Body Solid Review

Thursday, March 27th

2025 Home Gym Reviews

Body Solid

• Type of Home Gym: Single-stack weight plates
• Cost Range: $569-4,795 (mean price $2,275)
• Different Models: 13
• Financing Available: Yes
• Weight Resistance: 145 lbs-210 lbs
• Return Policy: Depends on vendor
• Warranty: Depends on machine
• Shipping: Not available through Body Solid

Founded in Illinois, Body Solid has been a trusted source for both commercial and residential exercise equipment for over three decades. Serving a diverse clientele, from schools and fire departments to specialty retailers and gyms, they've secured a top rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their standout feature? The impressive "Built for Life" lifetime warranty on their products.

We recommend their Single Stack gyms

While Body Solid offers an expansive range of workout equipment, including multi-stack and free weight gyms, those looking for a compact home gym should consider their Single Stack Gyms. These are exactly what it says on the tin: home gyms designed with a solo weight stack, making them an efficient choice for home use.

No direct purchases

An important detail for potential buyers: Body Solid's website doesn't allow direct purchases from their catalog, unlike other websites we've reviewed. Instead, you'll have to use the Dealer Locator tool to input your zip code to find nearby sellers. But there's a silver lining - Body Solid dealers are conveniently located across the nation. We found several dealers within a 50-mile radius of our own zip code.

Prices hard to find

Finding product prices on Body Solid's website can be tricky. They don't display the prices of each machine on the main product page or even in the product overview. Instead, you have to click on a product, then navigate from "Overview” to the "Features" tab to see the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price). Perhaps Body Solid does this to avoid surprises, since the actual price might be higher when buying from a local dealer. It might be their way of preventing any disappointment or confusion for customers, but it does make it more difficult to discern which of their thirteen single-stack machines might be outside of your price range at a glance.

Pricing starts at $579 with the BFMG20

The BFMG20 is Body Solid's budget-friendly option, with the MSRP set at $579. It's a compact all-in-one gym machine designed to maximize your workout without occupying a lot of space. This machine features high-quality cables that can withstand heavy use and pulleys that provide smooth movements. There's a wide-grip lat bar and a low pulley with a narrow grip row bar, so you can perform over a dozen exercises including the Bench Press, Pectoral Fly, Lat Pulldown, Tricep Pressdown, Leg Extension/Curl, and several others using the Low Pulley Station.

Assembly instructions have some mistakes

However, some users have shared tips for improvement. For instance, the pec fly handles can be a bit obstructive during certain exercises. To resolve this, some have used wing nuts to make them removable. Another point to consider is the weight stack. All the plates weigh 15 lbs, which might be a big jump for some when increasing weight. Purchasing additional adapter plates can solve this. Lastly, when assembling, be aware that there are some steps in the process that need to be done later in the process than indicated in the manual - you can check customer reviews for specifics, or figure it out for yourself as you go. Despite these challenges, many find the BFMG20 to be a versatile and valuable addition to their home gym.

Three-year warranty

Warranties from Body Solid differ depending on the machine. The BFMG20 exercise machine has a 3-year warranty for U.S. customers. The main frame is covered for 3 years, most parts for 1 year, while any motor has a 1-year warranty and electronics are covered for 3 months. The warranty only applies if the machine is used normally at home and hasn't been modified with non-Body Solid parts. Paint isn't covered. To claim the warranty, you need your receipt and the original box. If you sell the machine, the next owner can't use the warranty. Before returning, call Body Solid for a return number. You'll pay for return shipping. This warranty may offer specific rights depending on your state, and it's not valid outside the U.S.

High-end G6BR has six stations, costs $3,695

The G6BR is one of Body Solid's premium gym machines, priced at $3,695. Designed for full-body workouts, this system boasts six specialized stations. The patented Bi-Angular® Press Arms provide resistance from two directions, replicating the natural feel of free weights. There's a Lat Pulldown and High Pulley Station, allowing for the full range of upper body exercises. The Ab Crunch/Mid Pulley Station focuses on abdominal toning, while the Perfect Pec Station works upper body muscle development. For those who want to sculpt their legs, the Leg Extension/Leg Curl Station is a nice touch. Lastly, the Seated Row/Low Pulley Station works the back muscles. The gym is powered by a 210 lb. advanced alloy weight stack that creates smooth and silent operation.

A favorite of long-time fitness buffs

A fitness professional who switched to the G6BR during the COVID-19 gym closures highly recommends it. They praise the resistance quality throughout the exercise motion and note the sturdy construction. With a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service, this investment becomes even more worthwhile for fitness enthusiasts seeking a top-notch home gym solution.

Lifetime warranty on some equipment

If you buy the G6BR from Body Solid or one of its official sellers, you get a lifetime warranty. It covers the frame, cables, upholstery, and more. However, it doesn't cover cosmetic damages like scratches in paint. If you need to send your home gym back, you'll have to cover the shipping and other costs.

Some machines not suited to very tall or very short users

When shopping for a Body Solid single-stack home gym, you should know that some might not be ideal for very tall or very short users. Before purchasing, it's wise to check out the reviews for the specific product you're interested in. Some users have reported challenges in comfortably using certain machines due to their height, like not being able to reach the leg bar, which can't always be adjusted. So, while the machines are generally well-made, their design might not fit everyone's needs.

Loses points because you can't buy directly

We like Body Solid's equipment and we appreciate that they offer a home gym for only $579 that covers every muscle group. We're also pleased to see their Lifetime warranty on some of their products. However, they don't get our top rating because you can't buy directly from their website, which means we can't assess factors like customer service through the order process or availability.