Best Home Gym System – Your Comprehensive 2020 Buyer’s Guide

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Welcome to the best home gym system review. Home gyms have come a long, long way over the years and choosing the best one can be very challenging.  It used to be the guy at the end of the block had a garage with a weight bench and a punching bag and that was considered a home gym.  Things have changed a lot and now we have complete home gym systems.

My goal with this post is to walk you through what I think are the best home gym systems available today.  Please check out my helpful guide on buying the best home gym system.

Maybe you belong to a gym and that is absolutely fine.  For me, the biggest hassle is coming home from work, having a quick bite to eat, picking up or dropping off kids and still finding time to make it to the gym.  What do you think about a home gym?

Working out is a critical part of my life.  I had a pretty severe back injury just a few years ago and now my job is to keep my body in the best shape I can.  It is critical for me to maintain a strong core so that I can continue to have a healthy back.  I have done a lot of research on home gyms, and I will share my hard work with you.

Best home gym system review

Man working out on best home gym system

Why buy a home gym?

Well first off, working out at home is convenient.  People are super busy these days, with commuting, work, kids, plus all the other obligations.  We are always on the go.  You have to carve out some time in your day to make it to the gym.  Having a home gym would certainly help out with that.

Another reason to work out at home is cost.  Think about those monthly gym membership fees adding up month after month, after month.  It is possible to have paid for a home gym in one year or less, obviously depending on how much you pay.

No travel time.  This one is also near and dear to my heart.  After I get home, eat dinner, run the kids around, the last thing I want to do is jump back in traffic and go to the gym.

Who can benefit from a home gym system?

Everyone can work out at home.  With the machines that are designed these days, you can really get a great workout without leaving your house.  You can work out at your own pace and on your own schedule.

What are your fitness goals?

This is a question you need to ask yourself when you are choosing a gym system.  Do you want to lose weight, gain muscle, tone your dad bod?  Yes, yes and yes right?  Well, the different home gym systems can and will play to different purposes which will be discussed later.

Where do you put a home gym?

That is a great question.  If you have space in the garage, basement or a spare room, this is a great way to use that extra space.  Some home gyms collapse and make storage even easier.  Some will not.  So storage is definitely something to consider.

When will you workout?

Whenever you want, that is the beauty.  No travel time getting to the gym and that is a great thing.  Say it only takes you about ten minutes, to get to the gym.  That is twenty minutes round trip, at least.  That doesn’t include check-in, etc.  So now your hour-long workout just turned into at least an hour and a half.

How are you going to accomplish your goals?

Setting goals is one thing, accomplishing them is another story.  I hope to help you out with that question when we get into the meat of this review  I will point out the features of different home gyms and you can decide which ones will fit your style.

Aside from budget and space considerations, there are different types of home gyms, which we will get into.  There are resistance-based home gyms and home gyms with actual weight plates.  Some of the systems work with your own body weight.

Again, all of this depends on your goals.  If you want to tone and work on flexibility then a bodyweight system might be right for you.  If you want to beef up, then you might go with a machine that offers more options in terms of heavier weight.

Finally, you need to create an environment which goes beyond functional; one where you have everything you need to put in a great workout without missing the gym experience. When you’re putting your home gym together, reference our list of the best home gym accessories. I guarantee there are items that you haven’t thought of that will help you succeed with your workout goals.


Marcy 150-lb. Multifunctional Home Gym Station

The Marcy 150-lb. Multifunctional Home Gym Station is a great entry-level gym for your home.  You will love the versatility of exercises you can perform on this unique machine.

Exercises you can perform include, but are not limited to:

  • Chest press
  • Bicep curls (preacher)
  • Chest fly
  • Leg extension (single or dual)
    • You can also perform a standing leg curl
  • Lat pulldown
  • Bent over rows with the lower pulley
  • Triceps (with the lat pulldown bar)
  • Deadlift (using the lower pulley system)

As you can see, there is a lot of variety and potential to work out your entire body with this machine.  It’s really up to you, if you get creative, as to what lifts you can perform.

The assembled dimensions of the home gym are:

    • Depth 68 inches
    • Width 36 inches
    • Height 79 inches
    • The maximum user weight is 300 pounds

With all of that out of the way, let’s talk about how this machine works.  Each weight plate weighs 10 pounds. Now depending on the pulley system and which exercise you are doing, the maximum resistance is up to 200 pounds.

There is a resistance guide in the owner’s manual.  Some exercises will allow you to lift more than others.  The chest press offers the most amount of resistance.

A couple of things that I don’t necessarily like about this machine are that you can not add additional weight and it takes a while to build.  Yes, you have to build it, as they say, some assembly required.  This unit does take about 3-4 hours to build from start to finish, so this would be a nice Saturday morning project.

So if you are in the market for an entry-level home gym, I definitely think this is a great one to consider.  You can easily do 3-4 workouts per week with this and get some good results.

Again, it totally depends on your fitness level and goals.  I also really like the fact that it isn’t super huge and doesn’t take up a ton of space.  You can get a great workout without devoting too much real estate.

I believe this is a quality product made by a quality company.  I would recommend getting a floor mat system to set this up. Once it’s in place, you probably will not be moving it.

Pros:

  • Great overall full-body workout machine, very versatile
  • Versatile enough for different users with different needs
  • Good starter home gym

Cons:

  • Can not add extra weight to this machine
  • The seat is not adjustable
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Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station for Total Body Training MWM-990
2,315 Reviews
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station for Total Body Training MWM-990
  • PREMIUM STEEL CONSTRUCTION – This home gym system is made with heavy-duty steel tubing and reinforced with guard rods that hold weight in place during workouts.
  • WEIGHT STACK LOCK – This gear comes with a 150-pound selectorized weight stack that can be customized according to your skill level to avoid the stresses of loading and unloading weight plates with a safety lock that prevents unauthorized use of equipment
  • DUAL ACTION PRESS ARMS-Designed with dual action press arms, this versatile equipment allows you to perform chest press and vertical butterfly exercises to develop your biceps, triceps, pectorals, and other muscles with a simple remove/insertion of a pin
  • REMOVEABLE CURL PAD – This home gym machine features ergonomically designed seats with high-density boxed upholstery to reduce tension and impact. The preacher curl bicep pad is removable and adjustable to allow isolated bicep exercises.
  • CONVENIENT HOME GYM- enjoy efficient training right in the comfort of home with this equipment featuring an innovative structure that combines arm and leg stations; great for strengthening muscle groups and achieving a comprehensive total-body workout.

 


Marcy Smith Cage Workout Machine

This machine has a lot to offer with a wide variety of exercises you can perform.  The Marcy Diamond Elite is definitely a home gym for the avid weightlifter.

Exercises you can perform include, but are not limited to:

  • Bench press
  • Squat
  • Lat pulldown
  • Seated Rows
  • Chest fly
  • Cable crossover
  • Leg curls and leg extensions
  • Preacher curls

Pretty much anything you would want to do at the gym, you can do with this rack. If you get creative, I am sure you can do a lot more with this.

You will love the fact that this system comes with a lat pull bar, a Smith Machine barbell, tricep rope, short bar, and a two-hand pull.  The bench is multi-function as well as adjustable.  The backrest has adjustments ranging from -13 degrees to 81 degrees, so it does decline slightly.

The Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System gives you the option of Smith Machine, free weight or cable exercises.  There are just a ton of things you can do with this machine.

As for the size, it’s big.  The dimensions are 95 inches long x 79 inches wide x 86 inches high. You are going to need a decent amount of space for this guy.  I would recommend about 8 feet x 10 feet to really have enough room to maneuver.

This unit is really versatile and takes the home gym experience to a different level.  One really important thing to note is, this doesn’t come with any weights.  You will need to buy Olympic style weights separately.  You are getting the cage and Smith Machine, and it’s a very solid unit that you are purchasing.

There are built-in storage pegs for weight plates, so once you purchase the plates, you are set.  If you are a seasoned lifter or want something you can grow into, this is an awesome unit.

Okay, now the fun stuff.  You have to assemble this yourself. Or you can hire someone to do that for you.  This will be a really big load to transport if you are putting it in a basement.  I would recommend having a professional assemble it for you.  But that might also be part of the fun!  Take your time, take a deep breath, you can do this :).

Pros:

  • Commercial style home gym setup
  • Very solid construction and really well built
  • You probably only have to buy something like this once

Cons:

  • Does not come with weights
  • Does not have a chin-up bar (although you might be able to rig something up)
  • Assembly is going to be challenging
Marcy Smith Cage Workout Machine, Full Body Workout Bench for Home Gym, Gym Equipment with Linear Bearing, Steel MD-9010G (MD-9010)
1,395 Reviews
Marcy Smith Cage Workout Machine, Full Body Workout Bench for Home Gym, Gym Equipment with Linear Bearing, Steel MD-9010G (MD-9010)
  • Premium Workout Equipment: Marcy’s Smith Cage is made of a heavy-duty steel frame reinforced with a durable powder-coating finish, guaranteed to withstand intense long-lasting use.
  • All-in-One Gym Equipment: This versatile complete body Smith cage combines 3 different types of strength building machines in one compact design; allowing you to perform a multitude of club-quality exercises.
  • Multi-functional Smith Machine: Our power cage features a dual-action press arm system that allows you to perform various arm and chest exercises. It helps you to develop your biceps, triceps, pectorals, and other muscle groups. With the linear bearing you can glide your way to a fitter body.
  • Leg Developer: This gym equipment also has a dual-function leg developer with six oversize rocker pads. The leg developer has a pivot point that allows proper body position during workouts and boosts your leg muscles and quadriceps.
  • Weight Machine Set: It includes 6 weight plate pegs that let you organize weights/barbells for easy accessibility. The cage also includes several accessories like a lat bar, shiver bar, ankle strap, v-bar, triceps rope, and pulley cable handles.

 


Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE
Image courtesy of Bowflex

When a lot of people think of home gym systems, Bowflex is one of the first names that come to mind.  Bowflex has been making quality home gyms for about 30 years.

The name is synonymous with quality and innovation.  The product line offered by Bowflex has really expanded over the years and they really make great home gyms.

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym boasts over 70 exercises that you are able to perform.

Exercises you can perform include, but are not limited to:

  • Three bench press options
  • Lat pulldown
  • Chest fly
  • Leg extension
  • Deadlift
  • Squats

There are just a lot of different variations, as I mentioned, over 70 exercises which are really impressive. The machine comes with 210 pounds of resistance, but you can upgrade all the way to 410 pounds from there if you need to.

With a large variety of exercises that can be performed, and the ability to upgrade and add more resistance, I really believe this is an awesome machine for a home gym system.  You also have the ability to add additional equipment.  Talk about versatility!

You will love the fact that you can get a complete full-body workout really as often as you want to with this at your beck and call. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced workout fanatic, you will be able to get a lot out of this machine.  I really love how versatile it is, working for a lot of different types of people.

The dimensions of the machine are:

    • Length 53 inches
    • Width 49 inches
    • Height 83.25 inches
    • Maximum user weight is 300 pounds

You will need to have an area about 8 feet long x 6.5 feet wide to comfortably use the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym.  This compact size will fit in a lot of different places.

The cable system is very unique.  You don’t have to change out the cables to go from one exercise to the next.  For instance, you can move from seated bicep curls to chest fly, without even moving.  You can move from one exercise to the next really easily.

Also, adding or reducing the amount of weight is super easy by changing the resistance using the Power Rod technology.  The seat is also adjustable, so this will accommodate people of different heights and allow you to work each area just right.

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE does not come fully assembled, so you will need to set aside some time to build it.  I would expect this to take about 3-4 hours.

Pros:

  • I love that you can add additional resistance to this home gym
  • Compact size
  • Really versatile and it offers a wide variety of exercises

Cons:

  • Assembly is required
  • Not set up for leg curls
  • No rowing machine as some Bowflex machines do offer

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Click here to read my full review

 


Bowflex Xtreme Home Gym

Bowflex is one of the first names that comes to mind when I think of a home gym system.  They have come up with a very innovative design and are really committed to making great workout equipment for the home.

I have used Bowflex in the past and really liked it.  They have been making quality equipment for about 30 years.

The Bowflex Xtreme will help you with a complete full-body workout, and it is a very compact machine for everything you get.  Bowflex uses Power Rods for resistance so you don’t have to worry about moving weight plates and can just focus on getting your work done.

You will really like how the machine is designed and requires little setup or changing to move right from one exercise to the next with the innovative pulley system.

The exercises you can perform but are certainly not limited to are:

  • Vertical chest press
  • Lat pulldown
  • Leg extension / Leg Curls
  • Tricep extension

Bowflex Xtreme offers more than 50 exercises for you.  The machine itself is a vertical orientation, so being more upright allows it to take up less space.  One feature I really like is that the seat is adjustable up and down, so finding the right fit for each exercise, or for each user, is really easy.

The leg extension unit is removable (you can unbolt it) as well, which allows you to perform various exercises and not be hindered.  Also, this removable leg extension helps to take up less space overall when not in use.  The unit is not foldable for storage.

As for the dimensions of the machine, they are as follows:

  • Length 76 inches
  • Width 86 inches
  • Height 82 inches
  • Maximum user weight is 300 pounds

Bowflex Xtreme comes with 210 pounds of resistance, which is also upgradeable to 310 pounds.  This will allow you to grow with the machine as needed.  I think if you are a beginner, or intermediate user the initial 210 pounds will be a good fit for you.

If you are a more experienced lifter, you may want to add more weight right from the beginning.  If you are a bodybuilder, I would probably advise you look at other options :).

This is a fantastic machine for the home and a great way to build and maintain muscle.  The user manual is filled with fantastic workout information.  So if you are a newbie, just follow the plans that are included and you will get a great workout.  Bowflex makes a solid product and they have a lot of happy customers.  I definitely think this is an affordable solution for a home gym.

Pros:

  • Compact machine
  • Great machine to grow into or grow with as you can upgrade the resistance
  • Easy to use for all fitness levels

Cons:

  • You have to build it
  • 210 pounds of resistance may not be enough for some users

Click here to read my full review

BowFlex PR3000 Home Gym
7,642 Reviews
BowFlex PR3000 Home Gym
  • POWER ROD RESISTANCE: Provides as little as 5 or as many as 210 lbs. of Power Rod resistance.
  • HAND GRIP/ANKLE CUFFS: Multi-use hand grip/ankle cuffs designed to add flexibility and performance to any workout using the Quick Change Power Rod system.
  • UPGRADE OPTIONS: Upgradable Power Rod resistance to 310 lbs.
  • CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty steel construction frame offering long-term durability.
  • PULLEY SYSTEM: No-change cable pulley system allows you to quickly go from one exercise to the next.

 


Bowflex Blaze Home Gym

As I have mentioned previously, Bowflex is an industry leader in the home gym arena.  They have been around for about 30 years and just keep on making, and coming up with great home gym equipment.  I really think they are innovative and have great technology.

The Bowflex Blaze is another unique home gym from one of the home gym leaders.  You can do over 60 exercises with this machine and can easily complete a full-body workout in a pretty short amount of time.  As I mentioned Bowflex is innovative, like their cable system that allows you to move from one exercise to another very quickly, without having to remove weight plates.  Their resistance, Power Rod technology makes it really easy to get a great workout.

Some of the exercises you can perform with this machine are:

  • Bench press
  • Leg extension / Leg curl
  • Lat pulldown
  • Squats
  • Rowing exercises

These are just some of the exercises you can do with the Bowflex Blaze.  The unit comes with 210 pounds of resistance which can be upgraded to 310 or 410 pounds.  One of the awesome features of the Blaze is the sliding seat that allows you to do actual rowing and leg press.  So you can get some cardio in with your workout as well as building muscle.

The bench moves and it serves you in a variety of ways.  You can lay the bench flat or on an incline.  This just adds to the many, many things you can do on this super dynamic piece of equipment.  You will love the lat tower, which allows you to get a killer back workout in. Oh, squats, don’t forget about squats!

The Blaze does require assembly and you should plan on 3-4 hours to get it up and running.

So, the dimensions of the Bowflex Blaze are:

  • Length 90 inches
  • Width 38 inches
  • Height 83 inches
  • Maximum user weight is 300 pounds

The Bowflex Blaze also folds up for storage which I really think adds a lot of value.  If space is limited, you will really appreciate this machine.  Versatility is really the name of the game with Bowflex.  It is compact and really easy to use.

I just love that this machine offers so much value, and really it is like having a bunch of different machines all in one.  If you are looking for a great home gym that is upgradeable and you can grow with, I think this is a fantastic option.

If you are working out at home and are a beginner, or intermediate weight lifter I think this can really serve you well.  If you are a professional bodybuilder, you may want to look elsewhere.  For most of the people out there that want to get a good workout in under an hour, this is a fantastic option.  The manual comes with some great workouts as well, so you have a great starting point.

Pros:

  • Solid multi-function home gym
  • Folds up to take up less space when not in use
  • Offers a variety of exercise and really is an all in one machine

Cons:

  • You have to put it together
  • You may need to upgrade to more weight, but that can come later
BowFlex Blaze Home Gym
7,641 Reviews
BowFlex Blaze Home Gym
  • FULL BODY WORKOUT: 60+ exercises for a full body workout.
  • POWER ROD RESISTANCE: 210 lbs of Power Rod resistance, upgradable to 310 lbs or 410 lbs.
  • WORKOUTS INCLUDED: Bowflex provides 7 free trainer-built workout regimens.
  • AEROBIC ROWING: Sliding seat rail allows you to perform aerobic rowing and leg presses.
  • PULLEY SYSTEM: Multiple cable/pulley positions enable custom workouts.

 


Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym

A very popular home gym from Bowflex, the PR1000 is such a great machine for strength training.  Bowflex is really a leader in this industry of home gym equipment.  They are constantly improving the home gym space with innovative ideas and equipment.

With about 30 years of experience, Bowflex makes a quality product at a fair price and has a ton of satisfied users.  Versatility is really the name of the game with Bowflex, as they put so much functionality into each machine they make.

So, the PR1000 offers more than 30 exercises to perform.  Some of the exercises, but not all, include:

  • Bench press
  • Lat pulldown
  • Leg extension / Leg Curl
  • Aerobic rowing

Again, this is just some of what you can do with the PR1000.  One thing that is really nice about the Bowflex home gyms, is they provide a user manual that outlines all of the exercises you can perform with the machine.

This is fantastic for those who don’t work out all the time, or people who have been away for a while and are trying to get back into a consistent workout routine.  So, you shouldn’t feel intimidated by ordering one of the fantastic machines.

Versatility, I can’t say it enough. The multi-function bench serves many purposes (obviously).  You can do horizontal (flat on your back) bench press, which a lot of other machines don’t offer, as well as an inclined position for chest flys.  The bench is removable allowing the machine to become a rowing machine as well.

The dimensions of the PR1000 are:

    • Length 84 inches
    • Width 38 inches
    • Height 81 inches
    • Maximum user weight is 300 pounds

This is a great entry-level machine.  The resistance cannot be upgraded here.  The resistance ranges from 5 pounds to 210 pounds, which is really great for a lot of people.  Just don’t buy this if you think you are going to compete as a bodybuilder.

The PR1000 comes in pieces, so you will have to assemble it yourself, or you can hire someone :).  I would like to just say that I think this machine is easy to use, versatile and will serve you well. Plus it folds up for storage.

You can use it in your living room, garage, even your bedroom.  I really don’t know how well it works as a clothes hanger :).  Overall this is yet another fantastic option from the folks at Bowflex.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Folds away for storage
  • Multi-function bench for a lot of variety

Cons:

  • Not great if you want to build mass amounts of muscle
  • Assembly may take some time
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BowFlex PR1000 Home Gym
7,641 Reviews
BowFlex PR1000 Home Gym
  • FULL BODY WORKOUT: 25 plus exercises that cover the entire body.
  • POWER ROD RESISTANCE: Over 200 lb. Power Rod resistance.
  • PULLEY POSITIONS: Multiple cable pulley position allows you to easily change the angle of resistance and increase effectiveness of many exercises.
  • AEROBIC ROWING: Vertical bench press with incline and flat adjustment and converts to a rolling seat for aerobic rowing.
  • DEVICE HOLDER: New integrated device holder to support your smart device.

Weider Ultimate Body Works

The Weider Ultimate Body Works is a different kind of home gym.  I am sure you have probably seen these types of gyms advertised.  The idea here is to use your own bodyweight to get a great workout, no weight plates to mess with.  This machine is definitely geared toward more sculpting and toning and less on building a ton of muscle mass.

This machine works with your body weight to create resistance.  When you adjust the incline bench higher, or lower, you are able to increase or decrease the intensity of the workout.  This machine is truly designed for a complete full-body workout.  

You can get a great upper and lower body workout to help you maintain a balanced physique.  This is great for people who have issues with joints, or muscles because the workouts are very low impact.

The bench is where the action starts. Basically, the bench is on wheels and through a pulley system, The Ultimate Body Works slides up and down using your body weight as resistance.  The really cool thing about this particular unit is that it also comes with resistance bands.  These bands allow you to increase the resistance, adding to your body weight.

The folks at Weider have designed this machine with space in mind.  It can easily be stored under a bed or in a closet.  So you can literally keep this just about anywhere you want to.

The dimensions of the Ultimate Body Works are:

  • Length 71 inches
  • Width 26.5 inches
  • Height 49.5 inches

This home gym system allows you to do a ton of different exercises.  It comes with a manual, so you don’t have to fret over how to use the machine once you get it home and are ready to use it.  You will have to assemble it, but hey, that is part of the fun.

If you are looking for a compact, easy to use home gym, that is very cost-effective, I would definitely suggest giving this one a try.  The fact that it folds up for storage is a great bonus.  I would recommend watching some youtube videos and you can really see the variety of exercises possible with this Weider home gym.  What you are getting is exactly that, a quality home gym.  If you are looking for a machine to bulk up with, look elsewhere.

Pros:

  • You can easily increase or decrease the resistance
  • Storable home gym
  • Extra weight bands for additional resistance

Cons:

  • Not really meant for bulking up
  • You have to build it
Weider Ultimate Body Works Black/Red, Standard
3,798 Reviews
Weider Ultimate Body Works Black/Red, Standard
  • Dimensions: 59" L x 27.5" W x 48" H
  • Max. Weight capacity: 250 pounds
  • Cushion material: Foam
  • Cable-and-pulley system allows for greater versatility and an expanded range of motion
  • This item benefits from an Extended 90 Day Return Window

Total Gym XLS

A lot of people think of Total Gym when they think about a home gym.  This line of product has been around for years and they have a lot of satisfied customers.  People have relied on and trusted the Total Gym name for a long time.

You can get a seriously good workout in, at home with the Total Gym XLS.  It comes ready to roll, no assembly required. Plus it has a workout plan that is really helpful.  If you are a beginner, or more advanced in your workouts, the Total Gym XLS offers a ton of versatility.  It boasts over 80 exercises!

One thing I really like about this machine is the gliding action.  This allows you to do some cardio training that other machines just don’t have the capability of doing.

The dimensions of the XLS are:

  • Length 90 inches
  • Width 19 inches
  • Height 43 inches
  • Maximum user weight is up to 400 pounds

The Total Gym XLS works with your body weight to help you achieve great results.  If you need more or less resistance, you just adjust the incline angle of the bench and away you go.  The bench glides smoothly up and down the track as you pull or push against your own weight.

This machine is really versatile and will fit a variety of users, which makes it really appealing.  This is truly a complete full-body workout machine.  It is very simple to change the settings, so you can move from one exercise to another seamlessly.

The folded dimensions are:

    • Length 51 inches
    • Width 19 inches
    • Height 9 inches

As you can see, this unit will fold up for easy storage, under a bed or in a closet.  Bring it out when you need it and put it away when you are done. I know my wife would love this aspect, as she is not a fan of extra stuff cluttering up the house.

The Total Gym system offers a full-body, low impact workout, with a machine that can be neatly tucked away after you are done using it.  I think this is a great option for a home gym.

Pros:

  • Comes fully assembled
  • A wide variety of workouts can be performed
  • Total Gym has been around for a long time and has a large following

Cons:

  • This is more expensive than some other options
  • No extra resistance bands
Total Gym XLS
1,534 Reviews
Total Gym XLS
  • As Seen on TV with Chuck Norris & Christie Brinkley
  • Resistance training with 6 levels
  • 400 lb weight capacity for total strength and stability
  • Padded glideboard with head support
  • Exercise capability - over 80 exercises

My Top Recommendation for the Best Home Gym System

Well, we covered a lot of ground, and have been through a lot of different products in this review.  In my opinion, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE home gym offers a lot of value for the money. The Xtreme 2 SE offers an excellent full-body workout and is upgradeable to 410 pounds of resistance.  This is a great home gym system if you are just getting started, and since it is upgradeable, you will not grow out of this home gym.

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is a great machine to help you achieve your fitness goals and is excellent for improving and maintaining your overall fitness level.

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For CAD Pricing Click Here

I hope you have gained some valuable information about these different machines and can now make an informed decision when it comes to your home gym.  At the end of the day, you will have to consider what it is you want from a home gym.

 

 

14 thoughts on “Best Home Gym System – Your Comprehensive 2020 Buyer’s Guide”

  1. I always loved the idea of a home gym. As you mentioned, after seeing to all the chores, it can leave one with little time if any to make that journey to the Gym.I share your sentiments here.

    I actually cannot make up my mind as to which of the Bowflex gym systems to go for. What attracted me to this brand over the others was the fact that they are built with the ‘newbies,’ in mind.

    I want to buy a system that will guide me in terms of which exercises one should do and their frequency, reps counts, etc. In other words, I want to go for a system that comes with a workout program.

    Which Bowflex would you recommend to me?

    Regards
    Roopesh

    Reply
    • Thank you Roopesh for your comment.  I definitely think that Bowflex has a great product and all of their machines will come with a workout program you can follow.  Really any of the Bowflex gyms are going to do the job.  If you are truly a “newbie”, I would say go with either the Blaze or the PR1000.  These are really good for the “regular” guy.  They come with a program, a wide variety of exercises you can perform,  and you can get a really good workout in.  Let me know if you have any more questions, I would love to help.

      Reply
  2. I thought my home gym set up was pretty sweet until you showed me all these Steve.
    Front and centre of my lounge room I have my power cage with lat pull down and FID bench.
    My son also has a boxing bag he attaches to the cage when he comes over I can direct him to hit the bag rather than me.
    It is a pretty big setup and take up a lot of real estate in the lounge room which is why some of your options here probably sparked my interest.
    Cheers.
    Simplicity is a big drawing card for me. How much maintenance does something like the Bowflex 2SE require?

