Home Gyms . . . build strength, muscle, and fitness with multiple exercises

Home Gyms, or multi-gyms, used to be found only in your local health club, but in recent years, they've become a popular piece of exercise equipment for home use, too.

With one of these machines, you can perform dozens of strength-building exercises, enabling you to get a true, total body workout.

Some models, such as those by Body Solid, utilize weight stacks for resistance. Others, such as the various Bowflex models, employ a rods system to offer resistance. Still others use leverage plates, and resistance bands.

Depending upon your goals, any of these methods can get the job done.

Regardless of the resistance methods, the benefits include:

Convenience. You can get a complete strength workout in the comfort of your home. No waiting in line at a health club to use the machines.

Safety. Unlike when using free weights, you won't have to worry about a heavy barbell crashing onto your chest during a failed lift. So long as you follow the instruction manual or DVD, you should always be safe when working out.

Multiple users. In addition to the variety of exercises you can perform, some models feature two or three weight stacks, allowing other family or friends can use the machine at the same time.

Hoist, Body Solid, Bowflex, BodyCraft, Powertec, Weider, and Marcy are among the most popular home gym brands, and offer machines across a range of price points.

For a basic, multi-station system, expect to pay at least $500. You can go much higher, of course, up into the thousands of dollars for health-club level equipment.

Look for a model with at least 200 pounds of resistance, a chest/shoulder press, high pulley, low pulley, leg extension, and leg curl stations.

A solid frame constructed of tubular or rectangular steel is a good point to look for, too.

More than when considering any other type of exercise equipment, it's important for you to ensure that you have enough space in your home to accommodate a home gym, as these machines tend to have a large footprint. (A dedicated room, garage, or basement tends to work well.)

Read on for more helpful information about home gyms . . .

Home Gym Reviews by Brand and Model

	Bowflex Home Gym Review Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym Review
	Total Gym Review
	Powertec Home Gyms
	Marcy Home Gyms
	Weider Home Gyms
	Body Solid Home Gym
	Hoist Home Gyms
	Bodylastics Resistance Bands