Most multi-gyms have fairly limited options for exercising the lower body. A leg press changes that completely. But which multi-gyms are good and also have a leg press? I’ve got your answers here.
Here are the 6 best multi-gyms with built-in leg press or as an add-on.
- Bowflex Blaze
- Body-Solid Fusion 500/3
- Bowflex Revolution
- Powerline P2X
- Body-Solid B6GR
- BodyCraft GL/GLX
Which one of these is the best all-round? Click here to find my recommendations.
Why are those the best options and why would you want a multi gym with leg press in the first place? Keep reading to find out.
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Multi-gyms with leg press
There are tons of all-in-one gyms out there but not all of them come with a leg press. In fact, most multi-gyms don’t have any way of performing a leg press.
Just want a separate leg press machine? Click here to find your best options.
There are a few models out there that come with one as standard but more common is to have it available as an add-on. That means it will integrate into the multi-gym but you have to buy it separately. Usually, the models that have a leg press either built-in or as an option, are in the higher price ranges.
Here is a list of multi-station gyms that either come with a leg press or have a possible add-on.
Here you can see the brands and names of the multi-gyms that have a leg press. You can also see if it comes with the machine or if it’s an add-on as well as the maximum resistance.
Brand | Model | Leg press | Max leg press resistance (lbs.) |
---|---|---|---|
BowFlex | Blaze | Yes- add on | 410 |
BowFlex | Revolution | Yes- add on | 600 |
Total gym | GTS | Yes | % of bodyweight |
Total gym | XLS | Yes | % of bodyweight |
Life Fitness | G4 Home Gym | Yes- add on | 420 |
Life Fitness | G2 Home Gym | Yes- add on | 420 |
BodyCraft | Xpress pro 200 lbs. | Yes- add on | 400 |
BodyCraft | GL | Yes- add on | 400 |
BodyCraft | GLX | Yes- add on | 400 |
BodyCraft | Elite Strength System | Yes- add on | 400 |
BodyCraft | X2 | Yes | 400 |
Body Solid | BSG10X | Yes- add on | 160 |
Body Solid | Fusion 500 | Yes- add on | 610 |
Body Solid | Fusion 600 | Yes- add on | 610 |
Body Solid | G6BR | Yes- add on | 520 |
Body Solid | G2B | Yes- add on | 420 |
Body Solid | G3S | Yes- add on | 420 |
Body Solid | G5S | Yes- add on | 520 |
Powerline | P2X | Yes- add on | 420 |
Best multi gyms with leg press
Above is a long list of possible options. But which are the best? Here is my top 5.
What I’ve looked at in creating this list;
1. Bowflex Blaze
The Bowflex Blaze has to be the overall winner. This gym just has so many things going for it for an amazing price. The machines that start coming close to the capabilities of this machine cost twice as much. Here’s what you get;
Check out my recommended multi-station home gyms here.
2. Body-Solid Fusion 500/3
Next up is the Body Solid Fusion 500/3. FYI the difference between the 500/2 and 500/3 is the weight stack. The /2 has a 210 lbs. weight stack while the /3 has a 310 lbs. weight stack. While the /2 is probably enough for most people, the heavier resistance of the /3 is what makes this machine good.
Since the resistance is doubled for the leg press, this gives you a maximum resistance of 620 lbs. This is enough for the vast majority of lifters, even the more advanced ones. The fact that it’s enough for most people makes it a great machine.
One thing to keep in mind is; that the weight stack can’t be upgraded later after you buy it. So if you expect to need more than 210/420 lbs. or resistance, go for the /3 model.
Besides the resistance, it’s a very well-built machine with a great warranty. It gives you a lot of adjustment options to make it fit your build. It looks good and there are also plenty of other add-on options like a dip station and hip station as well as some other options.
So, if you want a high-quality all round multi-gym with the highest leg press resistance on the market, this is the choice for you. This machine can build you a great physique and has a ton of exercise options.
On the flip side, it’s quite expensive. However, considering the quality, warranty, exercise options and the highest resistance on the market, the value for money is good and it offers some things other machines that cost the same can’t.
3. Bowflex Revolution
Yes, another Bowflex on this list. They have been in the game for a very long time so they know what they’re doing.
It’s not number one because the Blase just offers so much of what the Revolution does for less money.
I put it after the F500 because it is, as the name suggests, something new. The way the machine provides resistance is very different from other machines. The number one and two are proven concepts that have worked for decades so you know they work and are reliable.
The way they create resistance is called spiraflex. You can add plates that look like weight plates but aren’t. I could write many words on how it works but watching this video is much easier.
Although the way it provides resistance is not traditional, that doesn’t mean you should avoid it. In fact, it offers an incredible amount value for money.
The other thing that makes this home gym so good is that it’s not only usable for strength training and muscle building. It can also be turned into a rower. Rowing is a great low-impact cardio exercise. That means you can save money because you don’t have to get a separate cardio machine.
You get all of that for a price that is still in the mid-range of multi-gyms with a leg press. That is pretty impressive and if you’re willing to try something new, the Bowflex Revolution is a great choice.
4. Powerline P2X
The Powerline P2X is not the newest model on the list. That has a benefit that you can find it discounted pretty deeply if you look around. The price is one of the lowest on the list but it still offers a lot of features.
5. Body Solid G6BR
The Body Solid is not a cheap machine but for anyone looking for a great workout, this multi gym is pretty awesome.
The biggest benefit of this machine is the biangular resistance. Usually, gym machines only offer resistance in one way. With this machine, they’ve found a way to actually offer resistance from two angles at the same time. This mimics free weights more while still having the safety and smooth motions of a machine. This extra angle of resistance activates your muscles 25% more, making your workouts more effective.
Besides that, the resistance is high enough for the vast majority of even serious gymgoers. While the resistance is not as high as on the F500, it’s a bit cheaper as well.
It’s rated for commercial use so you can be sure that this thing will survive for centuries in a home gym, even if you train hard. Also, it’s RED!
Check out my recommended multi-station home gyms here.
6. BodyCraft GL/GLX
The BodyCraft GL and GLX are pretty much exactly what you would expect from a high-quality multi-station home gym.
Benefits of leg press
Why would you want a leg press in the first place?
The leg press is a very popular exercise. But does that justify paying a lot of money to be able to do it at home? Well, if it was popular for no reason, no you shouldn’t pay for a single exercise. But in my opinion, the popularity is justified.
Suggested post: How big is a leg press machine?
The leg press is a great exercise to develop your lower body. It’s a movement where you move different joints at the same time (compound lift). This means you have to use a lot of your leg musculature in a single movement. This makes a leg press very efficient in training the lower body since you hit most of the lower body muscles in one move.
If you look at the leg extension and leg curl, for example, you only use one muscle. This means more different exercises to get a similar result.
Another benefit of compound lifts is that your muscles learn to work together better, resulting in more real-world strength. Also, with compound lifts, you can usually lift much more weight because you’re using more muscles. This also helps in building extra muscle and strength.
The leg press is also a very approachable exercise. It’s not too intimidating for beginners and a safe way to build your lower body.
To summarize why you want a leg press;
How much leg press resistance do you need?
The maximum resistance is an important number since most people are much stronger on the leg press than other exercises. Legs are a strong body part so you need a lot of resistance to get a good training impulse.
Suggested post: How much resistance does a multi-gym have?
You can look on www.strengthlevel.com to see what the average numbers are for all different exercises. Let’s look at what two different people can expect to push on the leg press;
Example 1: Male, 50, 180 lbs.:
Example 2: Female, 25, 120 lbs.
Example 3: Male, 23, 200 lbs.
Of course, these are averages but they give a good indication of what you can expect. As you can see, most people can easily reach a leg press of more than 200 lbs.
That’s why most leg press add-ons double the resistance of the weight stack compared to other exercises. They do this through the use of pulleys.
The good news is that through using this system, most leg press add-ons can provide at least 400 lbs. of resistance. 400 lbs. is enough for most people but if you want to get really strong, look for a machine that can offer 500 lbs. or more of resistance.
Home gym with built-in leg press or separate machine?
Why wouldn’t you get a separate leg press machine instead of a leg press that’s part of a multi-gym?
One isn’t necessarily better than the other. Let’s go over the pros and cons of both.
All in one
Separate
There are a few good reasons to go for either option and it depends on your situation what’s the best.
An all-in-one machine with an extra leg press station has some good benefits over the separate machine and vice versa.
Many people often forget a few important pieces of their home gym that isn’t directly gym equipment. Here are my favorite home gym tools.
- Interval timer: To time your intervals and all types of other workouts, the GymNext Flex is easily the best and easiest to use.
- Mirrors: Fab & Glass (Amazon link) makes the best large mirror sheets so you can see your exercise form.
- Flooring: American Floor Mats gym flooring (Amazon) or equipment mats make your gym quieter, easier to clean and keeps your floor and equipment safe.
- Fan: The Rowenta VU5670 (Amazon) is a great way to stay cool while working out.