So, how does [easyazon_link identifier=”B004VA5E38″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Home Gym[/easyazon_link] stand up?

I quickly realized this home gym was made for people new to working out. Anyone with some lifting experience looking to use heavier weights would be very disappointed.

The construction simply isn’t sturdy enough to handle the weight.

So, you’d be better off spending extra on a home gym that can withstand more weight without feeling flimsy. I’d recommend the StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym for serious lifters.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B004VA5E38″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Home Gym[/easyazon_link] is built for newcomers who don’t need to use a lot of weight to build muscle. The range of equipment available lets you get effective full-body workouts. In the beginning, you won’t have to use heavier weights, so this gym will feel great and stable.

What Are Customers Saying About It?

The one review from Walmart rates this home gym at 5 stars. 

Pros

• Easily height adjustable bench for more exercise options
• Preacher curl pad to build biceps
• Lat pull-down to develop your back muscles
• Six-roll leg developer to workout your legs

Cons

• Assembly can take time – 6+ hours for some!
• The steel construction feels flimsy
• Can only handle lighter weights

Easily Height Adjustable Bench

To properly develop your chest muscle and improve strength, you need to be able to target it from a variety of angles. Fortunately, [easyazon_link identifier=”B004VA5E38″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine bench[/easyazon_link] lets you do exactly this.

You can easily adjust the bench to decline, flat, and incline. This means you can emphasize your lower pecs with the decline, and your upper chest with the incline. Furthermore, the flat setting enables you to work the entire chest as a whole.

Having the ability to choose between different height angles puts you in the best position to develop an aesthetic and strong chest. The fact that it’s so easy to adjust means you can alter between each one within seconds at any time in your workout.

Varied Chest Exercises With Fly Machine

The smith machine bench press isn’t the only way you can build a bigger and stronger chest. This home gym also comes with a great chest fly machine as well.

The smith machine is suited for overloading the muscle and using a heavier weight for the muscle mass. However, Gold’s Gym has also paid attention to how users can get more detail in their chests.

One of the ways to achieve this is by doing isolation exercises, like a chest fly. The smith machine press involves the shoulders and triceps to help you move the weight. Whereas the chest fly lets you focus 100% on the chest.

You can get a good stretch and intense contraction. Many people love having different options to aid them in developing their muscles even further, and that’s what the chest fly feature offers.

Bicep Isolation Preacher Curl Pad

Biceps are a favorite muscle group that people love to train, right? Well, it also causes many people to use weights that are too heavy, and as a result, the form can end up being terrible.

It’s common to see a lot of momentum and swinging being used to get the weight up. The shoulders tend to come forward and involve the front deltoids to help out.

The preacher curl pad included with this [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]home gym[/easyazon_link] makes sure you can avoid all those things. It isolates your bicep muscles and ensures nothing else is being used to help. When your biceps are doing all the work, they’re going to grow a lot better.

Multiple Attachments With Pulley System

The pulley system can be used in either high or low settings. This leaves you with more options to get the most out of your workouts.

Both the pulleys enable you to effortlessly attach different bars and ropes.

The low pulley can be used for doing exercises like cable bicep curls and bent over rows. Whereas the high pulley lets you attach lat pull-down bars to workout your back. You could also use ropes to train your triceps too.

There are so many possibilities with each of the pulleys that give you a lot to experiment with. The huge number of exercises you could do mean you can always keep your workouts fresh and inventive.

Build Legs With Six-Roll Leg Developer

I appreciated how [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IGIRYPW” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Home Gym[/easyazon_link] gives you the option to workout your legs. Many other home gyms are completely focused on the upper body. However, leaving the legs without any kind of stimulation can cause a lot of imbalances.

The six-roll leg developer means you can develop your hamstrings and quads. However, it also involves the hip flexors and glutes.

I loved how the six-roll leg developer gives you the chance to build more than just your quads. The quadriceps are seen as the biggest and most dominant leg muscles, but there are other parts that should be focused on too.

Since you can strengthen your glutes, hips flexors, and hamstrings, I can’t help but feel Golds Gym has gone above and beyond to make sure new users can evenly build muscle across their entire body.

Tough To Assemble

One aspect about home gyms that people are concerned with is how easy they are to assemble.

Unfortunately, customers have been struggling to put their Gold Gym Platinum Home Gyms together. The instructions that come with the home gym aren’t the problem.

It comes down to the sheer amount of parts that need to be assembled perfectly. There are tons of little bolts and screws that need to be fitted in a specific order. So, if you mess up with one section, it could mean taking it apart and starting again.

Many users find this to be a major headache and have spent many hours putting all the parts together. Some have spent 6-10 hours!

Clearly, this can be off-putting as the whole point of home gyms is to make your life easier. Having said that, this largely comes down to the individual and their abilities to assemble large pieces of equipment like this one.

Construction Quality

Once the trouble of putting the home gym together was completed, numerous users noticed an issue immediately.

As soon as they went to use the equipment with weights, they felt it was a little unstable. This is the last thing you want while working out as it could potentially lead to an injury, which is more common in the gym than many belief.

The main issue with [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IGIRYPW” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Home Gym[/easyazon_link] is the construction. Some major parts of it are made using plastic. Understandably, people don’t come to expect this from the Golds Gym brand.

The disappointing construction quality has left many wondering (myself included) why they’ve charged such a high price. While the huge variety of exercises is great, the entire structure doesn’t feel as heavy-duty as it should.

Weight Features

What many customers don’t realize, before purchasing this home gym, is that it doesn’t come with any weights. So, if you were looking forward to using the smith machine, you better be prepared to spend more on the weights! This is also the case for many of the attachment features.

However, even when you do get the weights on, the equipment feels like it’s only able to handle lighter weights. As soon as you begin to add heavier weight, this home gym begins to deteriorate in terms of its stability.

The smith machine doesn’t move up and down as smoothly and can even become off-centered in some cases. This comes back to the point that the Golds Gym Platinum home gym isn’t made for more serious lifters.

The lower weight features will work well if you’re just starting out. But you will begin to feel held back once you start progressing onto heavier weights.

Bottom Line – Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine Review

All in all, this home gym doesn’t feel worthy of having the Golds Gym brand name. If you’re more of a serious lifter, I’d advise you to avoid this home gym and find one that’s constructed out of higher-quality steel. The StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym is a better choice for you.

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You’ll have fewer restrictions on how much weight you can use, and the entire set-up will feel a lot more stable.

The impressive range of exercises on offer make this a more suitable option for people who are just beginning their weight lifting journey. You’re able to workout your whole body, which surprisingly includes the legs too!

You’ll save money on gym memberships and you can workout more conveniently in your own home. Not having enough time to make it to the gym is no longer an excuse!

Having said that, after some consistent use, you’re likely to outgrow this home gym within a year or two. So, if you’re after a one-off purchase that’s going to last you for years to come, [easyazon_link identifier=”B004VA5E38″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine home gym[/easyazon_link] may not be the best choice.

I hope this review has given you all the details you need to decide whether this home gym is right for you. Good luck!

On the surface, they seem to provide similar muscle-building benefits. However, there’s a lot more going on than you may currently realize.

After years of working out and building muscle, I’ve gotten to know the benefits and drawbacks of smith machines and free weights pretty well. You may be wondering which one’s best, right?

My years of experience and the research concludes that free weights are generally better than smith machines. 

If you’re interested to learn more about why and the benefits/drawbacks that each possesses, you’re in the right place.

We’re about to take a detailed look into smith machines and free weights to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for yourself.

Smith Machines Vs Free Weights

What is a Smith Machine?

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Smith machines seemed to have attained a bad reputation among many gym-goers. The biggest criticism I see is people saying how unnatural the movements feel. Is there any truth to these common complaints?

Well, partly.

A smith machine is a weight apparatus that people use to train their muscles. It works similarly to a regular barbell, with a straight bar for you to put weighted plates on either end. But there are some key differences.

The barbell is built into a fixed range of motion with rails on either end. It can only move in a completely straight up and down motion. You’ll find there are pins that stick out and hook connected on the top of the bar.

This lets you easily re-rack the weight, and that’s one of the most profound benefits of a smith machine.

Jack LaLanne invented the smith machine in the 1950s. He was a successful bodybuilder and pioneer in fitness equipment at the time. Jack wanted to find a way to safely squat heavyweight without needing a spotter to help out in case he couldn’t get the reps.

His goal wasn’t to replace free weights with machines, instead, he was after a machine that would benefit his overall workouts.

Benefits of a Smith Machine

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If you fail halfway through a heavy barbell squat with no spotter, it can be a scary situation. (Trust me, it’s happened more times than I’d like to admit!). Even if you set up safety racks, the risk of injury is still high.

With a smith machine, however, you can lift weights more safely, without a spotter. If you fail on a rep, you can simply twist the bar so that it hooks onto one of the many pins that are found up and down the rails.

The main exercises people use the smith machine for are squats and shoulder/bench press. You can also do lunges and bent-over rows too.

Since the bar is in a completely straight path, it means you don’t have to focus on stabilizing the weight. When you use free weights, it takes more energy to keep them stable.

This is a huge reason as to why I love incorporating some smith machine exercises into my workouts.

It lets you zero in and put all your focus and energy into activating and squeezing the muscle. Those of you interested in a high-quality and affordable smith machine will love what the Marcy MP3100 Smith Machine has to offer.

Drawbacks of a Smith Machine

Even though I like to use smith machines as part of my workouts, there are some major reasons why they remain as just a part.

As I mentioned above, one of the benefits of a smith machine is that you can lift weights in a straight bar path. It minimizes the need to recruit stabilizer muscles to let you get a good mind-to-muscle connection.

However, this can also work against you too.

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Using a smith machine too much could cause your stabilizer muscles to become weak. While you may be able to lift a lot of weight on the machine, you will still be weak when using free weights. In fact, your stabilizing muscles would be more prone to injury.

They aren’t used to balancing free weights.

