The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, with at least two days of muscle-strengthening activity in the mix. Though 150 minutes might seem like a lot, the CDC shares that the time can be broken up throughout the week, for example, 30 minutes a day five days a week, or 25 minutes a day six days a week.
With busy schedules, families, health challenges, and more, getting regular exercise can prove to be difficult, especially when you have to travel to a gym or exercise class. Fortunately, there are several at-home workout systems available to support your health goal and overall wellbeing.
Here are four highly rated at-home systems that range in what they offer in way of cardio vs. strength training, price, and portability.
Bowflex Blaze
The Bowflex Blaze is a home gym that many reviewers recommend. It allows for a full-body workout and can be used for building muscle, toning, and rehabilitation from prior sports injuries. With this machine, you can focus on strength training for the back, chest, arms, shoulders, and abdominals.
Bowflex Blaze Specs
Price: $799.00 on Amazon
- 60+ exercises to work out the entire body
- Comes with 210 pounds of resistance with the option to upgrade to 310 or 410 pounds
- Has a sliding rail to support aerobic rowing and leg presses
- Ankle cuffs and handgrips are included
- Easy to assemble
- Folding bench and wheels for storage
- Customizable workouts with multiple cable and pulley positions available
- Squat bar
- Angled lat bar
- Dimensions: 90” L X 38” W X 83” H
- Assembled Machine Weight: 191 pounds
- User Weight Limit: 300 pounds
- Warranty: Parts = 5 years
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym
The Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym allows for a solid strength-training workout at home. This machine works the majority of major muscle groups, including arms, abdominals, and chest areas.
Marcy Multifunctional Home Gym Specs
List Price: $599.99 on Amazon
- 150-pound selectorized weight stack with safety lock
- Dual action press
- Dual-functioning leg developer
- Adjustable curl pad
- Foam pads for comfort
- Over 30 strength-training exercises
- Dimensions: 78” H X 68” W X 42” D
- Assembled Machine Weight: 125 pounds
- User Weight Limit: 300 pounds
- Warranty: Parts = 1 year, Tablet = 1 year, Frame = 10 years
NordicTrack Fusion CST
The NordicTrack Fusion CST is ideal for those seeking an interactive workout option with trainers, along with a full-body strength training and cardio workout. At the time of this post, a free 30-day membership to iFit is included, which gives members access to workouts that include:
- Beginner training
- Studio sessions
- Strength training
- Bootcamp
- HIIT (High-intensity interval training)
- Cross training
NordicTrack Fusion CST Specs
List Price: $1,999.99 at BestBuy
- Serves as an all-in-one strength and cardio trainer and mirror
- Comes with a 10-inch tablet display
- 20 levels of resistance
- Two squat pulleys
- Six precision cable ends
- Six integrated ergonomic removable handles
- Two ankle strap accessories
- 95” independent cable travel
- Option for an interactive personal trainer setup through iFit
- Auto adjust technology
- Dimensions: 73.5” H X 60.5” W X 41.5” D
- Assembled Machine Weight: 378 pounds
- User Weight Limit: N/A
- Warranty: Parts = 1 year, Tablet = 1 year, Frame = 10 years
TRX HOME2 System
The TRX HOME2 System is the most portable setup listed, as long as you have an anchor point to use. With this system, individuals use their own body weight for strength training and cardio exercises. It allows for flexibility in level of training, making it suitable for the beginner through to the most experienced exerciser. The entire body—upper, lower, and core—can be worked out with the TRX Home2 System.
TRX HOME2 System Specs
List Price: $229.95 on TRX Website
- Easy setup
- Locking loop design for even straps
- Easy to pack and travel with
- Adaptable for various fitness levels
- Adjustable straps to accommodate all moves and heights
- Adjustable foot cradles
- Comes with a mesh carry bag for easy transport
- 30-day free trial to TRX Training Club
- Resistant adjusts based on the angle used
- Free shipping and returns
- Warranty: 2 years
Purchasing the Right Home Gym for You
When deciding which home gym to purchase, some considerations include:
- Budget
- Space availability
- Specific needs (e.g., cardio, strength training, resistance training)
- Portability if one travels a lot
- Ease of setup
- Ease of use
- Warranty
- Medical conditions (impacting ability to use certain types of machines, etc.)
- Personal preference in the type of workout (e.g., instructor-led options, cardio, weights vs. resistance)
If you have additional considerations, add them to the list above and then prioritize them to help with deciding which home gym option or options work best for you. Also, be sure to shop around and be on the lookout for specials, as prices and promotions can vary between manufacturers and retailers. Once you’ve made your purchase, you can determine how to best get that 150 minutes of exercise in each week!