Muscle building has always been one of my strengths and when it comes to helping people, I prefer working with bodybuilders, rather than fitness athletes. The power rack is one of the most utilized pieces of equipment and I felt the need to share my experience with you. Using Body-Solid power racks gave me a chance to see some of their weaknesses and strengths.

Body Solid has been a trusted brand for many years and while the prices might be a little steep, they cater mostly to commercial-grade gyms and fitness clubs. If you consider yourself a professional fitness lover or bodybuilder, Body Solid is one of the top brands to look for. The brand also offers great additions that can be used for your power rack.

All users could easily find one that meets their needs. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HAURYRK” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body-Solid Multi-Press Rack[/easyazon_link] is a little smaller compared to some of their other power racks. It is lightweight and can be used for all your major muscle group training as well.

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Body Solid Power Rack Review

Product Reviews

Finding Reviews for the Body Solid Power Racks are rare and the couple found online are mostly positive. The prices are a little costly and since not many people use power racks in their home gyms, it can be understandable. Here are a couple of reviews from online stores:

Wallmart – 4.5/5 from 14 Reviews

Fitness Superstore – 4/5 from multiple reviews on various power racks.

The negative reviews are mostly regarding the setup and the fact that it takes quite a while to fully assemble. One reviewer noted that it took up to two hours to fully assemble.

Pros

• Solid steel is used on all the power racks
• Massive weight capacity with some ranging up to a 1000-pounds
• Chin-up bars included for a diversified workout
• Powder coating applied for rust prevention
• Multiple adjustment levels for all users

Cons

• Benches and barbells are sold separately
• The assembly is time-consuming
• Too costly

The Breakdown – Benefits

Massive Weight Capacity

The weight capacity is what makes or breaks a power rack. The better this weight capacity is the more weight the bar can handle. Bodybuilders expect massive weight capacities, especially during the bulking season. Power racks like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B06Y5W9MG6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body-Solid SPR1000 Power Rack[/easyazon_link] can hold up to 1000-pounds in weight and the plates on the side.

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The weight capacity is all due to the materials used in the construction. The 11-gauge steel will not move or shake in any way. This adds to the longevity of the rack and you need not worry about having constant maintenance either.

Long-Lasting Durability

Body Solid designs racks and bars that will stand the test of time. These power racks are designed to not only last you for multiple years but to ensure you can workout efficiently while you have it. As mentioned, 11-gauge steel is mostly used for the construction and the additional powder coating will keep the steel thoroughly protected from any real damage.

Versatility

The key addition to most power racks is the adjustability level. The more slots it has, the more versatile it can be. Multiple slots are included in all these power racks, making them perfectly suited for both beginners and pros.

Another aspect to take into account when it comes to adjustability is the different bars that are added. Body Solid has placed additional dip bars on a few of the power racks. The addition of the chin-up bar expands the workout into new directions. The spacing between each hole is around 1-inch and even though it is not indicated, it should give you a general idea if the rack is fitted for you.

User Friendliness

I have seen a couple of beginners over the years and while it is recommended for them to start with machines and cables, they still find the urge to test out the power rack. Fortunately, Body Solid has put in a lot of effort to make these racks for everyone. The entrance is extremely wide and safety bars have been added. These bars can also be adjusted to fit your needs.

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All of their power racks are oversized and this can be seen in the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0049K4R06″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body Solid Pro Clubline Commercial Rack[/easyazon_link]. It features a large entrance area and a workout area in front of the rack itself. The safety features are also taken care of for beginners as they attempt to squat and deadlifts. Should the bar fall, you will be able to have it contained before it causes any more damage.

Multiple Accessories

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Multiple accessories are available for each of these power racks. The one that is found the most is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B072C85XN9″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]GLA378 Lat Attachment[/easyazon_link]. This attachment enables you to target the smaller muscles as well. The cable feature will enable you to work the triceps and biceps with much greater ease. If you need something versatile that helps you work out the entire body, these accessories can bring the gym to your home.

Maintenance Free

Maintenance can be a real pain in the but. Not only is it expensive, but we do not need additional costs when we have spent so much on a power rack. Nevertheless, the powder coating ensures that no maintenance is needed and it maintains the stylish look that you need. The only area that might need some maintenance is when the cable attachment is added. It is worth keeping in mind that other home gyms might require more maintenance.

Since you save a ton on maintenance, you can build stock up on more equipment, and Body Solid has a proven record of other apparatus that can be used as well. The additional plates and weight bars are also in your price range now as you save more in the long run.

Wide Range of Products

Lastly, the brand features quite a selection of power racks. Most are for commercial use, but they have a few smaller ones that are perfect for a smaller home gym. The range of accessories is fairly extensive, making it easy to find all the necessary add-ons that will make your workout worth the time and money.

The Breakdown – Drawbacks

Assembly

As we have already stated, the assembly is one of the toughest parts of buying a power rack. Body Solid caters to commercial gyms and fitness centers and most of the power racks are fairly heavy. The weight makes it somewhat harder to assemble and you might need someone to help you when it comes to assembling it.

However, once it has been completely assembled, the rack should not bear any problems. Yes, it will be hard to move around, but you should find the right location and set up the rack. Leave it there and you should not have any problems. Many brands also have foldable racks, which is not the case with Body Solid.

Cost

The racks are expensive and this could be a major drawback for most. Once you purchase it, you also receive only the rack and all the accessories need to be purchased separately. I could not find any real deals concerning these racks that will include some of the accessories. My advice would be to start with the bar and build up your collection from there.

Too Wide

The chin-up grips might be a little wide for some users. Unfortunately, these cannot be adjusted and the bars are mostly designed for the larger and more experienced individuals. To combat this, you might need to buy an additional chin-up accessory that can be modified to ensure that the racks work to your needs.

Bottom Line

Body Solid racks and apparatus are designed mostly for professional bodybuilders and gyms and since most of the racks will meet these high standards, they make excellent long-term investments. The brand is built on providing quality and I have seen this is not only the power racks but the other fitness equipment as well. The options are plentiful and now the choice will be yours as to which one you will choose. If a power rack is not for you, a Smith machine might be.

We’d like to thank you for reading this article and we would like to know more about your opinion on the Body Solid equipment. Let us know in the comment section if you have used a Body Solid Power Rack and some of your thoughts on the brand.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”450″ identifier=”B01668NDZI” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UhCfICNNL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”450″]

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].

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B001NXQFB6″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51YpN3c4nbL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]

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