Wrist and ankle weights are the weight packs that can be attached to the arms and legs like bangles. There are a number of different size options on the market and you can get sets purpose made for men or women. Womens sets tend to be brightly colored and can be covered with a variety of feminine patterned fabrics whilst mens sets are often more conservative. These weights are often touted as being great for burning extra calories while you walk, run or even carry out your daily activities, but whilst this might help sell lots of units, these weights should be approached with caution.

Can Using These Be Bad For You?

The main issue with these weights is that they are sold to individuals as an easy way to increase the effectiveness of a standard workout at little cost or effort to the user. The user is advised, generally, to use while walking or running to increase calorie burn. The truth is that using these weights in this manner can be problematic. Essentially, using these weights can add stress to your joints. By placing extra load on the joints you can risk potentially permanent damage to tendons and ligaments in the hips, ankles, knees or elbows.

For overweight individuals looking to lose weight the temptation is to use these weights as a short cut. If you are already overweight you are carrying an extra load on your joints and heart so using these sets may be a mute point. The risk is that you may put further unnecessary stress on an unfit heart and joints and cause unnecessary damage.

How To Exercise With Ankle And Wrist Weights

To safely use wrist and ankle weights they should be incorporated into a strength training exercise regime that is stationary or carried out at a slow pace. Specifically, these weight sets are ideal for trimming and toning when used for certain exercises such as leg raises, pull ups, side leg lifts, arm swings or other stationary strength exercises. Only fit, experienced individuals, under guidance should use these weights in high intensity workouts.

What Sizes Are Commonly Available?

Ankle and wrist weight cuffs are generally available from 2 pound through to 20 pound weights either measured per cuff or per pair. Most cuffs are sold in pairs and can often be used (especially on smaller weight sets) for either ankle or wrist although buying a purpose made set for either the ankles or the wrists is often preferred by regular users who want higher levels of comfort . Many sets are adjustable in size to suit most body types and limbs and some sets are made with detachable or removable weights so you can buy a heavier set and remove weights to create the perfect set for your strength level and develop into higher weight levels.

What Do Ankle And Wrist Weight Cuffs Cost?

Expect to pay from $10 through to $50 for a set of cuffs depending on the weight involved and the “brand value” associated with the manufacturer. These cuff sets are manufactured extensively so choice is not limited to the odd maker and as a result prices can vary widely.

What Do We Think?

We think these cuff sets can be useful if you are looking to tone up certain muscle groups or improve strength in certain areas. The ankle cuffs can be particularly useful for developing exercises such as leg raises into tougher, more effective workouts although there is great potential to replace wrist cuffs with dumbbell sets for most stationary strength exercises of the upper body and arms.

The risks associated with using these weights for high intensity cardio workouts seem to great to warrant use for beginners although experienced or individuals with higher fitness levels may find use of the lighter cuffs useful for some cardio exercises if used with caution. It is worth considering vest weights for higher impact regimes as these can give you a balanced core load that although still stressful on your joints/heart is unlikely to lead to the same level of problems that ankle and wrist weight cuff sets may bring.

Amazon , Walmart and the official Bowflex catalogue

The Schwinn 420 elliptical trainer is the latest budget home elliptical trainer from Schwinn and replaces and updates the best selling Schwinn 430 elliptical that had been on the market for three years and had consistently topped the lists as the best elliptical for home use under $1000.

As you would expect, rather than an outright redesign, Schwinn have opted for a don’t fix what ain’t broken approach and in the 420 model have retained all that was great about the 430 and added a few extra touches, the most significant of which is an upgrade on user weight limit to 300 pounds. This indicates some further strengthening and re-engineering to the frame and components have taken place to make the 420 trainer even more solid than its predecessor which was widely recognised as the most stable and smooth ride of all the ellipticals on the market under $1000. Coming in at under $600 this makes the Schwinn 420 truly great value for money considering some of the more expensive elliptical machines for sale on the market have been tested against it.

Who Should Use This Machine?

This machine is ideal for beginners through to moderate intermediate users. Despite this models solid construction, if you are looking for a heavy use model and you are at a high level of fitness you probably want a gym quality machine at a higher price. The 420 is a solid model compared to others in the price range and the brand has a great reputation for quality. If you are looking to take up a fitness program, or want something you can use a few days a week to stay trim but includes room for fitness improvement and offers a host of features found on higher priced machines this model is for you.

Features

What you get with the Schwinn 420 elliptical machine is a piece of equipment that is built with quality and durability in mind. The sturdy construction ensures you won’t get squeaks, rattles and moans and the 300 pound user weight limit indicates just how stable this machine is. Like it’s predecessor this elliptical is famed for the smoothness of operation which is, frankly, missing from lesser machines. As well as outstanding build quality and smoothness of ride, the 420 elliptical is packed with features to the extent that you think you might be looking at a machine in a far higher price bracket. The Schwinn 420 elliptical trainer features :

18 inch stride length ideal for adults up to 6ft tall.

Magnetic Eddy Current Brake Resistance through a front drive dual action unit with 18lb fly wheel.

16 adjustable resistance levels

1 manual and 8 profile programs

Fixed and moving handlebars with contact heart rate grips

Cushioned and pivoting footplates

LCD read out offering data on speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, course profile and resistance.

300lb/136 kgs user weight

Transport wheels

Ipod Holder

Assembled Dimensions : 62″L x 26″W x 71″H

Warranties – 5 year frame, 1 year parts and electronics, 90 days labor

Positives

Fantastic sturdy construction with ultra smooth and quiet action.

Expansive resistance levels to really improve your fitness levels over time without growing out of the machine.

Small footprint.

Great Price.

Negatives

The LCD readout is not backlit so can cause minor issues in low light levels.

Magnetic ECB requires an AC/DC power source so placement needs to be considered although the transport wheels making moving the machine around relatively straightforward (elliptical weight 154lbs).

You may need an extra pair of hands to put assemble this machine on delivery.

What Other Users Think

This cross trainer elliptical gets a 4 out of 5 star rating across the internet. The reason for such a great rating is that the 420 is simply value for money. Most users are amazed at the solid construction of this model compared to other brands top models. The negatives, of which there are very few, are that the user manual could be improved and made clearer and that in isolated instances the machine has become faulty after six months although whether this is due to heavy use is not known.

The main points to take away are that the build quality and solid, quiet action of this machine are impressive and that if you have any concerns about reliability on this best in range machine it may be worth taking out an additional 3 year warranty to ease your mind.

Any Other Comparable Models?

Both Horizon Fitness and Proform offer elliptical machines in the $600 range that may be worth considering when evaluating this model. Check out the Horizon Fitness EX 59 and Proform 10ZE for models of similar price.

Our Verdict

You are going to find it extremely hard to find a better elliptical trainer for under $1000 and at a price of circa $600 this machine offers real value for money. Sturdy construction and careful engineering give this machine the feel and durability of a club machine in your own home.

If you are looking for an exercise machine that will give you a low impact workout for the upper and lower body at the same time then a home rowing machine could be for you. There are a large selection of rowing machines for sale at prices from $140 through to $1200 depending on the type of home rower you are after and the level of sophistication and realism you are looking for.

Top Brands

The most popular ranges of rowers for sale currently come from manufacturers such as Stamina, Kettler, Concept, Body Craft and Lifecore. These brands are currently rated as the brands to look out for when choosing a rower for domestic use.

Best Budget Home Rower

The best budget rowing machine for sale under $150 is the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine . Essentially this model is a high quality foldable machine that is ideal for the beginner or those who need a machine that will fold flat. Resistance is hydraulic and is adjustable. This model is given a 4 out of 5 star rating by most users on the net.

Hydraulic Rowers

There are a number of other hydraulic home rowing machines from manufacturers including Kettler that can offer more advanced features than the budget models. The Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine comes in at circa $399 and the Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower comes in at $599. Kettler hydraulic rowers are widely recognised as being the ultimate in hydraulic rowers offering superb levels of quality and realistic resistance.

If a hydraulic action is not realistic or smooth enough for your purposes or if you have plenty of space and want realism there are a number of magnetic resistance, air and water resistance rowing machines for sale to choose from.

Magnetic Rowing Machines

Magnetic rowers are quiet in use, boast a smooth action and offer many resistance levels. The Lifespan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine is the best selling magnetic rower on the market. The rower features a 16.5 pound flywheel with magnetic break system offering five levels of resistance and folds down for easier storage. This rower comes in a circa $500. If you are looking for a cheap magnetic rower, the Pheonix 98900 Power Rower comes in at under $300 and features a belt driven magnetic resistance system for smooth action.

Air Rowers

Air rowers are often the choice of professionals. These machines closely resemble actual rowing on water. Resistance is generated through a fan that controls air flow to create resistance. Essentially the harder and faster the user pulls, the greater the resistance. Budget air rowing machines from Stamina such as the Stamina 35-1405 Air Rower start at as little as $300 but there is a whole range of models that include air and magnetic resistance rising in cost to $1250. The top of the range is the Concept 2 Model E Indoor rower widely regarded as the top rowing machine available on the market.

An exercise bike is one of the best pieces of fitness equipment if you are looking for a low impact cardio workout. People using bikes to improve their fitness are often found to be able to maintain their exercise program for a longer period than those using other types of equipment. Simply put fitness bikes are often easier to use and more convenient than other types of fitness equipment. There are a whole range of cheap exercise bikes for sale that will suit all budgets and circumstances.

What You Can Expect To Pay

If you are looking for a cheap bike consider what type of bike will be best for your circumstances. There is a range of mini exercise bikes, foldables, uprights and recumbent exercise bikes for under $150. Mini exercise bikes can be bought for as little as $25, the best folding exercise bike comes in at circa $150, uprights can be had for $100 and budget recumbents are available for $150.

Mini Exercise Bikes

Mini exercise bikes are the most portable and easy to store. These bikes are generally just a simple pedal mechanism without handlebars or saddles that can be used under a desk or at any comfortable chair. Motorized mini exercise bikes actually turn the pedals for you and simply having your feet on the pedals exercises muscles and joints gently. Motorized versions usually start at higher prices but are ideal for elderly users. If you are looking for a cheap hydraulic mini exercise bike try the best selling Stamina 15-0120 Instride cycle (RRP $60), if you are after a low cost motorized version check out the Paradign 7101 ACTIVcycle (RRP $119).

Folding Exercise Bikes

If storage and greater exercising flexibility are required a foldaway exercise bike could be ideal for you. The current best selling confidence fitness space saving X bike currently costs circa $150 and offers a compact, lightweight upright exercise bike performance than can easily be stowed in a closet when finished with.

Uprights

If you are less concerned with storage then we carry a large range of cheap upright exercise bikes that offer numerous extra features that you won’t find on mini or foldable exercise bikes. Budget uprights start at $100 and offer better programs and resistance levels than more basic bikes. Check out the Marcy Upright Mag Cycle, this is the best selling budget upright at the moment on sale for circa $100.

Recumbents

If you want a cheap exercise bike that offers good comfort levels and the potential to carry out other upper body exercises whilst you do your low impact cardio workout then a discount recumbent exercise bike might be a good option for you. These recumbents do take up more space than any of the other exercise bikes but the seating position offers more comfort and flexibility than other bikes will give you. If you are looking for a starter model try the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle on sale at $170. This model has a 4.5 star rating and is a top five seller.

Treadmills  are one of the best pieces of exercise equipment to burn the most calories and lose weight or alternatively improve your cardiovascular fitness and improve mobility, but not all models are the same and it can be confusing choosing a treadmill for home use from the wide selection available on the market. It is all to easy for the inexperienced to choose on the basis of price or brand rather than necessity.

The truth is you need to consider what type of exercise you are actually going to do before buying. This may sound a little odd until you grasp that some treadmills are only designed for walking exercises, some are ideal for full running exercises and some attempt to bridge the gap at an affordable rate without being ideal for true running exercises (but will often advertise that they are!).

Generally, treadmills made for walking exercises have a short running board. They usually have a running or walking board that is less than 50 inches long. Essentially a walkers stride is shorter than a runners hence the short length of running board for walking treadmills. Treadmills for walking can be motorized or manual, you can get great exercise from either type. A treadmill for a runner will only be motorized, manual would be to dangerous to use. Treadmills for walkers usually have an incline function that is manually selected or on the higher cost motorized versions will be electrically adjustable. A treadmill for walking will generally have hand grips to allow you to steady your posture.

The cheapest models for home use tend to be manual incline treadmills with a short running board that is ideal for walking exercise, they tend to start at $150.  If you have a bigger budget, and want a treadmill for gentle walking with more functions than a base model then a motorized version with a short running board may be ideal for you. Expect to pay $350 upwards for a motorized treadmill with a short board. Bear in mind manual models take up less space, are lighter in weight are more likely to fold and are less likely to fail over time due to the lack of a motor.

If you are a runner or anticipate building up your exercise to full running then you need to be looking at a motorized treadmill with a running board that is at least 52 inches long (if you are less than average height you could opt for a smaller running board, but check in store first) to give enough room for a full running stride. In fact the longer the better. Generally the ideal machine will offer a 2.5 hp continuous power motor that will run to 12mph and offer incline to 20 degrees. If you opt for a treadmill with a long running board but look to skimp on motor size be aware the motor will be more likely to burn out over time from overstress. These treadmills usually need to be in position, they are heavy to move around and don’t fold small. Expect to pay circa $1000 for a decent home running treadmill, anything less and your treadmill will either have a shorter running board or lesser powered motor that can give you problems in the long run. Check out the best selling home running treadmill here : Sole treadmill for sale.

For those of smaller stature, as in under 5ft 11 ins, looking for a motorised running machine or the taller individual with longer stride looking for a walking treadmill then a $500 motorised treadmill with a running board less than 52 inches might be appropriate. These machines tend to advertise as being fine for running on and at a great price but don’t be tempted unless the machine fits your requirements exactly. Don’t think a motorised treadmill with 48 inch board will be fine for a 6ft runner, you’ll be kidding yourself.

Recumbent exercise bikes are great for those who want a bike that will allow hands free movement giving you the option to carry out upper body exercises at the same time as cycling, for people who are looking for a more comfortable form of cycling exercise than an upright might allow or for those of us with a propensity to injure our back easily. A recumbent can be the ideal bike in these situations. The Schwinn Active 20 Recumbent Exercise Bike is the entry model recumbent in Schwinn’s current range. You can get cheaper discount recumbent exercise bikes but they don’t carry the Schwinn name or come with the same guarantees on build quality or the years of experience Schwinn have in manufacturing this type of home exercise equipment.

The Active 20 at $250 is $100 cheaper than the Schwinn 220 and $200 cheaper than the Schwinn 230 recumbent exercise bike but despite lacking the features of these other sister bikes still packs a mighty punch when compared to similar priced recumbents. The main difference with this bike and others made by Schwinn is that the Active 20 is much lighter in weight so is easier to relocate and comes with fewer resistance levels and programs but a lot more than similar priced competitors.

Who Is This Bike For?

This is a bike for beginner and intermediates who maybe don’t have the storage room that the heavier more expensive models require but still want the benefits of recumbent exercise and want the best bike for their money available on the market.

The main features of this bike are :

6 Programs – This bike comes with 6 pre-set profile programs and 1 manual program, all designed to gradually improve your fitness as you work through the resistance levels.

8 Resistance Levels – Many similar priced bikes have six or seven pre-set resistance levels but the A20 with 8 resistance levels offers the greatest flexibility on the market at this price range. Resistance is achieved by magnetic eddy system for ultra quiet running, smooth pedal action and long term reliability. Fewer moving parts make for a longer lasting bike.

LCD Display – Monitor your fitness via LCD display giving you updates on speed, exercise time, RPM, distance, pulse, watts and calories. Pulse is measured via sensors in hand grips.

Size – This bike has a weight capacity of 275 pounds, weighs only 60 pounds and has a footprint of 61 x 16.5 x 40 inches (L x W x H) making it durable, easy to move and easy to store. It comes with built in wheels for easy movement and has a nine point adjustable seat to allow you to get the most comfortable set up available.

Positives

Great brand ensuring high build quality

Great Price – Good value for money in terms of build quality, reliable brand and features

Ideal for beginners

Lightweight characteristics for easy relocation.

Comfortable seating and exercise position ensuring no distractions from your motivation to exercise.

Hands free exercise – Read a book or curl some dumbells whilst you exercise.

Negatives

Not quite enough resistance levels or programs for the more serious athelete

What Other Users Think

This bike has a four star rating by users on Amazon. There are very few complaints about this cheap recumbent with most users surprised at how quiet and how little space the model takes up. Most users think the seating and adjustment options are great and that putting the bike together on delivery is easy. Build quality is good any many users comment that this bike will give a good workout even if you are used to gym machines. The only negatives are that some of the extra function included on the bike are a bit of a novelty that the bike/user does not really need.

Comparable Models

Although the a20 is the best selling recumbent for under $250 there are other models worth looking at that come in a little cheaper whilst offering similar functions. Check out the Stamina 45445 Magnetic recumbent (circa $164) and the Pheonix 99608 recumbent.

Our Verdict

If you are looking for a quality recumbent at an affordable price that is durable and will give you a good cardio workout then the Schwinn A20 Recumbent is the bike for you. Not as cheap as some budget bikes but packed with features you would only expect on higher cost models, the Schwinn Active 20 Recumbent offers best value for money if you are looking for a starter bike with plenty of features but don’t want to spend top dollar.

Compare prices on this model at Amazon.Com , Walmart and Dicks Sporting Goods.

If you are serious about your running and are looking for a top quality treadmill for home use then the best model on the market is the Sole F80 treadmill. This treadmill has been the best selling serious treadmill on Amazon since it’s release despite its price of $1500.00. Other treadmills may be cheaper on price but you just don’t get the features you find on the Sole F80.

What makes a top quality treadmill for running? The main features to look for are length of running board, the continuous horse power provided by the motor and the amount of incline the treadmill can give you. Many cheap incline treadmill models will have a running board that is less the 50 inches long. The problem with this is that if you are average height your running stride will probably be a little longer than this. This means these cheaper, shorter treadmills are really only good for walking exercises, although if you are shorter in stature you may get away with a running board below 50 inches. You want a treadmill with at least 2.5 hp for running. This will ensure the motor is strong enough not to be under to much stress at the upper speeds and will consequently not burn out over time. Look for a motorised incline to at least 12 degrees to give you the widest range of programs and to develop your fitness even as you improve your stamina. Machines with lesser incline will be easier to grow out of as your fitness improves.

So how does the Sole F80 treadmill fit into these guidelines and what makes it such a great buy? A quick look at some of the features underlines the quality of this machine and why it is such a popular choice.

Features

Running deck 20 inches wide x 55 inches long – Ideal for all lengths of stride at all running speeds, as well as length this treadmill has markedly more width on the running surface than many other cheaper models and features a cushioned running whisper deck that can reduce impact by over 40% when compared to running on asphalt surfaces and is exceptionally quiet in use.

Three Horse Power Continuous Duty Electric Motor – Achieve running speeds of up to 12mph and incline up to 15% this motor is ideal for long life reliability underlined by the lifetime manufacturers warranty offered on the motor.

Warranty – With moving parts and pounding feet treadmills are prone to wear and tear but this treadmill features a warranty that is unsurpassed by other manufacturers and really shows what Sole thinks of its model and the build quality of the F80. This model comes with lifetime warranty on motor, deck and frame, electronics and wear items have a 5 year warranty and labor is warrantied for two years. If you have any doubts about build quality brush them aside and start pounding this machine.

Other features – If your not sold on the basic spec of the machine there are plenty of other features to whet your apetite. The F80 comes equipped with 10 programs to improve your fitness. You get 6 preset workouts, 2 customizable workouts and 2 heart rate workouts. Your progress is monitored and displayed digitally with time, distance travelled, speed, incline, heart rate, pace, calories burned all monitored over the course of your workout. Heart rate is monitored by wireless chest strap included with the model or by pulse grip.

Using the Sole F80 is easy and safe, there is a large safety stop switch, and all speed/incline functions can be operated from the armrests or the console, and armrests feature rubber hand grips. The treadmill has a 3 second countdown before the belt gets under way and takes six seconds to get up to full speed so no nasty surprises! This treadmill is a folding design (folds to 68 by 43 inches, H x D) that can be relocated for easy storage after assembly and comes with rollers for easy movement. You don’t need to tilt the treadmill to move it once folded. The F80 has a weight capacity of 350 pounds to suit most users.

Other Factors To Consider :

Whilst this treadmill does practically have a five star rating from Amazon users, there are always factors to consider before buying. This machine comes requiring assembly and is heavy (340 pounds), you may need help locating the treadmill on delivery. Assembly takes about two hours and all tools necessary are supplied. The treadmill when assembled  measures 33 by 75 by 58 inches (W x L x H). Be aware that even when folded this is a large and heavy treadmill so it is not the easiest piece of exercise equipment to move to often.

What Users Think

Many users offer positive reviews on this machine. The common thread is that this machine is as near to a commercial quality machine as you will find the price. The treadmill is sturdy, quiet, offers extensive features and has good foldability compared with other machines.

On the negative side of the equation user manuals are limited and being a heavy machine you are advised to get delivery right into your house or you will struggle with the initial package.

The overall rating on 95 users at Amazon is 4.5 stars highlighting just what a great treadmill the Sole F80 is.

Our Verdict

This treadmill is as near to a commercial grade treadmill you will get for home use. Favoured by hotel chains (Hilton/Omni) due to its safety features as well as huge array of exercising features and build quality this treadmill is ideal for runners of all levels of experience and fitness and will give years of service. Top buy if your are looking for a serious home treadmill.

Compare prices on this model at : Amazon.com, Sports Authority & Dicks Sporting Goods

Spartan Sports Magnetic Rower

The cheapest magnetic rowing machine for sale on the market now is the Spartan Sports Magnetic Rower that comes in under $180. This compares favourably with the cheapest best selling hydraulic rowers such as the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing machine and is considerably cheaper than top end hydraulic rowers whilst having all the benefits of smooth rowing action thanks to the magnetic resistance method.

Features

The Spartan Sports Magnetic Rower is a lightweight (63 pounds) and small footprint rower (48 x 18 x 11 inches) meaning it is easy to move around and store. Compared to more expensive rowers it lacks some of the more advanced features but includes everything the beginner and intermediate rower might need to improve fitness through rowing. Features include :

8 Levels Of Resistance

Space Saver Design

Calorie Readout – LCD

Strokes Per Minute Readout – LCD

Total Number Of Strokes Readout – LCD

Exercise Time/Duration – LCD

Heart Rate Monitor – LCD

The Spartan Rower has a weight capacity of 220 pounds but is ideal for individuals over 5ft 6 inches in height.

What Users Think

This rower has been extensively reviewed over the internet by users and has achieved an Amazon rating of 4 out of 5, most comment that this is a great beginners machine that is well worth the money and represents a good buy. Most users comment that the rower is easily and quickly assembled and in use runs very quietly and is comfortable to use so long as you are of average build. Build quality levels are high and that although some components look like they may have poor durability in practice they actually stand the test of time and work reasonably well.

The most comprehensive reviewer noted that after he had completed 80000 strokes after 7 months the machine was still good to go although he had achieved his fitness goals! – Incidentally this cheap magnetic rowing machine comes with a two year warranty.

Our Verdict

If you want the smoothness and silent running that a magnetic rowing machine can offer at a great price then the spartan sports rower is for you. Ideal for beginners and intermediate users, more advanced users may find higher grade machines more useful but should still get a reasonable workout from this machine.

If you are looking for the best buy home gym, then the Body Solid EXM1500s home gym is the top rated home gym for sale on the market and is well worth considering. Priced at an entry gym level (sub $1000), the Body Solid 1500s has developed a reputation for doing more than the rest with a gym quality machine at a great price.

This home gym equipment, although not ideal for getting truly pumped up, is ideal for those who are looking for a workout several times a week with the greatest variety of exercises available and a gym that will achieve good body tone.

Features

The Body Solid EXM1500s features a single 160 pound stack of weights that rise in 10 pound increments. Up to 30 exercises can be carried out without to much setting up of the machine. The gym offers a number of workstations for bench press, leg extension and curls and has a high level station that can be used for latt pull downs and cable crossovers, mid level workstations that are ideal for abdominal crunches and a low level station that is great for seated rows, upright rows, cable curls, shrugs and wrist curls. An easy to use wall chart poster is provided to show the full range of exercises you can do with this machine and an instructional DVD is also included.

What Users Think

Many users recommend this gym on the basis of the small footprint size (83″H x 49″L x 36″W ) making it easy to install in most households, the smooth action the gym provides throughout all the exercises available and the top build quality that is backed up by a lifetime warranty. One of the drawbacks noted by users is the length of time taken to initially set up the gym. Some users reported assembly took many hours but still rated the machine highly based on the build quality of the gym and the comprehensive selection of exercises available confirming the Body Solid felt like a commercial gym, but for a much smaller price!

Our Verdict

If you are looking for a solid, well built home gym offering great versatility at a good price then the Body Solid EXM1500s Home Gym is the best choice available for sale on the market today. This is the ideal machine for beginners and those that want a good regular workout but if you are looking to get ripped you’ll need a machine that offers more resistance.

Compare prices on the body solid exm1500s here : Amazon.com, Sams Club & CSM Stores

Compare prices on the Bowflex PR1000 : Amazon.com, Walmart & Dicks Sporting Goods

The Bowflex PR1000 home gym generates resistance through the patented Bowflex rod system giving as little a 5 pounds resistance all the way through to a 210 pound maximum ensuring you can work arms, legs, shoulders, abs, chest, back and lower body effectively.

The gym comes with sliding seat rail for rowing exercises that will stimulate cardiovascular activity but is also useful for leg extension or leg curl exercises. Multi use hand grip/ankle cuffs are included to add flexibility and performance to any workout. Four inch padded roller cushions are included for comfortable leg curl exercises. All this and the gym folds down.

An exercise placard is included with the gym so you can seamlessly move through the exercise movements as you exercise without reference to manuals or stopping the workout.

This gym has a maximum user capacity of 300 pounds or 136kgs. The gym has a height of 81 inches (205cms), width of 38 inches (97cms), length of 84 inches (213cms) and a total weight of 150 pounds. You will need a workspace of 100 x 78 inches (254 x 199cms) to exercise effectively.

Warranties include a one year frame warranty, 5 year rod warranty and 60 days parts warranty.