As far as functionality, this machine is possibly one of the best if you are looking to be able to do a variety of different exercises. Between the levers and pulleys on the different heights and the simple exercise guide on the base, it is easy to use for most athletes.
The body is not designed to be folded or broken down to be stored like most of the other models on this list, but compared to some, it has one of the more space-friendly dimensions.
The reason it is so high up on the list is that it is one of the most durable due to the high-quality, heavy-duty steel, and while this makes it more expensive than most, it can be well worth the money if you are looking for a one-in-all machine.
Pros
- Is one of the most durable models
- Has a long lifespan
- Resistance can be easily customized
Cons
- Can be one of the more expensive machines
- Takes up more room compared to other models
Total Gym is one of the most popular brands when it comes to compact gyms, and the XLS is one of the newest models out. Compared to other machines, it has one of the simplest and easiest compactable designs that can be used by beginners.
It can also be one of the safest machines that you can use if you are at risk of injury since it uses bands and cords rather than heavyweights that can be dropped.
It is also one of the only machines on this list that comes completely assembled in the mail so you do not have to worry about buying tools in order to use it as soon as possible.
If you plan on using the machine every day, you may notice that the material can tend to wear down faster than some other machines, but if you keep it clean and use it properly, it can still last for a long while.
The fact that you can simply fold it and store it in a corner, closet, or under a tall table, desk, or another piece of furniture is something that puts it so high on the list since many other machines cannot do that.
Pros
- Is one of the easiest machines to store
- Is simple to use for beginners
- Has a higher than average weight capacity
Cons
- Can be one of the more expensive machines
- The seat material can be less durable than other machines
Proof that Total Gym is one of the best brands when it comes to compact gyms, the FIT has to be a strong runner up to the XLS, but that is only because of the cost and design.
If you are like me and some other workout enthusiasts, then you might prefer some of the more modern-looking machines, and while the FIT is one of the best machines that, like the XLS, can be folded down easily for storage, the colors and design can be outdated.
Still, this is one of the most popular models due to its reliability, durability, and functionality, and that is a lot to be said given how it can be one of the more expensive machines.
However, if you are not worried about the cost and are looking for one of the easiest machines out there, this may be the perfect fit for you; pun intended.
Pros
- Has a higher than average weight capacity
- Comes fully assembled
- Comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame
Cons
- Can be one of the more expensive machines
- Can have fewer levels of resistance than other machines
The Marcy gym is very similar to the Bowflex in the sense it is a non-collapsible workout station that you need a good amount of room for at all times. That being said, it is still one of the best machines for hardcore-workout enthusiasts.
It can be used to work out your arms, chest, legs, and more, and it is one of the sturdiest models that can come with more attachments than the average workout station.
This machine may not be for the faint of heart, especially if you have never assembled a workout station before since this model does not come assembled, but if you are dead set on getting this machine, you can always hire the local gym owner to assemble it for you.
It can be a little difficult finding this machine for sale online for a decent price since not too many were made, but, depending on what store you get it from, it can be a bit more expensive to one of the most expensive machines available today.
Pros
- Can be more versatile than other machines
- Can be used to work out all areas
- Is simple enough for beginners to use
Cons
- Can be less compact than other machines
- Has a less than average max weight limit
Another model from Bowflex, the Max Trainer is one of the most compact stair stepper models that can be great for beginners and experts alike. While it may not be an entire workout in one like the other machines, it is one of the most compact machines.
The machine has a unique and interactive LED display that you can use to get the most out of your workout along with several handlebars for comfortable positioning and 8 different resistance levels for you to work up to or cool down on.
You can also get the machine with a monthly or annual subscription to Explore The World, a program that lets you see over 40+ running routes around the globe in HD through the display at the rate you are doing your workout in.
Keep in mind, however, that only certain models (mostly the newer ones) can come with the option of a subscription to Explore The World.
Pros
- Comes with built-in fans
- Can be one of the best cardio workout machines
- Comes with a bright, easily readable LED display
Cons
- Can be one of the more expensive machines
- Can be less compact than other models
If you like the overall functionality of the other Total Gym models but you cannot afford them, then the APEX might be the perfect fit for you. It can be one of the most affordable compact machines today, and that includes models that are not from Total Gym.
Compared to the other models, it does have a far simpler and more basic design with fewer features and attachments, but it can still be one of the most effective and space-conscious workout machines you can get today.
Like many of the other Total Gym machines, it also comes with DVDs that can guide you on how to use the machine as well as a variety of different workouts that can be done with it.
It is also one of the quietest workout machines that you can use, making it a great option if you live in an apartment, especially since it is easily stored, or are living in a home with noise constraints.
Pros
- Is one of the most affordable models
- Can be one of the most compact machines
- Can be used to work out all areas
Cons
- Has a lower than average max weight capacity
- Comes with fewer accessories and features than most models
If you are really trying to not break your budget but still have a foldable or collapsible that is space-friendly, then this may be the machine for you. The Yoleo is one of the most popular models that, in some ways, can be better than most Total Gym models.
It is one of the few machines that has an adjustable back that can decline at 7 different angles, can hold a user that is up to 300 pounds, and can be folded down to store away in seconds.
The only difference between this model and the Total Gym models is that the Yoleo is designed to be used for weight lifting with minimal use of cords and pulleys; making it not as functional as the Total Gym models in some ways.
Still, this is one of the best budget workout machines that you can find that can last for more than a year and sometimes more than 5.
Pros
- Is one of the most affordable machines
- Can be one of the most space-efficient machines
- Is easily adjustable
Cons
- Has a lower than average max weight capacity
- The material can be less durable than other models
This is one of the most popular workout stations that has a similar design to the Bowflex, and that is because it is one of the best when it comes to affordability.
It can be more compact than some of the other workout stations, but it is not designed to be folded or broken down for storage. However, it does come with detailed instructions when it comes to assembling it as well as using it.
It can go out of stock often because of how popular it is, but once it is in stock, it can be shipped fairly quickly, making it one of the best if you are looking to get in shape as soon as possible.
It is also one of the lighter workout stations, making it easier to move if you are rearranging your gym, are putting it in storage, or are in the process of moving.
Pros
- Can be one of the more affordable machines
- Can be used to work out all areas
- Can be one of the more durable models
Cons
- Has a lower than average max weight capacity
- Is not as compact as other models
The Weider is very similar to the last machine, but it can be a bit more compact and looks like it takes up less room due to the open design it has. It also comes with a few extra pieces and pads that can make using it more comfortable.
In terms of cost, it tends to be around average, but in terms of functionality, it can be nearly just as good as the Bowflex.
One of the few reasons that it is lower on the list is that it can take a long time to ship, several weeks, and can have a fairly average/slightly below average max weight capacity.
Still, this is one of the nicer-looking models that offers decent functionality at a fairly affordable cost, and the fact that it is one of the more popular models does not hurt, either.
Pros
- Can be one of the more affordable machines
- Can be one of the best machines for full-body workouts
- Is one of the most durable machines
Cons
- Has a lower than average max weight capacity
- Is not as compact as other models
The final model on the list, this is one of the best runner-ups when it comes to workout machines that can be easily folded/broken down, can be used for a variety of different workouts, and is one of the most affordable models out today.
The design is very similar to the Total Gym models, but it also uses a simple bar underneath the seat that can be used to store your hand weights while you are doing other exercises. The bench can also be declined to do certain workouts as well as being ready to be stored, too.
The machine can be a bit limited when it comes to certain workouts, but it does come with a free workout chart that can help you use the machine to the fullest potential.
Pros
- Is one of the most compact workout machines
- Is one of the most affordable models
- Has one of the higher max weight capacities
Cons
- Has a lower lifespan than most machines
- The seat padding can be less comfortable than other machines
Conclusion
If I were to choose the best machine from this list of award-winners, then the top dog would probably be the Bowflex Home Gym Series. While it may be one of the more expensive models, the features and functionality put it far above other machines.
It can be one of the safest workout stations that you can use due to the lack of metal weight plates, it is one of the most popular and reliable models available, and they are not as difficult to find as other machines on this list.
On top of that, it is one of the smallest workout stations, can support a bit more than some of the other models, like the Total Gym models, and comes with a variety of attachments that can be used to do more than 50 different exercises.
Having one of the sleekest and most modern and visually appealing designs that can last for more than 5 to 10 years also helps to put it at the top of the list. Even so, there are many other choices for you if you are looking for a slightly different machine.