Whether you’re a seasoned bodybuilder or a novice looking to kickstart your journey, you can conquer your fitness goals without stepping foot in a commercial gym. In an age where convenience often takes precedence, working out from home has become a viable option for those who don’t want to deal with a lengthy commute, crowded training space, or lack of equipment.
However, like building muscle, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to selecting the best home gym machine. To help you find the right match for your training style and goals, we have researched and tested over 40 home gyms, cable machines, and functional trainers. Our in-depth evaluation process helped determine which home gyms took top honors in specific categories.
Best home gym overall
Made of heavy-duty, 11-gauge steel and boasting a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, the highly customizable (and versatile) REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack is our top pick for home gym machines. Learn more about its features and how it held up during testing in our review below.
Our picks for the best home gym machines
- Best overall: REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack
- Best smart: Tonal
- Best all-in-one: Force USA G15
- Best for bodybuilding: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer
- Best portable: MAXPRO SmartConnect Cable Machine
- Best cable machine: Bells of Steel Cable Tower With Weight Stack 2.0
- Best for small spaces: Vitruvian Form Trainer+
- Best budget: Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03
- Best for beginners: TUT Trainer Tower
- Best compact: Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar
Compare the best home gym machines
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| REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack | Tonal | Force USA G15 | Titan Fitness Functional Trainer | MAXPRO SmartConnect Cable Machine | Bells of Steel Cable Tower | Vitruvian Form Trainer+ | Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03 | TUT Trainer Tower | Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Price | Starts at $800 | $3,995 (plus $495 for smart accessories) | $5,500 | $2,500 | $1,200 | $1,130 | $2,990 | $830 | $999 | $549 or $949, depending on the model |
| Dimensions | 80” or 93” H x 50.8” W x 16”, 24”, 30” or 41” D | 50.9” H x 21.5” W x 5.25” D | 87.5” H x 79.5” W x 53” D | 82” H x 64” W x 44” D | 4.11” H x 3.6” W x 32.3” L | 80.9” H x 28.5” W x 25.1” D | 4.53” H x 20.5” W x 46” L | 84.3” H x 63” W x 66.9” D | Not listed | N/A |
| Warranty | Lifetime coverage for production defects only | Two years | Lifetime structural | One year | One year | Limited lifetime | Limited, non-transferable, 2-year for electronic components and parts | One year | One year | One year |
Best home gym overall: REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack
Key product features
What you should know
This highly customizable power rack from REP Fitness is a great pick for most home gym owners. Here are some of our favorite attributes of the PR-4000:
- REP made it easy to identify where to put your J-hooks, safety arms, and other accessories by etching laser-cut numbers into the steel uprights.
- With a starting price of $800, the PR-4000 provides tremendous value. You get a heavy-duty power rack that boasts a 1,000-pound weight capacity and compatibility with various attachments.
- Our best overall home gym machine should appeal to lifters who focus on heavy compound movements yet still want to work on specific muscle groups by performing isolation exercises.
Why we like REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack as best overall
Crafted from sturdy 11-gauge steel, the PR-4000 is much more than just a power rack; it’s a versatile piece of home gym equipment that allows you to train multiple muscle groups in a variety of ways.
Although it’s designed for you to be able to crush squats and bench presses, you can do much more with this heavy-duty, commercial-grade rack. The PR-4000 has several add-ons available, including multi-grip pull-up bars, weight horns, J-cups, low-row attachments, and other accessories that can open up a world of training possibilities.
If you want even more flexibility, you can purchase the Ares™ Cable Attachment—a luxurious addition for those with extra financial wriggle room. However, starting at about $2,240, it may be best served as a future investment for your home gym setup.
The PR-4000 is available in multiple heights and depths and accommodates diverse setups. Our testers favored the 80-inch height, as it’s ideal for most home gym spaces, especially garages or basements with low ceilings. However, the 93-inch option should suit taller users well.
Although the PR-4000 earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for construction from our testing team, we still recommend bolting it down for optimal stability. You can also opt for foot extensions for added security without altering your floor.
The PR-4000 earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for materials and value. One of the only areas in which it fell short was with the powder coat finish. “It isn’t completely smooth,” our tester noted.
