Here at Breaking Muscle, our experts include athletes, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers who are intimately familiar with this fan bike. We put it through hours of strenuous cardio workouts to see if it could take on the challenge. In this Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X review, we’ll highlight our results, how well the bike ranked in testing, and how it compares to other fan bikes. 

Key Takeaways

• The Assault Bike ProX is a great choice of cardio equipment for those who want a total-body workout. This fan bike, also termed an air bike, requires you to engage in full-body exercise using both the handlebars and bike pedals to generate movement through a belt-driven system.
• The LCD monitor tracks stats such as calories, distance, speed, watts, and RPM, all of which can help you understand energy output.
• The Assault Fitness App, which you can access through your phone and connect to the bike’s Bluetooth-enabled console, allows you to take part in virtual and instructor-led programming.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

4.4

• Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H
• Weight: 125 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: High-contrast LCD screen

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Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Pros

• The AssaultBike Pro X features a smooth belt-driven system to keep the workout efficient and quieter than chain-driven fan bikes. This makes it a great piece of equipment for a home gym, where limiting noise can ensure your workouts aren’t a nuisance to your roommates or family members.
• With 11 height settings and six front-to-back settings for adjustments, the seat can move upward, downward, forward, and backward to help accommodate your body proportions.
• Made of a heavy-duty steel frame that makes it pretty stable for exercise, the AssaultBike ProX has a weight capacity of 330 pounds, so even heavier athletes can safely use it.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Cons

• Running at $899 at the time of this writing, it’s relatively expensive and may be out of reach for those with tight budgets. In comparison, the AssaultBike Classic and the Titan Fan Bike are both around $699. 
• The Assault Fitness App, although interactive and a step up from other brands, has been termed “glitchy” through the many reviews at the Apple store. As such, it only has a a 2.1 out of 5 star rating.
• The ProX has a large footprint, especially compared to the AssaultBike Elite. The ProX is 51.73 inches long, 24.52 inches wide, and 52.51 inches high, while the Elite is 50.95 inches long, 23.34 inches wide, and 50 inches high. Depending on your home gym setup, the Pro X may take up too much room and prevent you from doing workouts off the bike safely.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Rating

At Breaking Muscle, we know exercise equipment. We have a product testing team that has put hundreds of machines through the wringer, using them for everything from gentle warm-ups to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Many of our staff members are home gym owners themselves and use these products nearly every day.

With the knowledge we’ve gained over the years, we created a proprietary scoring system that we used to rank the AssaultBike ProX in various categories. Not only did we evaluate how the bike performed on its own, but we also compared it with nearly 30 other exercise bikes to see how it stacked up against the competition.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Overview

From the founders of the AssaultRunner (one of the best treadmills to train with), the Assault Bike ProX is made with a heavy-duty steel frame finished in a black powder coat that helps keep it corrosion-resistant and capable of standing the test of time. It is a top-tier fan bike that can provide a brutal workout for any athlete.

In addition to its tough and durable frame, it incorporates a belt-driven system for a quiet, smooth training experience. It also requires less upkeep than chain-driven systems, which should come as a relief to busy individuals who can’t be bothered with complicated maintenance protocols.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX In-Depth Review

Price

At the time of writing, the Assault Bike ProX costs $899. Fortunately, there is also an option to finance it at around $82 a month through Affirm. For comparison, the Assault Bike ProX is more expensive than the AssaultBike Classic at $699 but cheaper than the Concept2 BikeErg, which costs around $1,100. 

The Assault Bike ProX also provides free shipping, which is a big deal for equipment this size. Buying an air bike from another brand could set you back another $100 in shipping costs.

All of the above considered, we’ve rated this bike 4 out of 5 stars for its shipping rate, finance options, and value.

Materials, Build, and Construction Quality

The Assault Bike ProX weighs 125 pounds, has a max user weight of 330 pounds, and boasts a heavy-duty steel frame with a corrosion-resistant black powder coating finish.  We love this type of frame and finish because it means less maintenance over time. 

It’s also similar to what you would see with the Rogue Echo Bike, which has a black powder coating and almost looks like it was built from scraps of a heavy-duty squat rack! But the Assault Bike ProX isn’t as bulky as the Rogue Echo Bike, making it more compatible with small spaces, which our product testers enjoyed. For comparison, the ProX is 51.73 inches long, 24.52 inches wide, and 52.51 inches high, while the Echo Bike is 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high.

The Assault Bike ProX provides a wide padded seat that can adjust to 11 different heights and six different directions either forward or backward. These adjustments were the same on the Assault Bike Pro, which the ProX replaces. The rubber handles on the ProX help you maintain your grip and keep your hands comfortable throughout the workout as well. 

This fan bike also comes with footpegs at the base of the handlebars for you to place your feet. This gives you the option to do an upper body-only workout, which is great for injury recovery or arm day. 

Based on the quality and construction of the Assault Bike ProX, we rated it 5 out of 5 stars. 

Delivery and Assembly

We gave the AssaultBike Pro X 5 out of 5 stars for delivery and assembly because of how straightforward it was to build. The bikes arrived at our testing facility 75 percent built, so all we had to do was attach the LCD console, pedals, handlebars, seat post, and saddle. Assault Fitness provides all the tools needed to build your air bike, and it should take roughly 35 to 45 minutes.

Performance

When testing the Assault Bike ProX, we noticed a smoother and quieter ride than what we’ve experienced with other air bikes, like the Titan Fan Bike or the AssaultBike Classic. This is predominantly thanks to the belt-driven system. A belt-driven system requires less maintenance than a chain-driven system, but it is also harder to use. When you pedal, the steel fan wheel generates resistance based on your effort. The harder you pedal, the more resistance is applied. 

However, once you stop pedaling, the fan wheel will stop moving, requiring more effort to get it started again. This might be tough if you’re not prepared for a high-intensity workout. Due to this, we gave the Assault Bike ProX a 4 out of 5-star rating for performance. 

Included Workouts

The Assault Bike ProX’s LCD monitor provides seven built-in training programs and a competition mode for those ready to take on the challenge. Through the Assault Fitness App, which we’ll review below, there is also an option to follow instructor-led programs or create customized workouts.

All in all, we give it a 3 out of 5 star rating in this category. The included workouts aren’t as robust as what you’d see in a more interactive bike like the Peloton. However, we do appreciate having them and think they can be valuable for people who may not know where to start.

Heart Rate Monitoring

While the AssaultBike Classic was only compatible with the Polar T34 heart rate chest strap, the Assault Bike ProX is compatible with other brands, like Garmin. You can link a heart rate monitor through the bike’s Bluetooth features. However, you need to purchase a compatible one separately, which is why we only rated it 4 out of 5 stars here (though to be fair, this is common for most exercise bikes). 

Display and Stat Tracking

The Assault Bike ProX comes with a five-inch by eight-inch monitor, which is a common size amongst other fan bikes. This high-quality LCD monitor is powered by four AA batteries, which Assault includes with your purchase. The console is great for tracking stats such as calories, distance, heart rate, speed, watts, and RPM. It also connects to the Assault Fitness App.

Our product testers loved that it could track power output in addition to distance and speed, which is a great measure of energy expenditure to quantify workout intensity. The Rogue Echo Bike monitor doesn’t provide feedback such as watts and RPM on its monitor, which gives the Assault Bike ProX the edge.

All things considered, we’ve given this bike 5 out of 5 stars for its display and tracking capabilities.

Conveniences

When testing the Assault Bike ProX, we noticed a ton of conveniences. First, the air bike requires no electric outlet, and we loved being able to use it anywhere. This feature is also a welcome benefit for commercial CrossFit gym owners, as you don’t have to worry about your members tripping over power cords.

Other conveniences include a device holder and a water bottle holder. Some fan bikes like the Titan Fan Bike also include these conveniences. Others, like the Rogue Echo Bike, don’t (though they are available to purchase separately). We always appreciate it when a brand throws in little extras like this. They allow you to have all your workout essentials within reach. Plus, you don’t have to worry about potentially placing multiple orders or paying extra shipping fees to get them.

Overall, our product testers rated the conveniences 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason we docked a point is that we wish the bike came with a wind guard to prevent cold air from blowing in our faces when training in a cold garage. There is one available on the Assault Fitness website, but you have to buy it separately for an additional $39.

Workout Apps and Subscription Options

The Assault Bike ProX is a part of the Assault Fitness line of exercise machines that operate using the Assault Fitness app. The app was one of our product testers’ favorite features.

Free to download from the App Store and Google Play, the Assault Fitness App provides you with a multitude of instructor-driven workouts. You can do these workouts on your own or compete against other athletes virtually. Many of the workouts also integrate other types of equipment, such as dumbbells and kettlebells, to help you get more well-rounded programming. 

While we enjoyed the app, we only gave it 4 out of 5 stars. As of this writing, it’s not available on the most recent version of Android. Athletes with newer Android phones may not be able to use it.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Assault Bike ProX is Bluetooth-enabled. We don’t necessarily consider Bluetooth connectivity a standout feature, as dozens of cardio machines we’ve tested now come with it. But we’ve also tried inexpensive cardio equipment that doesn’t have this feature, and even Assault Fitness’s classic AssaultBike lacks Bluetooth capabilities. As such, we rated the ProX 5 out of 5 stars here.

Noise Level

When comparing other fan bikes we tested, the Assault Bike ProX generated less noise due to its belt-driven system. The belt-driven system operates more smoothly than chain-drive systems such as those on the Schwinn Airdyne. A noisier system can make it tough to perform workouts at home, especially if you train early in the morning or late at night when others are sleeping.

That said, no fan bike will be completely silent, so you should still expect some noise as air travels through the flywheel. Due to this, we give the noise level of the Assault Bike ProX 4 out of 5 stars.

Portability

The Assault Bike ProX offers some portability, thanks to two small transport wheels at the front. To move it, all you need to do is tilt it onto its wheels to help glide it across the floor. However, although it might be easy for some athletes to move this fan bike, others might struggle to relocate it because it weighs 125 pounds. Based on these findings, we give the portability of the Assault Bike ProX 4 out of 5 stars.  

Warranty

The Assault Bike ProX has a three-year non-wear parts warranty and a seven-year frame warranty. The three-year non-wear parts warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear on parts like the seat, pedals, and handle grips. This may seem like a drawback, but in our experience, this is common in warranties on other brands’ fan bikes. But the length of Assault’s warranty is longer compared to Rogue, who only offers a two-year warranty on their Echo Bike, and Titan, who only offers a one-year warranty on their fan bike. We gave the warranty of the Assault Bike ProX 5 out of 5 stars for this reason.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Specs

Overall Dimensions

The Assault Bike ProX is 51.73 inches long, 24.52 inches wide, and 52.51 inches high. Compared to the classic AssaultBike, these dimensions are one to two inches bigger in each category. If you’re between the two, we definitely recommend measuring carefully to ensure you choose the one that will best fit your space.

Resistance

The Assault Bike ProX is a fan bike, meaning it builds resistance based on how much air you recruit in the fan wheel as you work. The harder you pedal, the more air resistance is applied, making your workout more challenging. 

In addition to air resistance, the ProX uses a belt-driven system, meaning it only operates when you begin to pedal. If you stop pedaling, the machine stops moving. This makes it harder to operate compared to a chair-driven system, like what you’d see with the AssaultBike Classic. 

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the Assault Bike ProX is 330 pounds. This is more than the Classic bike, which holds 300 pounds, but less than the Elite, which holds up to 350 pounds. 

Seat and Handlebar Adjustments

The Assault Bike ProX can accommodate most body sizes with 11 different height settings and six front-to-back settings. These adjustment levels are relatively standard based on what we’ve seen on other fan bikes. However, some competitors like the Rogue Echo Bike only have five front-to-back seat settings. 

Electrical Requirements

Because the Assault Bike ProX does not require an electrical outlet, you can transport it wherever you want to go —outdoors or indoors. The monitor, however, does require AA batteries to operate. 

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX vs. Echo Bike

At first glance, it seems the Assault Bike ProX and Rogue Echo Bike have many similarities. When you analyze them more closely, you’ll find that there are several key differences between the two. 

Below are the dimensions of both fan bikes:

Even though the Rogue Echo Bike is bulkier in material and dimensions, it has the same 330-pound weight capacity as the AssaultBike ProX. Both of these fan bikes are also powered by movement, so no electrical outlet is needed. Further, weighing in at 123 and 125 pounds, respectively, the Rogue Echo Bike and the Assault Bike ProX are equally portable, especially given they both have wheels.

Finally, both products use belt-driven mechanics, providing a smooth and quiet riding experience. But the Assault Bike ProX gives more metrics on the monitor, such as watts and RPM. This feature alone could make or break your decision, depending on how important tracking is to your training.

Rogue Echo Bike V3.0

4.0

• Overall dimensions: 55” L x 29.5” W x 55.25” H
• Weight: 123 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: LCD console

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Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Customer Reviews

The Assault Bike ProX comes in with a strong 4.6 out of 5-star rating on the Assault Fitness website. Many users claim that it is super easy to set up, requires low maintenance, and is a favorite piece of equipment in their home gyms. Customers also praise its sturdiness and its ability to handle a tough workout. 

One user mentioned that the left peg became loose during their workout. Another buyer mentioned that the Assault Bike ProX was very noisy and didn’t think it was as stable as other reviews might suggest — note, however, that complaints like this are in the minority.

Final Verdict: Is the Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Worth It?

After extensive research and testing of the Assault Bike ProX, we can say that this air bike is worth it. Made with a heavy-duty steel frame finished in a black powder coat, it can take on the toughest workouts. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a full-body, high-intensity interval training machine for improving both endurance and strength. 

The smoother and quieter experience you get with the Assault Bike ProX is thanks to the belt-driven system integrated into the design. Although this system might require more effort to operate, this bike can still be a great purchase for everyone from CrossFitters to health and fitness enthusiasts.

FAQs

The post Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X Review (2024): Assault’s Best Bike Yet? appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The staff at Breaking Muscle consists of CrossFitters, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers. Our lead product testers have tested the Rogue Echo bike for several weeks. We put it through long endurance workouts, short high-intensity interval training (HIIT sessions), and warm-ups and cool-downs. Amanda Dvorak, Breaking Muscle’s Reviews Editor, also used the Echo Bike at least once a week for over two years at her old CrossFit box.

We’ve combined our experiences to gather insight into just how special this product is. In this Rogue Echo Bike review, we’ll discuss the top characteristics and features of this bike, highlighting what makes this product one of the best exercise bikes amongst the competition. 

Key Takeaways

• The Rogue Echo Bike offers a great hybrid of lower and upper body conditioning. In fact, you can rest your feet on the foot pegs and just use the arms of the bike for an upper body workout if you have a lower body injury.
• The enhanced LCD console on the Rogue Echo Bike monitors metrics like intervals, distance, calorie expenditure, and heart rate. It also incorporates Bluetooth functionality, enabling you to sync it with a range of cycling apps for enhanced performance data.
• The Rogue Echo Bike starts at around $895, which is about the mid-price range of other brands that provide a similar product. 

Rogue Echo Bike V3.0

4.0

• Overall dimensions: 55” L x 29.5” W x 55.25” H
• Weight: 123 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: LCD console

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Rogue Echo Bike Pros

• The seat on the Rogue Echo Bike is capable of moving upward, forward, or backward so that it can adjust to fit your proportions. 
• After we tested the Rogue Echo Bike, it was evident that the bike’s belt-driven system coupled with its steel fan blade provided a smooth, consistent, and very quiet ride. Its quietness is beneficial for those who want a great at-home experience without disturbing the people they live with. 
• This bike is super strong and very stable. It weighs 123 pounds and has a weight capacity of 330 pounds. Whether you use it for a casual warm-up or cooldown or an intense HIIT workout, it doesn’t budge and remains stable. 

Rogue Echo Bike Cons

• If you want additional conveniences like a water bottle holder (which Rogue calls a bottle cage) or a phone holder, you must purchase them separately.
• One thing we noticed is that it requires more effort to start the bike due to the belt-driven system. With a belt-driven system, the movement is based on your immediate effort. If you stop pedaling, the wheels stop moving. It’s not like a chain-driven system where the wheels continue to spin due to momentum. This belt-driven system helps keep the machine quiet but also makes the Rogue Echo Bike a harder bike to ride.
• The price of the Rogue Echo Bike might be too high of a financial commitment for some. It costs around $895 and is more expensive than other bikes on the market, like the classic Assault Bike, which is about $699. 

Rogue Echo Bike Rating

At Breaking Muscle, we’ve tested dozens of exercise bikes, including several fan bikes. When testing exercise bikes, we analyze criteria such as construction quality, durability, stat tracking, and added conveniences. We then put each bike through a proprietary scoring system and rank it on a scale of 1 to 5 for each criterion. Here is how the Echo Bike scored.

Rogue Echo Bike Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect exercise bike, it’s essential to consider your specific workout needs, such as space constraints. The Rogue Echo Bike has many unique characteristics, but not every feature is a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Rogue Fitness Echo Bike is a popular fan bike for those who want a tough workout, especially athletes. One population that especially enjoys the Rogue Fitness Echo Bike is the CrossFit community. This product provides a tough and durable workout experience that can easily meet the demands of the most intense CrossFit metcons.

RELATED: Best CrossFit Shoes

One of the reasons it’s so durable is its belt-driven system. Unlike chain-driven systems that allow for momentum, the Echo Bike’s wheels stop moving when you stop pedaling. While this contributes to the machine’s quiet operation, it also makes the bike more demanding to ride.

Who Should Buy the Rogue Echo Bike

• This bike is great for someone who wants an intense workout session. As mentioned, the belt-driven system requires constant effort to keep the machine running. The minute you stop pedaling, the machine stops as well. 
• People should buy the Rogue Echo Bike if they don’t want to constantly perform repairs. The belt-driven system is much easier to perform maintenance on, versus the chain-driven systems that need more care and attention. 
• This bike is great for someone who needs a sturdy cardio machine. If you are looking to do high-intensity exercises with all-out efforts, the Echo Bike can take on your needs. 

Who Should Not Buy the Rogue Echo Bike

• As mentioned earlier, we noticed with our testing that the Rogue Echo Bike was a bulky machine that might require more workout space than you would think. This would not be the best bike for someone who has limited workout space. 
• The Rogue Echo Bike doesn’t have a high-tech monitor. The monitor provides metrics like calories burned and distance traveled but doesn’t offer instructor-led programming.
• This would not be a good bike for those looking for a portable bike to move around different spaces. With how bulky and heavy this bike is, it could be tough to move around your workout space. (Note, though, that it does have roller wheels at the front to make portability a bit easier.)

Rogue Echo Bike In-Depth Review

Selecting the right piece of equipment involves careful consideration of things such as price, quality, and added conveniences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at what sets the Rogue Echo Bike apart in terms of materials, build quality, and construction. From the sturdy steel construction to the ease of assembly, this bike offers much more than an intense workout experience.

Price

The price of the Rogue Echo Bike is $895, which is around the middle to higher end of pricing amongst competitors and the reason we gave it 4 out of 5 stars in this category. One of the main reasons for its price point is its materials. When our staff looked at the Rogue Echo Bike, they could tell it was made from Rogue. It looks like Rogue took parts from their best squat racks to build it! Other fan bikes on the market, like the Classic AssaultBike, are just under $700. On the other hand, the Echo Bike is cheaper than the Concept2 BikeErg, which costs around $1,100. 

As of this writing, the Echo Bike also qualifies for free shipping. This isn’t unusual, as brands like Assault Fitness and Scwhinn also offer free shipping on their fan bikes. But it is still worth calling out — not having to pay for shipping can be a relief for budget-savvy shoppers.

RELATED: Best Jump Ropes

Materials, Build, and Construction Quality

The Rogue Echo Bike gets a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for its build quality. It is 123 pounds and consists of 2×3″, 1.2 x 3″, and 1.625 x 3.125″ steel with a textured black powder coat. This black powder coat covers the whole bike and enhances its durability. The materials used to build the Echo Bike make it strong and sturdy, as it can hold up to 330 pounds. A rubber belt operates the fan and requires much less maintenance than a chain belt.

The padded seat helps make the Echo Bike more comfortable to sit on for long workouts, and the 1.5-inch diameter rubber-grip handles that are welded to the bike’s arms allow for more stability.

The bike also provides metal foot pedals and footpegs. To turn your workout into a solely upper body workout, you can rest your feet on the pegs and operate the bike with just the arms. The 4.5-inch footpegs feature knurling to help prevent your feet from slipping off them.

Delivery and Assembly

Upon delivery, the Rogue Echo Bike requires assembly. Rogue provides all the necessary tools and hardware, along with easy step-by-step instructions. One of our product testers was able to assemble the bike by himself and scored the assembly process 5 out of 5 stars.

Multiple reviews on the Rogue website also indicate that the build process is fairly simple. 

RELATED: Best Functional Trainers

Included Workouts

We only gave the Rogue Echo Bike 3 out of 5 stars for included workouts because it doesn’t provide special programming, like instructor-led classes. However, it does provide modes to complete workouts in, such as a 20/10 or a 10/20 interval training mode for 10 to 20 seconds of exercise and 10 to 20 seconds of rest. You can also build your own workout. In comparison, other fan bikes, like the AssaultBike, also provide a handful of built-in workouts and the ability to create custom workouts. 

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Rogue Echo Air Bike provides heart rate tracking functionality. To have this data displayed on your LCD screen, you need to buy a compatible external heart rate monitor separately. We rated it 4 out of 5 stars for that reason.

Some heart rate monitors compatible with the Rogue Echo Bike are the Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor, Garmin HRM-Pro Plus Heart Rate Monitor, and Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor.

Display and Stat Tracking

The five-inch by eight-inch monitor, which is a common size amongst other fan bikes, provides a clean and high-contrast clear display. As discussed, you can choose from various modes, such as HIIT training (10/20, 20/10, or custom intervals). You can set goals for time, distance, or calories, and the console will count down accordingly. The display shows heart rate data as well, as long as you have a compatible heart rate monitor.

The console is powered by four AA batteries, which come with the bike. As an upgrade from previous models of the Echo Bike, the mounted LCD console now boasts Bluetooth compatibility. Bluetooth allows you to connect to other devices like a Garmin heart rate monitor to track your workout metrics. 

Ultimately, we rated the display and stat tracking features 4 out of 5 stars. The monitor spits back a lot of data, but we wouldn’t say there’s anything super fancy about it. 

Conveniences

The Rogue Echo Bike does not come with a water bottle holder, bottle cage, or device holder, which is why we gave it a low score of 3 out of 5 stars in this category.

That said, these add-ons cost less than $10 each, which isn’t a big financial investment to upgrade your Echo Bike and make it the best piece of home gym equipment you have. 

Rogue Echo Bike Specs

The Rogue Echo Bike is a high-quality bike that almost seems overbuilt, resulting in less wobble and more stability. It also comes with some unique features you won’t find on many of its competitors. Below, we’ll take a close look at those features, as well as the dimensions, resistance, and weight capacity.

Overall Dimensions

The Rogue Echo Bike is 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high. The height includes the top of the handles, the length is the overall bike seat position furthest from the fan cage, and the width is the handles at the widest points. The overall footprint of the bike is 44.5 inches by 23.75 inches.

Resistance

The Rogue Echo Bike is an air bike, which combines wind resistance that intensifies with more pedaling from the feet and/or arms. It can provide a full-body workout for anyone. The resistance also stems from the belt-driven system. The belt-driven system requires more effort than a chain-driven system, as a belt-driven bike only works while you pedal. Once you stop pedaling, the bike stops moving, making it harder to get it to start again. That’s what makes this bike a solid leg exercise for building size and strength. 

Weight Capacity

The Echo Bike’s weight capacity is 330 pounds, which is stronger than some fan bikes but the same as others. For instance, the AssaultBike has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, and the Concept2 BikeErg and the Schwinn Airdyne Pro both have a weight capacity of 330 pounds.

Seat and Handlebar Adjustments

You can’t adjust the length of the Echo Bike’s handlebars. However, you can adjust the seat to 11 different height settings and five front-to-back settings, allowing you to get the most optimal riding experience. 

Electrical Requirements

One of the most unique features of this air bike is that your movement powers it. As such, you can use the bike anywhere. This makes it a great addition to your garage gym, and you can even take it outdoors if you want to feel the sun on your face while you train. The monitor does need four AA batteries to operate, though. 

Noise Level

Compared to other fan bikes we’ve tested, the Rogue Echo Bike makes minimal noise due to its structure and materials. The belt-driven system provides smooth and quiet mechanics. Other bikes, like the Schwinn Airdyne and the AssaultBike, use chain-driven systems, which are much louder and can make your workout sound more disruptive. 

In addition, the Echo Bike’s fan blades consist of a sturdier material, which is tough durable steel. This makes these blades much stronger and less likely to make noise. 

Portability

The Rogue Echo Bike is much heavier than other bikes. It weighs 123 pounds, while the Assault Bike is 96 pounds and the Concept2 Bike Erg is 58 pounds. But although the Rogue Echo Bike is much heavier, it has oversized front wheels that help with portability. This bike also doesn’t require an outlet, so you can move it in and out of any room in your home.

Warranty

The Rogue Echo Air Bike comes with a two-year warranty. This is pretty common; the AssaultBike and Concept2 Bike Erg also have two-year warranties. Note, however, that Rogue’s warranty excludes typical wear and tear on the metal pedals and handlebars. 

RELATED: Best Treadmills for Home

Rogue Echo Bike vs. AssaultBike

The AssaultBike is 50.95 inches long, 23.34 inches wide, and 50 inches high, compared to the Rogue Echo Bike, which is 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high. Because of the smaller footprint, the AssaultBike’s weight capacity is lower than the Rogue Echo Bike, as the Assault Bike holds a total of 300 pounds and the Rogue Echo Bike holds 330 pounds. 

The AssaultBike is a common brand used in many CrossFit gyms, as its smaller build can accommodate multiple users in a bigger space. Plus, the Classic AssaultBike is around 95 pounds, a smaller weight than the Rogue Echo Bike, which makes it easier to move around a large gym.

Additionally, the Rogue Echo Bike uses belt-driven mechanics, and the Assault Bike uses chain-driven mechanics. Chain-driven bikes tend to be louder and require more upkeep, which could be frustrating for those who prefer a quieter workout experience.

Lastly, those with strict budgets may prefer the Assault Bike. It’s about $200 cheaper than the Echo Bike, making it a better option for individuals searching for more affordable home gym equipment.

Assault Fitness Classic AssaultBike

4.3

• Overall dimensions: 50.95” L x 23.34” W x 50” H
• Weight: 95.6 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: LCD Hi Contrast screen

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Rogue Echo Bike vs. Concept2 BikeErg

Unlike the Rogue Echo Bike, the Concept2 BikeErg does not include moving handles. Your legs power all of the movement, which could be an issue for those wanting a full body workout like you would find on the Rogue Echo Bike. 

The Concept2 Bike Erg includes the infamous PM5 monitor. Our staff at Breaking Muscle truly appreciates this monitor, as it’s a powerful performance monitor that tracks stats such as pace, estimated calories burned, and watts (power output).

The PM5 monitor also connects via Bluetooth to various apps, including ErgData. The ErgData app allows you to create custom workouts, access the Concept2 Workout of the Day, and much more. This is the same monitor you’ll find on the Concept2 rower. The main difference between the PM5 and the Rogue Echo Bike console is that the PM5 tracks power output, which can help you quantify how hard you are working at a specific moment.

RELATED: Best Rowing Machines

Another big difference between the Rogue Echo Bike and the Concept2 Bike Erg is the weight. The Concept2 Bike Erg is only 58 pounds, more than half the size of the Rogue Echo Bike. Both bikes have a weight capacity of 330 pounds. 

Concept2 BikeErg

3.9

• Overall dimensions: 48” L x 24” W; seat to pedal height ranges from 31" to 40.5"
• Weight: 68 pounds
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Display: PM5 monitor

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Rogue Echo Bike Customer Reviews

The Rogue Echo Bike has an impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Rogue’s website. One review commends the bike for its ease of assembly and effectiveness in providing a rigorous workout. Another user, who uses the bike in his garage gym, appreciates its durability, low maintenance, and efficiency for various HIIT workouts and warming up before resistance training. Other reviewers express similar sentiments.

Some reviews highlighted a couple of drawbacks to the Echo Bike, though. In one review, the user mentioned that the metal housing around the wheel easily came apart. They felt the weld was not strong enough and trying to find a replacement for the entire metal housing is almost impossible.  

Final Verdict: Is the Rogue Echo Bike Worth It?

From all our research and testing on the Rogue Echo Bike, we can definitely say that it is worth the purchase and the hype. Made of Rogue’s top-tier steel construction, this 123-pound exercise bike provides massive durability as it can take on some of the toughest of workouts. 

The Rogue Echo Bike provides a smooth and quiet workout due to its belt-driven system. However, it also requires more effort to operate. The harder you push, the harder the bike works. All this, combined with its oversized structure and tough build, make it a solid purchase for anyone looking to take their cardiovascular health to the next level. 

FAQs

The post Rogue Echo Bike Review (2024): Is It the Best Air Bike? appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The Breaking Muscle staff, which comprises certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and health and fitness writers who have collectively reviewed hundreds of pieces of gym equipment, has completed dozens of workouts on the Hydrow Wave. In this Hydrow Wave review, we will discuss its top features and why it is one of the most uniquely built rowers currently offered. We will also compare it to other great rowing machines, including Hydrow’s original rower and the Concept2 rower. 

Key Takeaways

• The Hydrow Wave rower is built with electromagnetic resistance to help it feel the closest to rowing on water. It has smooth mechanics and is quieter than other types of rowers, like the Concept2 rower, which runs on air resistance.
• This compact rowing machine has great portability. You can transport and fit it into most workout spaces. This might make it one of the best rowing machines for at-home workouts. 
• The Hydrow Wave provides a ton of technological opportunities to elevate your workout from simply rowing to tackling instructor-led workouts on or off the machine.

Hydrow Wave Rower

4.0

• Dimensions: 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H
• Storage: Stores upright
• Resistance: Magnetic
• Weight capacity: 375 pounds
• Display: 16-inch HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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Hydrow Wave Pros

• The Hydrow Wave is built with a more compact frame, and its dimensions are smaller than the original Hydrow rower by 30 percent. It is 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches tall and is lighter in weight to make it easier for portability.
• The Hydro Wave has a high weight capacity of 375 pounds. Other rowers, like the Peloton, only hold up to 300 pounds, which puts the Hydro Wave ahead of the game. 
• The Hydrow Wave is easy to store. You can collapse the screen and tilt the rower vertically, and then use a strap to anchor it to the wall using a wall mount you can purchase separately. This helps prevent the rower from tipping over and causing injury. 

Hydrow Wave Cons

• The Hydrow Wave rowing machine starts at around $1,695, which could be a steep price point for some. Hydrow offers financing for as low as $36 a month, but you would have to finance it for about 48 months, which would be a big commitment. 
• To get the most out of the 16-inch monitor, you need to buy the Hydrow subscription plan for around $44 a month. It is not required, but it does give you access to about 4,000 instructor-led workouts. If you don’t purchase this monthly membership, you can only use the rower in “just row” mode.  
• The warranty is free for only the first year. A two-year warranty will cost $150, and a three-year warranty is $200. In comparison, the Concept2 rower includes a five-year warranty for the frame and a two-year warranty for all other components.

Hydrow Wave Rating

Breaking Muscle’s product testers, which include CrossFit coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers, have tested nearly 20 rowers. We analyzed their build quality, portability, warranties, ergonomics, programming options, resistance settings, and the overall rowing experience. After using each rower for several workouts, we rated it according to our proprietary scoring methodology. Below is how the Hydrow Wave scored.

Hydrow Wave Overview

The Hydrow Wave is built for those seeking an upgraded rowing experience. With its electromagnetic resistance system, this top-tier rowing machine provides a smooth ride and a low-impact workout, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a noise-free exercise session. What sets the Hydrow Wave apart is its compact design, measuring at just 80 inches in length. This makes it an ideal option for individuals with limited workout space.

The Hydrow Wave offers access to a vast library of over 4,000 instructor-led workouts through a monthly subscription. These workouts provide engaging and dynamic fitness sessions tailored to your preferences. For example, if you’re short on time, you can take a quick but effective 10- or 20-minute rowing class.

If you’re looking to elevate your fitness routine with a quieter, space-efficient, and technologically advanced rowing machine, the Hydrow Wave could be the right rowing machine for you. In fact, after testing the Hydrow Wave, our product testers called it a true alternative to the Concept2 rower — but we’ll get more into that below.

Who Should Buy the Hydrow Wave

• Our product testers noted that this rower is great for those who want a quiet rowing machine. This machine is built with electromagnetic resistance and is smoother and quieter than a fan wheel rower. 
• This rower should work well for those who want the guidance of on-demand instructor-led workouts. With Hydrow’s monthly subscription, you have access to 4,000 workouts and counting.

Who Should Not Buy the Hydrow Wave

• People who are on a smaller budget might not want this rower. This rower comes in at $1,695, which is cheaper than the original Hyrdrow but also more expensive than the Concept2 rower.
• This rower might not be a great purchase for anyone who wants flexibility with where they work out. The Hydrow Wave has to be plugged into an outlet, which could limit where you place it in your home gym or workout space. 

Hydrow Wave In-Depth Review

Through our research and firsthand experience with the Hydrow Wave, the expert team at Breaking Muscle is here to provide you with all the insight you need to better understand this rowing device. The Hydrow Wave comes with some amazing features and a smaller footprint to help those with compact spaces keep up with their fitness routines. At a better price tag than its predecessor, the Hydrow Wave high-quality piece of cardio equipment that can cater to everybody, from beginners to advanced athletes. 

Price

The Hydrow Wave rowing machine costs around $1,695. This could be a tough purchase to make, especially for those on a limited budget. However, this is a more budget-friendly option compared to the original Hyrdrow, which costs just under $2,500. The difference in price is due to the Hydrow Wave being a smaller machine and having a smaller monitor, which I’ll discuss below. Concept2 offers their rowing machine at a price point under $1,000, but you won’t get the same technological features you’ll find on the Hydrow Wave.  

Materials, Build, and Construction Quality

The Hydrow Wave rowing machine consists of an aluminum and stainless steel frame with a flat anthracite polymer (a type of plastic) body, as well as high-quality polyester webbing that provides a much quieter ride. It is 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches tall. The dimensions make it smaller and more compact than the original Hydrow, which is 86 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 47 inches tall. At 102 pounds, the Hydrow Wave is also lighter than the original Hydrow, which weighs 147 pounds. 

The Hydrow Wave has the same weight capacity as the original Hydrow: 375 pounds. Considering it is a smaller and lighter machine, the fact that it can withstand the same weight proves it is tough and durable. 

Delivery and Assembly

Delivery for the Hydrow Wave is free. Assembly is easy and straightforward and can be done in about nine steps. Based on our research, most people should be able to put it together within 30 minutes.

According to the Hydrow website, professional assembly is an option as well. The assembly fee is around $249, not including taxes. 

Subscription Options

Our staff at Breaking Muscle was impressed with Hydrow’s subscription offerings. With the subscription, you get an immersive rowing experience via a library of guided workouts. The instructors include Olympians and professional rowing coaches, who row through scenic locations like the Thames in London. Our product testers loved the scenic views and called them beautiful. The list of workouts is also growing, and we think it will be hard to get bored with the class selection anytime soon.

The monthly subscription is $44 a month that gets you access to:

• A library of 4,000 live and on-demand rowing workouts that continues to grow
• Yoga, Pilates, and strength workouts
• Incentives through merchandise, badges, and certificates
• Multiple user profiles so multiple household members can use this rowing machine

When you buy the Hydrow Wave, you get a 30-day free trial. If you don’t like it, Hydrow will pick up the rower for free and provide a full refund (minus the professional assembly service if you paid for it).

If you want some of the perks of the subscription but don’t want to pay for the rower, you can look into the Hydrow app that grants you access to their yoga, pilates, and strength training workouts. You just won’t get access to their rowing classes. This app costs around $20 a month.

Included Workouts

There are no included workouts with the Hydrow Wave. Anyone who purchases the Hydrow Wave rower would need to purchase the subscription as well for a better rowing experience.

That said, without a subscription, you can use the “just row” mode. This mode gives you access to:

• Adjustable drag and resistance settings
• On-screen rowing metrics
• Bluetooth connection for heart rate monitors
• “Hydrow 101” videos to get you started

Ergonomics

Our product testers noted that the seat is comfortable, which is a huge deal for a rower. The handles have a smooth texture that our testers also found comfortable, but they noted that it is tough to maintain your grip once you start sweating.

The pedals are 13 inches long, so they should accommodate most foot sizes. We also liked the slightly angled handlebar, which helped keep our wrists comfortable during our workouts.

Another important thing to discuss is the length. The Hydrow Wave is 80 inches long overall (six inches shorter than the original) with a 52-inch track length. The track is long enough to accommodate a 36-inch inseam, the equivalent of someone who is about 6’3.

Bluetooth Connectivity

For Bluetooth connection, Hydrow recommends WiFi. There is an option for an ethernet connection as well. Smart devices like the iPhone, Apple watch, speakers, headphones, and heart rate monitors can connect to the Hydrow.

To measure your progress on the Hydrow Wave, you can also use the Strava app. This app turns every iPhone and Android device into a sophisticated tracking tool that can also be linked to your smart device and Apple watch. 

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Hydrow Wave doesn’t provide a heart rate monitor, but you can link your own heart rate monitor through Bluetooth to track your metrics. This is a great way to measure your effort and monitor your heart rate effectively and accurately. 

Display and Stat Tracking

The 16-inch touchscreen provides a ton of stats for tracking your workout. This display will show your heart rate in beats per minute (if you link a heart rate monitor), calories burned, distance traveled, strokes per minute, and average strokes per 500 meters to help measure your power output. The harder you row, the higher this number becomes to give you some indication of your intensity. This will also help quantify your calories burned based on power output.

Hydrow Wave Rower Specs

Rower Type

The Hydrow Wave rower uses electromagnetic resistance, which makes it a much quieter option than a flywheel rowing machine like the Concept2 rower. This could be a massive benefit if you do not want a disruptive workout session, especially if you live with other people. I am a parent of three children and I must say, the idea of working out with minimal noise is appealing. My children won’t wake up, and I can continue to work on my own health and fitness. 

Overall Dimensions

The Hydrow Wave is 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches high. This is a smaller rower compared to the original Hydrow, which is 86 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 47 inches high. These dimensions help make it a great piece of home gym equipment for smaller spaces. 

Track Length

The track length, or the amount of space you have to extend your legs fully, of the Hydrow Wave is 52 inches. In comparison, the Concept2 rower’s track length is 54 inches. Both rowers are good options for tall athletes. However, the Concept2 rower may be a better choice for those over 6’4 or 6’5.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of this rowing machine is 375 pounds, which is the same weight capacity as the original Hydrow. Even though this rower is smaller than the original model Hydrow, the fact it has the same weight capacity speaks volumes about its strength and durability. 

Resistance Levels

The Hydrow Wave provides various intensities of computer-controlled resistance, from levels 50 to 300. It automatically adjusts based on how hard you’re working.

The Hydrow rowing machine offers a default drag setting of 104, aimed at simulating the experience of rowing on water, which is recommended for most users. It’s important to know that the drag setting is not a generic difficulty setting, and increasing resistance is not always an effective way to improve your rowing workout. Too much resistance could cause you to use non-ideal rowing form that could be detrimental to your workout. 

Electrical Requirements

The Hydrow Wave rower must be plugged into a 110v outlet. This may limit where you’re able to put it, as you must always ensure you have an outlet nearby. It doesn’t offer as much flexibility as battery-operated rowers, like the Concept2.

Noise Level

This rower is built with electromagnetic resistance, which provides a smoother and quieter rowing experience than air rowers like the Concept2. 

Portability

The Hydrow Wave has roller wheels at the front of the machine. It weighs just above 100 pounds, and rolling it on a carpet could be a lot harder than someone with wood floors.

Warranty

Hydrow offers a one-year home use warranty on the Wave rower for free. If you want a two-year warranty, it will cost $150. If you want a three-year warranty, it will cost $200. 

Hydrow Wave vs. Concept2

One of the main differences between the Hydrow Wave and Concept2 rower is that the Hydrow Wave uses electromagnetic resistance while the Concept2 uses a fan wheel to provide air resistance. Another big difference is the price. The Concept2 costs just under $1,000, while the Hydrow Wave costs around $1,695.

The price difference can be largely attributed to the technological capabilities of each machine. The Concept2 has a smaller five-inch monitor that provides basic metrics and can’t provide on-demand workouts like the Hydrow Wave can. However, both rowers provide Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to heart rate monitors and other devices seamlessly. 

Lastly, the Concept2 rower has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, whereas the Hydrow Wave has a weight capacity of 375 pounds.

Concept2 RowErg

4.5

• Frame is made of heavy-duty aluminum
• Ergonomic handlebar and seat
• PM5 monitor comes with Bluetooth capabilities
• Accomodates users up to 6’6 and 500 pounds
• Comes with a limited five-year warranty

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Hydrow Wave vs. Peloton

The Hydrow Wave and Peloton rower have some similarities, one of them being their high-definition touch screens. The 23.8-inch Peloton screen is bigger than the Hydrow Wave’s 16-inch screen though. The Peloton screen can also swivel, whereas the Hydrow Wave is fixed. The swivel of the Peloton screen allows you to do workouts off the rower and be able to easily view the monitor. 

Both the Hydrow Wave and Peloton provide subscriptions for thousands of on-demand instructor-led workouts, and both have a similar price point between $42 to $44.  

While the Hydrow Wave has a weight capacity of 375 pounds, the Peloton rower has a lower weight capacity of 300 pounds. The Hydrow Wave is only 80 inches long while the Peloton rower is 94 inches in length. Depending on your body size, this could also indicate which of the rowers you would purchase. 

The Hydrow Wave comes in at about $1,695. The Peloton is just under $3,000, making the Hydrow Wave a much more budget-friendly choice.

Peloton Rower

4.0

• Dimensions: 7’10” L x 24” W
• Storage: Stores upright with the Upright Wall Anchor (included with purchase)
• Resistance: Electronically controlled
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: 23.8-inch 1080p HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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Hydrow Wave vs. Aviron

The Aviron is a unique rower compared to the Hydrow Wave. It is a dual air and electromagnetic resistance rower that can provide a better rowing experience. Both the Hydrow Wave and Aviron provide high-definition monitors through which you can follow guided workouts. However, the Aviron’s monitor is the bigger of the two, coming in at 22 inches. 

For guided on-demand workouts on the Aviron, an all-access membership costs either $24 a month if you pay annually (which adds up to $288 upfront), or $29 per month if you pay monthly. This membership gives you access to 500 workouts, which is less than Hydrow Wave’s 4,000 workouts. But Aviron also provides streaming services, games, and other incentives.

The Aviron is only four inches longer than the Hydrow Wave. It weighs 114 pounds, slightly heavier than the Hydrow Wave which is 102 pounds. The Aviron can hold up to 500 pounds, which is much more than Hydrow Wave’s 375-pound weight capacity. The Aviron is around $2,199, about $500 more expensive than the Hydrow Wave. 

Aviron Impact Series Rower

4.3

• Dimensions: 97” L x 21” W x 43” H
• Storage: Folds in half for storage
• Resistance: Air and magnetic
• Weight capacity: 397 pounds
• Display: 22-inch HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Coached workouts, scenic rows, games, virtual competitions

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Hydrow Wave Customer Reviews

On Amazon, the Hydrow Wave has a strong rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reviewers who left positive marks noted that the machine is smooth, perfectly engineered, and as quiet as described. However, many consumers felt the rower was too expensive. 

On TrustPilot, Hydrow had a higher rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. There weren’t many concerns about the rower itself. The only concern was with Hydrow’s customer service. The user noted that they couldn’t figure out a step and called customer service, but couldn’t get in touch with anyone. They had to reach out via email instead, so they couldn’t get the immediate assistance they were hoping for.

On Hydrow’s website, reviewers loved the size and portability of the Hydrow Wave. They loved how lightweight and easy it was to assemble. They were thrilled that Hydrow provided a cheaper and more compact version of the original Hydrow for customers with smaller workout spaces. 

Final Verdict: Is the Hydrow Wave Worth It?

After testing the Hydrow Wave, our product testers called it a true alternative to the Concept2 rower. The Hydrow Wave rowing machine offers a unique and immersive rowing experience, with electromagnetic resistance that closely replicates the feel of rowing on water. While the price point of about $1,695 may be steep for some, the investment is justified by the exceptional build quality, smooth mechanics, and the option to finance it at $36 per month. 

With a subscription plan at $44 per month, you gain access to a vast library of 4,000 workouts. The subscription makes it an attractive option if you seek on-demand instructor-led sessions. However, be aware of the additional cost of the anchor system required for vertical storage. Also, consider whether you want to invest in the subscription for the full range of features. The Hydrow Wave is an excellent choice for those who value a quiet, space-efficient, and technologically advanced rowing machine, particularly if they have a compact workout space and a budget that accommodates its price.

FAQs

The post Hydrow Wave Review (2024): A Certified Personal Trainer’s Honest Thoughts appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The reason it is such a tough exercise to conquer has to do with not just muscular power, but muscular coordination, as well. (1) When you perform the classic barbell squat, you’re recruiting multiple muscle groups at the same time, from head to toe, while coordinating your effort amongst the physical and technical demands of the exercise.

While many exercises can have their place in a leg workout, if you’re seeking to enhance the muscular density and strength of your lower body, the back squat is the undisputed champion. It puts your muscles to the test, as it demands a level of metabolic dedication that’ll trigger a spike in growth hormone that plays a role in stimulating hypertrophy. (2)

Take a closer look and focus on the mechanics of the squat, the muscles recruited, and some simple and effective variations that can help you get the most out of the time-tested back squat.

What Muscles Do Squats Work?

• Squat Technique
• Muscle Recruitment
• How to Emphasize Specific Muscles
• Squat Variations

How to Do the Squat— A Technique Guide

The barbell back squat can appear deceptively simple at first — put the bar on your back, squat down, and stand up. However, there are many details to this lift that can often be overlooked, such as specific bar placement, hand and foot position, and the posture of your head and neck.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing the squat, along with some tips to become a better squatter. Safety is crucial. Make sure to apply all of these steps for every individual repetition to not only get stronger, but to train smarter, too. 

Step One — Set the Barbell Height

Set the barbell at shoulder-height in a squat rack. When you grip the bar, position your arms parallel to the ground, ensuring a comfortable grip width that suits your shoulder mobility. Starting with a shoulder-width grip is recommended, but adjust to your individual balance of mobility and stability.

Coach’s Tip: If you encounter difficulties with your shoulder mobility, perform a thorough upper-body warm-up before starting your leg workout to improve your shoulder and chest mobility.

Step Two — Position the Bar and Create a Shelf

Choose between using either a high bar or low bar placement. What deciphers between a high bar or low bar position is whether the barbell is above your rear deltoids, or on top of (or below) your rear deltoids.

A high-bar squat tends to emphasize the knee joint which would recruit more quadricep dominance than a low-bar squat, which would place the weight closer to the hip joint to recruit the glute muscles. Select the bar placement that aligns with your training goals.

“Building a shelf” helps to create a space for the barbell to sit comfortably on the upper back to squat. To build a shelf, retract your scapulae (shoulder blades) and tighten your upper back to create a stable shelf for the bar to rest on.

Ensure your elbows are positioned underneath the bar, further securing it and promoting better posture. If your elbows aren’t under the bar or near perpendicular to the floor, your upper back might lose tightness and cause your spine to bend forward. 

Coach’s Tip: To help keep your elbows underneath the bar, explore your grip width on the bar. The wider the grip, the more mobility your shoulder will have to support this aspect of your squatting performance.

Step Three — Unrack the Weight and Set Your Stance

Lift the barbell off the J-hooks and take two steps back. If you’ve set your barbell height correctly, it should be relatively easy to unrack the weight. When stepping back, keep the initial step small, as the second step is primarily used to adjust your stance. Avoid stepping too far back, as this will make it more challenging to re-rack the weight later.

Your stance significantly influences muscle engagement. For a more quadriceps-focused squat, opt for a closer stance with your toes forward or slightly outward. Athletes should keep their feet forward to mimic the stance of their specific sport. (3)

If you are looking for maximum squat strength, angle your toes slightly outward to make sure your knees stay outward in a more advantageous position. If you want to engage your hips more, stand wider and turn your toes outward — a technique often used by powerlifters and strongman competitors. 

Coach’s Tip: The strongest and relatively biggest muscles of the body are your glutes. If you want to maximize strength, you want to use a more “glute-dominant” variation of the squat. Make sure your feet are a little wider than a normal stance, with your toes outward. Consider using a low-bar position, as well.

Step Four — Head Position

To maintain a flat and rigid spine throughout the squat, make sure you position your head slightly down at roughly a 45-degree angle. This head placement helps flatten the cervical spine — the vertebrae of your neck — which helps influence the rest of your spine to remain stable during the lift.

Coach’s Tip: If you struggle to have good posture, start off with your head slightly facing down, but, as you perform the squat, keep your head slightly forward until you hit your sticking point moving upward. Once you hit that sticking point, tilt your head up and forward to help influence your spine to “get taller.” This should put you in a better position and improve your squat. 

Step Five — Time to Squat

After the detailed process of setting up in a good position, it’s time to perform the squat itself.

• Initial Phase: Before beginning the descent, brace your core by taking a deep breath through your belly, increasing pressure within your abdominal cavity. This technique enhances lower back rigidity and overall posture. Consider using a lifting belt for added support. To keep the brace in your core, breathe through your nose, and do not allow your shoulders to rise during your initial breath. 

• Descending Phase: As you lower into the squat, ensure your hips move downward and slightly back to distribute the weight evenly across your mid-foot. The goal is to maintain proper alignment between your knee and hip joints. Aim to reach a comfortable depth, with your thighs near parallel to the ground or slightly lower.

• Ascending Phase: During the ascent, pay attention to potential “sticking points” as the load gets heavier. When your strength gets challenged, technique becomes crucial. The better your technique is from start to finish, the more likely you can battle through that sticking point to complete the lift. Return upright to a full lockout.

By following each of these steps and maintaining proper form throughout the movement, you’ll maximize head-to-toe muscle engagement and reduce the chances of common mistakes, ensuring a successful and effective squat.

Muscle Recruitment During Squats

Time to dig deep into the anatomy of the barbell back squat, exploring the primary muscles and secondary muscles required to perform the movement.

The barbell back squat recruits a combination of primary and secondary muscles, with the quadriceps and glutes taking the lead in knee and hip extension, respectively. Proper engagement of these muscle groups, and the support of secondary muscles, is crucial for executing a safe and effective squat.

Primary Muscles

A primary muscle is the main targeted muscle used during an intended movement. The muscles tend to be the larger muscles of the anatomy, especially during a compound movement which involves moving at multiple joints — in the squat, you’re moving at the hips, knees, and ankles. The primary muscles of the squat are the quadriceps and the glute maximus.

Quadriceps 

• The quadriceps are a group of four muscles located at the front of the upper leg. 
• The primary function of the quadriceps is knee extension, which is crucial during the ascending phase of the squat. They play a pivotal role in straightening the knee joint as you lift the weight.
• The quadriceps are heavily engaged when an athlete relies on their knee joint to move the weight. The knee joint might be prioritized during a high-bar squat, a squat to full (below parallel) depth, or when the athlete’s knees begin to break far in front of their toes. 

Glutes 

• The gluteus maximus, the largest of the gluteal muscles, forms the bulk of the hip joint. 
• The glutes are responsible for hip extension, which is crucial for rising from a squat position. They provide the power needed to straighten the hips.
• The gluteus maximus is heavily engaged when an athlete starts to rely more on their hip joint to drive the weight up. The hip joint might be prioritized when an athlete performs a low-bar squat, box squat, or when the athlete has “vertical shins,” which means they are putting more weight on their heels than their toes. 

Secondary Muscles

A secondary muscle tends to be a relatively smaller muscle group that aids the primary muscle(s) with executing an exercise. The secondary muscles that provide support and stabilization during the squat are the hamstrings, calves, lower back, and core muscles.

Hamstrings

• The hamstrings are located at the back of your upper leg, running from your hips to you knees.
• While primarily responsible for knee flexion (like leg curls), the hamstrings assist in hip extension (straightening your upper leg in line with your torso). Your hamstrings help control the descending phase of the squat, acting as stabilizers.

Calves

• The calves are comprised of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and are located behind your lower leg.
• The primary function of the calf muscles is the extension of the ankle joint — “pointing” your foot down. While not directly involved in the squat, they help stabilize the ankle joint, especially when pushing through the mid-foot. If you want to have a great squat, you want to keep your feet flat during each rep, meaning you need great ankle mobility, which relies on flexible calf muscles. 

Erector Spinae (Lower Back)

• The erector spinae muscles run along your spine’s length, supporting and stabilizing your lower back, especially. 
• The erector spinae muscles are responsible for spinal extension, helping to maintain an upright torso position during the squat.

Core

• Your core includes muscles such as the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis.
• Core muscles provide stability to the torso, helping maintain proper posture and preventing excessive spinal flexion or extension. They work in conjunction with the erectors, as well.

How to Emphasize Key Muscles

As mentioned earlier, the primary muscles used to squat are the quadriceps and the glutes. However, to emphasize one muscle group over the other depends on adjusting your setup and movement, including foot placement, stance, depth, and barbell placement. (4)

Maximizing Quadriceps Recruitment

For those seeking to grow and strengthen their quadriceps, start by positioning your feet closer together, either at shoulder-width or slightly narrower. This narrower stance magnifies the involvement of your quadriceps during the squat, intensifying their engagement.

To further emphasize quadriceps recruitment, favor a high-bar placement with the barbell on your upper back. Placing the bar higher on your back shifts your center of gravity forward, ensuring that your quadriceps take the brunt of the load.

This strategic bar placement is a key element in effectively targeting and strengthening the quadriceps, especially for those in a hypertrophic (muscle-building) phase of training. 

Another trick toward quad-dominance is going below a parallel depth. This increased depth tends to cause the shins to lean forward, putting the ankle within a great range of motion (also known as “dorsiflexion”) which will put more strain on the knee joint. This causes the quadriceps to be more activated.

Maximizing Glute Recruitment

If your objective centers on maximizing glute engagement, widen your stance beyond a shoulder-width position and point your toes out. This can influence your shins to stay upright, redirecting the focus to your glutes and intensifying their involvement.

You should also use a low-bar position to shift the weight distribution at your hip joints. This helps you get a better hip hinge, which accentuates glute recruitment. Placing the bar lower on your back ensures that the glutes play a more dominant role in the squat.

For those who struggle with feeling glute recruitment, try including a “pause” in the bottom position, or even use a box squat variation, as the box enforces the cue to push your hips backward instead of down. That’s a key point— if your hips move further back, your glutes can be more engaged.

Squatting straight down pushes your upper thighs forward as you descend, causing your knees to be more recruited, which would cause a more quadriceps-dominant action.

Squat Variations

There are a few other squat variations that can be used to further emphasize recruitment of either your quadriceps or glutes. By making changes to the bar position or, in some cases, avoiding the standard barbell completely, you can force your body to recruit different muscles while performing the same fundamental squatting movement.

Front Squat

In this variation, the barbell is positioned on the front of your shoulders rather than across your upper back. To achieve this unique position, you can either cross your arms over each other to hold the barbell or use an Olympic weightlifting-style “rack” position that puts your arms parallel to each other with your arms bent and the bar near your fingertips.

The defining feature of the front squat is its demand for a more upright torso posture. This is what would make the movement more quadriceps-dominant than glute-dominant, similar to a high-bar squat. 

The front squat promotes improved posture and spinal alignment. It strengthens your upper back while reducing the risk of forward-leaning tendencies often associated with the classic barbell back squat.

SSB Squat

The SSB (safety squat bar) is a specialized barbell that has pads and forward-pointing handles that hold the weight on top of your shoulders and upper back. The weight distribution creates a forward-leaning upper body angle compared to a standard barbell , which significantly impacts the mechanics of the squat. This makes it a more quadriceps-dominant variation.

The SSB squat is an ideal choice for individuals who may have mobility limitations in certain areas like the shoulders. Additionally, the SSB squat places a substantial focus, not only on the quadriceps, but also the upper back and the posterior chain. It delivers a great challenge to not just quadriceps strength, but postural strength as well. 

In terms of muscle engagement, the primary target during the SSB squat is your quadriceps. However, the angled handles also bring your upper back and posterior chain into play. This shift in muscle emphasis sets it apart from the classic barbell back squat, which primarily targets the quadriceps but doesn’t engage the upper back and posterior chain to the same extent.

Belt Squat

The belt squat is unlike the front squat or SSB squat. Instead of placing a barbell on your upper body, you wear a belt around your waist attached either to a specially designed platform or to a barbell on the ground set in a landmine unit. The belt distributes weight across your hips, which makes it a glute-dominant variation of the barbell squat.

The belt squat offers an effective means of challenging the lower body without placing weight on your torso and spine, making it particularly suitable for individuals dealing with back issues.

Additionally, the belt squat targets your legs with little to no upper body involvement. This would be a great exercise for those with specific limitations, including poor shoulder mobility, spinal compression issues, or an inability to hold a barbell with one or both arms.

Time to Squat

The barbell back squat is a top exercise that engages multiple muscle groups and delivers massive benefits, from increasing strength and power to building more muscular legs. Overall muscle recruitment during squats is a crucial variable that can be manipulated by your stance, movement, and bar position. No matter how you do it, the squat is an iconic lift that can improve anyone’s success in building size, strength, and athleticism. 

References

1. Myer, G. D., Kushner, A. M., Brent, J. L., Schoenfeld, B. J., Hugentobler, J., Lloyd, R. S., Vermeil, A., Chu, D. A., Harbin, J., & McGill, S. M. (2014). The back squat: A proposed assessment of functional deficits and technical factors that limit performance. Strength and conditioning journal, 36(6), 4–27. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000103
2. Wilk, M., Petr, M., Krzysztofik, M., Zajac, A., & Stastny, P. (2018). Endocrine response to high intensity barbell squats performed with constant movement tempo and variable training volume. Neuro endocrinology letters, 39(4), 342–348.
3. Ribeiro, Alex & Santos, Erick & Nunes, João Pedro & Amarante do Nascimento, Matheus & Graça, Ágatha & Bezerra, Ewertton & Mayhew, Jerry. (2022). A Brief Review on the Effects of the Squat Exercise on Lower-Limb Muscle Hypertrophy. Strength and Conditioning Journal. Publish Ahead of Print. 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000709.
4. Larsen, S., Kristiansen, E., Helms, E., & van den Tillaar, R. (2021). Effects of Stance Width and Barbell Placement on Kinematics, Kinetics, and Myoelectric Activity in Back Squats. Frontiers in sports and active living, 3, 719013. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.719013

Featured Image: MilanMarkovic78 / Shutterstock

The post What Muscles Do Squats Work? Maximize Your Benefits from the King of Leg Exercises appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

During my years as a personal trainer, I used the Concept2 rower myself and for dozens of clients. Collectively, the Breaking Muscle staff also has decades of experience using this rower in their home gyms, CrossFit boxes, and other commercial gyms. We’re well-equipped to provide this in-depth Concept2 rower review and speak to its key features, pros, cons, specifications, and how it compares to other popular rowing machines.

Key Takeaways

• The Concept2 rower, now called the RowErg, is the same machine as the Model D (the rower with a 14-inch seat height) and Model E (the rower with a 20-inch seat height). Concept2 changed the machine’s name in May 2021. The Model E rower has been discontinued. However, the RowErg is available with either a 14-inch seat height or a 20-inch seat height.
• With a clean and effective design, the Concept2 Rower is engineered for smooth operation, easy maintenance, and long-lasting performance. This commercial-grade rowing machine features a nickel-plated steel chain, aluminum front legs, and steel rear legs to ensure a durable, long-lasting build. 
• The Concept2 Rower comes with a PM5 performance monitor that tracks stats such as pace, strokes per minute, estimated calories burned, and watts (power output). The monitor also connects via Bluetooth to various apps, including ErgData.

Concept2 RowErg

4.5

• Frame is made of heavy-duty aluminum
• Ergonomic handlebar and seat
• PM5 monitor comes with Bluetooth capabilities
• Accomodates users up to 6’6 and 500 pounds
• Comes with a limited five-year warranty

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Concept2 Rower Pros

• The Concept2 Rower uses air resistance, which adjusts to your stroke rate and power. Air resistance also provides smoother action compared to magnetic and water-based rowers. I can attest to this, as I have used both air and magnetic rowers. 
• The Concept2 can hold users up to 500 pounds. Other brands like NordicTrack, Peloton, and Hydrow can only accommodate users up to 250 to 375 pounds. 
• You can quickly break down the rower using the quick-release feature or even mount it to the wall. Concept2 doesn’t sell a mounting tool for the rower, but the Rogue Fitness wall hanger is available for around $32.50. However, the rower is also easy to store upright without a wall mount if you need to keep it out of the way when you’re not using it.

Concept2 Rower Cons

• Because it is an air rower, it can be loud. The harder you row, the louder the machine becomes. It might deter those who use it in their home gym and do not want to disrupt their family members or roommates.
• The Concept2 RowErg costs around $990 before taxes and shipping. While cheaper than other rowers on the market with lots of high-end tech features (like touchscreen monitors and on-screen workout classes, which Concept2 doesn’t offer), it still might not be ideal for those looking for an ultra-budget-friendly machine.
• The Concept2 rower is very long, reaching a total length of 96 inches (eight feet) when assembled. Those with limited workout space at home may need to look at more compact rowing machines.

Concept2 Rower Rating

The Breaking Muscle staff members have tested over 20 rowing machines. We put each one through an in-depth scoring system to rank its construction, delivery and assembly, tech features, and more. The table below shows how the Concept2 rower fared.

Concept2 Rower Overview

The Concept2 rower is arguably the most popular rowing machine currently available that’s suitable for both home and commercial use. In 1981, Concept2 became the first brand to create an indoor rowing machine. Since then, it has become an iconic brand in the fitness industry. As a personal trainer who has worked in different commercial gyms such as Life Time Fitness and Anytime Fitness, I can attest to the ubiquitousness of the Concept2 Rower.

In CrossFit, the Concept2 rower is one of the preferred cardio machines for both casual and competitive athletes. CrossFit values the Concept2 rower because it offers a complete full-body workout, making it an effective tool for assessing overall fitness levels. It accommodates users up to 500 pounds, so it can be suitable for individuals of varying sizes and fitness levels. Plus, its sturdy construction and minimal maintenance requirements mean it can withstand heavy use in CrossFit boxes.

The Concept2 rowing machine features a nickel-plated steel chain, aluminum front legs, and steel rear legs. While its price of just under $1,000 places it in the mid-range of rowing machine options, it offers exceptional value for its performance and durability. It operates on air resistance, so it replicates the feel of open-water rowing and matches your intensity as you row.

Who Should Buy a Concept2 Rower

• This indoor rower could be good for those who want a full-body workout to test both muscular and cardiovascular endurance.
• The functionality of the Concept2 rower is great for those who are especially into CrossFit-style training. Concept2 is the preferred brand for rowing machines in the CrossFit community.
• The Concept2 RowErg could be an excellent low-impact cardio machine for those who suffer from joint pain. Unlike running, rowing doesn’t place a huge amount of stress on the knees, hips, and ankles.

Who Should Not Buy a Concept2 Rower

• The Concept2 rower might not be ideal for those who are worried about noise. This is an air resistance rower. The harder you row, the more air moves around the flywheel, which makes the machine louder.
• Even though the Concept2 RowErg offers a 20-inch-high seat, individuals with severe mobility restrictions may still find it too low.
• Using this rower could be tough for those with limited space. When fully assembled, the Concept2 rower machine is 96 inches long. Depending on your setup, you might not have enough room to fit the erg comfortably and work out safely.

RELATED: Best Home Gym Equipment

Concept2 Rower In-Depth Review

The review below is based on insights I’ve gathered through my own use of the Concept2 RowErg and feedback I’ve received from the Breaking Muscle staff, which comprises CrossFitters, certified personal trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches. We then used a proprietary scoring system to rank the machine on a scale of one to five in various categories, such as cost, the quality of the materials, tracking capabilities, and assembly.

Price

The Concept2 RowErg with the 14-inch seat height costs around $990 before taxes and shipping. If you opt for the 20-inch seat height, it will cost around $1,155. While the price could be a drawback for anyone on a super strict budget, we still gave it 4.8 stars. The overall value is high due to the machine’s commercial-quality construction and durability. Also, this rower machine is much cheaper than other options, like the Peloton or Hydrow rowers, which are double the price (or more).

Materials, Build, and Construction Quality

The Concept2 rower consists of aluminum front legs, steel rear legs, a nickel-plated steel chain, an aluminum monorail, and a stainless steel seat track.

Due to this heavy-duty construction, we rated the build a 4.9 out of 5. Based on my experience with the Concept2 rower, it can take on heavy abuse. Even in commercial gym settings, it is so strong it may never have to be replaced.

Amanda Dvorak, Breaking Muscle’s Reviews Editor who started CrossFit in 2015 and now uses a Concept2 rower in her garage gym, can attest to its durability. She mentioned that even after banging it on her squat rack accidentally (on multiple occasions) while moving it around her garage, she’s never noticed a difference in how it looks or performs. The CrossFit gyms she’s trained at previously also never had any major issues with these rowers, despite them being used six to seven times a day for years.

Delivery and Assembly

After the erg arrived at our testing facility, our team ranked the delivery and assembly process a 5 out of 5. There was no damage upon delivery. The RowErg comes with screws and a screwdriver, so there’s no need to run to your local hardware store or pull out your toolbox to put it together.

I have built many pieces of home gym equipment, including the Stamina Elite rower I use at home. I can honestly say that one of the biggest issues with all of my purchases is that it takes forever to build them. The Concept2 rower, however, only required a few minutes of light effort from our testing staff before they were able to hop on and start rowing.

Amanda Dvorak, an editor on the Breaking Muscle team, agrees with the product testing staff’s assessment. There was also no damage to her machine when she received it at home, and she and her husband were able to put the erg together in around 10 minutes.

Performance

The Concept2 rower’s performance is exactly what you’d expect from a commercial-grade piece of equipment. The seat slides over the monorail effortlessly, and the chain doesn’t snag if you maintain it properly by oiling it after every 50 hours of use.

Subscription Options

It’s hard to give the Concept2 rower a rating on subscription options because it does not provide any. This is one of the drawbacks to this device, as other products like the Peloton or Hydrow rower provide subscriptions for access to live and on-demand classes. All the Concept2 offers is a PM5 monitor. As I’ll discuss below, it tracks a lot of information, but it’s not as fancy as a high-tech monitor that lets you stream classes.

One good thing about the lack of subscription options is that it can save you money. The subscriptions you’ll find on Hydrow, Peloton, or NordicTrack rowers, for example, can cost $30 or more per month. It’s an added cost you have to consider when buying a rowing machine.

To make up for the lack of subscription options, the Concept2 row erg includes a device holder that can hold your smart device. You can then stream workouts from an app of your choice — but keep in mind that this may be an extra monthly cost.

Ergonomics

Our team rated the ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5. The handle features a 10-degree bend to allow for a natural grip, and it’s covered with molded rubber to help absorb sweat. However, it can cause skin discomfort, especially for new rowers.

Amanda Dvorak, Breaking Muscle Reviews Editor, hadn’t used a rower in over a year before she bought a Concept2 erg for her home gym. Despite already having calluses on her palms from lifting weights, her hands blistered frequently once she started rowing again.

Amanda also recounts how uncomfortable she found the seat when she began rowing again. However, now that she has been using the rower at least once a week, her tailbone discomfort has lessened, and her hands no longer blister. If you have similar experiences when you first start rowing, we think it’s safe to say that you’ll adjust to the rower after a couple of months of consistent use. If not, you can wear workout gloves or buy a padded seat cushion online to make your rowing experience more pleasant.

Foot Pedals

The pedals accommodate a wide range of foot sizes. We’ve seen users with size 13 feet be able to use the rower comfortably. The pedals don’t pivot like they do on other rowers, such as the NordicTrack RW600. However, they are designed to help you achieve a vertical shin angle for the catch phase of the row (when your knees are bent, your arms are straight, and the seat is closer to the front of the machine). This is especially beneficial for rowers with poor ankle mobility.

Heart Rate Monitoring

I would rate the heart rate monitoring capabilities of this rowing machine a 4 out of 5, as it doesn’t offer a direct way of monitoring heart rate. The only way to do so is to have a compatible device to sync with using ANT+ and Bluetooth, such as an Apple watch (via the ErgData app) or a digital chest strap.

PM5 Monitor, Display, and Stats Tracking

While the monitor may appear simple, it provides a ton of data tracking capabilities. Compared to the older monitor (the PM4), the PM5 provides Bluetooth connection capabilities to track your workouts. Overall, we rated the monitor itself 4.7 out of 5 stars and the display 4 out of 5.

The PM5 monitor tracks a range of metrics, including time, pace, distance, strokes per minute (SPM), watts, calories burned, and heart rate (with a compatible device).

We love its ability to save all of our workout history, so we can see how we’re progressing and improving over time. And, as mentioned, it can connect to potentially 30 different compatible apps. ErgData is a favorite amongst the Breaking Muscle staff because it allows us to create custom workouts, program the Concept2 Workout of the Day into the machine, and more. However, you can also use other apps like Regatta, RowHero, and Fiit.

Despite the impressive amount of information the monitor can show, the actual display is pretty basic. The monitor is also quite small, measuring just seven inches diagonally. The size pales in comparison to the NordicTrack RW900, for example, which has a 22-inch monitor.

One of the redeeming qualities, though, is the backlit display, which didn’t exist on previous iterations of the monitor. Breaking Muscle Editor Amanda Dvorak says it’s one of her favorite things about the PM5 monitor. She trains early in the morning and hates turning on bright lights during her workouts. The backlit display makes it easier for her to read the screen when she’s working out before sunrise.

Included Workouts

For the included workouts, we rank this feature a 4.8 out of 5. The Concept2 rower comes with multiple preset workouts, such as distance training for 2,000 meters or interval training modes with 500 meters of work and one minute of rest. The preset options are great for beginner rowers who may not know how to get started or advanced athletes who want to follow structured programs.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Concept2 rower’s PM5 monitor supports Bluetooth connectivity to compatible heart rate monitors. You can also sync workout data to Concept2’s ErgData app or dozens of other apps to track your workout history.

RELATED: Best Treadmills for Home

Concept2 Rower Specs

When considering the Concept2 rower, it’s important to understand the specifications and features that make it stand out. From the basic dimensions to the electrical requirements, we’ll break down the key details that define it and set it apart in the world of rowing machines.

Rower Type

The Concept2 rower is an air rower. The air resistance works through the use of the handles and the machine’s fanwheel. When you pull the handle, the flywheel traps air inside to provide resistance. The resistance then adjusts to your stroke rate and power output.

Based on our experience, air rowers emulate the feeling of rowing on open water more authentically than magnetic rowers. This is one of the many reasons why professional rowers often complete their indoor training on a Concept2 erg.

Overall Dimensions

The Concept2 rower is 96 inches long, 24 inches wide, and either 14 or 20 inches high. The height depends on whether you buy the standard model or the one with taller legs.

Track Length

The track length, also known as the monorail length, is 54 inches. This length helps to accommodate athletes up to 6’6.

Seat Height

The RowErg comes with a 14-inch seat height. If you think this will be too low for you, you have the option of purchasing an erg with taller legs that elevate the seat to 20 inches. However, the taller rower changes the cost from about $990 to about $1,155.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the Concept2 rower is 500 pounds, which is well above other rowing machines like the ones from NordicTrack and Peloton. All three rower models from NordicTrack have a weight capacity of 250 pounds, while the Peloton rower has a weight limit of 300 pounds.

Resistance Levels

The Concept2 rower offers variable resistance. The resistance is dependent on the forcefulness of each row. This is different from magnetic rowers, which provide fixed resistance levels, and water rowers, whose resistance levels change based on how much water is in a water tank attached to the machine.

Concept2 rowers also utilize a damper setting. The damper is an adjustment that allows you to provide “more” or “less” resistance based on the availability of airflow. The damper ranges from one to 10 — one means the flywheel is completely closed, and 10 means it is fully open. When you increase the damper setting, you open the damper and allow more air into the flywheel. A higher damper setting results in a faster deceleration of the flywheel, making the rowing motion harder to perform.

Electrical Requirements

This rower machine takes two D-cell batteries, which are included with your purchase. There’s no need to situate the rower near an outlet, so you can move it around any room in your house or take it outdoors (something the Breaking Muscle staff members love to do when the weather permits).

Noise Level

The Concept2 rower can be loud because it is an air resistance rower. The rower recruits air from the fan flywheel, and the more air it recruits, the louder the sound becomes. An online review indicates that the Concept2 rower has a decibel level between 67 and 74, slightly quieter than a vacuum cleaner.

Amanda Dvorak, one of Breaking Muscle’s editors, often brings her rower indoors when her garage gets too cold in the winter. Her husband, who’s a light sleeper and usually still in bed when Amanda works out in the morning, has claimed that the noise doesn’t bother him at all. However, Amanda keeps the rower on the first level of her home, while her husband sleeps in their bedroom on the second level. If you live in a one-story home or a small apartment, the noise may be more bothersome to other people.

Portability

The Concept2 RowErg features two roller wheels at the front for portability. There is no handle on the back, but since the machine weighs just 57 to 68 pounds (depending on whether you get the standard height or the tall legs), it’s easy to place your hand under the monorail to lift it. If needed, you can tilt the monorail up to store the rower vertically.

The rower also breaks down into two pieces if you don’t have enough room to leave it fully assembled all the time. The home gym owners on the Breaking Muscle staff do this frequently and note that it takes just a few seconds to disassemble the rail from the flywheel piece and reconnect them again when needed.

Warranty

Every Concept2 rower includes a five-year warranty for the frame and a two-year warranty for all other components, which we consider pretty standard for the industry. Some rowers we’ve tested, like the Echelon Row-S, only have a 12-month warranty. However, other rowing machines, like the CITYROW GoMax, offer a five-year frame warranty like Concept2 does.

Concept2 Rower vs. NordicTrack Rower

When comparing the Concept2 rower and the NordicTrack rowers, several key differences stand out. While the Concept2 RowErg has a simple display with no video classes, NordicTrack rowers come with interactive monitors. These monitors range from 10 to 22 inches and offer instructor-led live and on-demand classes. These programs can be engaging and motivating for users who enjoy structured workouts and following along with an instructor.

To access this library of workouts, you will need an iFit subscription for about $39 a month. You don’t necessarily need the subscription to use NordicTrack rowers, but you will be very limited in using all the features of your interactive screen.

Both brands’ rowers also use air resistance, which provides a smooth and dynamic rowing experience. However, NordicTrack rowers add an extra layer of versatility with 26 digital resistance levels. Concept2 doesn’t have traditional resistance levels; the resistance depends on how much air you allow into the flywheel based on your damper setting and how hard you row.

In terms of size, the Concept2 rower is 94 inches long, while NordicTrack rowers range from 82 to 87 inches long. The Concept2 rower excels in strength, as it supports users of up to 500 pounds. This is twice the weight capacity of the NordicTrack rowers.

The Concept2 rower also comes at a more affordable price than the NordicTrack RW700 and RW900, which cost around $1,499 and $1,999, respectively. However, as of this writing, the NordicTrack RW600 is on sale for around $900, about $90 cheaper than the Concept2 rower.

NordicTrack RW600

Dimensions: 87.02" L x 22.0" W x 47.24" H

Storage: Folds in half for vertical storage

Resistance: Air and magnetic

Weight capacity: 250 pounds

Display: 10-inch smart HD touchscreen

Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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Concept2 Rower vs. Peloton

One of the first noticeable differences between the Concept2 rower and the Peloton is the interactive monitor screen. Peloton’s rowers feature a sizable 23.8-inch swivel interactive monitor, which allows you to engage in video-led sessions. However, accessing these classes requires a monthly subscription fee of around $44.

This is very different from the PM5 monitor provided by Concept2, which doesn’t have video-led sessions or subscription requirements. If interactive workouts and access to a vast library of training content are your priorities, the Peloton rowers might be more appealing.

Both rowers share similar dimensions, ensuring a consistent rowing experience in terms of space requirements and overall setup. However, the Concept2 rower has a remarkable weight capacity of up to 500 pounds. The Peloton rower, in contrast, has a lower weight capacity of 300 pounds, which could limit its suitability for individuals with greater body weight.

In terms of price, Concept2 is the more budget-friendly option. The Peloton rower costs around $2,995, nearly three times the cost of the Concept2 erg.

Peloton Rower

4.0

• Dimensions: 7’10” L x 24” W
• Storage: Stores upright with the Upright Wall Anchor (included with purchase)
• Resistance: Electronically controlled
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: 23.8-inch 1080p HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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Concept2 Rower vs. Hydrow

Another great brand of rowing machines is Hydrow. Hydrow’s original rower and the more compact Wave rower offer an enjoyable ride due to their use of magnetic resistance. Like Peloton, Hydrow rowers have built-in monitors for streaming engaging, motivating workout classes.

Hydrow’s advanced technology and immersive experience come with a higher price tag. Their rowers start at just under $1,900. The Concept2 rower offers a more budget-friendly option starting at about $990. In order to access Hydrow’s library of workouts, you also need to pay a monthly subscription of around $42.

Like Concept2, Hydrow’s rowers offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to heart rate monitors and sync with fitness apps. In terms of dimensions, the Hydrow rower measures 86 inches in length, 25 inches in width, and 47 inches in height, making it slightly more compact than the Concept2 rower. It also has a lighter weight capacity of 375 pounds. This doesn’t come near the strength of the Concept2 rower, which has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.

RELATED: Hydrow Wave Review

Hydrow Wave Rower

4.0

• Dimensions: 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H
• Storage: Stores upright
• Resistance: Magnetic
• Weight capacity: 375 pounds
• Display: 16-inch HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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Concept2 Rower Customer Reviews

On four sites, including Amazon, the average rating for the Concept2 rower is 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many people praised it for its durability, quick setup, and storage capabilities. 

Despite all of the praise, some customers did note a few drawbacks. A few customers found the noise level concerning for at-home workouts. Others also noted the limitation of the PM5 screen and would prefer to have a larger monitor that provided instructional videos instead.

Final Verdict: Is the Concept2 Rower Worth It?

When you consider all the features of a top-tier rower, the Concept2 rower is one of the best. Concept2 has built a solid reputation of quality and dependability with competitive rowers, the CrossFit community, and home gym users who want equipment that won’t stop working after a few months.

Through an extensive analysis by our expert team, it’s clear that the Concept2 rower can be well worth the investment. It provides a smooth, realistic rowing experience. It is easy to build and should last for years, especially in a home gym. Knowing that this product exists in many homes and multiple commercial gyms, it’s hard to find another rower that can push the Concept2 rower off the top of the podium.

FAQs

The post Concept2 Rower Review (2024) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

As a strength and conditioning coach, I like to use cable machines during each workout, if possible, and I coach my athletes to do the same. Cable machines can help my athletes and I perform variations of traditional movements to potentially recruit more muscle fibers for increased muscle size and strength. For example, doing cable chest presses could allow the arms to move in a different range of motion than a bench press. 

In this article, we’ll explore many great options currently being offered for cable machines. We’ll shine a light on the essential features that set different cable machines apart, ensuring you select the perfect fit for your fitness space. The wrong choice can disrupt your workout routine and hinder your progress, so it’s crucial to make an informed decision. 

How We Chose the Best Cable Machines for Home Gyms

Our selection of the best cable machines involved a comprehensive evaluation of the machine’s versatility, dimensions, and weight capacity. We prioritized cable machines that offered a broad spectrum of cable exercise possibilities, ensuring they could accommodate users of all fitness levels and preferences. Machines enabling both unilateral and bilateral movements, along with diverse exercise angles, round out our list. 

In addition to the versatility of different exercises, we considered the dimensions of each cable machine. We understand that home gym spaces can vary in size, so we aimed to provide options suitable for various setups. Our selection included cable machines with compact designs for those with limited space and larger models for individuals with more extensive home gym environments. 

Lastly, we examined the maximum resistance capacity of the cable machines. This factor is crucial for individuals seeking to challenge themselves with heavier weights. Our list featured machines with varying weight capacities, ranging from 200 pounds to 450 pounds, to cater to users with different strength levels. A higher maximum resistance capacity enables progressive overload, facilitating continued strength and muscle growth.

Our Top Picks for the Best Cable Machines for Home Gyms

• Best Cable Machine for Home Gyms Overall: REP Fitness Ares
• Best Cable Crossover Machine: Force USA MyRack Cable Crossover Attachment
• Best Functional Trainer Cable Machine: REP FT-5000
• Best Portable Cable Machine: MAXPRO SC
• Best Wall-Mounted Cable Machine: Titan Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower
• Best Budget Cable Machine: Bells of Steel Functional Trainer
• Best Compact Cable Machine: Tonal

Best Cable Machine for Home Overall: REP Fitness Ares

REP Fitness Ares

4.2

• Dimensions: Adds 1.2 inches in height, 1.6 inches in width to the PR-4000 and five inches in width to the PR-5000, and six inches to the front of the rack with footplate
• Maximum resistance: 450 pounds
• Type: Weight stacks
• Warranty: One year for the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime for the rack and frames

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We consider the REP Fitness Ares cable machine the best home gym cable machine because of its versatility, customizability, and compatibility with other top home gym equipment. Overall, our product testing team rated it 4.2 out of 5 stars but gave it 4.5 to 5 stars in categories such as stability, construction quality, durability, and how smoothly the cables move.

Unlike other options on our list, this isn’t a traditional cable machine — rather, it is a functional trainer and lat pulldown-low row attachment that affixes to REP’s PR-4000 or PR-5000 power racks. Its cable system allows for a wide array of exercises, from classic movements like lat pulldowns to more dynamic exercises like cable crossovers. This versatility can be especially appealing to users who want to target specific muscle groups to add variety to their workouts.

The endless list of exercise selections is complemented by the 30 aluminum pulleys with custom retainers to keep the cables on track. The use of aluminum makes these pulleys stronger and more stable and provides a smoother action of resistance for each repetition.

Another great feature is how much space it can save. The front pulleys swivel 180 degrees for versatile movements and allow you to perform exercises inside and outside the cable machine. Creating these movements stems from all the attachments included with this machine. The Ares comes with four micro-adjustment 2.5-pound weights, D cable handles, a knurled chrome lat pull-down bar and low row bar, and a connector banana. 

But as with many great purchases, there are some drawbacks. The REP Ares starts at around $2,799, which could put it out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers. This is also one of the reasons we docked a few points off our overall score. Additionally, to build this cable machine, you need to purchase the PR-4000 or PR-5000 power rack, which start at around $800 and $900, respectively. This adds to the price and financial investment of this device. 

RELATED: Best Squat Racks for Small Spaces, Beginners, and More

Another drawback is that the assembly can be challenging. We had several people work on it together, and it took them close to five hours. Plus, it arrived in multiple boxes with numbers that didn’t match up to the instructions. For someone who is not too familiar with building and creating home gym equipment, this would be one of the more challenging aspects, as the FT-5000 comes with a ton of pieces and requires a lot of focus during setup. 

Overall, the REP Fitness Ares cable machine is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their home gym setup. Its versatility and build quality make it an attractive option, but its price and assembly complexity should be considered before making a purchase. Ultimately, it’s a high-quality piece of equipment that can contribute to a well-rounded and effective fitness routine.

Best Cable Crossover Machine: Force USA MyRack Cable Crossover Attachment

Force USA MyRack Cable Crossover Attachment

3.8

• Dimensions: 87” H x and 52” W (when added to power rack)
• Maximum resistance: 880 pounds
• Type: Plate-loaded
• Warranty: One year for the upholstery and attachments; 10 years for moving parts; lifetime on the frame

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The MyRack Cable Crossover Attachment is our pick for the best cable crossover machine because it comes at a reasonable price, is compatible with most of the best weight plates, and offers multiple adjustment points to enhance its versatility. It’s a lightweight addition to your home gym that doesn’t require the headache of hauling multiple weight stacks to build your setup. Each side is sold separately, but at around $429 per attachment, it’s still thousands of dollars cheaper than other machines like the REP Ares or Bells of Steel Functional Trainer. 

Unlike other cable crossover attachments, the MyRack Cable Crossover offers floating pulleys, giving you 28 different adjustment points to hit a variety of exercises. This is a huge benefit to those who are looking to not only target specific muscle groups but train them from different positions to help fully develop the muscle tissue to its fullest potential. For example, a chest fly works the chest, but you can anchor the cables lower or higher to target the upper chest or lower chest fibers more. 

Adjusting these pulleys is a breeze, as the single-hand pop-pin adjustment system makes it easy to move the pulley up and down quickly. At the base of the MyRack Cable Crossover machine is a foot pad that you can use to brace your feet against when performing rowing exercises. 

Another benefit is that this cable machine is weight plate compatible. Instead of building a cable machine and hauling multiple weight stacks, you can load it with your own plates to perform various exercises. 

This rack does come with a couple of drawbacks, though. Like the REP Fitness Ares, which is only compatible with REP’s PR-4000 and PR-5000 power racks, the Force USA MyRack Cable Crossover Attachment is only compatible with the MyRack Modular Power Rack. This could be convenient if you already own that power rack but would be an extra investment of around $500 if you don’t. 

Another drawback is the larger dimensions. It adds an extra 52 inches per side in width to the MyRack Modular Power Rack, which is already 47 inches wide. That would be a total width of 151 inches or 12.5 feet, which some home gym owners may not have the space for.

Best Functional Trainer Cable Machine: REP FT-5000

REP Fitness FT-5000

4.0

• Dimensions: 85.5” H, 58” W (front), 33” W (rear), 36” D
• Maximum resistance: 448 pounds
• Type: Weight stacks
• Warranty: One year on the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime on the rack and frame

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The REP FT-5000 is a versatile functional trainer that features 21 cable positions with dual weight stacks that top out at 224 pounds each for a total of 448 pounds due to a 2:1 cable ratio (meaning 50 pounds feels like 25 pounds). Its aluminum pulleys help provide smooth and precise movement mechanics, further enhancing your ability to perform more optimal and enjoyable workouts. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars after testing it for several weeks because we appreciate the build quality, stability, and durability, but we had to take off a few points for other reasons — but more on that below.

Another perk to the REP FT-5000 is that it is its own cable machine, not an attachment or extension of another piece of equipment like the Ares or the Force USA MyRack Cable Crossover. Those two cable machines require the purchase of a power rack in order to use them. The REP FT-5000 is a functional trainer that can be used by itself, making it a valuable piece of equipment that is arguably an “all-in-one” piece of fitness equipment.

This functional trainer is actually the second iteration of the original REP FT-5000. The handles can go higher and lower than the original model to maximize your range of motion. The trolley is also slimmer and lighter than before, allowing for quick and easy adjustments. REP also switched to aluminum pulleys instead of nylon pulleys. Nylon pulleys tend to be more durable but this isn’t as much of an issue for home gyms, where the machine won’t be put through as much abuse as it would in a commercial gym.

The REP FT-5000 excels in its versatility and is built with massive durability to stand up to tough workouts. The frame consists of 11-gauge commercial-grade, heavy-duty steel, which you’ll find in the most rugged, high-quality home gym machines. With the weight capacity of the REP FT-5000, it needs to have a sturdy frame to withstand heavy movement. 

Another perk is the three pairs of pull-up bars provided. These pull-up attachments allow you to perform pull-ups and chin-ups with the underhand, neutral, and overhand positions. This can help recruit different muscle groups and allow you to perform compound multi-grip movements to build size and strength. An example of this would be pull-ups versus chin-ups. For pull-ups, the overhand grip prioritizes the rear deltoids and lat muscles. When doing a chin-up with an underhand grip, you recruit more of the biceps than other upper body muscle groups.

The REP FT-5000 comes with two durable, polymer D-handles, storage pegs for the attachments, and four additional 2.75-pound incremental weights so you can make smaller weight jumps for a more accurate workout. 

One of the drawbacks that resulted in us giving it a lower rating is the price, as it starts at $2,499. This plus the lengthy setup can be an issue for those who want budget-friendly equipment that doesn’t require a complicated assembly process. The FT-5000’s instructions note that it could take two people to set up, which might be a drawback for someone looking to build this on their own. It took two people from our product testing team four hours to put together, even though REP suggests assembly should only take two hours. They also found the instructions confusing, despite the fact that they have put together dozens of functional trainers.

Another potential drawback is the REP FT-5000 is built based on kilos, not pounds. The starting weight of this machine is 5.7 kilograms (12.5 pounds), and it goes up in weight in 2.5-kilogram increments. The next weight is 8.2 kilograms (18 pounds), then 10.7 kilograms (22 pounds), and so on. This might be frustrating if you are used to 2.5-, five-, or 10-pound jumps that you will see in other cable machines. We knocked a few points off our overall score for this reason.

Still, the fact this 11-gauge steel cable machine stands on its own without being an extension of another piece of equipment makes it a special purchase for someone who wants a pulley machine that provides a range of exercises to elevate their workout routine. 

Best Portable Cable Machine: MAXPRO SC

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

4.2

• Dimensions: Not provided
• Maximum resistance: 300 pounds
• Type: Power clutch system
• Warranty: One year

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The MAXPRO SC is not your “run-of-the-mill” cable machine. It is a foldable device that can expand into a small platform to stand on or be anchored to the floor or wall to create movement using its double cable pulleys. This 10-pound machine provides up to 300 pounds of adjustable resistance. It is a solid choice for those who need convenience and durability, as its cables are 15 times stronger than steel by weight. It costs around $679, making it much more affordable than other machines like the REP Ares or Bells of Steel Functional Trainer. 

When our product testing team tested the MAXPRO SC, they enjoyed it so much that they rated it 4.2 out of 5 stars overall. They found it to be well-built despite being so small and compact. Delivery was a breeze and the unit was packaged well in a foam-lined box — plus it came in beautiful branded packaging, which made them even more excited to try it.

If you want to anchor this device to the wall, you’ll need to purchase the MAXPRO SlimLine Wall Track, which costs around $325. This upgrade allows you to anchor the device to different heights so you can create movement from different angles. For example, you could do bicep curls by attaching the cable machine to the bottom or tricep pushdowns by connecting the cable machine to the top. 

Another great feature of the MAXPRO SC is its Smart Resistance Technology. This technology allows you to customize the resistance level easily with a turn of the dial, making it suitable for various fitness levels and goals. There are 50 resistance settings ranging from five to 300 pounds, meaning you have complete control over your workout intensity. 

The MAXPRO SC cable machine provides quiet operations and functions to make it appealing to anyone who wants to work out anywhere and at any time. It relies on creating resistance through a power clutch system, making it not less noisy than traditional cable machines that rely on weighted metal stacks banging into each other during movement. 

There are a couple of drawbacks to this cable machine. First, it only provides concentric-focused movement. Within a range of motion, the contractions of the muscle only occur during the “shortening” phase of movement. That means, for example, if you did cable deadlifts, you would only feel the movement when doing the upward motion of the lift. The opposing action of lowering the cables to the floor would not recruit the same amount of intensity as the shortening concentric phase. That could affect your exercise selection and ability to work out. 

This machine is also not built for every exercise. Cable machines like the REP FT-5000 have adjustable pulleys that swivel, allowing the cables to move in the direction of force. The MAXPRO SC doesn’t have cables with pulleys that swivel, which might limit the range of motion of certain exercises.  

RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Best Wall-Mounted Cable Machine: Titan Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower

Titan Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower

3.5

• Dimensions: 27.5” L x 25” W x 84.5” H
• Maximum resistance: 350 pounds
• Type: Plate-loaded
• Warranty: One year

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The Titan Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower cable machine offers a space-saving and durable solution for full-body workouts. This budget-friendly cable machine is a great purchase for those looking to add more versatility to their training, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast. However, after testing this machine for a few weeks, we only rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars because it doesn’t offer a lot of versatility, and the nylon pulleys aren’t as smooth as the aluminum pulleys you’d find on machines like the REP FT-5000.

One of its standout features is the price of around $279. This is a great price point compared to a lot of other cable machines on this list, like the REP Ares and Tonal, which cost between $2,700 and $3,900.

The Titan Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower’s simple build allows you to perform typical cable movements, such as the pushdown, cable curl, upright row, and much more. As with other cable machines, it provides a 2:1 ratio so that when performing single cable movements, the load is half of what is listed so that you aren’t lifting all the weight on one arm. 

Another benefit is that it is a great space saver, as it is less than three feet deep from the wall. You can also use weight plates with this cable machine, so you don’t need to haul heavy weight stacks for your setup. While the weight pegs are only one inch in diameter, you can still use plates with a two-inch insert; just note that the inserts will hang off the pegs a bit.

One drawback to this cable machine is that its simple design limits exercise versatility. It doesn’t allow you to perform too many bilateral movements, such as cable chest flies. However, its narrow build does allow for various unilateral movements, such as single-arm bicep curls or single-arm lateral raises, that could help improve stability and single-joint strength.

Durability may also be a concern and is part of the reason we didn’t give the Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower high marks. Titan doesn’t list the steel gauge on their website, but we noticed that the 2×2 tubing felt quite thin when we worked out with this machine. We’d assume it is 14-gauge steel, which is the lowest gauge we’d recommend for home gym equipment. Eleven-gauge steel would be much more durable.

Another issue is you have to mount the system to your wall. It does come with the hardware, but you will need to have some power tools and wrenches available to mount it yourself. If you are not familiar with the process of mounting furniture or gym equipment, this could be a tricky situation. 

Best Budget Cable Machine: Bells of Steel Functional Trainer

Bells of Steel Functional Trainer

3.9

• Dimensions: 30” L x 53” W x 81” H
• Maximum resistance: 320 pounds
• Type: Weight stacks
• Warranty: Lifetime

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While the Bells of Steel Functional Trainer starts off at $1,899, which some may not consider budget-friendly, it is still cheaper than many of the best functional trainers, which range between $2,300 and $2,700. Plus, the value you get from it is the reason we consider it the best budget cable machine.

It provides two cable pulleys and two handle attachments that allow you to perform different resistance training exercises. You can do isolation movements such as chest flies and bicep curls or compound unilateral movements such as a press or a pulldown. Some might argue this is the only piece of equipment they would need!

To add to the benefits of this device, it uses aluminum pulleys that help create more fluid movement due to how tough the aluminum material is. Plastic pulleys might not be as strong and can wear out much easier.

In addition to the toughness of the pulley system, this functional trainer is built with durable 14-gauge material that can withstand a tough workout. Whether you perform single-joint movements or sling heavy-duty compound movements with explosion and speed, this trainer can take on the task. 

The Bells of Steel Functional Trainer has many benefits, but I believe the only drawback is the complexity of setting it up. One of the first things noted on their website is that to get you their product quickly, they send the pieces in separate boxes. The separate packaging could cause issues timing the build of your functional trainer, and for some people, that lack of urgency could be a set back. Overall, though, this is a great purchase and should be highly considered by many. 

Best Compact Cable Machine: Tonal

Tonal Home Gym

4.6

• Dimensions: 50.9” H x 21.5” W x 5.25” D
• Maximum resistance: 200 pounds
• Type: Electromagnetics
• Warranty: Two-year limited warranty

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The Tonal cable machine is a sophisticated, all-in-one, electronically-powered fitness device. Its advanced technology is what allows it to be a great wall-mounted compact cable machine. It allows you to exercise with various resistance levels and adjustments through magnetic resistance rather than weight plates or weight stacks. Due to its technology, it does not have the extensive dimensions you’ll find with other cable machines or functional trainers. After trying Tonal for several months, our product testing team rated it 4.6 stars out of 5 and gave it high marks for the available programming, ease of use, versatility, and overall construction quality.

Tonal also provides digital training and instruction through its membership subscription, which is required to use the machine. You have to sign up for a 12-month commitment. However, membership provides many perks, including a strength assessment to learn about your body, intuitive weight adjustments that adjust to your movement patterns, video instruction, and dynamic weight modes such as eccentric-focused, chain-focused, and burnout-focused movement. This means the machine can focus primarily on the downward phase of the movement, the upward phase of the movement, restricting the speed of your movement, or all of the above.

Tonal adds new programs to its growing library of guided on-demand strength training workouts every week. The machine automatically tracks and reports feedback about your workouts, such as calories burned or heart rate values if you link it to your Apple watch. The machine comes with two handles, a bar, and a rope attachment, too. 

Because it doesn’t rely on gravity, Tonal’s digital weight provides resistance to both the eccentric (when the muscle lengthens) and concentric (when the muscle contracts) phases of an exercise. As such, it feels slightly heavier than traditional weights. You challenge your muscles with consistent resistance throughout the entire movement, and that type of overload results in improved strength.

This is also what helps keep movement smooth and quiet during operation. You don’t have to worry about waking up your neighbors or family during a workout.

All of these benefits lead to a higher price point of around $3,995. This is the most expensive cable machine on our list, which could make it an immediate drawback to more budget-conscious shoppers. You can, however, finance it for as low as $84 a month. This cable machine also requires professional mounting, which could be a drawback if you prefer to set up your gym equipment yourself. 

The final drawback is the weight limit of 200 pounds. This is the lightest of the cable machines on our list due to the machine’s electromagnetics and may not be heavy enough for some individuals.

RELATED: Best Weight Benches for Beginners, Small Spaces, With Racks, and More

What Are the Benefits of Cable Machines?

Having a cable machine comes with many benefits such as safety, convenience, and versatility. Cable machines enable you to perform movements from various angles and positions that can recruit muscle groups more effectively than traditional barbell exercises. An example of this is doing bicep curls from a low pulley position to work the bottom of the bicep or from a high pulley position to work the top of the bicep. This approach to resistance training minimizes the risk of injury, as you’re less likely to perform dangerous or uncontrolled movements that could harm your joints or muscles.

In addition to safety, cable machines provide a level of convenience that many fitness enthusiasts appreciate. No more time-consuming cleaning of barbells, weight plates, or dumbbells after an intense workout. With a cable machine, you can seamlessly adjust the resistance level with a simple pin or selector, eliminating the need for clutter and allowing you to transition between exercises swiftly. You can focus more on achieving your fitness goals and less on cleaning up the gym.

Furthermore, you have the flexibility to target specific muscle groups and add variety to your workouts. Whether you’re emphasizing isolation exercises for well-defined muscles or engaging in functional training to boost strength, cable machines offer a variety of options to suit your fitness needs. This adaptability not only keeps your workouts engaging but also maximizes the effectiveness of your training regimen.

What To Look For in a Cable Machine

Price

When purchasing a cable machine system, price is a crucial consideration. High-quality cable machines can be a significant investment and more expensive than equipment such as a power rack or high-quality barbell.

However, even though cable machines can be expensive, some can be considered an “all in one” piece of equipment that can provide massive versatility for performing multiple exercises.

Dimensions

Knowing the dimensions of your desired cable machine system is essential, especially if you have limited space in your home gym. The dimensions of a cable machine vary, as some machines might not provide dynamic front pulleys that can swivel for different movements. Some of the cable machines on our list range between 30 and 40 inches in depth, which might be an amount of space some individuals aren’t willing to compromise in their garage gym. However, we do have compact cable machines on our list that require less space, like the Tonal cable machine. 

Versatility

One of the top selling points of a cable machine is versatility. Being able to perform both unilateral and bilateral movements on a cable machine is key. Some of the cable machines on our list, like the Titan Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower, are more narrow and do not allow for compound movements using both pulleys at the same time.

It’s key to look for machines with adjustable pulley heights, various cable attachments, and the ability to target multiple muscle groups to provide more workout options that adapt to a more elaborate workout routine. 

Weight Stack vs. Plate-Loaded

Weight stacks and plate-loaded cable machines can provide some big differences. Weight stack machines are convenient and quick to adjust, while plate-loaded machines allow for incremental weight increases and custom loading. A plate-loaded machine might also be more budget-friendly, especially if you already have Olympic plates at home. 

Pulley Ratio

The pulley ratio affects the resistance and feel of the exercises. On our list, the cable machines that are either plate-loaded or weight stacks have a 2:1 pulley ratio. This means that for every two units of distance you pull or move one end of the cable, the resistance or weight you’re lifting or moving on the other end of the cable is reduced to one unit of that distance. 

A 2:1 pulley ratio helps to improve the functionality for exercise, so that if you are lifting with one pulley, it’s half of the weight loaded. If you do decide to do bilateral movement (using both arms at the same time), the weight equals how much is loaded on the machine.

Maximum Weight

The maximum amount of weight provided through a cable machine makes a big difference for the intensity of the workout. On our list, the range of weight a cable machine can handle is between 200 and 400 pounds. To load a higher amount of weight, the pulley system needs to be built for higher loads, such as using aluminum pulleys for better movement mechanics. For advanced lifters or those aiming to lift heavy, a higher weight capacity is essential. A top-tier cable station should safely accommodate the weights you plan to use.

Warranty

A warranty is a reflection of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability. Look for a cable machine system with a solid warranty that covers the frame, components, and moving parts. Some of the cable machines on our list provide one- or two-year limited warranties. However, a couple machines on our list provide a lifetime warranty as long as you keep up with maintenance.  

Handle Attachments

The availability and variety of handle attachments on a cable station can significantly enhance your workout experience. Its important to consider whether the machine comes with a variety of handles, bars, and grips, as they can expand your exercise repertoire and target different muscle groups effectively. Some of the more common attachments are the triceps rope, curl bar, ankle strap, or the traditional single attachment for grip. 

Technology

Some modern cable machines incorporate technology features to help not only monitor exercise performance but to actually adjust the intensity of your exercises. There are machines on our list that provide resistance through advanced technology so that the machine provides quiet and smooth resistance for exercise. Other aspects of technology for cable machines provide upgrades such as digital displays, workout tracking, and connectivity options. While these can enhance your training experience, they may also add to the overall cost.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking to enhance your home gym workout, cable machines offer a versatile and effective solution. They provide endless workout possibilities, catering to individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans.

In this article, we’ve explored various outstanding cable machine options. Some of them create resistance through weight stacks, plate-loaded features, or innovative technology. Choosing the right cable machine is pivotal, as it can significantly impact your workout routine and fitness progress.  

Whether you’re a long-time fitness enthusiast or just embarking on your journey to a healthier lifestyle, finding the ideal cable machine for your home gym can elevate your workout experience to a new level.

Best Cable Machine for Home Gyms: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Cable Machine for Home Gyms Overall	Best Cable Crossover Machine	Best Functional Trainer Cable Machine	Best Portable Cable Machine	Best Wall-Mounted Cable Machine	Best Budget Cable Machine	Best Compact Cable Machine
REP Fitness Ares	Force USA MyRack Cable Crossover Attachment	REP Fitness FT-5000 2.0 Functional Trainer	MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine	Titan Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower	Bells of Steel Functional Trainer	Tonal Home Gym
Primary Rating: 4.2	Primary Rating: 3.8	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 4.2	Primary Rating: 3.5	Primary Rating: 3.9	Primary Rating: 4.6
Description: Dimensions: Adds 1.2 inches in height, 1.6 inches in width to the PR-4000 and five inches in width to the PR-5000, and six inches to the front of the rack with footplate Maximum resistance: 450 pounds Type: Weight stacks Warranty: One year for the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime for the rack and frames	Description: Dimensions: 87” H x and 52” W (when added to power rack) Maximum resistance: 880 pounds Type: Plate-loaded Warranty: One year for the upholstery and attachments; 10 years for moving parts; lifetime on the frame	Description: Dimensions: 85.5” H, 58” W (front), 33” W (rear), 36” D Maximum resistance: 448 pounds Type: Weight stacks Warranty: One year on the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime on the rack and frame	Description: Dimensions: Not provided Maximum resistance: 300 pounds Type: Power clutch system Warranty: One year	Description: Dimensions: 27.5” L x 25” W x 84.5” H Maximum resistance: 350 pounds Type: Plate-loaded Warranty: One year	Description: Dimensions: 30” L x 53” W x 81” H Maximum resistance: 320 pounds Type: Weight stacks Warranty: Lifetime	Description: Dimensions: 50.9” H x 21.5” W x 5.25” D Maximum resistance: 200 pounds Type: Electromagnetics Warranty: Two-year limited warranty
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Cable Machine for Home Gyms Overall

REP Fitness Ares

Primary Rating:

4.2

Description:

• Dimensions: Adds 1.2 inches in height, 1.6 inches in width to the PR-4000 and five inches in width to the PR-5000, and six inches to the front of the rack with footplate
• Maximum resistance: 450 pounds
• Type: Weight stacks
• Warranty: One year for the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime for the rack and frames

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Best Cable Crossover Machine

Force USA MyRack Cable Crossover Attachment

Primary Rating:

3.8

Description:

• Dimensions: 87” H x and 52” W (when added to power rack)
• Maximum resistance: 880 pounds
• Type: Plate-loaded
• Warranty: One year for the upholstery and attachments; 10 years for moving parts; lifetime on the frame

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Best Functional Trainer Cable Machine

REP Fitness FT-5000 2.0 Functional Trainer

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Dimensions: 85.5” H, 58” W (front), 33” W (rear), 36” D
• Maximum resistance: 448 pounds
• Type: Weight stacks
• Warranty: One year on the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime on the rack and frame

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Best Portable Cable Machine

MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

Primary Rating:

4.2

Description:

• Dimensions: Not provided
• Maximum resistance: 300 pounds
• Type: Power clutch system
• Warranty: One year

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Best Wall-Mounted Cable Machine

Titan Wall-Mounted Pulley Tower

Primary Rating:

3.5

Description:

• Dimensions: 27.5” L x 25” W x 84.5” H
• Maximum resistance: 350 pounds
• Type: Plate-loaded
• Warranty: One year

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Best Budget Cable Machine

Bells of Steel Functional Trainer

Primary Rating:

3.9

Description:

• Dimensions: 30” L x 53” W x 81” H
• Maximum resistance: 320 pounds
• Type: Weight stacks
• Warranty: Lifetime

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Best Compact Cable Machine

Tonal Home Gym

Primary Rating:

4.6

Description:

• Dimensions: 50.9” H x 21.5” W x 5.25” D
• Maximum resistance: 200 pounds
• Type: Electromagnetics
• Warranty: Two-year limited warranty

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FAQs

Research

1. Balachandran, A., Martins, M. M., De Faveri, F. G., Alan, O., Cetinkaya, F., & Signorile, J. F. (2016). Functional strength training: Seated machine vs standing cable training to improve physical function in elderly. Experimental gerontology, 82, 131–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2016.06.012

The post Best Cable Machines for Home Gyms of 2024 (Wall-Mounted, Compact, Budget-Friendly) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

I perform pull-ups constantly to elevate my strength. As a strength and conditioning coach, I also coach dozens of athletes on adding pull-ups to their routines, so I know what kind of pull-up bars are best for various types of workouts. But purchasing the wrong type of pull-up bar that doesn’t fit in your home gym space or support your body weight can limit your ability to work out effectively.

We’ve created this article to help you avoid those headaches. Below, we’ll shine a spotlight on crucial features of what we think are the seven best pull-up bars, ensuring you make the right choice that aligns with your fitness goals and available space. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or a beginning athlete, discovering the right pull-up bar for your needs can truly elevate your home workout experience.

How We Chose the Best Pull-Up Bars

The Breaking Muscle team isn’t just a collection of writers who simply research the products we review. We are CrossFitters, certified personal trainers, powerlifters, and other experts in the space who use fitness equipment every day. We either use the products we write about for our own training, know people who use them, or rely on notes from our product testing team to deliver reviews you can trust.

To come up with the list below, we evaluated several key factors of the pull-up bars, such as the material, weight capacity, and versatility, to ensure both safety and effectiveness for home workouts. We chose pull-up bars at varying price points to ensure there’s an option to suit most budgets. Furthermore, we also considered brand reputation — if we’ve used products from a company in the past and deemed them to be sub-par, we didn’t include that brand on our list.

Since everyone has different space requirements and living arrangements, we made sure to include pull-up bars that can be mounted in various ways. Whether you’re willing and able to mount a pull-up bar to your wall or need something less permanent, like a door pull-up bar, you’ll find it here.

Our Top Picks for the Best Pull-Up Bars

• Best Pull-Up Bar Overall: REP Fitness Wall or Ceiling Mount Pull-Up Bar
• Best Door Pull-Up Bar: Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar
• Best Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar: Fringe Sport Pullup Bar System
• Best Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar: Rogue MIL Pull-Up Station
• Best Portable Pull-Up Bar: Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar
• Best Budget Pull-Up Bar: Bells of Steel Adjustable Wall Or Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar
• Best Ceiling-Mounted Pull-Up Bar: Titan Fitness Adjustable Ceiling Wall-Mount Pull-Up Bar

Best Pull-Up Bar Overall: REP Fitness Wall or Ceiling Mount Pull-Up Bar

REP Fitness Wall or Ceiling Mount Pull-Up Bar

4.8

• Materials: 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity: 500 pounds
• Mounting type: Wall or ceiling
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the structural welds

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REP’s Wall or Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar stands out as the best overall pull-up bar. It provides tremendous strength, with a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds. This is not common on most pull-up bars, especially those that are mounted, and makes it a hot commodity for those who want to do weighted pull-ups or dynamic forms of pull-ups like kipping. The bar’s 1.25-inch diameter is on par with what you’ll see on most pull-up bars and works well for lifters of all levels.

The sturdy 11-gauge steel, which is what a lot of top-tier home gym equipment consists of, allows you to attach pull-up bands, rings, and straps and safely perform a variety of movements in addition to pull-ups. For example, you can use gymnastics rings for ring dips or ab straps for hanging knee raises. This makes the REP Fitness Wall or Ceiling Mount Pull-Up Bar a versatile tool for those looking to target specific muscle groups and introduce variety into their workout routines. 

The bar itself can be attached at two points, between 14 to 26 inches from the mount, leaving plenty of space for exercises like kipping toes-to-bar and bar muscle-ups. (Just remember to measure your space and confirm you have the room to do these dynamic movements. You don’t want to hit your head on the ceiling or the wall behind you.)

The fact you can do dynamic movements on this pull-up bar means it’s suitable for CrossFit and other functional training workouts. It’s also a great choice for those who don’t want to spend a ton of money, as it starts at around $109. This price is around the average for a pull-up bar, but for how many benefits the REP pull-up bar offers, we think it’s quite the deal. 

This pull-up bar does have some limitations, such as not providing knurling. To make up for this, REP has provided a non-slip powder coating. I personally enjoy a bar with knurling, but this non-slip powder coating can be a great option that isn’t as invasive as knurling for grip.

Breaking Muscle editor Amanda Dvorak doesn’t have this exact pull-up bar, but she has a squat rack at home with a powder-coated pull-up bar and has used powder-coated pull-up bars in commercial CrossFit gyms.

“A powder coat finish does have some non-slip capabilities,” she says, “but if your hands get really sweaty or your grip muscles start to fatigue, it will eventually become more difficult to hang from the bar without your hands slipping off.”

If you do have issues with grip, it’s not that expensive to use gymnastic grips or chalk to accommodate your grip strength. 

This pull-up bar does come with almost all of the hardware needed for installation, though you’ll need a drill, a socket, and a wrench handy to help with anchoring it to the wall. It’s wise to install it on the studs of the wall as well. 

The REP Wall or Ceiling Mount Pull-Up Bar is a solid choice for someone who needs a diverse and durable bar to perform tough and rigorous exercises. The fact it can be hung from the wall or ceiling while supporting heavier loads and movements makes it a solid choice for home gym owners.

Best Door Pull-Up Bar: Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar

Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar

3.8

• Materials: Aluminum
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Mounting type: Door
• Bar diameter: Not listed
• Warranty: One year

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The Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar is our pick for the best doorway bar because even though it is door mounted, its width can accommodate those who want to do wide-grip pull-ups to better recruit the lat muscles instead of the traps. It can fit door frames up to 33 inches wide and up to six inches deep, whereas other door pull-up bars can only fit door frames up to 32 inches wide.

Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar presents a versatile workout option that caters to a range of upper body and core exercises, making it an excellent addition to any home fitness regimen. You can attach this pull-up bar to the top of the door frame for pull-ups and chin-ups or secure it to the bottom for sit-up exercises. You can even remove the pull-up workout bar from the door frame and tilt it on the floor to perform elevated push-ups. The high-density foam allows for a secure, comfortable grip.

Its lightweight and compact build also makes it easily portable, enabling you to perform your workout routines while on the go or in different rooms within your home. As you can see, there are a ton of benefits to this pull-up bar, including its reasonable price of around $45 — and it’s available on Amazon. If you’re a Prime member, you can get it shipped to your door for free and start using it within a couple of days.

Setting up the Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar is a straightforward process, with some customer reviews on Amazon stating that it only takes about 30 minutes. You don’t need to drill holes or secure permanent fixtures to your door frame. The user-friendly installation ensures that you can quickly establish your workout space without complex assembly. The frame protectors help protect door frames from potential wear and tear while providing a secure and stable attachment point.

Note that the weight limit is 300 pounds, lighter than some other pull-up bars on our list with weight capacities of 500 to 600 pounds. Its lighter weight capacity stems from the materials used. Made of aluminum, this product showcases some level of strength but is an inferior choice compared to its competitors that are made with steel. 

Despite these drawbacks, the pull-up bar’s exceptional versatility, easy installation, and enhanced portability make it a valuable asset for individuals looking to engage in effective upper bodyweight workouts without the need for extensive gym fitness equipment or space.

RELATED: Best Home Gym Machines

Best Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar: Fringe Sport Pullup Bar System

Fringe Sport Pullup Bar System

4.6

• Materials: 14-gauge steel
• Weight capacity: 600 pounds
• Mounting type: Wall or ceiling
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: One year

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The Fringe Sport Pullup Bar System stands out as our best wall-mounted pull-up bar due to its massive strength and versatility. It’s a well-rounded workout tool for any athlete who desires an intense upper body pulling workout.

One of its most beneficial features is its sturdy build, as it’s made of 14-gauge steel. While 14-gauge steel isn’t quite as sturdy as 11-gauge steel (a lower number means the steel is stronger), this pull-up bar holds a massive 600 pounds. This is among the highest weight capacities I’ve seen in pull-up bars for home gyms. 

Depending on your goals, whether you’re a strength athlete or a CrossFitter, you can choose from a 14-inch or 22-inch mount from the wall or ceiling. Having multiple options could be beneficial for those who want to incorporate simpler or more challenging pull-up variations. For example, you can use the 14-inch mount so you’re closer to the floor and can get support from your favorite weight bench or plyometric box to assist with eccentric lifts that would require you to focus on the downward phase of the movement. This can help if you can’t yet perform the “upward” phase of the pull-up.

Also, with a 14-inch or 22-inch mount, you can do movements such as ring rows (you’ll need to secure a set of gymnastics rings to it), weighted pull-ups, kipping pull-ups, butterfly pull-ups, hanging leg raises, knees-to-elbow, and more.

Another benefit is the simple installation process. Fringe provides easy-to-follow instructions on its website, and you only need 30 minutes to set up this system. Installation requires specific tools such as a drill, drill bits, and a stud finder, which you can find online or at any hardware store if you don’t already have them. This pull-up bar does come with the hardware for stud installation, though. However, at two inches wide, 25.25 inches tall, and 24.25 inches deep, it may not be an ideal choice for those with tight spaces.

Another limitation is the price. The Fringe Sport Pullup Bar System starts at $150, which is one of the more expensive pull-up bars on this list. In our experience, Fringe Sport is one of the more expensive fitness brands. But while the initial investment might seem high, the system’s value lies in its long-term utility and quality construction. Since it’s backed by a one-year satisfaction guarantee, you can feel confident that you’re investing in a durable and functional fitness tool.

Best Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar: Rogue MIL Pull-Up Station

Rogue Fitness MIL Pull-up Station

4.0

• Materials: 2x3, 11-gauge steel 
• Weight capacity: 800 pounds or more
• Mounting type: N/A
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty

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The MIL Pull-Up Station by Rogue stands out as the best free-standing pull-up bar on the market. Made with 2×3 11-gauge steel, its heavy-duty construction makes it the strongest pull-up bar and chin-up bar on our list with a maximum weight capacity of at least 800 pounds.

This free-standing pull-up bar provides a larger footprint of 48 x 67 inches, which ensures longevity and stability with training. You can not only do strict pull-ups, but kipping pull-ups as well. It does not have to be bolted down, making this an ideal pull-up bar for both home gyms and commercial setups.

Another benefit is the portability. Although it’s an extra cost of about $115, you can purchase a “pull-up station handle kit” that allows you to break down the pull-up bar. Of course, the pieces of this pull-up bar are larger than other gym equipment, such as high-quality resistance bands, so I wouldn’t suggest traveling with it on vacation. But if you were to travel with this rack for competitions or need to move it around the gym, this handle kit would make it easier to work with. 

Customers note that setting up the MIL Pull-Up Station is rather straightforward, thanks to the provided assembly instructions and hardware. However, individuals less familiar with DIY tasks might find the process a bit time-consuming. I have set up many Rogue racks and stations in my career as a strength and conditioning coach, so I can say that for those who are already familiar with building Rogue products, it doesn’t have much of a learning curve. 

While the MIL Pull-Up Station offers a multitude of benefits, it comes with a few drawbacks. Its price point might deter some potential buyers, especially those on a tight budget. This MIL Pull-Up Station starts off at $495, hundreds of dollars more than other simpler pull-up bar set-ups.

Another drawback is the space required. This product stands tall at 93 inches, and the larger footprint of 48 x 67 inches might require more space that not all home gym owners will have. Rogue also states that it can’t be used as a squat rack. This means that the number of exercise choices is limited, unlike the door-mounted pull-up bars on this list that you can relocate on the door frame to perform various exercises, such as sit-ups.

Best Portable Pull-Up Bar: Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar

Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar

4.0

• Materials: Alloy steel
• Weight capacity: 440 pounds
• Mounting type: Door frame
• Bar diameter: Not listed
• Warranty: Not listed

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The Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar for Doorway is a portable, user-friendly option that offers convenience and effectiveness for home pull-up bar workouts and starts at a low price of $25. It has a narrow design and weighs just four pounds, making it ideal for traveling. 

Setting up and mounting this pull-up bar is a very easy process. With its unique structure, it can secure to the sides and top of the door frame for maximum security. It does not require drilling or permanent fixtures, which can come as a relief if you’re not handy or don’t want to ruin your door frame.

A top feature of this pull-up bar is its multiple grips that make it a multifunctional piece of equipment. With multiple grip positions available, you can do movements such as pull-ups, neutral grip pull-ups, and chin-ups to change the amount of recruitment between your back muscles, arm muscles, and shoulder muscles, promoting balanced strength and development. The Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar can even be mounted to the base of the door frame for sit-ups or placed on the floor for elevated push-ups with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). 

One drawback is the 32-inch width, which is considerably narrower than other pull-up bars on this list with a width of 40 to 50 inches. This close grip might not be ideal for some movements, as a narrow grip might overload the arm muscles versus the back muscles.

Besides this, this budget pull-up bar provides a ton of versatility and strength to give both advanced athletes and beginners a solid workout. 

Best Budget Pull-Up Bar: Bells of Steel Adjustable Wall or Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar

Bells of Steel Adjustable Wall or Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar

4.4

• Materials: 11-gauge steel 
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Mounting type: Wall or ceiling
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: Lifetime

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The Bells of Steel Adjustable Wall or Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar isn’t necessarily the cheapest option on our list. We still consider it the best budget pull-up bar option because it provides a ton of features and benefits that make it well worth its price of around $99. 

The first perk is its customizable bar placement. With this station, you can adjust the depth of the pull-up bar in two different positions to do traditional movements such as pull-ups or chin-ups and get more depth to perform dynamic movements such as kipping pull-ups. 

Another benefit is the strength of the material, as it is built with 11-gauge steel. This gauge of steel is common amongst the highest-quality home gym equipment and allows most users to safely perform both static and dynamic movements.

I also love that it is built with a bare steel finish, which allows you to get a great grip on the bar despite not having an intense knurling. This is similar to the finish you may find on your favorite barbell that’s made with bare steel. Bells of Steel coats the bar in oil to prevent rust and corrosion during storage and shipping. If you ever notice rust on your bar, though, you can clean it with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and a barbecue brush, then dry it with a microfiber towel.

Once mounted, you will notice the two eyelet anchors that can enable you to include upgrades and additional equipment, such as a pulley system and resistance bands to add even more versatility to your workout. Being able to use the pulleys and bands allows you to do movements, especially single-joint movements, that you couldn’t with a pull-up bar such as tricep extensions or straight arm pulldowns.

To be able to do all these things, you need to have a stellar mount against the wall or ceiling. Installing this mounted pull-up bar does require specific tools, such as a drill, a leveler, and a stud finder to drill pilot holes to begin the mounting process. The installation process can be easy for those familiar with DIY projects. For those who are new to this, however, it could be a tough process to understand and would require perhaps purchasing or borrowing tools you may not be familiar with. All other mounting hardware is included with this purchase. 

Ultimately, the Bells of Steel Adjustable Wall or Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a high-quality, customizable upper body workout solution with tons of features.  

Best Ceiling-Mounted Pull-Up Bar: Titan Fitness Adjustable Ceiling Wall-Mount Pull-Up Bar

Titan Fitness Large Adjustable Ceiling Wall-Mount Pull-Up Bar

4.2

• Materials: 14-gauge steel 
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Mounting type: Wall or ceiling
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: One year

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We think the Titan Fitness Adjustable Ceiling Wall-Mount Pull-Up Bar is the best ceiling-mounted pull-up bar. This sturdy piece of equipment made of 14-gauge steel is a solid choice that can withstand a load of 350 pounds at a budget-friendly price of around $69. 

One of its top features is its adjustable height and depth, depending if it is mounted on the ceiling or wall. You can attach the bar 31 to 39 inches from its mounting point, which could help provide versatility to your workout space if you need more or less height and depth for performance. If you hang it from the ceiling, you should also have plenty of space to hang from it without your feet touching the floor and to do pull-ups without your head hitting the ceiling.

Another perk to this product is that it has accessory compatibility, so you can use it with bands and straps to do other types of movement besides pull-up variations. Other exercises you could do are exercises such as push-ups, ring rows, bicep curls, push-downs, and hanging leg lifts for core strength as well.

One drawback is that the mounting hardware is not included. As mentioned previously, mounting a pull-up bar to the ceiling or wall is not too difficult, but it depends on your DIY experience. If you are new to mounting any type of furniture, it does require more focus and research, which makes it a tougher process than using a door mount pull-up bar.

Additionally, the Titan Fitness Adjustable Ceiling Wall-Mount Pull-Up Bar requires 10-foot ceilings, which might not be compatible with your workout space. You can still mount it to the wall, but those who want to use the ceiling will need to make sure their workout space can accommodate it. 

Despite these drawbacks, this ceiling or wall-mounted bar is a solid choice for those seeking a rugged ceiling mount pull-up bar. Its adjustable height, sturdy build, and compatibility with various accessories make it a versatile piece of fitness equipment for many. 

RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Benefits of Buying a Pull-Up Bar

Functional Strength

Pull-up bars are excellent for developing functional strength. Unlike isolated exercises that focus on a single muscle group, pull-up bars engage multiple muscle groups in the arms, back, and shoulders simultaneously through compound movement. This helps improve overall functional fitness for real-life movement.

Core Engagement

Pull-up bar movements require significant core engagement to stabilize the body. This leads to improved core strength, stability, and posture as the core works in conjunction with the upper body.

Variety of Grips

Some pull-up bars feature various grip options, such as wide grip, narrow grip, chin-up grip, and neutral grip. Each grip targets different muscle groups. For example, chin-ups will target more of the biceps than regular pull-ups, and wide-grip pull-ups will target more of the lats. Being able to switch up your grip makes for a well-rounded upper body routine and helps prevent muscle imbalances.

Increased Muscle Mass

A pull-up bar can contribute to increased muscle mass, particularly in the back, shoulders, and arms. By progressively adding intensity through volume or different pull-up variations, you can stimulate muscle growth effectively.

Enhanced Grip Strength

Pull-up bars are ideal for developing grip strength, as the entire body is supported by the hands. Hanging from and training with a pull-up bar can lead to improved grip strength, which is beneficial for various activities and sports like climbing, tackle football, or even wrestling.

Minimal Equipment

One of the key advantages of pull-up bars is their minimalistic nature. Mounted pull-up bars require little space and no complicated setups or additional equipment. This makes them a convenient and cost-effective option for home workouts, a garage gym, or spaces with limited resources.

What To Consider When Looking for a Pull-Up Bar

Mounting Type

Pull-up bars come in various mounting types, such as doorway-mounted, wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and freestanding. Each type has its pros and cons in terms of ease of installation, space requirements, and stability. When considering which pull-up bar is right for you, make sure your purchase meets your needs.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the pull-up bar are crucial to ensure it fits comfortably within your intended space. The ceiling and wall-mounted pull-up bars on this list range from 40 to 50 inches wide and mount between 14 to 39 inches off the wall or ceiling, giving space for you to perform traditional and dynamic movements like the kipping pull-up. The door-mounted pull-up bars range from 32 to 33 inches wide, so you’ll need to make sure your door frame can accommodate them.

Cost

The cost of a pull-up bar ranges from as low as $40 to up to $500. The most expensive pull-up bar on this list is actually a freestanding pull-up station and has more materials than a normal mounted pull-up bar. If this is out of your budget, consider a door-mounted or wall- or ceiling-mounted pull-up bar instead, as they tend to be cheaper.

Versatility

Some pull-up bars allow you to do more than just the basic pull-up exercise. They allow for various grip positions, such as wide, narrow, neutral, and underhand grips. Some models include attachments for push-ups and sit-ups, which would require you to attach the pull-up bar to the base of the door frame or tilt it on the floor. If you get a wall- or ceiling-mounted pull-up bar, you can attach gymnastics rings or bands to it for ring rows or band-assisted pull-ups.

RELATED: Best Kettlebells for CrossFit, Beginners, and More

Grips and Diameter

The grip and diameter of the pull-up bar can help improve the effectiveness and versatility of each workout. The typical diameter of a pull-up bar on this list is around 1.25 inches and the more grips a pull-up bar offers (straight bar, bent bar, neutral grip bar), the more exercises you can perform to target multiple muscle groups. 

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity also stands as a critical metric in evaluating the suitability of a pull-up bar. An adequate weight capacity ensures that individuals of varying sizes and fitness levels can confidently engage in their workouts without compromising stability or risking damage to the equipment. 

The weight capacity of a pull-up bar varies a ton, depending if it’s a wall-mount, ceiling-mount, door-mount, or freestanding pull-up station. The pull-up station on our list from Rogue has a weight capacity of 800 pounds or more. The pull-up bar with the lightest weight capacity on our list is the Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar, which can hold up to 300 pounds. You’ll need to consider your body weight and whether or not you will be performing pull-ups with a weighted vest to ensure your pull-up bar is sturdy enough to handle all the weight. 

Construction and Stability

The material from which the pull-up bar is constructed holds paramount importance. Purchasing a pull-up bar crafted from stronger and more durable materials ensures not only longevity but a sturdy platform for exercise selection. 

Some pull-up bars on this list are built from aluminum, which is suitable enough for lightweight athletes but may not be supportive enough for heavier users. Others are built from different strengths of steel, such as 11-gauge or 14-gauge, to accommodate heavier athletes or those who want to perform rigorous exercises that require more strength. 

How To Install a Pull-Up Bar

Installing a pull-up bar can be an easy or rigorous process depending on your DIY experience.  The hardest type of pull-up bar to install is a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted system. Mounting the system requires focus and precision, it’s especially necessary in order to do both traditional and dynamic movements you might see in CrossFit like kipping pull-ups. A door frame mount isn’t as complicated, and a freestanding pull-up bar is its own structure and typically will have all the hardware needed to create it.

Below is a general guide to mounting a pull-up bar to help you understand what the process will look like.

What You’ll Need:

• Corded or cordless drill
• Varying drill bit 
• Sockets
• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Marker or pencil

Step 1: Locate Studs

Use a stud finder to locate the center of two opposing studs on the wall or ceiling. Ensure that the distance between the studs matches the length of your pull-up bar system.

Step 2: Prepare for Installation

Using one of the pull-up bar support beams as a guide, place it along the length of your first stud, and mark where your first pilot hole will go. Continue to mark the wall and confirm with a stud finder that you are placing the system in the correct spot. 

Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes and Install Bolts

Drill the first pilot hole using the marked spot on the stud. You’ll know you’ve hit a stud if you feel resistance from the drill into the wall. Insert the first bolt by hand without fully tightening it. Proceed to drill pilot holes and install bolts along the support beam by hand and make sure to not tighten them until the next step.  

Step 4: Install Support 

With both support beams installed but still loose, slide in and bolt your crossbeam.

Step 5: Finalize the Installation

Tighten the bolts of the support beams to securely fasten them in place. Give the pull-up bar system a gentle tug to ensure it’s stable and properly attached to the studs.

Step 6: Start Your Workouts

With the installation complete, you’re ready to start using your new pull-up bar for a variety of exercises

How To Use a Pull-Up Bar

Using a pull-up bar requires proper technique and control to maximize its benefits and minimize injury. Stand beneath the pull-up bar with your hands positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width and palms facing away from you. Extend your arms fully while keeping your core muscles engaged. Initiate the pull-up by engaging your back muscles and squeezing your shoulder blades together. As you continue to lift, bend your elbows to recruit your arms to get your body as close to the pull-up bar as possible. Aim for a controlled movement and gradually increase the number of repetitions as your strength improves.

If you struggle to do a pull-up, try experimenting with easier variations. One of the best variations to learn how to perform a pull-up is the “eccentric pull-up” in which you start from the top of the lift and lower yourself as slowly as possible. This recruits the same muscles used to lift yourself upward, and with the eccentric being an easier variation to execute, you can do a ton of volume and train your muscles continuously until you can begin to do normal pull-ups instead.

Once you master the pull-up, try doing different variations, such as neutral grip pull-ups or chin-ups, to recruit different muscles each time. Chin-ups will work more of the biceps, and neutral-grip pull-ups will work more of the Remember to maintain proper form throughout each exercise. Avoid excessive swinging or using momentum to lift yourself (unless you’re doing kipping or butterfly pull-ups — but even then, it’s important to do so with proper technique).

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an experienced exercise enthusiast or just starting out, there are a ton of benefits to purchasing a pull-up bar. It allows you to improve your functional strength, core stability, muscle size, grip strength, and much more — all while requiring minimal gear. It’s versatile and allows you to target various muscle groups in the shoulders, back, and arms to elevate your own health and fitness. 

In the list above, we explored different pull-up bars, from wall-mounted to freestanding, catering to various preferences. With this diverse list of pull-up bars, there should be something that meets your needs and allows you to take your fitness to a new level. 

Best Pull-Up Bar: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Pull-Up Bar Overall	Best Door Pull-Up Bar	Best Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar	Best Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar	Best Portable Pull-Up Bar	Best Budget Pull-Up Bar	Best Ceiling-Mounted Pull-Up Bar
REP Fitness Wall or Ceiling Mount Pull-Up Bar	Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar	Fringe Sport Pullup Bar System	Rogue Fitness MIL Pull-Up Station	Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar	Bells of Steel Adjustable Wall or Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar	Titan Fitness Large Adjustable Ceiling Wall-Mount Pull-Up Bar
Primary Rating: 4.8	Primary Rating: 3.8	Primary Rating: 4.6	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 4.0	Primary Rating: 4.4	Primary Rating: 4.2
Description: Materials: 11-gauge steel Weight capacity: 500 pounds Mounting type: Wall or ceiling Bar diameter: 1.25 inches Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the structural welds	Description: Materials: Aluminum Weight capacity: 300 pounds Mounting type: Door Bar diameter: Not listed Warranty: One year	Description: Materials: 14-gauge steel Weight capacity: 600 pounds Mounting type: Wall or ceiling Bar diameter: 1.25 inches Warranty: One year	Description: Materials: 2x3, 11-gauge steel  Weight capacity: 800 pounds or more Mounting type: N/A Bar diameter: 1.25 inches Warranty: Lifetime warranty	Description: Materials: Alloy steel Weight capacity: 440 pounds Mounting type: Door frame Bar diameter: Not listed Warranty: Not listed	Description: Materials: 11-gauge steel  Weight capacity: 330 pounds Mounting type: Wall or ceiling Bar diameter: 1.25 inches Warranty: Lifetime	Description: Materials: 14-gauge steel  Weight capacity: 350 pounds Mounting type: Wall or ceiling Bar diameter: 1.25 inches Warranty: One year
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Pull-Up Bar
Overall

REP Fitness Wall or Ceiling Mount Pull-Up Bar

Primary Rating:

4.8

Description:

• Materials: 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity: 500 pounds
• Mounting type: Wall or ceiling
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the structural welds

Check Price

Best Door
Pull-Up Bar

Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar

Primary Rating:

3.8

Description:

• Materials: Aluminum
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Mounting type: Door
• Bar diameter: Not listed
• Warranty: One year

Check Price

Best Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar

Fringe Sport Pullup Bar System

Primary Rating:

4.6

Description:

• Materials: 14-gauge steel
• Weight capacity: 600 pounds
• Mounting type: Wall or ceiling
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: One year

Check Price

Best Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar

Rogue Fitness MIL Pull-Up Station

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Materials: 2x3, 11-gauge steel 
• Weight capacity: 800 pounds or more
• Mounting type: N/A
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Check Price

Best Portable Pull-Up Bar

Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Materials: Alloy steel
• Weight capacity: 440 pounds
• Mounting type: Door frame
• Bar diameter: Not listed
• Warranty: Not listed

Check Price

Best Budget
Pull-Up Bar

Bells of Steel Adjustable Wall or Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar

Primary Rating:

4.4

Description:

• Materials: 11-gauge steel 
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Mounting type: Wall or ceiling
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: Lifetime

Check Price

Best Ceiling-Mounted Pull-Up Bar

Titan Fitness Large Adjustable Ceiling Wall-Mount Pull-Up Bar

Primary Rating:

4.2

Description:

• Materials: 14-gauge steel 
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Mounting type: Wall or ceiling
• Bar diameter: 1.25 inches
• Warranty: One year

Check Price

FAQs

The post The Best Pull-Up Bar of 2024, According to a Strength and Conditioning Coach appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Most people gravitate toward lifting free weights — barbells or dumbbells. However, there are other forms of resistance training that can elicit similar, sometimes even more beneficial, results. One of the most common alternatives, found both in commercial gyms and as a convenient addition to home workouts, is training with resistance bands. 

In the big picture, free weights (which includes barbells and dumbbells) offer a straightforward load — a 100-pound barbell offers 100 pounds of resistance. Resistance bands provide dynamic tension and present a more significant challenge as the band is stretched into a longer position.

Understanding how and when to choose the right tool for the right job is vital for creating an optimal workout that will get you closer to your goals. Free weights and resistance bands might seem to be worlds apart, but once you acknowledge their similarities and differences, you will have a better idea about how to implement them into your workout to take your fitness to the next level.

In this article, we will elaborate on the debate of “free weights versus resistance bands,” explore their differences and similarities, and figure out the best times to use these modes of resistance training for better results.

Free Weights vs. Resistance Bands

• Equipment Differences
• Equipment Similarities
• How and When to Use Free Weights
• How and When to Use Resistance Bands
• Choosing the Right Source of Resistance

Differences Between Free Weights and Resistance Bands

The differences between free weights and resistance bands seem noticeable at first glance. However, there are some less obvious differences to be aware of before incorporating free weights or resistance bands into your workout routine. Each modality has its unique advantages, and knowing how to leverage them effectively can help you achieve a well-rounded fitness regimen.

Source of Resistance

One of the biggest differences between free weights and resistance bands is the source of resistance. Free weights rely on moving against the force of gravity to challenge a lifter’s raw strength. The actual weight of the equipment itself is what is used to provide resistance for each exercise.

This also means resistance remains consistent throughout the movement, and only your position of leverage and the direction of the weight will significantly alter the feel of resistance. It’s one reason why squats feel more difficult in the bottom and relatively easier as you approach a standing position.

When using resistance bands, the source of resistance comes through the use of a pliable band, commonly made from latex or rubber. The elasticity of the band means that, as you increase the band’s length, tension is increased which provides a more challenging and “heavier” stimulus.

This varied resistance — with more challenge at the end range of motion and relatively less challenge in shorter positions — can be very useful for lifters who may have an injury or those want to train a specific aspect of the exercise. The resistance profile can allow you to recruit or emphasize muscles during certain ranges of motion within a specific exercise.

Stabilization Requirement

Working with free weights requires a higher degree of stabilization, as the weights are not connected to a fixed point. This relative freedom of movement engages additional muscles to maintain balance and control throughout the exercise. This would be an advantage for those who are looking to recruit more muscle groups and want to also improve their functional strength, such an athlete that requires total-body stability. 

Resistance bands provide built-in stabilization due to their attachment points — bands are typically anchored to a fixed object which allows you to pull or push the bands’ handles. This can be advantageous for individuals looking to isolate specific muscle groups without focusing as much on stability.

In certain situations, a high degree of stabilization is not desired, as an athlete might want to perform an easier exercise variation to focus on the target muscle without worrying about other variables such as the muscular coordination needed to control a barbell or dumbbell.

Joint Stress

Depending on the exercise, free weights can exert more stress on joints due to the constant pull of gravity on the levers of the body. Stress doesn’t have to be bad, though. You want to achieve a level of stress on the joints of the body to create fatigue for growing muscle. You can perform variations of exercises, such as pressing on a flat, incline, or decline angle to adjust this stress.

In other instances, some populations might not be able to handle higher levels of stress during a particular movement. Resistance bands provide a smoother resistance curve that can reduce joint stress at the start of the movement and gradually increase stress as the band stretches. This can potentially make an exercise more joint-friendly for certain individuals who might be recovering from an injury or have limited mobility.

Portability and Convenience

When discussing portability, free weights (especially barbells) are known to be heavier and space-consuming pieces of equipment. Free weights can be bulky and require dedicated storage space. They are less portable, making them more suitable for gym environments or home setups with designated workout areas.

Resistance bands are highly portable and take up minimal space, making them ideal for home workouts with limited space, travel, and on-the-go training. They offer a versatile training option that can be easily adapted to different environments. Bands are also great for trainers who work with larger groups or “boot camps.”

Similarities Between Free Weights and Resistance Bands

For all of their significant differences, there are plenty of similarities between bands and free weights. Knowing where their benefits overlap can allow you to understand which form of resistance training would be compatible for your goals and needs.

Principle of Overloading Strength

Whether you use free weights or resistance bands, both forms of resistance training provide an opportunity to overload your body for building both size and strength. Free weights and resistance bands create tension in different ways, however, they both still provide muscular tension. This tension is what challenges your various muscle groups to create movement through exercise.

The more resistance you add, the more size and strength will grow. You can progressively increase this resistance with both methods, whether it’s adding a 10-pound plate onto each side of a barbell or advancing from a “moderate” resistance band to a thicker, heavy-duty resistance band.

Muscle Engagement

Both free weights and resistance bands engage muscle groups to meet the demands of the exercise — performing a movement under tension. To provide context, consider a biceps curl. Whether you do a biceps curl with a band or with pair of dumbbells, both exercises build tension within your biceps muscle to build size and strength.

Even though free weights and resistance bands might recruit and target your biceps muscle slightly differently, your biceps is fully engaged and will benefit from the training stimulus.

Versatility in Exercise Options

Both free weights and resistance bands offer the opportunity to mimic similar exercises through different types of resistance. As mentioned earlier, you can do a biceps curl with resistance bands or dumbbells. Both exercises are a variation of the biceps curl and will fully recruit your biceps muscles.

This idea proves that whether you have a dumbbell, a barbell or a resistance band, you should be able to mimic a wide range of exercise options that can target various muscle groups. This versatility allows you to design comprehensive workout routines that cater to your fitness goals without being necessarily limited by your equipment.

The Most Effective Times to Use Free Weights

Throughout this article, we have discussed the general similarities and differences of using free weights and bands for resistance training. Now it’s time to discuss when to choose one training implement over the other.

Building Raw Strength

Free weights are particularly effective for building raw strength and muscle mass due to the constant force of gravity. They offer a greater potential for overloading the muscle, making them an ideal source of strength training.

This is especially true as free weights allow the lifter to perform compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses that challenge multiple muscle groups simultaneously. While similar exercise can be performed with resistance bands, the maximum potential overload is superior with free weights. Few, if any, resistance bands will safely provide several hundred pounds of resistance, while a barbell can tolerate that load with plenty of room to spare.

Functional Stabilization

Free weight exercises require greater stabilization efforts from muscles and the core due to their lack of fixed attachment points. This makes them excellent for improving overall stability and coordination, which is essential for activities that demand functional strength.

This idea of building total-body stability could be beneficial to traditional athletes and for those who need to improve their fitness for daily living, such as older individuals or those who are recovering from injury. (2)

Mimicking Real-World Activities

Free weights can allow you to closely mimic real-world movements where you lift, carry, and manipulate objects with varying weights. For example, dumbbells allow you to perform farmer’s walks and other loaded carries. If your goal is to enhance performance in sports or everyday tasks, free weights can help translate your strength gains more directly.

Maximizing Muscle Activation

Some exercises, like the bench press and overhead press, allow for a longer range of motion and muscle activation when using free weights compared to bands. The ability to control the weights in all planes of movement can lead to more complete muscle development compared to resistance bands, which might be limited to certain ranges of motion due to relatively lower resistance found in certain parts of the movement.

The Most Effective Times to Use Resistance Bands

It’s true that many people who perform resistance training typically gravitate toward free weights. However, the use of resistance bands can provide a unique approach that could be very accommodating for specific populations. Bands are a versatile choice for those who need to train under unique conditions, which may require getting creative.

Joint-Friendly Workouts

Resistance bands provide a lower impact on joints compared to free weights. If you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with joint discomfort, or focusing on joint mobility, resistance bands offer a relatively gentler form of resistance that minimizes stress on your joints without compromising muscular stress.

Variable Tension Within Range of Motion

Resistance bands offer variable resistance that changes based on the stretch of the band. Arguably, this matches the natural strength curve of muscles, providing greater tension where your muscles are strongest and less tension where they’re weakest. This can lead to a safer approach on movement if that specific stimulus is provided. 

Isolation for Rehabilitation

Resistance bands are excellent for isolating and activating specific muscle groups. This is due to the fact that the resistance bands start off lighter, and build in tension with the stretch of the band.

When using a resistance band for rehab exercises, you can anchor and perform movement strategically to help activate targeted muscle groups in specific positions that might be more beneficial for someone with an injury.

An example of this could be doing internal and external shoulder rotations. The more you rotate the shoulder joint, the harder it becomes. This means the band is light at the beginning of rotation, which would be the shoulder’s weakest position, and resistance increases as the shoulder moves through the range of motion.

Travel-Friendly and Versatile

If you’re often on the go or don’t have access to a full gym, resistance bands are an efficient way to stick to a training routine. They are highly portable and take up minimal space. Bands can provide a challenging workout anywhere, making them a convenient option for maintaining your fitness routine while traveling or in limited spaces.

Which Source of Resistance is for You?

Choosing between free weights and resistance bands depends on your fitness goals and overall circumstances. Free weights are excellent for building sheer strength through heavy loading, making them ideal for compound movements like squats and bench presses.

On the other hand, resistance bands are joint-friendly and provide variable tension that matches natural strength curves, aiding in balanced muscle activation and isolation exercises for smaller stabilizing muscles. They are great for rehabilitation, “prehabilitation,” and on-the-go workouts due to their portability and versatility.

Learning the pros and cons of each of these forms of resistance training will help you integrate one, or both, into your routine. This can create a comprehensive approach that addresses your strength and adaptability by offering a well-rounded fitness regimen tailored to your needs.

References

1. Westcott W. L. (2012). Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health. Current sports medicine reports, 11(4), 209–216. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e31825dabb8
2. Mayer, F., Scharhag-Rosenberger, F., Carlsohn, A., Cassel, M., Müller, S., & Scharhag, J. (2011). The intensity and effects of strength training in the elderly. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 108(21), 359–364. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2011.0359

Featured Image: InnerVisionPRO/ Shutterstock

The post Free Weights vs. Resistance Bands: Challenge Your Muscles the Right Way appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

With the recent surge in technological advancements, finding the right treadmill might require more effort than you think. Purchasing the wrong treadmill might lead to frustrating or ineffective workouts, or it might not fit your space. In this article, we will discuss our top picks for at-home treadmills, highlighting key features that will help you find the right one for you.

How We Chose the Best Treadmill for Home

Several of the treadmills we review below are ones that we’ve tried in our testing facility in Springfield, MO. Out of the nearly four dozen treadmills we have available, we narrowed it down to what we feel are the eight best machines.

When making our selections, we aimed to cater to a diverse range of users, including both elite athletes and casual exercisers. We included treadmills that had a justifiable price point while being able to accommodate high- and low-intensity workouts. Some of our treadmills came with a heavy price tag, but they also have top-of-the-line features and characteristics, such as interactive programming and auto-fold technology.

Because these treadmills are intended for a home gym, they need to be compatible with most spaces. To that end, some of the machines on the list below fold up for storage and have a condensed footprint. Another factor we considered was durability, so you can maximize the value of your investment while minimizing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Our Top Picks for the Best Treadmills for Home

• Best Treadmill for Home Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Home Treadmill for Running: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
• Best Home Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Incline Treadmill for Home: ProForm Pro 9000
• Best Small Treadmill for Home: Echelon Stride
• Best Folding Treadmill for Home: Horizon T101
• Best Treadmill for Home Under $500: XTERRA TR Folding Treadmill
• Best Portable Treadmill for Home: NordicTrack EXP 7i

Best Treadmill for Home Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

• Overall dimensions: 80” L x 38” W x 65” H
• Deck size: 60” L x 20” W
• Max speed: 12 miles per hour
• Max incline: 12 percent
• Decline: -3 percent
• Programming: iFit (free for 30 days, then $39 per month)
• Motor: 3.5 CHP motor
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 wins the award for the best home gym treadmill. Its reputation stems from its stellar list of high-end features for high- or low-intensity workouts. This smart treadmill provides a powerful 3.5 CHP (continuous horsepower) motor, allowing you to run at a top speed of 12 miles per hour. It also has an impressive decline and incline range, going down to a negative three-percent decline or up to a 12-percent incline to emulate different terrain, such as road running at different elevations. 

Its 14-inch tilted interactive HD touchscreen allows you to perform trainer-led workouts through iFIT, an expansive on-demand library of more than 1,000 workouts. iFIT includes a variety of programs from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions to yoga practices. It’s like having your own personal trainer. However, it costs around $39 per month after a 30-day free trial period.

When exercising, the 1750 uses SmartAdjust technology to smartly adapt to your performance, making each session personalized and efficient. SmartAdjust is a special technology that keeps track of changes you make to your NordicTrack machine while working out. It remembers these changes and uses them later to help your machine adapt to your training level for future workouts.

Furthermore, if you don’t have a lot of space in your home gym, you’ll likely appreciate that the 1750 folds up and has wheels, allowing you to easily move it out of the way when you’re not using it. 

These intuitive features come with an expensive price tag — the 1750 starts at around $2499. Plus, you’ll have to pay for iFIT if you decide to keep the subscription after your trial ends.

Difficult assembly is another potential drawback. I personally owned a NordicTrack treadmill, and it took about two days to put it together. This is also due to my busy work schedule, which I am sure could resonate with others who purchase this treadmill. But with this being one of the more advanced models, I would highly recommend researching and putting time aside in order to effectively set up your treadmill without any issues. It does come with a paper manual, and you can also access a virtual manual that shows you how to perform each step.

RELATED: Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss, Low-Impact Workouts, and More

Best Home Treadmill for Running: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro

Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro

• Overall dimensions: 69.9” L x 31” W x 64.4” H 
• Deck size: 17” W by 62” L
• Max speed: As fast as you can run
• Max incline: N/A 
• Decline: N/A
• Programming: Compatible with the Assault Fitness App
• Motor: Non-electric
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds

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Pros

• Non-motorized treadmill
• Athlete-friendly
• Low-impact design for injury prevention
• On-board programs that target time, calories, distance, speed, heart rate, and more 
• Bluetooth connectivity  
• Compatible with the Assault Fitness App and Zwift

Cons

• High price  
• Might not be suitable for non-runners
• Not foldable  

The AssaultRunner Pro is a versatile, non-motorized, easy-to-use treadmill. Driven by your own stride, the AssaultRunner Pro matches your output and requires your full attention to ensure you maintain a consistent effort. Its uniquely curved design helps lower the risk of injury by reducing stress on your joints and provides a challenging but safe running stimulus.

The Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro can be a standout choice for fitness enthusiasts, especially those who run or do sprint interval training. The Bluetooth connectivity and built-in speakers enhance the overall workout experience. On-board programs targeting various metrics such as time, calories, distance, speed, and heart rate offer structured training options, although they’re not as interactive as the trainer-led iFIT programming you’ll find in more traditional treadmills.

However, the treadmill is compatible with the free Assault Fitness App, which provides trainer-led programs. It’s also compatible with Zwift (around $14.99 per month), which doesn’t offer instructor-led classes but provides virtual running workouts. The AssaultRunner Pro doesn’t have a screen you can cast on, though there is a ledge on the monitor that you can rest a phone or tablet on.

Although this treadmill requires no electricity, it does come with a high price point that starts at around $2,999. While it’s ideal for athletes or those who desire a high-intensity workout, it might not be as suitable for non-runners or individuals seeking low-intensity exercise options. You can still use this treadmill for walking, but it doesn’t provide incline or decline settings and is a very hefty machine for those who don’t plan on doing high-intensity exercise.

Additionally, the AssaultRunner Pro doesn’t fold. You can move it with the use of the handlebars under the back and the wheels located at the front, but the non-foldable design could pose challenges for those with limited space who might need a compact treadmill instead.

Best Home Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill

WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill

• Overall dimensions: 32.5” L x 21.5” W x 5” H when folded; 56.5” L x 21.5” W x 5” H when unfolded
• Deck size: 47” L x 16” W
• Max speed: 3.72 miles per hour
• Max incline: N/A
• Decline: N/A
• Programming: WalkingPad App
• Motor: Brushless motor
• Weight capacity: Between 230 and 300 pounds

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Pros

• Space-saving and portable design 
• Quiet 
• Bluetooth connectivity 
• Largest weight capacity of a walking pad on the market

Cons

• Small deck size
• No incline or decline options  
• Not suitable for intense workouts

The WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill is one of the most unique walking treadmills on our list. It is a walking pad, and its discrete features make it a great addition to your workout routine even if you don’t have a designated workout space. You can store it under your desk or tuck it into a small living room, transforming your living space into an at-home workout station in seconds. It also comes with an affordable price starting at around $630.

Additionally, the treadmill operates with a remarkably quiet motor, ensuring that neither your work productivity nor calm surroundings are compromised. Its portability further enhances its appeal, making it easy to move around your living space. It weighs just around 60 pounds, while other treadmills weigh around 100 to 160 pounds.

Another benefit of the WalkingPad A1 Pro is that it has the largest weight capacity among walking pads available on the market, offering enhanced durability and stability for users of various sizes. You can purchase the WalkingPad that can hold 230 pounds or the one that holds 300 pounds. 

Although this treadmill provides a strong list of benefits, it’s important to remember that it is a walking pad, and a walking pad only. It is not built to take on speeds past 3.72 miles per hour. It also doesn’t provide an incline or a decline.

Additionally, the walking space on this treadmill is a bit more narrow than it is on other treadmills. The deck size is 47 inches long and 16 inches wide, while traditional treadmills are 60 inches long and 20 inches wide.

RELATED: Best Rowing Machines for Beginners, Small Spaces, Seniors, and More

Best Incline Treadmill for Home: ProForm Pro 9000

ProForm Pro 9000

• Overall dimensions: 77.3” L x 35.3” W x 59.6” H
• Deck size: 60” L x 20” W
• Max speed: 12 miles per hour
• Max incline: 12 percent
• Decline: -3 percent
• Programming: iFIT (free for 30 days, then $39 per month)
• Motor: 3.6 CHP
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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Pros

• Powerful motor 
• 22-inch interactive touchscreen 
• Incline and decline options
• Foldable design 
• Trainer-led iFIT classes for workouts on and off the treadmill

Cons

• High price  
• Temporary iFIT membership that expires after 30 days 

The ProForm Pro 9000’s incline and decline capabilities (up to a 12-percent incline and down to a three-percent decline) simulate different terrains, enhancing the effectiveness of any walking or running workout. With its powerful 3.6 CHP motor, this treadmill is well-equipped to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned athletes. 

The interactive 22-inch touchscreen allows you to use the iFIT programming to perform trainer-led workouts. These workouts can be performed on or off the treadmill, but the monitor doesn’t move, so you might have to strategically place yourself off the treadmill to see the screen. You get a 30-day free trial to iFIT with your purchase, but it costs around $39 per month afterward.

To enhance your workout even further, you can purchase the SmartBeat Forearm Heart Rate Monitor for just under $100. This optional device easily syncs to the Pro 9000 to give you a continuous heart rate reading on the screen, which is beneficial if you like to train in specific heart rate zones.

The one drawback of the ProForm Pro 900 is that it comes with a higher price point. It starts at just under $2,300, but its technologically advanced features may make it worth the investment for those who have the budget for it. 

Best Small Treadmill for Home: Echelon Stride

Echelon Stride

• Overall dimensions: 69” L x 31” W x 49” H 
• Deck size: 20” W x 55” L
• Max speed: 12 miles per hour
• Max incline: 10 percent
• Decline: N/A
• Programming: Eight programmed workouts provided
• Motor: Brushless DC motor; 1.75 CPH
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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Pros

• Affordable
• Built-in smart device holder
• Patented auto-fold feature that reduces the height to 10 inches
• Integrated handrail sensors for heart rate monitoring
• Console screen with eight programmed workouts
• Impact-absorbing rubber running deck

Cons

• No decline 
• Subscription required for interactive features

The Echelon Stride treadmill is one of the best small treadmills for a studio or home gym. It offers a unique blend of convenience, compactness, and interactive technology. One of the standout features comes from its foldable design, reducing its height to 10 inches for storage. This makes it an excellent solution for individuals seeking to integrate a treadmill into their living space without sacrificing room. 

This treadmill auto folds on its own. When you’re done working out, you tilt the monitor flat, squeeze the red button on the handles to release them upward, then step off the treadmill and click on a pedal to make the machine flat for storage. It also has wheels that make it easy to relocate throughout your home. 

Even if you don’t fold it, the Echelon Stride is a compact treadmill. It is 69 inches long and 31 inches wide, much smaller than other treadmills on this list like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which is 80 inches long and 38 inches wide. 

The integrated handlebars can monitor progress and metrics such as heart rate without requiring you to sync it to other devices. This ensures you stay within your target heart rate zone for optimal training (in other words, maintaining a heart rate that is about 60 to 80 percent of your heart rate maximum, or the highest number of heartbeats your heart can reach when it’s under stress).

Reaching your targeted heart rate could come from one of the Echelon Stride’s eight programmed workouts. These workouts include various intervals and intensities for those who want to perform HIIT workouts or engage in easier training sessions.

The Echelon Stride can provide a ton of interactive features, but they are only available for those who purchase the Echelon Premier subscription. This subscription starts at $399 and provides over 6,000 classes, with more than 1,200 live classes each month. In addition, there is no decline feature.

Still, the Echelon Stride treadmill can be a great purchase for those who don’t have room for a larger treadmill, especially with a friendlier price point that starts at $1,299, which is almost half the price of the more high-end products on our list.

Best Folding Treadmill for Home: Horizon T101

Horizon T101

3.8

• Overall dimensions: 71" L x 34" W x 57" H when unfolded; 46" L x 34" W x 61" H when folded
• Deck size: 55” L x 20” W
• Max speed: 10 miles per hour
• Max incline: 10 percent
• Decline: N/A 
• Programming: N/A
• Motor: 2.5 CHP
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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Pros

• Affordable
• Bluetooth connection for media 
• Sets up in 30 minutes or less
• EasyDial controls for rapid change in intensity
• 55-inch three-zone cushioned deck supports runners, joggers, and walkers
• Effortless storage

Cons

• Limited running space
• No additional technology 

The Horizon T101 is a foldable treadmill that is just 46″ L x 34″ W x 61″ H when folded. This can be great for a workout space that you share with other equipment such as dumbbell sets or a weight bench. It also leaves you plenty of floor space to do other exercises such as sit-ups or push-ups.

Starting at just under $650, the Horizon T101 is a cost-effective solution with valuable features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a tablet holder. You can sync your device to the speakers and stream classes or catch up on your favorite Netflix shows during your workout.

Another great feature of this home gym treadmill is its quick and easy assembly. A complex assembly process can be a big turnoff for treadmill shoppers, but most able-bodied individuals should be able to set up the Horizon T101 within 30 minutes. 

But like all great treadmills, there are some drawbacks. The Horizon T101 provides 55 inches of running space, while other treadmills have 60 inches or more. The small running area can potentially make it difficult to perform higher-intensity exercises such as sprints, as longer strides can help you reach higher speeds. The shorter deck may also be an issue for tall runners, who also have long strides. 

Best Treadmill for Home Under $500: XTERRA TR Folding Treadmill

XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill

• Overall dimensions: 63.4" L x 28.75" W x 51.4" H
• Deck size: 50” L x 16” W
• Max speed: 10 miles per hour
• Max incline: Three levels
• Decline: N/A 
• Programming: 12 preset programs
• Motor: 2.25 HP motor
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds

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Pros

• Reasonable price point
• Space-saving design
• Lightweight
• Effortless storage capabilities

Cons

• Limited running surface and weight capacity
• Small LCD display
• No convenience features such as Bluetooth speakers

The XTERRA TR Folding Treadmill stands out as the best budget-friendly treadmill choice, costing just under $500 on Amazon. Its compact design makes it compatible with most small spaces, especially with its effortless storage and lightweight features. You can fold this treadmill upright and roll it on the transport wheels at the front. Plus, it only weighs 97 pounds. If your workout space serves multiple purposes, you should be able to easily move the machine out of the way when needed.

With 12 preset programs at your fingertips, the XTERRA TR Folding Treadmill also offers a diverse range of workout options. Each program is 30 minutes long, a bonus for those who don’t have time for long runs, and you can override the automatic increases and decreases in speed to tailor the workout to your needs.

Despite the XTERRA TR Folding Treadmill’s advantages, there are a couple of limitations to consider. Its running space might be somewhat constrained, providing a mere 16-inch width for you to exercise on. The Breaking Muscle reviews team tested this treadmill at our warehouse in Springfield, MO. One of our reviewers who’s about six feet tall couldn’t stand on it with his feet hip-width apart without his feet coming off the belt.

The small LCD display could also limit the amount of data available. It can monitor and display your pulse, speed, distance, time, and calories burned, but it doesn’t provide as interactive of a screen as you would see with other treadmills on this list. The device holder makes it easy to follow along with workouts streamed from a tablet or phone, though the treadmill doesn’t have Bluetooth-enabled speakers.

Lastly, this treadmill has a lower weight capacity compared to others on this list, as it only provides enough strength to tolerate up to 250 pounds. Most of the stronger treadmills can withstand up to 350 pounds.

Best Portable Treadmill for Home: NordicTrack EXP 7i

NordicTrack EXP 7i

• Overall dimensions: 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H
• Deck size: 55” L x 20” W
• Max speed: 10 miles per hour
• Max incline: 12 percent
• Decline: N/A
• Programming: iFIT
• Motor: 2.6 CHP Plus Motor
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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Pros

• Seven-inch tilted interactive touchscreen 
• SpeedSaver foldable design
• Trainer-led iFIT workouts available
• SmartAdjust machine learning technology
• Affordable

Cons

• Small LCD display
• iFIt membership required

The NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill comes is our choice for the best portable treadmill due to its foldable design. It can be collapsed easily by lifting the base of the treadmill upward to lock it into place, and it has wheels and a handle to help with transporting it around your space.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill is a strong counterpart to the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Two big differences between them are the motor and the size of the monitor. The EXP 7i has a 2.6 CHP Plus Motor while the Commercial 1750 has a more powerful 3.5 CHP motor. The EXP 7i has a seven-inch monitor, which is half the size of the Commercial 1750’s 14-inch monitor. The small display might present challenges for those who want better clarity and visibility. The monitor on the 1750 also rotates, while the one on the EXP 7i does not, which can make it difficult to do workouts off the treadmill.

Regardless, the EXP 7i has some notable features that can make it a solid choice. For example, it has SmartAdjust machine learning technology that keeps track of changes you make during your workout. It remembers these changes and uses them later to help your machine adapt to your training level for future workouts.

An additional strength lies in the integration of trainer-led iFIT workouts, making the NordicTrack EXP 7i a smart choice for those seeking on-demand training sessions. These workouts are tailored to various fitness goals and experience levels, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a program that suits your needs. The treadmill comes with a 30-day free trial to iFIT, but a subscription costs around $39 per month once the trial ends.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i’s advantages are noteworthy, and considering its features and affordability, this smart treadmill would be worthy of anyone prepared to create their very own home gym. 

RELATED: Best Home Gym Machines

Why Should You Buy a Treadmill?

Although you can walk or run outside, an at-home treadmill provides year-long opportunities to train, and it’s a convenient way to get your workout in if you can’t make it to the gym. In the long run, you’ll also likely save some money — but more on that below.

Convenience and Accessibility

Walking or running outside is an effective way to get more movement throughout the day, but what if you work out early in the morning or late at night and are concerned about your safety? Or perhaps there is inconsistent terrain that makes working out too difficult? When using a treadmill, you can walk or run safely and control the intensity of each session. 

Weather-Proof Workouts

With a treadmill, there is no need to worry about strategically planning your fitness around bad weather. You can train at any time with the simple push of a button, regardless of whether it’s snowing or raining.

Time Efficiency

Being able to train from home can save you a lot of time. You don’t have to commute to a gym or plan your day around a fitness studio’s class times. You can even work, read, or catch up on your favorite TV shows and movies while using your treadmill from the comfort of your home.

Health Monitoring

A big benefit to the treadmill is its ability to track performance data. It can measure your heart rate and caloric expenditure. Some machines can monitor your walking and running mechanics to automatically adjust to your performance. Other treadmills can allow you to integrate your own technology, such as heart rate monitors, to keep measurements on point, accurate, and insightful for future performance. 

Long-Term Savings

Investing in a high-quality treadmill can lead to significant long-term savings. Some of these savings could be a reduction in gym membership costs, transportation expenses, and potential health-related expenses due to the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. 

What to Consider When Buying a Treadmill

Our list provides a ton of great treadmills with different features. So how do you narrow it down to the best one for you? When buying a treadmill, you must consider the following:

Goals and Training Style

One of the most important considerations in purchasing a treadmill is your goals and training style. If you plan to walk, jog, or sprint to max capacity, this should be the driving force behind your decision. Not all treadmills are built the same, and some can only handle low-impact workouts or walking, so it’s important to find the one that meets your needs. 

Overall Dimensions

The size of your treadmill might limit your selection. Some of the treadmills on our list have foldable features, making them vertical and easy to place within your home. Others, like the WalkingPad, are portable and can be stored in several spaces. Knowing the dimensions of your workout space can make a difference in which treadmill you choose. 

Deck Size

The deck size of the treadmill refers to the area you run or walk on. For those who plan to use their treadmill for walking and low-intensity exercise, a narrow deck size of 16 inches could be sufficient. However, if you plan to jog, run, or sprint, you would want to consider a larger deck of  at least 20 inches wide and 54 inches long to meet the needs of how you will mechanically operate during movement. 

Another thing to consider is your height. If you’re six feet or taller, you may want a treadmill that’s at least 60 inches long and can accommodate a longer stride.

Technology

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the treadmill experience. Modern treadmills integrate advanced features like touchscreen displays, interactive workout programs, and connectivity options. These innovations provide engaging and customizable workouts, real-time performance tracking, and the ability to sync with fitness apps like Garmin or Strava. 

Available Programming

Many treadmills now offer various programs and apps to provide different types of programming. You can potentially have access to hundreds of workouts and possibly an “at-home” trainer to make your workouts more challenging. This is a huge asset to anyone who needs the motivation and guidance to stick with their routine. 

Price

The price of treadmills can vary depending on the features provided. On our list, it ranges from $600 to just under $3,000. Having more features and technological advancements can amplify the price tag, but you do get a better at-home workout experience. Justifying a large purchase is much easier when considering the capabilities of your machine and how they can change your fitness forever. 

Noise Level

One concern of many treadmill users is noise. I have owned a few treadmills and the noise level can make a difference, especially when you share your space with others. Many treadmills now offer improved cushioning and shock absorption capabilities that keep the noise level as minimal as possible. 

Motor Size

Depending on your goals, you might need a horsepower motor as strong as 3.6 CHP that can help support high-velocity movement. Smaller motors of 2.6 CHP or less are better suited for low-impact exercise. Essentially, the more intense the workout, the greater the need for a stronger motor.

Some treadmills are unique, though, like the AssaultRunner Pro which is non-electric. This device matches the output of your stride, making it an ideal choice for those who want to be able to manually control their running speed.  

Warranty

A warranty provides reassurance against potential malfunctions and defects. It’s important to seek a treadmill with a comprehensive warranty covering both parts and labor. Some treadmills carry a one-year warranty for labor and a two- to three-year warranty for parts. This should ideally encompass key components such as the frame and motor.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer extended warranty options that start as low as $20 and could cover an extra year for parts and labor. 

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is another fundamental consideration when choosing a treadmill. The typical weight capacity of a treadmill is between 250 to 300 pounds. Ensuring that the treadmill’s weight capacity aligns with your body weight prevents unnecessary strain on the machine. Opting for a treadmill with a weight capacity that surpasses your weight is wise, as it is more likely to provide a stable and reliable workout experience.

Assembly

Treadmills vary in terms of assembly complexity. It’s recommended to evaluate the assembly process by reviewing the provided user manual and considering the tools required for setup. Some treadmills might offer user-friendly assembly instructions and even include the necessary tools, while others may provide the option for professional assembly at an additional cost.

How To Care for a New Treadmill

Taking care of a treadmill is essential for longevity, optimal performance, and safety while using it. Here’s a guide to maintaining your treadmill:

Belt Lubrication

Some treadmills require regular belt lubrication to reduce friction and extend the treadmill belt’s lifespan. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how often to lubricate and what type of lubricant to use for improving the lifetime of your belt. Most treadmills require a 100-percent silicone lubricant, which you can find on Amazon.

Power Source

Use a surge protector to safeguard the treadmill from power fluctuations. Ensure the power cord is properly connected and doesn’t get pinched or tangled. Having an incompatible power source could alter the function of your treadmill, or even ruin it. The voltage of most treadmills is said to be around 120 volts. 

Level Surface

Place the treadmill on a level surface to prevent strain on the frame and belt. Use a treadmill mat to protect your floors and dampen vibrations.

Belt Tension and Alignment

Regularly check the belt tension and alignment. A loose or misaligned belt can lead to uneven wear and decreased performance. The belt tension and alignment change through use, so the more you use your treadmill, the more often you will have to make these adjustments.

Most treadmill belts can be adjusted using an L-wrench or special tool (provided by the manufacturer) that can be used to tighten or loosen the belt around the base of the treadmill. However, the user’s manual will provide instructions on how to adjust the belt. 

Periodic Checkup

I highly recommend that you have periodic check-ups, especially if you use your treadmill frequently. Consider scheduling a professional maintenance check-up every year or as recommended by the manufacturer. A technician can identify and address any potential issues before they worsen. Some things to observe for a check-up include the belt’s tightness and belt alignment on the deck. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right treadmill requires you to consider your fitness goals, available space, and budget. Our list of the best treadmills caters to a diverse range of needs and preferences, highlighting key features and considerations to guide your decision-making process. From technologically advanced treadmills to compact and portable machines, each device offers unique benefits. 

Knowing these treadmills, how they work, and why you should purchase them are other aspects to consider during your research. The more you understand each treadmill’s capabilities, the easier your decision will be. Whether you seek high-intensity training or convenient walking options, the right treadmill will be the centerpiece of your home fitness journey. 

Best Treadmills for Home: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Treadmill for Home Overall	Best Home Treadmill for Running	Best Home Treadmill for Walking	Best Incline Treadmill for Home	Best Small Treadmill for Home	Best Folding Treadmill for Home	Best Treadmill for Home Under $500	Best Portable Treadmill for Home
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill	Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro	WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill	ProForm Pro 9000	Echelon Stride	Horizon T101	XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill	NordicTrack EXP 7i
Description: Overall dimensions: 80” L x 38” W x 65” H Deck size: 60” L x 20” W Max speed: 12 miles per hour Max incline: 12 percent Decline: -3 percent Programming: iFIT (free for 30 days, then $39 per month) Motor: 3.5 CHP motor Weight capacity: 300 pounds	Description: Overall dimensions: 69.9” L x 31” W x 64.4” H  Deck size: 17” W by 62” L Max speed: As fast as you can run Max incline: N/A  Decline: N/A Programming: Compatible with the Assault Fitness App Motor: Non-electric Weight capacity: 350 pounds	Description: Overall dimensions: 32.5” L x 21.5” W x 5” H when folded; 56.5” L x 21.5” W x 5” H when unfolded Deck size: 47” L x 16” W Max speed: 3.72 miles per hour Max incline: N/A Decline: N/A Programming: WalkingPad App Motor: Brushless motor Weight capacity: Between 230 and 300 pounds	Description: Overall dimensions: 77.3” L x 35.3” W x 59.6” H Deck size: 60” L x 20” W Max speed: 12 miles per hour Max incline: 12 percent Decline: -3 percent Programming: iFIT (free for 30 days, then $39 per month) Motor: 3.6 CHP Weight capacity: 300 pounds	Description: Overall dimensions: 69” L x 31” W x 49” H  Deck size: 20” W x 55” L Max speed: 12 miles per hour Max incline: 10 percent Decline: N/A Programming: Eight programmed workouts provided Motor: Brushless DC motor; 1.75 CPH Weight capacity: 300 pounds	Description: Overall dimensions: 71" L x 34" W x 57" H when unfolded; 46" L x 34" W x 61" H when folded Deck size: 55” L x 20” W Max speed: 10 miles per hour Max incline: 10 percent Decline: N/A  Programming: N/A Motor: 2.5 CHP Weight capacity: 300 pounds	Description: Overall dimensions: 63.4" L x 28.75" W x 51.4" H Deck size: 50” L x 16” W Max speed: 10 miles per hour Max incline: Three levels Decline: N/A  Programming: 12 preset programs Motor: 2.25 HP motor Weight capacity: 250 pounds	Description: Overall dimensions: 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H Deck size: 55” L x 20” W Max speed: 10 miles per hour Max incline: 12 percent Decline: N/A Programming: iFIT Motor: 2.6 CHP Plus Motor Weight capacity: 300 pounds
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Best Treadmill for Home Overall

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 80” L x 38” W x 65” H
• Deck size: 60” L x 20” W
• Max speed: 12 miles per hour
• Max incline: 12 percent
• Decline: -3 percent
• Programming: iFIT (free for 30 days, then $39 per month)
• Motor: 3.5 CHP motor
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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Best Home Treadmill for Running

Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 69.9” L x 31” W x 64.4” H 
• Deck size: 17” W by 62” L
• Max speed: As fast as you can run
• Max incline: N/A 
• Decline: N/A
• Programming: Compatible with the Assault Fitness App
• Motor: Non-electric
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds

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Best Home Treadmill for Walking

WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 32.5” L x 21.5” W x 5” H when folded; 56.5” L x 21.5” W x 5” H when unfolded
• Deck size: 47” L x 16” W
• Max speed: 3.72 miles per hour
• Max incline: N/A
• Decline: N/A
• Programming: WalkingPad App
• Motor: Brushless motor
• Weight capacity: Between 230 and 300 pounds

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Best Incline Treadmill for Home

ProForm Pro 9000

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 77.3” L x 35.3” W x 59.6” H
• Deck size: 60” L x 20” W
• Max speed: 12 miles per hour
• Max incline: 12 percent
• Decline: -3 percent
• Programming: iFIT (free for 30 days, then $39 per month)
• Motor: 3.6 CHP
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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Best Small Treadmill for Home

Echelon Stride

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 69” L x 31” W x 49” H 
• Deck size: 20” W x 55” L
• Max speed: 12 miles per hour
• Max incline: 10 percent
• Decline: N/A
• Programming: Eight programmed workouts provided
• Motor: Brushless DC motor; 1.75 CPH
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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Best Folding Treadmill for Home

Horizon T101

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 71" L x 34" W x 57" H when unfolded; 46" L x 34" W x 61" H when folded
• Deck size: 55” L x 20” W
• Max speed: 10 miles per hour
• Max incline: 10 percent
• Decline: N/A 
• Programming: N/A
• Motor: 2.5 CHP
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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Best Treadmill for Home Under $500

XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 63.4" L x 28.75" W x 51.4" H
• Deck size: 50” L x 16” W
• Max speed: 10 miles per hour
• Max incline: Three levels
• Decline: N/A 
• Programming: 12 preset programs
• Motor: 2.25 HP motor
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds

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Best Portable Treadmill for Home

NordicTrack EXP 7i

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H
• Deck size: 55” L x 20” W
• Max speed: 10 miles per hour
• Max incline: 12 percent
• Decline: N/A
• Programming: iFIT
• Motor: 2.6 CHP Plus Motor
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

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