Fitness Gear Equipment The Best Home Gyms on the Market for 2022 The Bowflex PR3000 is our top pick for it's versatility and compact size By Alena Hall Alena Hall LinkedIn Alena Hall is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. Alena worked as a fitness trainer for two years. She also has experience in private yoga training. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 17, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Tara Laferrara, CPT Reviewed by Tara Laferrara, CPT Tara Laferrara is a certified NASM personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness coach. She also created her own online training program, the TL Method. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Fit / Jay Wilde Depending on a gym’s hours can make sticking to your fitness plan difficult. A home gym provides workout privacy, schedule flexibility, and customized training that a regular gym can’t offer. Reviewed & Approved We named the Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym our best overall pick for it's ease in transitioning between exercises, large exercise selection, and small footprint. The Proform Sport XT Multi-Function Bench is a good option if you're building your home gym on a budget. For strength training, you’ll want to look for a home gym unit that can accommodate resistance and offer room for progress, says Parker Oliver, CFSC and Chief Operating Officer of BRX Performance. “Over time, you must progressively do more and more for the body to adapt and get stronger.” Look for home gyms that provide exercises for every muscle group and a large resistance range. Another key characteristic of a home gym is ease of use. “You’re working out at home because it’s cost-effective and easier than daily gym commuting,” Oliver says. "If your home gym is complicated, hard to set up, or requires daily adjusting, then the chances you stay consistent drop rapidly. Keep it simple." We evaluated each home gym for it's ability to provide a well-rounded workout with exercise options and a wide resistance range as well as overall size and ease of use. Here are the best home gyms on the market, according to a personal trainer. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym at Best Buy Jump to Review Best Budget: Proform ProForm Sport XT Multi-Function Bench at Dick's Jump to Review Best Splurge: MiM USA Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: Technogym Unica at Technogym.com Jump to Review Best for Small Spaces: Total Gym XLS Workout Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Full-Body Workouts: NordicTrack Fusion CST at Best Buy Jump to Review Best Suspension Trainer: TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System at Amazon Jump to Review Best High-Tech: Tonal System at Tonal.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym 4.7 Courtesy of Amazon View On Best Buy Pros Easy transitions Good entry-level and intermediate pick Durable Cons Lighter resistance The overall value of the Bowflex PR3000 home gym makes it our top pick. It provides the versatility of more than 50 different strength training exercises and has a resistance range of 5 pounds to 210 pounds with the option to upgrade up to 310 pounds with additional parts. It uses a power rod resistance system in lieu of cables and pulleys to allow for quick transitions from move to move—making your full-body workout more efficient. For such a versatile piece of equipment, its overall footprint is surprisingly small, making it a great option for compact home gym spaces. Meanwhile, its size doesn’t impact its durability, since it's equipped with a heavy-duty steel frame construction that's built to last. Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 157 pounds | Maximum Weight Resistance: 210 pounds | Size: 64 x 41 x 83 inches | Style: Cable pulley-based home gym Best Budget: Proform Sport XT Multi-Function Bench Dicks Sporting Goods View On Dick's View On Kohls.com Pros Multiple positions High weight capacity Integrated leg developer Cons Does not include weights If you're new to weightlifting, the ProForm Sport XT Multi-Function Bench is an affordable option that doesn't skimp on quality. Covered in durable vinyl, the bench features cushioned padding for maximum comfort. You can sit in a fixed upright position or easily lower the back of the bench to lay flat—providing you with more ways to target a variety of muscle groups. In addition to the portable and easy-to-assemble foundation, the bench comes with a leg developer for optimal lower body training. While you'll have to buy your own bar or set of weights, it offers a foundation with a barbell rack to make weightlifting easier. Plus, the 410-pound weight capacity accommodates a wide range of users, and the compact footprint is ideal for small spaces. Versatility Rating: C | Product Weight: Not listed | Maximum Weight Resistance: 410 pounds | Size: 61 x 30 x 46 inches | Style: Adjustable bench (flat, incline, and upright) Best Splurge: MiM USA Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Mim-usa.com Pros Durable construction Ideal for heavy lifters Comes with multiple accessories Cons Large footprint May be complicated for beginners This all-in-one weight lifting rig combines both cable and pulley systems with weight plates to give you the heavyweight capacity you need. It includes a smith machine, functional trainer, power cage, vertical leg press, dip and chip-up station, and adjustable weight bench. It also includes a full set of accessories that will allow you to expand your workout without needing to buy more equipment. This tough, durable machine is perfect for full-body workouts of all intensities, and is also ideal for seasoned bodybuilders, thanks to the range of exercises offered. However, you'll need to buy your own weight plates. Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 586 pounds | Maximum Weight Resistance: 335 pounds | Size: 60 x 80 x 87 inches | Style: All-in-one weightlifting machine The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2022 Best Design: Technogym Unica Courtesy of Technogym View On Technogym.com Pros Efficient use of space Good combination of strength machines Weight stack resistance Cons Lower weight capacity for heavy lifters Heavy structure Made in Italy, this multi-functional machine really does give you all the benefits of gym strength training in your own home. The unit fits in approximately 16 square feet of space and helps you work your arms, legs, chest, and more with at least 25 different exercises. It supports moves like the leg and hip extension, chest press, arm curl, and pulldown. The sleek weight stack core offers 180 pounds of resistance in 10-pound intervals, and the seat cushions are both plush and supportive. This top-of-the-line pick also comes with multiple accessories, including a stretching mat, a workout ankle band, a workout handgrip, a workout pulley bar, a DVD guide, and more. Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 640 pounds | Maximum Weight Resistance: 180 pounds | Size: 72 x 47 x 81 inches | Style: Multifunctional bench The 9 Best Power Racks of 2022 Best for Small Spaces: Total Gym XLS Workout Machine Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Totalgym.com Pros Easy to store Wide weight capacity range Safe for all fitness levels Cons Set-up may be complicated This pick, popularized by Chuck Norris, provides an excellent full-body home workout in minimal space. While the equipment can handle a weight capacity of 400 pounds, it can also be folded to fit under your bed when it’s not in use. The glide board can be set at six different incline options, allowing you to increase resistance with your own body weight instead of a bulky weight stack. The cable pulley mechanism also makes it easy to incorporate challenging exercises for your upper body. Ideal for seniors and active athletes alike, this Total Gym model supports more than 80 different exercises to give you an all-around good workout. Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 90 pounds | Maximum Weight Resistance: 400 pounds | Size: 19 x 90 x 43 inches | Style: Universal cable pulley- and bodyweight-based home gym The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2022 Best Portable: BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bodybossportablegym.com Pros Great for travel Guide included Multiple accessories included Cons Limited resistance capability Not as durable as other options If you want to be able to take your workout with you on the go, consider this crafty setup from BodyBoss. When in use, it’s no bigger than a yoga mat, and when stored, it can be carried like a lightweight suitcase. The resistance band-based system enables you to complete tough upper body workouts, lower body workouts, cardio resistance boxing workouts, and more. You can perform more than 300 exercises with this home gym, and you can make the moves easier or more difficult quickly by lengthening or shortening the resistance bands. The truly portable design of the BodyBoss Gym helps users remain consistent with their workouts and reach their goals more effectively. Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 16.1 pounds | Maximum Weight Resistance: N/A | Size: 15.9 x 2.8 x 20.1 inches | Style: Portable, resistance band-based home gym kit The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipment of 2022 Best for Full-Body Workouts: NordicTrack Fusion CST Courtesy of NordicTrack View On Best Buy Pros Good for cardio and strength training Interactive with a personal trainer Includes 1-year iFit membership Cons Pulleys aren't adjustable Not good for heavy strength training The sleek tower base of this NordicTrack model features a 10-inch tablet screen that enables you to follow along with trainer-guided workouts. With 20 resistance levels and a digital display, you don't have to waste valuable time adjusting the machine between each exercise. Every movement uses a pulley system powered by a silent flywheel. What’s more, during the workouts, the trainers automatically adjust your resistance levels in the machine to ensure that you get the most out of your exercises—the machine comes with a chest strap heart rate monitor to power these personalized sweat sessions. The home gym also includes one year of a NordicTrack iFit membership which allows you to experiment with multiple features. Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 378 pounds | Maximum Weight Resistance: N/A | Size: 41.5 x 59.4 x 73.7 inches | Style: Smart cardio and strength training with cable pulley resistance system The 11 Best Home Gym Floors of 2022 Best Suspension Trainer: TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Trxtraining.com Pros Portable Teaches body awareness and proper form Free TRX app access for 1 year Cons Design is not traditional Takes time to make adjustments When looking at this set of black and yellow straps, you probably wouldn’t consider this workout tool to be a “home gym.” However, once anchored on your wall of choice, these smart straps enable you to strength train every part of your body—customizing the intensity with your body weight by positioning yourself closer to or further away from the anchor point. The maximum weight resistance depends on the weight of the person using the straps, so it’s probably not the best fit for traditional weightlifters. With that said, this suspension trainer promotes a strong sense of body awareness as you learn how to perform exercises with the correct form and muscle engagement. The TRX system comes with free access to the TRX app for one year, which showcases the wide variety of exercises you can perform with these straps. It also includes a door anchor, a suspension anchor, and a mesh carry bag. Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 1.7 pounds | Maximum Weight Resistance: Your bodyweight | Size: 53 x 1.5 x 6 inches | Style: Suspension trainer Best High-Tech: Tonal System 4.7 Courtesy of Tonal View On Tonal.com Pros Mounts flat against a wall Sleek, modern design Tracks your workouts for you Cons Cables can rub against your skin No live class options Sleek and high-tech, this modern version of a home gym will give you an effective, total-body workout. Featuring a large screen, you can watch expert-led programs that will guide you through multiple exercises. The digitally-controlled weighted arms give you up to 200 pounds to lift, and the programs learn from your workout and adjust to your body as you exercise. Tonal accurately measures your reps, sets, range of motion in various exercises, weightlifting volume, power, and time spent under tension to help you grow stronger over time. Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Maximum Weight Resistance: 200 pounds | Size: 21.5 x 5.25 x 50.9 inches | Style: Smart mirror with resistance arm extensions Final Verdict If we had to pick just one home gym unit, we’d go with the Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym (view at Best Buy). It’s really tough to beat its exercise versatility, overall size, and affordable price point. But if we were to veer from the traditional rig setup, the TRX HOME2 System (view at Amazon) is a good option. Teaching you to use your body weight to your advantage, the set will give you a total-body workout without the bulk of most home gym equipment. It's also portable—you can set up the straps no matter wherever your next workout takes you. How We Rated the Home Gyms 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best home gyms we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These home gyms are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great home gyms, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These home gyms are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend home gyms with this rating; you won't find any on our list. What to Look for in a Home Gym Versatility Some home gyms can be used to perform 20 different exercises, and some can be used to perform more than 60. Typically, the more comprehensive the machine, the higher the price tag. But this level of versatility can make a significant impact on your ability to keep your muscles guessing as to what move you’ll challenge them with next. “If you’re a beginner, I recommend finding a piece of equipment that isn’t too complicated,” says Adrien Deffes, CPT. He says that often, beginners will perform a lot of exercises with their bodyweight alone, so a home gym with less versatility might be a good option. Maximum Weight Resistance Many home gyms enable you to lift heavy without purchasing individual weight plates, a free weight bench, and a rack. They have maximum resistance settings that are typically challenging enough for most exercisers, but if you’re a “go big or go home” type of lifter, pay close attention to the max weight plate and cable resistance settings when shopping for a home gym. Size Since your workout space could be a section of your garage, an entire bonus room, or a tiny corner of your apartment, the size of the home gym machine you pick really matters. That’s why the options on this list range from hundred-pound, commercial-style rigs to simple, foldable setups that can be used virtually anywhere. Style Strength training is a good way to describe any exercise intended to build muscle, but the term is still vague. A senior looking to improve their joint strength likely doesn’t need a massive, multi-tool home gym with 300-pound maximum weight resistance, whereas a bodybuilder likely needs more features and versatility. “If you want to completely replace your gym membership, I would look for a giant rig with all of the bells and whistles,” notes Deffes. He recommends looking for an option with a rack to perform fundamental lifts such as squats, deadlifts, barbell rows, and more. Other features he recommends are attachments for lat pulldowns and chest flies.” In the end, go with a home gym style that will help you best achieve your specific fitness goals. Frequently Asked Questions Who can benefit from a home gym? Anyone interested in improving their muscular strength and endurance from the comfort of their own home can benefit from a home gym. With that said, there are many different styles of home gyms to suit the specific needs of different people.Before buying one, ask yourself if you would use a heavyweight bench and squat rack rig, a high-tech reflective mirror screen projecting strength training fitness classes, or a solution somewhere in between. What is the best flooring for a home gym? The ideal home gym flooring solution prevents heavy equipment from damaging the permanent flooring in your home and gives your joints a more forgiving surface to exercise on. Home gym flooring is available in a range of materials, from rubber to foam to wood.Ultimately, the flooring option you pick should be easy to assemble, durable against more aggressive use, and attractive in its aesthetic. Why Trust Verywell Fit? As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how important it is to pick the right home gym equipment for you. She is always exploring the latest and greatest wellness tools, machines, and gadgets. But more importantly, Alena carefully considers the quality and various features that make these fitness products worthwhile investments. Editorial Process Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit