Skip the crowded weight room and exercise on your own time with your very own home gym. We’ve reviewed the best home gyms from popular brands such as Bowflex, Marcy and Total Gym, along with highly-rated equipment from lesser-known manufacturers. From mega machines with all the bells and whistles to compact home gyms, our comprehensive guide has equipment for everyone.
Another space-saving option is an interactive fitness mirror such as Tonal or Forme Life. We’ve reviewed and compared the best smart fitness mirrors for your home workouts.
If you’re looking for ways to keep the little ones active and entertained, browse our best home gym for kids.
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1.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
Pros:
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No-change cable pulley system makes workouts quick and easy
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Ergonomic adjustable seat is comfortable for all positions
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Heavy-duty machine supports up to 300 pounds
Cons:
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Doesn't include a pull-up bar
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Can take awhile to assemble
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Doesn't come with a workout DVD
Considering all that it has to offer, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym is a solid value for staying in shape and building muscle at home. It offers all the perks of the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym, including upgradeable weights up to 410 pounds, but with a no-change cable pulley system for minimal interruptions. If you’re after quick and effective workouts, this is one of the best home gyms for you.
You can use this gym to hit all major muscle groups in one convenient place. Offering over 70 exercises, this is a home gym that does it all. There’s an integrated tower to work your shoulders and back, plus a lower pulley and squat station for your lower body. A leg extension tones and builds muscle. The Xtreme 2 SE is ideal if you want to skip the crowded gym and work out on your own time.
This Bowflex gym comes standard with 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance. That’s plenty if you’re rehabbing an injury or getting back into shape. You can easily upgrade to 310 or 410 pounds for more intense workouts. Several users mention that the bench holds up nicely even with heavy weights, making it highly durable for beginner to advanced lifters.
If you’re not sure where to begin, there are seven trainer-free workouts to help guide you. One potential downside is that they’re only included in the manual, rather than on a DVD or via an app. Still, you’ll get expert guidance and several opportunities to work your entire body.
To use this machine properly, you’ll need an appropriate amount of room. The Xtreme 2 SE measures 53″L x 49″W x 83.25″H and requires a workout area that’s at least 8’L x 6’5″W. This gym weighs 185 pounds when assembled and supports up to 300 pounds.
Before you can begin working out, you’ll need to put this machine together. Assembly can take up to 3 hours, according to user reviews. Although step-by-step instructions are included for the job, Bowflex suggests having a second person to help with the setup.
Bowflex offers a 7-year guarantee for the machine and a lifetime guarantee for the power rods.
Buy the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym here.
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2.
Marcy MWM 990 Home Gym
Pros:
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Comes with a 150-pound weight stack
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Supports chest and butterfly press
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Comfortable foam padded press arms
Cons:
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Assembly can take awhile
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Sparse setup instructions
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Somewhat limited range of motion for taller users
An adjustable preacher curl pad, a feature not always found on budget-friendly home gyms, is a welcome addition for those who want to work out their abs and triceps with this Marcy Marcy MWM 990 home gym. The gym comes with a 150-pound adjustable weight stack.
An included leg developer effectively aligns with the knee joints for proper movements during leg curls and leg extensions. Multi-position high and low pulleys add more versatility to your workouts.
Other highlights include foam padded press arms and an included lower cable and ankle strap to complete various lower body exercises. The gym can support users up to 300 pounds.
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3.
Force USA G3 All-In-One Trainer
Pros:
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Great for commercial-level use
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Built-in storage keeps home gyms tidy
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Space-saving design for home gyms
Cons:
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Barbell only accepts Olympic plates
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Weights are sold separately
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Doesn't come with a leg press attachment
The Force USA G3 is a commercial-grade trainer that’s compact enough for limited spaces. It’s technically an entry-level machine, but this mega home gym isn’t for the faint of heart.
You can perform over 75 different exercises on this trainer, which is a combination functional trainer, smith machine, power rack and chin-up station. There’s even an integrated core trainer to target your abs. This fully-loaded home trainer is an especially compelling investment if you’re looking to train exclusively at home.
