Buzz
Living in a cramped area might make you believe that your workout choices are restricted to exercises that don’t require equipment, primarily relying on bodyweight movements. However, investing in a suspension trainer or a pair of dumbbells can unlock a variety of exercises without occupying much space or breaking your budget.
Before settling on a fitness solution for your dorm, evaluate all available options. For instance, your school’s gym might offer free or affordable access. However, if the gym is inconveniently located, overcrowded, or has limited hours, having your own workout gear becomes a practical choice. Ready to explore your options? Let’s dive into the best picks.
Suspension Trainers
Price: $149 for a TRX Home Gym kit, or more affordable options like this Wal-Mart set starting at $40.
Space Needed: The kit consists of compact straps that fold into a small pouch. To use it, you’ll require a solid anchor point, such as a closed door, and enough room in front of the door to perform your exercises.
Workout Options: Key exercises include plank and push-up variations using the trainer as an unstable base. You can also perform pulling movements like inverted rows and core workouts with your feet suspended. Leg exercises mainly involve bodyweight squats, including challenging single-leg variations.
Suspension trainers are highly portable and offer a wide range of exercise possibilities. The main challenge is securing a reliable anchor point. You can use a doorway (with your roommate’s permission), install a wall or ceiling anchor if allowed, or even use outdoor structures like trees or railings. Ensure your anchor can handle significant weight for safety.
Resistance Bands
Price: A quality starter set, such as this five-band collection, costs $10 or less.
Space Needed: These bands are compact enough to fit in your pocket. Any area suitable for bodyweight exercises will also work perfectly for resistance band workouts.
Workout Options: Resistance bands are incredibly versatile. Use them for pulling exercises to target your arms and back, or step on the band to simulate a barbell for exercises like deadlifts. They can also add resistance to push-ups for an extra challenge.
Resistance bands are available in various thicknesses, often color-coded within a set. When purchasing, you can choose from flat sheets, circular bands resembling large rubber bands, or rubber tubing with handles. Some sets include clips for attaching bands to ankle cuffs. While all options are effective, ensure the bands you select are suitable for your preferred exercises. It’s wise to plan your workout routine before buying bands to ensure compatibility.
Dumbbells
Price: Costs vary based on weight and type. You can invest in a $159 adjustable set ranging from three to 24 pounds per hand, or opt for standard iron dumbbells at around $1 per pound. A middle-ground option is this $40 set, which offers multiple configurations.
Space Needed: Dumbbells occupy space proportional to their size and quantity. Unless you own an extensive collection—unlikely in a dorm—you can store them under your bed or in a compact area.
Workout Options: Almost any free weight exercise you enjoy at the gym can be done with dumbbells! Even barbell exercises like deadlifts and bench presses can easily be adapted to dumbbells.
The biggest challenge when purchasing dumbbells on a budget is selecting the right weights. Adjustable sets are convenient but costly. If buying individual dumbbells, choose versatile weights—a lighter pair for exercises like bicep curls and a heavier set for movements like bench presses or weighted squats. For example, a 15-pound and a 30-pound set might work well. As you build strength, increase reps to maintain intensity.
While dumbbells are pricier than resistance bands or suspension trainers and cumbersome to move, they’re ideal for gym enthusiasts who want to replicate free weight exercises at home. They’re also perfect for adding resistance to lunges and squats.
And More
Have extra room in your budget for your mini home gym? Consider these additional items, which can complement the equipment above or stand alone as useful tools:
Pull-up Bar: For pull-up enthusiasts, installing a bar is a great idea—just ensure it’s securely mounted. While permanent installation might not be possible, you can use a door frame-mounted bar for convenience.
Yoga Mat: Beyond yoga, a mat serves as a foundation for floor exercises like push-ups, planks, and stretching. When rolled up, it doubles as a foam roller for strength training or muscle recovery.
Jump Rope: Avoid jumping rope in your cramped dorm room (a lesson you’ll only need to learn once). If you have access to outdoor or basement space, it’s an excellent tool for quick cardio sessions.
Swiss Ball: While inflating and deflating it for every workout might be impractical, a Swiss ball can be useful as a desk chair or stored under your bed. It’s great for core exercises or as an unstable surface for bench presses and seated workouts, engaging additional muscles.
Your equipment selection should align with your preferred exercises, available space, and budget. Effective workouts are possible with minimal gear, but affordable, portable options like resistance bands and suspension trainers are ideal for dorm rooms and small spaces.
Illustration by Angelica Alzona. Suspension trainer photo by The U.S. Army. Resistance band photo by Dave Crosby. Dumbbell photo by WilsonB.
