Whether you're renting an apartment in Denver, Colorado, or Hillsboro, Oregon, living in a smaller space doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your fitness routine. With a little creativity and the right equipment, you can turn even the smallest area into your personal gym. In this ApartmentGuide article, we'll explore how to create an apartment-friendly workout environment, from choosing the right equipment to finding outdoor exercise options.

Apartment-friendly workout equipment

When it comes to apartment workouts, space is precious. Opting for compact and versatile equipment is key. Here are some options that are perfect for apartment living:

Noise-reducing coated weights

Traditional dumbbells can be noisy, especially if you have downstairs neighbors. Fort Worth’s Future Fitness Training owner, Trey Shadwick recommends investing in noise-reducing coated weights that dampen sound when dropped or set down gently.

Compact yoga mats

A yoga mat is essential for floor exercises and stretching. Look for one that is thin yet durable, making it easy to roll up and store when not in use.

Suspension trainers

Jason Kozma, personal trainer in Santa Monica, California, recommends using suspension trainers, like TRX, as they are incredibly versatile and can be easily mounted on doors or anchored to sturdy fixtures. They provide a full-body workout using just your body weight, and when you're done, they take up minimal space.

Resistance bands

Lightweight and portable, resistance bands are perfect for strength training without bulky equipment. They come in various resistance levels and can target every muscle group.

Where to store your equipment

Storage can be a challenge in apartments, but with some creative space-saving solutions, you can keep your workout gear organized and out of the way:

Under the bed

Utilize the space under your bed by storing weights, resistance bands, and yoga mats in bins or baskets. Invest in bed risers if needed to create more clearance.

In a closet

Clear out a section of your closet to create a dedicated workout zone. Install shelves or hooks to keep equipment organized and easily accessible.

In a duffle bag

For ultimate portability, consider investing in a duffle bag specifically designed for fitness equipment.

Explore your neighborhood

Living in an apartment often means having access to outdoor spaces that can double as your workout area. Take advantage of your surroundings by exploring these options:

Running

Lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement for a run around your neighborhood or nearby trails. Running is a great way to improve cardiovascular health and explore your surroundings.

Local parks

Many parks offer outdoor fitness equipment such as pull-up bars, parallel bars, and even elliptical machines. Take your workout outside and enjoy the fresh air while staying active.

Stair climbing

 If your apartment building has stairs, use them to your advantage for a killer cardio workout. Start with a few flights and gradually increase as your fitness level improves.

Total-body workout in your apartment

Joe Ramirez, master certified professional trainer for Body Transformation Pro in Colorado Springs, CO, has curated a total body workout routine that will have you feeling the burn in no time.

He suggests beginning with a dynamic warm-up to increase blood flow and flexibility. Spend 5-10 minutes doing arm circles, leg swings, and torso twists.

Then, dive into the main workout. Joe recommends the following circuit: 45 seconds per exercise followed by a 15-second rest. Complete this circuit three times with a 1-minute rest between each circuit.

1. Dumbbell squat to shoulder press: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells at shoulder height. Squat down, then press the dumbbells overhead as you rise.
2. Plank with alternating leg lifts: Get into a plank position and lift one leg off the ground, alternating sides for the duration.
3. Dumbbell Romanian deadlifts: Hold dumbbells in front of thighs, hinge at hips, keeping back flat, and lower dumbbells towards the ground. Return to the starting position, squeezing glutes at the top.
4. Plank with shoulder taps: Start in a plank position and tap one shoulder with the opposite hand, alternating sides for the duration.
5. Dumbbell renegade rows: Begin in a plank position with a dumbbell in each hand. Row one dumbbell up towards your hip while stabilizing with the opposite arm.
6. High knees: Stand tall, driving your knees up towards your chest while hopping on one foot, alternating quickly.

After completing the workout, take 5-10 minutes to cool down and stretch your muscles, focusing on deep breathing and gentle stretches for major muscle groups worked during the workout.

Make apartment-friendly workouts work for you

Maintaining your fitness routine in an apartment is entirely achievable with the right approach and equipment. By selecting compact, noise-reducing gear and utilizing creative storage solutions, you can create an effective workout space that fits your lifestyle. Exploring your local neighborhood for outdoor exercise options can further enhance your routine, offering variety and fresh air. With these tips, living in a smaller space no longer means compromising on your health and fitness goals.