Body-Solid G9S vs Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Multi Stack Home Gyms - What's the difference?
So you've decided to get your own home gym? That's great! There are a lot of benefits to having your own workout space at home. But with so many different models and options available, it can be tricky to decide which body solid home gym is right for you.
In this article, we'll take a look at two of the best Body-Solid home gyms on the market today: the EXM3000LPS and the G9S. By the end of this post, you'll know exactly which body solid model is right for you!
The Body-Solid G9S and Body-Solid EXM3000LPS are hands down the most popular home gym systems on the market. The EXM3000LPS has been a mainstay for over 20 years, with a minimally changed design. It just works and exceeds the basic needs of anyone looking for a multi-stack home gym.
If you're considering one of these Body-Solid home gyms for your space, you're certainly on the right track. This comparison will help you nail down the similarities and differences and make a decision on which model is best for you!
Body-Solid G9S vs Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Similarities
The Body-Solid EXM3000LPS and Body-Solid G9S, at their cores, have the same functionality. They both have many similarities in form, function and purpose. We'll cover the main features of each machine below. All of these are checkmarks in the win column for each machine, there's no doubt about that.
Workout Stations
Each of these machines comes standard with (3) core "workout stations" that provide (7) different workout points.
Station 1
- Multi-Press: Features fully adjustable pads and arm pair that allows for chest press, chest-supported seated rows and standing shoulder presses.
- Lat Pulldown / High Pulley
- Seated Leg Extension / Standing Leg Curl
Station 2
- Perfect Pec: Pec Deck and Reverse Fly
- Ab Crunch / Mid Pulley
- Seated Low Row / Low Pulley
Station 3
- Leg Press / Calf Extension
Weight Stacks and Shrouds
Each machine is powered by dual 210lb weight stacks, that have 10lb incremental adjustments. This allows for two people to use the machine simultaneously. The weight plates are made from steel alloy and are extremely durable. The weight stacks come with protective shrouds to shield the users from the inner workings of the machine.
DuraFirm Cushioning
Both the G9S and the EXM3000LPS feature high-density, top grade DuraFirm back pads and seat cushioning throughout the machine. DuraFirm pads are durable and tear-resistant, double stitched and sewn, and will support you for the lifetime of the product.
Leg Press Comes Standard
One of the major features for these two workhorse gym systems is the built-in leg press mentioned above. This is not a standard feature on most home gyms, and is usually an optional add on or not available at all.
The seat back pad is fully adjustable to help accommodate users of all sizes.
Not only do the G9S and EXM3000LPS have a leg press come standard, but it is designed with a 2:1 pulley ratio to increase and effective double the resistance of the weight stack. Using a single 210lb weight stack, the leg press has a real resistance of up to 420lbs.
Accessory Package
The EXM3000LPS and G9S both include the same basic accessory package, which includes a revolving lat bar, revolving straight bar, ankle strap, and ab / triceps strap.
Warranty
Body-Solid offer a lifetime warranty for residential use on the EXM3000LPS and the G9S home gyms. the warranty covers everything from the frame to the last bolt, but excludes normal wear and tear. This is a major benefit to either machine, and easily the best in the industry.
If you're looking to install either gym system in a light commercial setting, you're covered there too. The commercially rated warranty lifetime coverage on the frame, 3 years on parts, and 1 year on upholstery, normal wear and tear excluded.
Light commercial use is defined by Body-Solid as facilities that DO NOT charge monthly membership dues and where the equipment would not be used by more than 50 people a day. Example light commercial facilities include: hotels, apartments, condominiums, personal training studios, police and fire stations.
Body-Solid G9S vs Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Differences
Key Difference #1 - The Look
The main difference between the Body-Solid EXM3000LPS and the Body-Solid G9S multi-stack gyms is the look.
By now you know the base functionality is the same, but when you look at these two home gyms, there is a clear winner in visual appeal.
The Body-Solid G9S, a G Series Home Gym, is created to be a more premiere, upgraded system. It does not have the basic physical design that the EXM3000LPS
The Body-Solid G9S provide users with a more appealing black and grey appearance. It looks like it belongs in a high-end fitness club.
The EXM3000LPS has more of the blue-collar appeal. It's not sexy, but it for sure gets the job done well. It's a pure workhorse.
Key Difference #2 - The Upgrades
With the Body-Solid EXM3000LPS, what you see is what you get. There are no upgrades available.