    Reply
    • LOL, I am glad your son has a bag to hit instead of hitting you 🙂

      Yes, I love the simplicity of these machines, you can do a wide variety of exercises, they are very versatile. As far as maintenance goes, I reached out to Bowflex, basically just make sure the hardware is secure, that’s about it. You should do this every so often, maybe once a month or so.  

       Thanks for leaving me a comment, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  3. Hey Steve, I think your site looks really cool 🙂

    Anyway I’d love to be able to workout at home.

    At the time I only have a bench and minimal amounts of weights.

    Looking at your post I really like the MARCY DIAMOND ELITE SMITH SYSTEM WITH LINEAR BEARINGS.

    I think it’ll look really good in my basement and allow me to do the exercises I need.

    Reply
    • Hey, thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.  Yes the Marcy Diamond Elite is a great piece of equipment.  Your basement is a perfect place for this guy, it’s BIG.  Thanks for stopping by my site!

      Reply
  4. Hi Steve,

    I think you’ve hit a nerve with the information you’ve given here. I have stopped my gym membership because of non-use and am spending a lot of time on my pc.

    My core has become a round ball in itself, and I have no excuse as this is New Year.

    There is no space in my home to place a home gym, however, your core exercises were very interesting and I see that you have written about other exercises for abs and also the plank.

    My wrists are weak, but maybe doing a different version of the plank may help?

    Reply
    • Thank you for commenting.  I am glad you found my other posts on core exercises useful.  As for planks, if you are able to perform them on your elbows, that will definitely help out your wrists. That is how I do them.  

      A lot of people end up not using a gym membership, so I guess it’s good that you cancelled if you are not using it. You may want to take a look at the Total Gym I wrote about, as it folds in half and may work for your space.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. Hello,

    I finally moved into a house that has an extra room that I can turn into the perfect home gym. I was searching for some exercise equipment and came across your website. After reading your awesome article on The Marcy Diamond Elite. I decided to go ahead and buy The Marcy Diamond Elite. I can’t wait until it arrives.

    Jack

    Reply
    • Thank you very much for stopping by Jack.  I am glad you were able to purchase a home gym that will work for you.  The Marcy Diamond Elite is an awesome gym, I am sure you will love it.  Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  6. Home gyms are always a great solution. I know some days just the thought of cruising to the gym is what makes me not go. The drive is heinous… not to mention the additional time it takes to get there.

    Just like you said, a hundred different places to be all at the same time. Sometimes that leaves no time at all to go somewhere and workout.

    I definitely have that issue when I try and workout in the mornings too. I always think I’m going to get up and work out but I never make it out of the house. Perhaps if I had a home gym I’d hit it immediately after waking up.

    I used to have a Bowflex in my earlier college days and that helped for the quick Friday night pre-party workouts. Maybe I’ll go after the new model that you outlined here!

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for your comment, I appreciate it. Yes, I have the same thoughts sometimes about getting up early to get a workout in, but in reality, it’s tough to do. I really think Bowflex has makes a good quality product and they have a wide variety to choose from. Please let me know if you need any help zeroing in on the one that will work best for you. I will certainly do what I can to help.

      Reply
  7. Great article! very informative.
    I’ve been hitting the gym for a couple of years now, it’s becoming a bit of a passion. So much so that i’m looking into getting my very own home gym equipment.

    i’m looking into the total gym XLS. You state that it doesn’t come with any extra resistance bands, are they easy enough to find and what resistances do they come in?
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Thank you for your comment. As for your question, the Total Gym XLS does not have any capacity for added resistance like some of the other machines do. This is a body weight machine and you can increase the resistance based on the angle you set the bench. I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need anything else.

      Reply

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