When piecing together a home gym, a set of adjustable dumbbells, a barbell, and a sturdy bench are probably some of the first pieces of equipment you’re adding to your cart. But to Vincent Angeli, ACSM-CPT, the Vice President of Fitness at UFC GYM, there’s one machine you should be putting at the top of your wishlist: a functional trainer. “If someone is looking to build out a home gym, this is probably one of, if not the singular, first piece that you should be picking,” Angeli says.
Thanks to their free-moving cables, different levels of resistance, variety of attachments, and add-ons, functional trainers are incredibly versatile—and that’s what makes them so valuable. “Whether you're a complete beginner or extremely advanced and trying to do some sort of technically difficult and complex movement, functional trainers really have the capability of going in all different ranges of motions, [at] all different heights, [with] all different weights,” Angeli says. “They truly are beneficial for everybody.”
That’s why we put some of the most well-known models through the wringer to determine which ones are actually worth the space in your home. Here are the best functional trainers for creating an at-home gym.
Our Favorite Overall Functional TrainerWe chose the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer as the best functional trainer overall due to the weight stack’s range, the buttery smooth movement of the pulleys, and the bonus features, such as a multi-grip pull-up bar and multiple cable attachments. Considering its modest size and great value, giving Titan Fitness’s model the top spot was a no-brainer.
Best Functional Trainers: At a GlanceAny of these functional trainers will help you achieve the gains you’re after.
Best Functional Trainer Overall: Titan Fitness Functional TrainerBest Functional Trainer to Upgrade Your Home Gym: Beyond Power Voltra IMost Versatile Functional Trainer: Major Fitness All-in-One Home GymBest Commercial Functional Trainer: REP Fitness FT-5000Best Compact Functional Trainer: Torque F9 Fold-Away Strength TrainerBest Smart Functional Trainer: TonalBest Value Functional Trainer: Gronk Fitness Functional TrainerBest Budget Functional Trainer: Bells of Steel Functional TrainerBest Functional Trainer Alternative: X3 Force Smart Gym (X3 Bar)Methodology: Our team of certified fitness pros, elite athletes, and weightlifting coaches put in serious work to ensure these functional trainers are truly worth the investment. They spent hours squatting, rowing, and curling and rated the durability, physical footprint, value for the money, and stand-out features of each functional trainer. Those with the top marks joined this select group of best functional trainers. Learn more about our fitness testing methodology here.
In This Best-of List: Discover the best functional trainers for every budget, home gym size, and accessory need, all backed by hands-on testing insights from our team.
JUMP TO: Best Overall | Best Home Upgrade | Most Versatile | Best Commercial | Best Compact | Best Smart | Best Value | Best Budget | Best Alternative | Compare Costs |Testing Process | What to Look For | FAQsBest Functional Trainer Overall: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer
Titan Fitness
Titan Fitness Functional Trainer$2,500 $2,259Titan Fitness
Product Features
Equipped with two 200-pound weight stacksWeight increases in 10-pound incrementsSeven attachments includedFeatures multi-grip pull-up barDesigned with two separate, fully enclosed weight stacks, a weight range that’s ideal for progressive overload, and a built-in pull-up bar, the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer reigns supreme. You can easily position the aluminum, fiberglass-reinforced pulleys high up for overhead triceps extensions or low to the ground for glute kickbacks, and they’re designed to prevent jerking or “catching” as you push and pull. The cherries on top: a small footprint and modest price point.
Our Tester’s TakeAfter performing countless crossovers, curls, lunges, lat pull-downs, and other exercises, our testers say the Titan Fitness is one impressive functional trainer. In their opinion, it offers exactly what you want in an at-home cable machine, including attachments like a short and long bar, ankle strap, rope handles, and more, as well as pulleys that swivel for rotational exercises like chops. Best of all, the aluminum guide rods were incredibly smooth after applying a bit of lubricant, they noted.
Though the machine felt a bit shaky at times, our tester wasn’t concerned about it toppling over. (It does weigh a whopping 672 pounds, after all.) Just like a few other machines on this list, the Titan Fitness model has a 2-to-1 pulley ratio, so the load “feels like” half of what’s listed on the weight stack.
ProsConsNearly 20 load options per weight stackTaller lifters may feel squished when performing pull-ups on the 82-inch-tall machineDurable, thanks to the steel constructionOne-year warrantyBuilt-in storage hooks for included accessoriesAssembly instructions aren’t very clearSmaller footprint than other functional trainers; it’s 64 inches wide and 44 inches deepBest Functional Trainer to Upgrade Your Home Gym: Beyond Power Voltra I
Beyond Power
Beyond Power Voltra I$2,099Beyond Power
Product Features
Up to 200 pounds of resistance—no weight plates requiredThree specialized training modes to customize your workout for your goalsTouchscreen makes changing the resistance level easyPairs with the Beyond+ app, which tracks and saves live metrics like power, reps, sets, rest time, and moreThe portable Beyond Power Voltra 1 turns your power rack or upright post into a functional trainer in a pinch. The equipment itself is not much bigger than a large shoebox, yet it offers up to 200 pounds of resistance and boasts high-tech features, like tracking for your speed, power, and reps, as well as a touchscreen display that allows you to switch the load with a simple swipe.
Our Tester’s TakeAfter about 10 hours of lifting, our tester gave the Beyond Power Voltra I a five-star rating in the versatility department. Moving the machine to a different spot on a rack takes just a few moments, so you can transition between lat pull-downs to low rows without overdoing your rest time between exercises.
A big selling point for our tester was the ability to customize each exercise’s resistance pattern with the help of three unique training programs: “weight training,” which provides consistent resistance; “resistance band,” which, (like the elastic tool, increases resistance the further the cable moves from the anchor; and “damper” which offers light resistance during power training and essentially slows the movement of the cable to help you build power. You can even add extra weight during specific phases of a movement. In training sessions, the smart equipment was noticeably quicker to make those resistance adjustments than other models on the market, according to our tester.
The multi-functionality, plus the compact size, makes it the perfect addition to a minimalist home gym. Although we found the construction to be high-quality, using two Voltra Is at a time (say, during reverse flies) may feel a bit janky. Our tester felt some “awkward pulling” between the two machines when used simultaneously, as the motors controlling the cable tension aren’t in sync.
An important call-out: The Beyond Power Voltra I doesn’t have all the fixings of a traditional functional trainer. You’ll need to purchase a separate mount to attach the Voltra I to an upright—plus the upright or power rack itself—as well as attachments (handles, bars, belts, etc.).
ProsConsAdjusts load quickly during use and has satisfying “clicking” sounds when selecting resistanceCan’t be used independently; you’ll need to purchase a separate mount to attach the Voltra I to a rack, plus attachments (handles, bars, belts, etc.)Offers a lot of resistance for a machine that weighs less than 13 poundsSold individually—you’ll need to buy two if you want to perform bilateral exercises like chest flies and pressesSmall and portable enough to travelAt nearly $2,100 for a single Voltra, this best functional trainer is one of the most expensive models on this listMultiple resistance settings to spice up your sessionsOne-year warrantyMost Versatile Functional Trainer: Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03
Major Fitness
Major Fitness Raptor F22 All-in-One Power Rack$930 $879Major Fitness
Product Features
J-hooks are rated to support up to 1,000 poundsCables can hold up to 350 pounds of weight platesCable pulley system is offset from the back, so you won’t run into it while using the power rackComes with eight free attachmentsAvailable in black, red, and whiteConsider the Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack the chameleon of functional trainers. The adaptable piece of equipment works as a power rack, cable crossover system, pull-up bar, and landmine. With 15 pulley and upright power rack holes, users of most heights will be able to get in a solid workout with practically any exercise in their program, whether it be lat pull-downs, upright rows, cable shoulder presses, or cable squats.
