by Catherine Woods

Created on: July 18, 2011   Last Updated: July 19, 2011

You see the pictures of home gyms with treadmills, stationary bikes, weight benches, full sets of dumbbells and ample floor space, and it is hard not to think that you need that much space to get a great workout at home. Luckily, there are plenty of fitness equipment options that will give you a high-quality workout without taking much space. Here are some excellent home fitness equipment options that will give you a wide range of exercises with just a few small pieces of equipment.

Mini-Stepper

Need cardio and toning in one without taking up a large amount of space? A mini-stepper is a great way to get both. These steppers give you a low-impact workout that will help tone your legs while giving you an effective cardio workout as well. Some models even come with resistance bands attached so you can work your arms as well. What is even better is that they can easily be stored under a bed or in a closet when not in use.

Adjustable Dumbbells

A great way to get the diversity of a large dumbbell set without taking up a large amount of space is by purchasing dumbbells. These dumbbell sets allow you to replace as many as nine traditional dumbbell sets. So you only have to find room for two traditional dumbbells but will still have the variety of a full set! With these sets providing a range of 5 lbs to 50 lbs on one dumbbell, you will likely not have to worry about outgrowing your workout equipment any time soon.

Resistance Bands

If you don't have the budget for adjustable dumbbells but still need strength-training equipment that will fit into your small space, then bands just might fit the bill. You can get a set of six resistance bands for around $40 that will provide you with a wide range of strength-training options. Since they can easily fit inside a small bag, you can store them anywhere until you need them.

Pull-up Bar

Using your own body weight in an exercise can be one of the most effective ways to work up a sweat. A pull-up bar can help you utilize your own body weight more effectively in a variety of exercises. Many pull-up bars designed for doorways are not permanent and so can be taken down and stored when not in use. Look for a bar that can be used for chin ups, as a sit-up station and with arm straps to do ab work as well. These options will give you the most diversity from your piece of fitness equipment.

Workout DVDs

Don't overlook the power of DVDs in your home fitness routine. Exercise DVDs take up next to no space but can provide a better workout than any treadmill or weight bench. Consider purchasing setsthat provide 8+ workouts. Typically, these programs will give you cardio, strength training and stretch routines that you can follow in very little space, and they even provide a calender to follow so you know what video to do what day. So take a look at the different sets available to find one that best suites your fitness goals.

Exercise Ball

Core, balance, stretching and an interesting alternative to a weight bench, that can be deflated...? Yes! Exercise balls are all of that and more. These balls, when used correctly, can help challenge your core strength and balance while you are doing exercises you would normally do on a stable weight bench. The result is more challenging exercises and almost no additional space required when the ball is deflated for storage.

Even if you don't have the money to get all of these pieces right now, you can purchase just a few to get you started. You can always add more pieces of equipment to your small home gym as you go. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a few of these great fitness equipment options and start working out.

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