The G3 combines five different machines into one — and doesn’t compromise on any of them. For starters, you can perform over 75 different exercises on the functional trainer and cable crossover station alone. If you’re in the mood for some heavy lifting, the power rack has commercial-grade J-hooks and safeties to successfully handle higher weights while protecting your barbell.
Then there’s the multi-grip chin-up and pull-up stations, which begs you to test out your strength in a variety of positions. A 771-pound weight rating makes this home gym station a solid choice for heavier users. You’ll also find a fixed barbell that handles Olympic weight plates up to 772 pounds on the Smith machine. Purchasing the optional G3 leg press attachment adds even more functionality.
It’s worth noting that while the barbell only works with Olympic plates, the pulley system accepts Olympic and standard plates.
An attached landmine station invites you to strengthen your core and strengthen your upper body. A 2:1 cable pulley ratio offers plenty of resistance and enhanced responsiveness, which makes this home gym an especially popular machine for functional training exercises.
The Force USA G3 comes with 12 attachments. You can expand its functionality even more by purchasing additional attachments separately.
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4.
Hyfit Gear 1
Pros:
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Smart sensors provide real-time feedback
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Includes wall and door anchors
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Comes with a carrying bag
Cons:
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Initial learning curve
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Maximum resistance is only 22 pounds
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Pricey
Hyfit Gear 1 uses a suite of smart sensors to give you real-time feedback as you exercise. As you move the sensors keep tabs on your resistance, calories burned, repetitions and more. This connected home gym is a step up from most home suspension training kits.
These performance metrics are used to build customized workouts just for you. Whether you have specific fitness goals in mind or you prefer to have some guidance for your home workouts, this solution takes the guesswork out of your training routine.
As with most home training bundles, you’ll find several different components inside the box. In addition to smart resistance bands, you’ll find wrist and ankle straps, wall and door anchors and ergonomic handles with a textured surface. An included carrying bag makes it easy to pack up the Gear 1 and take it just about anywhere.
Athletes come in all shapes and sizes, and the Gear 1 bands can be shortened or lengthened by holding the top portion of the band and squeezing the adjuster button. You can easily pull the band up or slide it down until you find the appropriate length.
Every Gear 1 band has between five and 22 pounds of resistance. As with any other resistance-based home training system, you can adjust the resistance as desired by putting more or less tension on the band. There’s no need to worry about finding space for a large piece of home gym equipment, as this compact workout solution fits just about anywhere without restricting your range of motion.
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5.
Total Gym APEX G3
Pros:
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Folds flat for easy storage
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Comes with a squat stand, exercise flip chart, dip bars and more
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Auto-lock height adjustment
Cons:
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Doesn't come with stability mats
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Can't add additional weight
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Assembly can be tricky
he Total Gym APEX G3 is the mid-range option and falls between the entry-level G1 and the pro-level G5. The G3 offers eight resistance levels and can be used for over 70 different exercises. If you can spare 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll enjoy a rewarding home workout experience.
This home gym is suited for a wide range of ages, between eight and 80. It can also hold up to 300 pounds, making it a durable choice for any home gym.
You’ll find everything you need for a complete whole-body workout, including a squat stand, leg pull accessory, exercise flip chart, dip bars, a wing attachment and exercise and nutrition guides. You can also follow along with the included DVD if you’re looking for some expert guidance.
The glide board is padded for your comfort and ergonomic for a better overall fit. An auto-lock height adjustment adds an extra element of stability. If your home gym is on the smaller side or you need to clean up once you’re done, the APEX G1 conveniently folds for storage.
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6.
BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym
Pros:
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Can be used for over 300 different exercises
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Comes with accessories such as resistance bands and a collapsible workout bar
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Platform folds for easy storage
Cons:
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Platform may need to be be weighed down for heavier exercises
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Board isn't stable enough for deadlifting
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Included resistance bands don't come in different weights
If you can’t get to the gym, replicate the experience at home with this multi-use portable gym. You can work out your upper and lower body with accessories such as exercise bands, wrist and ankle straps, and a collapsible workout bar.