Our Tester’s TakeThis functional trainer is designed with the user in mind: One of the upright columns of the power rack is equipped with footplates, so you can perform seated rows, while the swivel pulleys of the cable system rotate 180 degrees, so you can move through rotational exercises with ease. There’s also a multi-grip pull-up bar and dip bars ideal for tricep dips and inverted rows.
It’s not just for show, either. Our testers gave the equipment solid ratings for stability and ease of use. The carriages glide smoothly as you move them up and down the uprights, and the rack itself is tall enough to suit most people’s needs, they said. But where the functional trainer stands out from other budget-friendly models is with its cable system design. Since it’s set off of the back of the power rack, not directly on it, you’re able to fully barbell squat inside of the cage without smashing into it, one tester called out. This is also one of the biggest benefits of the machine—it’s essentially a power rack and functional trainer in one, so you don’t have to buy them separately. .
Heads up: Each upright’s cable has a pulley ratio of 2 to 1. That means 10 pounds will feel like 5 pounds, so make sure to load your exercises with that in mind.
ProsConsReplaces multiple pieces of equipmentBench, barbell, and set of bumper plates sold separatelySafety arms hold up to 700 poundsYou may not be able to use attachments from other companies, due to the unique hole sizing and orientation of the uprightsSuitable for beginners and experienced lifters alikeCarriages tend to pop out of their holes without thorough tightening before useIncludes many of the necessary attachments to kickstart your home gymOne-year warrantyBest Commercial Functional Trainer: REP Fitness FT-5000 2.0 Functional Trainer
REP Fitness
REP Fitness FT-5000 2.0 Functional Trainer$2,499 $2,124Rep Fitness
Product Features
Designed with 21 cable positionsEquipped with 224 pounds per weight stack (note: there’s a 2-to-1 pulley ratio)Includes four additional 2.75-pound weights for smaller jumps in loadStarting weight is 25 pounds (feels like 12.5 pounds)REP Fitness’s FT-5000 commercial-grade functional trainer is constructed with an 11-gauge (read: thick) steel frame, durable aluminum pulleys, and more than 7-foot-long cables that unlock expansive ranges of motion.
Our Tester’s TakeEven with the commercial-level design, the functional trainer’s footprint—58 inches wide and 38 inches deep—is compact enough for a garage or basement setup. According to our tester, it’s still plenty broad for you to perform a chest fly and other cable exercises comfortably. Thanks to the extra-long cables, you’re able to train your muscles and joints through their entire range of motion, making it ideal for mobility work to boot.
Our tester also appreciated the inclusion of a pull-up bar designed with three grip options, each of which has a sleek aluminum end cap. Make sure you dedicate plenty of time to assembly—it took our testers twice the estimated time to put the trainer together, thanks to its big, bulky construction and confusing instructions.
Most Popular
Torque USA
Torque F9 Fold-Away Strength Trainer$2,399 $1,999Torque USA
Product Features
Fits in corners of small home gyms with its 45-inch width and 34-inch depth when closedThree weight stack options available (150, 200, and 225 pounds) with a 2-to-1 pulley ratioPulleys swivel for a wide range of motionSix included accessories, plus a multi-grip pull-up barThe Torque F9 Fold-Away Strength Trainer is designed a lot like an armoire. When you’re training, it offers all the same benefits as other models on the market: a plethora of load options, 17 cable positions on the uprights, and a long 94-inch cable. But after you’ve finished your workout, you can fold the two doors housing the cable pulleys into the center weight stack to stow it.
Our Tester’s TakeThe fold-away design is the biggest advantage of the Torque F9, according to our tester. When closed up, the machine fits seamlessly in the corner, so you won’t be tripping over handle attachments or metal feet if your home gym doubles as an office during the day. In our testing, the doors were easy to maneuver and had a secure locking system to prevent them from swinging open. Bonus: The exterior panels are designed with a wood grain-like material, so they’ll blend into your Zoom background if need be.
Along with the small footprint, we appreciated this functional trainer’s quality for the price. The cables feel nice, and although the pulleys are made of nylon (not ultra-smooth aluminum), they still get the job done and should hold up to a lot of use, our tester notes.
ProsConsSqueezes into cornersNylon pulleys may feel a little clunky during useMachine feels stable during useMore expensive than other functional trainers with the same weight optionsIncludes complimentary pull-up assist strapNo option to add additional weight to the stacks laterTorque’s adjustable bench, an optional add-on, tucks away neatly inside the trainer10-year warranty on the frame and welds, plus a one-year warranty on the partsBest Smart Functional Trainer: Tonal
Tonal
Tonal$3,995Tonal
Product Features
Offers up to 200 pounds of resistanceEquipped with a 24-inch touchscreenHigh-tech features like weight suggestions, form guidance, and a virtual “spotter”Weights increase in 1-pound incrementsWith Tonal’s premium AI features, you’ll feel like you’re sweating with a personal trainer—without the awkwardness of a stranger in your home. As the best smart functional trainer, it automatically sets the weight for each exercise, can build or drop in resistance in one-pound increments, and provides technique cues and form guidance. You’ll determine your baseline strength in your very first session and check back on how each muscle group is improving over time, either through the Tonal itself or the accompanying app.
Our Tester’s TakeOur tester—who used the Tonal for a year and a half—loved that the equipment automatically changes the weight for you based on the information it learned during your first-use strength assessment. It logs your pace, heart rate, range of motion, and reps. The only work you need to do? Use the guides to move the adjustable arms into their correct position for each exercise, then start lifting.
The safety and performance-enhancing elements were fantastic, our tester says. Spotter mode, which automatically senses when you’re struggling to finish a rep and temporarily eases the load, helps reduce the risk of injury (and provides peace of mind if you’re training solo), while eccentric mode gives you the chance to increase difficulty during the, well, eccentric phase of the exercise.
According to our tester, the biggest let-down with the Tonal is that the smart accessories—the handles, bar, rope, bench, roller, and mat—aren’t included. You can attach equipment from other companies to the machine, but you’ll likely need the Tonal T-Lock adapters. All of this comes with an added cost on an already-expensive machine.
ProsConsPersonal trainer-like experienceA monthly subscription is required for the first year after installationCompact and aesthetically pleasingAccessories come at an added costOffers real-time performance data and workout recap reportsMax resistance may be too light for some liftersSyncs with the Apple Watch, so you can change weight and start your workout from your wristTwo-year warrantyBest Value Functional Trainer: Gronk Fitness Functional Trainer
Gronk Fitness
Gronk Fitness Functional Trainer$3,299 $2,399Gronk Fitness
Product Features
Equipped with two 200-pound weight stacks (2-to-1 pulley ratio)21 pulley height optionsFeatures multi-grip pull-up barCan be converted into a half rack with a separate kitDesigned with two 200-pound weight stacks and 21 cable adjustment points, the no-frills Gronk Fitness Functional Trainer has all that you need for an effective strength-building session. The moderate price tag makes the machine more of an investment, but its materials are quality enough that it should withstand the tests of time—and your brutal workouts.
Our Tester’s TakeBased on looks alone, this functional trainer doesn’t really stand out from the crowd, but our tester says its value lies in its high-quality materials. Specifically, the machine is constructed with durable, 11-gauge steel rails, so it won’t shake as you press and pull, and the aluminum pulleys are oh-so-smooth—more so than the similarly priced Titan Fitness and REP FT-5000 models.
We appreciated that the pulleys swivel 180 degrees to allow for truly functional training—and the cables themselves felt surprisingly high-end for the moderate price tag. If you don't have the space for a full power rack, the half rack attachment (sold separately) would be a great alternative for barbell work, though our tester notes it probably won’t feel as sturdy as the real deal.
Our biggest gripe is the pull-up bar, which has a thin powder coating and subpar grip. If pull-ups and chin-ups are a priority in your routine, you’re best off getting a separate bar for a better training experience.
ProsConsDurable, smooth pulleys and cablesLow row plate, lat pull-down seat, and half-rack kit are sold separatelyHeavy enough weight stacks for most usersA bit larger footprint than other functional trainers on the market (61 inches wide and 41 inches deep)Great value for the pricePull-up bar feels low-quality compared to the rest of the equipmentLimited lifetime warrantyBest Budget Functional Trainer: Bells of Steel All-in-One Functional Trainer
Bells of Steel
Bells of Steel Functional Trainer$1,100Bells of Steel
Product Features
Includes two handle attachmentsAluminum pulleys create a smooth training experienceStorage hooks to organize accessoriesComing in hot at just under $1,100, the Bells of Steel Functional Trainer offers everything you need for a full-body workout without the jaw-dropping price tag. The cables can be set at 16 different heights, and the pull-up bar has multiple grip options.
Our Tester’s TakeLike other models, this budget functional trainer is equipped with a 2-to-1 pulley ratio and compatible with a variety of attachments and features 10-pound load increments. Want to save more cash? The Plates Loaded All-In-One Trainer is perfect if your home gym is already stocked with weight plates, but if not, you can upgrade to the model with a 210-pound weight stack for an extra $400.
ProsConsLimited lifetime warrantyConstructed with 14-gauge steel, which is thinner than that found in other modelsTwo metal handles are included; other attachments are sold separatelyGiven the pulley ratio, the load will be too light for more experienced liftersSmall footprint at 53 inches wide and 30 inches deepBest Functional Trainer Alternative: X3 Force Smart Gym
Jaquish Biomedical
X3 Force Smart Gym (X3 Bar)$949Jaquish Biomedical
Product Features
Comes with four latex bands that provide up to 300 pounds of resistanceAccompanying smart barbell measures real-time performancePartner app tracks reps, resistance, and “Total Force” (a unique metric calculated with force sensor data and time and rep count)Includes complimentary squat beltWhile it’s not what you’d traditionally call a functional trainer, the X3 Force Smart Gym can still help you build strength and muscle in functional movement patterns—push, pull, squat, lunge, you name it. A resistance band-based training system, the equipment package is no bigger than a yoga mat—and that includes a high-tech, Olympic-style bar that connects to the bands for better grip and a ground plate that serves as an anchor point.
Our Tester’s TakeThis isn’t the flimsy resistance band you’d find at a PT session. Despite its portable, on-the-go design, our tester says this is a “heavy-duty piece of equipment,” especially for the price tag. We found the multi-layered bands to feel strong, and the steel bar that connects to the band had great knurling (a necessity for a no-slip grip as you sweat) with bearings that allowed for smooth movement.
Most PopularThe footplate is a nice perk; whether you want to deadlift or curl, you won’t need to plant your feet on the band for stability, an act that always comes with the painful risk of latex suddenly snapping into your groin. Essentially, it allows you to do just about any movement you would perform with a traditional barbell, just with variable tension, our tester says. (FTR, current research suggests variable resistance training may improve an experienced lifter’s maximum strength when using loads greater than 80% of their one rep max, but there’s no difference in improvements between variable and constant resistance training when lighter loads are used.)
ProsConsOptional Elite band add-on increases resistance offering to 600 poundsPricey at nearly $1,000Comfortable barbell designOptional app subscription will run you $14.99 a monthLightweight and easily transportableNot a fit for all workout styles, including powerlifting and CrossFitComplimentary 12-week training and nutrition program includedOne-year warrantyLet’s Compare the Costs of These Functional TrainersFunctional TrainerPriceTitan Fitness Functional Trainer$2,375Beyond Power Voltra I$2,099Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym$930REP Fitness FT-5000$2,500Torque F9 Fold-Away Strength Trainer$2,399Tonal$3,995Gronk Fitness Functional Trainer$2,399Bells of Steel Functional Trainer$1,500X3 Force Smart Gym$949How We Tested Functional TrainersWe get it: Functional trainers are no small purchase, both financially and physically. To make sure the products we recommend are worth their hefty price tags, we recruited a team of certified personal trainers, USA Weightlifting coaches, elite athletes, and other pros to put the machines to the test. They spent hours exercising with every piece of equipment on this list, grading the quality of workouts each one delivered, plus their durability, weight offerings, versatility, size, and practicality of bonus features, like high-tech capabilities or included accessories.
After each functional trainer was thoroughly tested, our team also took a microscope to factors like warranty, longevity, additional required purchases, and price point—and how that translated to value for the money. From there, our team narrowed down the top-scoring machines and deemed them the best functional trainers on the market.
TL;DR: Any of these functional trainers are a worthwhile investment, whether you’re setting up a brand-new home gym or you’re ready for a serious equipment upgrade. For more details on how we decided which items deserve a spot on our list, check out our testing standards.
What Is a Functional Trainer?A functional trainer is essentially a type of cable machine. It’s equipped with one or two pulleys that can be placed at various heights on a metal pole (aka an upright). Each pulley is looped with a cable that’s attached to a weight stack or set of weight plates (the same type you’d pop on a barbell), which provides the resistance. You can typically attach a variety of handles, ropes, and bars to the free end of the cable, and there’s usually a pull-up bar in between the two uprights.
What to Look for in a Functional TrainerAngeli recommends selecting a model that can provide the greatest range of motion possible—you want adjustable pulleys or “arms” that can be positioned at a variety of heights, swivel from side to side, and move independently of each other. “Pick one that allows you to do the most amount of things without having to purchase additional equipment,” he explains.
It’s also smart to consider these factors before you press “add to cart.”
Budget
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronA traditional functional trainer will run you anywhere from $930 to nearly $4,000, but you’ll also need to factor in the cost of accessories (some of the machines featured include handles and other attachments, while others sell those separately) and, in some cases, digital subscriptions. A higher price tag doesn't necessarily mean higher quality, though, so pay special attention to the materials used, weight range, pulley adjustment options, and smart features.
Resistance
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronIdeally your functional trainer offers enough weight that you’re able to continuously progress your fitness. Some models go up to just 150 pounds, while others boast up to 350 pounds. Take a look at the pulley ratio, too: A 2:1 ratio means the effective resistance (how much it feels like you’re lifting) is half of the weight listed. For example, a 50-pound weight selection is actually 25 pounds of resistance. A 1:1 ratio means it will feel like you’re lifting the same amount of weight as the weight on the stack.
Attachments
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronTo get the most bang for your buck, look for a functional trainer that’s sold with complimentary accessories, such as handles, bars, footplates, and weight belts. This is especially important for models that may not be compatible with other brands’ attachments, like the Tonal or Major Fitness functional trainers. That said, you can overlook this factor if you already have attachments on hand.
Warranty
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWith any big purchase, you’ll want to look for a machine that has a warranty. Many of the functional trainers on this list come with warranties of at least one year, which generally cover defects in material or workmanship, while some offer limited lifetime warranties.
Durability
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWith so many use cases, the functional trainer is likely to be the center point of your routine—so you need it to take a beating. Look for a functional trainer made from higher-gauge steel and minimal plastic components. Aluminum pulleys will create a smoother training experience, but nylon versions will prevent the cable from breaking down as quickly.Benefits of a Functional TrainerFunctional trainers as a whole score high marks in terms of versatility. With just one piece of equipment, you’re able to get a full-body workout consisting of upper- and lower-body training, plus core work, Angeli says. Thanks to the pivot of the pulleys, you’re able to move in multiple planes of motion (think: side to side, forward and backward, and rotationally) and through full ranges of motion, both of which you perform on a day-to-day basis, he adds. In other words, a functional trainer allows you to exercise in a manner that’s truly “functional,” empowering you to move optimally in your everyday life.
