Many exercisers choose to train at a public gym because of the social aspect, numerous equipment options, amenities (depending on the gym), smoothie bar, and possibly more.
All the things you likely won’t experience with a typical home gym setup which usually consists of a few key pieces of training equipment. But… everything has its pros and cons and training at home certainly has its advantages.
Home training is ideal for maintaining privacy, avoiding membership costs, and even having access to workout equipment during times when gyms are closed for whatever reason.
Now keep in mind, there are many different home gym options on the market, some more simple and compact (even portable) while other setups allow for as close to a full gym experience as possible.
So, we chose 13 of the best home gyms currently on the market and we think you’ll like what you see…
What is a home gym?
A home gym is technically any setup that allows you to work out in the comfort of your own space. It’s not necessarily just one piece of equipment either. In fact, there are many different types of homes gyms and the ideal setup varies based on individual needs and preferences.
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But the home gyms we’re reviewing today are the typical systems that include a few different exercise stations in addition to some other great options as well.
Here are our top 13 home gym picks…
- BodyCraft XPress Pro – Buy here Editor’s Choice
- Marcy 150 lb Stack Home Gym MWM-990 – Buy here
- Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System MD-9010G – Buy here
- Gold’s Gym XRS 50 – Buy here
- Goplus Multi-function Home Gym – Buy here
- Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine Home Gym – Buy here
- Bowflex PR3000 – Buy here
- Body-Solid Powerline P2LPX Home Gym – Buy here
- Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym – Buy here
- Total Gym XLS – Buy here
- BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym – Buy here
- Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage – Buy here
- Weider Ultimate Body Works Home Gym – Buy here
Editor’s Pick – BodyCraft XPress Pro
The BodyCraft XPress Pro is a solid home gym with a chest press/fly, pulldown, cable pulley station with adjustable arms, leg developer, and leg press. It also has an adjustable seat and back to support various heights and angles which is a feature that a lot of home gyms don’t have.
And what’s also cool about it is there are two special handles on the chest press arms so that you can do back rows to build a more muscular upper posterior chain.
- Equipped with several top-notch features
- 200lb weight stack that doubles with leg press function
- Adjustable seat height and backrest angle
- Durable design
- Can be difficult putting the machine together
For just under $3,000, the features, construction, and user satisfaction support the price. We’d say it’s a great home gym machine for what it offers which is more than many others.
BodyCraft XPress Pro Home Gym
BodyCraft XPress Pro Home Gym
BodyCraft XPress Pro Home Gym has 12-gauge steel tubing, 2,000-pounds tensile strength, fiberglass-impregnated nylon pulleys, multiple stations, lifetime warranty.
Marcy 150 lb Stack Home Gym MWM-990
Marcy is a popular fitness equipment manufacturer who specializes in home gym equipment.
Their 150lb stack home gym (MWM-990) is equipped with several optimal features for a full-body workout. It’s made of heavy-duty steel, reinforced with guard rods to ensure a safe and effective session.
The 150lb weight stack is sufficient for the average user and even the stronger individuals looking to maintain and possibly progress their training. The stack also has a safety lock which is a useful addition that prevents unauthorized use.
As far as the exercise features, the home gym allows you to do a chest press as a compound exercise, plus it has a pec dec capability for chest isolation training. Then if you want to train back, the lat pulldown is a very useful feature along with the preacher/bicep curl option and leg extension feature, to build your quad muscles.
The MWM-900 also comes with an ankle strap for standing hamstring curls with the cable that also allows you to do other exercises too.
Pros
- Offers plenty of great features
- Built solid
- Has a weight stack safety lock
Cons
- May not be suitable for taller/bigger individuals
- May not allow for optimal range of motion
- Many complaints about customer service
This home gym from Marcy is a pretty solid option for what it offers. It’s not the best option if you’re into functional training and pure strength training. But, it’s a suitable piece of equipment if you want to get in shape and prefer a home gym setup like this one.
It’s also important to note that the MWM- 900 is priced at $700+ so it’s not cheap. But overall, it’s a quality build and most users are satisfied with it.
Marcy 150 lb Stack Home Gym MWM-990
Marcy 150 lb Stack Home Gym MWM-990
Marcy 150 lb Stack Home Gym has adjustable preacher curl pad, leg developer, Weight Stack Lock, foam-padded press arms, Upper Pulley Workout, Upper Pulley Workout.
Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System MD-9010G
Another option from Marcy, the MD-9010G has a full home gym design with an aircraft-grade cable that has a tensile strength of 2,000 pounds. So it should be pretty solid and sturdy for most users.
