Fitness Gear Equipment The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipment of 2023 The TRX All-In-One Suspension Training System goes anywhere for a workout By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 09, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Cara Lustik Fact checked by Cara Lustik LinkedIn Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter with more than 15 years of experience crafting stories in the branding, licensing, and entertainment industries. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Chloe Jeong Lightweight and portable fitness equipment can be a great way to get a gym-worthy home workout. “I'm a fan of simple. The simpler the equipment—easy to move around, easy to use—the better," says Tara Stiles, founder of Strala Yoga. “Having a few simple pieces of portable fitness equipment can help with remembering to get your movement time in, and can also make it easier to create and maintain a lasting well-being practice," Stiles adds. Reviewed & Approved The TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System is an excellent pick for portability and a full-body workout. The Black Mountain Resistance Band Set comes with a door anchor, several handles, and an exercise chart to make it easy to workout anywhere. Portable exercise equipment like resistance bands, stability balls, and jump ropes offer a considerable challenge, but are not too bulky or heavy to toss in a bag. Larger options, like pull-up bars and portable home gyms, are smaller than comparable fitness machines, making it easy for you to get a workout just about anywhere. We evaluated portable exercise equipment for overall weight of the product, size and shape which can affect how portable it is, whether a carrying case or bag is included, type of exercise, and ease of use. Here is the best portable exercise equipment on the market. Our Top Picks Best for Total Body : TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Upper Body: Black Mountain Resistance Band Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Lower Body: Peach Bands Resistance Bands Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Back: Iron Gym Workout Bar at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Chest: Perfect Fitness Push-Up Handles at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Abs: Black Mountain Static Strength Exercise Stability Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Abs (Runner-Up): EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Weight Training: Empower Ankle and Wrist Weights at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable Home Gym: BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Weightlifting: Yes4All Aqua Weight Bags at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best for Total Body TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Target Pros Lightweight Can anchor to trees, doors, beams, and more Complimentary travel pouch Access to virtual fitness classes via TRX’s app Cons Some quality control issues Straps may slip if not secured properly Our best overall pick, the TRX All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System, is an incredibly space-efficient way to score a full-body workout. The package comes with only five pieces: a suspension training strap, a door anchor, a suspension anchor, a 35-page workout guide, and a small mesh bag you can use to hold your equipment. The fitness system weighs in at just 1.7 pounds, so you can easily carry it from place to place. The foundation of the TRX suspension system is the suspension training strap, which boasts built-in handles on either end. The handles can be used as grips during upper-body workouts and foot cradles during lower-body workouts. And since the center of the strap is equipped with a patented locking loop, you won’t have to worry about the strap slipping out of place mid-workout. Because the fitness system comes with two different anchors, you can easily use your suspension training strap indoors or outdoors. Secure the door anchor to any closed door in your home, and fasten the suspension anchor around sturdy outdoor structures, like poles or even trees. Price at time of publication: $210 Best for Upper Body Black Mountain Resistance Band Set Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Blackmountainproducts.com Pros Lightweight Handles and ankle straps included Complimentary travel pouch Cons Lots of pieces to keep track of Pieces may fray or snap over time The Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set comes with five resistance bands, each of which has a different resistance level ranging from 2 to 30 pounds. Though the resistance bands cap out at 30 pounds of resistance, you can combine them to create a more challenging experience. By layering the bands and using all five at once, you can reach resistance levels up to 75 pounds—making it easy to scale up workouts over time. Each resistance band set also comes with two soft-grip handles and two ankle straps, so you can comfortably use your resistance bands during upper-body and lower-body workouts, respectively. Since each resistance band comes with built-in metal clips on either end, you can conveniently swap out the handles and straps as needed. You can also take advantage of the anchor included with the set, which will allow you to fasten your resistance bands to a nearby doorway. Price at time of publication: $40 Best for Lower Body Peach Bands Resistance Bands Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Wide weight range Color-coded and easy to use Compact design Cons May have a strong rubber smell One-size-fits-all The Peach Bands Resistance Bands Set is a portable strength-training choice, designed with fans of yoga, pilates, and barre in mind. Whereas many resistance band sets are made up of cords with hooks on either end, the Peach Bands set is composed entirely of circular resistance bands. Instead of grabbing the ends of the band, you wrap the entire band around yourself to make squats, clamshells, and other classic exercises more challenging. Each resistance band is crafted from 100 percent latex, which promises to be lightweight, strong, and durable. The bands range in resistance level starting from 10 to 12 pounds and going all the way up to 30 to 35 pounds of resistance. And because each band comes clearly labeled, it’ll be easy for you to keep track of your favorite bands. Price at time of publication: $20 The Best Suspension Trainers, According to a Personal Trainer Best for Back Iron Gym Pull Up Workout Bar 4.8 