Gyms are great, but the commute is not. We all live busy lives, and we're constantly trying to find ways to free up some time in our daily routines. All-in-one home gyms allow us to get in a workout right in the comfort of our homes, saving us time from the commute.
There are loads of all-in-one home gyms available, but what's the best for you? We've reviewed some of the most popular all-in-one home gyms for you to choose from based on what you need. We also dive deep into what you should consider when buying an all-in-one home gym.
1. Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym 150lb Weight Stack Machine
Summary
The Marcy MWM-988 is a heavy-duty steel frame with a vinyl coating, designed for durability. Its steel frame can withstand even the toughest workouts, and its vinyl coating protects it from any hits and knicks.
This home gym has an impressive maximum weight of 150lbs. While it might not be enough for the strongest athletes, for the average fitness fanatic, it's more than enough. You'll have access to a range of exercises thanks to its built-in double pulley stations, preacher curl bicep pad, dual-function press arm, butterfly attachment, and leg developer. The leg developer even has a pivot point to keep the knees in the correct position during the movement. If you're not sure where to start, the MWM-988 has an exercise chart attached, guiding you through a range of exercises.
Transitioning between different functions is easy and quick. If you want to perform super-sets or circuit-style workouts, not much time will be lost when switching functions.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Variety of functions
- Knee pivot point
- Easy transitions
Cons
- Assembly instructions are a bit vague
Takeaway
Well-priced high-quality home gym with a good range of exercise options.
2. Total Gym XLS – Universal Home Gym for Total Body Workout
Summary
The total gym XLS is highly compact and folds away when it's not in use. If space is a high priority, this machine will suit your needs perfectly. Even though it's compact, it can perform 80 different exercises thanks to its range of attachments and functions. You'll get a squat stand, leg pulley, ankle cuffs, and training deck to help you perform a full-body workout. The total gym XLS comes with 6 types of resistance, allowing you to work different muscles while progressing over time.
80 exercises can seem overwhelming, but the total gym XLS comes with pre-programmed workouts you can easily follow along to. You can also stream your workouts onto your TV from total gym TV. Really great if you want advice on your form and motivation during the workout.
Pros
- Folds away for easy storage
- No assembly required
- Workouts stream to TV
Cons
- Compact, but not portable
Takeaway
Compact and easy-to-store home gym, designed for those with limited space.
3. Powertec Fitness Lever Gym Work Bench
Summary
The Powertec fitness lever gym workbench is designed for lifters wanting to move heavy weights. The press arms have a maximum capacity of 500lbs, while the cables are limited to 300lbs. If you're an experienced strength athlete, these loads are great. Unfortunately, this home gym doesn't come with weight, you'll need your own plates. This is okay if you've already got a pretty decent home gym, but not ideal for beginner home gyms.
One feature I really like about this home gym is its isolateral arms. You have the ability to work each arm separately, great for strengthening any imbalances. However, if you want to work both arms together you still can, just lock the machine in place. There are many other features to this home gym including a bench, pull-down bar, and pulley. You can easily hit many muscle groups on this machine.
Pros
- Isolateral arms
- Heavy weight capacity
- Pull down bar
Cons
- You will need your own plates
Takeaway
Lever machine home gym with a heavy maximum weight, designed for advanced lifters.
4. MiM USA Functional Trainer Bench
Summary
This home gym does pretty much everything. It's a beast of a machine with a built-in bench, smith machine, multi-grip pull-up bar, landmine, cable pulleys, and pad. More or less any resistance exercise can be performed on this machine. The bench and cables are fully adjustable, enabling you to perform more exercises and work different muscles. If you're a bodybuilder wanting to target very specific muscle groups, this home gym is an ideal option. With a high maximum weight limit of 333lbs, it's also compatible with the stronger athletes.
Aesthetically, this is a really nice home gym. It's red, black, and silver design is very stylish and looks classy. It also comes with a storage rack to hold your weight plates so they're not scattered all over the floor.
While this is a great home gym, it's not something the average Joe looking to keep fit would need. It takes up a fair bit of space and comes with a higher price tag. Additionally, it doesn't come with weight plates, you'll need to have, or buy, your own.
Pros
- Aesthetically-pleasing design
- Loads of exercises
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
- Adjustable bench and cables
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
- You will need your own plates
Takeaway
Monster home gym with a ton of exercise options, ideal for advanced bodybuilders.
5. ICON Fitness Gold's Gym XRS 50
Summary
Reasonably simple home gym with a variety of functions enabling you to work the whole body. This home gym comes with a chest press and fly station, leg developer, high pulley for the upper body, and low pulley for the lower body. Weights are stacked up to 112lbs, which is ideal for beginner to intermediate lifters. Unlike other home gyms, there isn't a huge variety of exercises, but there is enough to get in a good workout.
The machine itself is smaller than some of the more advanced home gyms, making it easier to store. For beginners and intermediates just getting into resistance training, this is a great choice. It comes with weights in the stack and offers a range of exercises. It's very simple so probably won't suit advanced or sport-specific lifters.
Pros
- Full-body workout
- Weighted stack
- Exercise chart
Cons
- Limited exercise variety
Takeaway
Basic home gym with a decent weight stack ideal for beginners and intermediates.
6. ICON Fitness Weider PRO 8500 Smith Cage
Summary
This home gym is way more than just a smith machine. Alongside the smith machine, you also get a multi-function pulley, squat rack, multi-grip pull-up bar, pull-down bar, and an adjustable bench. You can target all the major muscle groups, as well as hitting the smaller muscles. What I like about this machine is you have many options. You're not restricted to one or two exercises per muscle group. This makes working out a lot more enjoyable and varied.
The only downfall with this home gym is it doesn't come with its own weights. If you don't already own weighted plates, this can be quite expensive. The home gym itself is well-priced, but if you add in the plates the price will quickly rise up.
Pros
- Variety of exercises
- Multi-function pulley
- No need for a spotter
Cons
- Weights not included
Takeaway
Well-priced all-around home gym, suited for experienced lifters.
7. Weider Ultimate Body Works
Summary
The Weider Ultimate Body Works bench expands and collapses, allowing you to perform a range of total body exercises. You choose between four resistance bands to add resistance up to 50lbs. There's no need for any weights, the resistance comes from the bands. Not having weights is both cheaper and requires less maintenance. Ideal if you want something simple yet effective.
As well as expanding and collapsing, this home gym also has eight levels of inclines to switch up your training. You can make exercises easier or harder by simply adjusting their incline, easy.
Due to the Weider design, this home gym folds away, allowing for easy storage. You can perform your workout then tuck it away out of sight.
Pros
- Easily stored away
- Resistance bands
- Total body workout
Cons
- No starting guide
Takeaway
Easily stored, portable total body home gym.
8. Body-Solid StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym
Summary
If you prefer to workout alongside a buddy, this is the ideal home gym. This unique home gym has two workstations, allowing you and your partner to workout together. You'll no longer need to wait around for each other, as you can exercise at the same time. You also both get your own weight stack, so no need to worry about sharing weight. Each weight stack is an impressive 210lbs, suitable for all ability levels.
There are many exercise options thanks to the range of equipment available in the home gym. You'll get a pec station, high-, mid-, and low-pulleys, pull-down bar, leg extension, and leg curl. With a large selection of exercises, it's easy to get in a full-body workout.
Pros
- Two workout stations
- Variety of exercises
- Leg extension and curl function
Cons
- Difficult to set up
Takeaway
Two workout stations making it easy to work out with a partner.
9. Marcy Smith Cage Workout Machine
Summary
A machine built with durability in mind. This home gym is made from a heavy-duty steel frame reinforced with a powder coat finish to withstand the toughest of workouts. If you're lifting heavy weights and want something that lasts, the Marcy smith cage home gym is great.
The home gym itself comes with many features to help you perform a full-body workout with a ton of variety. You get dual-function press arms and a leg developer so you can work each side of the body separately. This is a really cool feature and makes it a great choice if you struggle with muscle imbalances. The all-in-one workout station also combines arm and leg stations to work different muscle groups, saving you time when switching between equipment. What I also like about this home gym is that it has pegs to easily store your weight plates. It keeps your home gym tidy while making the weights easily accessible.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Weight plate storage
- Dual-action arm and leg developer
Cons
- Weighted plates not included
Takeaway
Highly durable home gym built with sustainability and performance in mind. Ideal for experienced lifters.
10. Titan Fitness Functional Trainer
Summary
The Titan fitness functional trainer is an all-in-one weighted stack home gym. It utilizes a range of pulling and rowing movements to build strength and size across the body. The home gym uses an adjustable pulley system allowing you to set the position you desire. You can add a range of accessories to mix up the movements. What I really like about this home gym is it comes with a long bar you can use to attach both sides. This makes it possible to perform movements like squats, shoulder press, and chest press.
The weight stack ranges between 10-200lbs on each side. Its wide range makes this home gym accessible for complete beginners up to advanced athletes. If you've got different ability levels in your household, this home gym will suit all.
Pros
- Wide weight range
- Long bar attachment
- Comes with a pull-up bar
Cons
- Large weight increments
Takeaway
Weighted stack home gym with a large weight range suitable for athletes of all abilities.
11. Rouge SML-2 90" Monster Lite Squat Stand
Summary
The Rogue SML-2 has been specifically designed for the squat movement. It's a robust frame designed to withstand heavy loads. Its 5/8" holes in the Westside spacing pattern are perfect for replicating a competition-style setup. If you're an athlete regularly competing, this squat stand can help you mimic competition conditions so you're not caught out on the day.
Although it is specifically a squat rack, it can also be used for bench work, pull-ups, and clean pulls. However, you'll have to pay extra for the pull-up bar and mounts. Considering other brands include the extras, this is a downfall from Rogue. If you're specifically a squat athlete, this rack is highly robust and durable; but if you're looking for variety, there are other home gyms available.
Pros
- High quality
- Lifetime guarantee
- Extras available
Cons
- Limited exercise options
- Accessories sold separately
Takeaway
Robust squat rack designed for athletes focusing primarily on their squat.
12. Titan Fitness Competition Bench and Squat Rack Combo
Summary
The Titan Fitness competition rack has been designed specifically for the bench and squat. Similar to the Rogue SML-2, this home gym doesn't allow for much variety. However, what it lacks in variability it makes up for in quality. The steel rack itself is very sturdy and can withstand large amounts of weight. The bench is held in using a safety pin to give you maximal support during your lift.
You have the ability to set up the rack specifically for your needs. The spotter bar height, bench press j-cup height, and squat j-cup height are fully adjustable. This is really handy for getting your set up into the perfect position before a big lift. I really like the footplates on this rack for the spotter, it gives them a better grip meaning they have more control over the spot.
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- Spotter footplates
- Durable steel frame
Cons
- Lacks exercise variety
Takeaway
Durable squat and bench rack suitable for competitive powerlifters.
13. BodyBoss 2.0
Summary
The BodyBoss 2.0 is a portable full-body home gym that can be taken with you wherever you go. If you travel regularly but still want to get in a good workout, this is the ideal product. The BodyBoss 2.0 has been designed to mimic over 300 exercises performed in a regular gym. The product works by attaching resistance bands to the platform then using either the collapsible workout bar, handles, or wrist/ankle straps to perform the movement. You can make the movements harder or easier by folding or unfolding the platform.
I really like this product purely based on its simplicity. You can't get too specific with it, but it allows you to stay fit and healthy wherever you are. If you want something cheap and cheerful, this product is a winner.
Pros
- Portable
- Simple
- Well priced
Cons
- Difficult to progress
Takeaway
Simple, portable gym ideal for someone just looking to keep in shape.
14. Bowflex PR1000
Summary
The Bowflex PR1000 uses power rod technology to provide resistance up to 200lbs. You can perform over 26 exercises for a full-body workout. What I love about the Bowflex PR1000 is the bench can also be turned into a rowing seat, a great way to work the back muscles. You also have the ability to alter the angle of each pulley to target different parts of the body.
While pretty basic compared to others, the Bowflex PR1000 is ideal for beginners or people just wanting to keep in decent shape. The Bowflex PR1000 also comes with a built-in media rack to store your phone. You can easily listen to music or check your phone during sets without having to leave it in an unsafe space.
Pros
- Power rod technology
- Rowing seat
- Media rack
Cons
- Limited variety of exercises
Takeaway
Basic home gym ideal for beginners.
15. Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack
Summary
The Rogue RML-3W is very similar to the Rogue SML-2, they're both simple, high-quality racks designed primarily for the squat. However, I'm a big fan of the Rogue RML-3W because it has the ability to fold away. If you've got limited space this really is a game-changer. Many advanced home gyms will have several pieces of this kit. This rack tucks away nicely to make room for other pieces of equipment. You simply unfold it when you want to use it, then tuck it away when you're done. Its unique hinge and pin system makes it super easy to install while keeping it really sturdy.
The rack itself is made from high-quality steel uprights with Westside hole spacing. The hole spacing makes it easy to set up to competition standards. You can also use the rack for other exercises including bench and clean pulls.
Pros
- Folds away
- High quality
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
Takeaway
Rack designed to fold away, great for those with limited space.
Conclusion
We've reviewed a range of all-in-one home gyms, but which is the best for you? The answer depends primarily on your budget, variety, and space. Here's what we would consider the best in each category:
- Best for Budget: BodyBoss 2.0. The BodyBoss 2.0 is the cheapest all in one home gym on our list. It's super simple design means it doesn't have many parts, making it very cost-effective.
- Best for Variety: MiM USA Functional Trainer Bench. This home gym does pretty much everything. It's a beast of a machine with a built-in bench, smith machine, multi-grip pull-up bar, landmine, cable pulleys, and pad. More or less any resistance exercise can be performed on this machine.
- Best for Space: Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack. If you're limited by space the Rogue RML-3W folds away when not in use. When it is tucked away it takes up very little space, giving you room to do other activities.
