Setting Up a Home Gym in a Condo or Apartment

A lot of our customers live in condos and apartments around North York, Vaughan and downtown. You can absolutely train at home in a small space. You just have to think about noise, your floors and your neighbours a bit more than someone with a garage.

Check your building's rules first

Some buildings have rules about heavy equipment, noise hours or moving large items. Check before you buy anything big. If you're moving more than a couple of boxes up, you may also need to book the service elevator.

Keep the noise down

• Pick quieter weights. Rubber coated and urethane plates are much quieter than bare cast iron when they touch.
• Put something under your training area. Thick rubber flooring or a good gym mat soaks up a lot of the sound and protects the floor.
• Set weights down, don't drop them. Rubber coated plates have iron inside and aren't made to be dropped. Your downstairs neighbour will thank you.
• Train at reasonable hours. Even quiet lifting carries through some buildings.

Dumbbells first

For most condos, dumbbells make more sense than a barbell. They take less space, they're quieter, and you can do a full body workout with just a few pairs. A light, a medium and a heavy pair covers most exercises. See what weight dumbbells to buy.

Small-space setups that work

• Corner setup: three pairs of hex dumbbells on a 5-pair vertical rack ($49.99). Fits in a corner, with room to add two more pairs.
• Full dumbbell setup: the 5 to 30 lb dumbbell set ($229.99) on a 6-pair vertical rack ($79.99). Six pairs, one small footprint.
• Light and budget: PVC dumbbells from $10 each for lighter work.

Getting weights into your unit

Weights are small but heavy. A 5 to 30 lb set is 210 lb, so bring a cart or dolly, or have it delivered. We deliver across the GTA. Call or text for a quote and let us know if there's a loading dock or elevator booking.

Common questions

Can you have a home gym in a condo?

Yes. Most people use dumbbells, a mat or rubber flooring, and a compact rack. Check your building's rules if you're planning anything heavy.

What are the quietest weights for an apartment?

Rubber coated and urethane plates, and rubber hex dumbbells, are much quieter than bare cast iron.

Will weights damage my floor?

They can if they're dropped or dragged. Use a mat or rubber flooring, store weights on a rack, and set them down instead of dropping them.

What's the best small-space dumbbell rack?

A vertical rack. Our 5-pair and 6-pair racks take very little floor space.

Come see them in person

GOAT Fitness is at 1111 Flint Road, Unit #22, North York, on the Vaughan border. We're open every day from 11am to 8pm, no appointment needed. The door faces the courtyard, so look for the GOAT Fitness sign.

Call or text (647) 648-1911 to check stock or get a price on a full setup. You can also order online and pick up the same day.