View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Easy to install and remove Works without screws or nails Supports up to 300 pounds Cons Bulkier design Grips may slip off with use Iron Gym’s Workout Bar is proof that you don’t need a ton of space to knock out a few pull-ups. At 3 feet long, 1 foot wide, and 1 foot tall, the pull-up bar won’t take up a ton of space in your home. And it can transform just about any doorway into a space suitable for pull-ups. Though many pull-up bars need to be screwed into the wall, Iron Gym’s Workout Bar uses leverage and safety brackets to stay secure. It also means you won’t have to put any holes in your wall—which is a plus for renters, homeowners, and travelers, alike. Despite the pull-up bar’s easy installation process, it promises to be a pretty sturdy pick thanks to the heavy-duty steel bar which is designed to support up to 300 pounds at a time. Price at time of publication: $30 The Best Pull-Up Bars, According to a Personal Trainer Best for Chest Perfect Fitness Push-Up Handles Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Implus.com Pros Lightweight Equipped with non-slip bases Rubber handles for easy grip Helpful for perfecting form Cons Some reports of cracking over time Perfect Fitness’s Push-Up Handles will make it easier for you to perfect your form while doing a push-up. The handles ensure you’re working all the muscle groups that should be challenged during a push-up, allowing you to get the most out of your workout. The device may also reduce joint strain, allowing you to direct energy where you actually want to build muscle or tone up. Each set comes with two push-up handles. The handles come equipped with rubber grips, which make it easy to hold them firmly and comfortably in place during workouts. They also come reinforced with non-slip bases, so you won’t have to worry about them sliding around while you’re trying to master proper push-up form. Price at time of publication: $25 Best for Abs Black Mountain Static Strength Exercise Stability Ball Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Blackmountainproducts.com Pros Can deflate completely Can support 2,000 pounds Available in five different sizes Multiple color options Cons Some quality control issues May burst Black Mountain Products's Stability Ball is a professional-grade stability ball that can up the ante on crunches, planks, and other classic ab exercises. It can also be used to enhance stretching and balancing workouts, as well as lower-body exercises. The ball can handle up to 2,000 pounds of weight at any given moment, so you can safely add free weights to the mix as you scale up your workouts over time. The exercise ball ships deflated, but it comes with a ball pump and a beginner’s brochure, both of which make it easy to get started. The brand also offers five different ball sizes, and the company recommends that you use your height to determine which ball best fits your needs. Price at time of publication: $30 The Best Exercise Balls, Recommended and Tested by Experts in Our Lab Best for Abs (Runner-Up) EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel Amazon View On Amazon View On Sears.com Pros Lightweight Smooth and comfortable to use Grippy and floor-friendly Can support up to 400 pounds Cons Lots of pieces to keep up with Potential durability issues If you’re looking for a core workout that goes beyond classic bodyweight exercises (like crunches, planks, and Russian twists), you’ve found it in the EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel. The fitness kit comes with an ab roller, a knee pad, two resistance bands, and two push-up grip handles, allowing you to challenge your core in a variety of creative ways. Weighing in at 3.5 pounds, the kit promises to be both stable and beginner-friendly. The ab roller’s extra-wide design will keep it moving smoothly during workouts, so you won’t have to worry about it wobbling around as you exercise. Because it's crafted from a combination of stainless steel, non-slip thermoplastic rubber, and PVC, it should be both durable and quiet. The heavy-duty stainless steel will hold up over time, while the thermoplastic rubber will cushion the blow of the ab roller, keeping your workouts quiet and protecting your floors. Price at time of publication: $40 The 10 Best Ab Machines of 2023 for Home Use Best for Weight Training Empower Ankle and Wrist Weights Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Adjustable Made with stretchy neoprene Can be worn on wrists or ankles Cons Heavier than other options Iron weight bars may be uncomfortable Ankle weights are a convenient way to build strength while doing bodyweight exercises, cardio workouts, or everyday chores. Each set of Empower’s Ankle and Wrist Weights comes with two thick, adjustable bands that you wear around your wrists or ankles. These bands weigh in at 0.5 pounds each—not so much to hamper your movement but enough to give daily activities a strength-building boost. The Empower Ankle and Wrist Weights set also comes with eight half-pound cast-iron bars. These bars conveniently slip into built-in pockets on the adjustable weight bands, making it easy for you to increase the weight you’re carrying around as you see fit. And though the maximum weight you can reach is 5 pounds, it's ideal in terms of portability. Price at time of publication: $35 We Tested the Best Ankle Weights—These 8 Are Clear Winners Best Portable Home Gym BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bodybossportablegym.com Pros Multiple pieces of equipment in one Easy to transport Access to a free workout program Cons Lots of pieces to keep track of Heavier than other options The BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym comes with nine pieces including a fold-up base, a resistance bar, two resistance bands, two ankle straps, two grip handles, and one door anchor. You’ll also get access to a free workout program, which will help you get started with your new home gym. Start playing around with your BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym, and you’ll quickly realize you can use it as a substitute for a squat rack, a bench press, punching bag, and free weights—allowing you to recreate your go-to gym routine at home. When you’re finished using your BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym, you can fold it up for space-efficient storage. Though it's 16 pounds, it has built-in handles that make it easy to carry. Price at time of publication: $95 Best for Weightlifting Yes4All Aqua Weight Bags Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Lightweight when empty Adjustable Built-in handles for versatile workouts Cons Tedious to fill up and empty Somewhat bulky Yes4All’s Aqua Weight Bags make weightlifting on the go easier. The weight bags are crafted from durable PVC, and each one comes lined with four grippy handles you can use to comfortably grab the bag as you lift it up and down. Unlike other free weights—which get their weight from the solid iron or steel they’re made from—Yes4All’s Aqua Weight Bags get their weight from water. It ships empty, weighing next to nothing, but when filled it can weigh as much as 49 pounds. It's also fairly foldable when empty, making it portable and easy to store. Price at time of publication: $35 Best for Bodyweight Workouts Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Gaiam.com Pros Large surface area Thick and comfy design Available in multiple colors Cons May be too bulky to store in a bag Reports of strong smell when it arrives Bodyweight exercises like planks and push-ups can help you work up a sweat no matter where you are, and a yoga mat can make these exercises more comfortable. Gaiam’s Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is 72 inches long and 42 inches wide, making it big enough for multiple types of workouts. Its 2.5-inch thickness should also make it a comfy option. The durable mat promises to be grippy, giving you plenty of traction as you tackle complex yoga postures or fast-paced bodyweight exercises. And since it comes with a convenient carrying strap, you can rest assured knowing it should be pretty easy to carry. Price at time of publication: $22 Best for Cardio DEGOL Skipping Rope with Ball Bearings View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Adjustable Memory foam handles Smooth PVC coating Sturdy woven wire interior Cons May lack durability May be too lightweight for some If you're more of a cardio person, a jump rope can give you a good workout without demanding a ton of space in your bag. Made with a woven steel wire and coated in slick PVC, Degol’s Skipping Rope is both durable and comfortable. The jump rope also comes equipped with two memory foam handles, which should make it easy to grip. And since you can use these handles to easily adjust the length of the jump rope (its initial length is 9 feet long), you can customize the jump rope so that it fits you just right. Price at time of publication: $9 Final Verdict Finding the right portable fitness system will ultimately depend a lot on who you are and what you value in a workout. If you’re a fan of cardio, Empower’s Ankle and Wrist Weights (view at Amazon) could be a great way to render your go-to exercises (and your everyday activities) a bit more challenging. If you prefer a bodyweight workout, the Peach Bands Resistance Bands Set (view at Amazon) will add resistance without adding weight to your gym bag. And if you love to strength train, the TRX All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System (view at Amazon) will help you get a full-body workout without taking up too much space. What to Look for in Portable Exercise Equipment Weight Portable fitness equipment needs to be lightweight and easy to carry. That's why it's important to focus on the total weight of a product—especially if you'll be traveling. Airlines have weight limits on checked bags, and you don’t want your fitness equipment pushing you into added-fee territory. Size When it comes to portability, weight isn’t the only thing to consider—size and shape can be just as important. An item may be lightweight, but if it’s bulky, it may not be very easy to transport. So double-check an item’s dimensions before buying. Larger items may be tough to carry in hand or store in a bag. And the same goes for oddly shaped items. Number of Pieces Portable fitness equipment comes in many variations. Some items are sold individually, and others are sold in sets—and some of these sets can include as many as ten different pieces. Keep this in mind while you shop. The more items there are, the more space the equipment is likely to demand in your bag. And even if the pieces are incredibly small, more pieces mean more stuff to keep track of on the go. Frequently Asked Questions What are the best muscle building exercises with minimal equipment? Classic bodyweight exercises like planks, push-ups, crunches, and squats can help you build muscle. And while you can enhance these exercises with weights, resistance bands, or a yoga mat, you don’t actually need equipment to complete the moves. “I think the best part of building strength and mobility is that we don’t need much,” says Megan Kearney, Yoga Medicine's registered therapeutic specialist. “Our own body weight is pretty incredible.” How to exercise when traveling “Simply holding a plank for one or two minutes on a mat—or even the floor—is a great way to build strength and gain a burst of energy,” Tara Stiles, founder of Strala Yoga, says. Stiles also recommends tackling high lunges. Once you’ve found your balance, you can make the exercise more intense by twisting your upper body to one side. If you have a ball on hand, you can use it to make the workout even more challenging. But if not, the move should help you build strength on its own. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. That’s why she’s careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. For this shopping guide, she prioritized fitness equipment that was lightweight, small-space-friendly, and easy to carry around. She also favored options that were budget-friendly, high-quality, and versatile. 5 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Gaedtke A, Morat T. Trx suspension training: a new functional training approach for older adults - development, training control and feasibility. Int J Exerc Sci. 2015;8(3):224-233. Raman J, MacDermid JC, Grewal R. Effectiveness of different methods of resistance exercises in lateral epicondylosis—a systematic review. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2012;25(1):5-26. Srivastav P. Swiss ball versus mat exercises for core activation of transverse abdominis in recreational athletes. JCDR. Graves JE, Martin AD, Miltenberger LA, Pollock ML. Physiological responses to walking with hand weights, wrist weights, and ankle weights: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 1988;20(3):265-271. Harrison JS. Bodyweight training: a return to basics. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2010;32(2):52-55. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit