You’ve heard the term functional fitness before, and now you can get a trainer that will help you along that path.
Functional trainers are available to work all of the muscle groups that you use in everyday life.
From your delts, triceps, and biceps to your core to your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, the functional trainers that we will go through will bring your fitness level up several notches.
Functional fitness is the most crucial kind of fitness as we age.
Let’s dive right into the best functional trainers and after you are done, check out the bodyweight apps that we recommend to go along with your new equipment.
Things to Consider
Before you purchase any high dollar item or low dollar for that matter, there are essential elements to consider.
Let’s look at those specifications now so you will know what to look for when buying your trainer.
Size and Weight
If you are looking to purchase a functional trainer for your home gym, the size and weight of the product are vital considerations. You don’t want to buy a personal trainer that takes up the entire room.
For one thing, you need to have room to maneuver around the trainer while you are exercising. Another reason is that you might have other gym equipment in the room, and you don’t want to buy something that would mean compromising your current equipment.
A functional trainer and other gym equipment are expensive, so make sure you purchase something that will work with your space.
Keep in mind that most functional trainers weigh anywhere from 150 lbs to a little over 200lbs. This is not an apparatus that you want to have to move constantly.
Check your space before diving into a purchase.
Assembly Process
The dreaded assembly process is frequently our Achilles heel. We buy some equipment, and then it takes us days to put it together with only some pictures to detail the complicated process.
To avoid this, ensure you read up on your functional trainer’s assembly process and what is involved. While most functional trainers are delivered in pieces, it shouldn’t take a NASA engineer to put it together.
Make sure you have the right tools at your disposal or that the equipment comes with those tools. Either way, don’t expect to get one that is fully assembled.
Due to the size and weight of functional trainers, it’s hard for them to come assembled. However, it shouldn’t be too hard to put it together.
Warranty
It’s that little piece of paper that makes us feel warm and cozy inside, right? Chances are, your functional trainer is going to be on the expensive side.
Paying that much money means you want a product that will last. Ensure that there is a manufacturer’s warranty.
Read through the fine print to ensure that it covers any faulty equipment and how long the warranty lasts.
Attachments
A functional trainer on its own provides a wide range of exercises that you can perform.
In addition to that, some offer attachments that you can add to the trainer for an even better workout. Anything from a pull-up bar to ankle cuffs to leg curl straps to a tricep rope might be available with your functional trainer.
Check out what they have to offer to reap the benefits of your purchase.
Best Functional Trainers
We went through the items to consider, so now you are ready to explore some valued options for a functional trainer.
We’ll list some of our favorite options and let you judge the best one for you.
Xmark Fitness Functional Trainer
This functional trainer is one of our favorites for a lot of reasons.
The Xmark Fitness Functional Trainer is an affordable option at $2,659. Plus, it comes with dual 200 lb weight stacks to increase that muscle hypertrophy.
This trainer is made of durable steel, is well-built, features a smooth pulley system, and is known for its versatility. Use the pull-up bar to perfect your pull-ups or chin-ups. Get ripped arms with the triceps rope.
Work your legs with the leg extension leg and ankle strap. Need some ideas for exercises? The Xmark functional trainer comes with a wall poster that features over 30 exercises to perfect.
With Dual 200 lb Weight Stacks, 19 Adjustments, and Accessory Package XM-7626
Pros:
- The price tag is more affordable than some competitors
- The weight stack is a weight lifter’s dream
Cons:
- Some reviews complain about the lack of attachments
User Reviews:
Titan Plate Loaded Functional Trainer
There is the word “titan” in the title, so you know this functional trainer will be excellent.
If we’re honest, the price tag makes the Titan Plate Loaded Functional Trainer one of our favorites. It’s priced at $749.99, making it even more affordable than the Xmark.
Plus, Titan offers a financing option to make it even easier for those on a budget. While there is not a weight stack included with this one, it has high cable pulleys to work on your rows and build those chest muscles and lat pull-downs for those back muscles.
The lower cables are fantastic for lunges and squats. Practice your pull-ups with this functional trainer too. It’s a comprehensive workout with the Titan Functional Trainer.
The durable steel design comes with a one-year warranty, so you know they value their product to last.
Pros:
- The affordable price lends itself to a functional trainer with several attachments and accessories to the buyer’s delight.
- A budget win
Cons:
- Durability is more questionable than other competitors
BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer
Are you ready for a functional trainer that features weight stacks and works well for a smaller space?
With the BodyCraft HFT functional trainer, you get all of that and more. This functional trainer cable machine ensures you engage all of the muscle groups.
Never worry about missing a muscle group because this functional trainer has you covered. The accessories are off the charts too.
No feature is missing on this equipment, from cables to a triceps rope to a long bar to single handles. Plus, it does all of that without the bulk.
While some functional trainers are over 65” in width, this one comes in only 55” in width.
If you don’t think ten inches is a lot, get that tape measure and notice how much space you will save with this functional trainer. It’s quite a bit, huh?
Weight lifters love this option because of the 150 lb weight stacks. Pump some iron and tone muscles all at the same time. At $2,299, your body will thank you for this purchase.
Pros:
- Excellent functional trainer for a variety of people who enjoy weight lifting to everyday sports
- The design features an eye-catching chrome finish
Cons:
- Some reviews say the compact size is limiting, especially for people with some height.
Keiser Functional Trainer 3020
I feel the need, the need for speed! If you haven’t watched Top Gun in a while, maybe you should. After that, check out the Keiser Functional Trainer 3020, and you’ll understand why we’re talking about speed.
This functional trainer is known for being faster than any other. This functional trainer cable machine allows you to perform cable exercises at an accelerated pace that enhances your workouts, especially for athletes.
It’s also highly portable, so you can take it with you everywhere without worrying about bulk. Depending on what you are using it for, you may not miss the weight stacks with this functional trainer.
Pros:
- Smaller in stature but comparable to more extensive functional trainers in features
- Excellent for athletes working on their speed
Cons:
- Weight lifters might want to look elsewhere since there aren’t any weight stacks with this one.
Powertec Workbench Functional Trainer Deluxe
The word power is in the title, and with up to 1,000 lbs of resistance, you can see why.
If that wasn’t enough, there is an option to buy two additional weight stacks that add 500 lbs to your weight training.
Are any of your weight lifters perking up at the Powertec functional trainer? We thought so.
There is also a long straight bar to utilize for those pull-ups. We know you love practicing them.
Other features include a short bar, ankle straps, and two D handles. Priced at $2,199, as far as functional trainers go, this one is solid.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty steel makes for a strong, sturdy, functional trainer that will last for years.
- Powertec has many features to ensure your workouts are practical and performed harmlessly when it comes to safety.
Cons:
- Extra expense for the weight stacks is unfortunate
Life Fitness Functional Trainer G7 Home Gym
Don’t let the high price of this one intimidate you.
With the purchase of the Life Fitness Functional Trainer, you are getting tremendous value for your money. It’s priced at $4,138.
We got that heavy price tag out of the way. For that, you receive a functional trainer that includes a pulley system, weight stacks, a long high bar, and more.
Perform over 55 exercises with this machine and receive a complete guide of those exercises with your purchase. It also comes with a stability ball, which is an excellent feature that furthers your workouts.
Known for building strength, stability, and balance, the G7 Home Gym functional trainer, lives up to that by transforming your body.
You can purchase an optional weight bench with this functional trainer to round out this piece of equipment as one of the best. Look no further than this advanced functional trainer with a lifetime warranty on the solid steel frame, pulleys, and parts.
Pros:
- A functional trainer that can be customized to meet the user’s fitness goals
- The cable motion system is an excellent addition to this piece of equipment
Cons:
- One of the most expensive options on the market
Functional Trainers, Cable Machines, and Weight Stacks, Oh my!
If you have glanced at any of these excellent products, you might understand how they are a surefire way to get you fit and build strength right in your home gym.
Functional trainers that come with weight stacks are excellent for those who enjoy weightlifting or are starting on that endeavor.
The weight stack can range from just 10 lbs to over 300 lbs. The great news is that most of the functional trainers we mentioned are versatile and allow you to change some features according to your needs and wants.
No matter what functional trainer you pick, the full-body workout you are looking for is right around the corner.
The best functional trainer is out there, and it just needs a good home. Grab one with a weight stack or a cable pulley system or a pull-up bar or all three.
The beauty of functional trainers is you can find something for everyone and every budget. Happy shopping!
Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.