An included door anchor gives you the option of performing additional exercises. Instead of struggling to adjust weights as you go, simply shorten or lengthen the bands to make workouts harder or easier. In total, you can perform over 300 workouts with this portable gym.
If you want to make an exercise harder or easier, simply shorten or lengthen the bands. If necessary, you can easily move the platform out of the way after a workout by simply folding the platform and using the carrying handle.
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7.
ICON Fitness Gold’s Gym XRS 50
Pros:
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High and low pulley systems
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Comes with an exercise chart designed by a personal trainer
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Includes a fly station and combination chest press
Cons:
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Can't add more weight
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Seat isn't adjustable
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Weight pin system isn't very smooth
With a 112-pound vinyl weight stack and 280 pounds of resistance, the ICON Fitness Gold’s Gym XRS 50 is well suited for beginners or maintenance days if you’re into lifting heavier weights. A chest press and fly station expands your home workout options for improved chest and shoulder function.
Once your arm workout is complete, it’s time to move on to the leg developer. This home gym has a four-roll leg developer for comfort and stability as you work your knee and thigh muscles. You’ll also find high and low pulleys. While the high pulley targets the lats and back, the low pulley emphasizes your leg muscles and glutes. A multi-grip lat bar adds to the machine’s versatility.
If you’re investing in a home gym, you’ll want a comfortable seat. Not only will you find it here, there’s also a sewn vinyl cover for added durability. The home gym has a 300-pound weight capacity and comes with a 90-day warranty.
Not sure where to begin? Consult the included exercise chart, which was designed by a personal trainer, for guidance.
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8.
Fusion Motion Portable Home Gym
Pros:
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Provides over 200 exercises
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Comes with eight attachments
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Detailed exercise guide included
Cons:
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Some bands don't fully extend
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Not great for heavy weight training
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Only comes with two resistance bands
Whether you’re using it for maintenance or a true full-body workout, the Fusion Motion portable gym is a solid all-around piece of home exercise equipment. In fact, you can complete more than 200 different exercises.
An included instruction guide helps you get started with specific exercises based on the muscle groups you want to target along with suggestions for your skill level. There’s something for every level, from first-time users to experienced athletes. A full-body workout takes just 20 minutes.
You’ll find a total of eight attachments, from heavy-duty resistance bands to an ab roller wheel, tricep bar, pulleys and more. The maximum weight capacity is 290 pounds.
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9.
Total Gym XLS Universal Total Body Home Gym
Pros:
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Access to Total Gym's online video platform
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Maximum weight capacity is 400 pounds
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Includes a wing attachment and a training deck
Cons:
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Doesn't come with a Pilates kit
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Lacks transport wheels
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Cushioning is on the firm side
hether you can’t get to the gym or you prefer to work out at home, the Total Gym XLS is your total body home gym for hitting every muscle group. You can perform over 80 exercises on the Total Gym XLS, including various upper and lower body workouts. You can use the home gym equipment for stretching and strength training, and even some cardio.
There’s an ab crunch to keep your core in shape, as well as an exercise chart if you’re new or could use some extra guidance. This machine also features a wing attachment and a training deck. The maximum weight capacity is 400 pounds.
If you prefer a more interactive home workout experience, you’ll have access to seven Total Gym DVDs and the company’s online video platform, which has something for every fitness level.
The benefits don’t stop after your workout is over, as you’ll even find a nutritional and meal planning guide to complete your healthy lifestyle. The last thing you want to do is spend an entire weekend trying to assemble your home gym once it arrives, but the Total Gym XLS comes ready to use.
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10.
Total Gym APEX G5
Pros:
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Incline glideboard lets you use your own body weight as resistance
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On-demand workouts streaming 24/7
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Comes with 10 resistance levels
Cons:
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Glide board pad isn't very thick
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Does't have transport wheels for storage
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Not ideal for heavy weightlifting
It may be compact, but you can complete over 80 exercises on the Total Gym APEX G5. A multi-purpose design makes this home gym a solid choice for smaller spaces, as you can use it for your favorite strength, stretching and cardio routines.
Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced user, there are 10 resistance levels to keep you in shape or improving your fitness goals. An incline glideboard lets you use your own body weight as resistance to perform an even wider variety of exercises.
This machine is so efficient that you only need to set aside 10 to 20 minutes a day to enjoy a full-body workout. It also supports up to 375 pounds and accommodates various fitness abilities.
Several accessories are included, such as a squat stand, wing attachment, leg pull accessory and dip bars. You’ll also find a training card deck to keep your workouts going smoothly. If you want to mix it up even more, check out the on-demand Total Gym TV platform to stream workouts 24/7.
If you don’t need quite so many features or are shopping on a more limited budget, consider the Total Gym APEX G3. While this indoor gym is a step down in terms of price and features, it still provides eight resistance levels and attachments for a complete full-body workout. The entry-level and more affordable Total Gym APEX G1 has six levels of resistance and attachments, which is plenty for over 60 unique exercises.
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11.
BalanceFrom RS 90 Home Gym System
Pros:
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Total weight of more than 1,000 pounds
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Has a 145-pound vinyl weight stack
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Maximum user weight is 400 pounds
Cons:
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Not very portable
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Doesn't have built-in weight storage
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Bench isn't height adjustable
Skip the crowded gym and bulk up with the sturdy BalanceFrom RS 90 home gym set instead. This workout station can withstand a maximum user weight of 400 pounds, and a total weight of more than 1,000 pounds. In case you have any doubt, the nylon-coated cables have been tested at a 1,000-pound capacity.
Integrated high and low pulley systems provide access to 15 pulleys in total for a true full-body workout. There’s also a lateral pull-down attachment with a wide grip, along with a low row bar. The bars are detachable and can be replaced with other lat machine accessories for a complete workout.
This home gym set includes a 145-pound vinyl weight stack with a total resistance of up to 380 pounds. There’s also a four-roll leg developer.
Another option is the BalanceFrom RS 90XLS Home Gym System. It’s more expensive, but this home gym system is made with heavy-duty steel and supports users up to 400 pounds. Between its high weight capacity and versatility, this BalaceFrom station is a worthy investment for your home or gym garage.
Which Are the Best Home Gyms?
Any home gym that gives you a sufficient workout is a good investment, but these machines stand out as our top rated home gyms for many reasons.
Maybe you're interested in the best compact home gym that won't take up much space, or you want a larger piece of equipment with all the whistles.
Our home gym reviews cover products from popular brands, including Bowflex and Marcy, to less established ones that are equally impressive.
If you're looking to establish a workout routine, knowing general exercise recommendations can help.
According to Harvard Medical School, healthy adults should incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises into their workout routines at least two days per week. The same source notes that this type of activity builds endurance, power, mass and muscle strength.
Are Home Gyms worth It?
Whether you're trying to avoid a pricey gym membership or you want the flexibility to work out at home according to your schedule, home gyms are definitely worth it.
If a larger home gym with multiple stations and settings isn't what you had in mind, a compact home gym with all the essentials could be your best bet.
The best home gym for you might be one that comes with all the bells and whistles, allowing you to enjoy a true full-body workout. If this sounds like what you're looking for, we found several great all in one home gyms.
One of our top picks is the XMark Functional Trainer. This fully-loaded machine has it all, from an adjustable bench along with quick-adjust pulleys with 19 settings, a multi-grip revolving curl bar, tricep press-down bar and more.
Another great choice is the Inspire Fitness M5, which comes with a low row, aluminum lat bar, curl bar and optional leg press and ab bars.
The Body-Solid Fusion 500 has a four-position standard press arm along with a leg extension, chest presses, lat pulldowns and more.
What Is the Best Compact Home Gym?
Smaller can sometimes be better, especially when you are looking for home gym equipment that will fit into an apartment or a more compact home gym space.
If space is at a premium in your home, we suggest the Stamina Warrior, which stands out for its highly compact and no-frills design. In fact, this home gym is best suited for basic arm and leg exercises using your body weight, as well as HIIT sessions.
We also like the OYO Portable Full Body Gym, which uses the same resistance technology as the International Space Station employs to keep astronauts in shape. If you're just getting into a fitness routine or are looking for a compact home gym that's easy to bring to the office and on trips, this portable gym is a solid option.
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