10 Best Exercise Machines For Whole Body in 2026

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The Total Gym APEX G3 Home Gym earns our best overall spot because it packs over 70 exercises into a slim, folding frame that uses bodyweight resistance for low-impact full-body training. For heavy users, the Total Gym XLS Home Gym supports up to 400 pounds with no assembly required. Those wanting adjustable resistance up to 210 pounds should consider the BowFlex PR1000 Home Gym.

The problem with shopping for a whole-body machine is that most options either take over your living room or only work half your muscles. A machine that hits your legs, core, back, chest, and arms in one session needs the right balance of resistance type, exercise variety, and footprint.

We built this guide by studying manufacturer specs, expert round-ups, and patterns in owner feedback to narrow down ten machines that genuinely deliver full-body training. You get clear picks for different spaces, budgets, and strength goals.

Top 10 Exercise Machines For Whole Body in the Market

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The Best Exercise Machines For Whole Body, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Total Gym APEX G3 Home Gym

Total Gym APEX G3 Home Gym
Resistance Levels8 bodyweight
Exercises70+
Max User Weight300 lb
Accessories IncludedSquat stand, dip bars, leg pull, wing attachment
StorageFolds for storage
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What We Like

  • 70+ exercises for full-body training
  • 8 adjustable bodyweight resistance levels
  • Low-impact glideboard and pulley system
  • Folds slim for small spaces

Trade-offs

  • Bodyweight resistance only, no added weights
  • Requires floor space when unfolded during use

With over 70 exercises and eight bodyweight resistance levels, the Total Gym APEX G3 covers strength, cardio, Pilates, and HIIT from a single machine that folds for storage. Its padded glideboard and cable pulley system keep movements smooth and low-impact, supporting users up to 300 pounds. That makes it a practical choice for anyone who wants a full-body workout without dedicating a permanent space to gym equipment.

The trade-off is that you are working against your own bodyweight rather than a stack of iron plates, which keeps the machine joint-friendly and easy to set up. If you are after heavy progressive overload for pure muscle gain, a weight-stack machine like the Mikolo Home Gym with 152LBS Weight Stack offers a different approach. For most people wanting a compact, low-impact whole-body solution that grows with their fitness level, the APEX G3 hits a sweet spot between capability and convenience.

Best for: Home exercisers who want a compact, low-impact full-body machine with room to progress. Not ideal for those seeking heavy weight-stack resistance for advanced strength building.
#2Best For Heavy Users

Total Gym XLS Home Gym

Total Gym XLS Home Gym
Resistance Levels6
Exercises80+
Weight Capacity400 lb
Unit Weight81.6 lb
Folded Size19 x 51 x 9 in
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What We Like

  • 400 lb user capacity
  • 80+ full-body exercises
  • No assembly required
  • Folds compact for storage

Trade-offs

  • Only 6 resistance levels limit progression
  • 81.6 lb is heavy to move frequently
  • Bodyweight resistance only, no added plates

A 400-pound user capacity makes this one of the few home gyms that genuinely welcomes heavier frames without compromise. The Total Gym XLS uses your own bodyweight against an adjustable incline, with six resistance levels that let you dial in difficulty from gentle rehab work to challenging strength moves. With over 80 exercises covering strength, cardio, and stretching, it targets every major muscle group in a single machine. The foldable design means it disappears into a closet when you’re done.

Six resistance levels are fewer than some alternatives offer, so very strong users may eventually max out the challenge on certain moves. Compared to the BowFlex PR1000, which is a different type of home gym, the XLS relies entirely on your body weight. That simplicity keeps the machine easy to set up, but it also means you cannot add external plates for extra load. For the heavy user who wants a stable, foldable bodyweight machine that covers the full body without complicated adjustments, this is a practical option.

Best for: Heavier users and beginners who want a stable, foldable bodyweight machine with a high weight capacity and no assembly. Not ideal for advanced lifters who need more than six resistance levels or want to add external weight plates.

Product photos

#3Best Adjustable Resistance

BowFlex PR1000 Home Gym

BowFlex PR1000 Home Gym
Resistance TypePower Rod
Max Resistance210 lbs
Dimensions97 x 76 x 81 in
Weight131 lbs
Exercises Included20+
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What We Like

  • 210 lbs Power Rod resistance
  • Foldable bench saves space
  • Built-in rowing station for cardio
  • Flat, 45°, and free-sliding bench positions

Trade-offs

  • At 131 lbs, not easily moved
  • Only 20+ exercises vs. some competitors' 80+

Two hundred ten pounds of Power Rod resistance means you can dial up intensity gradually without swapping plates, great for anyone who wants strength training that grows with them without cluttering a room with iron. The foldable bench and built-in rowing station make this a space-conscious pick for full-body work: presses, pulldowns, crunches, and even cardio on one frame. It suits someone who values adjustable resistance over a fixed weight stack and wants a machine that can tuck away when not in use.