Despite that minor criticism, our reviewers believe the customizable PR-4000 can serve as the centerpiece of your home workouts. It starts at about $800, so you should still have room in your budget to grab a pair of the best adjustable dumbbells , a sturdy weight bench, and other equipment to round out your setup.
Specs
| Dimensions | 80” or 93” H x 50.8” W x 16”, 24”, 30” or 41” D |
| Best for | Squats, bench presses, overhead presses |
| Price | Starts at $800 |
Best smart home gym: Tonal
Key product features
What you should know
Powered by intuitive AI, this smart home gym machine must be mounted to a wall by professionals if you want to take advantage of its vast capabilities. Here are some key points to consider before you start making room for a Tonal:
- You will need an area that’s at least 7-foot-by-7-foot to accommodate the machine’s moving arms and cables.
- At $4,000, Tonal is an investment. And between the accessories and the mandatory initial 12-month subscription, you’ll have to spend another $550 to fully unlock its potential.
- Tonal is a great solution if you want guided workouts and a personal trainer-like feel at home.
Why we like Tonal as best smart home gym
Home fitness looks a lot different these days, thanks to technology. Perhaps no piece of home gym equipment epitomizes that shift more than Tonal, a wall-mounted workout system that utilizes AI to take your training to another level.
Offering 200 pounds of total resistance (100 pounds per arm) via a digital weight system, our best smart home gym machine allows you to enjoy a wide variety of workouts while also preserving valuable space. With 17 sensors in the unit that assess your form and provide real-time feedback, Tonal not only tracks your pace and range of motion but also automatically changes the weights for you during your workout.
“This intuitive home gym is great for beginners. The added bonus of real-time feedback can help increase confidence with various movements, which can sometimes be a barrier for people just starting to exercise. With this system, you can continue progressing with exercises to keep you on your journey.”
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, Fortune Recommends Advisor
“This intuitive home gym is great for beginners,” adds Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS. “The added bonus of real-time feedback can help increase confidence with various movements, which can sometimes be a barrier for people just starting to exercise. With this system, you can continue progressing with exercises to keep you on your journey.”
Our product tester has owned a Tonal machine for three years. She’s lifted millions of pounds during that time via exercises like deadlifts, hip thrusts, and even Pallof presses—a challenging core exercise that works your obliques and abdominals. ( 1 ) Despite its unconventional design, the machine has routinely delivered an excellent workout experience, leading to a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars from her in this category.
“It’s so much easier to do heavy deadlifts and hip thrusts on the Tonal than having to set up a barbell and a bench at the gym,” our tester noted. “Once I’m done, I just have to click a button, and I can move on to the next exercise.”
“The ease of use and quick press of a button to switch exercises makes it seamless when trying to move quickly through exercises, which is not just a time saver, but also a way to raise your heart rate,” adds Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “This is a nice variation from other home gyms that require time to set up and break down to switch between exercises, or if you’re with a training partner using different weights.”
Tonal stands out for its sleek design and compact footprint. It offers custom workouts, coach-guided programming, partner workouts, and live and on-demand classes. You will, however, need to sign up for a 12-month initial subscription (about $60 per month) to fully unlock this premium-priced piece of equipment.
Tonal is by no means a budget-friendly option. In addition to its nearly $4,000 price tag, you’ll have to pay another $500 to get an accessory kit that includes handles, a bar, a rope, a weight bench, a roller, and a workout/yoga mat.
You don’t have to worry about setting up your Tonal alone. The company sends a trained installer team to ensure your new smart home gym system is ready to go. If you don’t enjoy the product, you can return it for any reason within 30 days—a nice perk if you’re on the fence about the high sticker price.
Specs
| Dimensions | 50.9” H x 21.5” W x 5.25” D |
| Best for | HIIT workouts or basic strength training |
| Price | $3,995 (plus $495 for smart accessories) |
Best all-in-one home gym: Force USA G15
Key product features
What you should know
The G15 allows you to perform hundreds of exercises by combining a half rack, Smith machine , and functional trainer into a single machine. However, at $5,500, it’s also one of the most expensive pieces of fitness equipment in this category. Here’s what else you should know:
- This premium-priced machine features a unique cable pulley system that allows you to change between a 2:1 and 4:1 pulley ratio.
