Multi-Stack Gym: Compact Gym Equipment for Your House
Today, we look at some of the Best Home Multi-Stack Gym machines available in the US.
There are no two ways about it. Many home gyms will take up quite a bit of space, and it will be an investment as they can be quite pricey.
With that in mind, buying one should not be something done in a hurry. There are many different styles, features and prices so we have done our research to give you what we think are the best available today.
If you find one of the products is unavailable, leave a comment below.
List Overview;
Best Under $500: Marcy MWM-988
Best Under $750: JX Fitness - JXL 1150
Best Under $1,500: Body-Solid EXM2500S
Best Pro Multi Gym Under $3,500: Body-Solid G6B
What is a Multi-Stack Gym?
If you’ve stepped foot in a commercial gym, you’ll notice there’s dozens of equipment specifically designed to perform one exercise.
A multi-stack gym, also known as a multi-gym or a stack gym, enables you to perform a range of exercises from a single machine. It is designed for a limited space, such as a home gym. Though you will need some space for the equipment as it will pretty much be a permanent fixture – you won’t be able to tuck it under your bed or in a closet after your workout.
There are many types and price ranges for best home multi-gyms, but whatever you decide there are a few things you will want to consider.
What to Look for Before Purchasing a Multi-Stack Gym
Weight Stack
Do not overlook this! When you research multi-stack gyms you will find some great machines full of features and tools, but you may forget to check the weight stack, which is the number of weights, or resistance available to you.
Check the total weight in the stack and the increments. I would recommend 220lb/100kg. If you find one that you really like with less than that, check to see if you can later upgrade (ex. add weight plates).
Generally, you will find two different types of weight plates: vinyl and cast iron. Vinyl ones are cheaper, but the more expensive, cast iron plates are better quality and more durable.
Range of Exercises
If you are buying a multi-stack gym, you are likely looking for a single machine that offers the best range of exercises. You will always get more exercises and better quality with a bigger budget – a cheaper multi-stack gym with lots of exercises is not always a good thing however.
The more parts something has, the more of a chance that one of the components can break.
While it’s nice to read the good reviews on a product, comb through the 4 star and under reviews. Decipher how negative features of the product might impact your experience as well.
Build Quality
Quite obviously, the more expensive the multi-stack gym, the better quality it should be.
You’ll want to look for a multi-stack gym made out of a solid steel frame, and one that emphasizes how its parts and components are made.
A good gauge of a high quality multi-stack gym is the maximum user weight.
Whatever you buy, check the warranty for your best home multi-stack gym.
Space for the Multi-Stack Gym
Check the dimensions of the multi-stack gym against the available space you have for it.
Some manufacturers will have a minimum recommended space requirement. You’ll want to add a buffer zone to this to ensure you can comfortably walk pass the equipment while it’s in use.
It’s hard to get a good idea of how something fits in your house by throwing down your measuring tape and eye-balling it. I have used the following method to layout so many things in my house and I am always happy with the results.
Take a removable tape that won’t damage your floor or walls. Carefully lay out the tape on the floor. Once the outline is made, pretend like you are using the equipment.
If there is a pushup station, do you have enough room to extend your feet out? Are your elbows to close to the wall when you’re doing a chest fly?
Once you land on the perfect spot, leave it there for a couple days to make sure you still like the placement. Only then would I commit to buying a multi-stack gym. Although you may be able to return it, chances are once it’s out of the box it is staying.
Important: Check the overall dimensions as some multi-stack gyms are wider at the top than the lower section.
Let’s take a closer look at the best home multi-stack gyms.
Top 6 Best Home Multi-Gyms
1) Best Home Multi-Stack Gym Under $500
Marcy MWM-988
If you are on a budget, or are a beginner, you may want to start off with something low-cost and simple to use.
Built for strength and durability, the Marcy MWM-988 is a great choice if you want a high quality multi-stack gym but still have a fixed budget.
This one is ideal for the beginner and intermediate user, with a top resistance of 150 lbs.
Like the previous choice, The Marcy MWM-988 features high and low pulleys, giving you a range of workout options.
150 lbs solid vinyl weight stack with selector pin; heavy gauge steel frame
Max lbs: Front press: 200 lbs, butterfly: 80 lbs per side, lat pull: 160 lbs, low pulley: 160 lbs.
High pulley system with lat bar; low pulley system; dual function chest press/pec deck combination
Leg extension with foam rollers for comfort; height adjustable arm curl pad.
Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs
Assembled dimensions (L x W x H): 68” x 42” x 78” inches
Item weight: 259 lbs
Warranty: 2 year manufacturer
Our Rating: 4 / 5
2) Best Home Multi-Stack Gym Under $750
JX Fitness - JXL 1150
Moving up another rank we look at the sub-750 dollar multi-stack gyms, and for this category, we’ve found one quite a bit under the top price point.
The JXL-1150 is an all-in-one machine offers 40 exercises on this low price model. Adjustable weights ranging from 10 lbs up to 150 lbs – perfect for both beginners who are just starting out or experienced lifters who want a more challenging workout.
It offers an extremely smooth motion, and is very well built. However, the assembly can be tricky so build in some extra time for putting this machine together.
150 lbs weight stack with selector pin; heavy gauge steel frame
Max lbs: Front press: 200 lbs, butterfly: 80 lbs per side, lat pull: 150 lbs, low pulley: 150 lbs.
Leg extension with foam rollers for comfort; height adjustable arm curl pad.
Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs
Assembled dimensions (L x W x H): 72” x 38” x 83.5”
Item weight: 363 lbs
Warranty: 10 Years
Our Rating: 4 / 5
3) Best Home Multi-Stack Gym Under $1,500
Body-Solid EXM2500S
The Body-Solid EXM2550S takes us up in size and quality.
With an impressive top weight of 210 lbs, the Body-Solid
210 lbs weight stack with selector pin.
Max lbs for any exercise: 210 lbs
Maximum user weight capacity: Not provided. I called a customer rep at Body-Solid and the estimated the max user weight to be around 350 lbs.
Assembled dimensions (L x W x H): 83" H x 51" W x 83" D (you’ll need roughly 10' x 8' to comfortably use all the features)
Item weight: 450 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime
Our Rating: 5 / 5
4) Best Commercial-Rated Multi-Gym - Under $3,500
Body-Solid G6BR Multi-Stack Gym
Last in the list of best home multi-stack gyms is one for seasoned professionals:
The Body-Solid G6BR is a multi-stack gym hybrid; combining popular functional training and the traditional press arm and leg stations.
This powerful machine allows you to move through a natural range-of-motion while applying resistance from two directions simultaneously – giving you greater control and better results!
The leg developer CAM prevents resistance drop-off at the end of the exercise movement and provides consistent resistance throughout full range of motion. This means that no matter which exercise you're doing, you can be sure that you're getting the most out of each rep. With a tension strength of 2,200 lbs., this machine is military spec – ensuring durability and longevity.
In addition to its impressive strength, this bi-angular press arms machine comes with a number of helpful accessories. These include a revolving lat bar, revolving straight bar, ankle strap, and ab/triceps strap – all designed to help you get the most out of each workout session. Whether you’re looking for increased strength or toned muscles, these accessories will help ensure that your exercises are effective and efficient. Frame: unique “Radius” frame; 2 x 3″ 11-gauge oval tubular steel with a combination of 2×2″ round tubing
Weight stack: 210 lbs
Protective coating: eight-step electrostatically applied powder coat finish
Supportive seat: adjustable seat height telescopic seat back pad
Included: combination seated leg extension/seated leg curl station and 6 pre-set pulleys in three separate training zones
Dimensions (LxWxH): 213 x 112 x 213cm
Product weight: 304 kg
Warranty: home use warranty: lifetime parts; light commercial warranty: 10 years on frame, welds, cams and weight plates. 5 years on pivot bearings, pulleys, bushings and gas shocks, 1 year on cables, linear bearings and pull-pin components.
Our Rating: 5 / 5
Multi-Stack Gym Comparison Table
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Our list of the Best Home Multi-Stack Gyms:
Best Under $500: Marcy MWM-988
Best Under $750: JX Fitness - JXL 1150
Best Under $1,500: Body-Solid EXM2500S
Best Pro Multi Gym Under $3,500: Body-Solid G6B
-
Multi-stack gyms are a great option for a home gym. They take up a limited amount of space while enabling a full-body workout. They come with a good weight stack so you can work every part of your body and simply adjust the selected weight using the pin.
-
A multi-stack gym is a great way to build muscle strength and mass. It also offers the benefit of safer workouts versus free weights since the weight is contained in the machine.
Having a multi-stack gym at home is a good investment. Being able to work out safely at home while having the option to increase the weights as you progress.
-
A multi-stack gym allows you to perform a variety of exercises, and at a weight that suits your workout. You can use them to build muscle with heavier weights or lose weight with a cardio workout.
Conclusion
We have looked at some of the best home multi-gym equipment available in the US. You are definitely going to need space and money – but if you can afford both, it will be a worthy investment.
Sure, having some dedicated cardio machines as well would be fantastic, but remember, you can do cardio almost anywhere, so if you only have the room and budget for one thing, a home multi-gym machine would be my number one choice.
Hopefully, we have helped you find the best home multi-gym.
See Also:
