Most home gyms include equipment for a press station and pec dec (for the chest), leg extensions and curls (thigh and hamstring), a high pulley for lat pull-downs (back), a low pulley for curls (arms), a seated row and abdominal exercises. More expensive fitness equipment adds squats, leg presses and sophisticated bench-press equipment.

Experts say the following about purchasing a home gym:

  • Aim for a 200-pound weight stack. That should be enough weight for most users. If you think you may eventually need more, find out whether you can upgrade the weights later.
  • Think about a second weight stack for multiple users. On some systems, a second stack of weights will allow another person to work out at the same time. These, of course, are more expensive and take up more space.
  • Keep your space limitations in mind and consider where you'll install your home gym. Make sure the ceiling is high enough (you should be able to reach your arms overhead without touching the ceiling). You may also want to cover the floor to protect your body and flooring, as well as to keep the gym from shifting. Foam, rubber and other synthetic mats and tiles cost from 25 cents to $10 per square foot. You might also consider paying extra to have the gym assembled, since reviews and owners say installation can often be cumbersome and difficult.
  • Do not buy a machine before trying it out thoroughly. All experts and reviewers agree: don't be ashamed to go to the store in your workout attire (or visit a gym) and check out all the different positions and features. Have everyone who will use the machine do the same, even if the machine will ultimately be bought over the Internet.
  • The home gym should be made of heavy steel, with a stable, sturdy frame and smoothly moving parts. Reviews also recommend a tube frame at least two inches square, chrome or enamel finish, steel cables, nylon-reinforced fiberglass pulleys and adequate padding. One reviewer says to check that aircraft-quality nylon-coated cable is used to connect the weight stacks to each station.
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