Top 8 Best Weight Stack Home Gyms – Read Before You Buy

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A weight stack system is an all-in-one workout machine that comes loaded with exercising benefits. Single or dual, each of the types has its pros and cons, and it depends on you to choose the one that’s suitable for your goals.

Whatever type of home gym you choose, keep one thing in your mind—the piece of equipment must be 100% safe to operate.

In this regard, I love the weight stack system as they are safest compared to free weights (as there is no need for a spotter), and there is a 0% risk of being crushed by weights. Hence, this is suitable for those in rehab.

So, choose a good-quality weight stack home gym that’s safe, durable, and reliable besides promising you versatility in your exercising options.

The machine you choose must offer many resistance levels that help you achieve your exercise goals, target a full-body workout, and reap maximum benefits for the money invested.

In a hurry? Here are my top 8 picks of the best weight stack home gyms:

Can You Get a Full-body Workout by Using a Weight Stack Home Gym Machine?

We all purchase home gym equipment to benefit from a full-body workout and hence, being a thorough substitution for your gym visits.

If you look at a weight stack home gym, one of their primary characteristics is to offer you the ability to target a specific muscle or even a specific muscle group. It is also possible to do cardio workouts using this piece of equipment.

Hence, this machine is the perfect partner for someone who wants to tone, build, or strengthen specific muscle groups. There are also some models of weight stack systems that can target multiple muscle groups.

These machines are designed to offer cardio benefits as well. Surprised? Don’t be. You can indeed get a cardio workout as it is easy to switch between exercises but do remember to take short breaks in between to keep your heart rate elevated.

So, besides weight training and strengthening, it is also possible to do cardio workouts and reap full-body benefits by purchasing significant models that bring versatility and attachments.

Types of Weight Stack Home Gyms

A home gym equipment brings about resistance using different resistance systems, including free weights (such as plates), power rods (Bowflex), and weight stacks.

Such systems have rectangular-shaped weights (stacks), and all that you must do is insert the pin in your desired weight range to start exercising.

Weight stacks are of different shapes and sizes still. The commonest of them include single stack or dual-stack systems.

Single Weight Stack Home Gym vs. Dual Stack Home Gym

#1. Resistance System

As the name suggests, while a single stack machine has 1 stack of weight, the dual-stack machine comes with 2 stacks of weight.

Besides the number, there are several other variations between these two stack machines.

Let’s look into the features available in a single stack machine—these are generally smaller in size and benefit us in terms of space occupancy as the machine is compact compared to dual-stack machines.

Also, the single-stack machine is much cheaper compared to the dual-stack home gym.

Contrarily, dual-stack home gyms are much bigger and are also more expensive. These are versatile in terms of fitness as they offer more exercises than most other single stack machines.

Also, they offer more resistance as they come with 2 stacks of weight, enabling us to perform many exercises that need higher resistance levels.

Another vital benefit of dual-stack machines is that they can be used by 2 people simultaneously.

This is because this equipment comes with 2 sets of weights. In contrast, single stack machines can’t do this as they are equipped with only one set of weights, which would be required for every type of exercise.

In a nutshell, both home gym variations are best-suited for performing numerous exercises and can help individuals experience various exercises using them. Let’s take a closer look at the primary features quite different in single and dual-stack systems.

#2. Exercise Variety

As I already suggested, both systems give you a ton of exercises that could be performed using them. In general, most individuals don’t require more than 10 exercises to achieve their fitness targets, but several other people wish to bring in more versatility.

What type of person are you? Do you want to get hold of simple equipment to satisfy your fitness goals or wish to procure a machine that offers plenty of exercising options?

Any good-quality weight stack gym is designed to perform anywhere between 30 and 100+ exercises. The number available greatly depends on the types of attachments that come with the machine.

For instance, any weight stack system with an adjustable pulley incorporated in its design brings you various exercising options as you get to access several height adjustments possible.

There are also cases where some stack machines have leg attachments, while many don’t possess any. For those unknown, leg attachments can help you perform leg extensions and hamstring curls.

So, if you are interested in reaping total-body workout benefits, it is highly recommended that you procure a home gym that satisfies this requirement of yours.

#3. Weight Adjustment

There are several home gym equipment in the market. So, what makes a weight stack system more preferred than some others? It’s mainly because any home gym with a weight stack helps you change resistance levels safely and quickly.

What makes weight stack systems differ in terms of capability is mainly based on the amount of weight available, and this differs from model to model.

Cheaper and smaller weight stack machines allow you to experience less resistance, while larger and expensive ones can offer more resistance.

Remember, quantity doesn’t play a crucial role at all times. For instance, if your primary goal is to stay lean and well-toned with a good physique, there is no need for a home gym with a 300lb stack.

But, if your main goal is to build muscles or involve in strength training, it is always suggested that you choose a home gym with a heavier stack.

It is generally observed that weight stacks don’t offer beyond a 200-pound weight limit, but if you plan to add a pulley system, it is possible to change the resistance levels to 30-400 lbs.

If you are looking at cheaper models, most of them don’t offer anything beyond 90-120 lb weight capacity.

Top 8 Best Weight Stack Home Gym

Now that we know the essential features that make any weight stack machine a good buy, let’s take a look at the top 8 best weight stack home gyms.

#1. XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine

XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine Home Gym

Some of you would have decided priorly on the type of weight stack machine you plan to buy. If you have chosen to purchase a dual-stack system, don’t look beyond the Xmark Functional Trainer, as this is an ideal model for a dual-stack system.

Besides providing you with dual 210-pound weight stacks for performing exercises, the model is also equipped with several adjustable pulleys that help you achieve upper and lower body workouts.

Both the adjustable pulley handles provide you with 19 different height adjustments. The system is also equipped with various handles and straps such as single-hand straps, ankle straps, tricep rope, tricep triangle bar, long bar, and chinning triangle.

If you doubt the product’s durability, being a home gym machine, remember that the Xmark trainer might be marketed for home gym use. Still, it is built with commercial-grade quality and long-lastingness.

For instance, the frame is made from premium-quality 11-gauge steel, and the pulley system is of commercial quality. One look at the machine and you cannot fail to notice its sturdiness, which is proved by its overall weight—800 pounds.

Hence, if you are a big family where many of you would be using this equipment, don’t worry about the product’s durability as it is designed to withstand frequent use.

Besides this, the equipment also allows two people to work out simultaneously, and hence, you get a gym-like feel in your home. Don’t forget to work out with your loved one and be extra motivated.

If you love to explore different exercises, the Xmark Trainer is worth considering, as it also comes with a pull-up bar that helps you include pull-ups in your daily training routine.

So, if you think that the machine would occupy much space given its sturdiness, versatility, and use, I would like to remind you that you are mistaken. The machine occupies only 7′ x 4′ of floor space.

Pros

  • Allows multiple people to use the machine simultaneously.
  • Equipped with two 210-pound weight stack
  • Versatile, helping you perform various exercises.
  • Sturdy and durable, being built with commercial-grade materials
  • Lifetime warranty offered on the frame.
  • It comes fully loaded with attachments

Cons

  • As the machine is heavy it is difficult to move once assembled

#2. Body-Solid EXM2500 Home Gym

Body-Solid Multi-Station, Single Weight Stack Home Gym Machine, Arm &

Having made up your mind to go ahead with a single stack system but still contemplating whether or not you have made the right decision is a confusion that arises in the mind of many.

Believe me, if your choice is for a single stack weight system, the Body-Solid EXM2500 is the best in the town as it has a lot to offer, especially at an affordable price.

As the name suggests, this is a solid piece of equipment that guarantees stability as the frame consists of heavy-duty steel and cables that are of aircraft quality.

There is nothing to worry about in terms of construction as the company assures a lifetime warranty, which speaks about the quality of the products used.

Coming to the overall weight of the weight stack, the model has one 210-lb stack that’s quite solid for the price paid.

The resistance offered here must be satisfactory for most of you, but if you are a serious lifter, I feel that you might feel that chest press resistance levels are not quite challenging for your fitness needs.

If that’s your concern, it is better to consider a free weight system such as a power rack.

The piece of equipment doesn’t disappoint us in terms of exercise variations as you can perform more than 30 different exercises using this machine.

Feel free to do anything from pull-ups and chest-press to lower-body workouts. This is possible using the numerous attachments that come with the model—a lat pulldown, upper pulley, mid pulley, lower pulley, pec station, press bar, and a leg developer.

For the price paid, the EXM2500 is a worthy piece of equipment that offers both comfort (the seat is comfortable) and durability besides helping you do several exercises using it.

Pros

  • Perform over 30 different exercises
  • Comfortable padded seats
  • Lifetime warranty on the entire machine
  • Affordable pricing
  • Heavy-duty construction with a 210-lb weight stack

Cons

  • Assembly could be quite challenging

#3. Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym 150lb Weight Stack Machine

Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym 150lb Weight Stack Machine

The Marcy MWM-988 home gym might be a piece of budget equipment that comes with a single stack system that weighs only 150lbs, but the machine surprises us with its exercise versatility and frame quality.

Firstly, this Marcy’s home gym comes with solid steel frame construction that comprises 14-gauge steel tubing. Being built with such solid materials, the machine never wobbles under your feet and hence, guarantees the safety of use.

It is also easy to switch between exercises due to its ergonomic design. If you look at the attachments provided, the manufacturer has done a generous job, including a chest press (can be used for pec flys), leg developer, lat pulldown bar, and preacher curl support.

It is also possible to use the lower pulley for rows, upright rows, different leg exercises, and more using the leg strap.

A major advantage of the weight stack system is that you can use it comfortably for doing rehab. For instance, make use of the lat pulldowns and chest presses for shoulder rehab.

Using the attachments and the machine, it is possible to perform over 15 different exercises. There is even an exercise chart to help you look at the various exercises that could be performed using this machine.

For all the benefits, the Marcy MWM-988 home gym doesn’t occupy much floor space. All you need is about 6′ x 3′ of floor space to set the machine and start using it. So, please keep it in your bedroom or anywhere else, which would remind you to exercise daily without fail.

If you are a beginner trainer or looking for a weight stack with a set budget in mind, you can go ahead with this machine as durability is guaranteed, and there are numerous attachments as well.

Pros

  • Exercise chart provided
  • Maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds
  • Durable
  • Affordable pricing
  • Compact in size

Cons

  • Assembly is quite difficult

#4. FreeMotion Dual Cable EXT Machine

If you want a commercial gym-like set up in your home and don’t mind spending a little extra, don’t miss to take a look at the FreeMotion Dual Cable EXT.

This is a classic dual cable weight stack system consisting of two fully adjustable arms and two weight stacks.

If you had noticed, you would remember that any good commercial gym never misses having a machine such as the FreeMotion EXT to provide customers with versatility and the ability to perform any exercise using it.

You could be of any size, but the machine suits you as the handles could be adjusted to any desired position for doing any exercises.

Though each weight stack is supposed to hold 210 lbs of weight if you notice closely, the pulley system makes the working easier as you practically lifting only 75 lbs of resistance even in the highest setting.

But don’t underestimate the strength of 75 lbs as this is quite a significant load and helps most individuals acquire enough resistance to perform their choice of exercises.

It would help if you worked harder as you must stabilize the weights depending on the exercises you do.

If you ask me about the frame and construction, I feel that the machine’s 900-pound weight and the steel tubing say it all. You couldn’t have seen a sturdier machine than the FreeMotion EXT.

Given its weight, be sure that you are fully aware of where the equipment is set up as there are no chances of moving it once the machine is assembled.

The manufacturer has provided a pair of ankle cuffs for doing lower-body exercises. As you can adjust the arm handles, feel free to try numerous workouts, especially if you have a bench at home (the bench is not provided with the machine).

The machine occupies much room space, and hence if you plan to buy this product, ensure that you have enough space for setting it up. Assembly is difficult, and I suggest that you have someone to help you assemble the machine.

