel around and feel like they don’t have access to any exercise equipment or gyms.

The first thing I want you to remember is that you don’t necessarily have to go to a gym to get a workout, you also don’t have to lift heavy weights.

Exercise can be as easy as biking, swimming, climbing stairs, jogging, or even walking.

According to the American Heart Association, 30 minutes a day, five days a week will improve your heart health , which leads to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Exercise while traveling is just as important as exercising while not traveling.

If you’re a truck driver and spend a significant amount of time on your butt while driving, exercise becomes even more important .

What is the best travel bag for workout clothes?

If you want a special bag just for your workout clothes and workout accessories, I recommend looking for a duffle bag like this one by Under Armour (Click to view on Amazon) .

The reason I prefer duffle bags instead of backpacks for my workout gear is that I like being able to both put it on my shoulder and carry it in my hand.

It’s easier to take in and out of a vehicle, and bring on a plane. They also appear more sturdy and durable.

What is the best portable pull-up station?

It’s hard to find a pull-up station that fits in a suitcase, but there are some that are portable enough to fit in vehicles, like the Stamina Power Towers (click to view on Amazon) .

You do have to take it apart to fit it in most vehicles, but when you put it together you have a tower that you can not only do pull-ups on, but also tricep dips, push-ups, and sit-ups.

The most portable exercise equipment for pull-ups is the doorway pull-up bars, like this one from Perfect Fitness (click to view on Amazon) .

It can hold up to 300 pounds, but you need to find a safe door frame to use it on.

Its portability makes it perfect for travelers that stay in hotels. It weighs 8 pounds.

How much cardio workout can you get from a portable foot peddler?

Portable foot peddlers like this one from Vaunn (click to view on Amazon) are made for low impact and gentle exercising.

It’s not ideal to go all in like you would do on an exercise bike, for several reasons.

It is, however, a good way to keep your legs moving for a longer time, like if you’re working at a desk for eight hours a day.

Don’t buy a portable foot peddler and expect to do 10-minute workouts every other day that is going to make you sore or build muscle.

But if you work at a desk, and want something that will get your legs moving it’s a great portable option.

To answer the question, it’s going to be similar to a slow walk in most cases. How many calories you burn will also depend on how fast you paddle, and with what resistance.

Don’t trust the calorie counter on the screen though, and I recommend getting a fitness tracker like the Fitbit Fitness Tracker (click to view on Amazon) that can monitor your heart rate.

What is the best portable home exercise machine for a small space?

It depends on what kind of exercises you would like to do.

If you’re more into strength training than cardio, I recommend something like the Total Gym APEX G3 (click to view on Amazon) .

The newer BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 is also a really popular package that comes with a base, a collapsible workout bar, resistance bands, handles, limb straps, and a door anchor.

With the BodyBoss you can do a full-body workout no matter where you are, all you need is a flat space large enough to put the base on.

You can use it at home, outdoors, in hotels, in the garage, or even inside an RV.

The base of the BodyBoss folds and weighs less than 10 pounds, which makes it a very portable exercise tool.

For cardio, it’s hard to beat the portable exercise bikes that fold, like the Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike (click to view on Amazon)

How do you travel with workout supplements and which ones are the best?

How I travel with supplements depends on how long I am going to be gone.

Since I pull my home behind my truck (I live in an RV full time), I always have my protein powder and creatine with me.

If I am going somewhere for a night or two without my travel trailer, I often fill a plastic bag with protein powder, or my BlenderBottle shaker (click to view on Amazon) .

Fill a couple of plastic bags with a scoop each of protein powder, close them up, and store them in your shaker.

This is also a great solution if you bring the shaker to a gym. All you have to do is fill it with water and shake it when you’re ready to drink it.

If you’re going on an airplane, you might run into some questions at the security check if you’re unlucky, but I have been through security checks with a couple of bags in my shaker and haven’t had any issues.

When it comes to what workout supplements are the best, I only recommend protein powder and creatine.

The best tasting protein powder I have found is the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (click to view on Amazon) .

Creatine monohydrate doesn’t taste like anything, but the one I usually buy is this one (click to view on Amazon) .

No other supplement has helped me like creatine has and it’s a natural supplement.

It feels like you have superpowers when you can do more reps and sets than before. I recommend reading through Examine.com’s post about creatine.

Are “as seen on TV” exercise products legit?

I can’t comment on all of the “as seen on tv” workout equipment out there, but anything that doesn’t involve you getting involved is most likely not legit.

There are no shortcuts to exercising, and you will feel it when you do it.

You can’t put a vibrating machine on your belly and sit on the couch. The body does not work that way.

There is also no way to burn fat on a specific part of your body. These machines on TV often promise a thinner stomach, legs, or arms.

You can’t control where the body burns fat when you work out.

A big part of weight loss happens in the kitchen. Fewer calories in than out will equal weight loss.

I suggest Googling about the specific product being sold as “as seen on TV” and you should be able to find reviews from regular people.

What are the best workout apps for iPhone/Android?

Which workout app is the best for you depends on what kind of workouts you do. If you run, bike, do yoga, or work out in a gym, there are different apps for each purpose.

Map My Ride ( iOS / Android ) is my favorite biking tracker app. There is also a Map My Hike ( iOS / Android ) app if you prefer walking or hiking.

For yoga, I recommend Daily Yoga ( iOS / Android ). A simple yet intuitive way of helping you go through a yoga workout with ease with a big database of classes, poses, and stretches.

For working out with weights in a gym or at home, I recommend tracking your workouts with Strong ( iOS / Android ).

It’s easy to create your own workouts in the app and track exercises, rest, sets, reps, measurements, and 1RMs.

Strong also has a vast database of exercises, with instructions in image and text form to make sure you perform the exercise with the proper form.

If you’re looking for a workout routine, I recommend checking out Bodybuilding.com’s plans .

You don’t have to follow them to 100 percent, but you can take inspiration from them and set up your workouts in similar ways.

Have any more questions about portable exercise equipment for travel? Leave a comment below.

1 thought on “16 Best Portable Exercise Equipment For Travel 2024”

Walking and running is the best way to get fit during travelling. Nice article, good read and informative.

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The Online Home for Strength Sports

The 7 Best Portable Home Gyms of 2024

Whether training on the go or working out in small spaces, these impressive portable home gyms can help you achieve your fitness goals..

• Top Portable Home Gyms
• How We Chose
• What to Consider

There are countless  benefits to owning a home gym , but having a full-fledged setup at your disposal won’t be as effective if you’re constantly on the go. After all, you can’t exactly tote your  home gym essentials  with you during travel without a freight truck and a ton of patience. The best portable home gyms can help you stay on top of your fitness goals wherever you roam, packing in loads of challenging, engaging workouts into their compact, totable silhouettes.

Many top-performing portable home gyms focus on resistance training, which can be ideal for building muscle and tackling cardio during exercise while still keeping setups compact and convenient. ( 1 ) As such, you need to think through a few things — namely, how the resistance is created and how much you can work against — when deciding on a worthwhile profile for your training regimen. To help you filter your results, we tested and researched dozens of popular profiles to land on our favorite portable home gyms available today.

• Best Portable Home Gym Overall:  TRX Home2 System
• Best Smart Portable Home Gym:  MAXPRO Fitness Cable Home Gym
• Best for Portable Home Gym for Strength Training:  Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar
• Best Compact Portable Home Gym:  LIT Method AXIS Smart System
• Best Lightweight Portable Home Gym:  Gorilla Bow Travel
• Best Budget Portable Home Gym:  Rogue Tube Bands
• Best All-in-One Portable Home Gym:  BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0

How We Tested

The  BarBend  team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. In testing our 12 available portable home gyms, we used a multi-point methodology and rated each piece of equipment on a scale of 1 to 5. 

Naturally, we first looked at the overall size of the exercise equipment — could these examples of  compact exercise equipment  be easily toted around for on-the-go-training? We also reviewed how simple each setup was, how engaging the workouts felt, and how challenging the available resistance was during exercise.

Our testers also looked at how efficient these portable home gyms could be as an alternative to their traditional training regimen and workout equipment. While some may want to use these portable home gyms day in and day out, others could view them as worthwhile replacements for  staying in shape  when their normal home workout routines aren’t feasible — a typical dilemma for jet-setting individuals.

Best Portable Home Gym Overall: TRX Home2 System

The TRX Home2 System provides a set of straps that you can incorporate into both strength and cardio training. The TRX system is based around seven classic exercises — the pull-up, push-up, lunge, plank, squat, rotation, and hinge — all of which can be modified to create varied workouts. 

• Price:  $229.95
• Footprint:  N/A
• Workout Type:  Bodyweight Resistance Training
• Available Resistance:  Dependent on Your Bodyweight and Angle
• Accessories:  Door Anchor, Suspension Anchor, Mesh Bag
• The durable nylon webbing straps can support athletes weighing up to 350 pounds.
• Setting up for exercise is as simple as finding a sturdy door frame or nearby pole.
• You can pair your workouts to the TRX Training Club app for access to TRX-certified trainers teaching live and on-demand classes.
• Finding a quality anchor for suspension training can be difficult at times.
• Some customers have said that the instructions aren’t clear, which can make it a challenge for novice athletes to confidently get into a workout.
• The suspension trainer’s carabiner doesn’t lock like other models, which limits security.

Many of the best inventions are built to serve a need. That’s the story for the TRX Home2 System, which was created by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick in 1997 as a means to get in a solid workout during deployment where gym equipment was few and far between. While the system has evolved from its rugged roots, we still think TRX is the best portable home gym thanks to its versatility, simple setup, and convenient storage.

The TRX Home2 System features a sturdy nylon webbing strap with a weight capacity capable of supporting up to 350 pounds across the soft foam handles that also double as adjustable foot anchors. Additionally, you get a door anchor that uses the physics of a closed door to support your frame during exercise, as well as a suspension anchor and carabiner allowing you to clip onto a nearby  squat rack , tree, pole, or other sturdy structure.

Having previously owned a Home2 System and with regular access to a unit at my local gym, I enjoy how simple it is to get this portable home gym up and running. After getting your equipment out of its lightweight and convenient mesh carry bag, just wrap your base strap around your structure or tuck the door anchor near the hinges of a door frame and shut the door. 

From there, you can easily lean into your starting position for a  wide range of TRX exercises  targeting full-body strength and conditioning like push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, and others. You are working solely against your bodyweight, though, so athletes needing extra resistance may want to opt for a portable home gym with resistance bands or cables.

I do recommend choosing your anchor point wisely, though, especially when using the door anchor. Speaking from personal experience, you can put a lot of stress across the framing when in an angled workout, which can lead to some scary creaks and potential damage to your abode. 

Additionally, we like how TRX compliments the Home2 System with a convenient TRX Training Club app, which is free for a 30-day trial and available afterward for $7.99 or $19.99 monthly, depending on whether you want access to instructor-led live classes or not.

According to our tester,  Billy Brown , this service can provide a thorough library of over 1,000 workouts targeting strength, mobility, and cardio. “I like the app because it helps beginners get a handle on what you can do with TRX, ”  he states in reference to the platform’s ideal demographic. Because of this introductory arrangement of workouts — and the fact that you have to pay for the service — he rates the app at a 3 out of 5, noting that more experienced TRX users may find the library underwhelming. 

This beginner-friendly app may be more helpful than you originally perceive, though. According to some customers, the included instructions — which outline how to set up your TRX and how to align your body for certain exercises — can be difficult to follow.  “I find the large poster is cumbersome and, sometimes, the two photos don’t explain the movement well,”  says one customer review.

Read our full  TRX Home2 System Review .

Best Smart Portable Home Gym: MAXPRO Fitness Cable Home Gym

This compact cable machine packs in up to 300 pounds of resistance to a footprint that measures just 6.77 square feet. Plus, the MAXPRO Fitness Cable Home Gym is Bluetooth compatible for easier data monitoring and logging throughout your fitness journey.

• Price:  $979
• Footprint:  16″ L x 10″ W x 4″ H
• Workout Type:  Cable Resistance Training
• Available Resistance:  5-300lbs
• Accessories:  Quick Connect Long Bar, Workout Handles, Ankle/Wrist Straps, Door Mount Brackets
• Bluetooth connectivity allows you to easily track your track workout data, history, and progress.
• The 300-pound max resistance is impressive for a machine that takes up just 1.11 square feet of space.
• The machine supports single-arm and dual-arm exercises.
• There’s no eccentric load, meaning the resistance isn’t felt while returning to your starting position.
• The cables aren’t as fluid right out of the box, so expect a break-in period.
• Some athletes may not appreciate the near-$1,000 price tag for such a small device.

Despite their small profiles, portable home gyms can come equipped with plenty of tech-heavy features like Bluetooth connectivity,  integrated fitness apps  for workout instruction, and more. Of the bunch, we found the MAXPRO Fitness Cable Home Gym to be the clear standout. Outside of its impressive Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to seamlessly track your workout metrics like reps and time, training history, and progress, this slim, portable cable machine can reach a max resistance of 300 pounds.

The MAXPRO Fitness Cable Home Gym sits at a meager 1.11 square-foot footprint and listed weight of 9 pounds, earning a 5 out of 5 for portability. Despite these metrics, though, we were pleasantly surprised at the power this portable home gym brings to your travel-ready fitness setup. The resistance range was more than enough to provide challenging exercise wherever we wanted to get a sweat session in.

Toggling the resistance was also a breeze thanks to the convenient side dials with clear markings for finding that perfect level of intensity.  “I like that there is such a wide range, which makes this an ideal machine for athletes at different strength levels,”  says our tester.

In terms of workout variety, this machine has a ton. Aside from the full-body workouts listed in the companion app, the MAXPRO is capable of both single- and dual-arm exercise since the cables are independent from one another. The cables are also 9 feet long, which allows for overhead presses — other machines may feature shorter cables, thus limiting which exercises you can perform in a given regimen.

We did notice, though, that while the cable mechanisms are convenient and sturdy, they aren’t entirely fluid and smooth-operating at first.  “The cables have a break-in period, and won’t operate smoothly out of the gate,”  notes our one tester.  “After a few workouts, though, I found that they started rolling like butter.”

Additionally, those wanting an extended time under tension may be displeased with the MAXPRO’s operating style. The cables don’t load eccentrically, meaning you’ll only feel the resistance during the concentric portion of your exercise — when the cables are pushed or pulled upward. 

While there are benefits to both concentric and eccentric training on their own, studies indicate that eccentric loading can support maximal muscle strength and power. ( 2 ) It would be nice to have such an opportunity in this portable home gym, especially when you’re paying a premium that rivals some standalone  cable machines .

[Related:  Your Guide to Concentric Vs. Eccentric Training ]

Best for Portable Home Gym for Strength Training: Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar

With four included bands capable of up to 300 pounds of resistance, the X3 Bar can be a suitable alternative to traditional strength training with free weights. The package includes a well-knurled barbell for added grip, as well as a convenient ground plate for easier bracing during heavy pulls.

• Price:  $549
• Footprint:  10” L x 19” W x 1” H
• Workout Type:  Band Resistance Training
• Available Resistance:  Up to 300lbs
• Accessories:  X3 Elite Bar, Ground Plate
• This kit includes a knurled bar to mimic strength movements like deadlifts, squats, and presses.
• The included bands feature 15 layers of latex for up to 30 percent more resistance than other layered latex bands.
• Purchase includes a 12-week program with instructional workout videos for easier understanding of how to use the device effectively.
• The carrying case for more convenient storage is sold separately.
• The bands do not list their resistance, so determining intensity is based on size rather than measured metrics.
• Larger athletes may find the ground plate to be too narrow for comfortable stances mid-workout.

Looking to boost your strength yet don’t have the available space for a roster of free weights, benches, and other training gear? Consider the X3 Bar from Jaquish Biomedical. Instead of training your muscles with weight plates and  dumbbells , this portable home gym uses thick latex bands to tax your physique in training. 

We’ve personally tested the X3 Bar and found the exercises to closely mimic our typical workouts with barbells and other free weights.  “I really enjoy the feel of the bar included in this portable home gym,”  says our tester.  “It has great knurling, and I appreciate the bearings that make for smooth rotations during each lift.”

Plus, the included ground plate — essentially a platform for upward pulls — takes up just 1.32 square feet of flooring, which is much more compact than, say, a standalone power rack. Additionally, the X3 Bar’s total weight of 17 pounds makes it light enough for easy carrying yet dense and durable enough for hard-nosed training. 

We like this portable home gym for strength training because of its reliance on  bands  over other resistance methods. Banded workouts have shown to provide similar strength gains when compared to training with conventional equipment. ( 3 ) Add in the fact that the four included bands feature 15 layers of latex, a 30 percent increase over other latex bands, according to the brand, and you’re set with a profile that’s capable of challenging your muscles with each grueling session.

Additionally, swapping one band for the next is also simple thanks to the hooked silhouette of the bar, as well as the channeled underside of the included ground plate. Because of these quick adjustments, along with the range of exercises you can perform with the bar setup, we give this portable home gym a 4.5 out of 5 for versatility.

Our testers also appreciated this included plate accessory, as it made it easier to brace the bands at the bottom of a lift. Other banded workouts call for you to step directly into the band, which can lead to imbalances in your stance (and the occasional upward snap if you’re not careful).

The only thing missing from this setup, outside of a convenient carrying case (sold separately) is a clear indication of how strong the bands are. There aren’t any stamped measurements across the bands, so you’re relying on feel when determining how much intensity you want to work against in training. We had no issues with creating a challenging workout, and the bands are identifiable given their differing thicknesses, but it would be nice to have a numeral tied to the resistance for a clearer, more defined training setup.

It’s also worth noting that the ground plate, while effective, is pretty compact at just 1.32 square feet. This could make it unusable for larger athletes or those that prefer a wider stance in training. Be sure to keep this in mind when considering this X3 Bar for your next on-the-go training session.

Best Compact Portable Home Gym: LIT Method AXIS Smart System

These resistance bands from LIT Method allow you to perform a wide variety of core movements. Plus, the corresponding app provides you with direction, motivation, and a path of progression. 

• Price:  $199
• Footprint:  3.5” L x 1.5” W x 1” H
• Workout Type:  Tube Band Resistance Training
• Available Resistance:  Up to 200lbs
• Accessories:  Handles, Ankle Cuffs, Universal Anchor, Carrying Case
• The entire kit fits into a 5.25-square-inch carrying case for convenient storage during travel.
• Each band features built-in sensors at the handles capable of tracking key metrics like your reps, weight lifted, time under tension, and calories.
• LIT Method’s compatible app can provide custom workouts delivered daily for a personalized training experience.
• Subscription to the app is $14.99 monthly, which may be too expensive for some budgets.
• Stronger athletes may find the 200-pound max resistance underwhelming.
• Those looking for barbell-centric resistance workouts will need to spend $90 more for the appropriate accessory.

While all of the home gyms in this guide are portable, there’s still something about a profile that can pack up neatly into a carrying case that fits in practically any pocket or  gym bag . Taking up just 5.25 square inches when stored, the AXIS Smart System from LIT Method is one of the smallest footprints we’ve encountered. This small footprint easily earns this training kit a 5 out of 5 in terms of portability.

You receive four smart resistance bands in each kit — two 0- to 60-pound bands and two 30- to 100-pound bands. These accessories are “smart” due to the built-in sensors near the carabiners. When connected to your phone and compatible LIT Method app, you can seamlessly track key metrics mid-workout including your reps, “weight” lifted based off of the showcased resistance, time under tension, and calories.

Additionally, the AXIS Smart System comes with two comfortable handles, two ankle cuffs, and a universal anchor that can be used with a door, sofa leg, tree, or other sturdy structure.  Jake Herod , BarBend’s lead video reviewer, enjoyed how seamlessly it was to swap out these attachments when setting up for a session.  “I like how the accessories rely on a carabiner, so it only takes a couple seconds to change out attachments for an arm or leg workout,”  he says.  “I actually took this on a beach trip with me this summer and it was perfect for what I needed.”

We also found that LIT Method offers a barbell attachment for barbell-centric exercises, but this accessory isn’t included in the base bundle and retails for $90, almost half of the entire kit itself.

We also appreciated how personalized the training experience was with this portable home gym. The integrated app delivers a customized workout plan daily to your device based on your logged abilities and metrics. This fine-tuned regimen helped each workout remain efficient and engaging, and the roster of instructors easily kept our attention through the over 3,000 on-demand classes, another feature offered through your app subscription.

The LIT AXIS Smart System can also be a treat for beginner athletes since the built-in sensors are capable of instant feedback on your form. In testing we found this to be a great resource when trying out new exercises across the six available categories — Pilates, Strength Training,  Cardio , Core, Rowing, and Recovery.

As totable and impressive as this portable home gym is, however, we think it’s more of a fit for beginner or intermediate athletes due to the limited resistance of the bands. We had a few occasions where we were easily able to push through the movements without much challenge despite having resistances maxed out across the setup, and we don’t doubt that stronger athletes could have similar experiences.

Best Lightweight Portable Home Gym: Gorilla Bow Travel

The Gorilla Bow Portable Home Gym Resistance Bands and Bar System come in three different options: lite, travel, and original. The original comes with four resistance bands that total 110lbs worth of resistance and a bar that is 1 inch in diameter and 56 inches long.

• Price:  $259.80
• Footprint:  56” L
• Available Resistance:  Up to 350lbs
• Accessories:  Band Carrying Bag, Band Wrap
• The three-piece bow weighs just 6 pounds for a convenient carrying setup that won’t weigh down your bag.
• You can hold up to four bands on the bow during workouts, making it great for supersets and interval training at varied intensities.
• Each band is clearly marked with its listed resistance for easier identification.
• It can be difficult to brace the band against your back during presses.
• The base bundle comes with 110 pounds of resistance, meaning additional bands may be needed for stronger athletes.
• Some may struggle to get the bands in place across the end notches.

Toting the Gorilla Bow Travel around is a breeze for multiple reasons. For one, the included bands come with a handy pouch to keep everything neat and tidy in your bag. Additionally, the bow itself breaks down into three separate pieces and weighs just 6 pounds in total. Don’t let the compact, lightweight design of this portable home gym fool you, though. The bow is capable of providing up to 350 pounds of resistance to your training regimen.

I’ve had a good bit of experience with this portable home gym, having owned a unit for over two years, and can attest to its effectiveness. I really enjoy how similar the workouts are to traditional  barbell training , and the tubed bands are resilient enough for plenty of extended use over time.

From personal experiences, though, I do recommend taking your time when finding an ideal brace point for presses, though. The band had a tendency to roll up my back toward my neck during my initial sessions with the bow, so you need to understand how to stabilize the resistance during training. It’s a learning curve, indeed, but one that’s easily mastered after a few go-arounds.

We also found the Gorilla Bow Travel to be an excellent tool for interval training because you can have up to four bands strung onto the bow at once.  “I can brace one or two bands underneath my feet for heavier rows, and then quickly step off a band for a finishing superset,”  says our tester.

The bands are color-coded for easy identification, too, and the resistance poundage is also labeled clearly at the end of each tube so there’s no questioning your intensity during training.

You can also pair the Gorilla Bow Travel to the brand’s companion app for $14.99 monthly. This service gives you access to unlimited live and on-demand fitness classes led by expert instructors, which can be a useful tool when trying to curate a workout regimen surrounding this portable home gym. While I personally found it easy to pick up given my history in barbell training, others may need a little extra guidance at those beginner stages.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the base bundle for this Gorilla Bow Travel comes with four tube bands weighing 10, 20, 30, and 50 pounds, respectively. We give this bundle a 4 out of 5 in terms of resistance, though, for one key reason — while 110 total pounds may be good for beginner users, stronger athletes may easily outlift this max intensity. 