The trade-off comes in exercise variety. With 20-plus movements included, you get a solid foundation, but the Total Gym XLS offers over 80 exercises using bodyweight resistance, if you prefer more options out of the box, that might pull you elsewhere. At 131 pounds, this isn’t a machine you’ll casually relocate between rooms, so plan its spot carefully. For steady, progressive resistance in a compact package, it earns its place.

Best for: Someone who wants adjustable resistance up to 210 lbs and a foldable design for full-body strength and cardio in a small space. Not ideal for those wanting a huge library of pre-designed exercises or a lightweight machine they can easily move.
#4Best Compact Cardio

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower
Dimensions58.1 x 20.1 x 24.8 in
Weight22.4 lb
Resistance Levels12 hydraulic
Max User Weight220 lb
Bluetooth AppFree SunnyFit App
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What We Like

  • 12 levels of hydraulic resistance
  • Compact and lightweight at 22.4 lb
  • Free SunnyFit app with Bluetooth tracking
  • Padded seat and pivoting foot pedals

Trade-offs

  • 220 lb max user weight limits larger athletes
  • Hydraulic resistance can feel less smooth than air or magnetic
  • No built-in heart rate monitoring

At 22.4 pounds, this rower is light enough to move from an apartment corner to under a bed or beside a desk without breaking a sweat. Its inclined rail uses gravity to add leg-drive challenge, so you still get lower-body work despite the compact size. With 12 hydraulic resistance levels and the free SunnyFit app guiding your workouts, it delivers full-body cardio without needing a dedicated gym room.

Hydraulic resistance can feel less fluid than the air or magnetic systems on larger machines like the Total Gym APEX G3. The 220-pound weight limit also means it’s not built for heavier users. Still, if your priority is a joint-friendly, quiet row that stores easily and connects to trainer-led content, this Sunny Health & Fitness model delivers exactly that. No assembly headaches, no monthly fees, just a smooth stroke in a small footprint.

Best for: Apartment dwellers or home office users who want a full-body cardio rower that stores easily and connects to an app. Not ideal for taller or heavier users above 220 lb.

Product photos

#5Best Heavy-Duty Steel

WFLGFT Multi Function Home Gym

WFLGFT Multi Function Home Gym
Weight Stack148 lbs
DimensionsL 63.4 × W 34.6 × H 80.7 in
Weight108.0 lbs
Exercises35+
ConstructionCommercial-grade steel
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What We Like

  • Commercial-grade steel frame for stability
  • 148 lb weight stack with smooth pulleys
  • Supports 35+ exercises for full body
  • Adjustable seat, pads, and arms

Trade-offs

  • 108-pound unit is difficult to relocate once assembled.
  • Large 80.7-inch height won't fit low ceilings.

A 148-pound weight stack and commercial-grade steel frame mean this machine is built to handle daily use without wobbling or wearing out early. The adjustable seat, pedals, and butterfly arms help different body types find a comfortable setup, so you are not fighting the machine while you train. It supports over 35 exercises including chest press, lat pulldown, low row, core training, and leg workouts, providing a full-body strength experience.

Compared to the lighter, foldable Total Gym APEX G3, this is a permanent piece of equipment, not something you stash in a closet. And while the 148-pound stack is plenty for most beginners and intermediates, experienced lifters may eventually want more resistance. For someone building a dedicated home gym and prioritizing durability over portability, this is a smart, straightforward pick.

Best for: Home gym owners who want a sturdy, steel-framed machine with a weight stack and room for 35+ exercises. Not ideal for those with low ceilings, limited floor space, or a need for a portable, foldable setup.

Product photos

#6Best Low-Impact Seated Trainer

Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Recumbent Elliptical

Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Recumbent Elliptical
Resistance16 levels, electromagnetic
Programs24 (preset, custom, HR/Watt)
Weight capacity300 lb
Machine weight113.1 lb
Dimensions71.7 × 33.3 × 50.8 in
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What We Like

  • Seated full-body cardio with moving handles
  • 24 workout programs including heart rate control
  • Open step-through frame for easy access
  • Bluetooth app with 2,000+ trainer-led workouts

Trade-offs

  • At 113.1 lb, it is heavy to move frequently
  • Seated position limits standing or high-impact options
  • Pulse sensors only, no chest strap included

A 300-pound weight capacity and a wide cushioned seat with breathable mesh backrest mean this machine welcomes users who need a stable, supportive seated position for low-impact cardio. The 2-in-1 design lets you work arms and legs together or isolate either, while 24 programs, including Watt Control and Heart Rate Control, automatically adjust resistance to keep you honest without fiddling with dials mid-workout. It suits anyone who wants low-impact movement that still challenges the whole body, especially if you prefer sitting over standing.

The Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Recumbent Elliptical weighs 113.1 pounds and measures nearly six feet long, so it’s a permanent fixture in your workout space rather than something you stash in a closet. If you need portability, the Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower is only 22.4 pounds and folds away easily. For a seated machine that offers both upper- and lower-body training with app-guided workouts, this recumbent elliptical provides a stable, feature-packed platform for regular use.

Best for: Anyone seeking a stable, low-impact seated machine for full-body cardio with programmable resistance and app-based training. Not ideal for those who need a lightweight, easily storable unit or prefer standing/impact workouts.
#7Best For Drop Sets

Mikolo Home Gym with 152LBS Weight Stack

Mikolo Home Gym with 152LBS Weight Stack
Weight Stack152 lbs
Dimensions75 x 36.3 x 80 in
Weight300 lbs
Steel Gauge14-gauge
Exercises90+ kinds
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What We Like

  • 152 lb weight stack for drop sets
  • 90+ exercises for full body
  • 14-gauge steel frame is sturdy
  • Includes preacher curl and leg press attachments

Trade-offs

  • 300 lb weight needs sturdy floor
  • Large footprint at 75 inches long

A 152-pound weight stack lets you adjust resistance quickly by moving the pin, which is ideal for drop sets without swapping plates. The machine supports over 90 exercises including chest press, lat pulldown, leg press, and preacher curl, covering full-body training in one station. The 14-gauge steel frame provides a sturdy structure for heavy use.

At 300 pounds and 75 inches long, this machine is a permanent fixture, not something you move around. The 152-pound weight stack lets you switch resistance quickly for drop sets without swapping plates. Compared to the foldable Total Gym XLS at 81.6 pounds, the Mikolo requires a dedicated floor space but offers a more traditional weight-stack setup.

Best for: Someone who wants a home gym with a weight stack for quick resistance changes and full-body workouts. Not ideal for small spaces or those needing a portable, foldable machine.

Product photos

#8Best Smooth Pulley System

JELENS H11 Home Gym

JELENS H11 Home Gym
Weight Stack150 LBS
Dimensions74.8 x 38.5 x 79.9 in
Pulley PositionsHigh / Medium / Low
Frame MaterialThickened upgraded steel
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What We Like

  • Three pulley positions for varied exercises
  • 150 LBS weight stack for progressive resistance
  • Adjustable seat, leg extension, and butterfly arms
  • U-shaped base with shock-absorbing foot pads

Trade-offs

  • Large footprint at 74.8 inches long
  • Weight stack fixed at 150 LBS, not expandable
  • Assembly required from four separate boxes

With a 150 LBS weight stack and three pulley positions, high, medium, and low, the JELENS H11 lets you perform exercises like lat pulldowns and chest flys without swapping cables. The steel shaft pulley and polished high-strength steel wire rope are designed for smooth, stable operation and reduced noise, so you can train without disturbing others. That makes it a good fit for anyone who wants a dedicated strength station that covers multiple muscle groups.

Best for: Home gym owners who want a smooth, quiet pulley system with a fixed weight stack for full-body strength training. Not ideal for those with very limited floor space or who need resistance above 150 LBS.
#9Best Space-Saving Strength Station

JEEKEE All in One Home Gym

JEEKEE All in One Home Gym
Dimensions67 x 39 x 79 inches
Weight252 pounds
Weight Stack150 lbs
Exercises7-in-1 (chest press, lat pulldown, leg extension, etc.)
FrameReinforced steel with zero-wobble design
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What We Like

  • 150 lb weight stack with quick selector
  • Zero-wobble reinforced frame for stability
  • Compact footprint for home gyms
  • 7-in-1 full body exercise options

Trade-offs

  • Does not include leg press exercise
  • Heavy 252 lb unit requires careful placement
  • Assembly needed with included manual and video

A 150-pound weight stack with a quick-select pin means you can switch between exercises without fumbling with plates or bands, just pull, pin, and go. That convenience, paired with a reinforced frame that stays rock-steady during chest presses and lat pulldowns, makes this a smart pick if you want serious strength training without dedicating a whole room to it. The footprint is compact enough for a garage corner or spare bedroom, and the seven included movements cover your major pushes, pulls, and leg work. It suits someone who wants a structured, all-in-one station rather than a pile of dumbbells and a bench.

