Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » Home Gyms

Best Fitness BFMG10 Sportsman Gym 10 | Affordable Home Starter Gym

Editor — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:53:30 +0000

The BFMG10 Sportsman is a compact, no frills unit with impressive versatility for a home gym in the under $300 price range. It gets a marginal recommendation for those on a budget who don’t need more than a 145 lb. weight stack.

Key features include a wide grip lat bar on upper the pulley, narrow grip low row bar on the lower pulley, press arms, lat pulldown and leg developer that accommodates both leg curls and extensions.

The padded pressing arms are built to match the natural arc of a free weight bench press and pectoral dumbbell fly.

This gym features a no cable change design. The cables are made of 2200 lb. test nylon coated aircraft quality material working with fiberglass pulleys with ball bearing movement on a solid axle rotation.

The complete unit measures 50″ x 77″ x 65″ and weighs 255 lbs.

Home gyms with weight stacks don’t come much cheaper than the BFMG10 Sportsman. For higher end models with more features, see all of our home gym reviews.

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Powerline PHG1000X Single Stack Home Gym | Compact Design for Plate Load or Selectorized Weights

Editor — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:04:31 +0000

The Powerline PHG1000X packs a lot of versatility into a compact footprint with a single weight stack design. It’s small enough to fit in any room.

This gym does NOT come with weights. Standard weight plates can be used or an optional 150 Lb. selectorized weight stack can be purchased separately. The easy to adjust selector pin saves time and makes it easy to increase resistance using both the weight stack and/or standard weight plates.

The patented press arm can be used both as a chest press station and to replicate the pectoral dumbbell fly. Other features let you perform numerous high pulley, low pulley and leg extension leg curl exercises.

Assembly for this gym is complicated and time consuming, and the sub-par directions are not much help. Once assembled this is a dependable and affordable home gym but we recommend considering the highly superior Powerline BSG10X that comes 90% assembled and offers more features.

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Dosho Gym 5000 | DG5009 Compact, Adjustable Full Body Weight Training

Editor — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:46:06 +0000

The Dosho Gym 5000 uses a remarkably space-efficient and innovative design to provide a true full body workout — using real steel, not cables. The gym is creatively engineered for easy, efficient and safe transitions between exercises.

Two unique, patented features caught our attention. The Lift-Assist System and adjustable Depth-Limiter Bar act as a personal spotter and facilitate perfect form for squats and a full range of ab exercises.

See how the technology works in the video demonstration below (featuring former Workout With Jackie Warner cast member Greg Plitt).

The patented adjustable 45 pound clam-shell Dosho Bells allow for a complete upper body workout but also attach to the leg-extension system for lower body work. Weight adjustment is easy using the Dosho Bell locking mechanism.

The system includes a 78-page training program with descriptions of over 40 gym-quality free weight exercises suitable for beginners to advanced users

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Click here for the Dosho Design DG5009 Dosho Gym 5000

Video Demonstration

Fitness Quest Bio Force 1.7 Home Gym | Continuous Resistance with 170 Pound Weight Stack

Editor — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:26:06 +0000

This home gym uses a resistance system similar to the Power Rod technology used by Bowflex but aims for more consistency throughout the entire range of motion. With Bowlex, resistance begins low and increases as the band is bent, creating a spring-like effect. The Bio Force Total NitroCell Technology provides even resistance throughout each rep.

While the motion is impressively smooth and continuous, this technology should NOT be compared with the benefits of free weights.

The Bio Force 1.7 includes 170 pounds of total weight resistance and features multiple arm articulations, a leg developer, a lat tower, and a two-position seat. Up to 100 exercises are possible on this versatile machine.

The gym is sturdy and built with heavy gauge steel and stainless hardware. The “slide-n-Lock” weight-changing system makes it simple to switch weights to increase or decrease resistance.

The printed instructions are very easy to understand and well-labeled parts make assembly relatively painless. The package includes plastic coated quick-glance exercise sheets, a how-to setup video for different exercises, a nutrition guide and a 3-ring binder of workout photos.

The Bio Force models numbers are based on the size of the weight stack — 1.7 is equivalent to 170 pounds of resistance, 2.2 equals 220 pounds etc.

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Body-Solid G4I Home Gym | Full Body Fitness with 160 Pound Weight Stack

Editor — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:20:18 +0000

This mid-range home gym from Body-Solid is an all-purpose, versatile machine that includes a number of features typically found on more expensive home gyms. The traditional selectorized weight stack design eliminates the clutter of barbells and the relative inefficiency of bows and bands.

The well-engineered G4I features 2” x 3”, 11-gauge mainframe construction that’s built to last — the gym comes with an in-home lifetime warranty. The exercise motions feel solid and stable, not flimsy, approaching commercial gym quality.

The G4I utilizes 3D Iso Flex Press Arms for a unique and comprehensive variety of upper body exercises. The independent arm motion helps target both primary and stabilizer muscles to simulate the natural results usually associated with free weights.

The swiveling Dual Pulley Lat Station allows you to perform conventional lat pulls or use the independent cable handles to vary your back workout with both diverging and crossover movements.

Even without the optional Leg Press the G4I will occupy a good deal of space in your home gym. The dimensions are 83″ x 55″ x 83.52″ with a live live Working area of 104″ x 73″ x 83.5.”

The delivered packages are heavy and assembly is time consuming. Check the shipping options and consider purchasing professional assembly.

Body-Solid G4I Home Gym Product Details

Complete home gym with 160 lb selectorized weight stack
Optional 210 lb weight stack available
Easy to use no-cable-change design
3-Dimensional Independent Iso-Flex Press Arms
High-density DuraFirm pads with lumbar support
Chest supported mid row station
self-aligning cuffed leg developer
Optional leg press station available
2 Stirrup Handles
Revolving Straight Bar and Lat Bar
Ab/Triceps Strap
Total Body Workout DVD and Full Size Exercise Chart
Water Bottle/Towel Holder
Measures 83″L x 55″W x 83.5″H
In Home Lifetime Warranty

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Chuck Norris Total Gym 1100 | Full Body Home Fitness Trainer

Editor — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:54:47 +0000

Using only the body’s weight as resistance, the Total Gym 1100 delivers a thorough, full body workout on one simple machine.

Designed to tone and strengthen rather than build bulk, this is a good option for beginners or occasional users not wanting to invest in an expensive, cumbersome home gym.

The Total Gym 1100 is an uncomplicated but very diverse piece of equipment that facilitates over 60 exercises, working all parts of the upper and lower body, the abs and cardio system. It’s also commonly used for injury rehabilitation.

The sliding motion of the ergonomic glide board is fluid, although somewhat noisy, and resistance is increased by adjusting the incline.

The Total Gym 1100 is compact and includes a folding feature. It can be stored in a closet but is best suited in a permanent workout space as folding and moving it can be awkward and inconvenient.

The 1100 is the lower end Total Gym model. For a more durable and versatile version (at nearly twice the price) see the Total Gym 1700 Club.

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Powerline BSG10X Home Fitness Gym | Space Saving, Easy Assembly with 160lb Weight Stack

Editor — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:58:57 +0000

Two common deterrents to purchasing a comprehensive home gym are space requirements and potential assembly headaches. The Powerline BSG10X effectively addresses both of these issues with efficient design and well-engineered construction. ShapeYou.com gave it their ” Top Gear Of The Year” award.

The gym ships 90% assembled with all cables and pulleys already in place. Within an hour it can be completely set up and ready for use.

The fully assembled gym fits in a 4′ x 6′ space, but still provides a large variety of workouts, addressing every body part. All 30+ exercises are “front access” to the single adjustable seat, allowing the back of the gym to be positioned against a wall to further conserve space. This gym can fit in any room in nearly any type of dwelling.

The Powerline BSG10X operates on a single 160 lb weight stack with easy adjustments and no complicated cable changes. It features smoothly operating high, mid and low pulleys, an 8-position adjustable press arm and a standard leg developer station. You also get a 48″ lat bar, a low row bar and an abdominal harness.

With a home gym this compact you don’t fully get the robust, solid feel of a commerical gym quality machine. But at this price the Powerline BSG10X is a solid choice.

