It seems like the home gym trend is getting more and more popular this year. When buying the best home gym equipment for your needs, you should be aware of a couple of things.
First, you should choose gear that targets all muscle groups so that you do complete workouts and never leave a muscle behind. The truth is, your home can be your fitness sanctuary once you customize your gym around your needs.
Top Rated Home Gym Models
- 1Bowflex Home Gym
- 2Weider Ultimate Body Works
- 3Hulkfit Power Cage
- 4Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station
- 5Commercial Home Gym
- 6Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench with Leg Developer and Squat Rack
- 7Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Multi-Station Home Gym
- 8Total Gym APEX G3
- 9Marcy Smith Cage Workout Machine
- 10BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym
- 11TRX ALL-IN-ONE Suspension Training
So, creating a space for your personal health within your home is one of the best investments to make. You should know that even though some of the best home gyms out there are expensive, in the long run you will be able to make most out of your investment and probably save a ton of money that you would otherwise use on costly gym memberships.
Plus, experts say that once you make an investment like this, it will be easier to create a habit and work out every day. Even if you don’t and in the worst case scenario, are stuck at home, you will be able to rest easy knowing that your routine workouts are not suffering. And if you don’t like your home gym at all, you can always sell it on Craigslist or find someone who needs it more than you do.
How To Find The Best Home Gym Equipment For Your Needs?
Whether you want a compact home gym or prefer working out on an adjustable bench only, nowadays, there are so many models to choose from. The gear that you should always consider should ideally include:
Still, there are many choices and the best way to know what you need for all muscle groups is to take a look at what we compiled for you.
11 Best HomeGym Equipment Models For Home Workouts
The main aim of this guide is to help you find the best home gym for your needs and budget. Below, we are listing some of the most popular, most effective and top-quality home gyms available on the market.
1. Bowflex Home Gym
First in our list is one super adjustable bench by Bowflex which has been selling like hotcakes right now. It basically includes various kinds of attachments, giving you more than 60 exercises for a full body workout.
From your chest to your shoulders, back, arms, abs and legs, the gym is full of cables, adjustments and different seating positions that (in combination with the specific element of exercise) are designed to target muscle groups and practically give you the home workout station of your dreams.
The power rod resistance in this home gym is 210 pounds and can be upgraded to 310 pounds or 410 pounds, according to your needs. This is one of the highlights, as well as the fact that Bowflex includes 7 free trainer built workout regimens.
What we like very much about this model is the sliding seat rail, which is a true life saver, especially when you want to do exercises like rowing (great for cardio) or leg presses and tone up your legs. This feature makes the gym also very attractive to ladies, but we also should not forget the lat bar and squat bar, which go perfect in combination with the rail.
There is a triple function hand grip or ankle cuffs included in the kit, and the bench is foldable with wheels, for easy storage. Even though this model is not a compact home gym, it is great to use in your garage, spare room, or even backyard.
2. Weider Ultimate Body Works
We already covered the Weider Ultimate Body Works home gym in a separate review (you can find it here), but including the model in this list is also a must.
For many, this home gym is one of the most revolutionary ones with a direct focus on the fact that it was created by Joe Weider’s company, who is known to be some kind of a mogul in the fitness world.
The actual features of this gym start with its unique design. The practical gym is beneficial for both men and women, especially people who want to get in shape, burn some calories and tone up their muscles without visiting the gym. With thousands of positive reviews online, the home gym is reasonably priced and loved by many.
There are more than 50 types of exercises that are great for training your arms, shoulders, back, abs, chest and legs. Hence, it definitely fits this category and gives you a complete workout plan that you can use for years.
One of the things we particularly like about this model is the fact that it has a unique mechanism that actually converts your bodyweight into resistance. Based on this, you are actually training with your own weight, especially with the help of bands and several other items on it.
So, adjusting your weight resistance is very easy. All you need to do is use the adjustable power bands and the incline bench. This will create pressure for your muscles and is perfect for beginners and experts. The detailed sheet with workouts is the cherry on the cake – and something that everyone appreciates and sees as a reminder of the dozens of workouts they can do for each muscle group.
