Building a good home gym can be an expensive and lengthy process. From dumbbells to kettlebells, a lot of money can be thrown into gathering all the equipment needed to get a rounded, full-body workout.
While we’d recommend you to still invest in free weights, if you want to buy weights as efficiently as possible or prefer using machines, a multi gym can be a good alternative.
It combines a range of various exercises in a singular machine, typically consisting of cables, pulleys and weight stacks. They're a popular starting point for home gyms, offering a space-saving solution and removing the need for multiple machines.
If you're looking to get your hands on a multi gym for your home, we run through the top picks for every budget below. The options we've chosen were based on in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.
Senshi Multi Gym Station
This mid-range multi gym from Senshi is designed to offer full-body resistance training. Its structure is based mostly on a cable pulley system attached to the main seated station.
It’s designed to facilitate both horizontal and vertical push and pull exercises, with a chest press and lat pulldown for the upper body while seated. There's also a row to target the back, using a low pulley system that acts as a barbell.
For the lower body, there's the option for leg curls and extensions to target the quadriceps and hamstrings. For some supplementary resistance training, there's a preacher curl, cables for ab crunches and the option to use the pulley system for bicep curls.
Weight stack: 90kg
Size: 2.17 x 1.79 x 1.1 metres (L X W X H)
Max user weight: 198kg
V-Fit STG09/3 Herculean Python Multi Gym
V-Fit’s STG09/3 uses a single pulley system to provide the main bulk of the exercises. However, it also includes a dip station to help incorporate bodyweight training and a hydraulic stepper to provide some indoor cardio and help you warm up.
The main pulley system features a chest press and lat pulldown for core upper body movements, plus leg extension and curl systems for the lower body.
Weight stack: 100kg
Size: L 174 x W 165 x H 217cm
Max user weight: 125kg
Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer Package
Inspire Fitness’ premium option is designed to provide a wide range of exercises, using two racks to give greater freedom of movement. There are four cables: two that can be adjusted from high to low, and two fixed lower pulleys.
The two racks come with 73kg per stack, but also feature add-ons that can bring them up to 90kg each. The rack comes with an adjustable bench, which Inspire Fitness states can be used to incorporate a backrest for chest presses or rows, or used with the lower pulleys to facilitate a full leg workout.
The multi gym also comes with a range of accessories, such as a straight bar, swing handle and ankle cuff. For bodyweight exercises, there is also a pull-up bar, which is said to be adjustable to accommodate different user heights.
Weight stack: 90kg per stack
Size: 174 x 165 x 217cm
Max user weight: N/A
York Perform Multi Gym
The Perform Multi Gym is a premium option from British weightlifting providers York that's said to provide a smooth motion thanks to its sealed bearings. It features a single stack of 100kg, with a selection of stations for the lower and upper body.
This classic shape is designed to provide a variety of exercises to be performed entirely while seated, including a chest press, pec deck, lat pulldown and low rowing station for the upper body.
For the lower body, there's a leg extension to target the quadriceps, although there's no leg curling option.
York claims that the padded seats offer comfort while remaining water-resistant, and the Y-frame design aims to provide some extra stability.
Weight stack: 100kg
Size: 196 x 115 x 141cm
Max user weight: 125kg
Fuel KS100 Home Multi Gym
This multi gym from Fuel features ball-bearing pulleys, which are said to provide a smooth and even action when lifting. The cables are made from steel with a nylon coating, reportedly designed to add extra durability.
It features core exercises such as the lat pulldown, chest press and row for the upper body, as well as leg extension and curl for the lower body.
There are also a number of accessory movements, including an ab crunch and a height-adjustable preacher pad for isolated bicep curls.
Weight stack: 65kg
Size: 157, 101, 204cm
Max user weight: 120kg
What should you look for when buying a home multi gym?
Size and space
Multi gyms can take up a lot of space, particularly in terms of height, so be sure to measure the area where you plan to put the equipment before making a purchase.
Weight stacks
Check the weight stacks to see if they provide enough resistance for your fitness level. Make sure they're easy to adjust and offer enough increments to increase your strength over time. This will give you better longevity and value for your money.
Exercise variety
Look for a multi gym that offers a wide range of exercises to work different muscle groups. Consider the attachments and accessories included, such as pull-up bars, leg press and rowing attachments.
Quality and durability
Look for a multi gym made with high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. A heavy-duty steel frame, high-density foam padding and non-slip grips may signify quality.