Pros

  • Durable and well-built home gym system
  • Lifetime warranty on frame and 10 years on parts
  • Ability to perform a limitless number of exercises
  • Comparable to commercial gym quality
  • Smooth fluid cable movements

Cons

  • Occupies much space
  • Expensive pricing
  • Assembly is difficult

#5. BodyCraft Xpress Pro Home Gym

BodyCraft XPress Pro 200lb. Single Stack Gym, w/FCA

Here is an all-in-one home gym that offers you the capacity to perform everything from a chest press to leg exercising as it is equipped with a chest press station, lat pulls down, a set of adjustable cable pulleys, and a low row station.

The BodyCraft Xpress has adjustable cable arms, and hence, the various exercises that could be performed using it are innumerable—you can do over 100 of them at ease.

In terms of adjustments, no other weight stack machines can outperform the features offered by BodyCraft.

The manufacturer has cleverly designed this machine to help you do more exercises than you could have imagined. Adjust the press bars in various positions for performing chest press, high row, mid-row, and shoulder press.

Even the seats are extremely adjustable, helping you make different moves. Don’t worry about safety when you are doing any of the exercises, as the machine doesn’t wobble at any point in time. This is because it is made using commercial quality 12-gauge steel tubing.

Though this model helps you do any exercise, the space occupied by the machine is only 5′ x 7′, which shows the advantage of using a single stack machine.

Pros

  • The adjustable seat is highly comfortable as it is padded with a 2-inch foam
  • Lifetime warranty offered
  • Adjustable cable pulleys
  • 200lb weight stack which doubles to 400lb with the leg press station
  • Doesn’t occupy much space
  • Fully adjustable helping you do over 100 exercises.

Cons

  • Assembly could be a bit challenging

#6. Body-Solid EXM1500S

Body Solid EXM1500S Single Stack Home Gym
For those looking for a basic setup of a home gym on a lower budget, the Body-Solid EXM 1500S is the best choice. The machine has a 160lb weight stack, and the plates could be adjusted in 10lb increments using a pin.

The weight stacks come with an alloy finish and come with nylon bushings for a super-smooth finish.

You might wonder how the manufacturer has designed the machine. Still, I would like to clarify that this piece of equipment is like every other expensive model on the list as it comes with high, mid, and low pulleys to do various exercises.

The machine comes with a leg extension/leg curl station to accommodate hamstring and leg development exercises and has been designed for ergonomic body positioning.

You get to enjoy an ab crunch/mid pulley station to do lat pulldowns, tricep press downs, cable crossovers, and likewise, while the ab crunch station is well-equipped to help you do a full range of crunching movements.

There is also a seated row station for benefitting your back, and the chest press station is there to improve your muscle development and increase overall chest concentration.

The company offers a lifetime warranty on everything, which guarantees the top quality of the product. The only concern is that the Body-Solid EXM 1500S takes time to assemble.

Pros

  • Multiple workout stations that promise total-body workouts
  • A lifetime warranty for an affordable pricing is a great boon
  • Possibility to do several exercises
  • Cheaper pricing for the various features offered

Cons

  • You cannot upgrade the weight stack
  • Assembly takes quite some time

#7. Marcy 150 lb Stack Home Gym MWM-990

Marcy Dual Functioning Body Fitness Workout 150 Pound Stack Home
The MWM-990 is the best entry-level home gym in the market, simple but promises a full-body workout experience.

This Marcy’s home gym machine is equipped with a 150-pound steel weight stack, and there is even a secure weight stack lock that keeps you safe and avoids crushing you under. The 150-pound weight is very well suitable for entry-level trainers and anyone of moderate fitness levels.

The machine is equipped with dual-function arms that have independent motion, and the leg developer attached is also dual functioning.  Besides this, there is a removable and adjustable preacher curl pad.

The Marcy MWM-990 has both upper and lower pulleys that help you do upper and lower body exercises. Hence, be guaranteed a full-body workout experience using this piece of equipment.

You can make use of the leg developer for doing leg extensions and leg curls, working out every muscle in the body. Don’t worry about comfort, as the machine is designed to offer comfort in every aspect possible.

The leg extender comes with soft round foam rollers that keep your ankle and knees as comfortable as possible at all times.

The preacher curl pad is handy for working out your arms. Finally, the machine also comes with an overhead lat station that is useful for doing lat, back, and upper body exercises.

Pros

  • Compact in size
  • You can perform a range of exercises benefitting a total-body workout
  • Attachments including a leg developer, preacher curl pad, overhead lat station, and dual-function arms
  • Safe to use as there is a secure weight stack lock
  • Comfortable backrest with foam padding

Cons

  • Assembly is quite challenging
  • The seat cannot be adjusted vertically, backward, or forward

#8. Gold’s Gym GGSY29013 XRS 55 Home Gym System

Gold's Gym GGSY29013 XRS 55 Home Gym System
Gold Gym is a reputed brand in the market, and the XRS 55 home gym is a very sturdy piece of equipment constructed with solid steel frame tubing.

Being sturdy, this model can accommodate users up to 300 pounds of maximum weight without any issues. The plate stack weight is 125 lbs, and the max weight resistance possible is 330 lbs.

While people slightly heavier than the recommended weight range could use the weight stack home gym, the only concern is that tall individuals (above 6 feet 3 inches) could find it quite hard to do certain exercises such as lat pulldowns.

Still, many other exercises could be performed by tall individuals without any discomfort. The home gym machine comes with nylon pulleys, steel shells, and ball bearings, all of which are industrial-grade, and hence, durability is never an issue.

Even the seat and backrest have a well-padded thick upholstery comprised of vinyl material and available in two attractive colors (black and gold). The same goes with the preacher’s curl attachment as well.

Besides looks and material, the backrest and seat are adjustable in 3 different positions, and hence, you could choose your comfortable position and start working out. Still, remember that extreme adjustability is not possible with this machine.

There are 6 workout stations, including a pec fly station, leg attachment, curl pad, low-pulley station, high pulley station, and a chest press station. Be assured that you can do over 30+ exercises using this piece of equipment.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble and little maintenance required
  • Good construction, sturdy frame, and assured durability
  • Adjustable seat and backrest with good padding
  • 6 different workout stations
  • Quiet operation makes the machine perfect for home gym use
  • Smaller footprint

Cons

  • You cannot upgrade the weight stack

Why Should You Choose a Weight Stack Home Gym System?

Having decided upon setting up a home gym in your available room space, planning to procure a weight stack home gym system is one of the best options to start a comprehensive fitness routine.

You might be a novice, intermediate, or advanced trainer. Still, irrespective of your training levels and fitness goals, there are plenty of possible benefits when you purchase a good-quality weight stack home gym.

Some of the vital advantages you reap when installing weight stack equipment include safety, versatility, space, and affordability.

#1. Safety

First and foremost, once you purchase a weight stack system, pat yourself on your back as this is one of the safest equipment to use.

But how? It works based on the logic that you are not at risk of losing control over the weights as the weight stacks (resistance) are fixed to the machine. Such an arrangement is a boon to those of us who work out in our home gym without any training assistance or help.

If you are well-versed with weights, you would probably know that barbells and free weight exercises come with a spotter to ensure your safety.

Whereas in the case of a weight stack system, this spotter comes built-in with the machine, and hence, even if you accidentally drop the weights, don’t fret. The weights stay right where they are, ensuring your safety.

These machines are also recommended in terms of usability, especially when you suffer from aches and pains. By helping you stabilize the weights as you lift the machine guarantees minimal risk of injury or discomfort.

#2. Exercise Variety

Each of us loves to explore new exercises and feel good when we have something to do differently every week or so.

If you are one of those people, I guarantee that the weight stack home gym could be your perfect fit as this machine brings you as much exercise variety as possible.

If you notice, even the simplest single stack system offers you the potential to do 20-30 kinds of exercises using it.

So, think about how many exercise variations are possible in dual-stack systems, more advanced single stack systems, and even cross-cable dual systems—it is possible to do over 100 different exercises.

While it is amazing to realize the varying exercising options available for you, another truth that each of us must accept is that most of us don’t even know the names of 100 different strengthening exercises.

Of course, it would take time and effort to do this too! These home gyms help us perform several exercises and would be the perfect replacement for our home gyms.

#3. Budget Choice

Setting up a full-fledged home gym is not a taxing process, but it surely does burn a hole in your budget.