Furthermore, the bar path is completely straight, meaning that you have to fit your body into the machine. As a result, it can feel very unnatural for many people.

This unnatural motion can lead to a lot of stress being put onto the joints and back. If you’re in it for the long-run, you’ll want to avoid this kind of stress as much as possible!

Who’s a Smith Machine Best For?

A smith machine can be fantastic for anyone looking to build muscle. However, it is vital that you don’t rely on it.

As I said, I enjoy incorporating it into my workouts because it feels good for me. If you try a smith machine and it feels very awkward, don’t carry on. It’s as simple as that. It will likely cause you knee, back, and joint problems down the line.

Having said that, if it feels good, it can be a fantastic addition to your workouts. It lets you lift heavier loads safely without needing a spot.

I do have one strong recommendation:

Beginners should steer clear of smith machines- why?

You need to put your energy into the free weights to built up your stabilizer muscles. They are crucial in helping you lift heavier weights and build more muscle.

We’re about to take a look at free weights and what their benefits are in the next section.

What Are Free Weights?

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Free weights can be categorized under any kind of weight that you can move without any restrictions on the range of motion.

Barbells and dumbbells are the two most common types of free weights. With barbells, you simply put weighted plates onto each side and use clips/clamps to keep them secure. You can use them for tons of exercises, including squats, bench press, bent-over rows, and shoulder press, just to name a few.

Dumbbells are weights that you can hold in both hands and for the most part, come in set weights. You can, however, pick up adjustable dumbbells where you can add and take plates off like a barbell.

Medicine balls and kettlebells are the other types of free weights available.

Benefits of Free Weights

A study in 2019 concluded that free weights were over 40% more effective at activating muscles in a squat compared to a smith machine.

Other studies have reported how free weights are better at improving your strength too.

A more obvious benefit to free weights is that they let you build up your balance abilities. As a result, people using free weights over smith machines improved their stability by a considerable amount.

So, the research clearly shows us that free weights are more beneficial than fixed-machine movements.

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Lifting dumbbells and barbells require a lot more energy expenditure too. Not only are you having to move the weight, but you also control every inch of the motion. Therefore, you’re likely to get more of a sweat and burn more calories.

The natural range of motion is why free weights will always be king. You can incorporate smith machine work, but it should only take up a smaller chunk of the workout.

Drawbacks of Free Weights

If your form isn’t tight, and the motion isn’t controlled, free weights could increase your chances of injury.

Since these weights can be moved in a free range of motion, some people neglect the amount of control needed to use them properly. People often swing free weights with momentum which can cause injuries.

Furthermore, moving weights in this manner takes stress off the targeted muscles. You could essentially be at a higher risk of injury and be building less muscle.

Making sure the entire motion is controlled is paramount for safety and better results.

Who Are Free Weights Best For?

I would recommend free weights for people of all experience levels.

Complete newbies, intermediates, and veteran lifters should all be using free weights. This is especially the case if you’re completely new to building muscle and working out.

The free weights will take a little longer to get used to, but the benefits will be worth it. They force you to work harder which increases your strength and muscle.

If you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to use dumbbells from home, try out this range from Fitness Gear.

Should You Use A Smith Machine or Free Weights?

From personal experience, and what studies tell us, there’s no real competition between free weights and smith machines.

Free weights are proven to have more benefits. They require more effort, recruit stabilizers, and help you build more muscle.

However, the intention of smith machines was never to overtake free weights. It was invented to lift heavier weights safer without a spotter.

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With all points considered, here are my final recommendations:

Smith machines should only be used as part of your muscle-building routine. Don’t let it replace your training with free weights. Having this balance aids you in building more muscle and avoiding injuries.

Those wanting to lift heavier weights but don’t have a spotter to keep them safe would love the Marcy MP3100 Smith Machine.

People just starting out will not be advanced enough to be lifting those kinds of weights. In which case, focusing on free weights, like these Fitness Gear Dumbbells is a better option.

Final Thoughts – Smith Machines Vs Free Weights

Smith machines are awesome if you’re a more experienced lifter who wants to move heavier weights safely, without a spotter.

Free weights are excellent for all experience levels and are superior for building a solid foundation of muscle and strength.

In the end, the choice comes down to your goals and how experienced you are with lifting weights. Use my recommendations to help form your own decision if you were feeling a little stuck.

Hopefully, all the information I’ve provided for you here helps you out!

The Marcy MP3100 Smith Machine Home Gym is a great recommendation in this area for beginners or intermediate users who want quick and easy home access to a gym. For advanced users, it’s great to do some basic maintenance work at home, though it probably isn’t the best investment. These users should look at more advanced items, such as the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00030AUKM” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body-Solid Gym[/easyazon_link] and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B001D78PCE” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy Diamond Elite[/easyazon_link].

Space is a big problem because most of us don’t live in mansions, and space is a bit tight. I’ve used plenty of home equipment over the years, though having a fold-away bench is pretty much the most some of us can manage. If you do have a little more room there are some excellent creations like this smith machine home gym. These types of units are a great investment if you want to boost your development, I’ve been using similar setups for years!

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Marcy MP3100 Smith Machine Review

Review Scores

Fitness Digital – 4.75/5 from 15 reviews

Breakdown

Marcy’s MP3100 is basically a gym in itself, it doesn’t take up much room yet has a bench, pulley system, leg attachments, pec deck, and more. This is definitely the best way to get a lot of workout potential in a limited space.

Now obviously it also has drawbacks which we will discuss below, but overall this is quite a solid home gym. It can be used to work the body as a whole and is reasonably priced, though it isn’t ideal for heavy lifters and will eventually be outgrown by users who are looking for a good amount of development.

Pros

• Multiple stations for different exercises
• Great safety features
• Well balanced design
• 3-year warranty on all parts except upholstery
• Uses Olympic weights
• Fair price
• Comfortable to use

Cons

• Requires some construction time
• The limited maximum amount of weight
• No bodyweight stations
• May need counter-balancing

Benefits

Space Saving

The fact that this has so many different stations is a real blessing for people who are tight on space, which is probably most of us. This unit combines many pieces of equipment into one multi-gym set up.

The MP3100 has an adjustable bench underneath the barbell area giving almost as much functionality as a free-standing bench. This bench can be adjusted too, in fact, it’s the barbell being attached to the smith rack which could restrict the number of exercises you can do with the bench. Keep in mind the rack is there to keep you safe, this gym is designed to not need a training partner/spotter/coach when you are using it.

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There are also attachments that fit with the bench and give even more options, like the leg curl fixings and the arm curling support pad. Add to all of this the pec deck and the pulley system which has handles in high and low positions, and you’ve got a versatile piece of equipment.

All of this makes it a much nicer option than buying all those pieces of equipment separately, and being able to fold the bench or take it out of the unit entirely gives even more space-saving potential.

Safe to Use

Like we mentioned in the last paragraph, the barbell on this unit is part of a smith machine set up. That’s probably obvious from the name of the machinery, right?

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A smith machine is basically a barbell fixed on to some steel rails so that it can’t be separated from the rack. Smith machines have safety stoppers too, which are adjustable. This lets you change the height so it can be in a different place for, say, squats, compared to where you want them for bench press. Having this type of safety lets you push harder and lift heavier because the Marcy smith machine is there ready to catch the bar if you can’t lift it back up by yourself.

Obviously this safety helps to prevent injury, but there’s another reason you want this feature. Put simply, being able to lift heavier lets you progress quicker, and that is exactly what the Marcy MP3100 Home Gym is designed for.

Multi-Functional

The design of this smith machine multi-gym isn’t just a space saver – it’s taken into consideration what it actually needs to be used for. The MP3100 is great for the upper body, lower body, and even core work. With the right workout plan, you can target any area of the body effectively.

Reliability

Marcy Pro has been making fitness equipment for a long time and their equipment can be found in gyms all over the country. That alone shows they know how to make a good piece of equipment.

To back it up, there’s a great manufacturer warranty included. This gives 3-year cover on all parts of the unit, except for upholstery. Of course, upholstery is the most likely area to be damaged, thankfully it doesn’t really affect the multi-gym much though. You can still use a torn or slightly worn bench with no problem. A defective pulley would be a much bigger issue, and of course, that would be covered under the warranty.

Weights Can be Re-Used

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Because Marcy’s MP3100 uses Olympic size weights, you can easily transfer the weight plates to a different machine whenever you’re ready. That’s great news because you don’t have to re-start if you do decide to upgrade or switch machines.

Of course, the weights can also be taken off the multi-gym unit and used on free-standing bars, so the same set of weight plates will work for both situations. In fact, adding a couple of dumbbell bars to this unit gives you a lot more possibilities to work with.

Comfortable

The handles and bar are all well-positioned, meaning you can keep the proper body alignment/technique when doing your workout. The pads on the pec deck and the arm curl pad are both solid yet gentle on your arms, while the bench has a good width and again is comfortable to use. Leg attachments come with nice thick foam covering which should last a while and won’t deform or tear easily.

Great Value

For the price this is available at, it’s really hard to beat. It costs about the same as buying basic versions of each separate piece of equipment that the MP3100 already has built-in. Add to that it’s all in one reliable machine, which comes with a great warranty, and you have a great value for money product. 

Drawbacks

Takes a While to Build

Being such a big unit that lets you target any body part also has drawbacks. The first one of these is simply how long it takes to put together.

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There are instructions included with the smith machine but these aren’t as clear as they should be. That means you have to be careful putting it together, making sure it’s all done properly. I had a friend helping and it still took us almost 3 hours to finish setting up.

Weight Limitations

The Marcy MP3100 Smith machine can handle quite a lot of weight, in terms of both the user and the weight plates. Users are limited to around 300 lbs, which is pretty heavy so shouldn’t be a problem. The amount of weight plates that can be added is limited too though. That means your overall development will eventually hit a wall, and you’re going to need something different to keep progressing.