Expansion packs are available for band options between 40 and 100 pounds, but they will cost extra. If you really want to challenge yourself with this device, expect to add a few more items to your cart prior to purchase.

Best Budget Portable Home Gym: Rogue Tube Bands

Rogue Tube Bands are perfect for performing banded versions of standard accessory moves, like curls, rows, and overhead presses. Throw them in your gym bag for your next workout. 

• Price:  $75
• Available Resistance:  Up to 60lbs
• Accessories:  None
• You can get six bands measuring between 10 and 60 pounds of tension for less than $100.
• Each grip features a textured knurling for improved grip and control during exercise.
• You can easily roll up these bands for convenient storage in an available pocket or on a nearby shelf.
• These bands do not come with an anchor accessory, so you can’t use them in tandem with a door or other structure.
• Resistance is only indicated by a color coding system — no poundage is listed across the bands.
• At 48 inches long, these bands may be too short for some overhead exercises.

Need to keep your spending on a portable home gym as minimal as the device’s footprint itself? Take a gander at these Tubed Bands from Rogue Fitness. We appreciate how Rogue offers these workout tools individually as well as a package deal, although we feel the “Complete” bundle of all six bands is the best value for $75. That’s a savings of $58 if you were to parcel out your kit piece by piece.

While in use, we enjoyed how comfortable the attached handles felt in our grasps, and the latex felt plenty durable for extended training sessions. For this reason, we rate the durability of this portable home gym option at 5 out of 5.

The textured knurling across the fixed handles was easy to grip, as well, and our tester noted that they felt no sense of slippage during training. They did notice an audible feedback, though, that could be irritating for some athletes.  “My only major complaint is the loud squeaking noise these resistance bands make while in use. I believe this obnoxious sound is coming from the metal joint that connects the handle to the band itself,”  they said.

We also want to note that the handles cannot be detached, so you cannot perform exercises with varying attachments like ankle cuffs. This may be a detriment to athletes wanting a variety of attachment points to support their  resistance band workouts .

There’s also no anchor attachment with this Rogue bundle, so you can only anchor these tubed bands underneath your feet during training. Other tubed band kits feature a door anchor that slides into a door frame, which gives you the opportunity to use your house elements as a brace for certain movements like forward presses or triceps extensions. 

That said, we were able to get creative for some makeshift brace points.  “I found that I could loop these bands around the support post in my basement or balusters on my back deck to create a solid anchor for training,”  says our tester. 

Rogue’s Tube Bands are available in six levels of resistance, each with a prescribed color. The orange band is the 10-pound band, the red measures 20 pounds, blue for 30 pounds, green for 40 pounds, black for 50 pounds, and purple for 60 pounds.

It’s key that you remember this color-coding system, as there are no markings or listed resistance poundage across the bands themselves. We recommend having a written key near your workout station or on your phone to help you remember which band is which.

Best All-in-One Portable Home Gym: BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0

This all-in-one portable home gym boasts a good mix of attachments to support your workout needs, coming equipped with a set of handles, wrist/ankle cuffs, and a collapsible barbell. Plus, the 20.1-inch by 15.9-inch foldable platform features multiple anchor points, allowing you to change your stance angle and resistance without much difficulty.

• Price:  $179
• Footprint:  20.1” L x 15.9” W x 2.8” H
• Accessories:  Foldable Platform, Handles, Collapsible Workout Bar, Wrist/Ankle Straps
• The base bundle comes with everything you need for training including two handles, a collapsible workout bar, and wrist/ankle straps.
• You can easily change your stance and resistance by anchoring to one of the five available carabiners at each side of the base board. 
• There’s a carrying case for accessories and the board features a convenient handle and foldable design.
• The 30-inch band length can limit your range of motion.
• Stronger athletes may be able to lift past the max resistance of 60 pounds.
• Customers state the base board can begin to weaken over extended use.

Having a portable home gym that covers all bases across the bundle is a definite perk. After all, you’re not reliant on extra purchases or pre-existing structures to help facilitate your daily workouts. With a foldable platform that serves as the anchor and three included attachment options, the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 checks all the boxes when it comes to all-encompassing fitness gear that’s complete from the start.

We appreciate how convenient the entire setup was, and liked how the brand makes everything convenient for travel. You get a compact carrying case for the included bands and attachments, and the platform folds into itself for easier carrying — there’s even a handle to create a briefcase-like aesthetic. Additionally, the carabiners are well built and durable, and our testers found no issues when swapping out attachments or anchoring to a different point across the base board.

The BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 can be an excellent option for athletes tight on space, too. The platform takes up 2.22 square feet of space, meaning you’re plenty capable of getting a session in across a space that takes up less flooring than your standard bath mat. If you do want to anchor to an existing door frame, the brand has you covered, too, with a complimentary door anchor thrown into the kit as well.

Portability aside, though, this may not be the best solution for every athlete, which is why we give this kit a 3.5 out of 5 for versatility. According to the brand, the included bands are only rated at 30 pounds. Even when combining the two for exercises like back squats and  deadlifts , you’re still only pulling a measured 60 pounds of band resistance, which may be too limited for stronger athletes.

Additionally, it’s worth noting the length of the included tube bands. At 30 inches long, you may be restricted to pulling motions or forward presses, since getting these profiles to stretch overhead may be asking too much of their structure and resiliency. Still, though, for a quick solution to travel-friendly training that leaves no stone unturned, it’s hard to find a complete bundle as well-rounded as this pick from BodyBoss.

[Related:  Try These 5 Hotel Room Workouts to Stay Fit on the Road ]

How We Choose the Best Portable Home Gyms

Finding the best portable home gyms is a more involved process than looking for a compact piece of gym equipment with an additional carrying case. In determining our list, we looked at multiple factors outside of just each profile’s portability in an effort to give you as robust a list as possible. Read below to get a better understanding of how these components factored into our curation process.

Footprint and Storage

Fitness equipment isn’t the most convenient category when it comes to storage and portability. Oftentimes, wherever you initially place the gear is where it’ll live for however long you own it. So, to align with the “portable” moniker, we looked for profiles that featured lightweight designs that could be toted with ease from workout to workout. We looked for home gyms featuring storage-friendly components like foldable silhouettes or carrying cases, which helped promote a more travel-ready aesthetic.

Additionally, we understand that portable also lends itself to compact training, so the equipment chosen for this round-up had to be space-saving in nature. Outside of the foldable components or packable frames, we looked at the in-use footprint of each mechanism, aiming for a square footage under 2.67 square feet. Essentially, if our stance atop the home gym could fit within a small welcome mat, the device was in contention. 

Resistance Levels

In testing, we found that many of the top-performing portable home gyms favored resistance training as the go-to workout discipline. This made sense to us, as studies have shown that many improvements in physical function and athletic performance are associated with the increases in muscle strength, power, endurance, and hypertrophy observed during resistance training. ( 1 ) Additionally, you don’t need a lot of space to facilitate challenging exercises against an outside force.

To make your workouts worthwhile, though, the resistance at play needs to provide  some  challenge and room for growth to help support  progressive overload . So, we tested a variety of profiles offering varying levels of resistance suitable for beginners and advanced athletes alike. These levels ranged from a light 10 pounds all the way up to 350 pounds and more.

We also looked at how versatile the setups could be in terms of angles, as changing this metric can also make a workout more or less taxing across your physique. We won’t get into a detailed lesson in physics, but  changing your exercise angle  can alter which muscle fibers are working in a given set. This can help create a challenging setup, which is ideal for supporting progressive overload, which is vital in generating progression in your fitness. ( 4 )

Workout Variety

Keeping your regimen fresh with new and engaging movements is key to maintaining your interest in training. We looked for portable home gyms capable of supporting a variety of pushing and pulling motions across their resistance training setups. We also included portable home gyms with multiple accessories that allowed for varied grip and attachment points in training. This can open up your exercise library to lower-body-specific and upper-body-specific movements alike, depending on your decision to use the available handled grips or ankle cuffs.

We also looked at how the portable home gyms anchored themselves to support the stretched cables or resistance bands. Did the setups allow for varied angles, or would we be limited to a standard positioning over the structures themselves? We included a handful of picks showcasing both setup options to cater to more training tastes.

If you’re looking for a portable home gym, you don’t want the setup time before your workout to be long and arduous. We included profiles that required minimal assembly, as well as silhouettes that could be easily broken down once your training was complete for the day. Some home gyms were more involved, requiring some anchoring steps to a nearby door or structure, but regardless, we tried to keep pre-training setups to less than five minutes across the board.

In our opinion, five minutes was a good benchmark because this isn’t too taxing of a timeframe yet still allows for any safety checks where needed. A simple setup and breakdown can also be helpful when training on a time crunch, like before you have to catch a flight or in-between meetings. We also realize that portable home gyms can rarely stay built or in a given place for extended periods, so having the ability to get in, train, and get out is an absolute must.

Benefits of Portable Home Gyms

Portable home gyms can be excellent for any athlete regularly on the road or those looking for a workout solution to match their cramped living arrangements. Whether you need to find a way to get a solid training session in during travel or just want a compact option for sessions outside of your normal training center, below are some benefits that can be reaped by adding a portable home gym to your fitness arsenal.

On-the-Go Training

When you have a portable home gym at your disposal, you can turn virtually any location into a bonafide training center. This can be ideal for athletes that routinely travel for work, as there are fewer excuses to skip a sweat session. Staying diligent in training and maintaining a consistent regimen is the best way to see progress and support your healthy well-being. ( 5 )

Work Out in Small Spaces

Portable home gyms are smaller and more compact than other  full-body workout machines  you’d find on the market. Their footprints are much smaller to help support their travel-ready designs, meaning they take up less space both in use and on the go. As such, portable home gyms can be viable options for those that may not have the space available for a full-fledged  cardio machine  or other cumbersome piece of training equipment.

Additionally, portable home gyms are designed to be lightweight so you can carry them from place to place with ease. While this featherweight aesthetic can do wonders for passing through bag checks and weight limits at the airport, it can also make it easier to train in any room of your choosing throughout your home — even second and third floors. There’s also no extra weight that could leave you weary about crashing through your upstairs flooring during workouts.

[Related:  The Best Airport Workouts for Staying Fit During Holiday Travel ]

Full-Body Workouts

If you’re looking for a home gym that can support both upper-body and lower-body exercises, portable home gyms can easily fit the bill. Given their reliance on resistance training, typically in the form of bands, these machines can be set up to train your legs, arms, chest, core, and shoulders. This can allow you to create a worthwhile regimen with enough challenges strewn throughout to keep your training consistency intact when getting to the gym is not feasible in your schedule.

How to Choose the Best Portable Home Gym

Finding an ideal portable home gym for your needs requires a few things. First, you need to make sure that the machine can support your training with the right amount of intensity and challenge. Second, you’ll want to look for a profile you can  actually tote around  — what’s the use of a “portable” machine that can’t be transported, after all? Below are a few additional factors to consider when deciding on the best portable home gym for your training regimen.

Portability

Odds are that you’re looking for portable home gyms because you want to take your workouts with you when on the road. So, be sure that the profile can be transported with little difficulty. If your portable home gym is a singular structure, look at the dimensions and ensure it’s capable of fitting in your gym bag or luggage.

It can also be wise to pay attention to the weight of the item, as you don’t want to be lugging around a cumbersome piece of equipment with each trip. This can be a good way to spoil your interest in the training tool, making it more of a homebody than a travel-ready convenience.

The notion behind portable home gyms is to allow for worthwhile training when your normal routine isn’t feasible. So, you’ll want to ensure that your portable gear can be just as efficient in generating a solid workout as your go-to machines and equipment. Take a good look at the available resistance levels available across the profile and compare it to your current fitness levels. If you think the intensity will be too easy for you, try to find a more accommodating design.

Additionally, you don’t want to have a portable home gym that you’re maxing out from the start. Having a machine that can support your growth and progress is just as important as finding a silhouette that fits your current strength levels. So, be sure to look for a portable home gym that features a gap between its maximum resistance and your maximum output. 

This can also be a good way to maintain a sense of motivation with your gear — think of that max resistance as a boss level or final challenge along your journey. Your interests and determination to conquer this feat can help you stay more diligent in training, leading to repeated equipment use as you chase down that metric.

Packing and Convenience

When looking for a portable home gym, you’ll want a profile that packs easily into your bag, or at least, isn’t too big of a profile in your arms during transport. Consider home gyms that come equipped with a convenient carrying case, as these accessories can help keep all your essentials stored neatly in one place while still maintaining a compact aesthetic.

If your portable home gym doesn’t offer a carrying case or tote, make sure the components can be wound up or broken down for easier toting. From there, you can find a storage method that works best for your setup rather than trying to work around a silhouette that’s rigid and less versatile.

Finally, portable home gyms are intended to be useful tools in your training regimen, but they shouldn’t break the bank. Many portable home gyms can be found with cheaper price tags than other fitness equipment, but it’s always good to crunch some numbers before adding profiles to your cart. Make sure your portable home gym fits into your budget, as it needs to comfortably slide into this location before it can ever slide into your carry-on.

As much as we’d all like to have a complete home gym within arms reach, life and travel arrangements don’t always grant us access to such environments. Portable home gyms can help you maintain a sense of consistency with training, regardless of your location. These compact, totable tools often focus on resistance training to generate progressive, challenging workouts in as small of a footprint as possible.

When deciding on a worthwhile portable home gym, your natural first consideration should be how easily the device is to carry around. There’s no sense in purchasing a “portable” piece of gear if it’s going to be a burden during travel. Additionally, you want a machine that can provide a good intensity to your alternative training regimen. You’re making an effort to maintain consistency, after all, so you want a device that’s more taxing than simply going through the motions. Using these tips and round-up as a guide, you can be well on your way to keeping your fitness goals top of mind, wherever life takes you.

Is a portable home gym worth it?

Yes, a portable home gym can be a great solution to maintaining fitness levels when dealing with travel or working around confined spaces. While the challenging workouts are limited to the amount of resistance levels baked into their respective designs, portable home gyms can be worthwhile solutions for maintaining a sense of training consistency, regardless of where life takes you.

What is the best portable home gym?

For our money, we prefer the TRX Home2 System thanks to its simple setup, minimal gear requirements, and compatibility with the TRX Training Club app which gives you access to instructor-led workouts and helpful training advice.

How do I choose a portable home gym?

When choosing a portable home gym, you’ll first want to see how convenient the profile is to transport. Look for devices that break down easily or feature a compact carrying case for easier toting from workout to workout. Additionally, it can be wise to opt for a portable home gym with enough resistance levels to support your current and future fitness levels. This can be great for promoting challenging workouts for extended periods, leading to better progressive overload and maintaining physical well-being.

• Smith, B. K., & Kirk, E. (2002). Resistance training and physical exercise in human health.  Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance , 55–64.
• Vogt, M., & Hoppeler, H. H. (2014). Eccentric exercise: Mechanisms and effects when used as training regime or training adjunct.  Journal of Applied Physiology ,  116 (11), 1446–1454.
• Lopes, J. S., Machado, A. F., Micheletti, J. K., de Almeida, A. C., Cavina, A. P., & Pastre, C. M. (2019). Effects of training with elastic resistance versus conventional resistance on muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis.  SAGE Open Medicine ,  7 , 205031211983111.
• La Scala Teixeira, C. V., Evangelista, A. L., Pereira, P. E., Da Silva-Grigoletto, M. E., Bocalini, D. S., & Behm, D. G. (2019). Complexity: A novel load progression strategy in strength training.  Frontiers in Physiology ,  10 .
• Warburton, D. E. R. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: The evidence.  Canadian Medical Association Journal ,  174 (6), 801–809.

About Ben Emminger

As a former athlete, Ben has long been involved in fitness and training. He's combined that experience with his professional love of writing and journalism, culminating in years of product-based reporting across multiple training disciplines, including running, strength training, yoga, recovery, and others.

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BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.

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• Training Gear Reviews

The 4 Best Portable Home Gyms of 2024

Ready to finally reach your fitness goals? We researched dozens of portable home gyms before choosing the 7 best available today for side-by-side testing and comparison. Our fitness fanatics put them through a full gamut of testing, evaluating all available components, resistance ranges, and safety features. We know that health goals are as versatile as humans, so we rated each gym on its ability to encompass an expanse of possible uses, styles, and body sizes. Whether you like to work out alone at home or blog about it online, our team of experts outlines the best home gyms available today to help you find the perfect fit for your exercise routine and wallet.

We have a number of recommendations to help keep you fit at home. See our fitness reviews where we tested the best dumbbells , best weight vests , the top treadmills and best exercise bikes (including the top budget exercise bikes ).

Top 7 Product Ratings

Best portable home gym, gonex portable home gym.

• Exercise Options 9.0
• Usability 8.0
• Portability 5.0
• Durability & Safety 8.0

The Gonex Portable Home Gym is our top choice for a compact set of home exercise equipment that will facilitate full-body workouts. This kit features tons of components to maximize the number and types of movements available — it even comes with less-frequently included bits like a post landmine sleeve and an extra segment to elongate the bar for wider-stance exercises like squats. The large, solidly built board has all its anchor points on the top for easy swapping between components. Fabric-covered resistance bands add extra protection and a detailed booklet helps you choose what muscles to push and gives useful pointers on proper form.

The Gonex is one of the largest and heaviest home gyms we tested, so it's not ideal for travel. The baseboard folds in half but doesn't fit into the bulky carrying case. And if you're hoping to find a progression of resistance bands that let you add more as you gain strength, you'll have to purchase these elsewhere, as Gonex doesn't currently make any add-ons for this gym. This option is more expensive than many of its rivals in our review, but we're huge fans of the wide variety of exercises it facilitates for people of all sizes, and if you're a frequent user, we think the price is worth it. Those who prefer a smaller and lighter model may prefer the travel-friendly Gymwell Portable Home Gym .

Best Bang for Your Buck

Gymwell portable home gym.

• Exercise Options 8.0
• Portability 7.0
• Durability & Safety 7.0

If you're willing to forego a baseboard and instead use your feet and ankles to anchor your bands, take a look at the Gymwell Portable Home Gym . This is our favorite kit of this type — and it's also super affordable. Its numerous components offer multiple uses, making this setup far more convenient to use than many. The ankle/foot straps are one of our favorites, combining the convenience and comfort of padded ankle straps with the security of an under-foot stirrup, as well as multiple anchor points to allow you to perform tons of exercises without having to switch pieces as often. This system has one of the longer bars among our contenders, making it a better fit for wide-stance movements. This set also includes posters of exercises and two thick stacks of exercise cards on rings, helping you find the perfect movements — and proper form, described in detail on the back of each card — for each targeted muscle group. The entire set is more portable than most we tested, packing up easily into an impressively compact bag.

The Gymwell comes with two lengths and two options for resistance levels, but the manufacturer does not currently offer any extra bands. If you're looking for an incremental step program rather than a consistent level, you will have to purchase bands from another manufacturer. It includes both long and short bands, but oddly enough, only the long ones come in two possible resistance strengths. Minor inconveniences aside, we love the versatility, portability, and included ideas and instructions of this less expensive home gym. If you would like to expand your home gym with additional resistance bands from the same manufacturer, look at another model like the Gorilla Bow .

Smooth and Consistent

Oyo personal gym.

• Exercise Options 6.0
• Usability 7.0
• Portability 8.0
• Durability & Safety 9.0

Hate the uneven feeling of working out with giant rubber bands, aka resistance bands? If so, take a look at the OYO Personal Gym . Made using the same technology popularized by Bowflex, the OYO is smooth and consistent due to a crisscrossing cable and pulley systems. These cables are also more durable than any latex band, and since they're never under massive tension, you're not in danger of having one snap back at your face during a workout. This futuristic-looking unit is also impressively compact and portable, requiring far less setup and component changing during use than just about any other model we tested. The icing on the (low-carb) cake? We found OYO's website filled with tons of extra information, exercise videos, and multi-week plans available for free.

After the learning curve of figuring out how to use this unique piece of gear, we found it relatively straightforward to use. Our only complaint about this unusual portable gym is that the cables are rather short, limiting its range of motion even among our smaller testers. Compact resistance packs snap on and off for quick changing between motions yet offer very little range and no way to extend it. In fact, the unit tops out at just 25 pounds of resistance, making this model better for users who prefer more reps at a lower weight. One tester mused that her senior citizen-aged relatives would love the OYO , while another suggested it as a great option to take to the office and do small workouts during short breaks. But if 25 pounds is far too light, look for a model that tops out at a higher resistance weight like the Gymwell Portable Home Gym .

Best Exercise Bow

Gorilla bow portable home gym.

• Exercise Options 4.0

While we were excited to test some exercise bows alongside more traditional home gym models, in comparison, we're not convinced they're worth the hype. However, if you're sold on the interesting and surprisingly versatile usage of an exercise bow, the Gorilla Bow is our pick. It's one of the very few gym kits we tested that comes with a good range of resistance bands and has plenty of extra options that allow for incremental increases if you're working on progression in your strength and movements. You can purchase additional bands separately to increase resistance considerably — Gorilla Bow sells kits that go up to 340 pounds. The bow itself is highly durable, and even the simple, uncovered resistance bands are stronger than most others we tested. The Gorilla Bow is also extremely simple to set up, thereby cutting down the time spent swapping various pieces in the middle of your routine.

Of course, with limited components comes a somewhat limited range of possible exercises. The bent "bar" of the bow adds a layer of awkwardness to smaller motions like chest presses and is a bit too heavy and long for many single-handed motions. There are still plenty of things you can do with the Gorilla Bow , though, so if you love the concept, this one could be right for you.

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Why You Should Trust Us

We began the testing process with hours of research to find the most promising portable home gym options. After selecting our contenders, we purchased them all for side-by-side comparison and testing. We then spent weeks trying out their myriad uses, configurations, and available ranges. We performed hundreds of exercises to test door anchors, ankle straps, and resistance bands. Our testing team included both men and women, ranging in height from 5'4" to 6'1" and representing various fitness goals and strategies. We're not here to tell you how to exercise, but we can help you find the right tools for your home workout regimen, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out.

• Exercise Options (35% of total score weighting)
• Usability (30% weighting)
• Portability (20% weighting)
• Durability & Safety (15% weighting)

Senior Review Editor Maggie Nichols heads up this review. Even before the restrictions of the COVID pandemic set in, Maggie was an at-home fitness enthusiast. She has made it a priority to incorporate a wide variety of exercises into her routine — none of which involve a gym membership. From running several days a week and practicing yoga in her office to lifting free weights and doing calisthenics in her garage, she's always on the move. For this review, she also enlisted the help of several friends and family members to test the range and options of each model. Maggie has been testing gear and home goods for GearLab since 2017.

Analysis and Test Results

Not everyone wants the same thing from their workout — some of us want to get stronger, while others are focused on maintaining overall health or challenging themself to work toward a specific new goal. When it comes to your personal fitness, as long as safety is your number one concern, any goal can be a good goal for you. With this wide variety of possible reasons for purchasing a portable home gym in mind, we set out to test each of these products in its full capacity so that you understand which is best for your unique goals. We divided our testing into four overarching metrics that, when combined, give an overall picture of each portable gym. To learn more about our testing process and which models perform best in specific areas, read on.

There is no shortage of best exercise equipment on the market for you to spend your money on, but figuring out which system will give you the workout you want for the cash you're willing to spend is another story. While all of the portable home gyms we tested will give you plenty of options, some offer a greater diversity of use than others.