3. Hulkfit Power Cage
If you are looking for a great power cage that has extended capacity and J-hooks for extra performance, this model will definitely satisfy your needs. Compatible with all HulkFit power cages, the cable crossover machine is handy and gives you plenty of workouts to cover.
For some, the dimensions of this home gym might be a problem due to limited space, which is why you should check them out (120 x 81 x 31.5). However, the real highlight here is the 1000-pound weight capacity which makes the Hulkfit Power Cage ideal for expert bodybuilders and people who really want to push it to the limit.
In order to ensure maximum safety, the manufacturer used a heavy duty steel frame construction with a wide open base, giving you a stable home gym with wings that are wide open. In other words, this means that even if you are using big barbells, the wings won’t block your way of completing the workout.
Users also appreciate the extra long weight posts (2 inches each) which can accommodate multiple weight plates with 2” diameter openings. If you have weights with these openings, you can rest assured that there is space for them in the HulkFit gym.
Lastly, the recommended capacity of this product is 500-pound, and the nylon-coated cables have 1000 pound resistance, being “aircraft quality” as the manufacturer claims. Overall, the HulkFit Power Cage is a very functional piece of home gym equipment which decreases the risks of injuries and can be expanded with as many add-ons as you want (as long as they are designed by the same manufacturer) that include dip bars, pull-up bars, storage and other additions.
4. Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station
The Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional home gym looks amazing. It is designed from steel (heavy duty one) in the tubing, and was reinforced with guard rods which are designed to hold weight in place during workouts.
Speaking of which, there is a 150 pound weight stack that can be customized to your needs, skill level or desire. This lets you avoid the stress of having to load and unload weight plates, and there is a smart safety lock that prevents any unauthorized use of equipment. So, if you are living with kids, this is one feature to have in mind.
Another feature worth pointing out is the dual action press arms section, which makes the gym more versatile and lets you perform exercises such as chest press and vertical butterfly ones that can help you tone up your arms (biceps, triceps), pectorals, and other muscles with simple movement and the insertion of a pin. Just like in a standard gym.
The familiarity of the exercises is one of the reasons why many buy this Marcy home gym. Simply put, there are plenty of the basic exercises for back, chest, arms, shoulders and even legs that you are doing in the gym.
Lastly, the seat is very ergonomic and designed to reduce impact and tension in any part of the body. The preacher curl bicep pad is removable and can be adjusted in order to allow you to try isolated bicep exercises. Overall, this machine has a lot of exercise and features an innovative structure that combines the very best of what we know as a functional home gym.
5. Commercial Home Gym
The Commercial Home Gym is a smith machine that combines cables with weights and has built-in 160 lbs worth of workouts. Thanks to the 12 adjustable heights, it can accommodate everyone with its cross cables that support 16 different ways to adjust your height.
For those of you interested in the weight stack, it is 2x80 kg and is connected to the cables and picture attachment. They come as per standard with all machines. Overall, this Commercial home gym equipment product is strong and offers plenty of workouts, starting from the counter balanced smith machine to the sealed bearing pulleys.
What is notable is the Deluxe Version, a home gym that includes both bench and plate weights. Users should know that the Standard Version does not include these bench and plate weights. Still, it is a great product for both men and women who look for a complete workout and maximum coverage of muscle groups such as the arms, chest, back, legs etc.
In the realm of exercises, this product gets very close to what we know as typical gym exercises and lets you easily do bench press, squats, dips, leg workouts, arm workouts and a lot more. Even though there is support for a set of 55 lbs, 45 lbs, 35 lbs, 25 lbs, 10 lbs, 5 lbs. 2 of each weight, the manufacturer does not include bench and plate weights in this set.
6. Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench with Leg Developer and Squat Rack
The Marcy gym is a pretty compact one, combining a bench with a squat rack and preacher curl plus a leg developer. All of this results in a multi functional home gym that is perfect for both lifting and strength training.
The only thing missing are cables, but if you have limited space in your home and can only use a machine that sits on the ground and uses the space in length (rather than height), this model is built for your needs.
Basically, Marcy said that the workout bench and barbell rack can be used both separately and in combination. There are multiple exercises supported by this machine, varying from squats to weight lifting, leg curls, barbell dumbbells and sit-ups, all of which are designed to tone your chest, shoulders, biceps, legs and more.
One of the things we like about this model is the ability to adjust the bench for flat or incline positions, maximizing its true potential. The adjustable uprights give you six different levels of height to choose from, while the height adjustable and folded design brings a lot more convenience to your exercises.
The manufacturer made sure to use safety hooks in this model, making it very close to a commercial gym but also accenting its multi gym identity. The training bench is reviewed with five stars by people who are doing full body workouts, going from flat bench presses to one-arm curls, leg extensions and whatnot else. Lastly, the entire structure is sturdy, moisture-proof and has anti rust features.
7. Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Multi-Station Home Gym
The Body-Solid total gym is a great home workout machine that promotes various exercises meant to increase your body strength but also help you burn calories and tone your muscles. All of the exercises will speed up your heart rate but also put pressure on your muscles, helping you make most out of this cardio strength training.
What we like most about this model is the fact that up to 3 people can simultaneously work out on it! So, if you are used to working out with a partner, you can invite them and use the Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Multi-Station Home Gym just like you go to the gym together.
While you are doing chest exercises, the other partner can do arms, back or many other movements. The fitness equipment by Body-Solid is designed with seven main work stations including a multi-press station, leg press, pec station, lat pulldown, ab crunch, leg extension, and low pulley station.
All in all, this is a powerful home gym which comes with two alloy weight stacks of 210 pounds, and measures 91 by 73 by 83 ( L x W x H), and weighs 947 pounds. Whether you prefer leg presses, exercises for pecs, multi-presses for your back, shoulder and chest or cable extensions that target different muscles, there are tons of workout options targeting various muscle groups.
The thick and durable DuraFirm pads will make sure that you, along with anyone working out with you, are comfortable and have a great grip regardless of what exercise you are currently working out on.
8. Total Gym APEX G3
The Total Gym APEX G3 is a model that cannot be compared to big home gym stations like the Weider Ultimate Body Works or the HulkFit, but still has a category on its own. In that manner, it provides a variety of workouts and a program that is actually designed well considering the size of this machine.
As a compact home gym, the Total Gym APEX G3 offers more than 70 exercises (a number that is not even offered in the big stations) and eight different levels of resistance. The engineering which went into creating this bench is great, especially when you get to see how easy it is to effortlessly transition from one exercise to the next one.
Total Gym says that even quick workouts that last from 15 to 20 minutes a day (3 to 4 days a week) in this home gym will bring a lot of positive results and make a difference. The APEX G3 is designed for all fitness levels and ages from 8 to 80. The maximum weight supported is 300 pounds, which may be a limit to the expert or pro bodybuilders who might need to look for something else.
However, people who love going to the gym won’t find many drawbacks. With this model, they can tone, strengthen, and condition their muscles in the upper and lower body, resulting in a total body exercise experience. You can literally be assisted and practice some great exercises to lose weight, maintain your health and get bigger in your arms, chest and back.
Total Gym even includes a list of accessories such as the wing attachment, squat stand, leg pull accessory, dip bars, exercise flip chart, Total Gym TV access, exercise & nutrition guides, owner’s manual, and a DVD from the brand.
9. Marcy Smith Cage Workout Machine
This home gym literally looks like a cage when you see it from the front. This is why it was named the Marcy Smith Cage, and designed for total body training.
It is easy to see how Marcy Smith justifies the “cage” nickname with this amazing workout station. From weight plates to bars, cables and even racks for free weights, there is just a bit of everything on this wonderful machinery. In that manner, it can definitely replicate any commercial gym and when you see the little details, you will get to know what we are talking about.
To help you out in that manner, you should know that the construction of this model is all-steel. Steel starts from the heavy-duty frame which is stable and has a tensile strength of 2,000 lbs. Next up is the powder coated finish which makes the color and overall look of this home gym epic.