Some attachments are worse than others for this. The leg attachment is an area that I’ve quickly maxed out. The weight can be taken up to around 250-300 lbs for bigger lifts like squats or the bench press. That’s plenty for most people but when you get into heavy lifting it isn’t all that much. For heavier compound lifts something like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B001L3UFGY” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body Solid Pro Club Line Counterbalanced Smith Machine[/easyazon_link].

Lack of Bodyweight Options

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A lot of multi-gym units add even more variety just by having a few bodyweight stations. Things like a chin-up bar, or a dip station, can really add to the uses of a multigym. The MP3100 doesn’t have anything like that, so you are limited to the machines already built-in.

Bodyweight work is something I like because it’s easy to build on without needing large weight racks or lots of plates around. These simple, effective exercises can be done independently or added to a weights workout, though with this home gym, neither is an option.

Sometimes Imbalanced

For heavier lifters, the unit can get a bit imbalanced. Putting big amounts of weight on the bar for squats (as an example) can make the entire machine start to tilt as if it’s going to tip over. You’ve got to balance this out by putting enough weight on the opposite side of the machine as well.

This is an extra job that isn’t needed with some pieces of equipment, and not having enough weight can be a problem too. You need enough weight for both your lift and to use it as a counter-balance.

Bottom Line

As you can see there’s a lot to consider with the Marcy MP3100 smith machine. Overall I would suggest this for those on a budget or people lifting moderate but not heavyweights. For anybody wanting to go beyond 300 lbs on a compound lift, you need to look elsewhere. Also, if the price isn’t an issue, there are better options out there.

If so, smith machines can be fantastic pieces of equipment. They let you push yourself to failure and not have to worry about getting stuck underneath the bar. The hook and pin systems are super easy to use.

I highly recommend the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00TZ9BA3I” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Inspire Fitness FT2 smith machine[/easyazon_link]. It’s one of the best smith machines for more experienced lifters as it comes with an incredible amount of additional workout attachments. The weight capacity is also impressive.

We’ll also take a look at a more affordable smith machine, as well as a mid-range one. That way, you’ll have a better idea of what these smith machines have to offer across the various price ranges.

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Top Pick – Inspire Fitness Ft2 Smith Station

This is a smith machine that serious lifters will love. Often times, home smith machines have a lower cap on their maximum weight. I found this one provides you with more than most people will ever need.

Main Features

Weight Stack

The way they’ve designed the weight stack means that you’re able to workout each side of your body more precisely.

A lot of smith machines can feel uneven and it results in an unbalanced physique. If one side is being worked more than the other, it will show after a period of time.

This isn’t a problem you need to worry about with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00TZ9BA3I” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Inspire Fitness Ft2 smith machine[/easyazon_link]. Furthermore, the weight stacks have a maximum capacity of 150 lbs on each side. As a result, this smith machine is a fantastic choice for serious lifters.

If 150 lbs aren’t enough, you can always make an upgrade to have a limit of 200 lbs. Moreover, there’s a force multiplier feature that doubles the amount of weight you’re lifting. With an upgrade and force multiplier in use, you can have a total of 800 lbs!

Smith Bar

The smith bar that’s integrated into this fitness machine is unique. It doesn’t require you to load each side with plates.

Instead, it’s already hooked up to the weight stack. I liked this feature as it means there’s less hassle involved with changing the weights.

It comes with an excellent lockout feature too. This lets you keep it out of the way when you’re not using it. Furthermore, there are safety latches located that allow you to easily hook the bar at any stage of the movement.

This is a must-have feature of smith machines as it allows you to safely push yourself to the max. If you can’t get the rep with a barbell, you need a spotter to help. But with this smith machine, you can simply use the latches to hold the bar.

Additional Equipment

Since this smith machine is priced quite highly, you would expect it to come with a variety of workout features. And it does.

There are a preacher curl and leg extension.

When you use the preacher curl attachment, you’re able to completely isolate your biceps. In particular, preachers curls are a fantastic exercise for building up the peak of the biceps.

In addition to the preacher curl, you also get to use a let extension. This connects to the weight stacks and allows you to isolate your quadriceps. Leg extensions are fantastic for isolation work to increase the size and definition of the quads.

Personally, I also like to use the leg extension as a warm-up at the start of my workout. It helps to get the blood flowing around the knees to prevent injuries.

A pull-up is also included. I appreciate when smith machines include this as it’s such a simple and effective exercise to build width in your lats.

Pulley System

We liked how the dual pulley system equipped with this smith machine has many adjustable features.

You’re able to adjust it to your exact preferences as there are 32 total positions to set the pulleys at. Therefore, you can use it for a wide variety of exercises. Using one side of the pulley is awesome for doing tricep and bicep work.

Whereas using the two of them together allows you to perform chest flyes. If you have the bench, you could do these on a flat or incline. Alternatively, doing them standing upright is fantastic for isolating the chest too.

Pros

• Tons of accessories included (preacher curl, leg extension, pull-up bar, and various cable attachments)
• Individual weight stack for balanced weight lifting
• Smith bar with hooks for safety
• Pulley system for more exercise variety
• Adjustable bench available for purchase too

Cons

• At 7 feet in height, it may be too tall for some homes
• The exercise book included is very basic

Best Mid-Range Pick – Icon Health & Fitness Weider PRO 8500 Smith Machine

For a smith machine that’s under $1,000, I was surprised to find how durable it is. Moreover, it comes with a wide range of fantastic features that enhance working out.

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Main Features

Smith Bar 

This [easyazon_link identifier=”B019FYD5GC” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Weider PRO 8500 smith machine[/easyazon_link] comes with a built-in smith bar. This lets you perform some of the main compound exercises, such as squats, bench press, and shoulder press.

I liked how it comes with various safety pins that are located up and down the rails. This allows you to simply rack the bar if you think you can’t get the rep.

Customers have been loving how smoothly the smith bar glides up and down while in motion.

Bench & Attachments

An adjustable bench is included with this smith machine as a standard order.

You’re able to adjust the bench to various inclines which provides you with more workout options. Setting it flat is great for flat bench press, whereas the incline is an excellent option for hitting the upper chest.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B019FYD5GC” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51biLT7pzrL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

It can also be set to a more upright position for shoulder presses.

In addition to the bench, you also get numerous other attachments. This includes a leg extension and preacher curls. The leg extension lets you focus on your quadriceps and the preacher curl helps you isolate your biceps.

Furthermore, there are different attachments for the pulley system too.

Pulleys

The pulley system that comes equipped to this smith machine is fantastic. You can use the various cable attachments to perform a versatile range of exercises. These include chest flyes, tricep pushdowns, lat pulldowns, rows, and face pulls.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B019FYD5GC” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51a6qIXNwxL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Chest Fly

While you can use the cable mechanism to do chest flyes, there is also a designated chest fly available too.

It’s a pec dec that works effectively to help you target your chest. I found the pec dec puts minimal stress on your shoulders, which helps to prevent injury.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B019FYD5GC” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41xcLxnQdHL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Pros

• Smooth smith bar with safety pins
• Adjustable bench included in the standard package
• Various cable attachments provided
• Pulley system for a wide range of exercises
• Chest fly machine to isolate your pecs

Cons

• The cable pulley system could be smoother
• Some find the positioning of the pec dec is awkward

Best Affordable Pick – Powerline PSM144X Smith Machine

It’s a very basic smith machine that provides you with the bare essentials. Having said that, what it does provide is of a very high standard.

Main Features

Adjustable Positions

I liked how there are a variety of positions available with this smith machine. You’re able to use 14 in total.

What’s the benefit of this feature?

Having the ability to choose between so many adjustment settings increases the number of exercises you can do. Furthermore, you’re able to set the starting point of the exercise to your preference.

Durability

For such an affordable smith machine, I was surprised to find how durable it is.

They have used heavy-duty 12-gauge steel to construct the frame. Therefore, you can expect it to last you a while.

This also means that you can workout safely and not have the worry about how stable to smith machine is.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B000VLNUQE” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZwJ53qoXL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Smith Bar

The smith bar has a diameter of 1”. Powerline designed it this way to mimic the feeling that you get while lifting with Olympic equipment.

There are two carriages on either side of the bar that has been made with super-glide nylon bushings. As a result, you’re able to workout with complete smoothness.

Adding plates to either side of this smith bar gives it the feeling of a free weight barbell. However, this smith bar is safer due to the two hooks that are attached to it.

These allow you to twist the bar and latch onto the pins that are located up and down the side rails. So, if you can’t get that last rep, you don’t need to panic as the pins have you covered.

Attachment Options

While the standard order comes with the smith bar and frame, there are options to add additional equipment.

You could add an adjustable bench, pec dec, and pulley system. This gives you room to expand the smith machine’s workout features as time goes on. It’s a feature that people on tighter budgets will appreciate the most.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B0012MA81G” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ubXvZ2NuL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Pros

• Smooth smith bar movement
• Very strong & durable materials
• Many adjustable pins available
• You have the option to add attachments

Cons

• Some have difficulty with assembly
• Max weight capacity (around 300 lbs) isn’t enough for some

Final Thoughts

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00TZ9BA3I” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Inspire Fitness FT2[/easyazon_link] provides an incredible amount of high-quality workout features. I especially liked how you can use up to 800 lbs in total.

Having said that, it is one of the top-range smith machines – so it’s pricey!

People working with a more moderate budget will actually be in for a treat with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B019FYD5GC” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Weider PRO 8500[/easyazon_link]. There are tons of workout features that are awesome, especially when you consider the price.

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B000VLNUQE” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Powerline smith machine[/easyazon_link] is incredibly affordable. It offers the basics of a smith bar and solid frame – which is enough for some.

Be sure to consider all of the features, pros, and cons of all three smith machines in this review. It’s also a good idea to think about your experience level. The longer you’ve been lifting, the more workout accessories and the weight you’ll need.

The less experienced you are, the more basic your workouts can be.

You may also be interested to see what these Marcy and Golds Gym smith machines have to offer too.

After years of living with pain I discovered that exercise really was the best cure. After trying an array of different exercise equipment I am happy to recommend the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01KAGX6XQ” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer[/easyazon_link].

The reason is simple; this is a sturdy, high-quality machine that works all your muscles. In doing so it will strengthen your back without placing stress on your knees.

It might not be the cheapest option but it is a good price for a quality product.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer – Best For Fitness & Bad Backs

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As an elliptical trainer it places very little strain on your joints. It also moves your arms and legs in a coordinated and balanced fashion. This helps to build strength without placing a strain on your back. The best exercise equipment for bad back and improving fitness is the Schwinn 430.

• 20 Resistance Levels
• 22 Programs
• Dual Track LCD System
• 70 x 28 x 71 inches

The Advantages of the 430

• Quality Of Build

When you buy a Schwinn product you are guaranteed to get a high quality, well-researched product. This is a company that has been in existence for over 100 years!

The machine weighs 168 pounds; that’s enough to keep it in place no matter how hard you workout. Although considered an entry-level model this machine offers all you need and much more than many alternatives.

The machine is built to handle weights up to 300 pounds, enough for most people.

• Range Of Features

The feature range is quite simply impressive. It has a quick start function, 9 profile functions, 8 heart rate options and 2 fitness test programs.

All the information you need is displayed on one of the dual screens. You can adjust the intensity through the Eddy Current Brake resistance by simply touching a key on the screen.

You’ll also benefit from a water bottle holder and a fan to help you keep cool.

• Tracking Ability

Most machines offer the ability to track your distance and calories, but the list of tracking features on the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01KAGX6XQ” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 430 Elliptical[/easyazon_link] is quite impressive. It includes time, revolutions per minute, distance, pulse, speed, calories, course profile, heart rate zones, user indicator, % complete and even a goal achievement.

You can save the data on a USB and transfer it to your Schwinn Connect or MyFitnessPal to evaluate your ongoing fitness.

Disadvantages of the 430

• Incline Settings

No machine is perfect and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01KAGX6XQ” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer[/easyazon_link] does only offer 6 incline settings. This allows for a 10% increase in the incline.

While this is okay there are machines that offer 20% incline; providing a more intense workout.

The real issue with the incline is that you have to stop exercising to manually adjust the incline; that’s never a good thing.

• Heart Rate Monitor

You can monitor your heart rate through the built-in grips.

Unfortunately, you cannot link this to a chest strap; which would prove beneficial.  A chest strap allows you to concentrate on your movement, not on holding the grips and getting a heart rate reading.

Schwinn 270 Recumbent – Best For Lower Back & Degenerative Disc

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B01MS7EWR9″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZpX3WKjyL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

A recumbent allows you to sit back and have a great deal of back support while exercising. The focus is slightly more on leg strength but this can have an extremely positive effect on lower back strength. The best recumbent exercise bike for bad back is the Schwinn 270.

• 25 Resistance Levels
• 29 Workout Programs
• Excellent Range Of Features
• 64 x 27.7 x 49.9 inches

The Advantages of the Schwinn 270

• Quality

We’ve already mentioned the high quality of all Schwinn products and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MS7EWR9″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 270 Recumbent[/easyazon_link] is no different. It is well built with a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2 years on mechanical and 1 year on the electrical system.

At 86.6 pounds it’s not excessively heavy but it will handle weights of up to 300lbs.

• Array Of Settings

This machine really comes into its own when you take a look at the different control settings available.

There are 25 resistance levels and 29 workout programs; all of which can be accessed from the main console.

It uses a high inertia drive system with a weighted flywheel. This helps to ensure the response is smooth, no matter how hard you work it.

• Control Console

The console provides instant access to 12 profile programs, 9 heart rate, and 2 fitness tests. This is enough for anyone to keep their workout varied and challenging.

You can also access the 2 fitness tests to evaluate your progress.

Alongside the 4 user profiles which can be stored, you are able to upload your workout data to Schwinn Connect or MyFitnessApp. This can be done by USB or Bluetooth.

There is also the ability to track a wide range of information; including speed, time, level, distance, calories, heart rate & resistance setting.

• Additional Features

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MS7EWR9″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 270 Recumbent[/easyazon_link] has 2 blue backlit screens to ensure you can see all the information you need quickly and easily.

It also comes with an inbuilt 3-speed cooling fan and built-in speakers to enjoy your MP3 files. There is even a shelf for your tablet and a bottle holder.

If necessary you can move the machine around your home easily on its transport wheels.

Disadvantages of the 270

• Chest Strap

It is good to note that the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MS7EWR9″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 270 Recumbent[/easyazon_link] can connect with a chest strap. However, there is none included, which is disappointing considering what you are paying for the machine.

This is a fairly small disadvantage but worth noting.

NordicTrack T6.5 S – Best For People New To Fitness

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”466″ identifier=”B0193V3DJ6″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Kif2i%2B41L.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

The treadmill is a great way to start exercising again. The cushioned tread will minimize impact while allowing you to exercise when it suits you best.

• Powerful 2.6 horsepower Motor
• One-Touch Incline & Speed Settings
• FlexSelect Cushioning System
• Folding Deck
• 73 x 35.75 x 67.5 inches

Advantages of T6.5 S

• High-Quality Running Surface

The FlexSelect deck is soft and cushioned, reducing the impact on your knees and strain on your back. Surprisingly you can also change the settings to make this surface more like the unforgiving road.

This makes the[easyazon_link identifier=”B0193V3DJ6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″] T6.5 S Treadmill[/easyazon_link] the best exercise equipment for bad back and an attractive option for those that like different styles of running; especially if you and your partner intend to use it.

The space is also genuine; offering a running surface of 20 x 55 inches.

• Console Features

One glance at the console will tell you everything you need to know. You can instantly access 20 workout programs; ranging from burning fat to improved cardiovascular fitness.

You can even expand the number of workouts available by connecting to iFit or use Google maps to feel like you’re running through the world! This enables you to track your progress and even compete with your friends.

You’ll be able to monitor your incline, time completed, and remaining calorie count, speed, distance and your heart rate.

• Quality Build

NordicTrack is one of the biggest names in the fitness industry and they generally make excellent quality products.

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B0193V3DJ6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]T6.5 S Treadmill[/easyazon_link] definitely fits this description. The frame has a lifetime warranty, the motor and impressive 25 years, and all parts and labor 1 year.

It weighs in at an impressive 203 pounds and will accommodate people up to 300lbs.

• Foldable

A feature that you will certainly be grateful for if space is limited is the ability to fold the deck up. This greatly reduces the size of its footprint when not in use.

Folding it is as easy as pulling a lever and lifting the deck. It is almost effortless.

Disadvantages of T6.5 S

• Chest Monitor

There is very little that can be called a disadvantage of this machine. The one flaw that I have noticed is the lack of a chest heart rate monitor.

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B0193V3DJ6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]T6.5 S Treadmill[/easyazon_link] is capable of connecting to a chest monitor but you are given one with the product. This is a shame.

In reality, this is not a deal-breaker for including the T6.5 S within our selection of the best exercise equipment for bad back.

Powerline P2X Home Gym Including Leg Press – Best Supplementary Exercise

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”318″ identifier=”B003XNE58O” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41aM49MSWJL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”290″]View on Amazon

Elliptical trainers and treadmills are excellent for reducing impact and stress on your joints. However, they do not tend to offer much resistance. The Best exercise equipment for bad back within the home gym category is the P2X Home Gym.

Resistance is essential for building muscle strength which can help to alleviate back pain. Using free weights can place too large a strain on your back.

This is why I recommend adding a Powerline Home Gym; with Leg press to your home gym.

• 160lb Alloy weight stack plates
• Multiple Press Station
• Incorporates Leg Press
• 71 x 66 x 83 inches

Advantages of Powerline P2X

• Covers Full Body

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B001RQT10G” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]P2X Home Gym[/easyazon_link] really does offer the opportunity to work out all the muscles in your body through compound exercises. These improve the strength of your core; helping to support and alleviate back pain.

You should never complete an exercise that causes you more pain. But, the P2X Home Gym will allow you to undertake just the exercises that will help you.

• Multiple Workout Points

Having several different workout points means that you are specifically targeting muscle groups and you will be in the right position for each exercise.

This is important to ensure you are not adding to the stress on your back.

• Build Quality

The frame has a 10-year warranty and the parts come with 1 year.

The machine is heavy and has a fairly big floor space. But, once set up it will last for years.

Disadvantages

• Limited Weight Stack

The P2X has a 160lb stack. This is great if you are just starting out. However, once you’ve been training for a while you may find this insufficient.

There is a 50lb upgrade option but even this may not be enough.

The Bottom Line

Getting in better shape is essential to building core muscles and supporting your back better. But, you must use the right equipment to do so. This is why the best exercise equipment for bad back is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01KAGX6XQ” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer[/easyazon_link].

It has an excellent range of features, is well built, and has the flexibility you need to ensure you always find time to work out. I use it, you should too!

I highly recommend that every home should be equipped with a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan pull up bar[/easyazon_link].

The pull-up bar will work your back muscles, your abs, your biceps; in fact, it will work every muscle in your body. It will also build muscle faster as you are working against the force of gravity.

The best exercises include the Flex Hang – where you hold your chin over the bar for at least a second.

The negative pull up is simply lowering yourself down from a head over bar position. The point is to do it slowly. Control builds strengths which prepares you for the classic pull up.

You can also try the dead hang. This is the starting point for anyone unable to complete a pull-up. All you have to do is grasp the bar and hang; it will build strength and allow you to get a feel for the bar.

It is worth being aware that the bar is 53 inches wide, has a bracket depth of 32 inches and a height of 31 inches. The Titan pull up bar weighs 35 pounds and must be mounted securely to prevent accidents occurring when in use.

Customer Reviews

The Titan pull up bar does very well in reviews:

• 5 stars from Wal-Mart customers.
• 5 stars from eBay users.
• 4 stars from Target customers.

Advantages Of Titan Pull Up Bar

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There are a number of advantages to using the Titan Pull Up Bar:

• Adjustable
• Versatile
• High Capacity
• Easy To Install
• Warranty
• Affordable

Disadvantages of Titan Pull Up Bar

Of course, no Titan pull up bar review would be complete without pointing out the disadvantages of this piece of equipment:

• Visibility
• Lack Of Padding
• Distance From Door

Let’s take a closer look at these advantages and disadvantages:

Adjustable

This is a wall-mounted pull-up bar. You can only use it if it’s attached securely to your wall. This allows you to set the right height for your needs when you install it.

You can also adjust the width of the bar for installation. This will allow you to secure it to your wall studs; whether they are 16 inches, 32 inches, or even 52 inches!

It is designed to be fastened to either your wall studs or directly into a concrete or brick wall. Once secured it won’t fall off easily!

Versatile

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B07PMG9GJG” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan pull up bar[/easyazon_link] can actually be mounted both horizontally and vertically. This may seem like a strange feature but there is a whole range of exercises that can be performed when the bar is horizontal.

These will increase your strength and flexibility as they challenge your body into new positions.

The horizontal pull up refers to the position your body is in; as you can imagine this is not a position for beginners. You’ll need a great deal of core strength to hold your body steady as you lift your head over the bar.

Horizontal pull-ups will really build your core strength.

The fact that most pull up bars do not offer this option highlights how good the Titan pull up bar is.

High Capacity

The last thing you want when doing a pull up is for the bar to come crashing down on you. There are already hundreds of videos showing this happening to others.

But the Titan is not a door-mounted system. It is securely anchored and designed to handle 500 pounds. That should be enough for anyone to hang from without causing it to break. Part of the secret of its strength is because it has the triangular supports.

The high weight capacity is not just because this pull up bar is attached to your wall. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]The Titan[/easyazon_link] is made from steel making it very durable and stable. You won’t need to focus on how the bar feels or whether it is about to fall down.

You can put all your energy into getting the pull up right.

Easy To Install

You may think that it is a disadvantage to have to install your Titan pull up bar onto your wall. But, even doorway pull up bars need some installation.

In fact, the Titan is very easy to install. You just need to pick your desired height and decide if the wall is dry lined or brick.

Brick can be drilled into. Raw plugs can then be added and the pull-up bar screwed into place. If your wall is dry lined then you’ll need to find the studs before you can screw the pull-up bar into place.

Once you’ve set the height and found the studs you can screw the 31 inch high brackets into position.

Warranty

Titan has a lot of confidence in its pull up bar. This is evident by the comprehensive warranty which is supplied with it.

You’ll be given the standard 1 year against defects in materials or workmanship. But, even after that time Titan will still repair, replace parts or even exchange the item if it appears to have failed but only been subject to normal wear and tear.

It might not be a lifetime warranty but it is a fairly comprehensive one and should give you some peace of mind when you read the Titan pull up bar review and decide to purchase the bar.

Affordable

The problem with workout equipment at home is that it becomes expensive to purchase all the different items you may need.

Pull up bars can vary greatly in price with some costing over $100 or even $150. The Titan, despite its strength and solid build, can be purchased for less than $100. You’ll struggle to beat this price when looking for a pull-up bar that is strong and effective.

This makes it affordable and desirable.  In fact, considering the number of muscles it can work out you should consider this as your first and most important item for your home gym.

Visibility

It is worth noting that the Titan protrudes 32 inches from the wall and the bar is 53 inches wide. Securing it to the wall ensures it cannot be easily pulled down or break while exercising.

However, this also means that the Titan pull up bar is very visible. Unless you have it in your own home gym it is going to be difficult to make it feel like part of the natural décor of your home.

This could be an issue; especially if you are used to sharing your home. It is not something that you want to take off and put on the wall at regular intervals.

Lack Of Padding

One complaint that seems to be common amongst users is the lack of padding on the bar. This can make it very difficult to maintain your grip for the duration of your workout.

Some users have opted for athletic tape to make the bar more comfortable. While this is a good idea it should not be essential when fitting and using a new pull up bar.

This is especially an issue as the bar is designed to be mounted for long term use; it is highly likely that you will struggle to maintain your grip when you first start using it.

Distance From Wall

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan[/easyazon_link] sits 31 inches away from the wall. You can adjust this by adding wood blocks before you mount it. However, once it is in the position it is not possible to adjust the height of the bar. This makes it difficult for you and your partner to use if you are very different heights.

A simple adjuster would make the pull-up bar more flexible and infinitely more useful to men and women.

It is also worth noting that extra brackets can be purchased separately. These are not included in the original purchase. These would allow you to create a secondary set up at a different level for another person. But, you would need to use the bar from your original purchase.

Unfortunately, this would discourage using the pull-up bar and still not enable you both to work out at the same time.

Packaging

Several users have noted the issues with packaging.

Firstly it appears the pull-up bar is sent out whole and therefore arrives in a box as big as a refrigerator! This is disconcerting!

More importantly, there have been a number of users who have commented on how poor the packaging is. The product frequently arrives exposed through the box. This increases the likelihood of it being damaged.

A damaged pull-up bar is no use; you’ll be waiting longer to get it replaced.

How To Install A tital Pull Up Bar

The Titan Pull Up Bar Review Summary

There are a great many benefits to fitting a pull-up bar in your home. You and most of the rest of your family will want to try it.

Thanks to the solid construction, attractive price, and the excellent reputation of [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan products[/easyazon_link] this can be considered to be one of the best pull up bars currently available.

While it is not easily taken down when not in use; providing it is not in a regular passageway then it can be a valuable and barely noticed addition to your home. I’ve been using mine religiously and strongly recommend you start doing the same.

There are so many companies creating fitness equipment nowadays that keeping track of the best ones can be tough. However, I’ve compiled a list of the top seven brands in the world.

Our favorite brands for each type of equipment are:

Knowing what the best brands are can be helpful in choosing your fitness equipment. Regardless of whether it’s for weights or cardio machines.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what sets the best brands apart from the rest. As a result, you’ll be able to identify the kinds of qualities to look out for when purchasing any fitness equipment.

Hammer Strength

Hammer Strength is a renowned fitness brand that is known for creating extremely high-quality weight machines.

To be more specific, this brand focuses heavily on making plate-loaded weight machines. That’s one of the reasons why their equipment is appreciated by weightlifters around the world. It’s all tailored towards building muscle and strength.

They are unique to other fitness brands that have been putting out a wide range of fitness equipment. Instead, Hammer Strength has zeroed in on a niche and excelled.

Their equipment is durable and incredibly heavy-duty.

Users like how the range of motion with Hammer Strength equipment feels more natural than many other machines. As a result, you’re able to stimulate your muscles for better growth.

Their plate-loaded weight machine range includes an impressive 40 options. Therefore, they can accommodate extremely well to people of all fitness goals.

Life Fitness

Life Fitness began back in 1997. Since then, they have established themselves as being a fitness brand that people all over the world are familiar with.

The kinds of equipment they manufacture is vast. It includes anything from weighted cable machines and racks, to all kinds of cardio machines.

Customers are particularly impressed with the Ultimate Life Fitness T3 Treadmill. It’s considered to be an entry-level treadmill that’s equipped with a lot of great features.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”400″ identifier=”B0089W54V6″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41CbelY50BL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

For one, the deck is cushioned, meaning less impact on your joints. (Excellent for elderly people or those with injuries).

The dual console makes tracking your progress a breeze. You can easily see your workout stats to ensure that you know which areas need improvement.

It’s also energy-efficient and comes with a fantastic warranty.

To learn more about this treadmill, check out our Ultimate Life Fitness T3 Treadmill review.

Cybex

Similarly, to Life Fitness, Cybex has established itself as one of the best gym equipment brands in the world.

They have an enormous range of different fitness products available. Regardless of whether you’re looking to lift weights and get stronger or lose weight and get fitter – they have it all.

Weight resisted machines, frames, racks, and cardio equipment are all readily available.

While they do create some great weighted equipment, they are mostly recognized for the cardio products.

For example, their [easyazon_link identifier=”B002VL1IA2″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Arc Trainer[/easyazon_link] range is a favorite among customers. Not to mention, they also manufacture treadmills, rowing machines, and bikes.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B002VL95N4″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KSzShcsfL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”442″]View on Amazon

One of the biggest draws to Cybex’s Arc Trainer is that anyone can use it. This is because it provides you with a low impact form of exercise which is easy going on the joints.

There are also many workout options available (13 in total!). These are awesome at helping you reach your goals of improving your cardiovascular health, losing weight, and improving your speed.

Learn more details about the Arc Trainer in our review here.

Their [easyazon_link identifier=”B0053Y0TAE” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]750T Treadmill[/easyazon_link] is another big hit among users. It’s a piece of cardio equipment that’s easy to use and comes with a cushioned deck. This makes it accessible to more people.

With a large display and control buttons, you’re able to set your workout programs and track your progress with ease.

There are nine pre-programmed programs that help you reach your fitness goals, no matter what they are.

Check out all the details surrounding the Cybex 750T Treadmill here.

Precor

Precor was founded by David Cruz in 1980 in Woodinville. He was an industrial engineer who has ended up being the creator behind one of the best gym equipment brands in the world.

One of the main factors that have made Precor one of the best in the business is engineering. This is no surprise considering the founder was an industrial engineer!

Their equipment ranges from stretching trainers, weight machines, and spin bikes.

They’ve approached their weighted items a little differently to most commercial brands. They incorporated weighted plates. Using plate-loaded machines is something that many gym users prefer over stacks.

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B07DM8N1QP” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Precor Shift[/easyazon_link] is a spin bike that has become a favorite among customers due to its solid construction, comfort, and adjustable features.

Users like how they’re able to work out intensely without worrying about the bike tipping over.

A unique A factor design means that the placement of the pedals feels very comfortable. This is a benefit that you’ll appreciate more during longer workouts.