- Even though it costs $5,500, the G15 offers great versatility and excellent value. For another $800, you can expand your all-in-one home gym with an upgrade kit that includes a pair of jammer arms, an adjustable vertical leg press plate, and several other accessories.
- If you have the financial flexibility to afford a true do-it-all home gym solution, the G15 gives you everything you need to accomplish your fitness and physique goals.
Why we like Force USA G15 as best all-in-one home gym
Boasting a unique interchangeable cable pulley ratio, dual integrated 289-pound weight stacks, and 17 functional attachments, the Force USA G15 combines several pieces of strength training equipment into a true all-in-one home gym machine. Highly customizable and incredibly durable, this premium-priced unit operates as a power rack, functional trainer , and Smith machine. It gives you ample opportunities to train your lower body, upper body, and core.
You’ll need to make room in your garage gym budget to take full advantage of the G15. Priced at $5,500, it’s an expensive piece of equipment that falls on the high side of the market. However, this all-in-one solution offers so much versatility that you shouldn’t have to invest in much else.
During testing, our top reviewer put the G15 through a series of exercises that included Smith machine squats, barbell squats, chest flies, triceps pulldowns, lat pulldowns, and low rows. Although the passive knurling on the Smith machine’s bar left him unimpressed, he reported that the G15 felt stable during use.
“This thing will be stuck in place once you get it all assembled.”
Team Product Tester
The patented interchangeable cable ratio system, which lets you quickly shift from a 2:1 to 4:1 ratio, separates the G15 from similar models. This means if you have 100 pounds loaded, you can either lift 50 pounds (2:1) or 25 pounds (4:1). The interchangeable ratios are beneficial when users of different strength levels train together.
It’s also convenient when you perform supersets, compound sets, or drop sets and don’t want to change the weight between exercises. These are popular methods for maximizing muscle growth. In fact, research shows that performing drop sets (reducing the load and going to failure) is an efficient strategy for promoting hypertrophy when you have limited training time. ( 2 )
Putting together this commercial-grade home gym machine requires some time and patience. It took our experienced team of builders more than 10 hours to assemble the G15.
“The average person would need to budget for at least 20 man-hours of time to get this assembled,” our lead reviewer reported.
If you’d rather let professionals set it up, you can add an assembly upgrade option to your order for $799.
Specs
| Dimensions | 87.5” H x 79.5” W x 53” D |
| Best for | Compound and isolation movements |
| Price | $5,500 |
Best bodybuilding home gym: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer
Key product features
What you should know
The Titan Fitness Functional Trainer includes two fully enclosed 200-pound weight stacks. This versatile home gym machine is great for bodybuilders and strength training enthusiasts who want to target specific muscle groups at different angles.
- Although Titan doesn’t specify which gauge steel it uses, our product tester reported that this functional trainer should last “quite a while” and withstand rigorous use.
- At around $2,500, this machine represents rock-solid value. You can perform various exercises by taking advantage of all the available attachments.
- Bodybuilders will appreciate the ability to transition from lower-body exercises to upper-body movements with a single machine.
Why we like Titan Fitness Functional Trainer as best for bodybuilding
Bodybuilders need the right tools to achieve a stage-ready look. With the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer, physique-focused athletes can develop rounded delts and bulging biceps by utilizing the machine’s dual 200-pound weight stacks for challenging muscle-building workouts.
This sturdy home gym machine accommodates lifters of all strength levels, featuring a 2:1 pulley ratio and a starting resistance of 20 pounds that goes up in 10-pound increments. Our product tester was impressed after using it for cable crossovers, cable curls, lunges, face pulls, lat pulldowns, and other exercises. He especially liked the easily adjustable pulley system, noting that swiveling the pulleys provides even more versatility.
Although Titan doesn’t specify what gauge steel it uses, our tester noted that this functional trainer felt solid and stable. He gave it a construction rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
While it also received high scores for versatility (4.5 out of 5 stars) and accessory compatibility (4 out of 5 stars), the machine didn’t earn quite as much love in the footprint or setup categories. It’s 82 inches high, 64 inches wide, and 44 inches deep, so you’ll need to carve out a decent amount of space to fit it in your home gym. Plus, putting this sizable machine together will likely take a few hours.
However, once you assemble the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer, you can look forward to hitting different muscle groups with a smooth-moving pulley system. This system allows you to go as heavy as 200 pounds per side—more than enough to build the body of your dreams.
Specs
| Dimensions | 82” H x 64” W x 44” D |
| Best for | Bodybuilding and hypertrophy training |
| Price | $2,500 |
Best portable home gym: MAXPRO SmartConnect Cable Machine
Key product features
What you should know
Capable of delivering up to 300 pounds of resistance, the MAXPRO SmartConnect Cable Machine is designed for people who value portability. Here’s what else you should know:
- Once you fully charge the MAXPRO SmartConnect, it should last for up to two months of daily use.
- Priced around $1,200, this product doesn’t offer much value, given its size and limited capabilities compared to other home gym machines in a similar price range.
- The SmartConnect is great if you’re on the go or have limited space to train at home.
Why we like MAXPRO SmartConnect Cable Machine as best portable
The MAXPRO SmartConnect Cable Machine provides a high amount of resistance with fine-tuned adjustability. Despite its small footprint and portable design, its overall sturdiness impressed our product tester, who gave it 4 out of 5 stars for construction.
“The cords are incredibly strong despite being so small. I spoke to the founder, and he said certain design aspects use auto parts for strength.”
Team Product Testers
Although the system may look intimidating, the setup process isn’t something you have to fret about. Our tester gave the MAXPRO SmartConnect 4 out of 5 stars in this category, noting that you can mount the machine to a wall or stand on it when in use. Essentially, you stand on the platform to keep the machine in place while using the cables for resistance training.
Along with the machine itself, you get a long bar, workout handles, ankle and wrist straps, a door mount system, and a USB charger. If you’re willing to splurge, you can upgrade your setup with a foldable weight bench ($225), Maxpack backpack ($125), or wall track ($339) so you can mount it.
“The addition of the wall track can increase the versatility of your workouts and maximize all that this portable machine has to offer,” adds Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS. “Exercise variation can influence muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, particularly if you are looking to target specific areas.” ( 3 )
The MAXPRO also has an extensive workout library featuring live and on-demand classes. This can be helpful if you’re on the go and want to complete a session without having to put together a workout yourself.
Designed to fit inside a backpack, the MAXPRO unsurprisingly earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars for portability from our reviewers.
“I’ve taken it on trips so I can train while I’m away from my home gym, and it works just like it would anywhere else.”
Team Product Tester
However, the MAXPRO did fall short in a few areas, including accessories (3.5 out of 5 stars) and the all-important value category.
“Although it’s versatile, it’s pricey for such a small device,” our tester explained. “If you don’t have the space and want something portable, it could make sense—but it’s still going to cost quite a bit.”
The accessories you’d likely need the most, like the weight bench, wall mount, and suspension handles, are also not included. These tools will add another $593 to the overall cost of the MAXPRO system.
Specs
| Dimensions | 4.11” H x 3.6” W x 32.3” L |
| Best for | Resistance training on the go |
| Price | $1,200 |
Best cable machine for home gym: Bells of Steel Cable Tower
Key product features
What you should know
Deemed “a home gym owner’s dream product” by our top reviewer, the Bells of Steel Cable Tower opens the door to nearly endless exercise possibilities. It includes a 210-pound weight stack with a 2:1 pulley ratio and is compatible with the company’s highly-rated Hydra squat racks.
- Our product tester gave this machine a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for construction and durability. You can feel confident about it holding up to repeated use.
- If you don’t have room in your budget for the $1,300 weight stack version, you can opt for the plate-loaded version that only costs $350.
- Offering excellent versatility, this cable machine caters to people of all fitness levels who want to build strength and muscle at home.
Why we like Bells of Steel Cable Tower as best cable machine
Cable machines are an effective, efficient way to build strength and muscle without loading and unloading weight plates or carrying dumbbells back and forth to the rack. ( 4 ) With the Bells of Steel Cable Tower, you can perform hundreds of exercises at home utilizing a 210-pound pin-loaded weight stack.
“The opportunity to add different movements to your exercise program through a variety of tools and equipment is an effective strategy to help achieve goals,” says Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “Not only is it supported by research, but it’s a principle that’s been proven by gym-goers.” ( 5 )
With 33 height settings, this versatile and space-efficient home gym cable machine is great for performing everything from triceps pushdowns to flys to upright rows. The cable tower has a footprint of less than 2.5’ x 2.5’, and you can mount it to a wall stud or connect it to your power rack uprights. It also features aluminum pulleys that offer a smooth feel during your workouts. Combined with a heavy-duty, durable steel frame, this machine earned a perfect construction score of 5 out of 5 stars from our product tester.
The machine is versatile on its own, but Bells of Steel allows you to customize it in various ways. For example, you can add a pair of weight plate pegs for $45 each. Or, you can add a dip bar rack attachment for about $100 to give your triceps, pecs, and shoulders even more of a challenge. ( 6 ) If you want to save some cash and already own a set of weight plates, you can buy the plate-loaded version. The plate-loaded machine costs about $800 less than the weight-stack model.
One area in which Bells of Steel could be better is assembly. The company doesn’t include the necessary mounting hardware, and putting the unit together can take several hours.
Specs
| Dimensions | 80.9” H x 28.5” W x 25.1” D |
| Best for | Flys, pushdowns, curls, and other isolation exercises |
| Price | $1,130 |
Best home gym for small spaces: Vitruvian Form Trainer+
Key product features
What you should know
Ideal for small spaces, the Vitruvian Trainer+ offers excellent versatility, tracking capabilities, and an impressive maximum load of 440 pounds.
- Our product tester reported that there’s a major learning curve with the Vitruvian Form Trainer+, as you’ll need to learn the terminology and programming features.
- Although you don’t need a subscription to utilize the machine, an all-access membership lets you get in-depth data tracking for $39 monthly.
- The Trainer+ is an ideal solution for tech-savvy home gym owners who want to work out using a single piece of equipment.
Why we like Vitruvian Form Trainer+ as best for small spaces
The Vitruvian Form Trainer+ packs a lot in a tidy package with an adaptive weight system that can go from 0 to 440 pounds. This Australian-made home gym machine measures 46 inches long, 20 inches wide, and just 4.5 inches tall, earning a perfect portability score of 5 out of 5 stars during our testing process.
Although it’s essentially a thin platform with cables attached, you shouldn’t underestimate what the Trainer+ can do. Like Tonal, it relies on digital resistance to help you get stronger and fitter while taking up minimal room. However, while Tonal carries a maximum resistance of 200 pounds, the Trainer+ provides more than double that amount.
“Though many people may not need that amount of resistance, it opens up the options for those who may. Particularly with exercises like squats and deadlifts, where some people may be stronger and need more resistance.”
Chris Mohr, Ph.D.,RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor
On the other hand, Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, points out a few reasons why certain populations should consider another home gym. “Because of the design of the system, beginners may not find this system useful and should opt for something else since there’s no way to know if you are doing movements correctly. However, if you are a seasoned lifter with plenty of experience and limited space, this system is great.”
Described as a “beautiful machine” by our lead reviewer, the Trainer+ includes several high-quality accessories. In fact, he noted that the vinyl and foam on the Vitruvian flat weight bench outshined the materials used on benches made by strength-specific manufacturers.
The machine allows you to perform staple movements like the bench press, squat, and deadlift. It also works well for isolation exercises like biceps curls and triceps extensions. Plus, the Trainer+ offers eccentric-mode (lengthening) training, which can help elicit greater muscle stimulations and growth than concentric-only (contracting) training. ( 7 )
“When you’re able to combine concentric and eccentric training, you increase what’s called time under tension, a researched and trusted method of improving effectiveness,” says Mohr. ( 8 ) “This gives the muscle the greatest stimulation and opportunity for growth, which is why it’s important to focus on both aspects of each lift when possible. The Vitruvian Trainer+ allows you to do just that.”
However, our tester did have a few call-outs worth mentioning. First, he noted that the design makes it difficult to perform pull-down movements. And while he appreciates that AI adapts to your strength levels, he wishes you could manually select and modify weights rather than letting the machine do it.
“It would be useful for people who have trained for a while to choose their weights for different rep and set schemes,” he noted.
Specs
| Dimensions | 4.53” H x 20.5” W x 46” L |
| Best for | Full-body workouts |
| Price | $2,990 |
Best budget home gym: Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03
Key product features
What you should know
The Major Fitness All-In-One Power Rack offers home gym owners a wide variety of training options. Here’s what we like about this versatile machine:
- Because the cable system is set behind the back of the power rack, you can still comfortably perform squats inside of the cage.
- Despite being a budget-priced home gym machine, this power rack uses high-quality materials that should withstand repeated use.
- Having a power rack with multiple attachments will empower home gym owners who want to perform full-body workouts on a single piece of equipment.
Why we like Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03 as best budget
An all-in-one home gym that won’t force you to break the bank, the Major Fitness All-in-One Power Rack offers an excellent blend of versatility and value. Priced just north of $800, it gives you ample options to work on your upper body, lower body, and core in a single machine.
Because the PLM03 combines a power rack with a built-in functional trainer, it’s a space-saving solution that delivers a comfortable and secure workout experience. Our team rated it 4 out of 5 stars for construction, noting that each joint’s 2” x 3” uprights and reinforcing plates provide solid stability.
Major Fitness smartly designed this all-in-one home gym with the cable pulley system set behind the power cage. This enhances the functionality, as you can use the inside of the power rack without any other components getting in the way.
Another user-friendly feature includes the ability to rotate the swivel pulleys 180 degrees. However, our reviewers had to tighten the carriages on the upright to prevent them from popping out of their hole placement.
Overall, the PLM03 is a budget-friendly option for working on compound lifts and isolation movements—both of which are effective for building size and strength. (
9
)
Specs
| Dimensions | 84.3” H x 63” W x 66.9” D |
| Best for | Full-body workouts that include compound and isolation movements |
| Price | $830 |
Best home gym for beginners: TUT Trainer Tower
Key product features
What you should know
Lightweight and easy to move, the TUT Trainer Tower attaches to a wall or doorway. You can utilize this beginner-friendly home gym machine to develop strength and muscle before upgrading to a full-scale
functional trainer
.
- You can expand your setup with accessories like the TUT rower, allowing low-row exercises and cardio training.
- Given its $1,000 price point and limited functionality, this machine earned a value score of 3.5 out of 5 stars from our lead product reviewer.
- The TUT Trainer Tower is a great option for home gym owners who don’t have sufficient space for a traditional cable machine or functional trainer.
Why we like TUT Trainer Tower as best for beginners
If you’re not quite ready for a full-scale functional trainer, the TUT Trainer Tower is a terrific way to get started on your strength training journey. You can mount this device to a wall with studs or attach it to a door frame (our tester’s preferred option).
Featuring a slim profile, the TUT Trainer Tower doesn’t operate like a typical cable machine. Instead, it uses TUT Trainer Plates—small resistance bands with plastic clips on the end—to add resistance to the machine. Despite its rather unconventional design, our tester felt comfortable enough to give it 4 out of 5 stars for construction.
“Even though it only weighs 11.6 pounds, it’s very sturdy. Since parts of the tower and some of the accessories are made with aluminum, they shouldn’t rust like steel.”
Team Product Tester
Also earning 4 out of stars for versatility, the TUT Trainer Tower allows you to perform various pushing and pulling movements for your upper body, including triceps extensions, rows, lat pull-downs, and rear delt flys. You can also use the ankle attachments to work on glute and hamstring exercises, like standing hamstring curls and cable standing abductions. These isolation movements are excellent for building a strong posterior chain (the muscles at the back of the body). ( 10 )( 11 )
“The posterior chain is often overlooked in exercise programming. However, not only can it help prevent injuries, it also balances out the body. It’s often joked about in gym circles that only the front of the body—or “mirror muscles”—get trained, but from the neck down to the ankles, there are a lot of muscles that can help with posture, balance, overall strength, athletic ability and even back pain,” Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, says. ( 12 )
Furthermore, according to Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, “Having a strong posterior chain can benefit you in many ways. In fact, research has shown that those with chronic low back pain can reduce pain and disability when they engage in a program focused on building strength in the posterior chain.” ( 13 )
“This isn’t as versatile as something with built-in programming like Tonal or Tempo, but for what it is, it’s still impressively versatile,” our tester explained. “It’s basically like having a tiny cable machine right in my home.”
Specs
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Best for | Upper-body strength training |
| Price | $999 |
Best compact home gym: Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar
Key product features
What you should know
The X3 Bar combines thick resistance bands and a barbell into a compact all-in-one home gym solution that delivers up to 300 pounds of resistance. Here’s what else you should know:
- Our product tester was a big fan of the 10-minute daily workouts programmed specifically for the X3 Bar, which you can find on Jaquish Biomedical’s website .
- You can receive real-time force tracking, a complimentary X3 squat belt, and other features by upgrading to the X3 Force package, which costs $949.
- People looking for compact exercise equipment will appreciate the X3 Bar’s small footprint and its ability to generate 300 pounds of force.
Why we like Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar as best compact
Created by inventor Dr. John Jaquish, the X3 Bar features high-quality latex bands and a bar that’s reminiscent of an Olympic barbell. The system allows you to increase the amount of force you produce compared to using resistance bands on their own. You can use this compact home gym solution for everything from squats to bench presses to curls. It can create up to 300 pounds of force and includes a ground plate that acts as an anchor point.
For around $550, you get a bar with great knurling. In addition, the X3 Bar features bearings that allow for smooth rotations during your lifts. Our product tester also appreciated that the bands are dipped in layered latex, which gives them a thick, durable feel.
Dr. Jaquish delivers even more value to X3 Bar users through a free 12-week program. This program can help you build muscle mass and improve overall shape. You get access to 10-minute daily workouts, nutrition advice, and tips on when to train and when to rest—an important but sometimes overlooked aspect of training. ( 14 )
Boasting a small footprint, the X3 Bar is ideal for travelers. The bar is just 21.5 inches long, and the ground plate measures 10 inches long by 19 inches wide. You can store the X3 Bar in a duffel bag and take it on trips or leave it in your car for a quick workout when you’re on the go. As a result, it earned a strong portability score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from our product testers.
Specs
| Dimensions |
Ground plate: 10” L x 19” W x 1” H
Bar: 21.5” L x 1.25” D Bands: 41” L |
| Best for | Short, efficient muscle-building workouts |
| Price | $549 |
Benefits of a home gym
While you may miss the socialization aspect of a commercial gym, there are several advantages to building a home gym. Here are a few of the rewards you can reap:
Convenience
Lack of time is a common barrier to exercise. ( 15 ) But when you have a home gym, you can save precious minutes because you don’t have to worry about a lengthy commute or trying to snag a pair of the best dumbbells before someone else does. Having a home gym allows you to work out at any time, which should help you stay consistent with your routine.
Cost-effectiveness
Although a monthly gym membership may seem inexpensive, investing in a home gym can be more cost-effective. The total cost of gym memberships, commute expenses, and other associated fees can increase over time. On the other hand, once you purchase the equipment you need to train at home, you won’t have to spend more money unless you want to upgrade your setup.
Privacy and comfort
Exercising in the privacy of your own home is less intimidating than working out in a public gym setting—especially if you’re a beginner or someone who feels self-conscious about exercising in front of others. A home gym also allows you to control the environment, including temperature, music, and cleanliness. You have the freedom to create a more personalized and comfortable workout space.
Flexibility
With a home gym, you can customize your workouts according to your preferences and fitness goals. You can choose the equipment that best suits your needs and interests, whether it’s cardio machines, strength training equipment, or accessories like resistance bands and stability balls. In addition to a home gym machine, the following tools can make for a well-rounded setup that boasts excellent versatility:
- Power rack: Titan Fitness X-3 Series Flat Foot Power Rack
- Elliptical: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i
- Treadmill: ProForm US Pro 9000
- Rower: Concept2 RowErg
Accessibility
A home gym is always accessible, providing the opportunity to work out even on days when you can’t visit a commercial gym. This accessibility can be particularly beneficial during inclement weather, holidays, or times when the gym is closed. It ensures you can remain consistent with your fitness routine.
How we tested the best home gym machines
Our team has collectively researched and tested over 40 home gyms, cable machines, and functional trainers to determine which provides the best user experience. We assign scores ranging from 1 to 5 stars across key categories, considering that some areas matter more than others.
Although not every category applies universally, our experienced product testers have carefully analyzed each home gym for strengths and weaknesses that can help you make the best decision based on your budget, goals, and training style.
Below is a breakdown of what factors go into our scoring process. You can read more about our strength equipment testing methodology here .
Performance—30%
Home gyms should provide a comfortable, safe, and effective training experience. If the machine has a cable pulley system, we want to ensure it operates smoothly. If a home gym has an app, we test the platform for glitches, crashes, or issues that could affect the user experience.
Plus, we care about the build quality, which will determine how well a piece of equipment will hold up over time. We give higher scores to machines that offer more versatility than those with functionality limitations.
Here are the main factors our testers look for:
- Material quality
- Durability
- Versatility
Customer experience—30%
Customers want to feel secure about investing thousands of dollars in a home gym machine from the warranty length to the packaging and delivery process. In the event of any issues, they also want to be able to get help from the manufacturer in a timely fashion.
Here are the five areas we analyze that affect the customer experience:
- Warranty
- Shipping costs
- Equipment setup
- Packaging and delivery
- Customer service
Value—15%
The best home gyms have the requisite features that’ll allow you to build muscle and strength—at a fair price point. If a machine’s price is too high based on its quality and how it compares to others, it’ll earn a lower value score than one that provides everything you need at a more reasonable cost.
Size—15%
Most home gym owners have limitations on the equipment they can fit in their training space. Home gym machines that take up minimal room without sacrificing functionality earned high scores from our testing team.
Extra options—10%
Can you build upon your home gym machine with attachments and accessories that’ll allow you to expand your exercise repertoire? Does it pair with an app that provides classes or programs you can follow? While these can add more value, it’s still important that you get a great workout experience without having to splurge on extras.
FAQs
How much does a home gym cost?
The average cost for a home gym machine ranges between $1,000 and $2,000. Some all-in-one trainers and other high-end machines with more features may have price tags north of $2,500.
Are home gyms worth it for beginners?
Home gyms are a worthwhile investment for beginners since they offer great versatility, accessibility, and functionality. Most home gym machines allow you to perform full-body workouts, which can help inexperienced trainees build a baseline level of strength, endurance, and overall fitness.
Is it cheaper to build a home gym or purchase a gym membership?
In the short term, purchasing a gym membership is cheaper than building your own gym. However, over the long haul, you can save time and money by working out at home with equipment you purchase based on your budget and preferred training style.
Can you get in shape with a home gym?
As long as you have the right tools, you can achieve your physique and performance goals from your home gym. Whether you start with a pair of adjustable dumbbells and resistance bands or opt for a functional trainer with a cable pulley system, you can perform various strength and conditioning exercises to help you build muscle, burn fat, and get in optimal shape.
Our experts
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and more to help busy executives all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, is an Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in Physical Education, Sports, and Exercise Science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, specializing in Exercise Science and Biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.
Amanda Dvorak
Amanda Dvorak is a Fortune Recommends writer and editor. A garage gym owner who is passionate about working out and healthy living, she has four years of experience writing product reviews for fitness and nutrition websites. Amanda is currently studying to become a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Stephanie Hope, CSSC, CSMC, CLC
Stephanie Hope has over seven years of experience in product and service journalism, with a focus on sleep and well-being. Not only is she a Certified Sleep Science Coach, but she is also a Certified Stress Management Coach, Longevity Coach, and is working on becoming a Wellness Coach through the Spencer Institute.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Stephen Sheehan, CPT
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Stephen Sheehan is an ISSA-certified personal trainer and nutritionist who uses his fitness expertise to review products for Fortune Recommends™. A two-time University of Florida graduate, he has a diverse writing and editing background that’s primarily focused on sports, health and fitness, and e-commerce content. His work has been featured in Runner’s World and Keto Magazine, as well as Bulletproof, Breaking Muscle, and YouFit Gyms.