The G9S on the other hand, does have some upgrades to consider. The first upgrade is for the weight stacks. You can add up to 50lbs per weight stack, which would bring them to 260lbs each.
This could be a major benefit, adding over 120lb of resistance to the leg press station thanks to the 2:1 pulley system design.
The second upgrade available for the G9S is the GAP9 Aluminum Pulley Kit. Aluminum pulleys will create a smoother gym system compared to the nylon pulleys on the EXM3000LPS.
The flashy silver aluminum pulleys will also add a touch of bling that catches your eye!
The EXM3000LPS is locked in at 210lb stacks with base nylon pulleys - both of which definitely get the job done.
Body-Solid 50lb Stack Upgrade Kit for G9S
Body-Solid GAP9 Aluminum Pulley Upgrade Kit for G9S
Key Difference #3 - The Add-On Options
The EXM3000LPS and G9S both have a comparable add-on station available. The GKR9 (for G9S) or VKR30 (for EXM3000LPS) is a vertical knee raise (VKR) and dip combo station that you can add to the system.
This piece does not tie in to either weight stack, creating the possibility for a 3rd person to use the system simultaneously. You'll be able to get some great core work and tricep work in with this added spot.
The G9S also has another add-on station available: an inner/outer thigh machine (GIOT). This station provide the ability to strengthen both your abductors (outer thigh) and adductor (inner thigh) muscles.
The GIOT would tie-in to one of the weight stacks, thus keeping the simultaneous user capacity at two and the EXM3000LPS does not have this option at all.
Please keep in mind that, for the G9S, you cannot use both attachment pieces at the same time. They have the same anchor point on the base unit. It is not realistic to have both either as they are not easy to detach and move out/move-in and re-attach. If wanting both pieces, the most cost-effective approach would be to get the GIOT attachment and then a standalone VKR/Dip/Power Tower station.
Body-Solid EXM3000LPS with VKR30 Attachment
Body-Solid G9S with GKR9 Attachment
Body-Solid G9S with GIOT Attachment
Key Difference #4 - The Assembly Manual
We'd be doing every reader of this article a disservice if we did not mention the vast disparity in quality of the assembly manuals for these two home gyms.
The Body-Solid EXM3000LPS assembly manual, even after 20 years, seems like an afterthought. It is essentially a 16-page exploded parts diagram. There are very few written instructions at all.
If you're not super handy or mechanically inclined, the EXM3000LPS will be extremely difficult to assemble. It will require a lot of time, effort, and patience to get the system ready for use. However, at the end of assembly, you'll have a gym system that fully replaces the commercial gym you've been going to for years.
The Body-Solid G9S has much more of a fully-featured assembly manual that is over 100 pages in length. It is complete with tips, tricks and essentially written step-by-step instructions on how to get this unit fully assembled.
It is still a difficult assembly, no doubt about that, but the extra investment in resources for the premier home gym system is very clear.
Body-Solid G9S vs Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Comparison Chart
Body-Solid G9S |
Body-Solid EXM3000LPS |
|
| User Capacity | 2 Users 3 Users with GKR9 |
2 Users 3 Users with VKR30 |
| # of Workout Stations | 7 Built-In Stations | 7 Built-In Stations |
| Weight Stacks | (2) x 210lbs Each | (2) x 210lbs Each |
| Included Leg Press | ||
| Base Dimensions | 90" L x 73" W x 84" H | 91" L x 73" W x 84" H |
| Optional VKR Station | ||
| Optional Inner/Outer Thigh Machine | ||
| Aluminum Pulley Upgrade | ||
| Weight Stack Upgrade |
Additional 50lbs per Stack |
|
| Written Assembly Instructions | ||
| Lifetime In-Home Warranty | ||
| Light Commercial Warranty | ||
| Price | $4,995 | $4,395 |
Body-Solid G9S vs Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Conclusion
There is no doubt that the EXM3000LPS and G9S home gyms are both high quality. durable all-in-one systems. If you're deciding between these two machines, you're definitely going to win.
Ultimately the decision will probably come down to three things:
- Do you care about your home gyms visual appeal?
- Are the add-ons and upgrades important to you?
- Is it necessary to have written step-by-step instructions?
At Strength Warehouse, we don't think you can go wrong with either one of these Body-Sold gyms. They're two of our top selling products, each with raving customer reviews.
If you've decided on one of these models, check out the links below:
