September is a time when our routines tend to shift. Maybe you are making a big move such as starting university or renting your first flat or houseshare. It’s also a popular time to reset fitness goals, but that can be a challenge if you’ve got a small living space and your budget doesn’t stretch to a gym membership.

The welcome news is that you don’t need lots of space to create your personal fitness zone. Here’s our guide to the best gym equipment for homes of any size. 

Kettlebells: compact & portable

Kettlebells are like the Swiss Army knife of fitness. With just one piece of equipment, you can work strength, cardio, and mobility. They’re compact, easy to stash in a corner, and perfect for moves like swings, goblet squats, and presses.

Why they’re great for small spaces:

• One kettlebell = endless workout options.

• They don’t take up more room than a pair of shoes.

• They’re portable — train in your living room, garden, or even a uni courtyard.

Start with a medium weight (8–12kg for beginners) and focus on learning form before chasing heavier loads.

Dumbbells: old-school cool

Dumbbells are the classic resistance training toolkit. Adjustable dumbbell sets are perfect for small spaces because you can change weights without owning a full rack. From curls to shoulder presses, they’ll hit every muscle group.

Why they’re worth it:

• Adjustable sets save both space and money.

• Great for both strength building and toning.

• Easy to integrate into short, effective workouts.

Look for hex-shaped dumbbells if you prefer fixed weights, as they don’t roll under your bed when you accidentally kick or drop them, and can be easier to store. 

Resistance bands: small but mighty

Don’t underestimate these stretchy workhorses that you can take and use almost anywhere. Resistance bands can mimic all the benefits of gym machines without the bulk. They’re especially good for activating muscles before lifting and for doing full-body workouts in a living room-sized space.

Why they’re essential:

• They weigh next to nothing: perfect for throwing in a bag.

• Take up less space than your water bottle.

• Great for anyone at any fitness level.

If your student hall of residence digs are stretching the trade descriptions act of “box room”, you’ll (hopefully) still have enough space to do a resistance band workout and store them under your bed or on top of the wardrobe when you’re done.  

A foldable bench: your secret weapon

OK, so a bench might feel like a luxury in a tiny flat, but foldable benches are a game-changer. They slide under beds or against a wall and give you way more options with dumbbells and bodyweight exercises.

Why it’s worth squeezing in:

• Adds variety to push/pull moves.

• Perfect for chest presses, step-ups, and hip thrusts.

• Makes your setup feel like a “real gym” without hogging floor space.

The mat that saves your floor 

Never underestimate the power of a decent exercise mat. Not only will it stop you slipping mid-plank, but it also protects your floor from dumbbells and keeps noise down: essential if you’re on the top floor of a student hall of residence where others might be trying to study or sleep.

Why it matters:

• Comfortable for core work and stretches.

• Protects your space from wear and tear.

• Rolls up neatly when not in use.

Small spaces are no barrier to your fitness goals

The truth is, you don’t need a sprawling home gym to see progress. Kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands, a foldable bench, and a mat are more than enough to build strength, burn calories, and stay consistent. Plus, keeping it simple makes it easier to actually stick to your workouts instead of getting overwhelmed.

Quick 20-minute small-space workout 

Here’s a mini-routine you can do with just a kettlebell and dumbbells:

Kettlebell swings – 12 reps

Dumbbell shoulder press – 10 reps

Goblet squats (with kettlebell) – 12 reps

Push-ups (on mat) – 10–15 reps

Resistance band rows – 12 reps

Repeat the circuit three times, and rest for one to two minutes between rounds. 

If you’re short on space but keen to keep up your fitness goals, don’t stress. Investing in just a few versatile pieces of equipment can transform even the tiniest flat or study bedroom into a powerful training ground. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: it’s not about how much space you have, but how you use it.