The machine has plenty of attractive features and is designed to offer a full range of exercises. The features include a cable system, smith machine, footplate for built-in row option, ergonomic bench w/ a leg developer and curl bar, weight trolley, free weight pegs, and 6 Olympic plate holders.
The system also comes with a lat bar, shiver bar, ankle strap, v-bar, triceps rope, and pulley cable handles for training the muscles using different angles. So it’s literally a full gym in a single setup.
Pros
- Comes with several awesome features and attachments/handles
- Strong 2,000 tensile strength cable
- Sufficient for most lifters
Cons
- Can be difficult to assemble/instructions need improving
- Several quality issues reported
- Many complaints about customer service
You’ll spend upwards of $2,000 and up to $3,000 for this home gym and whether or not it’s worth it to you, well, that’s something you’ll need to decide. It’s definitely a decent option with many cool features and if assembled properly, it should allow you to train without issue.
Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System MD-9010G
Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System MD-9010G
Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System Home Gym has a heavy-duty frame, 2000 lbs. cable strength, preacher curl, leg developer stations, incline bench press, & free weight stack.
Gold’s Gym XRS 50
You’re probably familiar with the Gold’s Gym brand that has been around forever! Well, their XRS 50 home gym is as compact and simple as it gets but it’s a quality system. Now, if your goal is to break through walls and set world record then this isn’t your option.
But for the casual lifter just looking to build some muscle and strength, you really can’t go wrong with this setup. It has a 112lb weight stack and 280 lbs total resistance. The machine offers a chest press and fly option, plus a leg developer and lat pulldown. It also has an exercise chart so that you can learn which exercises are best for each muscle group.
- A good option for the price
- Compact
- A few quality issues reported
- Weight stack increases in large increments
- Some people may experience a limited range of motion
For around $500, most users seem to be satisfied with the XRS 50. Although, it probably won’t hold up as well long term as some of the other options. But it’s great for smaller spaces due to the compact design.
Gold’s Gym XRS 50 Home Gym
Gold’s Gym XRS 50 Home Gym
Gold's Gym XRS 50 Home Gym has 300 lb weight capacity, delivers a full range of workout options, great price.
Goplus Multi-function Home Gym
The Goplus multi-function home gym is a durable home gym system made from heavy-duty steel tube and PVC. It’s not much different than your standard setup that has a chest/press, pulldown, leg developer. But it does have up to 12 high and low pulley options and the quality makes it a great choice for home workouts.
The machine has a 100lb weight stack in addition to built-in resistance for really challenging your muscles.
Pros
- Solid option with great features
- Has additional built-in resistance
Cons
- Few quality complaints
The sub-$500 price tag is not unreasonable for this home gym which should be satisfactory for most users’ expectations. If you’re looking for a nice little setup for basic daily training, then the Goplus home gym might suit your needs just fine.
Goplus Multifunction Home Gym
Goplus Multifunction Home Gym
Goplus Multifunction Home Gym has a pull-down station to seated chest press machine, seated machine fly, row, leg extension. Has sturdy frame, durable construction.
Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine Home Gym
By now, you’ve probably caught onto the fact that Marcy is a popular manufacturer of home gyms (hence why we included it for the third time). Like the previous Marcy option, this one also has an aircraft-grade cable with tensile strength up to 2,000 lbs which should hold up to anything.
The SM-4008 also has everything you need for a home workout which includes a Smith machine, barbell pegs, cable pulley system, pull-up bar, chest fly station, adjustable bench w/ leg developer, row station, and plenty of attachments for training variety.
- Equipped with more features than a basic home gym
- Supports free weight barbell exercises
- May be difficult to assemble
- Several quality concerns
Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine Home Gym
Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine Home Gym
Marcy SM-4008 Home Gym is a multi-position bench, Pull-up bar, Steel aircraft cables, removable leg developer, chest fly station, include accessories.
Bowflex PR3000
Bowflex is a leader in home gym equipment and you’ve probably seen their advertisements on TV. The PR3000 offers 5 – 210 pounds of power rod resistance although it’s also upgradable to 310 pounds. The heavy-duty steel frame is designed for tough use with the cable pulley system. The machine also comes with handgrips and ankle cuffs for plenty of variety in your training.
Plus, the roller cushions allow for leg extensions and curls. You can use the cables to do chest, back, shoulder, triceps, and up to 50 exercises in total.
The Bowflex PR3000 isn’t the most hardcore option but it provides a good amount of resistance for a full-body workout.
