What better way to kick start a new year than by creating your own personalised hub of fitness, tailored to your preferred way of training.
Racking up loads of equipment is one thing, but as a personal trainer what I have come to realise is to reach your goals, whether it be cardiovascular, muscular or mental, you really don’t need much to create a fun and challenging workout using your own bodyweight or calisthenics training. For this reason multi-gym structures are by far my favourite way to exercise and the ones I would really recommend if you are looking to create a solid, interesting and efficient structure to take your training to the next level.
So, what actually is a multigym?
Basically a multi gym is a combination of a variety of different pieces of equipment creatively merged together to create a functional training facility that can cater to a variety of different training disciplines.
Why should I opt for a multigym?
Not only are they very space efficient and cost-effective compared to buying a load of different machines and equipment, but they are also incredibly long lasting. Manufactured to be sturdy and withstand years of use, the simplicity of most designs means there is little room for design fault and error.
What type of multigym should I steer towards?
Depending on your fitness goals there are a huge variety of multi gyms in the industry to explore. If you’re into more functional a Crossfit style training rig would be your best bet; however, if strength training is your thing and you want to build more muscle, you would steer towards the designs that include cable machines and lifting benches.
Will there be a user guide that sets out examples of what exercises to perform when I purchase a multigym?
Most brands will create a pamphlet with a number of different exercises you can carry out on your new piece of equipment, so if you do not currently have a training programme or trainer to show you the ropes, worry not.
Here we look at eight machines across a wide range of budgets all perfectly suited to the home.
Multi gyms under £500
TRX Strong Suspension System Trainer
I would recommend buying a TRX kit as a staple item in anyone’s home-gym, not to mention they are great for travelling too. For home use, just attach the padded wedge to the end of the straps and place across the top of a door and close - the wedge will hold the resistance and allows for a huge range of exercise for both the upper and lower body. The whole thing bundles up to the size of a loaf of bread and can be used in other settings like the park or even a hotel room - a blessing for both frequent and occasional travellers that want to maintain their routine.
The TRX is also fantastic for building strength, power and increasing mobility for both new and advanced training. Once you have the basics down it's great to play around with different movements; whether you want to work on explosive power training, challenge yourself with single leg work or even create some mini HIIT workouts, you have so many options to keep things interesting and fun with a TRX. If you own or are looking to invest in a multi-gym structure these can easily be added and removed as you fancy.
£149.00 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Marcy Eclipse RS5000 Power Rack Gym With High & Low Pulley System
Marcy creates a great range of products that combine a lot of elements into one machine. This is exactly what the RS5000 Power Rack does. It includes all the essentials for free-weight training, cable training and bodyweight training to equip the everyday fitness fanatic for whatever they might need.
Mixing all of these types of training together can create inventive and challenging workouts that will really help you take your routine to the next level.
£349.99 | Pure Fitness And Sports | Buy it now
Price compare on Amazon here.
Adidas Home Rig
Another favourite for more functional training but still with a few savvy resistance-training additions. The rig is incredibly space-efficient and allows you to perform an array of different movements. You can cover all your compound strength training; squats, overhead press, deadlifts - as well as working on smaller muscle groups with the Lat Pull Down and bodyweight training on the dip and pull up bars.
Note that weights are sold separately so remember to factor this into your spending budget. This multi gym comes with thirteen height adjustable positions for bars and attachments, a lat pull down bar, straight bar, dual foam padded hand grips and ankle strap. Six weight plate storage bars with Olympic plate attachments and spring collars and an integrated crossbar for bodyweight training, including pull ups and suspension training. A fantastic all around buy at a very budget friendly price.
£319.99 | Sports Direct | Buy it now
Weider Home Gym Power Rack
If powerlifting is your thing the simplicity of this ensemble might be just what you need to cover all your basics. Perfect for building total body strength and developing muscles in both the lower and upper body as well as having the option to also perform exercises with specific core activation, the rack would be a wise addition for someone with a specific goal and training programme to follow.
Again with the addition of the pull up bar there is also the option to perform isometric holds and clip on a TRX for more targeted suspension training. For the affordable price I would say its definitely worth the investment and will cater to most of your foundation training.
£299.99 | Argos | Buy it now
See all multi gyms from Argos here.
Multi gyms under £1,000
Marcy GS99 Multi Gym With Onyx Rowing Machine
Slightly more on the larger side, the Marcy Multi Gym was built with the idea to equip a very large range of different movements and skills and even allows two people to train at the same time, which is great on the motivation front.
This multi gym is perfect for heavy compound training and lighter isolation movements, the addition of the rower in the bundle is a huge bonus too with regards to keeping up one’s cardiovascular system and mixing a different type of exercise into your routine.
£999.99 | Pure Fitness and Sport | Buy it now
Price compare on Amazon here.
Multi gyms under £2,000
Cube-Functional Training Rig
Easy to assemble and transport this multi-functional rig is great for more Crossfit / Strongman style of training. The more hardcore gym-goers will love playing around with the various bodyweight exercises here, such as pull-ups and dips, but also leaving room for the addition of ropes and Kettlebells to really change things up.
You could also add in a TRX station and play around with super setting more high intensity movements and isometric holds.
£1,600.00 | Beaverfit | Buy it now
Multi gyms under £5,000
UNICA multi gym
Another innovative Technogym product, the multifunctional UNICA bench is the perfect option for those looking to build some serious strength in a small space. Compact in size and able to fit into tight spaces it's great if you are looking to target and isolate specific muscle groups.
Created with an interesting biomechanical design the UNICA comes equipped with resistance bands which is a great addition for warming up selected muscle groups pre-training and helping to stretch them out post session. A beautiful and well built piece of equipment for the high-end home gym.
£4,870.00 | Technogym | Buy it now
Multi gyms £5,000 +
Kinesis Personal Heritage Black
Technogym equipment is renowned for its efficiency and class which is why this product has a higher price tag compared to the other multi gyms; however, if you are looking to redefine your wellness and work on your strength with more controlled movements, flexibility, posture and breathing, it’s a great option. The Kinesis comes equipped with a wellness ball and ankle weights too so there are hundreds of exercises you could do, basic and more advanced. A stunning multi gym in terms of both aesthetics and function when money isn't a factor.
£10,136.00 | Technogym | Buy it now
Verdict:
The TRX takes our top pick based on size, budget and function. The TRX offerers a sincere workout that beginners and more advanced athletes will enjoy and is also a great addition to other multi gym rigs. The Weider multi gym is also a great option that offers a wide range of training in a sturdy but compact size. At just under £300 the Weider multi gym is a solid investment for 2019 and beyond.