Being able to adjust the seat post height and distance between you and handles is a simple yet effective feature. Finding the perfect position is crucial for working out comfortably and consistently.

I know I dread workouts on a bike that doesn’t feel comfortable!

Learn more about the range of spin bikes that Precor has to offer in our review (click here).

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B01DSSKLAY” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51unQlOmQjL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Star Trac

Star Trac is a reputable fitness equipment brand that has been in the industry for more than two decades.

They are mostly known for manufacturing treadmills and exercise bikes.

Star Trac is now a well-known brand with their main products being treadmills and exercise bikes.

Their [easyazon_link identifier=”B07G5LMS44″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]E-TRxe Treadmill[/easyazon_link] is built with a strong aluminium construction for durability. It’s also powered by 5HP that runs off an electrical power outlet which provides you with plenty of power to workout with.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B07G5LMS44″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/417baeGvkdL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Users have been impressed with the large 15” HD display monitor too. Its touchscreen enables you to clearly keep track of your workout progress.

The Star Trac recumbent bike range is a great option that suits many people. I was impressed by its maximum weight capacity of over 350 lbs!

Moreover, if you’re a little taller or shorter, you can easily adjust the bike to feel comfortable. With good-sized monitors, you’re also given the chance to see how well you are progressing with each workout.

No to mention, the wide range of workout programs available provides you with plenty of options. You can be sure to find one that suits your needs best.

Take a look at our review to discover more about what the Star Trac recumbent bike range has to offer

StairMaster

StairMaster has been in the fitness industry since 1983. Since then, they’ve progressed rapidly to where they are today.

The StairMaster 5000 was their first product and it took the industry by surprise. It enabled users to workout with more intensity while doing steady state cardio than any other piece of equipment that was available.

There have been multiple versions of the StairMaster over the years as they’ve adapted and improved on different areas.

Their StairMaster has you on a continual loop of walking up steps. You can alter the pace to make it more intense or keep it moderate. Either way, it’s an awesome piece of equipment that I love using for cardio.

This brand is known for creating equipment that provides you with a real challenge. The more challenging your workouts are, the better the results will be. That’s one of the big reasons why so many people gravitate towards StairMaster.

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B000NZKXNG” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StairMaster 7000 PT[/easyazon_link] model is a popular choice. It includes a total of six workout programs and 20 levels of resistance.

This provides you with plenty of workout options, regardless of your experience with fitness.

Their revolving staircase uses a patented design with steps that are 8” in height. These make it feel as though you’re walking up a real set of stairs.

Users also appreciate how the display is LCD and backlit, making it easy to read.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B000NZKXNG” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41-Na14zitL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”330″]View on Amazon

NordicTrack

NordicTrack has been around for over 30 years. Initially, they were known for their ski machines, however, they’ve established an entirely new reputation for themselves today.

They manufacture a range of fitness equipment which home users, in particular, have been appreciating.

This brand is known for creating indoor bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals. So, if you’re looking for ways to do cardio, NordicTrack is a good source.

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For example, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B018R9THUE” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]NordicTrack C990[/easyazon_link] offers you many fantastic workout features at a decent price.

It included a total of 32 apps that you can use via the large touch screen display.

Users have been liking the FlexSelect cushioning as it allows you to exercise without causing damage to your knees.

Moreover, you’re able to save on space with the folding design feature.

Read our review on the NordicTrack C990 here to learn all the details.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know more about the best gym equipment brands in the world, you’ll be able to identify them when shopping around.

Of course, there are other brands that produce high-quality equipment too. So, it’s always worth doing some digging around to find the piece of equipment that suits your needs best.

However, the brands discussed above have established themselves with the highest quality products and the most consistent over the years.

In other words, they are extremely reliable.

If you’re ever feeling stuck on which brands to choose from, use this content above as a way of guiding you to the best equipment available on the market.

Finding high-quality equipment for this price range can be tricky. While there are tons of options available, many of them lack the quality and versatility you need to get good workouts from home. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00JGRBSS6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy MWM-990[/easyazon_link] is our number one pick due to the versatile range of exercises that are available, as well as the incredibly sturdy construction.

If you’re trying to get your body in fantastic shape from the comfort of your own home, you’ll be interested to read more about what the top home gym equipment products have to offer. We’ve done all the research so that you don’t have to.

Simply read through our review below and pick out the one that suits you best!

Top Pick – Marcy MWM – 990

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00JGRBSS6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy MWM-990[/easyazon_link] is our number one pick due to the sheer number of exercises it has available. There are over 30 exercises to choose from. They’re excellent at helping you to build muscle and lose fat from home.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00JGRBSS6″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51EdnUUDjrL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”459″]View on Amazon

Main Features

Construction

The first feature that stood out to us about this home gym is the construction. It has been made using heavy-duty steel materials.

They’ve also implemented guard rods that have been reinforced. This design works to keep the weights steadily in place while you workout.

In addition to this, we liked how you’re also able to workout comfortably. This is a result of the seat design. With an ergonomic design consisting of thick upholstery, you can be sure to workout without causing any discomfort.

One other feature concerning the construction of this home gym that we were impressed by is the preacher curl. You can easily adjust or remove it to cater to your workout preferences.

Resistance

This home gym is equipped with a weight stack that goes all the way up to 150 lbs. If you’re a more experienced lifter, this maximum weight may not be challenging enough for you.

However, for many people working out from home, having a 150 lb weight stack is plenty.

We liked how they designed the resistance with a weight stack. This saves you the hassle of having to deal with heavy plates that can take up space and lead to injury.

Instead, there’s a pin system. You simply put the pin in your desired weight stack and you’re good to go.

To keep everyone in your household safe, they’ve also included a safety lock mechanism. This stops anyone from using the equipment who isn’t meant to.

Versatility

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00JGRBSS6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy’s MWM-990[/easyazon_link] home gym is incredibly versatile. One of the main versatile features that we were attracted to is the dual action press.

This mechanism enables you to workout with butterfly and chest press movements – with a single piece of equipment. This is fantastic for helping you to develop your biceps, chest, and even triceps.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00JGRBSS6″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/416gy15oE1L.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”343″]View on Amazon

Pros

• Safety lock system
• Versatile range of exercises
• Sturdy construction
• Ergonomic seat

Cons

• 150 lb weight stack may not be heavy enough for some

2nd Pick – BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0

If you need something to workout from home that can also be portable for when you need to be on the go, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B074Q15PXP” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0[/easyazon_link] could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

It packs in tons of workout equipment and exercises, for below $500.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B074Q15PXP” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Lp330DE9L.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Main Features

Portability

The best feature that we noticed about this home gym was its portability. It’s very tough to find gym equipment that you can use from home, while also being able to transport it, hassle-free if needed.

Since it weighs just 17 lbs, you can be sure to carry it around with ease. When it’s completely unfolded, it measures in at 20 x 24”. When you fold it up, it becomes a more compact 20 x 17”.

They provide you with a workout platform as well as a bag to hold all the accessories. These include resistance bands, door anchors, bars, handles, and straps for your ankles and wrists.

Strength Workouts

We liked how the creators behind the [easyazon_link identifier=”B074Q15PXP” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0[/easyazon_link] were focused on helping people to develop their strength.

As a result, a lot of the exercises that you’re able to do involve compound movements. These involve using multiple muscles at the same time to get stronger.

They have also ensured that you can workout with plenty of isolation exercises too.

This combination of strength and isolated training is awesome for building muscles and strength in your upper and lower body, as well as burning fat.

Some of the main exercises include overhead presses, squats, lat pulldowns, bicep curls, and many more.

The VectorFit platform is something that users have been loving. This acts as the foundation of the home gym and it’s what enables you to complete so many different exercises. It can also take a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs, which gives you plenty of weight to workout with.

All Experience Levels

We liked how you can workout according to your experience level too. You’re able to start out with as much or as little difficulty as you like. This provides you with the room you need to steadily boost your strength and intensity over time.

This is a result of the BossBands included. These can be added or removed depending on how much tension you want to create for each exercise.

So, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been working out for years, or just getting into it for the first time.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”330″ identifier=”B074Q15PXP” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51c%2BrQb8KKL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Pros

• Great for people of all workout experience levels
• BossBands for tension adjustment
• VectorFit platform for sturdy base
• Compound & isolation movements available
• Easily portable

Cons

• Accessories need to be stored separately from the folded equipment

3rd Pick– Ultimate Body Works

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B48ISLU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Ultimate Body Works[/easyazon_link] is available at a very affordable price. It lets you workout with over 50 exercises with the convenience of setting it up easily within your home.

Main Features

Bodyweight Workouts

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B48ISLU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Ultimate Body Works[/easyazon_link] home gym enables you to workout using a lot of calisthenics movements. This lets you create the resistance by using your bodyweight. You can then alter the difficulty of the exercises by how fast or slow you go, as well as the number of reps you perform.

This home gym equipment enables you to workout with different exercises to most other home gyms.

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Bench

We were impressed by the bench that comes with this home gym equipment. It can be easily adjusted to ensure that it fits your needs perfectly.

You can alter the incline level to use the cable pulleys in a wider range of ways. This allows you to workout with more exercise options and add versatility to your sessions.

The more you increase the incline, the harder the workouts will be. They make the weight resistance feel harder!

Pulley System

The pulley system available is awesome and easy to use. It allows you to workout with a larger range of motion to make it more difficult, which means better results.

You can connect various attachments to the pulley system to perform a wide range of exercises. You can then adjust the incline level of the bench that’s supporting you to make it more difficult or easier.

Resistance

If the bodyweight exercises don’t feel challenging enough for you, you’re given the option to add more weight.

This is because they enable you to add an extra 50 lbs of weight. As a result, you can make your workouts much more intense. People who are more experienced with working out love this benefit.

Construction & Assembly

We liked how they’ve used steel materials to construct the tubing. This gives you the assurance that it’s a sturdy piece of equipment that can handle intense workouts without wobbling. Furthermore, it will last you for a long time too.

Putting this home gym equipment together is fairly easy. Most people are able to have it set-up and ready to use within just 20 minutes. All the instructions are provided to make it easier.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00B48ISLU” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41STLQg7jhL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”466″]View on Amazon

Pros

• Sturdy steel materials
• Easy assembly
• Ability to add 50 lbs more resistance
• Wide range of exercises
• Pulley system
• Fully-adjustable bench

Cons

• Making the frame more compact for storage can be tricky
• The gliding system is noisier than some were hoping for

Final Thoughts

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00JGRBSS6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy MWM-990[/easyazon_link] is our number one pick due to how it focuses on building muscle and strength. These are the main fitness goals that most people are looking to achieve while working out from home.

However, it does have a maximum weight stack of 150 lbs and you can’t add any more weight to it. Therefore, it may not be best for experienced lifters.

Those who are looking to workout from home but also need to be on the go would be more interested in the [easyazon_link identifier=”B074Q15PXP” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0[/easyazon_link]. It has a wide range of exercises available and can be transported, hassle-free.

Our last recommendation is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B48ISLU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Ultimate Body Works[/easyazon_link]. We liked how it incorporates your bodyweight into the exercises. The pulley system combined with the adjustable bench lets you customize your workout intensity to a tee.

While you can make it more compact for easier storage in your home, it may not be as easy of a process as some would have hoped for.

So, you now know more about what the best home gym equipment for under $500 has to offer.

Be sure to consider the main benefits that you want to receive from a home gym before purchasing one. This will help you tremendously to narrow down your search and find the one that suits your needs best.

Use our review to help make that process easier!

The seated row is an excellent exercise for overall upper body development and is particularly good for general strength gains. It’s a compound movement that uses many of your muscles in different ways to pull off the technique. The main targets are pretty much all of your upper and mid-back muscles, such as the traps, lats, and the erector spine. On top of this, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B000M0GWUK” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]GSRM40[/easyazon_link] has a considerable impact on your shoulders, upper arms, and even the forearms. That’s a lot of upper body development for one exercise!

There’s a couple of alternatives here too depending on your preference!

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Best Plate Loaded Gym Equipment – BodySolid GSRM40 Seated Row Machine

Like we’ve already covered, the seated row is a useful and versatile exercise. BodySolid is a well-known and popular brand, they regularly pop up when high-level gym equipment is discussed. That isn’t to say they’re always the best, though ranking high should say a lot about their consistency and overall quality.

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B000M0GWUK” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]GSRM40 Seated Row Machine[/easyazon_link] is a great rowing machine with many convenient features to make exercising more comfortable for you.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B000M0GWUK” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41duRPOw6xL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″] View on Amazon

Benefits

Reliability

The reliability of this machine is the first thing to stand out. It’s been a popular item already so there are plenty of people out there using it, yet it’s tough to find anybody who has had a single complaint about the build quality or reliability of the item. That’s pretty impressive! Add to this that BodySolid offer a lifetime warranty and you can be sure that you’ll never need to replace this machine, making it a buy for life product.

Comfort

Being uncomfortable can hurt your will to work out and your development. The chest support on the [easyazon_link identifier=”B000M0GWUK” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]BodySolid Seated Row Machine[/easyazon_link] is well-positioned and is super thick. You can get right up against it without feeling any edges or hard material pressing into you, plus it won’t leave any marks on you. Even the foot braces are padded so you can go heavy without the metal support applying any pressure to the soles of your feet. The seat is in a good position too and again has enough padding to keep you comfy, while the handles are in a great position. Remember this machine is adjustable so if you are particularly short or tall you can still adjust the positioning find one that works for you.

High Weight Capacity

This machine should be fine for all but the heaviest of lifters. The heaviest lifts require extremely high-end equipment with an extremely high cost though, so this is pretty much as good as it gets at reasonable prices and is plenty for most users. The machine handles pretty much any weight you can fit on to it and still works smoothly. There are Olympic plate size adapters available if you want to use Olympic size plates, otherwise, this is set up for 1” plates

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B000M0GWUK” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Hcw0NHV%2BL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″] View on Amazon

Drawbacks

Poor Instructions

The instructions which come with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B000M0GWUK” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]BodySolid GSRM40[/easyazon_link] are pretty poor when compared to other brands. They can be a little unclear, so having some DIY or gym equipment experience is a big help in putting them together. The process isn’t really that difficult and most of it can be figured out with just a little experience, though if you don’t have any the instructions aren’t likely to be a big help to you.

Requires Lubricating Pre-Installation

One thing that many people noted about this machine is how loud/creaky it can sometimes be. We have found that users who applied lubrication to the machine and its’ bushings before constructing it haven’t encountered this problem. Likewise, the noisy machines which were taken apart and lubricated no longer had any noise/roughness problems either.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B000M0GWUK” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CFhayGBOL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″] View on Amazon

Best Alternative – BodySolid GPM65 Plate Loaded Pec Machine

Our alternative pick is for those who struggle with the seated row, or who have injuries or other limitations which don’t allow that exercise. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B000EBBX4W” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]BodySolid GPM65 Plate Loaded Pec Machine[/easyazon_link] is another great creation from BodySolid. It targets the pecs mainly though it can be used for a few different exercises, making it quite versatile.

It allows both regular flyes and reverse flyes, so you can work your front or back. There’s a pair of different handles for different hand positions too.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B000EBBX4W” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Pi4n2IIlL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″] View on Amazon

Benefits

Reliability & Comfort

Once again this benefits from the general quality BodySolid puts into their machines. It has a lifetime warranty and is made from very sturdy steel. Handles are well-positioned and covered with a softer foam material, while the seat and back are both firm yet adequately padded. There are adjustments for different builds as well.

Multi-Functional

The biggest plus of this machine is that it does more than one exercise. You can target your pecs with regular flyes, or you can target your back with reverse flyes. The differing hand positions on the [easyazon_link identifier=”B000EBBX4W” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]BodySolid GPM65[/easyazon_link] are nice because you can choose whatever feels best for you.

Smooth Operation

The way this moves allows the pulleys to slide freely over the lifting mechanism with the plates being nice and secure on the horizontal holders. Some users have reported no plate movement even without using any type of locking device/collar. There’s no loud clanking or banging when weights are lifted/lowered either, unlike some stack machines.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B000EBBX4W” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AhoKlKjwL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″] View on Amazon

Drawbacks

Poor Instructions & Requires Lubrication

This BodySolid machine also requires some lubrication before assembly to keep the operation smooth and quiet. Without it there are reports of some creaking from the pulleys and clicking from the movement of handles.

Instructions are an issue again too. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B000EBBX4W” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]GPM65 Pec Machine[/easyazon_link] is a great machine which is easy to use once built. If you can get it built. The instructions aren’t clear enough for a first-timer to put one of these together without some guesswork or luck. Searching online for help could be one solution, or getting an experienced friend could be another. Keep this in mind when ordering.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B000EBBX4W” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41CmlfDyyhL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″] View on Amazon

Best for Lower Body – Plate Loaded Leg Extension/Curls Machine

For those who would rather focus on the lower body, it can be hard to find a plate loaded machine that gives all-around development.  Something simple like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B009I4I614″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Plate Loaded Leg Extension/Curl Machine[/easyazon_link] will fill this role perfectly.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B009I4I614″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41gEeWWtwUL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″] View on Amazon

Benefits

Versatile

The biggest and most obvious advantage is that you can either do leg/quad extensions or leg/hamstring curls with this piece of equipment. These movements are also noted for helping knee stability and improving joint strength. All of this makes it a useful piece of equipment to have.

Sturdy

Made from steel, this is a very reliable unit and we have yet to see any complaints about reliability. This [easyazon_link identifier=”B009I4I614″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Plate Loaded Leg Machine[/easyazon_link] should last for years and the foam on this is long-lasting too, with a good covering that doesn’t tear/mark easily.

Value for Money

Another advantage here is the price. It’s cheaper to buy this machine than it is to buy most other plate loaded machines. When you consider the multiple uses that this one has, it becomes an even better value for money. The knee strengthening ability makes it usable at very light weights as a rehab/therapy device. Being able to work both the front and back of the leg makes it extra useful too.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B009I4I614″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41gEeWWtwUL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″] View on Amazon

Drawbacks

Not Much Variability in Position

Adjusting position helps to make machines comfortable for users with different builds. With this machine, there’s only a little flexibility to extend the bar where your legs will be placed. That could mean being a bit uncomfortable in your exercise position depending on your size. It shouldn’t be much of a factor unless you’re particularly short/tall, but it is something to be aware of.

Best for Versatility – StrengthTools Plate Loaded Kettlebell

Kettlebells are massively popular these days, becoming a competitor to the traditional debate of machines vs free weights. They’re versatile and useful for athletes and newcomers alike. Kettlebells also add different options for workouts because of their design and mobility. This makes chaining movements together possible, so you can work in multiple areas during one exercise.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B076T3MZZ9″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTools Plate Loaded Kettlebell[/easyazon_link] is a new twist on this. It’s a kettlebell handle with a bar where the rest of the kettlebell would normally be. There’s a clip on the end allowing you to secure weight plates in place. Once this is done, it’s ready to go!

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B076T3MZZ9″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41qMgDDSb-L.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”357″] View on Amazon

Benefits

Massively Versatile

The kettlebell already gives a huge amount of options for your workouts. There’s so many around that you could probably hit every muscle group multiple times. The challenge here is getting your form right, so make sure you’ve focused on that and really got it drilled down before attempting heavier kettlebell exercises.

Plenty of Weight Variation

An empty [easyazon_link identifier=”B076T3MZZ9″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTools Kettlebell[/easyazon_link] weighs in around 25-30lbs, or at least that’s the feel of it. From here you can add a ridiculous amount of weight, we think 300lbs is very possible on this equipment. For those who don’t know, 300lbs on a kettlebell is ridiculously large and not even usable by most people who aren’t serious lifters or athletes. This variation also adds to the multiple exercise options, allowing it to be used for different types of workouts too, such as toning rather than strength.