Most of all, this portable home gym offers a variety of exercises for all tastes, muscle groups and desires. You can literally customize and create your own workouts (if you are experienced enough) or read the manual to follow all of the extensions, curls, and bar exercises that will help you tone your muscles.
Some of the additional details worth mentioning are the Olympic-graded free weight rack with six weight plate pegs (built into the frame), innovative structure which makes switching between exercises easy, and the arm and leg stations designed to make your extremities look bigger and better.
10. BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym
BodyBoss is one of the innovations in the home gym industry. It is a total workout system which looks unlike anything else on the market. To begin with, it can be carried in your hands (yes, it’s true), making it the most compact home gym ever. The project was funded with more than $1 million on Kickstarter and Indiegogo and later on capitalized on the interest of fans around the globe, selling like hotcakes in all countries.
Still, the limitations are that there are no bars, dumbbells or any weight racks. Instead, BodyBoss focuses on toning your body with the use of resistance bands that collapse, bars and handles.
Our sincere opinion is that if you are a fan of fitness, BodyBoss 2.0 is worth trying. The product has been revolutionized in its second edition, offering you plenty of great upgrades and a lot of possibilities. In times when resistance training is getting more popular, it seems like this is the perfect product you can try (or at least buy) and a compact workout station that you will love carrying with you even on your trips.
BodyBoss says that their 2.0 Portable Home Gym “simulates 1000s of dollars worth of gym equipment into one system.” No matter how broad this statement is, BodyBoss 2.0 is designed to simulate exercises like squats and bench presses with the use of resistance bands instead of free weights. In that manner, it is probably one of the first and most recognizable resistance training home gyms out there.
What is advertised as a “proven system” to burn more calories is actually something that you can carry with you, assemble in minutes and start working out the bands. As BodyBoss says, there are more than 300 exercises that you can make easier or harder only with the help of resistance bands. For those new to resistance band training, there are workout guides coming as part of the product.
11. TRX ALL-IN-ONE Suspension Training
TRX is another big trend which revolutionized strength training in the 21st century. Short for Total Body Resistance Exercise, TRX uses your body weight and gravity as resistance when you do exercises to build strength, balance your coordination, flexibility, core and joint stability.
TRX fans know that this is the best selling training system for home workouts which you can carry anywhere. Light as a feather, the system includes suspension training straps, indoor and outdoor anchors, a 35-page workout guide as well as two bonus workouts. There is even synchronization with an app that can let you power your own workouts and track every calorie you burn.
As a parallel to all of those weight stack gyms, squat stations and more, TRX won’t take up any space in any room. Instead, you can carry it and work out in the backyard, practice building strength in the living room or take it with you when on weekends. The training philosophy is great and designed to help you improve flexibility, look and feel your best.
What we like most about the TRX ALL-IN-ONE Suspension Training is precisely this – you can work out anywhere as you attach the anchors to doors, rafters or beams, or even use trees, poles and posts as your bases. The entire kit weighs only 1 pound and is perfect for traveling. If you are doubtful about it, you should know that it supports up to 350 pounds of resistance and lets you explore over 1,000 workouts on your way to achieving your fitness goals.
Need More Ideas? Here Are 5 Other Home Gym Accessories You Can Purchase
If you want to spice up your workouts and do most of cardio, weight training and other workouts and simply build more strength, you can purchase home gym accessories to help you maximize every day spent at home training to achieve your fitness goals.
For example, if your home gym lacks something for a specific muscle group, you can always buy accessories to target it.
There are just so many basic elements of strength training, cardio, as well as products that can help you target and strengthen up particular muscle groups. The idea is to know what you are buying and know how you will be using it. For that, you might open YouTube and get some ideas before deciding what you want from your accessories.
Some of the best known accessories in this segment include the following:
ConClusion
We hope that this guide helped you find the best home gym equipment for your needs. The truth is, all of the products listed above are great in their own league, and as such, they make your choice eleven more difficult.
If you have a vision and budget for a home gym, we believe that you already found out your favorite model. And if there is some money left, you can always buy some accessories and add up to your list of exercises!