Functional-Trainer Style Gyms

Hoist, Life Fitness, Powertec are best

If you are looking for a functional-trainer-style gym, the Hoist V6 (*est. $2,800) offers a large amount of versatility at a reasonable price for a weight-stack gym. Functional trainers use adjustable pulleys and cables that provide resistance from a number of directions, which experts say can offer a more comprehensive workout, exercising stabilizer muscles (muscles key to performing everyday tasks and preventing injuries), which rigid machine workouts often overlook. The Hoist V6 features two 200-pound weight stacks connected to two pulleys that adjust to any of 35 height settings. The Hoist gym comes complete with handles, ankle straps, weight straps for assisted pull-ups/lunges and a long bar to utilize both pulleys at once.

Life Fitness (formerly Parabody) also offers a comprehensive functional trainer with its Life Fitness G7 (*est. $2,900), though its model only offers two 160-pound weight stacks and its pulleys only adjust to 20 different positions. The machine does come with an instructional guide for exercises that is mounted on the machine, which can be very helpful for new users, and has an optional bench (*est. $400). Both the Hoist V6 and Life Fitness gyms are relatively new, so there aren't many reviews out on them, though previous models in both Hoist's V series and Life Fitness' G series receive very positive reviews from both users and experts. Both machines offer a lifetime warranty on the frame, along with ten years on parts for Hoist and three years for Life Fitness. It should be noted that many machines, such as the Hoist V5 and BodyCraft X2, offer cables that can provide free-motion workouts, though their versatility is limited when compared to functional trainers such as these. Also, experts note that functional trainers can be difficult for beginners to use, who may need instruction on proper exercise technique to get the most out of them.

Reviews say the Powertec Workbench (*Est. $800) is a combination between free weights and a home gym, indicating that it's a good option for serious weight lifters, primarily because you don't need a spotter and you can do squats -- a feature lacking on most home gym equipment. You will need to provide your own weights with this machine, but you can lift large amounts: 500 pounds on the press, 350 pounds on the lat pulldown, 300 pounds on the squat and 250 pounds on the leg lift. There's an optional arm-curl machine with 250 pounds. Reviews say this isn't the best option for a beginner, and the cost of buying your own weights will quickly bump the price over $1,000, but if you're an experienced heavy lifter who finds it hard to get to the gym, this Powertec home gym can be a convenient home option. Powertec offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and two years on parts.