If you notice, much of the home gym equipment is extremely costly. Still, if you plan to purchase a weight stack system and make the right selection, it is more than enough to start doing your fitness routines, especially if your primary goal is strength training.

Still, remember that this piece of equipment cannot be the replacement for your elliptical or exercise bike on any given day. Rather, they are the perfect replacement for your barbells and dumbbells.

Dumbbells are popular but are one of the most expensive ones in recent times. If you wish to go for heavier ones, the cost shoots up greatly, and you end up spending more than $1000 on procuring dumbbells alone.

Besides these, you must now purchase a bench and a rack to store them safely, which incurs additional expenses.

The story is nothing different for barbells and power racks—these also cost you aplenty, and it becomes necessary to buy extra plates and stuff for reaping full-fledged benefits.

With all the equipment pricing on one side, let’s not forget about the shooting gym membership prices. Commercial gyms have nowadays become a booming business where people mint money.

Even the cheapest gym membership costs you more than $20/month up to $50/month. Hence, it is better to switch over to a home gym setup to achieve dual benefits in pricing and benefits.

#4. Space Consideration

Let’s first accept that a weight stack system is not a compact machine in general and space-saving is not a concept that’s available in most machines.

For instance, the dual-stack cable cross-systems take up almost 10′ of floor space, but there are single stack systems that probably help you save as much as possible if you are ready to compromise on the equipment’s versatility.

Still, once you purchase a weight stack system, there is nothing more to worry about as all the equipment needed for your workouts is present in one unit.

Think about how much space and money you would be saving as there is no more a need for buying dumbbells or barbells!

Generally, an optimal weight stack system takes 8′ x 6′ of floor space but do realize that that’s the total space occupied by your home gym. Skip going for any barbells, plates, or any other such equipment.

FAQs:

Is It Possible to Assemble the Weight Stack Home Gym on Your Own?

The answer to this question entirely depends on your skills and the type of product that you choose. It is indeed possible to assemble most of the single stack systems alone, but of course, it would be great if you have another person to help you.

But, if you have purchased a dual-stack system, I recommend that you have someone to assist you while assembling it. This way, it saves you time, and you don’t get the frustration.

How Much Space Do You Need for a Weight Stack Home Gym System?

Every machine is of different size and hence, occupies a different amount of space. Before purchasing any, measure the available space in your home and then match it with the dimensions present under the product details sections.

If you don’t find the measurements here, there are greater chances that the company has inscribed the dimensions elsewhere too. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to search through question sections on e-commerce websites.

Remember, the dimensions mentioned are solely the floor space occupied by the equipment, and don’t consider the extra space you would require while making use of it. So, add a couple of feet to whatever is mentioned to exercise comfortably without getting hurt.

How Tall Should My Room’s Ceiling Be for Accommodating a Home Gym?

In general, it is sufficient if you have a ceiling height of 8′, as this makes your exercise routine comfortable. Still, check the dimensions before making your purchase.

How Long Does It Take to Assemble a Weight Stack Home Gym System?

Once again, the time taken to assemble varies on quite a lot of features, including your skills, the complexity of the machine purchased, and another person’s presence to help you with the assembly process.

But, in general, it takes anywhere between 4 and 8 hours to set up a weight stack home gym.

Are These All-in-One Weight Stack Machine Make Noise?

Not at all. Any good-quality weight stack system makes minimal noise as the cables that go through the pulleys are smooth and almost noiseless.

But, if you feel that the noise generated is more than normal, it is better to check whether the cables are pressing against something (this must not be the case).

From your end, see that you don’t slam the stacks into the shelf after working out howsoever tired you might be. Else, you would be waking up any sleepy family member or neighbor unnecessarily.

Do These Home Gym Systems Provide Cardio Workouts?

Though the primary purpose of a weight stack home gym is strength training, it is possible to reap cardio benefits from this equipment if you use it properly.

So, how do you use the machine correctly? By taking small breaks in between to rest so that you keep your heart rate elevated. Surprisingly, the machines have been designed with this point in mind as it is straightforward to switch between exercises.

Believe me, you could easily do a circuit workout using this piece of home gym equipment and even combine upper and lower body exercises for a superb cardio routine.

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