Honestly, the only downside is having to pony up for each pair individually or invest in one of the brand’s sets: 5-50 lbs, 5-75 lbs, 5-100 lbs, 55-75 lbs, and 80-100 lbs. (Just keep in mind that racks are sold separately.)
For tech lovers who don’t mind shelling out major coin, this new device delivers a versatile, high-resistance tool with an exceptionally small footprint. It takes the design of your go-to cable trainer at the gym and pares it back into one portable package.
Our Tester’s Take
The design and engineering are beyond top-notch–NASA scientists would be impressed by this innovative cable machine. It weighs a mere 13 pounds while creating up to 200 pounds of resistance (the same as the much bulkier Tonal smart gym). That’s honestly a wild amount of power in a tiny footprint. “Compared to the standard aluminum pulley system, this was super smooth,” says Tyree Booker, Lionel University certified personal trainer and former college football player. “The fact that it can replicate chain weight variations, resistance band tension, and add additional weight on the eccentric movement is one of the most awesome features of this machine.”
After extensive testing, the price and limited warranty will be the biggest deterrents for most people. That said, we’d for sure include this in our dream “money-is-no-object” minimalist setup, combining it with the Bells of Steel Manticore Six Post Power Rack for easy set-up.
Say goodbye to that cheap door-mounted bar you’ve had since college. This durable upgrade is as solid as a rock and half the price of its competitors.
Our Tester’s Take
Unlike over-the-door pull-up bars, you’ll bust out high-quality reps without worrying about whether they will suddenly fall, slip, or break. The heavyweight 11-gauge steel construction is noticeably solid and provides a secure foundation that won’t budge or flex. And sure, some assembly is required, but as long as you’ve got a drill, level, and know where your wall studs are, it will take you less than 15 minutes. It’s one of the best budget home gym equipment finds on our list.
With the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells, pace-saving just got a whole lot easier. Keep your at-home gym space streamlined and stylish with a single pair of weights that adjust from 10 to 90 pounds.
Our Tester’s Take
These adjustable dumbbells solve a major hurdle for home gym owners: space. If you don’t have room for a complete set of weights (and let’s be honest, that’s most of us), these pack 90 pounds of variable resistance into one streamlined package. Simply use the dial on the side of the handle to control weight adjustments on both sides, starting as light as 10 pounds. One set replaces 17 sets of dumbbells, so you can master your progressive overload with ease.
If you’re looking for a versatile barbell for your workout split, try the Major Fitness Home Gym Barbell. It doesn’t scratch easily, even when you’re working through a metcon session and heavy weight plates.
Our Tester’s Take
From bench press and squats to deadlifts and cleans, our tester—an Olympic weightlifter—thought the Major Fitness barbell packed a punch for its price. The bar’s moderate knurling lends a solid grip for heavier lifting sessions, but not to the point where it’s too aggressive. Just note that though the barbell uses needle bearings in its rotation system, it doesn’t have much spin, our tester notes.
Regardless of your training style, this barbell can only withstand up to 750 pounds, which won’t impress Olympic-level lifters but is ideal for those starting out their lifting journey. Its construction has both powerlifters and Olympic lifters in mind with the aforementioned knurl markings, a 30-millimeter shaft, and 16 inches of loadable sleeve length for the utmost versatility and durability.
A true first-of-its-kind, this machine combines the powerful training benefits of a hyperextension machine and a Nordic bench into a reliable, at-home tool. Trust us, this thing is worth the price of admission.
Our Tester’s Take
The muscles of your posterior chain (aka the backside of your body, including your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back) are critical for athletic performance. They deliver power, stability, and control while running, jumping, and lifting. The thing is, they are notoriously tough to train effectively in a compact home gym.