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Pros
- Provides over 50 exercise options
- Upgradable resistance
Cons
- Resistance may not be enough for decently strong people
- Some reports of issues with design quality
- Complaints of less than ideal customer service
The PR3000 runs for $800 which is about right for the design and features included. But there have been many differences in user experience which we hope improves along with the potential design flaws.
Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
Bowflex PR3000 is a total body home Gym, includes multiple accessories, has heavy-duty steel construction frame, upholstered roller cushions & pulley system.
Body-Solid Powerline P2LPX Home Gym
The P2LPX is different than others of its kind simply due to the fact that it includes a leg press setup with a 2:1 weight ratio. But it also has 6 stations for training different body parts which include a press, lat pull-down, ab function, cable pulleys, leg extension/leg curl, and seated row. The cable pulleys are set up for low, mid and high training which is pretty useful for working muscles at different angles.
The P2LPX has a 160lb weight stack and the seat is adjustable for different heights. It’s a nice, compact design which means it should fit in most spaces and the features make for a more than acceptable session.
Pros
- Includes a leg press setup
- Multi-height cable pulleys
- Compact
- Adjustable seat
Cons
- There’s a concerning number of negative complaints due to quality issues
- Complaints of missing pieces from delivery
- Not ideal for taller people due to a limited range of motion with some exercises
Body-Solid Powerline P2LPX Home Gym
Body-Solid Powerline P2LPX Home Gym
Body-Solid Powerline P2LPX Home Gym has a functional trainer, leg press station, adjustable seat and back pads to fit any user, comes with a 160-pound alloy weight stack.
Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym
Once again, Marcy has made it on our list and it won’t be the last time either…
This home gym has a Smith machine, pull-up bar with two grip options, free weight rack, cable pulleys (high and low), dip bar, and an adjustable bench. The power station also comes with weight plate holders.
Pros
- Decent home gym option w/ several attractive features
- Free weight workout support
- Plate holders
Cons
- Complaints of design flaws related to the cables
- Assembly may be difficult with the manual
- Smith bar not the best quality
The price ranges from $1,500-3,000 which is about average for a home gym of this type that comes with a large variety of features. It may have a few design flaws but make sure to address this concern if you experience issues.
Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym
Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym
Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym can hold up to 600 pounds of muscle, has a cable pulley system, multiple stations in one, multi-grab pull-up bar.
Total Gym XLS
The Total Gym XLS is unique in that it’s not your traditional home gym setup. It’s actually one of those devices you see on TV which has a glideboard that moves you up and down as you use the cable system attached on one end. So when you perform an exercise, you’re actually lifting a percentage of your body weight on an incline angle.
The platform has a head support attachment, leg pull accessory, pilates kit, and more. Apparently, the XLS is a hit with many exercisers looking to tone up and train simple. Not to mention, there are over 80 exercise options in addition to a wall chart, and nutritional program/meal planning guide.
You also get 7 DVDs for exercise instruction and there’s no assembly required. So, it really doesn’t get much easier for a home gym. When you need more bodyweight resistance, you just increase the incline. It also supports up to 400 lbs which is perfect for most users.
Pros
- No assembly needed
- Ergonomic design
- Several great features
- Supports up to 400 lbs
Cons
- Complaints of poor quality
- Customer service isn’t the best
Total Gym XLS Home Gym
Total Gym XLS Home Gym
Total Gym XLS Home Gym has 400 lb weight capacity, pulley & cable system with squat stand, flexible nylon strap handles, leg pull accessory and Pilates kit.
BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym
The BodyBoss 2.0 home/portable gym is a pretty popular option and you can use it to workout anywhere for half the price of typical gym equipment. It supports upper and lower body training by attaching cloth-covered resistance bars to a foldable but durable platform.
You can use single grip attachments, the long bar attachment for squats and other exercises, or the ankle/wrist straps for more isolation training. The home gym also comes with a door anchor for eve more exercise variety. There are over 300 exercises you can do with the BodyBoss 2.0 and you can increase or decrease exercise difficulty by adjusting the bands on the platform.
You also get a free startup workout program to learn the system. It’s a neat design and the fact that it offers so many options while being portable makes it an appealing option for home workouts.
Pros
- Portable
- Convenient
- Offers a large variety of exercise options, handles, and attachments
Cons
- According to several reviewers, the system is not as versatile or functional as advertised
- Few quality issues reported
- Several complaints about the exercise instructions
BodyBoss 2.0 Home Gym
BodyBoss 2.0 Home Gym
BodyBoss 2.0 Home Gym includes a bar, base, bands, door anchors, straps. All these tools help you in working out different muscle groups.
Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage
A power cage is a must-have for the hardcore lifters. Well, this cage from Fitness Reality is a best seller and for good reason… it’s a beast! You can use it for free weight squats and presses as it comes with barbell pegs. Plus it has a fully functional pull-up bar that allows you to train using different grip widths and angles.
You also have the option of adjustable height levels for different compound lifts (supports up to 6’4″), and an adjustable bar to hold your legs down. The cage also comes with safety bars if you don’t have a spotter so you can train safely alone.
You can also attach a lat pulldown, j-hooks, dip bars, weight plate holders and a landmine which are sold separately. The cage has an 800 lb weight capacity too which means it should be strong enough to handle most heavy lifting sessions.
Pros
- Functional multi-use power rack
- Many satisfied users
Cons
- Several complaints of unsteadiness
- Issues of effective parts reported
- Many users not happy with customer service
- Delivery problems reported
Overall, this cage is a solid option for most uses.
Fitness Reality 810XLT Home Gym
Fitness Reality 810XLT Home Gym
Fitness Reality 810XLT Home Gym has high and low row pulley systems, extra space for benches, leg hold-down with a foam roller, it's a multifunctional cage.
Weider Ultimate Body Works Home Gym
Weider is a legendary fitness equipment company and their products have stood the test of time because they offer several top-notch options. The Ultimate Body Works home gym system is similar to the Total Gym XLS also on our list.
So it works via a cushioned, inclined glideboard platform that allows you to use your resistance for workouts. You have a foot platform and high pulley which allows you to train all muscles. You can do squats, chest press, back workouts and much more. The weight limit is 250 which isn’t ideal for everyone but it is for those who may benefit from this home gym system.
Pros
- Has many useful functions
- Some users say it’s similar to the more popular Total Gym but cheaper
Cons
- Several function complaints
- Many complaints of safety concerns
- Quality may not be up to par with ‘Total Gym XLS’
- Customer service an issue for many customers
For around $150 it’s hard to beat this home gym. It’s cheaper than the Total Gym which is more popular and although it may not be as good, many users are happy. Although, the quality and function complaints are something to consider as well. But, few home gyms are perfect.
Weider Ultimate Body Works Home Gym
Weider Ultimate Body Works Home Gym
Weider Ultimate Body Works has seated chest press, leg squat, free-motion cables, rolling seat, high pulley, incline adjust.
How We Chose Our Home Gym Picks
We chose the home gyms on our list based on quality, features, brand reputation, and user satisfaction. Not everyone will need or want the same features plus budget is a factor in the decision as well which we have to take into consideration.
Few home gyms will be entirely perfect for everyone or last forever which is also something to always keep in mind. You still have to make sure assembly is done properly and maintenance is necessary for all gym equipment with cables and moving parts. But if you run into any issues, reach out to the companies immediately.
There are several options here that’ll give you a great workout but which one you might consider will depend entirely on your preferences, living space, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a home gym?
A home gym consists of equipment or workout stations in one single setup that allows you to train your muscles by doing a variety of exercises.
There are many different home gym options though so you’ll need to explore and weigh the pros and cons.
Will I get good results using a home gym?
You absolutely can, depending on the equipment you have and your goals. But that’s also why there are different home gym options to suit different individual needs.
If your goal is to build a lot of strength and muscle then you’ll need to choose a home gym that offers a lot of resistance. Otherwise, any quality home gym option will do.
Are home gyms expensive?
That depends entirely on the home gym as some have more features and different construction/material quality which costs more. But then again, ‘expensive’ is subjective.
There are definitely a few affordable options that will do the job though.
Who should use a home gym?
Anyone who is looking to get in shape can use a home gym. But if your focus is more on improving athletic performance, or if you’re goal is to become a strength athlete or bodybuilder, then you should make sure the option you choose is conducive to your goals.
You’ll want to be able to lift more weight overall while using stabilizer muscles by using free weights as opposed to mainly machines that lock you in position and prevent free movement.
Otherwise, most home gyms are suitable for most users looking to simply do a little resistance training. But make no mistake, using solely machines is not recommended for anyone due to the functional limitations.
Wrapping Up
These home gym options were some of the best we could locate in their respective categories. They definitely aren’t the only options around but we believe our picks can suit the needs of most individuals who choose to train at home.
So, consider the information we’ve provided and we hope you can find something for you and others that’ll use your new home gym as well.
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