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Marcy vs NordicTrack

Tuesday, November 5th

2024 Home Gym Reviews

Marcy Review 4 Star Rating

Marcy

4 Star Rating
  • Type of Home Gym: Smith machine/cage system, weight plate
  • Cost Range: $749 to $3,499 (mean price $1,276)
  • Different Models: 11
  • Financing Available: Yes
  • Weight Resistance: 150-200 lbs on weight stack systems
  • Return Policy: 30 days
  • Warranty: 2 years

Marcy, founded in 1946 by fitness enthusiast Walter Marcyan, has evolved from introducing the first all-in-one multigym to partnering with global entities and becoming a renowned fitness brand recognized by figures like Bruce Lee and President Ronald Reagan. Today, they offer 11 distinct home gym models ranging from $749 to $3,499. Among their popular products, the MWM-990 home gym stands out for its compact design and comprehensive features, while the MD-9010G Cage System appeals to serious strength trainers. Despite their wide variety and free shipping, Marcy's 2-year limited warranty pales in comparison to competitors offering lifetime warranties, making it an area they could improve upon.

NordicTrack Review 2 Star Rating

NordicTrack

2 Star Rating
  • Type of Home Gym: Magnetic resistance
  • Cost Range: $1,799
  • Different Models: 1
  • Financing Available: Yes
  • Resistance Levels: 20 (exact weight not stated)
  • Return Policy: 30 days (with a $250 charge plus 10% restocking fee)
  • Warranty: 1 year for parts and labor, 10 years for the frame
  • Shipping: Free

NordicTrack's Fusion CST 2-in-1 trainer is designed for both cardio and strength training. The equipment has a 6-foot tower with 3 pulleys and offers up to 20 resistance levels (max 100 lbs) using magnetic technology, making workouts gentle on the body. However, the Fusion CST isn't suitable for hardcore bodybuilding and has limitations in exercise range. The unit comes with a 30-day iFit membership for online trainer-led workouts, but continuing requires a pricey monthly fee. Our concerns involve their short 1-year warranty for parts and labor and costly return policy. Overall, we advise against the Fusion CST - there are better alternatives available for home workouts.

Where Can You Find the Best Home Gym?

Ever thought about getting fit but find it hard to consistently hit the gym? Concerned about the possibility of an unused gym membership collecting dust? Ever been frustrated by reaching the gym only to see every bench occupied?

Whether your goal is to shed some holiday weight, tighten up those tricky spots, or simply integrate more healthful habits into your routine, having a home gym could be the game-changer you need. With it, you can say goodbye to recurring membership costs, battling for equipment, and the challenge of fitting gym visits into a jam-packed schedule.

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Home Gym FAQ

Absolutely! Depending on the equipment you choose, it might come with workout DVDs or online videos designed to help you get familiar with strength training. Weight training is an essential part of most wellness plans and can help you prevent injury and live longer.
Almost any gym equipment you'd find in a fitness center is available for home use. Of course, if you have a limited amount of space for your home gym, you can also find plenty of all-in-one systems that usually use resistance instead of weighted plates or dumbbells to create the same effect.
Yes! Any exercise you've seen at the gym can easily be done at home. Plus, you won't have to waste time waiting to knock out your next exercise because the equipment is being used by someone else.
They can be. You'll see equipment ranging from $199 to $3,799 or more. Some retailers offer financing, to help make your purchase more manageable.
Only if you want it to. There are some very compact systems that barely take up a corner of the room, and sets with dimensions that rival what you'd see at your local gym. It's a good idea to read the specs on any home gym you're considering, which will include the measurements and required floor space, to make sure you've got enough room.
Many stores offering home gym equipment give you a trial period ranging from 30-90 days. Policies vary, however, and you might have to pay a restocking fee and/or return shipping fees if you want to return your home gym for a refund.
That depends on the retailer. Some include it with the cost of the home gym, while others charge fees in the neighborhood of $99-$400.
Most of the time, no. You might be able to pay an additional fee for in-home delivery and set-up.
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Continued from above...

Not sure about your options? Let's simplify. Mainly, there are two types of home gyms: weight plate gyms and resistance system gyms. Weight plate gyms are a bit complex, cost more, and need more space, but they're great if you want to gain muscle. They come with weights that you can add on for more challenging workouts.

Resistance gyms, on the other hand, use different methods, from flexible rods to magnets or just your body weight, to create resistance. A cool thing about them is they're easier on your joints and tendons. So, if you have joint issues or arthritis, these might be better for you. Plus, they're usually smaller, making them perfect for toning and shaping.

There are tons of home gym brands you can buy online now. Before settling on a product, take the time to read reviews and check out the product descriptions and videos, if there are any. Lastly, remember that a home gym is an investment not just in a product, but in your health and well-being. Whatever you choose should align with your fitness goals, physical condition, and lifestyle.

When shopping for a home gym, here are some factors you should consider:

  • Price. Does it fit your budget? What are you getting for the price?
  • Resistance type. How does it create resistance? What's the max weight?
  • Setup. Is it ready to use or will you spend lots of time setting it up?
  • Warranty. What does it cover? Just the frame or also parts and service? For how long?
  • Returns. Are there any fees if you want to send it back? Can you return it after using it for a month?

With the right setup, you can make working out a convenient and regular part of your routine. Top Consumer Reviews has done in-depth analyses and rankings of the top home gyms available online to make your decision-making process smoother.

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