The Gymwell is our top choice when it comes to the most bang for your buck. It comes with a plethora of anchors, straps, bars, and different levels of resistance bands, as well as super helpful instructions to make the most of a surprisingly compact exercise set. Sometimes, however, some extra cash will get you a significant upgrade that's worth the investment — such is the case with the Gonex . It's more expensive but includes a ton of extras and some unique components not found on any other home gym we tested.

Exercise Options

One of the most important aspects of any portable home gym is the number of exercises you can actually do with it. To evaluate this, we considered many factors, including the number of different components each model has and their versatility for different uses targeting various muscles and muscle groups. We evaluated the range of resistance these gyms have to offer, the increments at which they can be changed, and additional pieces that can expand that range. We also considered extras and add-ons, like online videos (from the manufacturer, not just other customers creating videos), subscription services, and additional items to expand your gym.

It's hard to beat the Gonex Home Gym for the sheer number of included components and possible exercises they enable. This gym includes a wide baseboard and the typical assortment of ankle straps, foot stirrups, handles, and door anchors, and it also features two ab roller wheels, a post landmine sleeve, and an additional segment to elongate and pad the bar for wider-set exercises. Included with all of this is a corresponding in-depth booklet full of ideas and instructions to help you tailor your workout to your goals.

Though it lacks a footboard or ab rollers, the Gymwell system is also impressive in its diversity of offerings. It features two different strengths of resistance bands, a tree/post anchor, and ankle/foot combination anchors to add options while cutting down the time spent swapping out different components. The Gymwell also comes with our favorite on-paper workout instructions — a set of posters as well as two decks of cards (connected on a ring, for easy flipping) with very detailed directions to keep your form sharp and your training targeted.

The BodyBoss 2.0 and INNSTAR 3.0 both scored above average here as well. The BodyBoss doesn't have quite as many components as similar models but still includes a baseboard, anchors, and all the right straps to get a full workout. Additional components are available for purchase, allowing you to add on and get more out of this system. The INNSTAR's numerous components add to its versatility (like a bar and unique bench press band), but you're forced to purchase a whole new set if you want to change the amount of resistance in your bands.

The OYO Personal Gym is a neat little contraption that we like the idea of but find to be a little bit limited. It has only low resistance options and far fewer add-ons and components than many others — better suited for repetition than building serious muscle.

Another crucial part of any exercise equipment is its usability. To test this, we assessed numerous facets during use. When working out, we checked smoothness, grip comfort, stability, and overall feel. Between exercises, we evaluated the ease of changing and adjusting equipment to various positions and resistance levels. Before and after our sessions, we noted how easy each gym is to set up and put away. And we took note of how intuitive each model is — i.e., do you need the booklet or website every time, or are the exercise options straightforward?

Once again, the Gonex proves itself a step above the rest in terms of usability and adaptability. It's the only model we tested that includes an extra segment to lengthen the bar and a padded sleeve that is exceptionally comfortable to use during squats. With metal anchors on the top of the baseboard, it's quick and easy to change between components without losing your workout momentum. And while it comes with a thorough instruction booklet, we found its components to be quite intuitive to set up and use. The Gymwell system is also impressively useful and versatile, with a longer-than-average bar with firmly attached padded sections that add noticeable comfort. The BodyBoss 2.0 also comes with a longer-than-average bar that's comfortably padded and a very sturdy baseboard with easy-to-use anchors and grips for solid foot placement.

The INNSTAR 3.0 kit is rather easy to use in most respects as well. Its thick, sturdy bands and solid attachments provide clean, smooth movements. The Gorilla Bow is very easy to set up, and its simple design means you don't have to switch out components between routines, and swapping resistance bands when needed is a cinch. It also offers one of the smallest increments of change of any model we tested. The OYO Personal Gym is another that's quite usable in many ways. While at first appearing complicated, the system itself is surprisingly simple, allowing you to perform a wide variety of exercises without having to change anything about the unit's setup. When you do need to change resistance levels, simple round packs can be quickly snapped on or off the center of the frame.

The NYPOT Bow is nearly as easy to set up as the Gorilla Bow , with the added step of assembling the bow itself, which simply clicks into place with metal buttons. Swapping bands is easy and straightforward.

Portability

Testing the portability of each gym involved a combination of measurements and perceived exercise value. We weighed and measured every packed-up portable gym and evaluated its compactness when considering travel restrictions. We then assessed the likelihood that we would actually travel with such a thing — whether to the park down the street or on a work trip for a week.

By their very nature, every one of these gym systems is more portable than even the slimmest exercise bike or the most compact free weight set. If your goal in the search for portability is to save space at home and be able to keep your equipment in the closet when not in use, every one of the models we tested fits the bill. On the other hand, if you're hoping to take some fitness gear to use discretely during work breaks or maintain health goals while traveling, some are more conducive to being stuck in a suitcase or duffel bag.

The OYO Personal Gym is fairly compact and could easily be brought along on vacation. Though a bit bulkier and heavier, the Gymwell or INNSTAR 3.0 could arguably be carted to work or your neighborhood park without too much inconvenience. The BodyBoss 2.0 isn't much larger, and its additional workout options may make it the perfect travel companion.

The Gonex is a large, heavy, and bulky baseboard system. While we enjoy its size and plethora of additions for home use, it's a bit much to travel with and best left in the closet at home. The Gorilla Bow claims to be portable, but the idea of carrying around a solid 4.5-foot bar of metal isn't exactly appealing. The NYPOT Bow breaks down into three sections that fit into a simple carry bag, making it a much better option for true travel ease.

Durability & Safety

This metric combines our own observations of the quality of materials and build of every unit with the relative safety of using each one. We scrutinized and compared every component, using our longtime experience in the field to gauge relative toughness. We then scoured the internet for other outstanding user complaints of equipment failure and considered the safety information that came with each gym (if applicable). From the obvious advice to consult your physician to specific directions on proper form during individual exercises, no element went unobserved.

The OYO Personal Gym is the only system we tested that doesn't rely on breakable resistance bands, opting instead for sturdy cables and a pulley system to minimize stress to the unit during use. It also has fewer pieces to snap on and off, further lowering potential breakable components over prolonged use.

When it comes to resistance band units, the INNSTAR bands are among the sturdiest we tested, further supported by protective fabric sheaths. The Gonex and BodyBoss 2.0 are quite durable as well, with numerous components of metal and thick plastic, and tough resistance bands covered with protective fabric.

The Gorilla Bow is quite durable, with an exceptionally thick metal — same for the NYPOT 3-piece portable bow system. However, we're far more impressed by the Gorilla's latex bands than we are by the weaker NYPOT bands that seemed to attract every stray dog hair nearby. Regarding safety and instruction, the Gonex and Gymwell included copious amounts of information on how to use their equipment effectively and safely. The OYO system has abundant extras online for using this unique piece of equipment, including many multi-week challenges and other life tips and fitness advice.

Whether you're trying to save money on a gym membership, stay healthy without leaving home, or just looking for something to add variety to your exercise, there's a portable home gym for you. We sweated it out, testing each one and comparing them together to help you determine which one will guide you toward your fitness goals.

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The Best Travel Workout Equipment That Won't Take Over Your Suitcase

By Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If one of your 2023 goals is to stay consistent with your workouts, it's time to invest in some lightweight, packable equipment to help you stay on track when travel plans inevitably interrupt your fitness routine. Whether you're training for a marathon or have gotten into a ClassPass groove at home, there's plenty of effective and easy-to-use travel workout equipment that'll allow you to keep up that active streak wherever you go , without needing to visit a gym.

Below, we've gathered the best workout equipment for travelers, from versatile resistance bands to portable yoga mats to post-exercise recovery tools. We're also recommending some accessories that are ideal for active travelers, like belt bags designed for runners and wrist weights to level up a hike. Whether you're going off the grid in a private Airbnb , planning an island vacation , or headed on a weekend getaway , we have the packable workout gear for you, no matter your current fitness level.

• Packable travel workout equipment  
• Travel-friendly fitness accessories
• Post-workout must-haves

The best workout equipment 

I must admit, I'm a bit obsessed with these Bala Bangles. I wear them constantly on my wrists or ankles for long walks, yoga exercises, and at-home workouts—but they can also be worn during aerobics, boxing, Pilates, core training, or rehabilitation sessions. Made of soft silicone, I usually forget I'm even wearing them. They elevate an otherwise easy walk around the neighborhood into a slightly more challenging workout. Each Bala Bangle is a one pound weight, adding a comfortable resistance to any movement you're doing. They won't add too much weight to your tote bag or duffel bag and they come in a sleek travel case. 

If you want to exercise from anywhere, you'll need a lightweight mat that can turn any surface into your gym floor.  Made of a cushioned rubber backing, the Alo Yoga Air mat is no-slip, dry-wicking, and anti-odor. This travel-friendly mat rolls up thinly and only weighs 3.5 pounds, making it lighter than exercise mats tend to be. Roll this out for yoga, stretching, or any floor exercises. 

One of the smallest, lightest, and most versatile pieces of workout gear you can pack are simple resistance bands, like this budget-friendly set available on Amazon. This set of five bands each have a difference resistant level—ranging from extra light to extra heavy—making them ideal for both beginners and the pros. Roll them right back up into their compact carry bag to take them with you anywhere. 

Sliders, sometimes called gliders, will make even the simplest workout more challenging—no heavy equipment or exercise machine required. These flat, round discs allow your hands and feet to slide across any floor while increasing your balance and strengthening your core. They're ideal for floor workouts that you can do anywhere—like push ups, lunges, mountain climbers, or planks. Whether you're working from your living room floor or your Airbnb in Joshua Tree , your core will be engaged the whole time with these. Plus, they're easy to pack in just about any bag and are so versatile.

If your favorite way to exercise is by hitting an early morning yoga class, you may want to add this yoga block from Alo to your packing list. The Uplifting yoga block fits into most any tote bag—pull it out when you're ready to practice and maintain stability during poses. It's lightweight and features curved edges for an even better grip. 

If you're used to using the TRX suspension training equipment at the gym, this travel-ready set from Amazon will come in handy wherever you go. This lightweight set includes a suspension training strap, indoor/outdoor anchors, and a mesh travel bag. It's fairly easy to set up on the go and weighs about 1.5 pounds. 

I've been using the Sweat Sweet waist trimmer for years and I continue to be impressed every time I use it. Made of extra-thick neoprene, this waist band causes you to sweat even harder without doing any extra work. Simply adjust it around your waist using the Velcro strap before doing any cardio and when your workout is complete, you'll be dripping with sweat. It's affordable and can be folded down to take up very little packing space. Even a simple walk with this on around my waist leaves me sweating as if I just went on a long run. 

If you're someone who prefers attending in-person workout classes to stay on track or are a beginner who needs some guidance on what to do, an Alo Moves membership is a great option. Work out from anywhere with thousands of classes you can access on your phone, all led by skilled instructors. There are plenty of classes to choose from—Vinyasa, barre, HIIT, core, yoga, mindfulness, and more. Plus, Alo offers a seven-day free trial you can test out before committing to a membership. 

Travel-friendly fitness accessories  

On any trip you'll want a versatile sling bag that will keep you hands-free on the go. Whether you're going on an adventurous hike or walking around all day exploring a new city, the Béis Sport Sling will fit all the must-haves you need. There's a spot for your credit cards, a microfiber-lined protective pocket for your phone or sunglasses, and a compartment to store items like AirPods or sunscreen . The best part: There's a hidden water bottle pocket so you can stay hydrated all day long. 

The ultimate fitness gadget to keep you on track: the Fitbit Versa 4. This sleek watch tracks your daily activity, heart rate, and sleep cycle all in one. Fitbit allows you to access apps, receive notifications, and send messages without pulling out your phone, another plus for travel days. There are over 15 exercises modes to record your workout; even better, it's water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about taking it off before jumping in the pool or taking a dip in the ocean. 

One of our favorite (and smallest) fanny packs , the Lululemon Fast and Free mini belt bag is made for runners on the go. It fits the essentials you need while running —your phone, cards, and keys—without slowing you down. Bonus: The touchscreen-friendly mesh on the front of the bag allows you to quickly tap your phone to silence a call or change the song without stopping to open the bag. 

A sports cap is always welcome on sunny days outdoors. This classic and chic Nike hat is available in a handful of colors to match any workout set you have. I always keep a neutral-colored hat in my suitcase for active days (or those inevitable bad hair days).

Running and hiking enthusiasts , listen up. This water-resistant armband holds your phone, a key, and your headphone cord (if you still have 'em)—no bag or legging pocket necessary. It's adjustable to fit your arm comfortably and doesn't get in the way of unlocking your phone with Face ID when it's in the case. Plus, it's under $15 on Amazon—a price you can't beat. 

If you're visiting a windy city like Chicago , be sure to pack an ear warmer headband for outdoor runs or walks. This fleece headband keeps your ears protected and warm even on the coldest days. Choose from black, charcoal, navy, or white. 

Read more: The Winter Running Gear Getting Us Out on the Coldest Days

Post-workout recovery must-haves 

This collapsible foam roller is perfect for travelers—it's portable, easy to fold, and weighs less than two pounds. It can be used to warm up with or for recovery to target tightened muscles. It's folds down nicely to fit right in your carry-on and comes in a small mesh travel bag. 

At only 1.5 pounds, the Hypervolt Go 2 is so lightweight and portable. It's a percussion massager that targets stress, muscle tension, and fatigue. Use it to warm up, loosen tight muscles, or help relax after a workout. It's an ideal recovery tool for active travelers always on the move. 

The Theragun Mini is worth the hype: It's the smallest and lightest option among Theraguns with three speeds and three attachments. It'll decrease muscle soreness and release tension and knots you might experience after exercising. It helps speed up the recovery process, improves sleep and mobility, and relieves stress—benefits any traveler will appreciate. 

10 Lightweight, Portable Pieces of Exercise Equipment To Pack With You While Traveling

Whether you're hitting the road in a camping van or escaping to an all-inclusive wellness resort , travel can give you a much-needed reset and break from your busy schedule. But if you're someone who enjoys regular exercise, squeezing in a workout on the road can be tricky. Be it limited access to fancy gym equipment or access to a workout space altogether, and getting those reps in on vacation can be a hassle.

Well, it used to be. Thanks to innovations in portable exercise equipment, you can now bring your workout with you wherever you roam. And no, we're not suggesting you shove your iron dumbbells into your carry-on bag. (Please, don't.) Nowadays, there are plenty of lightweight exercise equipment options that'll help you get moving on your next trip. For glute and leg workouts, a pack of resistance bands and ankle weights should do the trick. For a quick cardio session, add a cordless jump rope , or use Elite Sportz Sliders ($9) to engage your core.

No matter your fitness goals, there's a travel-friendly piece of workout equipment that's eager to tag along. We did the leg work (lol) to find the best portable and lightweight exercise equipment options, which you'll find below.

The best portable exercise equipment for travel

For legs and glutes.

If you’re devoted to maintaining your squat game—even on vacay—get this squat band. It’s designed to let you squat anywhere: In the back of your camper, near the pool, even in the airport (if you so wish) while you’re waiting for your flight. Rather than using just your body weight, the bands add a bit of resistance while ensuring a smoother dip. It’s hands-free, simple, and can be shoved in your beach bag without weighing it down.

Strap on some ankle weights to add a little oomph to your runs, leg workouts, and core training. Each set comes with five removable sand pockets, each weighing 0.97 pounds., and is made of neoprene for a comfy fit. Since it’s heavier than other items on this list, we’d recommend them for checked luggages.

For arms and chest

This easy-to-use resistance band set will have your upper body challenged on your next vacay. What’s included? Five workout bands, non-slip handles, a door anchor, and ankle straps. Anchor one of the workout bands to the door for chest presses or hook up a non-slip handle for some bicep action. It also comes with carabiners, which you can connect to cable equipment if you’ll be staying at a hotel or Airbnb with a fitness center. The whole set weighs only 2.4 pounds, so if you’re checking a bag, no worrying about going over the weight limit.

Slide on these chic Bala Bangles over your wrists to add some weight to your next workout. Available in1- and 2-pounds, they’re a fun way to level up an arm workout on the go. Strap ’em on while you go for a hike, or bring them to a beach-side cardio session.

For core and abs

If you have extra space in your checked luggage or room to carry on another item, consider bringing this all-purpose yoga mat. Made of high-density, anti-tear foam, this mat is ideal for stretching, core, and yoga workouts. It weighs only 1.8 pounds and comes with a carrying strap for easy transport. Open up your YouTube workout video, roll out your mat, and get grooving.

Put your core to the test with these gliding discs, which can be slid into your bag in between your socks and your undies. The discs are double sided, so they can be used on all types of surfaces and make for a great companion during knee tucks or mountain climbers. Weighing only 0.35 pounds, they’re lightweight and small enough to fit in a personal bag or carry-on luggage.

Jumping rope is one easy way to get your heart rate up, and this one is cordless. Yes, cordless! So now worrying about it getting tangled up in your suitcase. Instead, it can rotate 360 degrees to mimic a real jump rope, minus the fear of tripping you up or hitting furniture or walls. The handles are made of odor- and sweat-resistant foam, so you don’t have to worry about throwing them in your suitcase afterwards. Plus, they weigh less than a pound.

If night-time jogs or bike rides are going to be on the itinerary, bring these battery-powered safety lights with you. Weighing at less than an ounce each, they’re totally packable in a pinch. Each light has three brightness modes and three strobe modes to keep you safe when the sun goes down, lasting for 100 hours each.

For yoga and pilates

These cute resistance bands are here to turn the heat up on your pilates session. The loop design fits comfortably around your legs, adding resistance when you stretch, scissor-kick, and squat. Each pack includes a light and medium resistance band, so you can switch things up when you want to turn up (or down) the burn.

While it may be a bit chunky to shove into your carry-on tote or duffel, the lightweight design (4.6 oz.) of this yoga block is worth packing along. It’s constructed of non-slip EVA foam that makes modifying your yoga poses and adding extra support a breeze. You can prop, bolster, grip, and balance on them, transforming your practice wherever you may perform it.

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Home » Gear » The BEST Travel Workout Equipment – Travel Fitness Gear (2024)

The BEST Travel Workout Equipment – Travel Fitness Gear (2024)

Traveling the world helps you develop in a lot of different ways. It gives you a greater perspective, opens you up to new experiences, and might even expose you to a new way to enjoy fried chicken. One thing it’s not so good at, though, is building up your fitness.

There are endless challenges in the way of staying fit on the road. You might have a dedicated exercise space, gym membership, or weekend pick-up basketball routine at home, but there is no way to find that if you’re hitting up a new town every week. You’re lucky enough if you find a hostel with a yoga space.

Plus, half the point of traveling is all the new flavors you come across. You’ve got to eat and drink your way through every new place to get a taste of it. And any half-decent street food tastes better when washed down with a few local beers.

It can add up to a disaster. Traveling for six months can wreck years of progress in the gym, and the threat of your workout regimen being taken away can hold some people back from hitting the road.

So, we’re here today to quell those fears and get you on your way with the tools you need to stay in shape while still enjoying your trip. But first, a DISCLAIMER.

Until someone finally invents a gym membership subscription that works Airbnb style or figures out a way to make 20 lb dumbbells weigh nothing at one moment and turn on the next, the truth is that you’re travel workout routine will never look like your at-home system.

And that’s okay. The whole point of flying to Namibia is that everything is different than the inside of your apartment, anyway. That shouldn’t stop you from traveling, nor should it stop you from caring about your fitness.

Because there are ways to get great workouts on the road, and there are plenty of nearly weightless travel workout equipment that will help you reach your FITNESS GOALS. So, get warmed up and meet me on the mat!

Fit Simplify Loop Resistance Bands

• Price ($) > 12
• Packed dimensions (in.) > 6 x 3
• Packed weight (lbs) > .1

Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat

Running Shoes

• Price ($) > Variable
• Packed dimensions (in.) > Variable
• Packed weight (lbs) > Variable

Trideer Stretching Strap

• Price ($) > 11
• Packed dimensions (in.) > 75 x 1
• Packed weight (lbs) > .37

TRX Fitness App

• Price ($) > 5.99 per month
• Packed dimensions (in.) > NA
• Packed weight (lbs) > NA

TRX Weighted Jump Rope

• Price ($) > 19.99

Bala Bangles One Pound Weights

• Packed weight (lbs) > 2

TRX Go Suspension Trainer

• Price ($) > 199
• Packed dimensions (in.) > 53 x 2

Lululemon Workout Sliders

• Price ($) > 28
• Packed diameter (in.) > 7

Redify Adjustable Jump Rope

• Price ($) > 13

Gaaim Travel Folding Yoga Mat

• Price ($) > 21
• Packed dimensions (in.) > 68 x 24
• Packed weight (lbs) > 1.8

Travel Workout Equipment is Only The Start

Best travel fitness gear tried and tested, final thoughts on the best travel workout equipment.

While having travel fitness gear is essential, it’s only the first step. I’ve logged many trips with a jump rope in my bag; it doesn’t mean I’ve ever used it. It’s equally important to cultivate a mindset and make time for fitness. The details of that mindset are different for everyone. But generally, you should plug into the same motivation you have at home. 

If you like to rise and grind and hit the gym for a few hours before work at home, make it a part of your routine. Get your sweat on before hitting up the continental breakfast. If you’ve never gotten up early to work at home, don’t expect that you’ll magically get into it while you’re on vacation. Stick to what already works for you and do it in a different country. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t try anything new when working out while traveling . I’ve found a great way to keep up with my fitness away from my gym membership is to build my trips around exercise . When I’m in Sicily for a month, the only fitness I’m into is fitting this whole pizza into my mouth. So I try to make sure my trips include time near the beach, ski mountains, or bike routes where I know I’ll be super keen to get moving. 

Another great way to get into the travel workout mindset is to find a way to get moving and meet new people .

If you’re staying in a hostel full of stoked surfers, you’ll be more interested in getting into the water and giving it a shot than if you’re staying in an Airbnb by yourself. This brings me to the last and most important part of getting into the travel workout mindset: accommodation . 

Your accommodation will make or break your travel fitness goals. For example, if yoga is part of your daily routine at home and you go book a cramped dorm room in the tiniest, cheapest hostel in town, you’re going to have a bad time. 

It is absolutely worth it to splurge and book a place that provides the space and privacy you need to work out. Whether that means bike rental, a yoga shala, a fitness center, or a rock climbing wall, it’s the easiest way to set yourself up for success.  

When we discovered fitness resorts and wellness programs, it completely changed the game. We have curated this list of the best fitness retreats in the WORLD , to help you embrace a healthier travel experience.

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Now that we better understand the mindset, let’s get to the good stuff: travel gear .

Life as a broke backpack doesn’t include many Instagram-worthy sunsets and fancy hotels with pools and exercise rooms with power plates. And still, with a bit of grit and the right equipment, you can have your beer with no fear.  

The fitness gear we’ll look at below all weighs less than 5 pounds and all provide a better workout than relying on pushups and sit-ups to get through your vacation.

This equipment has accompanied our team across the globe, and we’ve made room for these essential pieces of gym equipment in some absolutely tiny backpacking packing lists . 

1. Fit Simplify Loop Resistance Bands

• Price ($) – 12
• Packed dimensions (in.) – 6 x 3
• Packed weight (lbs) – .1

Resistance bands are a versatile fitness equipment, especially when you’re packing light . They’re proof that no matter how minimalist you pack, there’s always space to bring your workout with you.

These light bands weigh less than a pair of underwear and bring a world of potential to anywhere on Earth where you can lay down a mat.

Resistance bands can help you stretch deeper and use your body weight against you, turning a simple Pilates routine into a sweat-inducing, challenging workout. While these won’t rip up your muscles like a set of dumbbells, the functional equipment has done wonders for my mobility, and resistance bands flys still leave me sore in the morning. 

There are thousands of hours of free workout content available on YouTube to show you how to make the most out of resistance bands.

If you’re heading outside the reach of the internet, spend a few weeks before your trip studying the basics and mapping out your routine, and you can keep your workouts going without missing a beat. You can always stay connected and on top of your workouts with these great travel Wi-Fi routers .

2. Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat

A 6 X 8 space and a yoga mat are all you need to improve your body. The only trouble is, yoga mats can be pretty unwieldy. They don’t fit easily in a suitcase, and many travel mats sacrifice your knees to save a few ounces. This Manduka option is the exception to the rule, offering excellent comfort and still weighing less than two pounds . 

While it is a super-lite mat, there is just no way to make yoga mats smaller. I usually just throw my Manduka mat into the water bottle pocket of my backpack and carry it onto the plane, and no flight attendant has ever batted an eye.

It doesn’t even count as a personal item, and the value of traveling with a yoga mat is well worth a few side eyes while I cram it into an overhead bin. 

Sure, you can always hope that your accommodation is the only hostel in all of South America that stocks fresh, clean yoga mats that don’t smell like other traveler’s sweat. Or you can bring your fortune with you and squeeze in a stretch in the bus terminal while you’re at it. It’ll feel weird, but no one cares.

3. Running Shoes

• Price ($) – Variable
• Packed dimensions (in.) – Variable
• Packed weight (lbs) – Variable

If you want to workout while traveling, a comfortable pair of travel shoes is not up for debate. Unfortunately, it’s common knowledge that the easiest way to pack light is to leave a few pairs of shoes behind. Unless you’re just rolling a suitcase from the airport to a taxi to your hotel and back again, you likely won’t have room for dedicated workout shoes.

Talk to many broke backpackers about travel shoes, and they’ll likely give you some version of this same advice! T he maximum pair of shoes you bring is 3 . Flip flops, shoes you can walk around a city and eat a nice dinner in, and one weather-resistant pair for intense hiking.   

Many hardened travelers will widdle that number down to two, either by skipping the snow hikes altogether, or deciding they don’t give a fuck, and they’re wearing hiking boots to dinner. I like to sneak my running shoes in as my everyday city pair by opting for a fashionable, rugged shoe.

My favorite recommendation for that is the Nike ACG line . This subset of shoes is usually water resistant , comfortable enough to hike in all day, and stylish enough for a night out in Budapest. I wouldn’t run a marathon in these heavier shoes, but they’ll help me sneak in a 5K on the beach. They’re stable enough for HIIT workouts. 

4. Trideer Stretching Strap

• Price ($) – 11
• Packed dimensions (in.) – 75 x 1
• Packed weight (lbs) – .37

Stretching is a vital part of travel workouts. After a few long layovers and some bumpy bus rides, you might be able to get straight back onto the squat rack in your early twenties, but not forever. Sneaking in a stretch while traveling supports quicker adjustment to new time zones and builds strength.

These polyester stretching straps are more durable than the resistance bands we looked at earlier, but at the cost of some stretchability. They won’t work the same for strength-building exercises, but they will offer a more formidable hold . It’s perfect for taking your stretches deeper. 

Loop these straps around your arch and work towards greater hamstring, glute, and quad flexibility from anywhere. These bands won’t make her dance, but they will help you connect to your body in new ways, bridging the gap between your shoulder joints and helping to straighten things out.

5. TRX Fitness App

• Price ($) – 5.99 per month
• Packed dimensions (in.) – NA
• Packed weight (lbs) – NA

You can’t travel with a personal trainer, but you can travel with a personal training plan .

The TRX Fitness App is one of the best fitness apps for travelers . It provides access to the TRX training club, hundreds of hours of videos, and support to get the most out of your TRX. YouTube has some workouts, but they won’t take you nearly as far as these science-backed programs . 

The app features full-length classes from professional trainers and programs that help you build strength over weeks, months, and years. Unfortunately, the app is subscription-based because you can’t own anything these days, but that comes with its own perks. You can sign up when you hit the road and cancel when you’re back within range of LA Fitness.

Each suspension trainer purchase comes with a code for six free months of the app. If you time it right, you can use the app across your entire semester abroad without breaking out your credit card. Remember to download videos before take-off, so you can have on-demand workouts ready no matter where you are.

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

6. TRX Weighted Jump Rope

• Price ($) – 19.99

Don’t let the term ‘weighted’ scare you off from this jump rope as a travel partner. Each handle of the rope only adds 9 ounces of weight. It’s one of the best travel workout equipment that feels like nothing in your pack but starts to add up after a few minutes of jumping. 

Weighted jump ropes, in addition to the obvious benefit of increased resistance, help your jump activate different muscles. With just half a pound in each handle, your arms might surrender to the jump before your legs. Each handle’s extra weight is removable to get your reps in with or without the extra oomph. 

The 10-foot cable can be adjusted to fit from armpit to armpit of any jumper. Partners can travel with one rope and find the perfect size adjustments for two workouts.

And it’s much more than a simple travel workout. I never leave the country without a solid jump rope, which also doubles as my makeshift laundry line or a keen strap for taxi roof racks. 

Renting workout equipment on-site can be a smarter choice sometimes, especially for larger and heavier gear. Let’s help you learn exactly what not to pack in your carry on !

7. Bala Bangles One Pound Weights

• Packed weight (lbs) – 2

Unfortunately, there is no way to pack dumbbells without adding serious weight to your luggage. A pound is a pound, no matter how round.

If you still want to add some extra oomph to your workouts, consider these Bala Bangles. It’s one-pound ankle and wrist weights that help you beef up body workouts without undue strain on luggage limits. 

You can even hook these bangles up to your ankles to put some extra work in on travel days. However, we can’t promise you the TSA isn’t going to have a few questions. The weight bands are pretty straightforward, coming in 1 and 2 lbs weights that hook up around your extremities.

It’s not something you can build a workout plan around, but rather use as support. One pound doesn’t sound like much, and it won’t put a significant strain on your packed weight. But strap these suckers on for a few sets of burpees and forward lunges, and you’ll really start to feel the heat. 

8. TRX Go Suspension Trainer

• Price ($) – 199
• Packed dimensions (in.) – 53 x 2

TRX has revolutionized travel workouts. As long as you can find a sturdy place to set them up, this system helps elevate bodyweight training and allows you to work your entire body anywhere on Earth. From minute back muscles to hip and pelvic stabilizers, there’s a TRX method to reach every muscle group. 

The driving force behind TRX is suspension training , which is the idea that the human body needs to move all over the place.

Many traditional training methods only focus on large muscle groups and heavy weights. They don’t really consider the stabilizing muscles, core strength, and joint strength necessary for truly functional movement. The TRX is here to address all that.

By performing normal, bodyweight exercises like pushups, rows, and shoulder presses lifted off the ground, your body will shimmy and shake before eventually locking into place. It’s a great way to work out, whether you’re traveling or not. But lucky for us, the whole system weighs less than a pound. 

9. Lululemon Workout Sliders

• Price ($) – 28
• Packed diameter (in.) – 7

Who knew that two discs the size and weight of a pair of breast implants could change everything. These sliders help encourage functional movement by getting your core involved in everyday movements. It’s exactly the kind of thing you should take with you on your travels, with maximum effort at minimal packed weight. 

Deploy your sliders on carpet, wood, and linoleum, and move up and down the room without lifting your feet. There are all sorts of easy applications that help you change up a bodyweight workout. Slide instead of stepping back into the lunge position. Amp up your mountain climbers, and add movement to planks to help wake up your shoulders. 

The whole idea of the sliders is to get your body working better together. Instead of throwing your weight around, starting in your legs and arms, sliders force your core to activate each movement and build strength in your strike zone. The tools can look slightly gimmicky until you get on the floor and feel your glutes start to burn. 

10. Redify Adjustable Jump Rope

• Price ($) – 13

Jump ropes rank just under exercise bands in terms of travel-ready workout equipment. At a minimal cost and minimal additional weight, you can get your cardio in, pump up your calves, and improve your balance in 20 minutes or less.

Jump ropes are also incredibly simple workout tools, with plenty of great options well within any broke backpacker’s price range.

This Redify two-pack means you can order one for home and one for the road. You’ll be hopping and bouncing your way to a lower weight at the end of your trip no matter how many extra desserts you treat yourself to. Some exercise gurus say that 10 minutes of jump rope is equivalent to 30 minutes on a treadmill . So if you bounce around for half an hour, it’s like running a marathon!

Jump roping might seem like only a lower-body workout. That’s certainly the primary muscle group worked, bringing great strength and endurance to your ankles, calves, knees, and leg muscles. But you can’t overlook how in-tune every part of your body has to be to hit each jump in stride. This is a great exercise to improve your coordination and get your body in tune .  

11. Gaiam Travel Folding Yoga Mat

• Price ($) – 21
• Packed dimensions (in.) – 68 x 24
• Packed weight (lbs) – 1.8

Yoga mats are such an essential piece of travel equipment that we had to look at two options. A lot of hotels, hostels, and camping sites have extra space to work out, but not a lot of them are easy on your knees. Bringing a yoga mat helps you out with much more than a downward-facing dog. 

While a yoga mat isn’t a workout on its own, it’s quite literally the basis for every complete workout possible.

This Gaiam mat makes it happen by folding up and compacting better than most mats out there. You can easily squeeze this one on top of your carry-on backpack and it unfurls like a map to guide you toward better fitness. 

This mat is so thin that it can slide into the hydration bladder holder in most backpacking backpacks. It’s not like you had big plans for that storage space, anyway. Pack up this folding Gaiam traveler, and you’ll never be too far from a moment of recentering and rebuilding. 

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When you’re scraping together a few coins for a papi pollo, it might feel like you’re a world away from a proper exercise routine. You might not have access to a fancy gym or a spacious hotel room, but you’ve got something better! CREATIVITY and Lululemon workout sliders. 

Whether you’re on a Thai beach, wandering through the alleyways of Marrakech, or chilling in a dodgy hostel, there’s always a way to stay fit. Bodyweight exercises are your best friend – squats, pushups, and burpees don’t cost a dime, and you can do them anywhere.

The best travel workout equipment we’ve looked at is all geared towards enhancing those body workouts. And not because adding on two one-pound weights will magically turn a squat into a superset. We’re not fake gurus trying to sell you a dream.

The real benefit of traveling with workout equipment is to help break the monotony of normal bodyweight exercises . Light, portable, and inexpensive fitness gear is your ticket to maintaining your gains without breaking the bank.

Staying active while traveling on a shoestring budget might not sound glamorous. However, it’s the kind of adventure that leaves you feeling like a warrior. It’s all about embracing the grind, and there’s a certain satisfaction in not giving in to the travel slump. Sure, it’s not always comfortable or convenient, but neither is sleeping on an overnight bus. 

And the best part? Keeping up with your workout routine abroad is like a stealthy act of rebellion. You’re showing that you can live large on a tight budget while still prioritizing your well-being. It’s a big middle finger to the idea that staying fit is all about fancy gyms and pricey protein shakes. It turns a six-month sabbatical into another way of life. 

In the end, travel fitness is about flexing your imagination, not your wallet. So, grab your budget-friendly gear, adapt to your surroundings, and make space for your workout, no matter where you are. 

Now, if you’re gearing up for an awesome trip, check out the Broke Backpacker’s ultimate travel resources . They’ll help you squeeze every drop of fun out of your adventure! Cheers :))

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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7 Best Travel Workout Equipment Pieces To Keep Fit on the Go

By Steve Theunissen

Maintaining your fitness routine while travelling can be a real challenge. Whether you’re on holiday, taking a business trip or making an emergency excursion, travel threatens to interrupt the consistency of your workout program, potentially undoing all your hard work. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

While bodyweight travel workouts may do the trick for some, others prefer to take their basic travel workout equipment along on their journeys. In recent years, a raft of portable workout equipment has flooded the market. 

As a certified personal trainer, I’ve enthusiastically embraced many of them, recommending them to my PT clients who travel regularly.

In this article, I’ll break down the seven best travel workout equipment pieces for on-the-go training. 

Here’s a preview of my seven key pieces of travel workout gear:

• Suspension Trainer
• Resistance Bands
• Ankle Weights
• Yoga Mat & Block
• Foam Roller

1. Suspension Trainer

A suspension trainer is a portable fitness trainer designed to complement bodyweight training by allowing you to work at various angles. It consists of adjustable straps with handles and anchor points.

A suspension trainer will work every muscle in your body, with special emphasis on engaging the core to provide mid-air stability. By adjusting the angle that your body is moving through, you can increase or decrease the resistance. This variable resistance allows you to make your workouts progressively more challenging as you get fitter and stronger.

Suspension training requires you to keep your core engaged to stabilize your body to maintain control and balance. As a result, you’ll be working your abs, obliques, and intercostals even when your focus is on your biceps!

A suspension trainer kit is just as compact as a set of resistance bands, making it an ideal travel companion. The inclusion of a door anchor accessory, which is standard with most trainers, allows you to transform any hotel room, Airbnb, or other vacation spot into your personal gym.

Suspension trainers are also ideal for outdoor training. You can attach them to a fence post or tree and soak in the sun’s rays as you work up a sweat.

Check out this guide to find the best suspension trainers for your needs.

2. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are easily my favourite piece of travel training gear. A full set of five bands weighs just a few pounds yet allows you to perform dozens of resistance exercises.

They take up next to no room in your luggage and are highly cost-effective.

Resistance bands are usually sold in sets with a range of colour-coded levels of resistance. They also come with an anchor strap, allowing you to make use of a closed door or other anchor point to create cable pulley simulations.

This allows you to simulate nearly every piece of resistance equipment found in your local gym right in your hotel room.

Some of my clients had the mindset that you can’t get a ‘real’ workout with resistance bands. That was before I took them through an intense upper body band workout. Now they’re resistance band believers. Here’s why resistance bands are the real deal:

• Variable Resistance: When the band is stretched during your exercise routine, it undergoes a gradual increase in resistance. This is different from free weights or bodyweight exercises, where the resistance remains static throughout the motion. As a result, resistance bands adapt to match your strength curve. This ensures that your muscles are challenged at every movement phase.
• Focus on the Eccentric Phase: The eccentric, or lowering, phase of an exercise involves the controlled lengthening of a muscle during exercise. Resistance band training encourages a deliberate, controlled descent during exercises such as squats. The band naturally opposes the muscle lengthening, forcing you to perform the eccentric phase with more precision.
• Explosive Concentric Phase: Band training allows you to safely use an explosive upward lifting motion with more power and speed than you can with free weights. A prime example is the band squat. In contrast to traditional barbell squats, where safety considerations may restrict explosiveness, resistance bands are designed for dynamic concentric action, introducing a dynamic dimension to your travel workout.

This resistance band guide is all you need to find the right resistance bands for you.

3. Ankle & Wrist Weights

Ankle and wrist weights are weighted bands that are designed to be strapped to your limbs, providing extra resistance during bodyweight exercises. This is another compact, lightweight training device that will take up hardly any room in your luggage.

Weights are available in a range of resistances, from one pound up to 20 pounds. I recommend buying an adjustable set that allows you to add packets of resistance. These are usually in the form of iron or sand.

Ankle and wrist weights allow you to perform exercises that target your arms, like biceps curls, as well as those for the muscles of your lower body, such as donkey kickbacks. They can also be used to make your cardio and plyometric workouts more challenging.

Wearing them when you are walking or jogging will boost your endurance, elevate your heart rate, and increase your calorie burn.

Exercise sliders are a highly underrated piece of travel workout equipment. Consisting of a pair of flat, round discs, they are designed to slide on a surface that you’re exercising on. They’re inexpensive, compact and lightweight, making them a no-brainer when it comes to travel and exercise.

In a similar way to suspension trainers, sliders create instability by allowing you to move your arms or legs while you’re doing an exercise. This brings your core into play to stabilize your body and promote balance.

A classic slider exercise is the slider push-up. In this exercise, you move your arms in and out as you do a push-up. The effect is a movement that mimics both the bench press and the dumbbell fly.

Here are half a dozen more exercises that are enhanced with a pair of sliders:

• Mountain Climbers
• Lateral Lunges
• Pike Sliders
• Single Leg Hamstring Curls
• Plank Knee Tucks
• Slider Leg Curl with Bridge

Sliders come in different materials to suit different surface types. If you’re working out on the carpet, you’ll want a plastic surface, while a tile floor requires a fabric covering for the best slide ability. The best sliders will have plastic on one side and fabric on the other to cover both options. 

5. Yoga Mat & Block

If yoga is part of your regular practice, a yoga mat and block should be among the first things you fit into your luggage. Even if it’s not, these two pieces of gear still rank highly on your essential travel workout equipment list.

A yoga mat provides a clean, comfortable surface to do your floor work on, be it asanas or bodyweight exercises.

You never know what chemicals or other compounds are lurking in hotel and Airbnb carpets, so having a quality mat between you and it is a health necessity.

The non-slip surface of a quality yoga mat provides a stable surface to work on. They also provide cushioning for your joints, reducing the compressive stress on your ankles, wrists, knees, and hips.

Yoga blocks provide stability and support when you’re doing yoga poses so you can maintain proper alignment and balance. They also help you deepen your stretches.

You can use blocks to make your bodyweight exercises more challenging. Use them to elevate your hand or foot position on exercises like push-ups and the plank.

6. Jump Rope

A jump rope is one of the most cost-effective, productive pieces of fitness equipment you can own.

It provides you with an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that will get your heart racing as it churns through the calories and ups your endurance level. jump

You’ll burn more calories jumping rope than almost any other type of cardiovascular exercise. A 200-pound person who jumps rope for 20 minutes will burn an impressive 362 calories .

Jumping rope will also make you stronger. That 20 minutes of rope jumping will require thousands of revolutions of the rope. That’s thousands of reps involving the quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, and forearms.

Your muscular endurance and explosive strength will both improve as a result.

As an added bonus, jumping rope will also make your bones stronger. When confronted with the joint impact stress of ground reaction forces, the body’s stress adaptive response kicks in. This causes your bones to grow a tiny bit stronger to meet similar stress in the future.

In one study , Olympic-level swimmers experienced significant bone mineral density improvement after 22 weeks of twice-weekly 20-minute jump rope sessions combined with vibration therapy.

7. Foam Roller

A foam roller is a cylindrical device that is usually about 18 inches long and made of a hardy form of plastic. It often features raised nodules or other patterns on its outer surface.

It is used as a self-massage device to allow you to apply self-myofascial release (SMR) in order to bring relief to specific pain points and to help with your recovery after a workout.

A foam roller is a lightweight, compact tool you can easily throw in your gym bag. You can use it in the warm-up/warm-down area of your gym straight after your workout or, if you prefer, wait until you get home.

Pack in your luggage when going on a trip, and you’ll have a portable recovery and self-massage solution to keep your muscles relaxed and pain-free throughout your travels.

5 Personal Trainer Travel Workout Tips

• Plan Ahead: Do some research before arriving at your destination. Search for nearby fitness facilities, parks, or running trails. Knowing your workout options in advance can help you stay committed to your fitness routine.
• Focus on bodyweight exercises: Exercises that require minimal equipment, like push-ups, squats, lunges, and burpees, should form the foundation of your workout.
• Short, Intense Workouts: Up the intensity and reduce the time of your holiday workouts. Experiment with various types of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that alternate between short, sharp bursts of activity with minimal rest between them.
• Exercise Early: Get your sessions in before your day gets hectic. If you’re on vacation with family or friends, plan to train while everyone is still sleeping, and your routine won’t interrupt the vacation fun.
• Don’t Be Too Strict: if you’re on holiday and travelling, embrace that experience without sacrificing your good habits. That goes for exercise as well as eating. It’s not the end of the world if you skip the odd workout or indulge in a treat or two. Confession time: even I enjoy comfort food once or twice each month, this corned beef stew being one of my favourite cheat meals. 

Maintaining your fitness routine while travelling can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable one. With the right travel workout equipment, you can stay on track with your fitness goals no matter where your journey takes you.

The seven pieces of travel workout gear we’ve covered offer a range of options to suit different preferences and fitness levels. From resistance bands and suspension trainers for versatile strength training to ankle and wrist weights for extra resistance during bodyweight exercises, these portable tools can transform any space into your personal gym.

Don’t forget the often-overlooked exercise sliders, which add a dynamic dimension to your workouts, and the essential yoga mat and block for comfortable and hygienic floor work.

A jump rope, one of the most cost-effective and efficient pieces of travel workout equipment, provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, while a foam roller offers self-massage and recovery benefits to keep your muscles relaxed and pain-free.

Remember to plan ahead, focus on bodyweight exercises, consider short, intense workouts, exercise early to avoid disruptions, and be flexible with your routine. That way, you’ll enjoy your time away while maintaining your healthy exercise habits.

Steve Theunissen joined his first gym at age 15 and, five years later, was managing his own studio. In 1987, he became the first personal fitness trainer in New Zealand, and over the past decade, he has built a freelance fitness writing career to share his fitness passion with the world.

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The Best Portable Gyms to Use at Home, Work and Everywhere In Between

• Author: Lizzy Sherman

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.

You can’t always control when and where exercise fits into your schedule, but that’s not an excuse to skip working out when you’ve got the option to use a portable gym. These fitness equipment systems offer a solution to getting exercise when you are on-the-go or have limited space.

Portable gyms are designed to replace bulky gym equipment by providing a way to get an effective full-body workout just about anywhere. When you are done using them, you can easily store them or put them in a space-saving carrying bag to bring with you wherever your day may take you. From innovative resistance training systems to one-on-one expert coaching, portable gyms offer versatile workout options to match your skill level and preferences. Whether you need a compact exercise option for your home, office or travel, this list of the best portable gyms has one that’s right for your budget and fitness goals.

Our Picks for the Best Portable Home Gym:

Best total-body portable home gym: trx pro4 system, best portable home gym personal trainer: future, best rated portable home gym: body boss home gym 2.0, best full-body portable home gym: gonex portable home gym, best portable home gym resistance bow: synergee resistance bow, best portable home cable gym: maxpro cable gym, best budget portable home gym: tribe resistance bands set.

Key Features:

• Total weight: Around two pounds
• Types of exercises/workouts: Full-body resistance training with exercises including bicep curls, squats, chess presses and more
• Accessories: TRX Pro4 suspension trainer, door anchor, suspension anchor, extender
• Packed size: Fits in a mesh carry bag (About five by seven inches)
• Price: $279.95

The TRX Pro4 System allows you to recreate exercises from the gym just about anywhere. This popular portable gym can be set up in just a few seconds by attaching the suspension trainer to a sturdy anchor such as a doorway. Its portable design features a performance-driven strap that uses your body weight to provide resistance. The TRX  Pro4 system’s adjustable straps can be used for a wide variety of moves whether you want to work on strength, cardio or mobility. The durable suspension trainer comes with a handy mesh bag that you can take with you on-the-go.

Reviewers on the TRX website say this is a versatile, well-designed system that’s easy and convenient to set up. One reviewer says, “If you can only invest in one piece of fitness equipment, this is it! The most bang for your buck since you can hit every muscle group large or small. You don't need heavy weights to stay fit and get a great workout in! Highly recommend!”

• Two year warranty
• Easy and quick to set up
• Lightweight and convenient to take on-the-go
• Some reviewers had difficulties with the foot straps
• Some reviewers say that they wish TRX provided more instructions/support for how to use it

• Total weight: N/A (App is used through an iPhone and can also be paired with a compatible smart watch.)
• Types of exercises/workouts: Exercises and workouts are customized based on your goals and available workout equipment
• Accessories: A compatible smart watch is recommended to track progress, but must be purchased separately
• Packed size: N/A
• Price: $149/month

Future is an app that pairs you with a personal trainer who will create customized exercise routines and coach you through your workout journey. The Future experience starts with a questionnaire about your preferences and goals to help find a personal trainer that’s the right fit for your needs. After you’ve completed the questionnaire, Future will give you a list of recommended trainers, along with their bios for you to select the one you want to work with.

Once you’ve been paired with a trainer, you’ll set up a “strategy” session via FaceTime to go over your needs and fitness objectives. Each week your trainer will create a fitness plan for you, and you can message them through the app with any questions about your workout program. The fitness plan is designed to be realistic based on what tools and equipment you have available. For instance, if you don’t have a gym membership, and want to work out at home instead, your trainer will create a home workout routine.

Your trainer will send you video messages, and you can also schedule FaceTime calls for check-ins. Future shares that the average user texts back and forth with their coach at least two times daily, which leads to users doubling their weekly number of workouts. If you have an Apple Watch, you can sync it with the Future app to share data with your coach.

For more information, check out our in-depth Future review .

• Your workout is customized for your needs by a real-person
• You can view personal trainer bios and select who you want to work with
• You can track and share your progress using the Future app and a smartwatch
• Not available for Android phones (only iPhones)
• Currently only available for residents of the U.S.
• Requires a monthly membership fee

• Total weight: 15 pounds
• Types of exercises/workouts: Resistance training exercises are designed to simulate exercises that you would do at the gym including dumbbell exercises, squat rack exercises and cable fly exercises. This home gym can help you get an upper body workout, lower body workout and cardio resistance workout.
• Accessories: Body Boss Home Gym 2.0 comes with a fold up base, easy grip bar, two to four resistance bands , padded ankle straps/wrist straps, handles, a door anchor and a travel bag
• Packed size: ‎ 22.36 inches x 18.74 inches x 5.12 inches
• Price: $69.99-$179

If you have limited space or are looking for a small, lightweight portable gym system that you can travel with, BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 may be a good fit. BodyBoss raised over $1,000,000 on Kickstarter and Indiegogo to make this compact home gym a reality.

This small portable system was designed to replace bulky home gym equipment with a streamlined portable workout concept that can simulate the same exercises you would do on larger machines. Though some reviewers say it can’t truly replace getting a full gym workout, it’s a good alternative for getting exercise when you need a convenient portable or at-home option.

BodyBoss 2.0 uses a combination of resistance training to help you get upper body, lower body and cardio exercise. The system consists of a small base to which you can attach resistance bands. You can attach handles, ankle/wrist straps or a collapsible workout bar to the resistance bands for variation in your exercises. You can also change the length of the bands to adjust your challenge.

BodyBoss 2.0 is a top-selling portable gym on Amazon where reviewers say this is a good option since it is easy to pack and bring on-the-go. The base folds in half to easily be stored in small spaces such as your car or under your bed. One reviewer says, “I do a lot of work travel (by car) in my region for several days at a time and this guy packs up pretty nicely in my large suitcase and beats the beat up hotel gyms for a maintenance workout. I do a lot with door mounted bands and free weights at home (not a gym guy) and this feels fairly equal to what I do at home.”

• Folds up to a convenient packable size
• Versatile, yet good for exercising in limited space
• Over 100 live and pre-recorded video options to guide you through workouts
• Reviewers say there is a learning curve to using BodyBoss 2.0, but once you figure it out it’s easy
• Some reviewers say the base board becomes less sturdy or can get damaged too easily after regular use

• Total weight: Around 20 pounds
• Types of exercises/workouts: Full-body muscle workouts with resistance bands such as exercises that combine cardio and strength training. The system includes accessories for ab workouts, push-ups and more.
• Accessories: Comes with 14 exercise accessories including 30 and 50 pound resistance bands, ab rollers, push-up handle bar, landmine accessory and a three-section bar
• Packed size: ‎26 inches x 20.35 inches x 5.25 inches
• Price: $159.99

If you are looking for an affordable and easily transportable fitness system, Gonex Portable Home Gym provides a compact option that can be used to achieve a full-body workout. This all-in-one home gym features a sturdy foldable training base with a non-slip mat and anchors that can support 300 pounds of pressure and 250 pounds of tension.

The base is the foundation for attaching accessories that can be used to perform a versatile range of motion and exercises to target a variety of muscle groups. For instance, push up handles can be attached in multiple positions for variations in your push up grip. The three section bar can be attached to the resistance band to perform shoulder presses, back rows, squats, deadlifts and more. Attach handles to the resistance bands for exercises such as curls or tricep presses or use the three section bar with the ab roller accessory for an ab workout.

Gonex comes with a carrying case to store or bring with you wherever you go. Reviewers on Amazon appreciate that this system comes with many accessories allowing you to get a versatile workout. One reviewer says, “Great and innovative product! I do not have enough space in my home to buy large gym equipment and going to the gym is not feasible at the moment. However, I still like to have a full-body workout. This product helps me with that!”

• Comes with 14 accessories for a versatile workout
• Thorough instruction manual and video guidance available
• Comes with a storage bag for convenient storage and portability
• 200 pound weight limit
• Resistance limited to 50 pounds

• Total weight: 6.0 pounds (bow, bands and bag)
• Types of exercises/workouts: Light to heavy resistance exercises designed to help you achieve the benefits of weightlifting with resistance bands. It can be used for moves including squats, presses, pulls and lunges.
• Accessories: It comes with four resistance bands (10-pound, 20-pound, 30-pound and 40-pound resistance).
• Packed size: Four inches x 10 inches x 25 inches
• Price: $89.95

The Synergee Resistance Bow is a portable strength building system that you can use to get a full-body strength and muscle building workout using resistance bands. This unique, compact workout tool allows you to get an efficient workout, performing exercises for both the upper and lower body without relying on heavy-duty equipment. From bicep curls to military presses to squats and lunges, this tool is effective for a wide range of moves.

The bow’s body is made up of three parts that lock together for a total length of 55 inches. This fitness product comes with four resistance bands of various weights: a 10-pound yellow band, a 20-pound red band, a 30-pound blue band and a 40-pound black band. Depending on how much challenge you want, you can use the bands for 10 to 100 pounds of resistance.

The total weight of the bow when packed in its carrying bag along with the bands is just six pounds which makes it an attractive option for travel. At only $89.95, it’s also an affordable resistance bow option. (The Gorilla Bow, which provides a similar workout, is $249.99.)

Reviewers on the Synergee website say this is a sturdy, high quality piece of equipment that is convenient for staying fit on-the-go. One reviewer says, “Great bow. It is easy to assemble and portable which is perfect for me.”

Synergee is a sustainably conscious brand and has partnered with Shopify to offer carbon neutral shipping. Carbon emissions from each product sale are offset through a carbon catching and storing processes to help ensure that the shipping process results in a net-zero of carbon emissions.

• Lightweight and easy to assemble
• Affordable resistance bow option
• Synergee is committed to carbon neutral shipping
• The bow only comes with 100 pounds of resistance

• Total weight: 10 pounds
• Types of exercises/workouts: Full-body “concentric” resistance training exercises including strength, cardio, suspension, plyometrics and function training moves.
• Accessories: Three-piece quick connect long bar, set of MAXPRO workout handles, set of MAXPRO ankle/wrist straps, MAXPRO door mount system and USB charger
• Packed size: 19.2 inches x 15.7 inches x 5.9 inches
• Price: $799

If you’re a fan of Shark Tank, you may remember seeing this portable cable machine on the show, where it earned an investment from Mark Cuban. MAXPRO is a “Concentric Resistance Training” (CRT) machine that engages resistance during the lift/pull phase of exercises. The brand says that this type of resistance training results in reduced muscle damage and faster recovery.

The cable machine offers up to 300 pounds of resistance and can be used for a variety of full-body movements such as deadlifts, squats, curls, presses and more. The device can be attached to an anchor, such as a door, or used on the ground. (You can stand on the foot holders or lie on it to keep it in place.)

The MAXPRO SmartConnect package comes with a three-piece quick connect long bar, set of MAXPRO workout handles, ankle/wrist straps, door mount system and USB charger. The machine is sturdy, yet can fold in half for easy transport and storage. The resistance cords are thin, yet durable. Levels of resistance are easy to adjust directly on the machine. You can also purchase additional accessories on the MAXPRO website like a storage backpack ($115), wall track mount ($318) and foldable bench ($218).

One of the unique aspects of this smart gym training system is that it uses Bluetooth to connect to the brand’s exclusive MAXPRO app to track progress, set goals and follow trainer-led classes.

Reviewers on Amazon say that this is a versatile, easy-to-use machine that is convenient for travel. One reviewer says, “I believe the MAXPRO portable gym is the best option for strength exercises on the go. Light enough to check it in your baggage on airplane trips, easily fits into even small cars with minimal storage. We also will use it on longer camping trips.”

• Offers up to 300 pounds of resistance
• “Concentric” resistance may offer faster recovery
• Easy to transport and store
• Only offers resistance in one direction (concentric resistance)
• Higher price point

• Total weight: 1.15 pounds
• Types of exercises/workouts: Full-body resistance band exercises such as leg presses, bicep curls, calf presses and squats
• Accessories: Five color-coated resistance bands, two cushioned handles, door anchor and carry bag
• Packed size: ‎ 8.74 inches x 8.27 inches x 4.72 inches
• Price: $23.98

Even if you're on a budget, you can still experience the benefits of resistance training. At just $23.98, TRIBE Resistance Bands Set is the most affordable option on this best portable home gyms list. It comes with five color-coated resistance bands, two cushioned handles, a door anchor and a carry bag.

The resistance bands are made with one layer of natural Malaysian latex and another layer of high-grade silicone for a consistent and durable experience. Each band is labeled so that you know the maximum resistance. (The five options include five, 15, 20, 30 and 35 pounds.)

Simply stand on the resistance band or use the band’s carabiner to attach it to an anchor to secure your exercise position. You can use the bands for up to 105 pounds of resistance.

This TRIBE Resistance Bands Set has received over 16,000 reviews on Amazon with 75 percent of reviewers giving it 5/5 stars. One reviewer says, “Easy to manipulate to give me freedom to get a workout in while I’m traveling, which I do often. Hotel gyms can be inconsistent and this allows me to be consistent with my fitness while on the road.”

• Affordable price
• Weighs only 1.15 pounds and easily portable
• Five resistance options that can also be combined
• Some reviewers say the bands or other parts broke after regular use in less than six months
• Resistance limited to 105 pounds

What Is a Portable Home Gym?

A portable gym is a fitness equipment system that you can bring with you on-the-go to achieve a full-body workout. Portable gyms often use resistance bands to achieve moves that are similar to exercises that you do with larger machines at the gym. Portable gyms are more compact, lightweight and easy to transport than other fitness equipment.

How to Choose the Best Portable Home Gym for You

When selecting the right portable gym for your needs, it’s important to consider how much space you have available and your goals. Other factors to consider include:

• The weight of the portable gym
• How large the portable gym is when it is packed
• What exercises you want to perform
• How much resistance you prefer
• Weight capacity
• If you want a portable gym that’s compatible with an app
• If you prefer one-on-one coaching
• Your budget

How We Chose the Top Portable Home Gyms

We selected the top portable gyms based on several factors. We considered how easy the gym is to travel with (including how much it weighs) how much room you need to use it and its packed size. We also looked at versatility in terms of the types of exercises you can perform with the portable gym. Our top picks for portable home gyms are highly rated by reviewers and suitable for a range of budgets.

Who Is a Portable Home Gym Best For?

A portable gym is best for people who want an exercise equipment system that can be used just about anywhere. Since portable gyms are compact and lightweight, they make great options for those who are looking for a way to maintain their exercise routine when traveling or on-the-go. They are also a good fit for those who have limited space for a home gym or want a workout option that they can bring to the office.

Who Is a Portable Home Gym Not Best For?

While portable gyms can help you get a full-body workout just about anywhere, they may not fully replace all the equipment you would get at the gym. If you prefer heavy weights or resistance, you might find the available resistance of portable gyms limited. Though you can achieve a cardio experience with a portable gym, if your main focus is cardio (such as running on a treadmill , cycling, etc.), you may find that portable gyms aren’t the best fit.

How to Use a Portable Home Gym

Most portable gyms use resistance to help you achieve moves similar to the exercises you would do using standard gym equipment. Each portable gym is different: some can be anchored, while others have a base that does not need to be anchored. Most portable gyms will come with an instruction manual or provide workout videos to show you how to best use their system.

What to Look for in a Portable Home Gym

Size: Consider the total footprint you will need when the gym is in use and how much space it takes up when it is packed.

Total weight: The total weight is important to consider so you know how heavy it will be to bring on-the-go. The portable gyms on this list weigh 20 pounds or less.

Resistance method: This includes the type of bands or resistance cords that are used and how durable that method is.

Exercises available: Most portable gyms offer instruction manuals or videos to guide you through the exercises that you can perform using their product.

Assembly & pieces: Most portable gyms are easy to assemble, and some can be disassembled/folded for storage or travel. Consider whether accessories are included or need to be purchased separately.

Cost: There are portable gyms available for just about any budget. The portable gyms on this list range from the budget-friendly $23.98 TRIBE Resistance Bands Set to the splurge-worthy $799 MAXPRO Cable Gym. Future requires a monthly subscription of $149/month.

Key features: Key features include how many parts/pieces are needed to use the gym, the type of base it has, if resistance bands are removable and how much resistance is available/supported, if you need an anchor, if there is a compatible app, what accessories the portable gym comes with and if additional accessories can be purchased.

Portable Gym FAQs

Can you build muscle with minimal home gym equipment.

Portable gyms can target a variety of muscle groups, helping you build strength. Research indicates that  training with elastic resistance (a method similar to the one used by many portable gyms) can provide similar strength gains to conventional gym equipment such as dumbbells and weight machines .

How can I exercise on vacation without a gym?

Portable gyms are ideal for exercising on vacation since they are packable, lightweight and space-efficient. Other options for exercising on vacation include incorporating the local environment, such as walking, hiking, swimming or biking, depending on what is available.

Will you lose muscle if you don’t work out while on vacation?

Research suggests that you may start to lose muscle after ten or more days of inactivity .

Final Thoughts

Portable gyms allow you to easily and conveniently maintain your exercise routine wherever you go. Whether you prefer one-on-one guidance, need an affordable exercise system for travel or have limited space but a generous budget, there’s a portable gym that will help you reach your fitness goals.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

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12 Pieces of Workout Equipment You Can Take Anywhere

Because traveling doesn't have to derail your workout routine

Just because you’re headed out on the road, it doesn’t mean you should let your exercise routine fall to the wayside. Toting some equipment with you will ensure you can stick to your regimen and keep on track to your fitness goals. But lightweight, space-saving items are key when you’ve got only so much room in your travel bag to devote to them.

No matter where you’re headed — whether there's a gym there or not — equipping yourself with workout tools that are versatile and won't weigh your luggage down is never a bad idea.

Here, 12 items you should bring with you on every trip — even if it's just for a weekend — so your training schedule stays on track.

LiveUp Sports Resistance Bands

If you don’t already have resistance bands in your arsenal, you’re missing out. They're one of the easiest things to pack, and the most versatile. You can use them to help you stretch before your workout, you can use them to make exercises — like pullups — easier, or you can use them to make exercises — like pushups, squats, or curls — harder.

Related: 5 Fat-Smashing Exercises You Can Do With Just a Resistance Band

Kamagon Water-Filled Adjustable Weight Kettlebell

Kettlebells are great for strength training — swings, squats, presses, and more — but their weight is not ideal for traveling. This one can be filled with water once you arrive at your destination to your desired resistance. Drain once you’re ready to go.

Starts at $40, Buy It Here

Related: 4 Kettlebell Moves That Give You a Total-Body Workout

Elate Care Collapsible Water Bottle

Sure, there are tons of collapsible water bottles out there, but none as thoughtfully designed for working out at this one. It’s a true squeeze bottle, which means it’s easier to sip while being active so you won’t forget to hydrate. (Here's exactly how much water you should be drinking while you exercise.) It also has a hook to clip onto your bag whether it’s full or folded up, so you don't have to worry about having enough room in your bag to store it.

$7, Buy It Here

Related: Which Is Better: Bottled or Tap Water?

Brazyn Life The Morph Collapsible Foam Roller

This collapsible foam roller is lightweight and folds and expands instantly. Essential for relieving your sore, post-workout muscles, this one has a three-dimensional surface that'll do an even better job restoring blood and oxygen to the areas that need it most so you can be ready to go again the next day.

$68, Buy It Here

Related: 6 Products You Absolutely Need In Order to Relieve Sore Muscles

Vive Peanut Massage Ball

Reduce soreness and inflammation with this double massage ball that does an awesome job of loosening knots in places a regular foam roller might not be able to get to as well. Use it on your feet, calves, shoulders, armpit area, and anywhere else that could benefit from a quick deep tissue massage.

$12, Buy It Here

Related: 8 Surprising Benefits Of Getting a Massage

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat

Need to relax? Yoga can help. Not to mention it's good for keeping your heart healthy and building muscle . You would think yoga mats are portable, but they're often bulky when rolled up. This one was designed to be folded so it won’t take up much more room in your bag than any of the other clothes you’ve packed.

$25, Buy It Here

Related: Death Metal Yoga Is the 1000% Intense Workout You're Not Doing

GDSTORE Doorway Pullup Bar

Build your upper-body strength no matter where you are with this durable pop-in and pop-out doorway pullup bar. And use the multiple screw-in door mounts to adjust to different heights for a permanent setup when you’re back.

$34, Buy It Here

Related: 9 Ways to Shred Your Core Using Only a Pullup Bar

Valeo Ab Roller Wheel

Get that six-pack you’ve been dreaming about with the help of this ab roller that you can take with you anywhere. It’s got two non-skid wheels with grip handles for stability, and it only weighs one pound and is eight-and-a-half inches across. Translation? It takes up barely any room in your suitcase.

$30, Buy It Here

Related: Blast Your Abs With Just 4 Moves

Cintz Agility Ladder

Perfect your footwork and speed with this ladder that comes with ground anchors and a carrying bag for easy storage. You’ll improve your acceleration, balance, and overall body control with cardio and agility drills that'll help you both inside and outside the gym.

$11, Buy It Here

Related: 7 Ladder Drills That Fry Fat and Make You a Better Athlete

Limm Jump Rope

If you haven't incorporated jumping rope into your regular workout routine, you're missing out. This handy piece of equipment offers up a total-body workout — not only is it one of the best cardio exercises around, but it targets your shoulders, arms, and legs, too. So what are you waiting for? (Not sure where to start? Give this 12-minute jump rope circuit a try next time you work out.)

$10, Buy It Here

Related: Cardio Sessions May Literally Make Your Brain Bigger

Quick Six-Pack Ab Sliders

Designed to work on any surface — from hotel room carpets to a hotel gym floor — these compact sliders give you a complete ab workout because they require you to engage your entire core the whole time. Trust us when we tell you that you’ll start to feel the burn pretty quickly.

$14, Buy It Here

Related: ‘How I Got These Abs In 30 Minutes, 3 Times a Week’

CB Sports Travel Dumbbells

If you thought you couldn't take dumbbells with you anywhere, think again. These guys are collapsible, so pack them away in your luggage, then fill them up with water when you're ready to work out. You won't have to skip arm day while you're traveling ever again.

$40, Buy It Here

Related: 6 Smart Training Tips That Will Help You Get Stronger

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The Best Portable Exercise Equipment for Travel

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: June 5, 2023

Home >> Travel Tips >> Travel Gear >> The Best Portable Exercise Equipment for Travel

Maintaining a travel workout routine can be difficult. Jetlag, busy schedules, lack of access to gym equipment. It’s easy to make excuses or let fitness slide when we travel – Not anymore! 

The good news is you don’t have to put exercise on hold while you travel, even if you plan to travel light. Some of the best travel exercise equipment on the market is more lightweight and portable than you might think.

Staying healthy while you travel doesn’t need to be so difficult. Now you can grab a workout anywhere, even without leaving your hotel room.

Get Tips on Staying Safe While You Travel in Our  Safe Travel Guide

The Challenge of Balancing Travel and Exercise

In over five years of full time travel, we have learned how quickly you can get out of shape when faced with changes in time zones and jet lag, different climates, and of course, the temptation of new cuisines.

It could be the thrill of a new and exciting destination distracting you from your regular fitness routine or a busy work trip schedule.

Table of Contents

Travel May Not Suit Your Style of Workout

Staying fit on holiday can also be challenging because not every destination may suit your workout style. In SE Asia, chaotic traffic, dodgy sidewalks, and sometimes high levels of pollution make the idea of jogging very unappealing.

When traveling in South Africa , it was either crime or wild animals that kept our usual walking routine to specific times and places. You may not be staying in accommodation with a gym and don’t have the budget for casual gym fees.

Keep Your Diet on Track With a Portable Blender for Travel . A portable blender can make a great addition to your packing list to maintain a healthy diet when you travel.

Stay hydrated, healthy, and environmentally friendly with a filtered water bottle for travel for safe, clean drinking water on the go.

Find the Right Workout Equipment for Travel

We could have accepted any of these as a good enough reason to put a healthy exercise routine on hold, but we knew it wasn’t viable in the long term. So, we changed how we exercise by finding portable exercise equipment for travel so we could work out no matter where we were.

In this guide, you will find the best portable fitness equipment options for staying in shape while you travel, even in hotels and small spaces.

These are just some of the travel exercise solutions we have come up with over the years, and thanks to their size, weight, and portability; they are all suited to those who need to travel light.

You’ll also find some great tips on incorporating a workout into your day and staying fit while you travel.

Features of Good Exercise Equipment for Travel

When thinking about the best fitness equipment to buy for your travel fitness routine, consider the following:

• It must be lightweight.
• Portable fitness equipment shouldn’t take up too much space – Will it fit comfortably in your bag?
• It should be easy to use and, if required, assemble.
• Is the equipment suitable for your fitness level or skill?
• Is this an item you will actually use in your travel workout?

Quick Guide: Compare the Best Portable Exercise Equipment for Travel

You can read a more in-depth review of each exercise equipment below.

The Best Portable Exercise Equipment For Travel

Swimming is one of our favorite ways to stay fit while traveling. It takes no room to throw a pair of goggles and a swim cap in your bag, and you’re ready to go anytime you are near the water or a pool. You might be surprised at the countless opportunities to get an aqua workout when you travel.

Speedo Silicone Stretch Swim Cap

Professional Anti Fog No Leaking UV Protection Wide View Swim Goggles

Take Advantage of the Hotel Pool.

It doesn’t have to be an Olympic pool to get some decent laps in. Many hotels have pools large enough to be suitable for laps.

Try Swim Gym or Aqua Jogging

If your hotel pool isn’t big enough for laps, a swim gym or aqua aerobics-style workout can be just as good, if not better. Aqua jogging is another great workout that can be done with little or no equipment.

We know people who always travel with an aqua jogging floatation belt , although it can be done just as easily without a floatation device.

Water Gear Runner Floatation Belt

Find the Local Pool.

If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, scouting out the local pool is often worthwhile. You can get an excellent workout in for a few bucks per visit, and some public pools even have a gym attached.

Head to the Beach or Local Lake.

If the weather is nice, why not take advantage of any beaches or lakes near you that are suitable for swimming?

Exercise Hula Hoop for Fitness and Weight Loss

A fitness hula hoop is a surprisingly great cardio workout for core strength and weight loss. You can burn over 500 calories an hour with a simple hula workout!

I started using a travel hula hoop when we were in Vietnam for an extended period. While we had access to a gym, getting outside for a cardio workout like jogging or walking wasn’t always possible because of the terrible pollution and traffic.

I’m not going to lie, it took me a bit to master “hooping” as it’s called these days, but once I got going, I really enjoyed the workout. The beauty of hooping is you can do it anywhere, including a small hotel room.

What to Look for in a Travel Hula Hoop

A good travel hula hoop will either detach into eight pieces or fold in half for easy storage or packing. I have the detachable hoop shown here, and it packs nicely in the bottom of my suitcase without taking up too much room or weight.

Hula is a really simple and fun way to work out, burn fat and get a slim waist.

Travel Hula Hoop

Detachable Travel Hula Hoop for Adults

Here’s a quick introduction to Hula for fitness exercises.

Skipping is one of the best cardio workouts around. It is a high-intensity cardiovascular workout that requires balance, strength, and agility. Much like hula, skipping can be done almost anywhere, and you’ll be very surprised at how quickly you improve and how quickly the results show.

Proven to burn more calories than running, skipping is great for working out legs and arms, especially if you use a rope with weighted handles. It is also an excellent exercise to improve balance and coordination.

You can always find a space at a hotel or a park to fit in a skipping workout. And, if you get good at it, you can always skip on the run.

Skipping (Jump) Rope

Sonic Boom M2 High Speed Jump Rope

These weighted cordless jump ropes are perfect for small hotel rooms where you need a space savvy tangle free solution to skipping while still getting a maximum workout.

APLUGTEK Weighted Ropeless Jump Rope

Resistance Bands

We only came across resistance bands as a great addition to your travel workout kit after an injury left me needing some long term physio. I needed to rebuild muscle and improve my strength and flexibility, but I could not lift heavy weights.

They were a great full-body and core workout, starting with mini resistance bands to regain movement and working up to a full suspension trainer.

While there is no substitute for traditional weight training, resistance bands can substitute most exercises you would do with dumbbells –

• Bicep curls
• Shoulder Presses
• Overhead triceps extensions
• Bent-over rows.

Suspension Trainers and Resistance Bands

Lightweight Suspension Trainer Basic Kit + Door Anchor, Complete Full Body Workouts Kit

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands with Instruction Guide

Travel Weights- Dry Bag Dumbbell/Portable Kettlebell

If resistance bands are not going to cut it for your weight training workout, consider packing a  portable sand kettlebell   or a water weight training bag.

What I love about this travel workout equipment is its versatility as a travel item. When you are not filling the dry bag with sand for your workout, you can use these as a regular dry bag to store your stuff.

These types of dry bag trainers are great for traditional barbell and kettlebell workout movements, such as:

• Bent-over rows
• Even ab work

These bags are designed for strength and durability, so they won’t split. They also come with removable semi-rigid soft grip handles to ensure the bag doesn’t unfasten during a workout or bite into your hand.

Dry Bag Kettlebell & Water Weight Training Bag

Nakpan Aqua Bag Adjustable Water Weights Portable Gym

Meister Elite Portable Sand Kettlebell

Good Training / Running Shoes

Perhaps it sounds slightly obvious, but get a pair of lightweight training or running shoes . Emphasis is on the lightweight. We always try to go for a pair of running shoes that we will happily double as sightseeing shoes.

Again, versatility in your travel gear is key. Some great designs on the market these days will look equally good on the streets of any European city as in the gym.

Taking an early morning jog or even a brisk walk around a new city is a fantastic way to explore a new destination and see a different side of a city. Early morning is also the best time to exercise when you travel, before you get distracted with sightseeing, eating, and drinking.  If you have a good pair of runners with you, you are more likely to get active.

On the back of city walking tours, some cities now offer city jogging tours —a great way to sightsee and exercise at the same time.

Good Running Shoes

Adidas Men’s Energy Cloud Running Shoe

Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer Shoes

Fitness Tracker

Fitness trackers are great for tracking your activity and providing a motivational tool for increasing activity and steps you take each day.

Wearing one when you travel helps keep you motivated to get active, even on those sedentary travel days. Even a few laps of the aisle on the airplane counts towards your daily activity.

A fitness tracker will also help you monitor your overall health and well-being by monitoring heart rate, calorie burn, breathing, and even quality of sleep patterns. Something every traveler struggles with at some time or another.

Fitbit Fitness Wristband

Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband

Guided Workout Cards

Fitdeck Illustrated Exercise Playing Cards for Guided Workouts

Mix up your workouts with this deck of illustrated exercise playing cards. The cards feature illustrations and instructions in three difficulty levels using all types of equipment. Or, as with the Bodyweight deck – no equipment at all, perfect for travelers. Create a new workout every day by simply shuffling and dealing yourself 12 cards and work through the entire routine.

Guided workout cards are also available as an app, but with the cards, you don’t risk the distraction of the phone.

It goes to show you don’t need much to stay in shape when you travel. There are so many innovative ways to combat the bulge while not compromising baggage weight allowances. 

What’s Your Favourite Travel Workout? 

Here Are The Best Pieces Of Fitness Equipment To Pack For Your Next Trip

Finding it hard to keep up your workouts on the go without exceeding luggage weight limits? Consider packing a jump rope, exercise band, or other exercise gear that isn’t too heavy and can be used in small spaces (like hotel rooms).

Health & Fitness Commerce Writer

From Left: Te-Rich Lower Body Resistance Bands, VEICK Handled Resistance Band Set, DEGOL Jump Rope

BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. All products were independently selected by our editors, and the prices were accurate and items in stock at the time of publication.

I don’t know about you, but traveling tends to throw my body off completely. After a long flight or time zone change, I can be tired, headachy, and gastrointestinally challenged for a week. There are only a few things that help — sleeping , staying hydrated , and keeping up with my exercise regimen if I can. (I try not to treat my body like hot garbage while vacationing, but indulging in good food and drinks is something I refuse to give up.)

However, it can be a challenge to exercise because there isn’t always a gym accessible at any given destination. There are luggage size and weight requirements, either because of the airline you use, car trunk space, or just the limitations of your upper body strength. There’s only so much you can do with bodyweight alone if you can’t or don’t want to bring all of your exercise equipment with you.

According to a survey by Expedia, 53% of Americans (including myself) find it “very or somewhat important” to exercise while traveling . That may look different for everyone but can require supplies. While I like to walk as much as I can, walking alone doesn’t always cut it for me.

“I really do love that concept of 10,000 steps a day, and I really do think that is worth something,” said Holly Perkins, a certified strength and conditioning expert and author of Lift to Get Lean . “Now, here’s the thing. It’s really kind of a low intensity activity. You’re not really getting your heart rate up, you’re not really taxing your musculoskeletal system. So I don’t consider it a workout, but I do think that it has a value in terms of your general health. And anytime that I do that I find I just feel better when I come back from time away.”

If you’re lucky enough to be on a beach, walking or jogging in the sand will get you more bang for your buck from a fitness perspective, though Perkins isn’t the biggest fan of running barefoot. She recommends more of an interval walk/jog in those scenarios.

“Let’s say you walk for two minutes, jog for 30 seconds or one minute on the beach,” she said. “That would be suitable.”

How to work out while traveling

Perkins has her travel exercise routine down to a T, and she knows what to do when space is limited.

All you need to do is choose five exercises (like squats, lunges, crunches, mountain climbers, burpees, planks, or something else), do two sets of 10 for each, and then any kind of cardio workout for five minutes. Repeat that two more times, so three rounds total.

“People generally tend to choose their favorite exercises, or the ones that they know the best, but pick any random five exercises,” she said. “And then any kind of cardio application, like the jump rope. It could even be jumping jacks. It could be walking. It could be jogging in a small space.”

She finds that people are more likely to do a workout if it involves exercises that they already know or like, so it won’t feel as intimidating. For the cardio component, while you don’t need any equipment, a jump rope is one of her favorite tools to travel with.

Anything that gets you up and moving on vacation is better than nothing at all, according to Perkins, but this sort of simple routine can challenge your body enough to get your heart rate up and enjoy some real benefits.

There are also plenty of other pieces of exercise equipment that can assist you in bodyweight workouts and are small and light enough to travel with. If you’re looking for that extra bit of help or motivation to stay active while you’re traveling, all of this portable gear is easily packable.

Perkins loves to travel with a jump rope. With just a jump rope, you can get a very effective aerobic cardio workout without needing much space. This one has adjustable length to suit your height, a ball-bearing system to avoid twisting or bending, and ergonomic handles coated with memory foam grips for extra comfort.

Promising review: “I would definitely suggest this to people because of its lightweight construction. It is quite durable as well. Glad I made the purchase!” — Christopher Dunn

What else to consider: Some serious jump ropers prefer actual rope material as opposed to this, which is more of a wired cable, but you can’t beat the price and most reviewers were perfectly satisfied.

Best for: getting in great cardio on the go.

You can buy this jump rope on Amazon for around $9.

Handled Resistance Band Set

Another one of Perkins’ favorites is handled resistance bands. However, she strongly suggests having a door attachment to go with them. “It literally introduces probably 30 more exercises that you can do with a handle resistance band,” she said. It allows you to anchor your band of choice to a door to create more stability and resistance and is just as easy to pack. This set comes with five different resistance options, two soft-cushioned handles to attach, two ankle straps, a door anchor, a carrying bag, and an exercise guide to show you many of the workouts you can do with these bands.

Promising review: “I legit use this daily! The locking in the door thing actually worked! Super impressed.” — YouTube Ryan Matta

What else to consider: Perkins loves handled resistance bands due to their versatility and packability. You can easily take this whole set or just pick your band of choice and desired accessories, if you have access to a door — and who doesn’t, unless maybe you are camping — it opens up even more possibilities.

Best for: a little extra oomph for bodyweight strength training on vacation.

You can buy this Handled Resistance Band Set from Amazon for around $23.

Te-Rich Lower Body Resistance Bands

As much as Perkins loves handled bands, she also recommended lower body resistance bands as another useful, portable piece of exercise equipment. They’re great for adding some extra tension for even the most basic glute, hip, or leg workouts. This set doesn’t weigh a lot or take up much space at all, and each band offers a different resistance level.

Promising review: “These are versatile and sturdy resistance bands. Great to add to any kind of workout.” — Arch B.

What else to consider: I personally prefer these wider cloth options to the thin plastic or rubber variety you used to see everywhere. They’re more comfortable to use and won’t roll up or tug at your skin.

Best for: taking lower body workouts up a notch.

You can buy these Te-Rich Lower Body Resistance Bands from Amazon for around $11.

Gaiam Folding Travel Fitness & Exercise Mat

Nobody wants to put their back or hands down directly on a prickly wood or hard cement surface. However, traditional yoga mats aren’t the most packable item. They tend to be bulky and some are also pretty dense, so this thinner folding yoga mat is a helpful alternative. It is only 6 millimeters thick and easily folds into a tidy 10-by-12-inch rectangle. The sticky texture can also help stabilize your footing so you’re not slipping during your yoga flow or push-ups.

Promising review: “Used this for a two week trip where I wanted to make sure I had a mat available. Fit in a carry on suitcase just fine (maybe the size of two pairs of jeans?) It's not as thick as my day-to-day mat but does the job.” — em

What else to consider: Since this is foldable, it likely won't offer the same level of cushioning that roll-up yoga mats will, but it’s much easier to transport and better than nothing for floor workouts, in my opinion.

Best for: a more stable and comfortable surface for floor workouts away from home.

You can buy the Gaiam Folding Travel Fitness & Exercise Mat from Amazon for around $25.

TRX GO Suspension Trainer

If you’ve ever done a TRX class or used a TRX system at the gym, you know that it’s a pretty low-impact workout tool that you will be feeling hard in your muscles the next day. Though it may seem like a complicated setup, this TRX GO bundle actually makes it easy to take with you and use almost anywhere. It comes with the classic handled rope for suspension training as well as indoor and outdoor anchors and a mesh carrying bag. The whole thing weighs less than a pound and opens up a ton of exercise options wherever you go.

Promising review: “I travel a lot, so I really like the versatility of being able to take it with me. Can literally set it up anywhere (indoors or outside).” — Alice

What else to consider: If you don’t know how to use a TRX system but want to try this for travel workouts, you can download the app for access to over 500 on-demand workout videos. New workouts are added weekly and there are even live classes from trainers.

Best for: a full-body workout kit that’s easy to travel with and won’t be too hard on your joints.

You can buy the TRX GO Suspension Trainer from Amazon for around $129.

Rotating Pushup Handles

These guys may not be as versatile as some other options on this list, but if push-ups are a huge part of your everyday workout regime, they can help elevate your exercise experience. Plus they are small enough to throw into a backpack or duffel. Not only do these rotating handles help reduce joint strain during pushups, but they also help activate more muscles to increase strength and definition. The full rotation aids in natural alignment of the arms and wrists, and the comfortable rubber grips will keep you stable.

Promising review: “Very nice, smooth rotation, feels sturdy, doesn’t slip when using. Solid product.” — Teddy Phillips

What else to consider: Again, if you’re looking for a portable product that you can use in a variety of workouts, this isn’t the way to go. But if you can’t go a day without completing a set of push-ups and want them to be as effective as possible, you’ll appreciate these.

Best for: maximizing your effort and comfort during push-ups no matter where you are.

You can buy Rotating Pushup Handles from Amazon for around $22.

Synergee Core Sliders

Ab workouts are generally one area of exercise that you can do pretty much anywhere. A comfortable surface (that a foldable yoga mat may offer) can help, but they’re often easy to do on the floor without any tools. For me, core exercises are essential, but can also get a bit boring and quickly feel like less of a challenge. That’s where some core sliders come in handy. They can help engage your core in all kinds of full-body workouts, and also enable you to do a variety of exercises that target your abs. The different materials on either side make them suitable on nearly any surface, and they’re lightweight and compact for easy packing.

Promising review: “They work perfectly well. I have used them for a year and they barely seemed to be used. Good quality and highly functional.” — Ariel Sánchez

What else to consider: As simple as these look, they can definitely take some getting used to and may not be for everyone. Those who enjoy more of a challenge when it comes to balance and stability will probably enjoy them most.

Best for: enhancing your ab workouts without anything bulky, expensive, or extreme.

You can buy Synergee Core Sliders from Amazon for around $10.

Magene H303 Heart Rate Monitor

Fitness trackers are popular these days, but if you don’t want to invest in one that you wear all the time, you can get something more affordable that you only wear during workouts. Fitbits and Apple Watches may work for some, but if that’s not your vibe, this chest strap is designed to monitor your heart rate while exercising, meaning that no noise, movement, or sweat will interfere. The LED light automatically turns on when the device is connected and worn properly, so you don’t have to wonder whether it’s tracking accurately throughout your exercise.

Promising review: “Works perfectly. Easy to connect bluetooth. Will connect to machines and your phone. Great value for your money. Very comfortable material & fit.” — Marcella L.

What else to consider: This device is sweat-resistant, but it’s not suitable for full water submersion, so it’s not the right option if you swim for exercise. Its main purpose is to track your heart rate to help you maximize your workouts, which is just to say it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that other multifunctional wearable fitness trackers have.

Best for: people who aren’t into full-time fitness trackers but still want to make the most out of their workouts with a less expensive option.

You can buy the Magene H303 Heart Rate Monitor from Amazon for around $23.

Hoka Clifton L Sneakers

I had to include a pair of trendy and functional sneakers on here after a deep dive for my own personal use. I recently went to Italy with only a carry-on bag and wanted comfortable, supportive sneakers that I could walk 10,000+ steps per day in but that were stylish enough with my planned outfits. Hokas have been trending for a while now, and these were the ones I chose that would keep my body moving but also complement my looks. They’re a neutral color, so they go with everything. They’re lightweight with breathable mesh so they don’t weigh you down or cause your feet to overheat, and the durable foam cushioning protects your joints no matter how many steps you take.

Promising review: “These shoes are amazing! It is my first pair of HOKA’s and I am absolutely in love! They are super comfortable for those long shifts at work. Already thinking about my next pair!” —Alex via Hoka

What else to consider: Hokas are definitely not the most affordable sneakers, but they’re built to last and should be worth the price if you’re wearing them regularly.

Best for: stylish yet supported walking as a city tourist or road running on any trip.

You can buy Hoka Clifton L Sneakers from Net-A-Porter for around $150.

20 Travel Workout Equipment Items for the Road

Most of us live busy lives and just because you are on the move doesn’t mean that your fitness and exercise routine has to be put on hold. That’s why I assembled a list of the best travel workout equipment items that you can have for your home or take with you on the road.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Quick List of the Best Travel Workout Equipment

• Collapsible Foam Roller

Fitness Dice

• Garmin Watch

Collapsable Water Bottle

• Core + Upper Body Training Kit 

Running Shoes

Foldable travel yoga mat.

• Core Sliders 
• Mini TheraGun
• Aquabell Dumbells

Ankle Weights

Running belt, agility ladder, resistance bands, stretch out strap, travel exercise equipment.

TRX | The Best Piece of Exercise Equipment for Travel

The TRX System is bodyweight suspension training at its best.  Train your upper body, lower body and core with this piece of travel workout equipment.

You can use this workout equipment at the gym, at home or take it with you on the road.  This portable gym that sets up in seconds anytime and anywhere.  It’s fully adjustable, one size-fits all, comes with a handy door mount and packs down for convenient carry in a travel size bag.

This is one of my favorite pieces of exercise equipment to take with my on the road.  With hundreds of full body exercises this travel exercise equipment is very versatile and I especially love it for my upper body.

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Collapsable Foam Roller

A Collapsible Foam Roller  is one of the best muscle recovery fitness equipment.  It is ergonomically designed to target tension and soreness but due to their oversized, elongated shape traveling with one has always been a challenge until now.

This piece of travel exercise equipment collapses flat between every single use and can quickly expand  to an industry-standard size pithing seconds.  Just because you are on the move doesn’t mean your muscle recovery has to be on the back burner.

Exerbell | My Favorite Piece of Travel Exercise Equipment 

The Exerbell may be my favorite piece of travel exercise equipment probably because I train with kettlebells on a regular basis.  Pack the softshell bell with water or sand to the weight you desire, roll the top down, buckle it tight, and you’re ready to start your workout.

This travel kettlebell is a versatile and effective tool that aids you in a wide range of exercises, so you can target an area where you need more strength or get down on some full-body workouts to maintain strength and endurance.  Best of all, it packs down flat and fits anywhere, sliding easily into any suitcase when you need to take your fitness routine with you on the road.

Garmin Fitness Watch

If you are looking for something less expensive than the Apple Watch that doesn’t look like a fitness watch, then opt for the  Garmin Hybrid Smartwatch .  The Garmin fitness watch is a wonderful travel companion and my go to pieces of travel fitness equipment.

It will keep you on time no matter what time zone you are in.  Not only does it look classy, it also tracks your steps,  respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, estimated heart, hydration and more.  

Staying in shape on the road doesn’t mean that you have to get intense workouts in everyday.  Something as simple as exploring a city on foot is a great way to stay in shape while traveling .  This watch tracks your steps so you will know how many margaritas you can splurge on at dinner. 

The Air Mat is an ultra-light, travel-friendly yoga mat that rolls thinner for on-the-go yoga. It’s no-slip, wet or dry.  The air mat weighs roughly 3.5 pounds making this a great travel companion.

The Nomader Collapsable Water Bottle is portable and a necessary travel fitness item.  It rolls up for compact travel, loops around your wrist for easy carry and attaches to your bag for quick access.

Staying hydrated is key and always having clean, purified water when you travel is a must especially if you are traveling through third world countries.  A collapsable water bottle is also a long haul flight essential .

Core + Upper Body Training Kit

 Train like a champion with this portable resistance band kit, built to activate your core and upper body.  Maximizing the most out of your muscles, the Core + Upper Body Training Kit  includes everything you need to build functional strength in your core, arms, shoulders, and back.

This compact travel workout kit packs away in a snap for storage at home, and includes a travel bag for bringing the benefits on the road with you.  I mean Tom Brady uses these resistance bands…it’s time to level up.

Running Shoes are the easiest form of exercise on the go.  Lace up your shoes and hit the streets or trails. Running is a great way to get to know a city.

Not only does it blast major calories but it gets you familiar with your surroundings and the lay of the land.  Early morning runs are great because its cooler in temperature, there are less people out and is my definition of fitness travel .

Jump Rope | The Best Pieces of Travel Workout Equipment for Cardio

A Jump Rope  is a great piece of workout equipment for travel.  10 minutes of skipping jump rope is equivalent to 30 minutes of jogging, 40 minutes of swimming and 50 minutes of yoga.

These portable, small accessories don’t take up much room in your carry-on luggage and can provide a heart pumping workout at last minutes notice.  Plus you can jump rope anywhere at anytime.

Core Sliders

These Core Sliders  are the best travel workout equipment for a great core workout.  The Sliders introduce a balance and stability challenge to every movement, which forces you to engage your core muscles

These pieces of travel exercise equipment are convenient for so many reasons.  They are small, light, compact and portable, which makes it easy to travel with.  Perfect for the person constantly on the go or for athletes who like to workout when they travel.  Fits easily into a backpack, purse, and/or carry-on.

Theragun Mini | Recovery Workout Equipment for Travel 

The Mini TheraGun is a compact percussive therapy gun used for muscle treatments, relaxation, and recovery on the go.  The TheraGun Mini will release tension, knock out cramps, and go 150 minutes on a charge so you can find muscle relief wherever your workout takes you.

Aqua Dumbells

If you love lifting weights then you’ll love the Aquabell Dumbells .  These travel dumbbells are foldable and weigh only 2.2 lbs without water.  Once filled the dumbbells weigh 45 pounds.  Keep your arms toned on the road or at home.

Sandbags  are the ultimate pieces of portable gym equipment for a full body workout.  Simple to use, just fill the bag with sand and easily change the intensity of the weight ranging from 10 to 40 pounds.  This makes this heavy duty sandbag suitable for multiple fitness levels.

This fitness weights sandbag is equipped with 8 handles to provide a variety of grip options for your workout.  Use the sandbags to engage your core and target multiple muscle groups.  Washes easy in the machine and efficient to store when you are on the road or at home.

Ankle Weights  are a great way to add more resistance to your daily workout.  Easily velcro them onto your ankles perfect for walking, jogging, core strength training, aerobics or gym.

These ankle weights can be adjusted from 1-3 lbs depending on your fitness level.  The small and compact size make them easy to travel with.

Take the “work” out of your workouts at home or on the road with this innovative Fitness Dice .  No need for dumbbells, bands or equipment.  

These seven wooden cubes require only your body weight and your determination to work out.  Every roll leads to one of 45,000 possible routines.  This is a great gift for fitness enthusiast and suitable for all experience levels.

A fitness Running Belt  is perfect if you are the type of traveler who likes to explore an area by going for a run.  This workout running accessory will hold all your important things like cell phone, credit cards, ID, money, car keys or room keys.  Keep your hands free and mind at ease knowing your belongings are easily accessible.

If you are looking to increase your speed and improve your balance then an Agility Ladder  is the perfect piece of travel workout equipment.  Simply place the fitness ladder on the ground and get moving.  Plus the agility ladder comes with a carrying bag, which is very convenient for you to train anytime anywhere.

The Foldable Travel Yoga Mat  is a mega-foldable, lightweight mat. Crafted from tree rubber and microfiber made from recycled plastic bottles, the earth-friendly design is extra grippy and absorbent like a towel and mat in one.

It rolls up super thin like  a pair of leggings.  Be able to have a travel workout no equipment exercise with this travel yoga mat.  Machine washable and able to travel with you in a suitcase or backpack.

Resistance Bands  will be your partner in crime for any exercise you want to tackle. Perfect for low-impact training, rehabilitation, stretching and mobility, these lightweight and easily packable bands will help you push and pull your way through anything.

The resistance bands take up literally no space and the set ranges from extra light to heavy for more resistance.

A Stretch Out Strap  is a great piece of workout equipment for pre-workout or post-workout.  The stretch out strap allows for greater flexibility, improved range of motion, enhanced muscle recovery and reduced risk of injury.

This piece of travel exercise equipment is easy to pack and carry as you travel around.  Just remember warming up and cooling down are just as important as the actual workout itself.

Travel Guides

Check out the guides below if you love traveling, staying fit, airport lounges, travel gadgets and hacks.

10 Ways to Stay in Fit & Travel – Easy and clever ways to stay fit while on the road.

Must-Have Long Haul Essentials – Everything you need to pack and bring with you on a long haul economy flight to make it more comfortable and enjoyable.

20 Must-Have Travel Accessories – These travel accessories make traveling smoother and more comfortable.

35 Unique & Useful Travel Accessories   – Check out the most unique and useful travel gadgets out there.

Long Haul Flights Tips & Tricks – 10 tips and tricks to help you have a more enjoyable and comfortable time in economy.

What’s in my Bag – A page full of my favorite products and trusted travel gear. These are products that I swear by and have made my life so much better.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Workout Equipment

Apart from traveling the world another big passion of mine is health and fitness. I mean your body is your temple after all. These travel workout equipment items are perfect for on the go or at home. 

If you found this article helpful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇.

More Things Travel ↓

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Best Travel Gadgets for Backpackers

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Best Portable Fitness Equipment For Travel & On-The-Go

Looking for workout gear you can take with you while on the go? Whether you want to bring compact fitness material in the trunk of your car, pack training gear in your backpack while crossing South-East Asia, or just want to bring workout accessories on the commute from and to work, here’s an overview of the best portable workout equipment currently available.

Updated Sept, 2018

1. Inflatable exercise ball

A stability ball, such as this Exercise Ball by Black Mountain, is an affordable, convenient exercise tool to use at home or on-the-go. When inflated (pump is included), the ball takes up a fair amount of space; but when deflated, you can toss it in a suitcase or in the backseat for your next business trip or vacation.

Thus making it an ideal fitness tool for stretching, agility and balance exercises. In addition, it also makes a great active sitting chair for watching TV or for behind the desk. Take it to home from the office, and vice versa. Thus mitigating your inactive, continuously seated lifestyle even more.

Beginners should be careful when using an exercise ball – proper sizing and inflation are vital. And because rolling off could cause injury, make sure you’re strong enough to balance before trying complex moves.

2. Monkii Bars ultra-portable suspension training system

Release your inner primate with Monkii Bars . Wild Gym Company’s unique workout gear is comprised of two wooden handles that loop through a super strong fiber cable and hang on any secure surface. The portable gym fits in a fanny pack and weighs less than a pound, allowing you to work your whole body wherever you are.

Indoors or out, making Monkii Bars Great for those who dislike the indoor training atmosphere of the gym and prefer training outdoors in the park or while camping or hiking.

A great portable workout option for and travelers as well as they can be used inside  in hotel rooms and hostels. Hang your Monkii bars at home or the office, provided a stable structure is available allowing you to perform a variety of movements to train your arms, legs, and core.

Loop them over a tree during your next camping trip with friends, or pack them to use over the holidays at your parents’ house to burn off those heavy meals in a jiffy.

3. Sandbag trainers

These SKLZ Super Sandbags are somewhat like portable kettlebells. Training with sandbags provides a break in the monotony of machine or weight training, and is best suited for those in search of a full-body challenge.

Sandbags are inexpensive and perfect for car travel (you can travel via plane with them if you empty and fill them up upon arrival) – use them in your backyard, on the beach, or in your basement.

Working out with sandbags requires correct technique and may come with a learning curve, so newbies may need trainer supervision to get started. Make sure you buy high-quality bags to reduce the risk of sand leakage.

4. Resistance bands

Get ripped on the go with this resistance band kit, a fitting solution when you don’t have access to free weights or workout machines.  This resistance band kit includes everything you need for strength training on the go: door anchor, exercise chart, carrying bag, ankle straps, and starter guide.

Bands are a great alternative when you don’t have access to gym equipment, specifically free weights, and are also beneficial to solo weightlifters – it’s like having your own personal spotter.

They come in a variety of widths and resistances, making their uses virtually endless, and are an inexpensive tool to add to your fitness repertoire.

Stuff them in your carry on to use in conjunction with the door hanging accessory at your vacation home over the weekend, or keep them in your trunk to use for impromptu workouts at the park. The various resistances allow you to tone and build your leg, arm, and core muscles whenever and wherever.

5. Jumprope

Jumping rope isn’t just for kids on the playground. Jump ropes are an age-old standby, supplementing any workout by burning more calories per minute than most cardio. They’re inexpensive, suitable for beginners and pros alike, and can be used anywhere with a high enough ceiling.

Keep one in your desk for a mid-morning pick-me-up between webinars, one in your living room to use while watching the evening news, and one in your carry-on to stay active during business trips.

Ropes come in a variety of materials – cloth, nylon, vinyl, leather and even wire. Vinyl, or speed ropes, allow for the maximum amount of turns while cloth ropes are best for beginners.

Tip: make sure to choose the right length, or get an adjustable rope such as this rope by Master of Muscle to avoid tripping.

6. AquaBells Travel Weights

Travelling with weights is nearly impossible, especially by plane. Now you can keep your biceps perky wherever you are with revolutionary  AquaBells Travel Weights . These water weight dumbbells weigh less than 30 ounces unfilled, and transform into 16 pound dumbbells when filled with water. Each bar is 13 inches long, and each of the 8 water chambers holds 4 pounds of water.

Leak-free AquaBells are perfect for reps between meetings or while on business calls, or jetting across the country for a friend’s wedding weekend – just fill, work out, drain, repeat.

They are perfect for sticking in your briefcase or carry on for use in the office or hotel room, though not so great when travelling somewhere where water won’t be readily available or is limited (camping, hiking, etc.)

7. Travel size foam roller

Ahhhhhh – loosen your muscles, reduce soreness, and improve overall performance on the fly with a mini foam roller like this one from TriggerPoint . It’s best used after intense workouts or running to smooth and lengthen muscles.

A mini roller is useful for those travelling (stick it in your suitcase / it’s tiny enough to fit in your carry-on) to relieve plane stiffness. Those who like to work out outdoors (stuff it in your pack or your car for post-workout massage), and even for gym use (who wants to use the communal rollers that are at the gym?)

It’s  stretch out after a few laps around the hotel, or wind down from a P90X session; it can also be stuffed into a gym bag or briefcase for everyday mobile use.

8. Portable gymnastics rings

Versions with grippable handles eliminate the need to carry chalk (and the chance of it exploding all over your sport jacket for tomorrow’s meeting in L.A!)

9. Travel yoga mat

*Breathe in…breathe out*. Yoga requires little besides a good mat, and with one in tow, you can downward dog on any flat surface – in the park, in a hotel room, or beside a resort pool, on your in-law’s back patio, or at the hostel before bed.

Mats such as the  Zen Active Non Slip yoga mat  are perfect for Pilates, floor, and ab exercises, and while most mats probably won’t fit in a carry on, they shouldn’t take up much room in a checked bag or in your trunk.

Versions with a carrying strap are ideal for toting to classes, and keep your mat tightly rolled and compact.

10.  Versastick

Kick up your resistance band training with the Versastick , a resistance band with a plastic bar instead of handles for added stability and versatility. The kit comes with 3 bands, a workout DVD, manual, and door anchor.

It’s best when used with the door anchor, though a variety of exercises can be performed without. The lightweight band and bar weight less than a pair of gym shoes, and can easily be slid into a weekend bag or suitcase.

The kit isn’t cheap ($80) and the workouts are geared toward fit individuals, which makes it a less suitable investment for beginners.

11. TRX suspension trainer kit

Use your own bodyweight to get buff! The TRX Suspension Trainer Kit is an all-in one workout program that trains your whole body, from arms to core to legs (unlike traditional gymnastics rings). The kit weighs less than 2 pounds, and takes only 60 seconds to attach to a door, a bar, or even a tree.

The TRX replaces an entire gym, and is perfect for those who want a full-body to workout whenever and wherever they are, and are willing to spend some considerable dough ($150 – $170.)  You don’t need a gym when the TRX replaces nearly every machine imaginable. 

12. Pilates ring

The Pilates Ring strengthens and tones the entire body using resistance – ideal for women looking to train their legs and arms without having to finagle visits to the gym.

The nearly-flat ring takes up next-to-no space under the couch, inside the ottoman, or in the backseat. The ring is nearly flat, though it may not fit in carry ons or purses at 14 inches in diameter.

Unlike other fitness circles, this Pilates Ring has pads on the inside and outside, making more exercises possible. Easy to use and learn, the ring is suitable for beginners yet still effective for avid exercisers.

Use it in the living room while the baby naps, with girlfriends during moving night, or in between sightseeing during an anniversary weekend.

13. Jayflex CrossGrips

See yourself hauling your door frame pull up bar on your way to a friends house? Well, me neither. Even the collapsible versions are too bulky for that.

Now you can bring your favorite fitness equipment, thanks to this Kickstarter project that has been funded ten times over. CrossGrips allow you to do a whole lot more than just pull ups, it’s like having the whole gym in your hands, well kinda.

As the creators say, you can do a full upper body workout with these versatile handles. This includes; pull and chin ups, shoulder push ups, sit ups, and much more.

The two lightweight, portable handles that are set up in 15 seconds, allow for travel because together they weigh just 3.8 lbs and take up 7 by 10 inches of your backpack.

The patented auto-adjust feature ensures via internal spring locks that the CrossGrips can be attached safe and secure to pretty much any door frame.

What is your favorite travel exercise gear?

These days, “The hotel didn’t have a gym.” isn’t a viable excuse anymore. Road warriors can easily toss their favorite workout gear in the trunk of their car. Heck, thanks to these innovative gadgets even frequent flyers can stuff half a gym worth of equipment in their carry-on.

Which type of travel-friendly gym exercise gear do you like best?

Shout it out below.

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Last Updated on September 6, 2018 by Tyler

Tried to find out where to buy these types of equipment. There are tons of sites. Found a site that has a majority of the products offered here. Travelcisefitness.com. Giving it a go.

I really love portable workout gear, I always take my jump rope with me, People don’t know that you can do so much with jump rope only. I like to call it the workout explosion.

Thanks for this interesting article. It is pretty complete, but we are missing the SYWOS One which offers antagonistic Muscle Training at home, office or travel. Give it a try, it is sensational!

Thanks for such an informative blog. It was really helpful. I’ll surely grab few of the above mentioned on the go workout gears as my work involves lot of travelling. Just to mention, all looking for portable workout gears can checkout the cool collection of fitness products and accessories from Johnny O’s Goods. Just bought a pair of resistance bands from the site and they are amazing.

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We Found the Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors After Testing Dozens of Options

We put popular rowing machines, dumbbells, and more to the test

Jessica Murtaugh, CPT, CNC, is a digital marketing and branding consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. A personal trainer and nutrition coach, she is passionate about life-long, balanced wellness.

Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert.

Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.

Verywell Fit / Anna Knief

Getting enough exercise is important at any age, but it’s especially important for aging adults . As we age, we lose muscle mass and strength (a condition known as sarcopenia), bone density , and flexibility—all factors needed to stay mobile and safe in daily activities, says physical therapist Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT. Working out as a senior can help extend your healthy years and reduce the impact of aging by maintaining and improving strength, balance, and coordination, which can help prevent injuries and morbidity-related falls.

But to exercise safely, older adults should use the best exercise equipment for seniors that’s sturdy and effective and won’t put them at risk. When shopping, make sure the equipment you choose is appropriate for your fitness abilities, helps you meet your goals, fits your space and budget, and is stable, safe, and easy to use or adjust as needed.

To help older adults find the right exercise equipment for their needs, we first consulted a physical therapist and a certified personal trainer, both experienced in instructing older individuals, to learn what fitness equipment is best to use as we age. Then, we researched and tested dozens of options on the market for every type of fitness equipment—from rowing machines and ellipticals to smartwatches. 

We evaluated each piece based on cost, ease of use, functionality, size, safety, and more. For the pieces of equipment we tested, we tried each based on its intended use both at home and in our lab, following Verywell’s testing guidelines . We only included top-scoring pieces of equipment on our list and ones we, and our experts, deemed safe and effective for older adults. Another reason to trust our recommendations? We had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and safety tips.

• How We Selected and Tested
• What to Look For

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Best smartwatch, apple watch series 8.

Two screen sizes

Health and safety monitoring features

User-friendly

Pricier than other smartwatches

iPhone-compatible only

We chose Apple’s Watch as our pick for the best smartwatch for aging adults because it’s user-friendly, offers reliable fitness tracking, has two screen size options, and offers potentially lifesaving health monitoring and safety features. For older adults who don’t mind some technology, we like this smartwatch because it offers the same fitness tracking features as other fitness trackers —like heart rate monitoring, calories burned, and steps—but its sophisticated sensors can also monitor a person’s wellness and collect data to flag if anything’s out of the ordinary. 

The cutting-edge ECG/EKG sensor for heart rhythm notifies wearers within seconds of detecting irregular, low, or high heart rate rhythms. It also has a blood oxygen sensor to track heart blood oxygen levels, a temperature sensor, and a sleep monitor for useful, around-the-clock health insights. Our other favorite Series 8 safety feature is its Fall Detection, which notifies close contacts or emergency services immediately if you fall and need assistance. Built-in GPS and crash detection send an SOS to emergency services with your location (when connected to a cellular plan or near an iPhone).

With two easy-to-read screen size options of 41 and 45 millimeters, seniors have a choice to opt for a bigger screen if needed for easier readability. Also, it comes in various finishes and interchangeable band options, so you can find something that suits your style. Extra durable, it’s crack-, dust-, and swim-proof. We also like that it’s fast charging, featuring a decently long 18-hour battery life and power-saving mode.

The smartwatch comes with a free trial of Apple’s Fitness+ app, which features thousands of workouts, audio-guided walks, meditations, and more. Pricier than most fitness trackers, we think its safety features, reliability, and durability make it a worthwhile investment.

Best Recumbent Bike

Sunny health & fitness recumbent bike sf.

Full body workout

Easy to mount

Easy to adjust

Seat may be uncomfortable

This recumbent bike is a top pick for its supportive, adjustable seat and arm handles that allow for an engaging, full-body workout. Great for anyone who prefers to sit during exercise due to mobility or joint issues, this bike has eight levels of pedal and arm lever resistance to challenge a rider’s upper body, core, and lower body. 

As your heart rate rises, the sensors on its non-slip side handles help you monitor your pulse via the digital monitor, which also tracks progress in calories burned, mileage, pace, and time. The padded bike seat is contoured for comfort and easy to adjust, but some users still find it uncomfortable, so you may want to pair it with a bike seat cushion for longer rides. 

We love that the bike is easy to assemble and should only take about 30 minutes to set up, according to most users. We still recommend that users ask a friend or family member to help with setup for a more seamless experience. The bike supports a maximum of 350 pounds and features transport wheels at the front, so you can easily move it out of the way when not in use.

For a slightly “smarter,” techy version, we love its sister bike that connects to the SunnyFit app and has built-in resistance bands instead of arm levers.

Best Rowing Machine

Stamina recumbent exercise bike and rower.

 Amazon

Versatile, hybrid machine

Folds for compact storage

Easy-to-read screen

No heart rate monitor for rowing

Batteries aren’t included

Seat isn’t adjustable

With Stamina’s Conversion II Recumbent Bike/Rower hybrid, you get a three-for-one machine that works as a rower, recumbent bike, and resistance training machine. We love that Stamina’s bike/rower hybrid is designed for full-body strength training and cardio workouts in one space-saving piece of equipment. When we tested this rower , we appreciated its consistent resistance and how it operates smoothly as both a rower and a bike. Its display screen is easy to read and tracks basic metrics like speed, distance, time, and calories burned. The machine is supported by the Muuv app, which has an assembly video and compatible workouts to help you stay on track. 

During testing, we found that you can use this machine as a leg press or classic cable machine for working out your lower and upper body, in addition to using it as a bike/rower hybrid. Although the initial setup is straightforward and easy for the most part, taking us about an hour and a half with two people, the machine doesn’t come with batteries, so you’ll need to supply those from the get-go to get it up and running. Also, heart rate is only tracked via the bike’s handles, so it won’t be monitored while you use the machine as a rower.

The sturdy Conversion II sits low, making its seat easy to mount for older adults with mobility issues. And when you’re finished exercising, it’s easy to fold and wheel away to storage, thanks to its built-in wheels. 

The rower/bike hybrid has a 250-pound weight capacity and eight levels of resistance, so it should work for most users and keep you challenged over time. We recommend it for anyone with limited space who wants the ability to use both a bike and a rower without having to buy two separate pieces of equipment. Plus, you can choose from two finishes to match your aesthetic.

Best Resistance Bands

Vitality 4 life’s exercise for seniors resistance band + dvd set.

Instructional DVDs tailored for aging population

Compact and portable

Only comes with one resistance band

DVD player required to watch videos

The most compact and portable piece of exercise equipment for seniors on our list, this set is our top resistance band pick for its easy-to-implement resistance band routines for aging older adults. The resistance band comes with three instructional DVDs that feature guided low-impact, joint-friendly workouts that exercisers can do with the provided resistance band and other everyday household items, like a sturdy chair.

We love that this option allows you to get in a good workout with less equipment and minimal setup. Workouts with resistance bands are great for those looking to build strength and balance without investing in a fancy piece of equipment. The whole set is portable and can be brought anywhere for a workout on the go.

If you want more variation in your workouts, you can upgrade to the Deluxe version of this set, which comes with three resistance bands (extra-light, light, and medium options) and five exercise DVDs with over twelve 20-minute total body and balance routines.

Best Stability Ball

Gofit stability ball.

• Quality 4 /5
• Versatility 4 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5
• Overall Value 4.5 /5

Workout guide, diagrams, and DVD included

Workout suggestions on the ball’s surface

Included pump may be unreliable

Lightweight and budget-friendly, we love this stability ball for seniors thanks to the user-friendly exercise instructions showcased directly on the ball’s surface. The exercise suggestions on the ball’s surface, along with the included instructional workout DVD, make it easy for beginners to get started. We also like that the ball has a maximum weight capacity of 2,000 pounds, so we know it’s sturdy and durable, and won’t burst as you’re using it. 

When testing this stability ball , it performed well and we found it comfortable to use for a variety of both lower and upper body exercises. We also like that it comes in three size options—22, 26, and 30 inches—so you can opt for the one that fits your height and body shape.

The ball comes with an included inflation foot pump that requires you to step on it repeatedly in order to fill up the ball with air, which may be more comfortable than a handheld pump for those with arthritis of the hand or weak arms. But, when testing, the included pump didn’t work very well, so you may have to use another air pump in order to fill up the ball more efficiently. 

Balance and coordination are essential components of training aging populations, and as a trainer, Royer suggests using a stability ball like the ProBall to challenge strength and motor skills.

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Verywell Fit / Leticia Almeida

Best Treadmill

Lifespan tr3000i folding treadmill.

Folds by touching a button

Supportive guardrails and handles

Emergency stop feature

We love this folding treadmill as a year-round, low-impact option for getting steps in safely no matter the weather. Durable and stable, LifeSpan’s TR3000i is more compact than most treadmills and folds on its own with the touch of a button, locking securely into place. It is simple to operate, with a quick-start console and optional built-in programs for 15 levels of hill-simulated inclines and speeds of 0.5 to 12 miles per hour. The 2.75-horsepower motor is strong yet quiet for a folding treadmill , a testament to its quality and longevity.

We like how you can rest a book or tablet on the console deck and charge your device in the USB Port as you watch your favorite TV show or instructor-led workout. The console itself tracks performance metrics using the pulse sensor on the grip handles and Intelli-Step technology in the belt to count steps. 

With a low step-up height and safety features like supportive guardrails for balance, an emergency stop button, and a sensor that automatically pauses the belt 20 seconds after you step off the treadmill deck, we think it’s a good option for older adults concerned with safety. 

Although this folding treadmill is on the pricey side and, at 225 pounds, a lot heavier than other exercise equipment that we recommend for seniors, we think it’s a worthwhile investment for a reliable cardio workout. 

Best Elliptical Machine

Sole e35 elliptical.

• Setup 3.9 /5

Incline and speed controls on the handles

Bluetooth compatible

Heart rate chest strap included

Difficult to assemble

For a piece of equipment that offers a low-impact total-body workout, we love an elliptical machine . This popular model from Sole features sturdy, wide foot pedals for optimal balance, designed by physical therapists to be ergonomically shaped and to simulate a natural stride.

We love that the elliptical features resistance and incline controls on the lever handles, allowing you to easily control your speed and incline. It also has secondary stationary handle grips with heart rate pulse sensors, so you can always monitor your heart rate. With 20 resistance levels, this machine works for all fitness capabilities and will keep you challenged over time. 

Sole also throws in a chest strap heart rate monitor with your purchase–-an accessory that makes heart rate tracking easier and more accurate. Bluetooth-compatible speakers on the elliptical allow you to play your music as you pedal or sync your heart rate monitor to the elliptical’s display for a handy visual.

The elliptical offers a 325-pound weight capacity, which makes it very sturdy and stable, but also adds weight to the machine, so it is heavier than other exercise equipment options on our list. Also, users note that because it’s quite heavy and bulky, it can be difficult to assemble, so you may want to hire professional help. 

The built-in fan prevents overheating, and you can keep your water bottle or tablet in the cup holder. You can also charge your phone in the elliptical’s USB port and keep it safely nearby. 

Best Foam Roller

Optp pro soft roller.

• Effectiveness 4 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Soft surface won’t injure sensitive skin

Easy to use on hard-to-reach areas

Learning curve required for use

Less effective for deep tissue relief

Often used by rehab and fitness professionals, there are many benefits of foam rolling , from pain relief, injury prevention, and muscle recovery after workouts, to improved flexibility, and joint range of motion . We chose this foam roller for its gentle texture and shorter length that offers a soft muscle massage in hard-to-reach areas of the body (like the inner legs and upper back).

Softer than denser foam rollers on the market, we recommend it for older adults who are new to foam rolling and want a gentle massage on sensitive areas. When testing this foam roller in our lab, we found it firm enough to provide a decent massage but not so firm that it caused any pain or discomfort. We also brought this foam roller home and incorporated it into our weekly workout routine for a month, and started noticing better muscle recovery after workouts and better range of motion after only one week of use. 

Measuring 6 x 6 x 18 inches and only weighing 8 ounces, we like that this foam roller is compact and easily portable. You can even carry it in a gym bag if you’re looking to use it on the go.

Pro tip: you may want to avoid foam rolling altogether if you have open wounds, fractures, certain health conditions, or can’t get on and off the floor due to poor balance or pain. We recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before you use a foam roller to know if it’s right for you.

Verywell Fit / Nicholas Ingalls

Best Yoga Mat

Balancefrom goyoga all-purpose yoga mat.