The JEEKEE All in One Home Gym does not include a leg press, so if that exercise is essential for your training, you will need to add another piece of equipment. Weighing 252 pounds, this machine is not something you will move around easily, so choose its location carefully before assembly. Unlike lighter bodyweight options such as the Total Gym XLS, this unit provides real stacked resistance and a stable steel frame, but it requires a permanent spot.

Best for: Home gym owners who want a stable, compact strength station with a weight stack for quick resistance changes. Not ideal for those who need a leg press or plan to move the machine frequently.
#10Best Heavy Weight Stack

ROBORE Home Gym System with 160LB Weight Stack

ROBORE Home Gym System with 160LB Weight Stack
Weight Stack160 lb
Dimensions66 x 38 x 79 in
Weight220 lb
Pulley PositionsHigh, Mid, Low
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What We Like

  • 160 lb weight stack for progressive overload
  • High, mid, and low pulley options
  • All-in-one full body training station
  • Adjustable seating and removable preacher curl pad

Trade-offs

  • Weighs 220 lbs, difficult to move once assembled
  • Large footprint requires dedicated floor space

The 160 lb weight stack gives you built-in resistance for progressive overload without needing to load plates. The three pulley positions let you target back, arms, shoulders, chest, abs, and legs from different angles, while the adjustable seat and removable preacher curl pad help you find a comfortable position for each movement. It supports chest press, pec fly, preacher curl, lat pulldown, low row, leg extension, cable lateral raise, triceps pressdown, cable curls, and seated cable ab crunch.

At 220 pounds and roughly 66 by 38 inches, this station demands a permanent spot, you won’t be tucking it into a closet or shifting it between rooms. The included 160-pound weight stack means you can train legs, back, and chest without buying extra plates, so it’s a set-it-and-forget-it setup for consistent strength work.

Best for: Home lifters who want a built-in 160 lb weight stack and multiple cable positions for full-body strength training. Not ideal for those with limited floor space or who need a portable machine.

Product photos

How We Evaluated Exercise Machines For Whole Body

Our evaluation is research-based. We examined specifications and manufacturer documentation for each machine, read expert round-ups from fitness publications, and analyzed patterns in owner feedback across hundreds of reviews. This approach gives us a reliable picture of how each machine performs in real homes.

The criteria that mattered most were exercise variety, resistance type, build quality, and footprint. A machine that claims full-body training needs to actually work your upper body, lower body, and core. We looked for at least 20 distinct exercises and prioritized machines with multiple resistance mechanisms.

We also weighed portability and storage heavily. Many people need their gym to disappear into a closet between sessions. That is why we noted folded dimensions, weight, and assembly requirements for every pick. An honest research-led evaluation cannot tell you how a machine feels mid-rep, but it can tell you exactly what owners consistently praise and complain about.

What To Look For In Exercise Machines For Whole Body

Choosing a whole-body machine starts with understanding the type of resistance you prefer and the space you can dedicate. Here are the key factors that separate a useful machine from a dust collector.

Look for a machine that offers at least 20 distinct exercises covering upper body, lower body, and core. Check the resistance range and type (bodyweight, rods, weight stack, or hydraulic) to match your strength level. Measure your available floor space and ceiling height before buying.

Resistance Type and Range

The resistance system dictates how your muscles grow. Bodyweight machines like the Total Gym APEX G3 use your own weight on an incline glideboard, which is gentle on joints but limited to what you weigh. Power Rod systems, found on the BowFlex PR1000, provide smooth resistance up to 210 pounds and are quieter than clanking weight stacks.

Weight stacks, like the 152-pound stack on the Mikolo Home Gym, offer quick pin changes for drop sets but add significant weight to the unit. Hydraulic rowers use piston resistance that is compact and affordable but can feel less consistent than air or magnetic options.

Exercise Variety and Muscle Groups

A true whole-body machine should hit your chest, back, shoulders, arms, legs, and core. Count the exercises listed in the manual. The Total Gym XLS offers over 80 movements, while the BowFlex PR1000 lists around 20. More is not always better if you only do five moves, but variety prevents boredom and plateaus. Look for machines that include a leg press or squat motion, a chest press, a row or pull-down, and core work like crunches or twists.

Footprint, Storage, and Assembly

Measure your space before you fall in love with a machine. The WFLGFT Multi Function Home Gym stands over 80 inches tall and will not fit under a standard ceiling. The Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower weighs only 22.4 pounds and stores upright in a closet. Consider how often you will move it. Machines over a couple hundred pounds, like the ROBORE Home Gym System, are essentially permanent furniture. Assembly time varies widely: the Total Gym XLS requires no assembly, while the JELENS H11 arrives in four separate boxes.

  • Measure your ceiling height and floor space with the machine fully extended.
  • Check the folded or stored dimensions if you plan to put it away between workouts.
  • Read assembly instructions ahead of time to see if you need tools or help.
  • Verify the maximum user weight and compare it to everyone who will use the machine.
  • Confirm the resistance range covers your current strength and leaves room to progress.

A good rule of thumb: if the machine cannot fit through your door frame assembled, make sure you are willing to assemble it in the room where it will live.

Exercise Machines For Whole Body Compared

The table below compares all ten machines side by side so you can see how they stack up on resistance, exercise count, weight capacity, and footprint at a glance.

ProductResistance TypeDimensionsExercises
Total Gym APEX G3 Home Gym8 bodyweightL 0.0 x W 0.0 x H 0.0 in70+
Total Gym XLS Home Gym6 bodyweightL 90.0 x W 19.0 x H 43.0 in80+
BowFlex PR1000 Home GymPower Rod 210 lbsL 97.0 x W 76.0 x H 81.0 in20+
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower12 hydraulicL 58.1 x W 20.1 x H 24.8 inN/A
WFLGFT Multi Function Home Gym148 LB Weight StackL 63.4 x W 34.6 x H 80.7 in35+
Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Recumbent Elliptical16 electromagneticL 71.7 x W 33.3 x H 50.8 inN/A
Mikolo Home Gym with 152LBS Weight Stack152LBS Weight StackL 75.0 x W 36.3 x H 80.0 in90+
JELENS H11 Home Gym150LBS Weight StackL 74.8 x W 38.5 x H 79.9 inN/A
JEEKEE All in One Home Gym150LB Weight StackL 67.0 x W 39.0 x H 79.0 in7-in-1
ROBORE Home Gym System with 160LB Weight Stack160LB Weight StackL 66.0 x W 38.0 x H 79.0 inN/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best exercise machine for whole body weight loss?

Machines that combine strength and cardio tend to support weight loss best. A rowing machine works your legs, core, back, and arms while raising your heart rate. The Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower offers 12 resistance levels and Bluetooth app tracking, making it easy to log consistent cardio sessions. For a seated option, the Sunny Health & Fitness 2-in-1 Recumbent Elliptical provides 24 programs and trainer-led workouts.

How much space do I need for a full-body home gym machine?

Space requirements vary significantly. Compact options like the Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower need only a few feet of floor space and store upright. Larger machines with weight stacks, such as the Mikolo Home Gym, require about 75 inches of length and a sturdy floor. Always measure your space with the machine fully extended, not just in its stored position.

Are bodyweight resistance machines effective for building muscle?

Yes, bodyweight resistance machines can build muscle, especially for beginners and intermediate users. The Total Gym APEX G3 uses an adjustable incline glideboard to increase resistance as you get stronger. The key is progressive overload: as an exercise gets easier, you increase the incline angle or add more reps. Advanced lifters may eventually need external weight plates to continue progressing.

What is the difference between a weight stack and Power Rod resistance?

Weight stacks use metal plates selected by a pin, providing consistent, familiar resistance that is easy to adjust between sets. Power Rods are flexible rods that bend to create resistance, offering a smoother, quieter feel that mimics free-weight motion. Weight stacks are heavier and more durable for heavy lifting, while Power Rods are lighter and require less maintenance. The BowFlex PR1000 uses Power Rods up to 210 pounds.

Can I get a full-body workout with just one machine?

Yes, many machines on this list are designed for exactly that. The Total Gym APEX G3 offers over 70 exercises targeting every major muscle group. The Mikolo Home Gym includes 90-plus exercises with a weight stack for quick resistance changes. A single machine can replace multiple pieces of equipment if it includes movements for pushing, pulling, squatting, and core work.

The Bottom Line

The Total Gym APEX G3 Home Gym is our best overall pick for most people because it delivers over 70 full-body exercises in a slim, folding frame that stores easily. It works well for beginners and intermediate exercisers who want low-impact training with room to progress through eight resistance levels. If you need a higher weight capacity, the Total Gym XLS Home Gym supports up to 400 pounds with no assembly.

For those who prefer traditional weight stack resistance, the Mikolo Home Gym with its 152-pound stack and 90-plus exercises is a strong choice for drop sets and progressive overload. Apartment dwellers should look at the Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower, which weighs only 22.4 pounds and stores in a closet. The single most important factor is choosing a machine you will actually use consistently, so prioritize the resistance type and footprint that fit your daily routine.