Small Home Gym Ideas UK: Garage, Spare Room & No-Garage Setups

Not everyone has the luxury of a double garage or basement to fill with gym kit. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create a powerful home gym setup. At REP Fitness UK, we design equipment with space-efficiency, modularity, and durability in mind - so whether you’ve got a spare room, a single garage, or just a corner of your flat, you can build a gym that fits your training and your home.

Why Small-Space Home Gyms Work

You don’t need endless floor space to make progress. With the right kit, you can cover all the major lifts and accessory work in less than 3m². The key is choosing modular, wall-mounted, and adjustable equipment that adapts to your lifestyle.

No Garage? No Problem.

For UK homes without a garage, the best option is often a spare room or a dedicated corner of a living area.

• Wall-Mounted Trainers: The Athena® Wall-Mounted Functional Trainer keeps your floor clear while giving you a full cable station in just one wall space.

• Compact Benches: The REP® Nighthawk™ Adjustable Bench is shorter, lighter, and easy to move — ideal for multi-use rooms.

• Dumbbells Without the Rack: Try the QuickDraw™ Adjustable Dumbbell or the REP® x PÉPIN™ FAST Series™ Adjustable Dumbbell. Both give you the range of a full dumbbell rack in a fraction of the space.

• Flooring: Rubber mats protect your floors and reduce noise — especially important in flats and terraces.

Garage Gym Ideas (While Keeping Storage Space)

Garages often double as storage in the UK. The trick is zoning the space.

• Wall-Mount Solutions: Build a rack into the wall with the Wall-Mount Fixed Rack. Add storage like the Gun Rack Barbell Storage to keep kit organised and off the floor.

• The Modular Rack System: Our PR-5000 Rack Builder lets you customise a rack to your garage ceiling height and footprint. Start small and expand over time with cable add-ons, storage, and attachments.

• Landmine Attachments: A space-saving way to add pulling and rotational strength without needing bulky machines.

• Ceiling Height Check: Most UK garages are 2.1-2.4m. The PR-5000 can be customised to fit comfortably under low ceilings.

Transforming a Spare Room into a Strength Space

If you’re setting up in a bedroom or office:

• Choose Compact, Versatile Kit: A Nighthawk Bench plus Adjustable Kettlebells gives you strength and conditioning in minimal space.

• Think About Noise: Bumper plates and mats reduce vibrations through wooden floors.

• Dual Use Furniture: Foldable or easily storable benches help the room stay multipurpose.

• Keep it Tidy: Use matching kit and smart storage to keep the space looking clean and intentional.

What If You Have No Space at All?

Even if you don’t have a spare room or garage, you can still train effectively:

• QuickDraw™ Adjustable Dumbbell — portable and compact.

• Adjustable Kettlebells — strength and conditioning in one tool.

• Strata™ Weight Vest and Plates — add load to bodyweight sessions when you don’t have space for larger kit.

Must-Have REP Kit for Small-Space Gyms

• Wall-Mount Fixed Rack – stable rack that maximises floor space

• Athena® Wall-Mounted Functional Trainer – full cable system, minimal footprint

• PR-5000 Rack Builder – modular design, scalable to your garage or spare room

• REP® Nighthawk™ Adjustable Bench – compact and versatile

• QuickDraw™ Adjustable Dumbbell – big weight range, tiny footprint

• Adjustable Kettlebells – space-saving and versatile

• Strata™ Weight Vest and Plates – load your bodyweight training anywhere

• Gun Rack Barbell Storage – smart barbell storage that clears your floor

Final Thoughts

A small space doesn’t mean small results. With smart kit choices - like the wall-mounted ARES 2.0, the modular PR-5000, and compact tools like the Nighthawk Bench, Adjustable Dumbbells, and Strata™ Weight Vest - you can build a home gym that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your strength goals.

Ready to start your build? Explore our full UK home gym equipment range or talk to our team about designing the perfect setup for your space.

FAQs About Building a Home Gym in Small Spaces

What’s the minimum space needed for a home gym?
You can train effectively in as little as 2m x 2m. A compact rack like the PR-5000 or a Wall-Mount Fixed Rack fits into most UK garages and spare rooms. Add a Nighthawk Bench and Adjustable Dumbbells and you’ll cover all the basics.

Can I build a home gym without a garage?
Yes. Spare rooms, lofts, or even a corner of your living room can work. Wall-mounted kit like the Athena® Functional Trainer saves floor space, while Adjustable Kettlebells and Weight Vests give you plenty of variety without taking over the room.

How tall does my ceiling need to be for a squat rack?
Most UK garages are between 2.1–2.4m high. The PR-5000 comes in different height options, so you can choose a rack that fits comfortably under lower ceilings while still allowing pull-ups and overhead presses.

What’s the best equipment for a small UK garage gym?
Start with a PR-5000 Rack, a Nighthawk Bench, and Adjustable Dumbbells. Add wall-mounted storage like the Gun Rack Barbell Holder to keep your floor clear.

Is a wall-mounted rack safe in a small space?
Yes. Our Wall-Mount Fixed Rack and Athena® Functional Trainer are designed for stability and space-efficiency. As long as your wall is solid and installation is done correctly, they’re safe and durable options for home gyms.