Do you love working out at home, but still want the same kind of challenge you can find in a gym? Are you tired of working out using soup cans or books as weights? Then you can consider your fitness goals, budget, and space, and pick the best multi gym to improve your workouts.
I like making rational, fact-based choices, and I also hate getting buyer’s regret, so you first have to consider your priorities, your training style and what you want to achieve. There are other things to take into account as well, but I’ll discuss them below. I think it’s really important to invest wisely, which is also why I’ll discuss several products that have really different characteristics. I’ll jump straight to reviews, at the end of which you’ll find the buyers guide.
IN A HURRY?
But if you’re in a hurry, here’s an updated list of popular models available on Amazon UK right now:
- Combines a gym, seated leg press and dip/leg raise stations,...
- Leg press is fully adjustable, max comfort while training...
- Enhanced protection and safety whilst exercising, the use of...
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL GYM FOR USE AT HOME WITH 1 YEAR FREE...
- COMFORT & SAFETY: Comes with an extra padded cushioned seat,...
- VARIOUS WORKOUTS: Train your back, shoulders, chest, abs,...
- Excellent home training hub for complete power training....
- All-in-one machine with stations to work your arms, legs,...
- Exercises: Pulldowns, rows, shoulder raises, bicep curls,...
- D pro T Sports Multigym
- Come with pre loaded weight plates of 50 kgs
- Dimensions assembles cms - 160 Length x 120 W x 209 H
- FULL BODY WORKOUT: Great for working legs, arms, chest,...
- VARIETY OF EXERCISES: With this Smith machine, you can do...
- SOLID CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy steel frame – the compact gym...
Table of Contents
Best home multi gym the UK market currently has to offer
The multi-gym reviews below feature products from the entire price pool, and I’ve also chosen the best from each price category at the end of this article. But meanwhile, you’ll see that I’ve explained all the specific features for each multi gym below, with pros/cons lists for each one to help you decide faster.
F4H Olympic 7080 Multi Gym Review: best under £300
Weight: 93.54 kg
Dimensions: 168 x 108 x 211 cm
Specifications: 45 kg weight stack; tubular enforced steel frame; foam padded seat and backrest; protective cover for weight plates; manual assembly required; 1-year free warranty
Main purpose: Upper body/ total body
If you’re looking for a reliable station, one of the best cheap multi gyms on the market is the F4H Olympic 7080, and I love it because it’s compact and heavy-duty at the same time. I mean, just look at the overall dimensions to convince you that this is the perfect machinery for people who don’t have a lot of space. Then look at the 93.54 kg weight to see how sturdy this multi gym actually is.
But the tubular enforced steel frame is what makes it so sturdy and reliable. In fact, steel is one of the best materials for this, and you can rest assured this home multi gym can endure a lot of wear and tear. And you’ll be comfortable while exercising too, thanks to the foam-padded seat and backrest. That said, the true challenge will come when you’re setting up this baby since I think the instructions are really poor.
Regarding the weights, I think that the 45 kg weight stack is great for training both beginners and advanced weightlifters alike. Besides, the protective cover for weight plates is great for preventing damage.
On the other hand if you’re a real bodybuilder, then 45 kg total might seem a bit too easy and, unfortunately, you can’t add your own weights. And you might really need some extra weights for the legs, which are stronger than your arms. Conversely, if you’re a beginner, you might be dissatisfied to find that each weight is 4.5 kg, so you can’t adjust the weights in smaller increments.
There are also no training programs, but you can thoroughly exercise your entire body with this equipment. The chest press and pec dec have independent arm mechanism, which is great for an effective training of each arm. Besides, you can adjust the height of your pad, and the pivot point you’ll find for the leg extension is very anatomically accurate and easy on the knees.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
V-fit LFG2 Herculean COBRA Review: best under £250
Weight: 84.3 kg
Dimensions: 220 x 86.5 x 194 cm
Specifications: Tubular steel lay-flat frame; Sandtex grey coating; double-up cabling system; 64 kg max resistance; 125 kg max user weight
Main purpose: Upper body/ total body
Another best budget multi gym, the V-fit LFG2 Herculean COBRA will definitely help you become as strong as the mythical Hercules. That’s because you get a maximum 64 kg worth of resistance, which is almost 20 kg more than its equally affordable competitor, the F4H Olympic 7080 Multi Gym. Thanks to the double-up cabling system, which I adore, you won’t have any hassle changing cables and adjusting your weights.
However, it could be argued that this multi-gym is less sturdy since it weighs 10 kg less, though the tubular steel frame is pretty durable if you ask me. Its durability also comes courtesy to the Sandtex grey coating, which is resistant to chipping. And the frame is the lay-flat type, so you can do your chest presses while you’re in a prone position, not sitting upright.
Besides, while this isn’t what you’d normally call a foldable multi gym, this frame also folds upright so it can take less space. I really like this feature, because as you can see for yourself, the Herculean COBRA isn’t as compact as its previously-reviewed contender.
With a max user weight of 125 kg, this machine is suited for most people. But although it does have a few leg and core training functions, you have more chances to get a varied upper body workout, with different sort of presses and pull-downs, as well as rows and curls. Still, the pulley system could be better, and I would also like to see a way to adjust the height of this machine for different body types.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Weider 8700 Multi Gym Review: best under £400
Weight: 100 kg
Dimensions: 196 x 110 x 210 cm
Specifications: 57 kg weight stack; 150 kg max resistance; weight shroud; adjustable seat; deep-padded; vinyl-covered; precision pulleys and bushings; 2-year parts warranty; preacher curl pad, ankle strap with handle, and exercise chart included
Main purpose: Lower body/ total body
The Weider 8700 Multi Gym fits snuggly in the mid-range price category, and it’s also considered one of the best multi gyms for home use by plenty of happy customers. And the first thing I saw and liked is that it has an adjustable seat, unlike other mid-range products.
Still, there are plenty of things these two machines have in common, like the weight shroud and the vinyl cover. They’re both pretty comfortable, and it’s really nice to see that the Weider 8700 has a deep-padded seat which is really cushiony. This is a really sturdy, resistant machinery too, with a 2-year warranty on the parts.
Another thing I love is the 150 kg max resistance courtesy of the 57 kg weight stack. However, this is only for some of the exercises, like low leg pulley or rows. For instance, you can only go up to 36 kg per arm for the butterfly, which might not be enough for an expert weightlifter. Besides, the weight increments are a bit much for some exercises, since you can only adjust them in 7-8 kg increases per plate, but the good news is that you can add your own smaller plates.
However, I love the precision pulleys and bushings. The included extras are really nice too, since having a preacher curl pad, an ankle strap with handle, and an exercise chart shows real interest in user experience.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
BH Fitness G152X Global Multi Gym Review: best under £1000
Weight: 180 kg
Dimensions: 174 x 200 x 225 cm
Specifications: EN-957 global safety standards; fully adjustable leg press; ergonomic upholstery; fold-up seat; lat and straight bar attachments; bearings and CAMS; 75 kg solid vinyl weight stack; 100 kg resistance; wide ground area; 130 kg user weight; 2-year warranty
Main purpose: Multiple total body workouts
If you’re the kind of guy or gal who gets bored easily, the BH Fitness G152X Global Multi Gym is the best home gym for you. With the high pulley and lat pulldown, you can use the various interchangeable gym attachments to diversify your workout routine. You also have 5 ankle alignments and various horizontal adjustments for the leg developer, as well as for the seated leg press. Bonus: you get a foldable seat for space-saving purposes.
With a 75 kg weight stack, you can reach up to 100 kg resistance, which is more than enough for most strength levels. However, I wouldn’t recommend this machine for complete beginners, seeing as the 11 increments raise the total weight with mostly 8 or 9 kg at a time.
One thing I love is the ergonomic upholstery, but you already know that about me. The reason is that it provides a high degree of comfort and support. The wide ground area is very supportive too, winning points on the stability scale. Plus, the bearings and CAMS used help with the fluidity of your movements.
More than that, the whole machine is very sturdy, with a big 180 kg overall weight and a vinyl weight stack. I also love how safe it is since it complies with the EN-957 global safety standards, provided you don’t go over the 130 kg max user weight. The 2-year warranty is pretty good, though I would have liked to see a better warranty for the price.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Marcy Eclipse Deluxe Smith Review
Weight: 175 kg
Dimensions: 249 x 150 x 208 cm
Specifications: Two high pulleys; 1 low pulley; pec dec; holders; smith press; weight pegs; pull-up bar; barbell; removable bench; adjustable bench incline; ultra-glide bushings; 2000lb steel tensile aircraft cables; reinforced pulleys; sealed bearings; safety catchers for barbells; solid chrome vertical guide rods; 135 kg max user weight; 135 kg max resistance
Main purpose: Total body/ bored easily workouts
I quite like Marcy products and I couldn’t help myself trying this deluxe model. And it didn’t disappoint me, but let me tell you why I like it so much.
First, it’s obvious that you can use it for comprehensive, varied and supported total body workouts. The cable and pulley system consists of two high pulleys and a low one, a pec dec and the holders to which you can add your own weights. Besides, the rack has a smith press of its own, as well as weight pegs, a pull-up bar, and a barbell.
And if that doesn’t convince you, the rack and bench can actually be used individually. The bench itself can easily be adjusted to different angles, from decline and incline to flat and upright, and the same can be said of the bar.
Speaking of that, I also love the ultra-glide bushings you find in the press bar for an increased fluidity of motion, to which the 2000 lbs steel tensile aircraft cables contribute as well. The whole thing is really sturdy and safe too, with reinforced pulleys, sealed bearings, safety catchers for barbells, and solid chrome vertical guide rods.
However, all those render this machinery a bit heavy, at 175 kg weight. But I do love it that the max user weight allowed is 135 kg, as well as the 135 kg weight rack. And if I said the word “love” a bit too much in conjunction to this home gym, let me use “adore” to describe the included extras: 2 D-handles for bodyweight-driven lat pulldowns, a triceps rope, a V-shaped and straight bar for pushdowns, as well as an ankle strap.
But I don’t want you to think I’m biased, so let me tell you something I completely hate (yes, hate) about this machine. It’s extremely difficult to set up, my 4-year old nephew can draw better pictures than the ones featured in the instructions, and the pieces aren’t even named right. Pretty disappointing for the price, but totally worth the end result.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Best Cheap Multi Gym
Between the two affordable multi gyms discussed above, I have to choose the F4H Olympic 7080 Multi Gym as the best. They are equally sturdy and easy to use, and the V-fit LFG2 Herculean COBRA does have the advantage of a heavier weight stack and foldable lay-flat frame. But the F4H Olympic 7080 Multi Gym can train your total body more thoroughly; it has an adjustable seat and a more fluid weight movement.
Best High-end Multi Gym
It was pretty hard to decide between the BH Fitness G152X Global Multi Gym and the Marcy Eclipse Deluxe Smith Machine Gym. They’re both equally ergonomic and versatile, but the difficult setup of the Marcy Eclipse really annoys me. However, that only means one afternoon of frustration, and then you can benefit from its increased weight resistance, 35 kg more than the one boasted by its competitor, as well as the fact that it’s great for all strength levels.
Things to Consider Before Buying
There are plenty of things you need to look for in order to find the best home multi gym, but let’s see if we can organize them a bit:
Price Range
There isn’t such a thing as the best multi gym, but rather the best for your budget. But even if you can’t afford a deluxe model, you can still get the basic functions with the best value multi-gym, as well as a quality construction, provided you choose a trustworthy brand.
But even if you do have the money, sometimes it’s best to choose a less expensive one. Why? Because these are great for beginners, they’re lighter and take a lot less space. On the other hand, if you’re in love with strength training, if you have the room and want to become better, it’s wiser to invest at least in a mid-range multi-gym.
Design and Craftsmanship
Needless to say, the more expensive multi gyms use better materials and are more durable, although the more affordable ones can be pretty sturdy as well. That said, I love to see steel and vinyl for the frames, with the caveat that vinyl is more expensive.
I also like padded seats and backrests for more comfort while exercising, and it wouldn’t hurt if the weights would be protected with a cover. Speaking of which, an extra layer of coating to ensure the chip resistance of your home gym equipment is a must to win more durability points.
Weight Stack
This is important to consider depending on your fitness level and budget since the weight stack creates the max resistance. Generally, the less expensive models are better for beginners because they have lower max weights and therefore lower resistance. But they also don’t allow you to add extra weights of your own because their cables can’t handle that.
So a more expensive multi gym can at least offer you an increased weight resistance, with the chance of adding your own plates too. That’s really important, particularly if the weight increments are sort of big and you’re a beginner.
Workout Diversity
This section goes hand in hand with the design section because a multi gym with a versatile design can provide more varied workouts. For instance, if you have a lot of pulleys and various bench inclines, maybe even an adjustable seat height or arm curls, you can do more exercises. With independent arm mechanisms or pivot points, you can also isolate your muscles.
That’s important for two main reasons. Firstly, not getting bored with your workout routine is essential for motivation. Secondly, not doing the same exercises over and over again and targeting your muscles from different angles ensures more efficient workouts. So if you need motivation working out and if you want to become better at weightlifting, workout diversity should be among your top priorities.
Safety and Warranties
There’s no price put on safety, so make sure you get safe equipment. This can be reflected in the safety standards your gym machine is compliant with, as well as in the warranties provided. Don’t forget to buy a multi gym that can accommodate your own weight, it’s really important to make sure the warranties and the safety standards are respected.
The EN-957 global safety standards are the ones you’ll see more frequently. Besides, if the manufacturer offers at least a few years’ worth of warranty for the frame and parts, you can rest assured your machine has been extensively tested to resist at least for that amount of time. And if it can resist, then it’s safe.
Assembly
I always love gym equipment for home use that’s easily assembled, I think that’s really user-friendly. So if you’re not really handy with tools, can’t read complicated instructions, and become frustrated easily, it’s best to pick a multi gym that can be assembled easily.
But still, I personally hate poorly written instructions. If you can’t show people the courtesy of typing up clear instructions, in short sentences and visible pictures, or if you can’t name the parts correctly, maybe you should go write them again. There, that’s off my chest.
But sometimes, if you take the time to navigate through these instructions, maybe even doing a bit of extra independent research online, you can end up with a really beautiful, useful multi-gym.
Included Extras
There are plenty of included extras you’ll see with these multi-gyms, and these are great if you want to target more muscles, get more varied workouts in or even get an idea of what you can do with your equipment.
As such, ankle straps, D-handles, triceps ropes, bars and curl pads are all amazing accessory to train your quads and hamstrings, lats, triceps, and biceps better. But if you’re a complete beginner, an exercise chart is gold, showing you all sorts of tips and tricks on how to use your multi gym more effectively to target all your muscles.
Wrap Up
Now that you’re here, I hope you found both my choosing guide and my reviews pretty useful, especially since I tried my best to explain why I prefer one product over the other. So now, let me hear more from you: which multi gym is your favorite? And which one will you eventually choose?
She had to trade the gym for home fitness equipment when her two little angels were born. But she successfully managed to make the transition, and sharing her vast fitness experience online is the engine that keeps this website going.
- At What Incline Should You Walk on a Treadmill? - August 29, 2022
- 7 Best Budget Exercise Bikes (under £200) - April 5, 2022
- 6 Best Compact Treadmills for Small Spaces - April 5, 2022