Great Value for Money

With the benefits listed and the fact that this is cheaper than most traditional plate loaded machines, it’s easy to see why this is great value for money. The kettlebell design makes it inherently reliable because there just isn’t much to go wrong.

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Drawbacks

Plate Size Could be Restrictive

The biggest issue you could struggle with on this machine is the plate size. Plates tend to stick out a lot further from the handle than kettlebells do. You can get around this for some movements by using smaller plates, though with a lot of exercises this type of restriction could bring your weight too low to actually be effective. Some of the swings, for example, could leave you at risk of being clipped by a weight plate. In fact with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B076T3MZZ9″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTools  Kettlebell[/easyazon_link], any overhead moves are even more dangerous and probably shouldn’t even be attempted. After all, you don’t want 50kg of steel suddenly crashing into the back of your skull on a snatch and press!

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With the decision of home gym vs commercial gym having many factors to it, some people will prefer the use of home gym equipment more than others. Today we’re going to take a look at what’s available for those preferring a home gym, as we break down the best home gym equipment. We will be giving our recommendations for specific categories and some recommendations between multiple choices, alongside an opinion on some big selling, specific products.

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Best Home Gym Equipment

Smith Machines vs Free Weights

Often newcomers to the world of exercise are unsure on the pro’s and con’s of different pieces of equipment. Because of this variety of drawbacks and benefits on either side, the recommendation is affected by your individual needs and preferences. With that said, generally we would recommend free weights over smith machines.

The reason we recommend free weights is because they recruit more muscles to stabilize the weight. Free weights will also strengthen your ligaments and tendons as they are put under more pressure to keep everything in the correct position. Free weights are simple and cheap to get started with too. For example, a set of [easyazon_link identifier=”B019EFG8M0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan dumbbells[/easyazon_link] could be a cheap and efficient way to get started with free-weights.

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With that said, there are times when a smith machine could be better for you. This would be to correct a weakness or as a part of physiotherapy. They could also help you to push through a plateau and continue your progression. In these cases something like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00E1P15KO” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Inspire Fitness FT2 smith machine[/easyazon_link] would be ideal.

Click here for our complete breakdown of smith machines vs free weights.

Titan Pull-Up Bar – Should You Buy One?

Pull-ups are one of the toughest bodyweight exercises to pull off, with a lot of people struggling to do even one. It’s a great display of overall fitness and strength to weight ratio to pull these off. They’re also a great exercise to continue your development, regardless of current fitness levels. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]The Titan pull-up bar[/easyazon_link] has been a popular choice when it comes to home pull-up bars since its release.

Overall we would recommend the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan Pull-Up Bar [/easyazon_link] as a great addition to any home gym. It adds a versatile piece of equipment that can really boost your development. Likewise, it’s reliable and hard-wearing, plus it’s adjustable even though the bar is made to be placed on permanent brackets.

Click here for our full Titan Pull-Up Bar review.

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Best Titan Dumbbells

A respected brand when it comes to dumbbells and home gym equipment in general, Titan Fitness are known for their reliability and versatility. You can buy the [easyazon_link identifier=”B079S3P278″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]dumbbell bars[/easyazon_link] and add whatever [easyazon_link identifier=”B01IRVKC0Q” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]weight plates[/easyazon_link] you desire, or you can buy the fully [easyazon_link identifier=”B019EFG8M0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]adjustable Titan dumbbell.[/easyazon_link]

There are also some extremely nice [easyazon_link identifier=”B0106UO20W” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]hexagonal rubber coated dumbbells,[/easyazon_link] very sturdy and nice to use though these aren’t recommended for home users because it’s expensive to stock an entire gym with these – and the point of training is usually to get stronger, so you’re going to end up buying quite a few sets. Likewise there is a lightweight [easyazon_link identifier=”B07BYVSG3Z” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]neoprene set available.[/easyazon_link]

Click here for our complete breakdown of the best Titan fitness dumbbells.

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Best Fitness Gear Dumbbells

A popular alternative to Titan Fitness for dumbbells are Fitness Gear. If you’re the type of home gym user who loves free weights, and in particular dumbbells, then you’re certain to find something to your liking between Titan and Fitness Gear.

In the case of Fitness gear you can’t buy adjustable dumbbells. You have three options to choose from, with only the first two providing heavier weights. Fitness Gear provide really high quality preset, cast dumbbells. These are available as  [easyazon_link identifier=”B079D896PW” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]rubber coated[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link identifier=”B078R4VH8N” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]full cast iron[/easyazon_link] versions, with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B078R2TB8P” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]full cast iron dumbbell[/easyazon_link] being highly noted for reliability. The rubber coated dumbbells are better for people who have concerns about exposed iron weights causing damage.

There are also [easyazon_link identifier=”B0799D71LH” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]neoprene dumbbells[/easyazon_link] available from this brand, though these are at lighter weights only.

Click here for our complete analysis of Fitness Gear Dumbbells.

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Best Exercise Equipment for a Bad Back

Back pain is becoming a major issue due to modern lifestyle habits, such as sitting for extended time periods. We have taken a close look at multiple pieces of equipment, and given our top recommendations by type of equipment. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type, with our overall recommendation going to the top eliptical trainer – the[easyazon_link identifier=”B01KAGX6XQ” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 430.[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00D4LEEY0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 430 Eliptical Trainer[/easyazon_link] is a sturdy, dependable piece of equipment which gives a high level of comfort for less mobile users. That means you can use it regularly without aggravating an injury, and even as a part of the recovery process. It has multiple resistance levels to work through allowing plenty of development and gives a decent all-over workout, with a focus on that all-important cardiovascular fitness.

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Best Body Solid Home Gym Equipment

Body Solid have had a great year so far with their Home Gyms. They provide a whole range of choices, with differing levels of equipment and capabilities offered. Our overall top pick went to the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTech EXM2500S home gym.[/easyazon_link]

Having been around for years you know that you can always rely on Body Solid to provide durable equipment, and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTech EXM2500S[/easyazon_link] is exactly that. With a reasonable cost and a wide variety of stations/functions, this home gym gives a great return for a low investment. Coupling it with a good power rack or smith machine and some free weights would give you absolutely loads of versatility and function.

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Click here to check out our full breakdown of Body Solid Home Gyms.

Best Body Solid Power Weight Rack

Again a big seller throughout the year, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HAVB0DI” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body Solid power rack[/easyazon_link] is all about letting you do big lifts, safely, and in the comfort of your own home. With the rack being likely to last for years and capable of handling pretty much anything you throw at it, we gave it a thumbs up for home gym users everywhere.

It incorporates great safety features with a high weight limit, and is incredibly easy to use. As a bonus this weight rack doesn’t really need much maintenance. The power rack offers a lot of similar advantages to the smith machine whilst having a little more flexibility in range of movement. This can be a pro or a con depending on your needs, though on the whole we’d recommend the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01ETJVCO0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body Solid power rack[/easyazon_link] for most users.

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Click here to read our complete Body Solid Power Weight Rack review.

Best Smith Machine for Home Gyms

You might recall that we previously recommended free weights over smith machines for most uses. That doesn’t mean a smith machine doesn’t have its’ own advantages. They are a great way to push forward at heavier weights while staying safe. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00E1P15KO” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Inspire Fitness FT2 smith machine[/easyazon_link] was our standout in this article where we break down the benefits and drawbacks of all the top smith machines on the market right now.

Our top picks are analyzed and broken down into top choices by budget, so there’s an option for everyone. Remember that a smith machine alone could neglect smaller muscle groups so while they do have advantages, use them as part of a balanced workout routine.

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Click here for our full breakdown of the best smith machines for your home.

Marcy SM 4008 Smith Machine

A popular brand for home gym equipment is Marcy. Generally they produce solid products but with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0041NM0ZU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy SM 4008 smith machine[/easyazon_link] they have missed the mark. It is an ambitious unit which comes with a lot of add-ons to boost what you can do. There’s actually so many add-ons that it’s almost a complete home gym of its own. It has good safety mechanisms and a solid frame which holds up well.

Our recommendation was to avoid this unit due to there being a number of smaller plastic parts which break easily and a weak pulley system. Likewise this one is known to be complex and time-consuming to put together. It’s a sizeable time and cash investment for a piece of equipment that could break in months. Our alternative to this smith machine? The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym[/easyazon_link], plenty of safety and options with much more reliability.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51l6z7OUdML.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Click here to read our full review of the Marcy SM 4008 Smith machine.

Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine

Another popular choice so far this year is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MQF4UWT” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine[/easyazon_link]. This smith machine is selling based on the popular and well-known brand of Golds Gym. The problem is that the product doesn’t match the reputation. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MQF4UWT” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine[/easyazon_link] has a number of weak, plastic parts and again is a smith machine with many add-ons at the expense of reliability and function.

The gym could work for beginners who are able to get by with lighter weights. Using heavier loads can feel unstable on this unit, so heavier lifters should look to alternatives like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym[/easyazon_link]. If you’re a beginner looking to get introduced and don’t mind the expense of a unit like this which may only be useful for a year or two, by all means go ahead and indulge yourself.

Click here to read our full review of the Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine.

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Marcy MP1300 Smith Machine

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B0041NM0ZU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy MP1300 smith machine[/easyazon_link] does a good job of living up to its’ brand name. With that said, it’s still only recommended for beginners or intermediate users. Beyond a certain load, the unit begins to become unstable. The max load is generally around 300 lbs. This isn’t a bad limit though it is low for more advanced lifters.

This model can also suffer from some balance problems which may require a bit of anchoring work on your part. If you are intending to lift heavier we recommend a more stable, high-end unit such as the [easyazon_link identifier=”B001NXQFB6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body Solid Series 7[/easyazon_link]  or the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0041NM0ZU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy Diamond Elite[/easyazon_link].

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Click here to read our full review of the Marcy MP1300 smith machine.