Most Affordable
Body Solid Powerline
Our Top Pick
EXM3000LPS
Best Value
Body Solid G10B
Owning a home gym can solve a helluva lot of problems. No wasting time because of traffic. No procrastination because you have to leave the house. No dealing with strangers. And no having to worry every time there’s a lockdown.
The problem is; many people make a huge mistake when building their home gym setup: they forget to throw in a leg machine, precisely a leg press machine.
Thankfully, that problem can easily be solved by getting one of the best home gyms with leg press, which I’ll be reviewing in this article.
Our Top Pick
EXM3000LPS - Editors Choice
My Personal Pick - Perfect In-Between of Cost, Features, & Quality
Editors Choice
- Most Cost Effective Option
- Combines Cost, Features, & Quality into an excellent package
- Offers everything you need and want
- Perfect for Beginners
- Easy to Set Up
- Built to Last
- Future Proofed - Has all the weight you will
- Excellent Warranty
First, Here’s Why You Should Only Buy a Home Gym with a Leg Press
The reasons as to why you should buy a home gym that comes with an integrated leg press are many, but I’ve bottomed them down to just 5 in order to simplify things.
Price
Believe it or not, getting a home gym with a leg press add-on is cheaper than getting a separate leg press station.
Space
Leg press stations utilize other parts of the home gym and are designed to tightly fit next to each other, which makes them more space-efficient than having separate machines.
Look
Everyone agrees that a multi station home gym looks pretty slick with a leg press station mounted on it. It fits perfectly in the whole All-in-One aesthetic of a home gym.
Brand
Having a leg press station in your multi-gym means that if god forbid, something breaks, you’ll know who to call. In other words, you’ll get to avoid the confusion that comes with having separate gym equipment that comes from different brands and having to deal with their customer services separately.
Convenience
Most leg press stations are plate loaded, which means you’ll need a number of weight plates in order to exercise properly. This can be a huge hassle. The good news is that the home gyms on this list all have leg press machines that do not require free weights.
Best Home Gyms with Leg Presses
1. Body Solid EXM3000LPS
Editor’s Choice - Best Option All Things Considered
Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Double Stack Home Gym Review
The Body-Solid EXM3000LPS is a heavy-duty home gym that’s capable of providing plenty of workout options without eating up too much space.
Best Features
- Dimensions: 91 x 73 x 83 inches
- Weight: 947 pounds
- Weight Stack:Dual 210-poundalloy steel weight stacks (420 pounds in total)
- Warranty: Frame and Welds: Lifetime warranty
Pulleys, Bushings, Bearings, Hardware, Plates, and Guide Rods: 3 years
Cables, Upholstery, and Grips: 1 year - Features 7 workout stations
- Can be used by up to three users simultaneously
- Sturdy constructions
- Aesthetically-pleasing design
- Doesn’t require heavy maintenance
Double Stack
For many people, home gyms aren’t practical because they don’t offer enough space for more than one person to work out at once. Well, that’s not a problem that this glorious machine has.
Why?
Simply because it features dual 250-pound weight stacks. By doing so, the Body-Solid home gym allows up to three users to work out at the same time. No more waiting for your partner to finish up their exercise so that you can start yours!
The weight stacks are covered by steel shrouds that make them not only safe to use, but also incredibly stylish. Furthermore, the weight can be easily adjusted using magnetic pins.
Plenty of Workout Stations
The machine boasts seven different workout stations, each targeting a specific muscle group. Among those stations, there’s a leg press machine, making this home gym suitable for all-around workouts.
What’s unique about the different stations is that they’re fairly spread out. That makes them easy to use by different people at the same time.
It’s a double-edged blade, though. That’s because the more workout stations a home gym features, the bigger and heavier it gets. And although the EXM3000LPS has a reasonable size, it’s still a bit bulky. That’s why it’s intended for both home and light commercial use.
On the contrary, this thing is quite easy to setup for what it is. It is time consuming but not hard what so ever.
Comfy and Easy to Maintain
The EXM3000LPS home gym boasts double padded seats, double padded backrests, and double stitching. The seats and backrest also have vinyl covers, making them both comfortable and easy to clean.
It’s worth noting that the padding of the leg station features foam rollers, which will make your leg days far less daunting.
All in all, if you want the full package and are willing to pay the price for one, the Body-Solid EXM3000LPS is my recommendation for you.
2. Body-Solid G10B Gym Machine
Best Overall Option if Budget is No Issue
Body-Solid G10B Gym Machine Review
The runner-up in this list is Body-Solid G10B. You know what they say; “if a company appears twice on a list, it must be good!”. I admit; I was the one who said that.
Best Features
- Dimensions: 72 x 98 x 84 inches
- Weight: 941 pounds
- Weight Stack: 210 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty on weight plates, frames, welds and guide rods.
3-Year Warranty on bushings, bearings, hardware and pulleys, .
1-Year Warranty on all other components. - Features 6 workout stations
- A sturdy and heavy frame that offers excellent stability
- Heavy-duty components
- DuraFirm upholstery and thick padding
- Doesn’t require heavy maintenance
Study Build
Measuring a total of 72 x 98 x 84 inches and weighing 941 pounds, this home gym is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Thanks to those metrics and its sturdy build of alloy steel tubing, the machine can support even heavyweight users with ease.
Not only is this home gym well-built and it’s also designed to last. For instance, the seat and backrest pack premium upholstery and offer cushioned support, making them resistant to any wear and tear.
Six Workout Stations
The Body-Solid G10B features six workout stations allowing for more than 36 exercises focusing on 11 body muscles.
Those stations include a lat pulldown machine, mid pulley station, chest press, low pulley station, and a leg developer or leg press. Get this home gym, and you’ll never have to leave the house to work out again!
Related Reading; Small Space Saving Power Racks for Compact Home Gyms
Moreover, this machine comes with a 210-pound weight stack. All of the plates are made of solid cast iron, which means that they can last a lifetime with proper care.
Like the EXM3000LPS, this home gym allows for more than one user to use it at the same time.
Excellent Warranty
When it comes to the warranty, the Body-Solid G10B Home Gym blows its rivals out of the water. With a lifetime warranty on frames, welds, weight plates, and guide rods, you can trust in its robust construction and long-lasting durability.
3. Body-Solid G9S Home Gym
Bang for Your Buck Option
Body-Solid G9S Home Gym Review
Back to the cheaper side of the spectrum with yet another home gym from Body-Solid. If the two machines mentioned above aren’t up to your taste, you’ll certainly love this one. After all, third time’s a charm, right?
Best Features
- Dimensions: 90 x 73 x 84 inches
- Weight: 964 pounds
- Weight Stack: Dual 210-pound alloy steel weight stacks (420 pounds in total)
- Warranty:Lifetime warranty on all components
- Features 7 workout stations
- Durable and comfortable
- Commercial rating
- Space-saving design
- Can be used by up to three users simultaneously
Solid Construction with the User in Mind
Everything in the G9s is designed to keep the machine up and running for a lifetime. For instance, you get a heavy-duty 12-gauge steel construction, which provides ultimate durability, strength, and function.
The components are also covered with a powder coat finish that protects everything from peeling, scratching, and chipping. So, not only will this home gym last for long, but it will do so in style.
Don’t let that fool you into thinking that this machine is uncomfortable, though, as it’s anything but that. You won’t feel any discomfort when working out using any of the stations because the seats sport DuraFirm™ pads with lumbar support, thus providing ultimate comfort and minimizing lower back strain.
Everything You Need for a Complete Workout
This incredible multi-station home gym workhorse provides everything you need in a home gym and more. The G9S includes seven work stations, thus offering users all the exercise possibilities they need from the comfort of their house.
Just like the EXM3000LPS that tops my list, this home gym features dual weight stacks, each having a resistance of 210 pounds. The leg press station has a remarkable capacity of 420 pounds, thus giving you the opportunity the become the king of leg days.
And if there’s more than one home gym rat in the house, you can easily upgrade this machine by adding the optional Vertical Knee Raise / Dip Station #GKR9 so that three people can work out at the same time.
Overall, this is a perfect home gym for beginners as well as fort those on a budget.
4. Body-Solid P2LPX Home Gym
Lightest Home Gym with Leg Press
Body-Solid P2LPX Home Gym Review
Yes, Body-Solid does offer plenty of expensive home gyms with leg press machines, but the company also has a fine selection of relatively affordable models, such as the P2LPX.
Best Features
- Dimensions: 71 x 66 x 83 inches
- Weight: 483.5 pounds
- Weight Stack: 160 pounds
- Warranty:Frame: 10-Year warranty
Parts: 1-Year Warranty - Features 6 workout stations
- The leg press offers a 2:1 ratio for increased resistance
- Sturdy construction
- Compact-sized and lightweight
- Relatively affordable price
Small Yet Powerful
Compared to the big guns reviewed above, the P2LPX home gym top notch features at less than half price. So now you can say goodbye to breaking the bank and hello to your dream workout setup.
The Body-Solid P2LPX measures merely 71 x 66 x 83 inches and weighs only 483.5 pounds, making it suitable for smaller living space like an apartment home gym.
The machine is also powered by a lighter, 160-pound alloy weight stack. Granted, that may not seem like much, but if you’re not looking to build a Schwarzenegger-level physique, you don’t really need anything more than that.
Enough Workouts to Get You Going
Size isn’t everything, though. Even though this machine is both compact and lightweight, it does offer everything you need when it comes to all-around workouts.
The Body-Solid P2LPX features six workout stations that target all the major muscle groups in your body.
What’s especially impressive about this home gym is that it features a leg station capable of providing an extensive lower-body workout – something that’s hard to find in similar products within the same price range.
I know that legs require higher resistance for them to get a proper workout, so the P2LPX must be lacking in that aspect due to its lightweight weight stack, right?
Wrong.
The leg press offers a 2:1 ratio for increased resistance, which can reach 320 pounds if you get the 50-pound upgrade. Smart move, huh?
All in all, if you have a small living space or simply don’t need a home gym machine that’s overly complicated, the Body-Solid P2LPX is one of the best home gyms with a leg press that you can get today.
5. MiM USA Hercules 1001 Gym Machine
All-In-One Workout Machine
MiM USA Hercules 1001 Gym Machine Review
Just like Body-Solid, MiM USA has been in the fitness equipment industry for decades. The company stood the test of time thanks to their quality products that are reasonably priced, such as the Hercules 1001 strength training system.
Best Features
- Dimensions: 67 x 87 x 91 inches
- Weight:727 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty on frame
- Complete workout machine
- Professional, contemporary design
- A heavy-duty frame that will last for a lifetime
- Durable weight stacks
- Low maintenance
Reliable Construction with a Slick Design
The MiM USA Hercules 1001 boasts a heavy-duty steel frame that’s made of alloy steel for commercial and residential use. Most of the steel parts are coated with a paint finish that prevents scratches, chipping, and rust.
When the leg press is attached, the machine measures 67 x 87 x 91 inches inches and weighs 727 pounds, placing it right in the middle of the spectrum in terms of dimensions and weight. That’s to be expected, of course, considering the price.
As for the seat and backrest, they’re both fully adjustable and comfortable. The seat comes with a lever-based adjustment, whereas the backrest comes with adjustor. For comfort, the seat and backrest feature a dual-density foam padding, and they’re covered by double-stitched, sweat proof vinyl.
Plenty of Workout Possibilities
With a Smith machine, functional trainer, jammer arms, leg press, bench, leg extension, and a variety of full attachments, you can do it all. This versatile design caters to people of all fitness levels, so you can get a great workout no matter where you're starting from.
As for the weight stack, this machine features one of 150 pounds over 15 10-pound plates. Once you get used to that, you can upgrade the stack to 200 pounds.
Granted, the Hercules 1001 isn’t the cheapest around, but it does have an excellent quality-price ratio, so if you want to get the most out of your money, this may be the best option for you.
6. Bodycraft Galena ProHome Gym
Best for Small Living Spaces
Bodycraft Galena ProHome Gym Review
The Galena Pro from Bodycraft has a cool name, but what’s cooler is its performance.
Best Features
- Dimensions: 72 x 92 x 81.75 inches
- Weight: 483 pounds
- Weight Stack:200 pounds
- Warranty: Residential Lifetime Warranty
- Features 6 workout stations
- Unique design that makes it suitable for corners
- Highly durable parts
- Relatively affordable
- Comfortable and adjustable seats and backrests
A Machine That Can Last a Lifetime
Bodycraft’s Galena Pro home gym is made to last. The frame is constructed using heavy-gauge steel tubing, and all the parts, including the cables, are made of sturdy materials.
The weight plates that come with the machine are made of metallic alloy, which is far more durable than vinyl that’s used in other home gyms within the same price range.
All of that explains the relatively heavy weight of the machine, though it’s still on the lightweight side compared to the other products on this list.
Versatile Home Gym
The Bodycraft Galena Pro Home Gym follows the same formula as the rest of the products on my list of recommendations, offering a plethora of workout possibilities.
The machine features six workout stations and comes with a weight stack of 200 pounds. Even without the leg press, this workhorse can allow you to perform over 50 exercises. No matter whether you prefer full-body workouts or split routines, the Galena Pro won’t disappoint.
All in all, this home gym will certainly cost you a pretty penny, especially if you get the optional leg press along with it, but it’s still cheaper compared to the rest of the the options above. If you’re on a budget and can’t warrant spending more than a couple of grands on a home gym, this is a viable option for you.
7. Bodycraft GL Home Gym
Best Budget Compact Option
Bodycraft GL Home Gym Review
All of the above products are excellent choices to consider when looking for the best home gym with leg press, but if you want an even more affordable option, you ought to check the Bodycraft GL Home Gym.
Best Features
- Dimensions: 64.5 x 77 x 82.5 inches
- Weight: 386 pounds
- Weight Stack: 150 pounds
- Warranty: Residential Lifetime Warranty
- Features 6 workout stations
- Space-saving design
- Cheapest home gym on the list
- Sturdy construction
- Comfortable
Heavy-Duty Construction with a Space-Saving Design
Although cheaper than the aforementioned home gyms, the Bodycraft GL system is well-built and designed to last.
The machine features a heavy-duty steel frame that’s made up of gauge steel tubing. The steel parts, or at least most of them, are coasted with a paint finish that’s resistant to both shipping and rust.
Given its sturdy construction, it’s only reasonable to think that the GL home gym is heavy, but, surprisingly, it is not. The machine weighs a total of 386 pounds.
Couple that with the compact dimensions and space-saving design, and you’ve got yourself a home gym that can fit in any small space.
Comfortable
Not only is this home gym sturdy and well-constructed, but it’s also comfortable. The seat and backrest are adjustable, and the back pad can tilt to provide full support when performing incline and shoulder presses.
Suitable for All Kinds of Workouts
Thanks to its six workout stations and 150-pound weight stack, the Bodycraft GL home gym can meet the needs of any (home) gym rat, even when it comes to leg day exercises.
The 150-pound weight stack that comes with this machine is upgradable to 200 pounds. For a home gym setup, that’s more than enough.
Best Leg Presses for Home Gyms
So if you find yourself wanting to get a home gym without a leg press or just simply want only the leg press, here are the best options.
1. Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press
Editor’s Choice
Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press Review
As tiring as it may seem, leg day should be a part of any fitness enthusiast’s workout routine. If you want to upgrade your home gym with a leg press that offers a lot of possibilities, check the Body-Solid GLPH1100.
Best Features
Dimensions: 83 x 34 x 56 inches
- Weight: 340 pounds
- Capacity: 1,000 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Three safety lockout positions
- Sturdy construction
- Leg Press and Hack Squat positions
Sturdy and Comfortable
The mainframe of the leg press is made of heavy-duty 2” x 4” 11-gauge steel, meaning that it can last for a lifetime while ensuring maximum stability.
Not only is the GLPH1100 sturdy it’s also comfortable. The back and shoulder pads are 4 inches thick with double-stitched DuraFirm, thus providing optimum support for your lower back and shoulder areas.
Performance
The Body-Solid GLPH1100 leg press works like a dream. The unit can be used to train your quads, glutes, and calves, so you needn’t worry about leg days anymore. Scratch that, you still need to worry, because leg days are dreadful, even though they’re essential.
First of all, the machine features a quad track system that works in a smooth manner and distributes weight evenly.
To ensure that you can easily switch between leg press and hack squat positions, both back pads feature a quick flip-and-lock mechanism. Besides, the unit boasts a couple of diamond plate foot platforms that are suitable for both workout positions.
The weights can be added using the two weight horns that are placed on the sides. Just keep in mind that you have to buy the weight separately.
In conclusion, although a bit expensive, the Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press is a solid piece of equipment that’s well worth every penny.
2. Powertec P-LP19 Leg Press
Overall Best Leg Press Machine
Powertec P-LP19 Leg Press Review
The Powertec P-LP19 is a leg press machine that’s compact, sturdy, and reasonably-priced, which is why I’m giving it the title of the overall best leg press machine for any home gym.
Best Features
- Dimensions:79 x 36.6 x 54 inches
- Weight: 259 pounds
- Capacity:1,000 pounds
- Warranty: N/A
- Easy to assemble
- Smooth rollers
- Solid construction
Easy to Assemble
Putting together the Powertec P-LP19 is easy and straightforward. The included diagram has all the instructions you need, so the job shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours.
As for the size, this machine is relatively compact and lightweight, so you won’t find it hard to integrate into any home gym. Talk about convenience!
Commercial-Grade Performance
The frame of this fine leg press machine is made of 2 – 4-inch square and rectangular tubing with a wall thickness of 2.5 mm or 12 gauge.
All the steel frames are cleaned, treated, and painted with a durable powder coat finish—all of that to say that this unit will last for a lifetime.
As for the performance, the rollers are as smooth as any commercial leg press machine out there, the seat and backrest are sturdy and comfortable, and the machine is extremely sturdy when in use. All of that makes using this leg press a pleasure.
Unfortunately, unlike the GLPH1100, this unit won’t allow you to perform hack squats, but as a standalone leg press, it does excel, especially at this price range.
3. Body-Solid Powerline Vertical Leg Press
Budget Option
Body-Solid PVLP156X Powerline Vertical Leg Press Review
Unlike the aforementioned machines, the Body-Solid PVLP156X is a vertical leg press, making it extremely space-saving while also being really cheap.
Best Features
- Dimensions: 79 x 36.6 x 54 inches
- Weight: 93 pounds
- Capacity:400 pounds
- Warranty:
Frame: 10-year warranty
Other Parts: 1-year warranty - Compact and lightweight
- Safe to use
- Comfortable back, neck, and head pads
Space-Saving Design
The Body-Solid PVLP156X is a vertical leg press machine, which means that it won’t eat up too much space in your home gym. The unit only measures 46 x 48 x 60 inches and weighs 93 pounds, so you can easily add it to any home gym, even if you live in a small apartment.
Although small, this machine is sturdy, with a durable alloy steel frame that’s covered with a tough powder-coated finish.
Keep in mind that such a mechanism and design come with a few limitations. For instance, the unit has a capacity of 400 pounds, which is half what the other two leg press machines offer. So if you are building a bodybuilder home gym this might not be the best option for you.
There’s also the issue of safety, but you needn’t worry about that as this vertical leg press features dual-adjustable 1/2-inch locking pins with three starting and stopping positions. Moreover, the footplate is extra wide and boasts a no-slip design.
Comfort is yet another department that the PVLP156X from Body-Solid nails. The back pad is extra thick, and the head and neck pads are contoured, thus giving the user all the support they need when they’re training their legs.
In conclusion, this is a solid unit that’s worth considering if you’re on a budget or live in a small apartment.
Top Home Gym & Leg Press Machine Brands
Body-Solid
Based in Chicago, Body-Solid has been a household name in the fitness business ever since its foundation back in 1987. They manufacture some of the best home gyms and leg press stations out there, all of which are ISO-9000 certified.
Bodycraft
Founded in 1994 and based in Ohio, Bodycraft have a reputation for producing some of the sturdiest fitness machines out there. This is mainly due to the fact that they use some of the best materials out there, stuff that you’d find in an aircraft even.
Marcy Pro
Back in 1959, well-renowned bodybuilder and weightlifter Walter Marcyan founded Marcy. It was later acquired by IMPEX and is based in Pomona, California. Their fitness equipment is one of the best out there, which can be seen in their wide presence all around the globe.
Benefits of Having a Home Gym & a Leg Press Machine
As I’ve mentioned above a multi-station home gym is an excellent choice if you want to save money and space; however, I haven’t really focused on the numerous health benefits of having one. For starters, multi-gyms have proven to be as good at muscle building as separate workout stations.
That’s just one benefit amongst many, which include:
Complete Workout
This is the gist of a multi-gym; it’s a single multi-functional machine that’ll provide you with a workout for every part of your body.
You can easily train your shoulders, chest, back, arms, abs, and legs using the same machine. In other words, you can instantly jump from one muscle to another without having to move an inch.
Moreover, most multi-gyms support workouts that are targeted for almost every skill-level out there, further adding to their overall versatility and convenience. To put it short, if used correctly, your whole body will benefit when using a multi-gym.
Muscle & Fat
All multi-gyms implement weight stacks and a pulley, which can be both better for your health and more convenient than free weights.
For one, you can easily bump up the resistance once you feel like it, a move you can hardly pull off using traditional weights. You can also pretty much work your entire body with a pulley, you can do regular rows to work your upper or you can do cable crunches to work your abs and core.
Additionally, multi-gyms can be quite useful whether you’re looking to lose weight or gain it (building muscle). I honestly can’t remember the last time a multi-gym failed to meet my needs, no matter how specific they can be. However, you have to keep in mind that a multi-station isn’t a magical machine, so you’ll most likely need to do some cardio on the side, for example.
Time-Saver
We can all agree on how annoying it can sometimes be to wait for someone who’s using a piece of equipment that you need, especially if you’re a busy person and cannot afford all the lost time. Multi-gyms can fix this problem in two ways.
Firstly, as demonstrated above, you can obviously work out any or all of your body parts without having to move.
Secondly, a multi-gym can be used by more than one person at a time, so if you see someone using it at the gym, you can always approach them and ask if you could join.
Both of these time-saving solutions also apply if you plan to have a multi-gym at home too.
Safety & Ease of Use
It is a known fact at this point that multi-gyms are much safer than regular fitness equipment. You rarely hear of an injury happening to someone using a multi-gym, while injuries due to barbells, for example, are super common.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you will become injury-proof once you start using a multi-gym, but most multi-stations will help you get perfect positions, so such accidents are avoided. Additionally, multi-gyms are very easy to use, which, when you think about it, can greatly decrease the chances of any unwanted accidents.
Durable
Most modern-day multi-gyms are made using incredibly durable high-grade materials that are also easy to maintain. Moreover, fortunately for you, most multi-gyms nowadays are mass-produced, in other words, if a certain piece of the machine breaks, you can easily and quickly find a replacement.
The Leg Press
If you’ve been near the internet for the past decade, then you’ve definitely heard the expression “never skip leg day bro”. It’s basically a nod at certain people who prioritize the aesthetics of their upper body over their lower body by completely neglecting leg-oriented workouts. Well, you obviously don’t want to be like those people since their bodies basically lack the concept of functional strength.
Having a home gym with a leg press allows you to get all the benefits of a barbell squat, most important, developing your quadriceps. You can also change your foot positioning to put an emphasis on different muscles of your legs, such as the hamstrings, gluteus maximus, and calves.
Related Reading; Weider Ultimate Body Works Exercises - Full Chart & PDF Download
Looking to Buy a Home Gym? Here’s What to Look For
If you’re sold on the idea of getting a new home gym with a leg press machine, here are the factors to consider before making up your mind and picking your next piece of equipment:
Size
Before even looking into any other feature of a multi-gym, you should first focus on its size. While multi-stations are very renowned for their safety and ease to use, they do lack in over-all compactness. One important aspect is height, which averages at a minimum of 6’7 feet (2 meters).
The last thing you want to happen is to have your new multi-gym delivered to your home, spend god knows how many minutes assembling it together only to find out that it won’t fit and will put a hole in your ceiling instead.
Exercise Variability
The main reason why you’re buying a multi-gym is that you want to perform certain exercises to achieve certain goals. Unfortunately, not all multi-gyms are created the same, and as a result, some might not feature the exercises you need.
In order to avoid any confusion, always thoroughly read whatever information is available on a model that you might be interested in. And in case you don’t understand something, or just in need of extra information, you can always contact the manufacturers.
Resistance and Weight Stacks
Choosing the weight of a stack comes down to personal preference and skill-level.
For example, if you’re new to working out and you simply aim to improve your general health, then a 110 pounds (50kg) stack will do you justice. But, if your aim is to build more strength and muscles, then I recommend that you get a heavier stack, starting from 130 pounds (60kg) and up.
When shopping for a multi-gym, you’ll often see something like “130 pounds stack with 220 pounds resistance” and speculate about what it might mean. Well, it’s quite simple; the majority of multi-gyms rely on pulleys and cables, which generate a lot of friction.
The level of this friction or “resistance” depends on a lot of things, such as the quality of the cables. It’s a “feels like” index. For example, you could be working out using 70 pounds (±30kg), but due to the machine’s build, it feels like 90 pounds (±40kg).
Stack Shrouds
The main job of a weight stack shroud is to hide the weight stack with a slot, which allows you to easily change the weight position at the rear or the front of the machine.
In addition to being aesthetically better, a shroud is also safer, especially if you have kids running around at home. Some shrouds even come with locks for the weight stack, preventing any unwarranted change.
Unfortunately, weight shrouds are usually only found on more costly models, so if you’re on a budget, you’ll probably miss the chance of having one.
Weight Capacity
Staying on the topic of weight, the load capacity of a multi-gym is a focal piece of information for two reasons:
- One, it obviously tells you if the machine is suitable for you.
- Two, it can serve as an indication of the overall build quality of the multi-gym; in other words, the more the weight capacity is, the sturdier and more durable the multi-gym usually is.
Pulleys and Cables
Pulleys and cables can make the experience of working out a great one or completely ruin it.
Why? You might ask.
Well, simply because no one wants to work out using a shaky, unsmooth gym. It can be hard at times to identify quality components from the rest, especially in the case of cables and pulleys. However, I recommend that you look for aircraft cables and pulleys with sealed bearings, which should do the trick.
At the end of the day, always keep in mind that buying a multi-gym for your home is an investment, and you should put all your effort into ensuring that you are getting one that’ll serve you for years to come.
Attachments
Most multi-gyms come with a couple of extra attachments, so make sure to check for what’s on offer when shopping for a multi-gym. It’s usually worth investing a bit more in multi-gyms that are rich with attachments, as they will usually throw more exercise options into the mix and help smoothen the overall experience.
Adjustability
When you’re seating improperly due to having a fixed seat pad, for example, you’ll most probably end up affecting certain muscles without originally intending to. Plus, the overall experience of a fixed seat pad is usually far from comfortable.
That’s why I recommend that you make sure that the multi-gym you’re getting comes with an adjustable seat. Some brands even go as far as including adjustable weight benches in their multi-gym models, which is always a welcome feature!
Assembly
Most multi-gyms today are easy to assemble; however, it’s still a time-consuming task. And its simplicity solely depends on how clear the manual is, and there is no denying that there are bad manuals out there, many of them. If luck is on your side, you can find detailed videos of an assembly. However, this is usually only the case for popular models.
You can always rely on installation services that are readily available with most manufacturers, but they can be quite expensive. If you really don’t feel like trying yourself, you can always hire a local handyman who will do the job just fine and cost you a lot less than installation services.
Price
Multi-gyms can cost anywhere from $1,250 to up to $5000 and more for something like a Tytax home gym. Now, as is the case with most fitness products out there, the more they pay, the better the experience will be. However, this isn’t a concrete rule as sometimes, people will tell you that their $2,500 multi-gym feels better than $4,000 one.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference, but you have to keep in mind that a multi-gym is an investment, which is why sometimes, you should consider throwing in an extra couple of hundred bucks to get a sturdier, well-equipped machine.
Warranty
If you aim to keep your body in shape, you’re probably going to end up using your multi-gym at least a few times a week, if not more. As is the case with most fitness products out there, regular use will cause the parts to get some wear on them over time.
The parts that are most commonly affected are the cables and pulleys, which is why I recommend that you find the best warranty deal on them. However, this doesn’t mean that you should neglect the other parts, though, since some of them are equally as important.
In conclusion, having an excellent warranty package on a multi-gym isn’t really a necessity since most machines are well-built, but it’s good to have one anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Just Buy the Home Gym and Leg Press Separately?
Even though I still stand by my point that buying a home gym that already has a leg press is a better move, there still are some benefits to owning the two separately, such as:
Resistance
Separate machines often mean more resistance, which is a nice thing to have for many users out there, especially experienced ones. Having a separate leg press, especially one that relies on plate loads, offers way more versatility resistance-wise than an all-in-one multi-gym.
Variety
Separate leg press machines come in all shapes and sizes, and you’re free to choose whichever one suits your needs best. However, this isn’t really the case with a leg press station since you’re limited to only one option for a long time.
Space Management
Leg press stations are usually attached to a specific space in the multi-gym, which is usually determined by the manufacturer. However, sometimes it’ll fit in place but feel uncomfortable, which is never a good thing to have. On the contrary, separate machines can be put anywhere you want, but this will come at the cost of more floor space than an ordinary multi-gym.
How Much Weight Do I Need in My Home Gym with Leg Press?
Ideally, you should look for a home gym machine with a weight stack of at least 250 pounds. Keep in mind that some models have a dual weight stack, which
How Much Resistance Should One Use?
Legs are quite strong when compared to other body parts, which is why you’ll need loads of resistance to achieve something.
Here are some examples of what resistance people should put in order to achieve progress:
Case 1: Male, 23, 200 pounds (±90kg):
- No training experience: ±209 pounds (±95kg)
- Few months’ experience: ±325 pounds (±150kg)
- 1-2 years’ experience: ±476 pounds (±215g)
Case 2: Female, 25, 120 pounds (±55kg):
- No training experience: ±70 pounds (±30kg)
- Few months’ experience: ±137 pounds (±60kg)
- 1-2 years’ experience: ±231 pounds (±105kg)
Case 3: Male, 50, 180pounds (±80kg):
- No training experience: ±154 pounds (±70kg)
- Few months’ experience: ±247 pounds (±110kg)
- 1-2 years’ experience: ±368 pounds (±165kg)
These are obviously just averages, but they provide a good enough indication of what you can expect to put. For more numbers, I recommend you take a look at strengthlevel.com to get an idea about what weight/resistance you’ll need for different exercises.
Additionally, the majority of leg press add-ons nowadays come with at least 300 pounds of resistance, which is frankly more than enough for most people.
Verdict
Getting a home gym is a hefty investment, but it’s a worthwhile one, especially if it has a leg press. After all, only then would it be suitable for all-around workouts, and only then would it be a time (and money) saver.
Any of my recommendations can be the best for you, depending on your own budget, needs, and preferences. The ball’s in your court now, so read my buying guide thoroughly, and get to working out already!
Related Readings:
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- Gorilla Bow Portable Home Gym
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- Stopped Working Out for 6 Months – What Happens to Your Body During a Workout Break?
- 22 Inch Stride Elliptical – Comfortable, Compact, Cheap Machines
Sources:
Ben Mayz
Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now.
My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future.
I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics.
My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics.
Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward.
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