Home gyms systems or "all-in-one" gyms are majorly beneficial for people looking for endless versatility in their space. Multi-stack models can take up a large amount of space, but essentially replace every machine in a commercial gym.
They're perfect for people that want an "all-in-one" solution, prefer machine workouts, or are looking for a streamlined option to build out the majority of their gym in one shot.
Body-Solid is a premier name in the home gym market. They manufacture top of the line home gym systems backed by lifetime in-home warranties. In this article we are going to look at the pros, cons, similarities and differences of their multi-stack gym system models.
Here are the products we'll be taking a deeper look at:
- Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Home Gym
- Body-Solid G9S Home Gym System
- Body-Solid G10B Home Gym System
- Body-Solid EXM4000S Gym System
Here is an overview comparison chart of the four different home gyms covered in this article:
Body-Solid Home Gym Similarities
Each one of these models comes with the following in the base package:
- Alloy steel weight plate stacks
- DuraFirm™ Pads and Upholstery
- Weight Stack Shrouds
- Lifetime In-Home Warranty (for residential use)
- Light Commercial Warranty (non-residential use)
The Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Multi Stack Home Gym
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Body-Solid EXM3000LPS User Capacity and Workout Stations
The EXM3000LPS multi-stack gym system has a 2-person capacity at baseline. This means that two people can workout on the machine at once! It includes (3) main workout stations, comprising of (7) workout options.
Station 1
The first workout station features (3) different options for the user:
- 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
- Leg Extension / Standing Leg Curl
Station 2
The second workout station also features (3) different options for the user:
- Perfect Pec: Pec Deck / Reverse Fly
- Ab Crunch / Mid Pulley
- Seated Low Row / Low Pulley
Station 3
- Leg Press / Calf Extension
Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Weight Stacks
The Body-Solid EXM3000LPS has (2) independent weight stacks that are 210lbs each. There are (20) 10lb alloy steel plates per stack with the top plate weighing an additional 10lbs.
The leg press features a 2:1 pulley ratio, effectively doubling the weight of the stack to 420lbs at 20lb increments. This is done using the pulley system and does not require the use of the 2nd stack.
Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Optional Workout Stations
There is only one optional station for the EXM3000LPS. It is the Body-Solid VKR30 VKR/Dip station. It does not tie into the weight stacks and will rely totally on body-weight movements. This also increases the workout capacity to three people, since no weight stack is involved!
This piece is completely optional, but gives a nice bonus station to work your core and triceps!
Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions: 91" L x 73" W x 84" H
- Assembled Dimensions with VKR30: 91" L x 104” W x 84" H
- Recommend Floor Space: 126" L x 112" W
If your area is tight on space, we highly recommend putting the leg press side of the unit up against the wall. This side of the machine does not require any clearance as the leg press moves parallel to the wall. The only inconvenience would be a tighter fit getting in and out of the leg press station.
Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Assembly Cons
We'd be leaving out a hot button for some people if we did not talk about the assembly manual for the EXM3000LPS. It is certainly lacking in instructions and definitely requires someone that is handy and mechanically inclined to complete assembly.
There are little to no written instructions in the manual and it is mostly an exploded parts diagram without step-by-step tasks. If you have a friend or two to help out, take your time, and just think about the awesome piece of equipment you're going to have when it's over, the installation is manageable for most.
Here's a link to the owner's manual: Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Owner's Manual
Body-Solid EXM3000LPS Customer Reviews
"I’ve lifted weights for the past 20 years. I have always been a firm believer in using free weights. If I knew how well this machine would work, I would have used a machine if this type along while ago. Excellent machine, many exercises to choose from. Awesome product!!"
- Jason W.
"This piece of equipment is perfect for a small home gym. It allows you to do everything you would need to do in order to stay in great shape. It is excellent, commercial gym quality and fairly easy to put together. We are extremely with our purchase decision. And purchasing from Strength Warehouse USA was an awesome experience - very personalized customer experience as I had followup questions and they have the best prices around. Delivery was on time and in perfect order."
- Edward F.
"No regrets! Definitely get most bang for your buck. Only suggestion is better directions for assembly. Step by step directions would have made it less painful to assemble."
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The Body-Solid G9S Multi Stack Home Gym
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Body-Solid G9S User Capacity and Workout Stations
In baseline capacity and function, the G9S is identical to the EXM3000LPS
The Body-Solid G9S multi-stack gym system has a 2-person capacity. It has (3) main user stations to use that consist of (7) different exercise points in total.
STATION 1
The first workout station features (3) different options for the user:
- Multi-Press: Features a fully adjustable pads and arm pair that allows for chest press, shoulder press, and seated rows
- Lat Pulldown / High Pulley
- Leg Extension / Standing Leg Curl
STATION 2
The second workout station also features (3) different options for the user:
- Perfect Pec: Pec Deck / Reverse Fly
- Ab Crunch / Mid Pulley
- Seated Low Row / Low Pulley
STATION 3
- Leg Press / Calf Extension
Body-Solid G9S Weight Stacks
The Body-Solid G9S also comes standard with (2) independent weight stacks that are 210lbs each. There are (20) x 10lb alloy steel plates per stack with the top plate weighing an additional 10lbs.
The features the same pulley ratio for the leg press (2:1), which will provide 420lbs of resistance with the use of a single stack.
Body-Solid G9S Available Upgrades
This is where the G9S starts to differ from it's more basic counterpart, the EXM3000LPS. The G9S is a more premium machine and these upgrades are a part of that experience.
G9S Upgrade Option 1: Aluminum Pulleys
The GAP9 Aluminum Pulley Kit upgrade is a full set of aluminum pulleys to replace your standard nylon pulleys that are included with the unit. They are smoother, stronger and sleeker. With a shiny silver colored finish are guaranteed to add a touch of class to your gym.
G9S Upgrade Option 2: 260lb Weight Stacks
The weight stack capacity for the G9S is not tapped out at 210lbs each. This machine allows you to add up to 50lbs additional (5 x 10lb plates) to each stack with Body-Solid SP50 Weight Stack Add-On.
Body-Solid G9S Optional Workout Stations
G9S Optional Station 1: VKR/Dip Station
The Body-Solid GKR9 will add some bodyweight exercises to your home gym. This station is made for dips and core exercises to really give you an extra boost!
G9S Optional Station 2: Inner/Outer Thigh Machine
The Body-Solid GIOT Inner / Outer Thigh attachment allows the use of one of the weight stacks to do both abductor and adductor exercises.
It has (5) range-of-motion adjustments to accommodate all users. There is no cable change necessary to use this attachment.
While the G9S has two different optional workout stations, only one can be installed at a time.
It is not recommend to have more than one attachment station, as install/uninstall and moving the extra piece can be quite cumbersome.
Body-Solid G9S Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions: 90" L x 73" W x 84" H
- Assembled Dimensions with GKR9: 90" L x 104” W x 84" H
- Assembled Dimensions with GIOT: 90" L x 112” W x 84" H
- Recommend Floor Space (Base Model): 126" L x 112" W
Body-Solid G9S Customer Reviews
"It is fantastic. We have always gone to a gym, and recently decided to put one in our home due to time restraints with our job. The machine we purchase is just as good as the commercial equipment we used at the gym.."
- Otis F.
"This is a quality machine for a home gym. The double weight stack is great for 2 individuals to work out at the same time. Joe was great to work with and provided excellent follow-up on a couple minor issues we had. I would definitely buy from him again."
- Sandra R.
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The Body-Solid G10B Bi-Angular Multi Stack Home Gym
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Body-Solid G10B User Capacity and Workout Stations
You'll notice the differences between the EXM3000LPS, G9S and the G10B visually right away.
The Body-Solid G10B only has a 2-person capacity with (2) main workout stations. This is the first difference from its counterparts that feature (3) stations.
The (2) workout areas combine to offer (6) different exercise options/stations in total.
STATION 1
- Bi-Angular Press Arms: This station allows for chest press, incline press and shoulder press. Body-Solid's bi-angular technology helps guide you through the optimal range of motion while applying resistance from two different directions. This resistance difference can increase muscle interaction by 25%.
- Lat Pulldown / High Pulley
- Ab Crunch / Mid Pulley
- Perfect Pec: Pec Deck equipped with swivel arms for both unilateral or bilateral movement
- Low Pulley / Seated Low Row
STATION 2
- Seated Leg Extension / Seated Leg Curl: This features a fully adjustable pop-pin cham wheel to allow quick size adjustments and changes from leg extension to leg curls.
The most stark difference for the G10B from the previously covered models is the absence of a built-in Leg Press station which has been substituted for the leg extension/curl option.
Owners of the G9S and EXM3000LPS will have to settle for standing leg curls without adding a separate leg curl machine to their space.
Body-Solid G10B Weight Stacks
Similar to the G9S, the Body-Solid G10B come standard with (2) x 210lb stacks that progress in 10lb increments.
Body-Solid G10B Available Upgrades
G10B Upgrade Option 1: Aluminum Pulleys
The GAP10 Aluminum Pulley Kit upgrade is a full set of sealed bearing, aluminum pulleys to replace your standard nylon pulleys that are included with the unit. They are smoother, stronger and sleeker. With a shiny silver colored finish are guaranteed to add a touch of class to your gym.
G10B Upgrade Option 2: 260lb Weight Stacks
The weight stack capacity for the G10B is not set at 210lbs. This machine allows you to add up to 50lbs additional (5 x 10lb plates) to each stack with Body-Solid SP50 Weight Stack Add-On.
A great thing about the SP50 is that you can purchase it at a later date if you decide that 210lbs just isn't enough!
Body-Solid G10B Optional Workout Stations
G10B Optional Station 1: Inner/Outer Thigh Machine
This one is a carry over from the G9S, as the GIOT Inner Outer Thigh is an optional add-on for most Body-Solid G Series Home Gyms. The GIOT allows the use of one of the weight stacks to do both abductor and adductor exercises.
It has (5) range-of-motion adjustments to accommodate all users. There is no cable change necessary to use this attachment.
G10B Optional Station 2: Leg Press / Calf Extension
If the G10B is the gym you have your eyes on, and you have the space available, the Body-Solid GLP Leg Press attachment might push you over the edge on your decision.
The GLP attachment ties into one of the existing stacks, and provides a 2:1 pulley ratio - effectively doubling the stack weight while in use.
With an extra wide, non-slip rubber coated press plate and side stability handles, this leg press is built for both comfort and durability.
Body-Solid G10B Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions: 73" L x 98" W x 84" H
- Assembled Dimensions with GLP: 73" L x 132” W x 84" H
- Assembled Dimensions with GIOT: 73" L x 134” W x 84" H
- Recommend Floor Space (Base Model): 124" L x 112" W
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The Body-Solid EXM4000S Multi Stack Home Gym
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Body-Solid EXM4000S User Capacity and Workout Stations
The Body-Solid EXM4000S is the biggest multi stack that they offer and the bigger, badder version of the EXM3000LPS. It comes standard with (3) user capacity thanks to (3) independent workout stations. The (3) stations combine to form (9) different workout options.
STATION 1
- Chest Supported Row
- Lat Pulldown / High Pulley
- Ab Crunch / Mid Pulley
STATION 2
- Chest Press: Features fully adjustable pads and arm pair that allows for chest press movements. There is a kick assist lever that allows you to move the handgrips into comfortable start and finish positions
- Perfect Pec: Pec Deck/Reverse Fly station with (6) adjustable increment settings per arm.
- Low Pulley / Seated Low Row
STATION 3
- Shoulder Press
- Seated Leg Extension / Standing Leg Curl
- 2nd Lat Pulldown / High Pulley
Body-Solid EXM4000S Weight Stacks
The EXM4000S comes with (3) independent 210lb weight stacks. Each one works directly with a main workout station.
Unfortunately there are no weight stack upgrades available for this model.
Body-Solid EXM4000S Optional Workout Stations
The EXM4000S has one option workout station and it's a big one! You can add on the Body-Solid LP40S Leg Press attachment to take this gym system to the next level.
It comes complete with it's own (additional) 210lb stacks. This bring the workout capacity for the system to four people at once!
The pulley system is designed with a 2:1 ratio to let users press up to 420lbs!
Body-Solid EXM4000S Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions: 130" L x 93" W x 84" H
- Assembled Dimensions with LP40S: 133"L x 148"W x 84"H
Body-Solid EXM4000S Assembly Cons
Similar to the EXM3000LPS, there are no written step-by-step instructions for the EXM4000S. It is a long, complex installation that will require patience and persistence to complete.
Here's a link to the owner's manual: Body-Solid EXM4000S Owner's Manual
Body-Solid EXM4000S Customer Reviews
"From the online purchase, to the customer support, to the delivery and assembly- this was one amazing experience! I couldn't be happier with this machine. There are a couple of stations/exercises that I wish you could be adjusted for the user's height and length but otherwise, I'm never stepping foot in another gym again now that I have this machine at home."
- Samy S.
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Body-Solid Multi-Stack Gym Conclusion
Overall, you cannot go wrong with any of the Body-Solid multi-stack gyms currently on the market. They all deliver outsized value backed by great customer reviews and a lifetime in-home warranty.
Ultimately, your decision will be driven by price, space availability and how important the built in leg press is!