Gym memberships can be expensive, but sometimes for good reason: they afford you the opportunity to use all the best types of gym machinery, all in one place. Sometimes it is both easier and more comfortable to work out at home, however, in which case a compact home gym may be a great option. While such machines are not likely to be as convenient as individual machines at the gym, they can still offer you a good workout without taking up too much space. Be sure to measure the room in which you intend to place the compact home gym before you go out shopping so you will have a good idea as to what type of machine will fit in your space.
Remember that you will need room to move around the compact home gym, so be sure to account for this when you measure the space. It is also important to take the height of the machine into account, as some machines will get taller as certain parts of the machine are activated. Try to choose a machine that will fit comfortably in a space and will offer the exercises you know you are likely to perform often. Sometimes the compact home gym will be tailored for upper body workouts, while others are more geared for lower body workouts. Still others offer options for both upper and lower body workouts.
The cost of a compact home gym can vary significantly as well. Think about your budget for purchasing a unit, and then examine various options in that price range. After seeing what is available, you may want to dedicate more funds to the purchase; generally, more expensive gyms will feature sturdier frames made from steel, as well as more options for various exercises. High price does not always translate into high quality, however, so be careful to examine both cost and features, as well as materials used to make the gym, before committing to a purchase.
Examine any warranties or return policies associated with the unit you are considering purchasing. Some manufacturers offer generous warranties against defects and damage, while others are not quite so generous. When purchasing from a retailer, make sure you take note of the return policy the store offers; if you get home and the unit does not fit properly, does not function correctly, or is missing pieces, the store should be willing to take the unit back or replace it free of charge.