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.

The 9 Best Home Gyms, According to a Personal Trainer

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Norditrack Home Gym — 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

Best Budget:

Proform ProForm Sport XT Multi-Function Bench at Dick's

Best Splurge:

MiM USA Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer at Amazon

Best Design:

Technogym Unica at Technogym.com

Best for Small Spaces:

Total Gym XLS Workout Machine at Amazon

Best Portable:

BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym at Amazon

Best for Full-Body Workouts:

NordicTrack Fusion CST at Best Buy

Best Suspension Trainer:

TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System at Amazon

Best High-Tech:

Tonal System at Tonal.com

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.7

Courtesy of Amazon

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

Dicks Sporting Goods

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)

MiM USA Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer

Courtesy of Amazon

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

Courtesy of Technogym

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

Courtesy of Amazon

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

Courtesy of Walmart

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

Courtesy of NordicTrack

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

4.8

TRX All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System

Courtesy of Amazon

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

4.7

Courtesy of Tonal

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.

The 9 Best Home Gyms of 2022, Recommended by a Personal Trainer

The Bowflex PR3000 is our top pick for it's versatility and compact size

Reviewed & Approved

Best Overall: Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym

Best Budget: Proform Sport XT Multi-Function Bench

Best Splurge: MiM USA Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer

Best Design: Technogym Unica

Best for Small Spaces: Total Gym XLS Workout Machine

Best Portable: BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym

Best for Full-Body Workouts: NordicTrack Fusion CST

Best Suspension Trainer: TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System

Best High-Tech: Tonal System

Final Verdict

How We Rated the Home Gyms

What to Look for in a Home Gym

Versatility

Maximum Weight Resistance

Size

Style

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Fit?