• Portability 5 /5

Soft, thick padding

Budget-friendly

Takes time to lay completely flat

Workout routines that use yoga mats as their main form of equipment, like Pilates and yoga, have many benefits for seniors , including helping increase levels of strength, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, stamina, and overall well-being. We chose this yoga mat as the best option for older adults thanks to its soft texture and cushioned thickness. While it doesn’t offer as much grip as some thinner yoga mats, it still remains stable and will cushion your joints during exercises that require you to kneel on the ground. 

When we tested this mat doing such exercises, we found it a great option for those with sensitive joints needing more support out of their yoga mat. We also like that it comes with a velcro carrying strap that allows you to easily store it and move it from place to place. Due to its generous 13-millimeter thickness, the mat takes a minute to lay flat after being rolled up. We also found that it can squeak when it gets sweaty, which some may find annoying. 

Overall, we think it’s a quality mat at a budget-friendly price, and we love that it can be used for a variety of activities. “Using a mat to do exercises like back extensions or bird dogs can help to improve spinal strength for older individuals,” says Pena, who trains a variety of aging clients. 

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best Free Weights

Amazon basics dumbell set.

Comes with portable stand

Grippy, slip-free coating

Multiple weight options available

Increment adjustments may be too challenging for some

Maintaining strength and muscle mass as you age is vital for longevity, which is why we love this compact dumbbell set for older adults. Coated in grippy neoprene, each pair in the set is easy to hold and won’t roll around on your floor, thanks to its hexagonal shape. We like that the set comes with three pairs of dumbbells, from 5 to 15 pounds, allowing users to increase the weight they use over time in order to avoid a weightlifting plateau . 

When testing the lighter version of this set , we really appreciated how easy these dumbbells are to hold, even with sweaty hands. And we like that they have a traditional shape which makes them easy to use for a variety of weightlifting workouts. We also appreciate that each weight is color-coded, making it aesthetically pleasing and easy to distinguish between the different weight options.

While we like that the set comes with a variety of weight options, we wish the weight levels went up in smaller increments, making it easier to progress week over week without having to make a big 5-pound jump to a heavier weight. But we still think this option provides enough versatility for varying fitness levels. 

The foldable weight stand keeps this set organized and out of the way, and it even has a carry handle for shifting around your workout space. We love the vibrant color combinations of this set that make the weights easy to spot to avoid a tripping hazard. 

Best Under-Desk Option

Flexcycle exercise bike.

Resistance handles for upper body workout

Non-slip mat included

Carry handle for portability

Assembly more involved than advertised

We like the multi-tasking functionality of an under-desk bike which is ideal for someone who sits often for a desk job or due to mobility issues and wants to offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting with more daily movement.

What sets our top pick apart from other under-desk bikes is the built-in resistance handles that offer you the versatility to work both your upper and lower body simultaneously. We also love how easy the FlexCycle is to move using the built-in top handle, provided an individual can lift 18 pounds.

When we tested this bike, we found the assembly to be more involved than advertised, so it’s a good idea to get help putting the bike together if you aren’t comfortable doing so yourself. Other than that, it provided a smooth, quiet workout with its eight resistance levels. Metrics like calories burned, distance traveled, and more are easy to keep track of on the bike’s digital display monitor or by downloading the FlexCycle app on your smartphone. 

Best Home Gym

Total gym xls workout machine.

Extremely versatile

Offers full body workout

This piece of equipment brings the variety of a weight room into the comfort of your home, taking up a fraction of the floor space of a traditional home gym . With a sturdy bench design that vertically adjusts so you can use the included cables along with your body weight for resistance, the Total Gym allows you to strength train your entire body in over 85 ways.

Various attachments enable you to perform the same lifts you would do with larger weight machines—like cable rows , chest presses, leg extensions, leg curls, and more—and can even act as a space-saving Pilates reformer . Durable coated cables and rubber-padded handles make for smooth motions, and the gliding bench itself is comfortable and stable.

To get started, the system comes with instructional workout DVDs, a deck of workout cards that sits in a holder at the top of the bench, and a workout demo poster for inspiration on dozens of exercises to perform with the bench.

Weighing 87 pounds, the system might be too heavy for some older individuals to fold and move by themselves. And some users say the assembly of the machine is quite involved. Considering the vast possibilities to train your whole body in a small space, we still think this home gym system is a good option for older adults who want to resistance train in their homes.

Best Gym Shoes

New balance 608 v5 cross trainer.

Various width options

Comfortable, cushioned support

Stable traction

May run small

A reliable pair of gym shoes is any exerciser’s best workout buddy, but good, supportive walking shoes for seniors are particularly crucial for aging adults who tend to experience more foot problems.  We love these New Balance trainers for their comfort, support, and durability. We spent some time in these shoes and found them well-made and versatile. We particularly like that this pair is stable and supportive without the extra bulk of many walking shoes aimed at seniors.

Whether you’re walking in your neighborhood, lifting weights, or riding an elliptical, this pair will keep you stable and balanced with its grippy traction for varied terrain. We also like that they’re available in narrow and wide sizes to accommodate orthotics or swelling foot conditions.

The 608 V5 absorbs impact with soft and flexible cushioning, another plus for anyone with sore joints or plantar fasciitis issues. Made of real leather that’s engineered to last, these shoes are easy to clean and lace. We think they’re pretty reasonably priced for such value, too. Choose from four neutral shades that will match your gym or casual attire. These also come in a men’s version .

Best Suspension Trainer

Nossk bodyweight trainer.

Comfortable, non-slip foam-rubber hybrid handles

Instruction manual included

Foot stirrups aren’t adjustable

Not for those at risk of falling

Suspension training might seem intimidating for some older adults, but with a good fitness foundation and some assistance, aging individuals can see major results in functional movement and strength by using this equipment. We like that this system offers straightforward resistance training and love that it’s durable and easy to set up. 

Less intimidating than many suspension trainers , NOSSK’s Twin Pro is lightweight, easy to hang, and safe, with zinc alloy mounts and strap clip hardware backed with a lifetime guarantee. Stong, nylon-webbed straps and adjustable buckles keep you secure as you extend and lean your weight into your workout. 

The grippy, non-slip rubber handles are comfortable and easy to hold, even with sweaty hands. The separate straps with built-in anchors can attach or wrap around stable objects indoors or outdoors for a versatile workout anywhere. Another selling point: people tight on space can simply toss this compact set into its drawstring bag and a drawer to save space after a workout.

However, we don’t recommend this system to seniors with severe fall risk as it requires users to do a lot of weight-bearing work. But, for all other individuals, the included instructional manual helps you get started, no matter your fitness level.

How We Selected and Tested the Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors

To choose the best exercise equipment for seniors, we first asked Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT, a PMA-certified physical therapist, National Certified Pilates Teacher, and founder of Center for Movement, and Eva Pena , PT, ASFA-CPT, ISSA-CPT, a personal trainer with a background in physical therapy, for their expert advice on what exercise equipment is best for older individuals. Experienced in teaching older populations, both experts shared with us which machines and features are best for different needs, abilities, and fitness goals, along with the benefits and potential risks of using them.

With this in mind, we then researched dozens of exercise equipment from the top, trusted brands. We only chose products that ranked highly in key areas, like cost, functionality, and safety features. We also considered how easy each machine was to set up, use, and how much effort it would take to move and store it. Our writer, a certified personal trainer who owns and uses a variety of exercise equipment, and has helped aging clients train on their equipment, also applied her personal and professional experience to determine our top equipment recommendations.

Finally, we put some of our top recommendations to the test at home and in Verywell’s testing lab. We tested each piece of equipment based on its intended use, paying special attention to quality, efficacy, durability, safety, and value. We then rated each piece of equipment on a scale from 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommended), specifically in the context of whether or not it would work well for aging adults. We only included the top-scoring equipment in our list of recommendations. 

What to Look For in the Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors

Existing mobility and skill level.

A piece of equipment for an older adult won’t do them any good if they can’t use it, whether it be because of mobility issues, injuries, or their fitness level. What kind of exercises you can safely perform will determine what type of equipment to invest in. 

“In the case of mobility, you should assess how your joints can move under the normal range of motion (ROM),” says Pena. “Every joint has a range of motion established, and as you get older, this motion decreases.” How far or long you can independently walk, stand, get out of a chair, climb stairs, and get up off the floor (among other abilities), are ways to test your mobility. These skills indicate current strength, mobility, and balance, and what equipment is right for you as you age, adds Royer.

When shopping, make sure the equipment you’re considering can accommodate your mobility and fitness level and can be adjusted as you gain strength, mobility, and endurance, Royer says. For example, machines like FlexCycle’s Exercise Bike or Sunny Health & Fitness’ Recumbent Bike with Arm Exerciser have resistance settings to challenge user strength and can be used while sitting down–ideal for someone who can’t stand for long periods. If you have ample balance and leg strength, then floor exercises using BalanceFrom’s Yoga Mat and GoFit’s ProBall Stability Ball would be safe options. And for more advanced individuals who can handle more complex, coordinated exercise movements, Total Gym’s XLS or Stamina’s Conversion II Recumbent Bike/Rower might be appropriate. If you have limited mobility from an injury or a health condition, it’s best to consult your healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise regimen to ensure you are clear of any risks. 

Fitness Goals

The type of equipment you choose depends on your fitness goals, whether it’s for longevity or basic everyday activities. From the ability to go on nature walks or shopping trips, play with grandchildren, work in a garden, sit and stand from a chair without support, or feel less pain, better mobility can be accomplished with a combination of equipment, depending on your abilities, says Royer. If you have specific goals in mind, she suggests equipment that makes progress easy to track. “Most quality treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals can measure resistance, distance, speed, and cadence,” she says, “providing measurable feedback and a way to set goals.” 

For someone trying to increase heart health and cardiovascular endurance, equipment like an elliptical, stationary bike, or even a treadmill (depending on balance and joint health) might be appropriate. If balance, coordination, back pain, or comfort while standing are a factor, a recumbent bike is also a good option. To build flexibility, balance, and coordination, devices like fitness balls are great to have on hand.

Usually, the primary fitness goal for older adults is building strength , say Pena and Royer, since muscle mass begins to diminish by approximately 3-8 percent per decade after age 30, which further accelerates after age 60. “The stronger someone is, the more they can improve overall and better achieve other health goals, like improving heart health,” says Pena. For bone health and muscle mass, resistance bands, free weights, and even some machines, like Total Gym’s XLS can provide a well-rounded, full-body strengthening program for seniors.

Pro tip: The safest and most successful way to reach mobility goals is assessment and guidance by a trained professional, like a personal trainer or physical therapist, says Royer. They help you to establish priorities and an appropriate program that can evolve as goals are met. 

It’s important to look at the dimensions of a product before buying to ensure it suits your space. For home workout areas, Royer suggests choosing equipment with an appropriate footprint to your space with wheels or other easy options to move it to another area if needed. This is especially important for safety in smaller spaces since equipment can quickly become tripping hazards in cluttered rooms. Equipment should be easy to store or have a place in the home that’s easily accessed, says Royer.

Some space-saving and portable products from our list include NOSSK’s TWIN PRO Suspension Trainer and Vitality 4 Life’s Resistance Band + DVD Set , which can be helpful for anyone with limited room or storage for equipment. If you prefer a larger exercise machine, we love how LifeSpan’s TR3000i Electric Folding Treadmill folds up with the touch of a button when you need extra floor space.

Ease of Setup

Exercise equipment that isn’t complicated to set up and use is important for anyone but is especially key for older adults. Overly complicated equipment is a common reason why people either avoid or give up on working out, says Pena. Workout equipment with clear directions, in the form of booklets or posters with images, or even instructional DVD sets, like the one that comes with GoFit’s ProBall Stability Ball , can also make an exercise routine less intimidating to incorporate into one’s lifestyle. 

Someone should go for high-tech gadgetry only if they're already tech savvy and if the equipment is collecting measurable data that can help an individual stay safe or progress toward their fitness goals.

Royer says that frustration or injury from the setup isn’t a great way to start a relationship with your new equipment. So if the equipment does need assembly, which is usually the case with larger machines or pieces, she advises anyone to opt for delivery and professional assembly services. She also recommends checking if there’s a service department, product support, and possibly a warranty. This will ensure that your investment in equipment will be stress-free, safe, and long-lasting.

Safety Concerns and Features

Movement is good for our health, no matter our age or abilities, and it’s never too late to start, says Royer. But it’s important to be mindful of any exercise safety concerns that an individual might have and take these into account when searching for the right equipment. “The ideal is to opt for comfort and safety without compromising the ability to create some effort,” says Royer. “Improving our physical health requires a bit of effort; look for equipment that is safe, reduces pain, and allows for work.”

Anyone with sensitive joints should opt for low-impact exercises using equipment like resistance bands, exercise bikes, or Sole’s E25 Elliptical . Those with balance or coordination might benefit from equipment that has guide rails, like treadmills, or easy-to-reach handles and seats, like those featured on recumbent bikes. Safety features are recommended for anyone, but especially for those who are at risk of falling, says Royer. “Rails, emergency stop buttons or clips, non-skid components, and wide bike seats are all examples of these features,” she says. “Most quality equipment takes these features into consideration.”

Extra padding on equipment is also something to look for, says Pena, and can be great for absorbing impact and providing a comfortable experience. An exercise buddy or personal trainer to assist with certain exercises might also be helpful, she says. Items such as stability balls and bodyweight suspension trainers are excellent tools for challenging and improving balance and coordination, but take some time to master and are best used with assistance from a personal trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ellipticals and treadmills can be excellent choices for older adults because they're easy to use, Pena says. Which one is better depends on each individual’s conditions and limitations in terms of strength, performance ability, skill level, and any risk factors, she says. 

Since ellipticals tend to be lower-impact machines than treadmills, they can be better for those with lower back, knee, ankle, or foot issues. An elliptical can also provide a stable, full-body workout when using the handles to support and engage the upper body, and the foot cradles don’t require you to lift your feet, making it safer for anyone who struggles with and wants to improve balance or mobility. 

But if you’re someone with poor flexibility or range of motion due to a hip or shoulder condition, an elliptical may exacerbate the issue. Treadmills can be gentler on joints than walking outdoors. A treadmill can also train balance and functional activity of gait, Royer adds.

For seniors, exercise machines (like ellipticals, ski ergs, rowers, or weight machines ), can be safe and convenient, says Royer. Their sturdy, stationary bases provide more security than other equipment, like free weights or bands, tends to have. They can also help isolate specific muscle groups and elevate your heart rate.

While exercise machines are a great place for older adults to find the stability they might need, Pena also recommends moving away from the machine, as appropriate and able, to incorporate bodyweight and free-weight training to further improve coordination and balance.

According to our experts, older individuals should avoid any equipment that they aren’t comfortable or physically capable of using. Steer clear of equipment that requires a high level of strength or mobility. Complex technology can create a sense of overwhelm, making it harder to use the equipment, Royer adds.

For some, tall equipment like a stair climber might be something to pass on because of its height and motion, which could increase the chance of falling and injury, says Pena. Equipment that is hard for older adults to grip or hold, has slippery surfaces for the hands or feet, or has wires, screws, or loose pieces that can injure the user are also things to avoid, say our experts. 

“Depending on the location of joint discomfort, the best equipment for unloading the joints are the elliptical, recumbent bike, rowing machine , regular stationary bike, or a bike/arm combo,” says Royer. “It’s important to note that a certain amount of load is helpful for our joints,” she adds, “and the user should choose the equipment that provides the most comfort while loading the body as much as tolerated.” Sometimes, it’s how you use the machine that has an impact on joint strain, rather than which machine you’ve chosen to use, adds Pena.

It depends. A large machine, like a treadmill or rower, is going to be a much bigger investment than a smaller item like a set of weights, a yoga mat , or a stability ball. According to Royer, a high-quality treadmill or stationary bike can cost upwards of $1,000. Ellipticals are usually at least $1,500. Smaller equipment can run anywhere from $100 to $500, she adds.

Whatever your budget, Royer advises choosing “quality over price and sturdy simplicity over bells and whistles.” Still, there are plenty of great budget-friendly home exercise equipment options available. She also suggests keeping an eye out for warranties, service options, product support, or even “try it before you buy it” options to make the most out of your investment.

A certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, exercises daily with a variety of equipment and has used her professional knowledge to help others, including aging individuals, to train with various fitness tools. She loves a machine like LifeSpan’s Fitness Foldable Treadmill to work on her cardio health, weights like Amazon Basics’ Neoprene Coated Dumbbells to improve strength endurance, and a foam roller like OPTP PRO-Roller Soft Foam Roller to help her stretch and improve her range of motion. For this guide, she prioritized trustworthy fitness equipment brands that provide safe and effective products.

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Cadore EL, Rodríguez-Mañas L, Sinclair A, Izquierdo M. Effects of different exercise interventions on risk of falls, gait ability, and balance in physically frail older adults: a systematic review. Rejuvenation Research . 2013;16(2):105-114. doi:10.1089/rej.2012.1397

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Cadore EL, Rodríguez-Mañas L, Sinclair A, Izquierdo M. Effects of different exercise interventions on risk of falls, gait ability, and balance in physically frail older adults: a systematic review.   Rejuvenation Research . 2013;16(2):105-114. doi:10.1089/rej.2012.1397

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China’s Chengdu Disney Has Massive Queues and Just One Ride

• April 15, 2024

Illustration: Designed by Wang Siqi and Jiayu Zhang

Hayley zhao.

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How a rapper’s diss track turned a single piece of exercise equipment in a small community gym into the latest viral travel destination

China’s newest Disneyland is a sensation. The “resort” in Chengdu, Sichuan province, is somehow equal parts exceptionally underwhelming and wildly popular. It has attracted huge crowds, thousands of influencers, and millions of followers online. But the park, located in the outdoor gym of a sleepy residential compound, is by far the most basic in the country. A single mundane piece of exercise equipment is its sole ride.

This “Chengdu Disney,” as it’s been dubbed by netizens, has been trending since April 5, with thousands lining up to ride a purple arm and waist exerciser. But China’s newest (and perhaps dumbest) viral travel destination has nothing to do with the American entertainment giant. Instead, it rose to fame with a diss track from Sichuan rapper A’eryida, better known as Nuomi. After being eliminated in the first round of the popular reality show The Rap of China , Nuomi took aim at one of the show’s mentors, Xie Di, through a music video posted on Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) on March 26.

In one scene in his video, Nuomi rides the fitness equipment, thrusting his waist back and forth to the beat of the music while singing “I want to diss you (我要diss你),” a phrase that sounds like “I want Disney (我要迪士尼)” in Chinese. Mesmerized by the catchy lyrics and the rapper’s awkward motions, netizens soon pinpointed the outdoor gym’s location and rushed over to recreate the scene. Hundreds of people visited during the Qingming Festival holiday on the first weekend of April, while a related hashtag has been viewed over 120 million times on the microblogging platform Weibo. Nuomi has gone from a little-known rapper two weeks ago to having over 2 million followers on Douyin. Multiple online map applications have added “Chengdu Disney” as a location, further stoking the flames of this viral trend .

The countless videos of mainly young revelers awkwardly thrusting and trying to look enthusiastic on the most basic equipment have left many baffled. “I’ve never been more speechless…It’s just a piece of fitness equipment in a residential compound,” reads one Weibo post with over 200 comments and 80 “likes.” Some have joked that more people have ridden the fitness equipment than even tech giant Xiaomi’s much-hyped first electric car model released the week before.

When the meme hit, 22-year-old surnamed Du from Kunming, Yunnan province, was in Chengdu for business. He went to check out the site and rode the equipment. “It blew up because, on the one hand, young people are more inclined to follow trends and accept new things, especially with the help of the internet. On the other hand, as everyone’s material life has become abundant, their spiritual life is somehow lacking,” Du told Shanghai-based media The Paper.

Many suggest Chengdu Disney is an outlet for young people, increasingly burdened by a slowed economy and toxic work culture , to release stress or “ go mad .” Just like in China’s real Disneylands (one in Hong Kong and another in Shanghai), in this small gym, people can release their inner child and have others cheer them on. According to state media outlet Guangming Net, the core of the trend lies in people “seeking a sense of existence and validation.” “For the participants, following the trend can at least bring them happiness,” it commented in an article published on April 11.

Chengdu Disney is also perhaps the zenith of 打卡 ( daka ) tourism, where travelers visit internet-famous, social media-friendly spots as ends in themselves. Anything and anywhere can be a popular tourist spot if it is hot enough on social media. Many places have recently ridden waves of virality to attract tourists ( Zibo , for example), but Chengdu Disney may be the most unfathomable.

Some have criticized the trend for being brainless and a nuisance for locals. While Shanghai’s Disneyland is equipped to handle tens of thousands of visitors daily, the Chengdu version is in a regular residential block, home to mainly elderly residents who have filed dozens of complaints about the crowds, loud singing, and general disturbance. Police have turned up to keep the tourists in order. Nuomi has even posted a video on Douyin, urging his fans to “go during regular hours and try not to disturb the rest of grandmas and grandpas living there.”

The exercise equipment that Nuomi rode in the viral music video is commonly found in community gyms across residential compounds and public parks in China (screenshot from Douyin)

But Chengdu Disney’s magic keeps flowing. Local authorities say they will keep the doors open but have prohibited singing at the site. Volunteers are now managing the long queues, setting up signs, directing visitors, and shushing loud tourists. They have also restricted the outdoor workout space’s capacity to 20 people at a time. The site remains free, at least—Shanghai Disney charges up to over 700 yuan per ticket.

Netizens are pleased it hasn’t shut down, with many attributing it to Chengdu’s long-held reputation as a relaxed and welcoming city, less strict and busy than places like Beijing or Shanghai. The happiest city in China for 15 consecutive years (according to Oriental Outlook, a magazine owned by Xinhua News Agency) now has “the happiest place on earth” as an attraction.

The local tourism bureau has embraced the virality, posting videos featuring Nuomi and his songs to attract visitors. Almost 5 million visited during the recent Qingming holiday, though it’s unclear how many came for the exercise equipment.

Many local residents have volunteered to help manage the queues and minimize noise levels (VCG)

Crowds are still flocking to the new attraction. People dressed as Disney characters like Snow White and Mickey Mouse have shown up, taking photos and lip-syncing to Nuomi’s rap. There are posters for sale and netizens have designed a park logo based on the official Disney one. Visitors can buy souvenir plastic replicas of the gym equipment for 19 yuan. (There is no word from Disney’s notoriously lawsuit-happy legal team on repercussions for these potential copyright infringements.)

It’s not exactly what Nuomi hoped for from his diss track. During a livestream on April 10, he told his followers the song was supposed to intimidate Xie Di, not provoke laughter. “I hope people can focus on my music in the future because this is my truth,” he said. But it’s boosted his profile at least. On April 9, he launched a new song with Know Know, another mentor from The Rap of China , with the video set in Shanghai’s real Disney Park.

The trend might also be good marketing for the giant American entertainment company, with the knock-off theme park’s popularity sparking calls for Disney to open a real version in Chengdu. “[The virality] reflects the desire and significant market demand for Disneyland among the people of Chengdu,” one user wrote on the mayor’s official online suggestion platform, imploring the government to invite Disney into the city. (A local government bureau replied that they welcome all companies to invest.)

For now, though, Mickey and friends can wait. The hottest ride in China is a purple outdoor exercise machine—until the next inexplicably viral travel spot emerges.

Hayley Zhao is an English editor and writer at The World of Chinese. Born and raised in Beijing, Hayley is a multimedia journalist with experience in podcast production. You can find her binging TV shows and stand-up comedy at home when she’s not working.

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A new trend has weary, overworked young urbanites wearing “disgusting outfits” to their office jobs and annoying their bosses in the process

Talk Like a Chinese Food Vlogger

Want to get paid for eating good food? Here’s what you need to know about China’s food blogging industry

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