Buying Guide
What Is An All In One Home Gym?
An all-in-one home gym is exactly what it says; it allows you to perform all exercises on one machine. You're able to perform a full-body workout from the comfort of your own home.
So, what are the benefits of owning one?
- Cost-Effective: All-in-one home gyms are a one-off purchase. You don't have to buy multiple pieces of equipment or worry about a monthly gym membership.
- Space-Saving: All your equipment is on one machine. Suitable for those with little space to spare.
- Full-Body: You can perform exercises for all muscle groups with just one machine.
What Are The Different Types Of Home Gyms?
All home gyms have the same goal; to provide a full-body workout on one machine. However, despite having the same goal, not all home gyms are created equally. There are five main types of a home gym; weight stack, resistance rod, smith, lever gym, and body-weight rolling incline boards. What makes them different? Let's find out:
Weight Stack
Weight stack home gyms operate by inserting a pin into your desired weight, then performing your chosen exercise. They're the type of machine you'll find in most commercial gyms. However, unlike the machines in commercial gyms, you can perform multiple exercises. Most weight stack home gyms will have a bench, overhead pulley, leg press, and leg extension. Advanced models typically have even more options. They're really easy to use and you have precise control over how much weight you want.
Resistance Rod
Resistance rod home gyms are similar to weight stacks, but instead of weights, they use flexible rods. Due to the design of flexible rods, the weight gets heavier the more it is moved. While this is good for strengthening end range contractions, start range contractions aren't worked as hard. However, because there are fewer moving parts it's typically easier to maintain resistance rod home gyms.
Smith
Another machine you might have seen in a commercial gym. A smith machine is essentially a barbell rack with a built-in spotter. The barbell stays attached to the rack while you move. If you're about to fail a lift you simply rotate the bar and it re-racks. This is a great safety feature and is very useful for those regularly going to failure without having a spotter. However, one drawback is the bar path is predetermined. Some lifters don't like this and it makes them feel uncomfortable.
Lever Gym
Lever gyms are designed for heavy weights. They're similar to weight stacks, but instead of using a predetermined weight stack, you can use your own Olympic style weight plates. Weight stack home gyms are fine, but their maximum load isn't always enough for the strong guys and gals. If you intend on lifting heavy weights, you might want to consider a lever gym.
Heavy weights and safety don't usually go hand in hand. But, lever gyms have built-in safety features similar to smith machines. Therefore, if you think you're going to fail a lift, the machine will catch it for you. There's no need to worry about damaging yourself or your surroundings.
Body-Weight Rolling Incline Board
Body-weight rolling incline boards are a cost-effective, simple all-around piece of equipment designed to suit the needs of someone wanting to stay in shape. There's no added resistance, you just use your body-weight. But, you can make exercise easier or harder by manipulating the incline of the bench. Exercises are performed on a padded board that glides over rollers. If you want something simple to keep you in shape without having to spend a lot, the body-weight rolling incline board is a great option.
What To Consider When Buying A Home Gym?
As we've seen, there are many different types of home gyms but which one is right for us? There are a few things you'll need to consider before buying the best home gym for you.
- Budget: Not everyone wants to spend a fortune on a home gym. Sure, they're a great long-term investment but some of us might want a small home gym to accompany our existing gym memberships. If we want both, we might need to consider getting something on the cheaper end.
- Space: All-in-one home gyms have the advantage of being compact, but they can still be pretty hefty. Especially if you've not got much room to start with. Body-weight rolling incline boards are ideal if you've got very little space available.
- Exercise Variety: You can perform a range of exercises on all home gyms while hitting the main muscle groups. However, some of the high-end home gyms have even more features that allow you to perform more exercises and target some of the smaller muscles. If you're a bodybuilder or recovering from an injury you might want more specific training. If so, a home gym with more exercise options might be better suited.
- Weight: Most home gyms have a certain weight limit, some more than others. If you want to lift some heavy weight, a lever gym is probably your best option. If you're not too concerned about weight, body-weight rolling incline boards are a great alternative. If you want a bit of both, take a look at the weights available to ensure you have enough to suit your current and future goals.
- Maintenance: With more moving parts, you're inevitably going to have to pay more attention to the care of more advanced machines. More maintenance can take more time and potentially more money. You might also need a certain level of expertise, or bring in an expert to service the machine for you. Take a look at warranties etc. when buying an all-in-one home gym.
- Training Experience: If you have a lot of experience with weight training, you might want an advanced machine with multiple weight and exercise options. If you're a beginner you might be best suited with something more simplistic. Advanced machines are typically more expensive, and if simple is what you want, it's not worth the extra investment for a complex machine.