Functional Trainers- A Staple For Any Home Gym

 

Disclosure- we aren’t compensated for content but do stick to providing information on brands we work with, mostly just because we know them better.

 

Functional trainers are all the rage in today’s home gyms. And rightfully so, they are compact, versatile, and effective. Cable systems, like a functional trainer, better mimic the instability of dumbbell training (a good thing) and typically have plenty of adjustments, helping accommodate for different user heights and preferences while also opening the door for a wide variety of exercises (including with or without a bench, with accessory attachments, and more- more on this below). All from a compact space.

 

Okay, I’m thinking about it. What are my options?

 

From interactive, wall-mounted units to two-stack corner units and more. Here are a few, new options as well as some of our better sellers to consider for your next space.

Side note- if you need a quote for your project, contact us here.

 

DIGITAL RESISTANCE WITH PROGRAMMING

Looking for space efficient, modern technology with built-in training programs to help guide you along the way? 

 

FORME Lift Functional Trainer

Pros: Design & features. Space efficient. Software included with purchase.

Cons: Installation (wall mounted). Cost. No pull up bar.

For spec sheet click here

 

One of the newest, sleekest looking fitness products you will see… The FORME Lift Functional Trainer is as modern as it gets in the fitness world and includes custom, live and on-demand training programs to help users reach their goals. We love their specialized golf training programs which feature live, 1:1 instruction with certified Titleist Performance Institute trainers, and a Pilates bar add-on with programs (currently over 40 barre/pilates programs and counting). It’s also commercial rated, so the quality is amazing for a home setting.

 

 

Forme LIFT is a wall mounted functional trainer, making it VERY space efficient (max operating width is 96”, depth is 116”, and height is only 86”). It uses 2 independent arms with quick and easy adjustments and an innovative digital resistance mechanism (no weight plates) that allows for up to 100lbs of max weight per arm. The full size integrated mirror (resembles a full length mirror when not in use) helps users focus on their form and is paired with a 4K HD touchscreen for projecting/interacting with the content. It also comes standard with a wide range of accessories with built in storage.

 

 

 

Echelon Strength Pro

 

Pros: Design & features. Space efficient. Matches other products.

Cons: Installation (floor mounted). No pull up bar.

For spec sheet click here.

 

Another great option if you are looking for technology from your functional trainer is the Echelon Strength Pro. Echelon is a well-known interactive fitness brand (backed by Goldman Sachs) with a large online community to help push and encourage users when needed. The CSM Pro is also a full commercial unit and uses a digital resistance mechanism with no weight plates (similar to Forme). Each arm can lift a max weight of 132lbs, features lateral 180 degree arm adjustments and 90 degree swivel adjustments, and even allows for multiple lifting modes: Normal, Concentric, Eccentric, Progressive, & Isokinetic. This is a great unit to consider if you plan on having other Echelon items (like a treadmill or bike) in the room as it will match and have the same software/programming. It does require being bolted to the floor, however.

 

 

 

DUAL WEIGHT STACK UNITS

Dual weight stack units are the most popular type of functional trainers. You’ll find these units in health clubs, training facilities, hotels, etc. throughout the world. Two weight stacks allow for more traditional, independent weight training and typically feature a pull-up bar (sometimes even with multiple grip options like rock climbing grips). They also can fit great into a corner.

 

 

Life Fitness CMDAP

 

 

Pros: Brand reputation. Frame color options. Matches other pieces. Made in USA. No software subscription required for use. 

Cons: Cost. Height requirement. 

For spec sheet click here.

 

Our best seller (and the original functional trainer) is the Life Fitness CMDAP (stands for Commercial Dual Adjustable Pulley). Life Fitness is an amazing brand found in the majority of health clubs, training facilities, schools, etc., throughout the world. We love the CMDAP because it looks amazing (it even has frame color options!), is commercial rated, space efficient, and super versatile. It’s also made in the USA, a rarity for fitness equipment these days.

The Life Fitness CMDAP comes standard with a 4:1 resistance/cable setup, which allows for high-speed movements (think sport-specific) without the shuttering or choppiness you typically get from the weight stack moving up and down. It comes with 2, independent weight stacks that are 390lbs each (actual max weight lifted is 97.5lbs per side) and the pull up bar features multiple grip options that are really nice. The commercial components make this unit one of the smoothest we have ever felt. 

 

New Feature- Progressive Stabilization System

 

 

Most functional trainers, due to the nature of their design, will allow users to roll a bench in and use for exercises (like a bench press, shoulder press, etc.). This is a great way to add variety to your training with new/different exercise and angles. That’s nothing new or really unique to this unit.

What is new is the Progressive Stabilization Pad… Extending from the CMDAP frame, this is a pad feature that adjusts for height and horizontal positioning. Meant to be used while standing inside the frame, positioning the pad higher on the body provides increased support while reducing core engagement (easier). Conversely, lowering the pad decreases support while increasing core engagement (harder). This is a really cool new feature that also adds more versatility and variety. It can be order with or without the pad. 

Alternative recommended options : HOIST HD 3000, Life Fitness G7

 

HOIST MI7 Functional with MiSmith Add-On

 

Pros: Attaches to MiSmith. Matches other pieces. No software subscription required for use. 

Cons: Footprint. Not ideal for corners. 

For spec sheet click here

 

Shown with optional MiSmith attachment

 

HOIST is a strength-focused, Southern California company building great products for 45+ years. You’ll find them in health clubs like Equinox, Anytime Fitness, etc. The Mi7 functional is packed with awesome features while providing all the benefits of a stand alone functional trainer- 2 adjustable cable handles each with independent weight stacks, multiple adjustments, etc. What makes it unique? A cool pull up bar with 5 grip options including rock climbing grips, dip handles that extend (and can be folded away when not in use) from the frame, a core stability pad (like the CMDAP above) and most importantly… The ability to be purchased as a standalone unit or to connect to a Smith system, combining two units into one.  The design of the columns also hides the cables and hardware, which looks super sleek, and their 5165 bench is the best for the buck on the market.

 

 

Here are some other recommended functional trainers: