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A big gym is not a great fit for everyone. Whether you avoid the gym because there are too many people or simply prefer the convenience of working out at home, a full-body workout machine for home might be working its way to the top of your must-have list. Some people are looking for a full-body workout machine that targets strength building, others are more interested in having a piece of equipment that helps them get in a great cardio workout. There are several full-body workout machines that can meet a variety of fitness needs, but it can be hard to decide what will work for you.
The Best Full-Body Workout Machine for Home - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- Best Bowflex: Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- Best Cardio: Nordictrack FS14i
- Best Bodyweight: Sportsroyals Multi-Function Pull-up Station
- Best Single-Stack: Marcy Multi Functional Home Gym
- Best Budget: Body Boss Portable Home Gym
Budget can be a big deciding factor if you are working on starting or adding to your home workout space. Most people want to get the most bang for their buck and have one piece of equipment that has multiple uses, but most people do not have several thousands of dollars that they can invest. Full-body workout machines for home can be found for as low as $100 and work their way up to $3000 or more. Of course, the more you spend the more likely it is that the machine has multiple functions, but it is also possible that you personally do not need all of the functions of some of the more expensive machines.
When you start your search for a full-body workout machine for your home, one of the major things that you might want to consider is how much space you have available. While some people have an entire garage or spare bedroom they can utilize as a workout space, others need to fit their equipment into a smaller space, which can be a challenge. Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated workout space so it is important to figure out the maximum size of the machine as well as the weight; if you have to take the equipment up or down stairs then weight is definitely something you want to consider.
Some people are OK with their workout equipment being out in the open and others feel it is an eyesore and want something that can be easily moved into a closet or less visible space, so movability should also be considered.
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Best Overall Full-Body Workout Machine for Home - Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
SPECS
- Weight: 185 lbs.
- Features: Revolutionary no-change cable pulley system, lat tower with angled lat bar, 4-position lower pulley/squat station, leg extension, squat bar, ab crunch shoulder harness
Why We Picked It
If you have ever even thought about purchasing workout equipment, chances are you are familiar with the Bowflex brand. This company has been cranking out high-quality fitness equipment for years and continues to be innovative and give people multifunctional, high-quality products. The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym is a system that uses resistance rather than plates for weight adjustment. Using a system like this allows you to easily change weight for different exercises and is easier on your body than free weights due to the lack of strain that will be put on your joints and reduced likelihood of injury due to having a better sense of control over movements. Having a multifunctional machine makes completing a workout routine much easier than shuffling from one set of weights to another or switching up equipment—and it takes up much less space.
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym is a great overall full-body workout machine to have in your home. You can adjust the resistance up to 210 pounds with the base equipment and upgrade to 310 pounds if you desire. The no-change cable pulley system allows you to switch from one exercise to another seamlessly, so your heart rate stays up and your workout is uninterrupted. This machine allows you to work your lats, legs, shoulders, and back and is equipped with a lat tower, lower pulley, and squat station. This full-body at-home workout station allows you to do up to 70 different exercises and comes with seven free trainer-built workouts. You also have the option of purchasing accessories and additional rods to add weight. While you may not need all of the additional attachments and accessories right away, as you get to know the machine and your fitness needs you may discover that you want to get more out of your machine by purchasing add-ons.
What We Like
- Financing available
- In-home assembly
- 7 optional attachments and upgrades
- 7 free trainer-built workouts
What We Don't Like
- Somewhat complicated to assemble
- Takes up a lot of space
BUY: Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
Best Bowflex Full-Body Workout Machine for Home - Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
SPECS
- Weight: 336 lbs.
- Features: Leg press, preacher curl attachment, vertical bench press, leg extension, rowing capability, up to 600 lbs. resistance
Why We Picked It
Finding a workout machine for your home that fits both your space and your needs can be tricky, especially if you are wanting something that is suitable for both cardio workouts and strength building. The Bowflex Revolution Home Gym is great because it helps you to kill two birds with one stone. One of the most irritating parts of lifting can be having to swap plates in and out; it feels like it takes up a lot of your time so if you are in a crunch, you might be likely to just avoid it all together. This system utilizes plate technology for weight but does not require you to swap plates in and out to adjust the weight and can also be used as a piece of cardio equipment, so you are sure to get in a full-body workout.
With independently moving arms that can be put into 10 positions and adjusted to multiple degrees, you are able to do a ton of different exercises. This machine allows you to accommodate over 100 exercises with over 400 variations allowing you to target all major body zones and accommodate a variety of workout routines. If you purchase a weight upgrade, you can get up to 600 pounds of resistance when using the leg press station, which is not typical for a home gym system. You can easily utilize the machine for ab workouts, bench presses, and leg extensions. One unique thing about this machine is its ability to transform into a rower, which is a great piece of equipment for cardio and endurance training as well as strength building. Typically, you would need to purchase a separate piece of equipment if you wanted to row but this machine was designed brilliantly, taking full advantage of all the moving parts to transform it into even more than a strength machine.
Rowing not only helps to improve cardiovascular health and endurance, it also is a great way to build upper-body strength and muscle definition. By doing a rowing workout you are burning a lot of calories in the moment and building lean muscle which will help increase your metabolic rate and keep you burning even more calories longer.
What We Like
- High level of resistance
- Over 100 exercises with up to 400 variations
- Can be used as a rower
What We Don't Like
- Takes up a lot of space
- Long wait times for professional assembly
BUY: Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
Best Cardio Full-Body Workout Machine for Home - Nordictrack FS14i
SPECS
- Weight: 285 lbs.
- Features: Smart HD touchscreen, 10% incline-matching technology, iFIT interactive personal training, 32" auto-adjusting stride, stepper, elliptical, treadmill
Why We Picked It
When deciding on an at-home fitness routine, you are probably thinking a lot about your personal goals. Most people have a pretty good idea of their broad-spectrum goals; you might be wanting to focus on cardio so you can be sure to burn calories and build endurance or you may want your workout routine to be more focused on building muscle. While many at-home workout machines can help you accomplish both, you will probably need to prioritize one when thinking about a specific machine. If you plan to be more cardio-focused in your workouts, you will want a machine for your home that not only helps you to get your heart rate high and burn a lot of calories but something that also helps you to build overall full-body strength and endurance. If you want to be able to climb mountains or run a road or trail race, then you will want to be sure that your legs can tolerate climbing and running for an extended period of time without cramping. Being able to do this requires building muscular endurance so that you do not fatigue during your adventures.
The Nordictrack FS14i is the perfect choice for someone who wants a workout that is primarily cardio and fat-burning focused. It is especially great for people who are wanting to have a well-rounded fitness routine so that they have both cardiovascular and muscular endurance. This full-body workout machine has an adjustable stride that allows it to function as a stair stepper, elliptical, and treadmill. You will never get bored with your cardio routine when you have a machine like this. And although it is not a machine specifically focused on strength building, the high-powered cross-training workouts that you can do on it will help you to tone and build full-body strength. You will have access to on-demand studio workouts that can help you to target specific parts of your body and get closer to your goals with each workout. You will also have access to beautiful global sights that help you feel like you are on an adventure while working out and your machine will auto-adjust the resistance and incline to the terrain you are seeing. The workout studio even gives you access to total-body training workouts off the machine so that every part of your body is sculpted to perfection. Enjoy real-time stats as you work your butt off so you can stay motivated to work hard.
What We Like
- Includes 30-Day iFIT Trial
- Interactive personal training platform
- Real time workout tracking
What We Don't Like
- Takes up a lot of space
- Higher price point
Best Bodyweight Full-Body Workout Machine for Home - Sportsroyals Multi-Function Pull-up Station
SPECS
- Weight: 62 lbs.
- Features: Adjustable backrest, dual-triangular base, steel construction, multiple handle/grip options, adjustable push-up bar, adjustable height
Why We Picked It
A pull-up station may not be the first piece of equipment that comes to mind when you are searching for a full-body workout machine for home. You may be surprised to know that it is a great option if you are interested in going with something minimal and sticking to a bodyweight-only system. The Sportsroyals Multi-Function Pull-up Station is fairly lightweight and takes up minimal space, which allows you to move it as needed and fit it into tight spaces. Although it is light, this piece of equipment is very durable and well built. If you do not want to deal with adjusting weights or resistance or have physical ailments that steer you away from doing weight bearing exercises, then a bodyweight routine would suit you very well. Some people struggle with balance or are coming back from injury. If that person is you, then a pull-up station is a good option for working your way back to your prior physical shape or to slowly increase strength or balance in the least complicated way.
A pull-up station may seem really basic, but this specific workout machine has a variety of customizable settings which make it useful for much more than just pull-ups. Both the height and backrest can be adjusted to whatever is comfortable for you. The armrests can also tilt up to 10 degrees and the frame has handles in various positions angles so that you can target different parts of your body by switching up your grip. This may be called a pull-up station, but it can be used for so much more. You do not have to stick to only upper-body workouts just because you are using a pull-up station. This pull-up station can be easily used for push-ups, ab workouts, and leg raises, as well. You can move your body in a variety of ways while hanging from the handholds to target different areas of your core. You can also try hanging from one arm at a time or with your arms at different degrees. You will absolutely be able to increase overall strength and body tone using this pull-up station.
What We Like
- Very affordable
- Great for strength building
- Light and easy to move
What We Don't Like
- Instructions not easy to follow
- Pull-up bar is somewhat narrow
BUY: Sportsroyals Multi-Function Pull-up Station
Best Single-Stack Full-Body Workout Machine for Home - Marcy Multi-Functional Home Gym
SPECS
- Weight: 125 lbs.
- Features: Leg developer, preacher curl pad, upper and lower pulley system, lat bar, standing leg curl, chest press and butterfly press
Why We Picked It
Being able to complete total-body training from the comfort of your own home is a big priority for a lot of people. The Marcy Multi-Functional Home Gym allows you to do exactly that. Unlike a lot of the other at-home workout systems, this system does not use resistance for weight. This machine utilized a 150-pound single stack weight system and is made of heavy-duty steel, so you don't have to worry about safety or quality. The weight is sectorized so that you can easily customize your lifts according to skill level without the annoyance of loading and unloading weight. Complete with dual action press arms and a removable curl pad, you will be able to perform multiple upper-body workouts like chest presses, vertical butterfly exercises, and biceps curls. And while this machine offers a lot of great ways to build your upper body, the leg developer portion of the machine will help you to make sure that you are equally toned and strong throughout your entire body. You will never have to skip a leg day when you have easy access to a piece of equipment that helps you work out your full body from home.
This machine is a great option if you are looking to burn calories while increasing your lean muscle mass. Full-body workouts are helpful in changing overall body composition and a body that holds more muscle becomes more efficient at burning calories and shaking away that unwanted fat. Whether you are focusing on upper-body workouts or using the leg station to build lower-body power, consistency in your workouts will lead to desired results and keep you coming back for more. Spending less time commuting to a gym gives you more time to focus on your workout and with the Marcy Multi-Functional Home Gym you will be able to complete over 30 strength training exercises so you will appreciate any extra time you have. The more time and focus you have to dedicate to your workout the quicker you will see results!
What We Like
- Includes Weight Stack Lock for Safety
- Foam padded press arms
- 150-lb. adjustable weight stacking
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for people over 300 lbs.
- Attachments are not easily changeable
BUY: Marcy Multi Functional Home Gym
Best Budget Full-Body Workout Machine for Home - BodyBoss Portable Home Gym
SPECS
- Weight: 15 lbs.
- Features: Durable accessories carrying bag, fold-up VectorFit base, collapsible workout bar, 1 set of handles, wrist/ankle straps, 1 set of custom cloth resistance bands, door anchor w/ ring, 30-80 lbs. of resistance per band
Why We Picked It
Having the option to work out at home is great, but unfortunately, not everyone has the space, money, or both to build a full home gym or even to have larger pieces of gym equipment. Luckily the BodyBoss 2.0 is a full-body workout machine for home that takes up very little space and is budget friendly but does not stop you from getting in a great workout. This workout system is a great replacement for traditional workout equipment; not only will you save money, but you will also have a piece of equipment that is both portable and versatile. It's budget and space friendly, but it also comes with access to a lot of great workouts that will keep you excited about fitness and help you to watch yourself transform. The BodyBoss 2.0 comes with an interactive technology platform where you can take part in workouts with live trainers or work out in a private class which will keep you motivated and accountable. Whether working out with a trainer or on your own, you will easily be able to do workouts that will help you burn fat and build muscle. The exercises you can accomplish using this piece of equipment are endless.
You will not have to worry about paying monthly gym fees or planning your commute to the gym when you have a great workout system like this in your home. If you are someone who does not want to work out in a social situation or does not like the idea of a germ-filled gym, then a workout in your own home probably excites you. This system is so portable you can even travel with it! Take your workout outside or to your hotel with ease! You will no longer have the added stress of planning time for a workout because this can be used anytime, anywhere, and for however long works for you. And if you are not working out, easily slide the BodyBoss 2.0 under your bed or into the closet—no designated space required.
Looking at this piece of equipment you might not be that impressed, but once you explore the training videos and workout programs that come with it, you will quickly realize that with the BodyBoss 2.0 there are endless workout possibilities. You are given access to over 100 live and recorded videos which include guided workouts and new exercise ideas. Even better, if you need some extra motivation and accountability you can participate in live video streams that are conducted by certified trainers. If you are new to working out and feel a little lost with all of the possibilities, you also have access to personal trainers that you can speak with who will provide you with the assistance you need to get started with or continue your fitness journey.
What We Like
- Very Affordable
- Takes up minimal space
- Includes trainer support
What We Don't Like
- Purchasing additional bands may be necessary
- Membership required to access tutorials
How to Choose the Best Full-Body Workout Machine for Your Home Gym
If you are new to working out and have little experience with workout equipment, finding a full-body workout machine for home will likely be overwhelming. Before starting your search for the perfect at-home workout machine, you should spend some time thinking about your health and fitness goals because these will largely contribute to your decision-making process. When you hop online to search for full-body workout machines for home you will have a ton of options thrown at you. You may have a brand that you are already well versed in and will gravitate toward, but that brand may not have a piece of equipment that best suits your needs so it is a great idea to be open-minded when considering exactly what workout machine fits your space, budget, and fitness goals.
Cardio-Focused Equipment
If you are wanting to start working out at home because you have a goal of moving your body more throughout the day and trying to increase overall calorie output, especially if you are trying to burn more calories in less time, then you will likely want to focus your search on cardio-based equipment. Adding a cardio-focused full-body workout machine to your home will allow you to move your body in a stationary way throughout the day. This may be especially useful for someone who needs to multitask. If you are someone who works from home and is stuck listening in on meetings all day, then you may find it feasible to hop on a treadmill or elliptical and melt the fat away while working so a cardio machine is a great choice. You might also prefer cardio equipment because you find it easy to hop on and zone out and forget about life stressors without having to come up with a specific workout and cardio equipment allows for that.
Strength Focused Equipment
On the other hand, if your main goal is to get toned or build muscle mass, then you will want to focus your search more on strength-based equipment. When looking at strength-based equipment you will also want to consider whether you want resistance or plate-based weight. While both forms of weight can help you get great results, people have varying preferences. A machine with plate-based weight is likely to be heavier which makes it harder to move around your home and it is likely to take up more space. Resistance-based weight machines tend to have a lot of versatility and allow for more variety in movements as well so if you are hoping to follow a variety of workouts routines then you will want a machine with the ability to accommodate many types of exercises and can be easily geared towards whatever program you are following.
Training Programs and Platforms
Some people want a workout machine that gives them free rein over their workout routine while others want a machine that either comes with or can easily accommodate a provided workout routine. Some full-body workout machines for home come with programs like iFit that are meant to be used on the equipment and provide you with both live training sessions and a library of workouts. There are a variety of workout platforms that different companies pair with their products. Some machines come with a free trial of their chosen platform and then it moves into a monthly subscription once the free trial is over. Other machines come with written-out training programs that you can follow. If the machine does not come with a recommended platform or program, you can likely find one of your own and use the equipment to execute it. However, you may want to consider how important it is that you can follow a specific program before choosing your at home workout machine because this can help you to determine what capabilities your chosen machine has.
FAQs About Full-Body Workout Machines
What workout machine works the most muscles?
A machine like the Bowflex Revolution Home Gym can accommodate up to 100 exercises with over 400 variations so this is a great option if you want to target a variety of muscles using just one machine.
Can you do a full-body workout with machines?
Absolutely. There are many machines that are meant to target specific body parts but there are also several that focus on utilizing your entire body. These machines usually have attachments or features that allow you to work your upper and lower body as well as your core through a variety of movements.
How often should I do a full-body workout?
How often you do a full-body workout depends on your current fitness level and goals. Doing a full-body workout 2-3 times per week will allow your body time to adapt to changes and recover in between sessions.
About the Author
Amber holds an MS in Social Psychology and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. Her background in psychology combined with her experience in lifestyle change and her own personal fitness transformation keeps her excited about interacting with other people who want to learn more about health and fitness.
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