Powerline BSG10X Home Gym Product Details

160 pound (73kg) selectorized weight stack
Easy to use, space saving, no-cable-change design
Bio-mechanically designed press bar for maximum chest isolation and upper body development
Lat pulldown station allows unlimited, full range of motion
48″ lat bar, low row bar, ab crunch harness
11-gauge mainframe construction for maximum strength and durability
Telescoping, chrome plated, adjustable seat post with easy, smooth adjustment and proper body positioning
Sleek, durable, electrostatically applied powder coat finish
Floor space requirements: 70”L x 42”W x 80”H
Live Working Area: 76”L x 42”W x 80”H
Powerline Exclusive 10 Year Warranty

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Marcy Diamond Home Gym | MD1559 150-Pound Elite Compact Weight Training System

Editor — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:56:13 +0000

Using a single pulley system on a 150 lb weight stack, the Marcy MD1559 makes it easy to exercise and strengthen all body parts without complicated adjustments.

A step up from the MVM-950 Home Gym, this model centers around an upright bench and pair of butterfly arms, with a unique press arm design that easily converts for vertical fly exercises.

The adjustable bicep pad and built-in lat bar work all parts of the arms and back. A dual-action leg developer addresses the lower body and features a precision pivot point to reduce stress on the knees.

While this gym is versatile in terms of available exercises the seat is not adjustable and is best suited for people of average height.

Marcy Diamond MD1559 Home Gym Product Details

Home gym with heavy-duty tube frame
150-pound weight stack
Upright bench with innovative press arm
Adjustable bicep pad and built-in lat bar
Leg extension and leg curl component
Instructional step-by-step exercise chart
2,000-pound tensile-strength aircraft cables
Solid-steel weight stack covers
Durable powder-coated finish
Deluxe, high-density two-tone upholstery
65″ x 81″ x 40″
Two-year warranty on parts

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Bowflex Revolution FT Home Gym | Small Footprint SpiraFlex Linear Resistance Fitness

Editor — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:22:24 +0000

This is our first look at the Bowflex Revolution series. The FT is the most affordable Revolution model but does not include a bench unless purchased separately.

This may be perceived as a positive or a negative, depending on your needs. Some believe a built-in bench on a home gym just gets in the way. One alternative is to purchase a separate workout bench and move it into place whenever needed. Or, take a look at the other Revolution models.

All Revolution models use the unique Bowflex SpiraFlex resistance technology. Developed for use by astronauts on the International Space Station, Spiraflex duplicates the benefits of free weights but with added control and safety. The system uses a series of elastic bands contained in a circular plate which is lighter than a standard iron plate of equal resistance. The resistance is linear rather than progressive as in the traditional Bowflex Power Rod technology.

To take full advantage of SpiralFlex technology it’s important to be continually conscious of proper form. “Four seconds out, four seconds in” is the recommended rhythm to get the most benefit from each exercise.

This versatile system lets you easily adjust resistance from 10 to 200 pounds (upgradable to 280 pounds) for a wide range of upper body workouts. The independently moving pulleys or “Freedom Arms” adjust 170 degrees in ten settings to work muscles from many angles.

The Revolution FT is more compact (65″ X 38″ X 73″) and far lighter than most universal machines. It supports more than 90 exercises and includes a squat harness, a 5-position foot harness, comfortable hand grips an instructional DVD.

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Body Solid EXM2500S Home Gym | 210 Pound Weight Stack with 7 Workout Stations

Editor — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:22:22 +0000

The Body Solid EXM2500S Home Gym has been around in the same form for years, but is still a contender for the best value in the under $1,000 category. It was a Consumer Magazine #1 Home Gym when first released

The EXM25005 approaches health club quality for its durability, versatility and smooth operation. A wide range of exercises are available in a relatively small footprint and moving from one exercise to the next is quick and uncomplicated.

The ergonomic design is relatively simple but offers 7 workouts stations built around a rugged steel frame that includes a 210 lb alloy steel weight stack.

A sample of the available exercises includes chest press, seated row, shrug, standing curl, pectoral fly, deltoid raise, leg extension, standing leg curl, lat pull down, cable crossover, ab crunch, tricep extension, tricep pressdown.

The thick DuraFirm Pads with lumbar support provide comfort and reduce lower back strain. A powder coat finish protects against scratching, chipping and peeling.

This gym does not include a leg press, leg raise or dip station. These are optional and sold separately.

Like most comprehensive home gyms of this nature, assembly is very involved. The EXM2500S assembly process is straight forward with step-by-step instructions but will still take several hours to build.