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The burdens of gym membership often go unrecognized by regular gym-goers. Monthly fees, transportation costs, discomfort from working out in front of other, potentially annoying, people all impose burdens on those seeking personal fitness. Home gyms seem like an ideal alternative to exercise within the comfort of one’s own home, but these often push prices upwards of a few thousand dollars.
Despite this stigma around home gyms, quality and affordable options are actually available with a little bit of research. The home gyms outlined below are all available for purchase for under $500 and offer a complete full body workout. If you want to reap the fitness and personal benefits of a home gym without breaking the bank account, check out these range of options below.
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1. Marcy MWM-990
Cost
Moderately price option in our Below 500 list.
Features
Work out most muscle groups effectively with a decent weight stack capacity (150 Pounds)
Overview
Brand | Marcy |
Model | MWM-990 |
Weight | 150 lbs |
Dimensions | 62" x 43" x78" |
Type | Weighted Stack Home Gym |
The Marcy 150-lb MWM 990 total body training machine is a weight-bearing home gym capable of accommodating over 30 strength training exercises through the base unit and a series of accessory attachments.
Its relatively modest profile occupies dimensions of 68” of length, 36” of width, and 79” of height. It comes loaded with 150 pounds of adjustable weight to accommodate people of any fitness or strength level.
Pros
Cons
2. Bowflex PR1000
Cost
Most expensive option in our Below 500 list.
Features
Is a complete home gym option that can work out many muscles (25+ exercises) & 200 Pounds Weight Capacity
Overview
Brand | Bowflex |
Model | PR1000 |
Weight | - |
Dimensions | 103" x 80" x 82" |
Type | Complete Home Gym System |
The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym is a robust resistance machine that features over 25 exercises ranging from resistance strength training to aerobic rowing.
This machine relies on Power Rod resistance technology that provides over 200 pounds of resistance. This impressive machine offers a complete full body workout that can be topped off with a healthy round of cardio.
Pros
Cons
3. Total Gym 1400
Cost
Mid priced home gym option on this list.
Features
A great option to work out and tone many muscle groups. (60+ exercises). Limited Weight Resistance relative to other home gyms the list.
Overview
Brand | Total Gym |
Model | 1400 |
Weight | 73.2 lbs |
Dimensions | 92.5" x 15.5" x 42.3" |
Type | Glide Board Home Gym |
The Total Gym 1400 Deluxe is one of several similar units from Total Gym that may appeal to a diverse range of customers.
This particular model is the most expensive but comes with a full package including a nutrition guide, exercise chart, and Total Body workout DVD. The machine is capable of performing over 60 strength, stretching, and cardio exercises for a complete full body workout.
Pros
Cons
4. Total Gym 1900
Cost
Mid priced home gym option on this list.
Features
A great option to work out and tone many muscle groups. (60+ exercises). Limited Weight Resistance relative to other home gyms the list.
Overview
Brand | Total Gym |
Model | 1900 |
Weight | 75 lbs |
Dimensions | 92.5" x 16" x 43.2" |
Type | Glide Board Home Gym |
The Total Gym 1900 is distinct from the 1400 Deluxe and offers a unique package that is still relatively comparable to the 1400 Deluxe.
This machine is still capable of a similar range of over 60 exercises and also includes the nutrition guide, exercise chart, and Total Body workout DVD. It is less expensive than the 1400 Deluxe model and comes with its own unique features.
Pros
Cons
5. Total Gym 1100
Cost
Another very affordable option. Rivals the Weider Ultimate Body Works.
Features
A great option to work out and tone many muscle groups. (60+ exercises). Limited Weight Resistance relative to other home gyms the list.
Overview
Brand | Total Gym |
Model | 1100 |
Weight | - |
Dimensions | 62" x 43" x78" |
Type | Glide Board Home Gym |
The Total Gym 1100 is the final model featured in this guide from the Total Gym series. It is the least expensive, but it also comes with the least flexibility, although it is still a versatile machine.
Pros
Cons
6. Weider Ultimate Body Work
Cost
The most affordable home gym option on our list.
Features
A great option to work out and tone many muscle groups. Limited Weight Resistance relative to other home gyms the list.
Overview
Brand | Weider |
Model | Ultimate Body Work |
Weight | 72 lbs |
Dimensions | 59" x 27.5" x 48" |
Type | Glide Board Home Gym |
This bench can be adjusted to a variety of positions and facilitates more than 50 total workouts. Each position offers different levels of resistance for each workout. You can challenge yourself with body weight only or add power bands for an additional 50 pounds of resistance.
The metal base stays stable and the bench itself glides into each new position with ease. The cushion on the bench is rather comfortable and ensures you won't hurt yourself as you shift your weight.
Pros
Cons
7. TRX All-In-One
Cost
One of the more affordable options on this list.
Features
A Training Strap System. that allows you to workout and tone different muscle groups. Supports up to 350 lbs of body weight.
Overview
Brand | TRX |
Model | All-In-One |
Weight | - |
Dimensions | - |
Type | Portable Home Gym Kit |
The TRX Suspension Training straps are a little unconventional compared to the other home gym options in this guide, but their admirable reviews speak for themselves.
The straps provide a complete full body workout as robust as any of the other machines, but it benefits from not requiring a bulky stationary frame. The workout guide included in the package informs users of these straps’ versatile functions.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
None of these options are a one-size-fits-all solution to your individual fitness goals. The varying sizes, prices, capabilities, and shortcomings have to be individually weighed to match your own goals. Each of these options, however, will help you achieve better fitness.
If we were to pick one machine over the rest, we would probably recommend the PR1000. We feel like the PR1000 is versatile enough to be useful in any fitness regime at a very reasonable price.
The important thing to remember is to choose an option that matches your lifestyle to maximize on the benefits of the machines. The last thing you want is to have one of these machines sitting in the corner of your house collecting dust. Armed with the information in this guide, it is up to you to check out these options and decide if they are appropriate for your fitness needs.
