The best exercise machine with the smallest footprint
December 27, 2021 2:43 PM Subscribe
I would like to buy the most unobtrusive piece of home exercise equipment that is still a genuinely good piece of home exercise equipment. What's the lowest profile I can get without nudging into shoddiness territory?
We now have a few square feet of space at the foot of the bed where we could theoretically put an exercise machine if there was something that would fit there. It's about six feet by four feet, but anything that was there permanently would have to be no more than three feet wide so we could get past it. If possible I'd rather have something that folded and unfolded easily so it could be even more unobtrusive when not in use.
There are definitely, like, under-desk treadmills and ellipticals without handlebars that would fit in this space, but those don't seem like very good machines for actual exercise. I'm not looking for anything super high-intensity, but I need a machine that a fat person can use without breaking it, and where I won't be preoccupied with its flimsiness or erratic functioning while using it. I want to be able to break a sweat, so not just a walking treadmill, but otherwise I'm just going to zone out and listen to an audiobook; it needs to be solid, stable, and smooth enough to promote zoning out.
I've been talking in terms of cardio machines here because I figure the lowest-profile strength training option is adjustable dumbbells and I already know about those, but I actually favor weights over cardio if I had to pick just one, so if you have something I should be considering in that area, lay it on me (gently, it's heavy).
For the purposes of this question we will pretend I have as much money as it takes.
We now have a few square feet of space at the foot of the bed where we could theoretically put an exercise machine if there was something that would fit there. It's about six feet by four feet, but anything that was there permanently would have to be no more than three feet wide so we could get past it. If possible I'd rather have something that folded and unfolded easily so it could be even more unobtrusive when not in use.
There are definitely, like, under-desk treadmills and ellipticals without handlebars that would fit in this space, but those don't seem like very good machines for actual exercise. I'm not looking for anything super high-intensity, but I need a machine that a fat person can use without breaking it, and where I won't be preoccupied with its flimsiness or erratic functioning while using it. I want to be able to break a sweat, so not just a walking treadmill, but otherwise I'm just going to zone out and listen to an audiobook; it needs to be solid, stable, and smooth enough to promote zoning out.
I've been talking in terms of cardio machines here because I figure the lowest-profile strength training option is adjustable dumbbells and I already know about those, but I actually favor weights over cardio if I had to pick just one, so if you have something I should be considering in that area, lay it on me (gently, it's heavy).
For the purposes of this question we will pretend I have as much money as it takes.
Do you own a bike? Get a trainer stand for it! The fancy ones can be super expensive but I got mine for under $150 and it's plenty sturdy and quiet. When not in use, it folds flat and fits under the bed. (However, you do have to maneuver your bike through your bedroom, so, y'know.)
posted by zeptoweasel at 2:58 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by zeptoweasel at 2:58 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
There are foldable rowing machines, that you can stand up against the wall when you are not using them.
posted by suelac at 3:00 PM on December 27, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by suelac at 3:00 PM on December 27, 2021 [3 favorites]
I love my Peloton bike way more than I expected to. I was never really an exercise person, and now I've become one. And it takes up a lot less space than I expected. It lives quietly in a small corner of my 400 sq ft apartment. I think it would fit in your space too. (There are also other comparable bikes that are less expensive if you don't want to join a cult, but like most cult members, I recommend joining the cult.)
posted by decathecting at 3:02 PM on December 27, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by decathecting at 3:02 PM on December 27, 2021 [2 favorites]
Also came to suggest rowing machines. They don't need a lot of width to use and they usually tip and/or fold up to put them away and they're not very heavy. Concept2 is the gold-standard for value but the magnetic ones can be found real cheap new or used and would be a good way to try it out with throwing a ton of cash at it.
posted by VTX at 3:13 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by VTX at 3:13 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
I've recently discovered what's named as a "Lateral Thigh Trainer", but it looks more like a mini-stepper. It isn't the same as most mini steppers, as it has a bi-directional movement which makes the pelvis and coccyx joints (and other joints as well) do a more full range of movement, which I find has been extremely beneficial for me. It's perfect for my bedroom - I even lean it up against the wall, out of the way. It's footprint is less than 3 feet square. I don't think they are sold retail any longer, as I had to find mine from private sellers. You need to have a bit of balance, and there's a video that I use regularly on Youtube that I modify as I have improved. Initially, it took a bit of practice to just stand tall and use it properly, but once I got a bit stronger and more fit, I sometimes go a little faster than the instructor and use hand weights before she starts using resistance bands. Funny how I found the first link saying that the cost is only about $15. I usually see them for over $50 used.
posted by itsflyable at 3:18 PM on December 27, 2021
posted by itsflyable at 3:18 PM on December 27, 2021
I just discovered the manual for that machine here. I've needed it for a few squeaks and tweaks on mine and hadn't looked until now.
Anyway, I noticed that it states that it should only be used for people up to 250 pounds.
posted by itsflyable at 3:30 PM on December 27, 2021
Anyway, I noticed that it states that it should only be used for people up to 250 pounds.
posted by itsflyable at 3:30 PM on December 27, 2021
My roommate has a foldable exercise bike that would fit in that space; something like this. We both used it in our old apartment; he's taken it over since we moved (the apartment layout doesn't really have much in the way of shared space) and still uses it on occasion. He's a big guy and the thing is still holding up pretty well, and he watches TV while using it.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:37 PM on December 27, 2021
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:37 PM on December 27, 2021
Since you did include a request for strength training advice, you might want to watch this 9 minute YouTube video "What fitness equipment to buy first?" This guy's approach is very minimalist. FWIW.
posted by forthright at 3:55 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by forthright at 3:55 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
My spouse has a folding reclining bike and rowing machine. It takes up about 6' x 2' when unfolded, but only 2' x 2' when put away. When we lived in a tiny place, he was able to pull it out and fold it away every day without much effort. You can break a sweat easily with either function, and it supports large people.
posted by jb at 4:18 PM on December 27, 2021
posted by jb at 4:18 PM on December 27, 2021
The concept2 ski-erg is a full body cardio workout that is always standing up and so only occupies a few feet of floor space. https://www.concept2.com/skierg/concept2-skierg
posted by dis_integration at 4:40 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by dis_integration at 4:40 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
How high are your ceilings? Assuming you have space to lift barbells above your head, I’d go for a weight set + bar + adjustable step (Google ‘Les Mills smart bar’). All this can be tucked away under the bed even. Then I’d get me a sub to Les Mills online and do Body Pump.
(I have no affiliation with LM, by the way - just a massive fan of the workouts.)
posted by Salamander at 4:58 PM on December 27, 2021
(I have no affiliation with LM, by the way - just a massive fan of the workouts.)
posted by Salamander at 4:58 PM on December 27, 2021
I bought a Schwinn 411 elliptical machine to tuck into a corner of my living room, and I’ve been really happy with it. It was the only machine I was able to find that would both fit into my space and accommodate someone of my weight—it is rated up to 300 lbs. It does only have an 18” stride, which is not adjustable, so it wouldn’t work well for someone tall, but I am 5’2” and 250 lbs and it is the most comfortable elliptical I’ve ever used.
It does require diligent lubrication of the roller wheels (I…didn’t do that at first, and had to replace one of the rollers, but it was easy and cheap to get the part and replace myself). But otherwise I haven’t had a single problem in just over a year of use.
If you want to get a sense of how it looks in a normal space, memail me and I can send you a photo of it in my apartment.
posted by CtrlAltDelete at 5:48 PM on December 27, 2021
It does require diligent lubrication of the roller wheels (I…didn’t do that at first, and had to replace one of the rollers, but it was easy and cheap to get the part and replace myself). But otherwise I haven’t had a single problem in just over a year of use.
If you want to get a sense of how it looks in a normal space, memail me and I can send you a photo of it in my apartment.
posted by CtrlAltDelete at 5:48 PM on December 27, 2021
From the title, and slightly out of the box, I would suggest a TRX strap - you need a weight-bearing hook in the ceiling but then it’s minimal equipment and really easy to adjust exercises to be easier or harder.
It isn’t zone-out-and-do type exercise though, so maybe this is for someone else with a small space.
posted by clew at 6:48 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
It isn’t zone-out-and-do type exercise though, so maybe this is for someone else with a small space.
posted by clew at 6:48 PM on December 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
My mini trampoline, which is a Jumpsport, is very fun and takes up about 1x3 feet when stood on its side. If you have any joint issues, though, I regretfully don’t recommend it.
Resistance bands would be the lowest-profile strength training equipment.
posted by Comet Bug at 7:28 PM on December 27, 2021
Resistance bands would be the lowest-profile strength training equipment.
posted by Comet Bug at 7:28 PM on December 27, 2021
I'm going to go completely out of the box here. I just got an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset and it is the most fun cardio I've done in a long time. There are tons of fitness apps, but even just a couple of rounds of Beat Saber are enough to get my heart pounding. I've bought a lot of exercise equipment in my day and I've found it all bores me to tears. But dancing with lightsabers or fighting in slow motion Matrix-style all in stunning 3D environments? I've never looked forward to "exercising" more!
posted by platinum at 11:06 PM on December 27, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by platinum at 11:06 PM on December 27, 2021 [3 favorites]
I'd suggest the Peloton Bike, it's a decent piece of hardware and it's also got the motivational parts down. It does indeed cost a lot of money, both the initial cost and the subscription. You can mix and match items to make something better and more flexible than a Peloton but it requires more work on your part.
I don't recommend a rower. While it is a great full-body workout, there is a significant learning curve and it doesn't lend itself to low intensity workouts. Also the industry standard Concept2 doesn't even fit into your requirements as it is over eight feet long (with more needed for safety clearance) and it separates into two big chunks that together don't fit into your storage requirements.
posted by meowzilla at 12:25 AM on December 28, 2021
I don't recommend a rower. While it is a great full-body workout, there is a significant learning curve and it doesn't lend itself to low intensity workouts. Also the industry standard Concept2 doesn't even fit into your requirements as it is over eight feet long (with more needed for safety clearance) and it separates into two big chunks that together don't fit into your storage requirements.
posted by meowzilla at 12:25 AM on December 28, 2021
The Marcy foldable bike I got from Amazon a few months ago is fantastic and well made--great value so far for $129. I get a good workout from it. I added a Kindle/iPad holder to the handlebars so I can read while pedaling. We have a small rowing machine, which I found incredibly boring because I couldn't read while rowing. Plus it takes up same amount of floor space as the Marcy cycle, which I can easily fold up and put away when I exercise outdoors in warmer weather. Mefites talked me out of under desk exercisers.
posted by Elsie at 5:09 AM on December 28, 2021
posted by Elsie at 5:09 AM on December 28, 2021
I had a folding bike while living in an apartment, and the form factor was great for saving space. However I still favor the geometry of a spin bike, so we upgraded to an Echelon EX-15 ($500 on Amazon) when we moved.
The EX-15 feels studier and you can also pedal in a standing position. It's a very quiet, virtually silent, bike. The base footprint is about 3.5ft by 2ft.
A lot of people use it along with the Peleton app as a sort of "Peleton hack" if you'd rather spend less money. There's a tablet holder built-in. I just sync it to my phone and listen to music while I monitor the speed, power output, etc. on my phone. Then it syncs to Fitbit and Strava when I'm done with my ride. You can watch free YouTube spin classes or regular tv during your workout. No need to buy any subscription services from Echelon.
Peleton definitely is more expensive but their quality is amazing. The Echelon bikes are also great quality, but on the less expensive side. They also make models available exclusively at Costco (EX-4 and EX-4S).
posted by extramundane at 6:46 AM on December 28, 2021
The EX-15 feels studier and you can also pedal in a standing position. It's a very quiet, virtually silent, bike. The base footprint is about 3.5ft by 2ft.
A lot of people use it along with the Peleton app as a sort of "Peleton hack" if you'd rather spend less money. There's a tablet holder built-in. I just sync it to my phone and listen to music while I monitor the speed, power output, etc. on my phone. Then it syncs to Fitbit and Strava when I'm done with my ride. You can watch free YouTube spin classes or regular tv during your workout. No need to buy any subscription services from Echelon.
Peleton definitely is more expensive but their quality is amazing. The Echelon bikes are also great quality, but on the less expensive side. They also make models available exclusively at Costco (EX-4 and EX-4S).
posted by extramundane at 6:46 AM on December 28, 2021
Concept2 rower.
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 4:45 PM on December 28, 2021
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 4:45 PM on December 28, 2021
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by music for skeletons at 2:51 PM on December 27, 2021 [3 favorites]