With the cables, in particular, you’re able to train your muscles under uniform, constant tension, Angeli says. When you’re using free weights, the force curve of a given exercise is dependent on gravity—as you move through certain parts of the exercise, the actual tension placed on your muscles changes. (Think of how much harder executing the bottom of an dumbbell fly is versus finishing the rep at the top.) With the functional trainer’s cable system, you’re fighting the resistance you’ve selected throughout the entire movement, he explains. Plus, if you fail a rep or lose your grip, there’s no risk of dropping the load on your chest or crushing your toes.
Of course, there’s an economic benefit, too. Though initially pricey, functional trainers may cost you less cash in the long run, as purchasing separate dumbbells, kettlebells, a barbell, and weight plates can add up pretty quickly, Angeli says.
What Are Exercises You Can Do With a Functional Trainer?You can do practically any cable exercise with a functional trainer. For lower-body work, Angeli recommends cable kickbacks, squats, and deadlifts. Cable pull-throughs (a similar movement pattern as a kettlebell swing), lunges, and hip abductions and adductions are also worthy of a spot in your routine. To hit the upper body, try row variations, shoulder presses, chest presses, shrugs, lateral and front raises, chest and reverse flies, lat pull-downs, biceps curls, triceps extensions, and more. You can also challenge your core with Pallof presses, chops, and cable crunches.
If your functional trainer is built with a pull-up bar, you can perform pull-ups, chin-ups, dead hangs, and hanging leg raises, too.
Regardless of the exercise, make sure you’re keeping the cables taut throughout the entire range of motion. If you feel any slack, you’re probably not getting the strength and muscle-building benefits of the resistance you’ve selected, Angeli advises. Though many people gravitate toward machines because they seem “easier” than free weights, you should be selecting a resistance and performing exercises that are challenging enough to help you progress toward your goals, Angeli says.
FAQCan you build muscle with functional trainers?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronSo long as you stick to a thoughtfully designed training program, you can build muscle with a functional trainer. A 2023 systematic review found that machine training was just as effective as free weight training at improving strength and muscle hypertrophy (read: size).
How much do functional trainers cost?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronA functional trainer can run you about $900 to $4,000, depending on how much weight is included, the accessories, the quality of materials, and the high-tech features.
What is the difference between a functional trainer and a Smith machine?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronA functional trainer is a multi-functional piece of equipment that includes a cable machine and, in some cases, a pull-up bar and a power rack, enabling you to perform barbell exercises. A Smith machine, on the other hand, is essentially a guided power rack; as you squat, deadlift, or bench press, the fixed barbell slides up and down a vertical track. The weight is stable and the path is fixed, which is helpful for beginners to practice proper movement mechanics. The machines aren’t interchangeable.
Is a functional trainer worth it?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronSince they can be used for full-body workouts that build strength, muscle, or endurance, functional trainers are worth the price tag. If you opt for a model with included attachments and durable materials, you may not need to purchase other equipment for a well-rounded home gym.
Why are functional trainers so expensive?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronFunctional trainers are expensive because they generally offer a max resistance of 150 to 350 pounds per weight stack, come with various attachments (think: handles, bars, ropes, etc.), and can be used for most exercises in your routine. Many functional trainers also double as power racks or half racks and pull-up bars, and some models have smart features that track performance or automatically adjust weight. That means you’re getting multiple pieces of equipment in one package.
About the ExpertVincent Angeli is an ACSM-certified personal trainer. He is currently the Vice President of Fitness at UFC GYM. Angeli is also certified in total resistance exercise (VFX) and RockBlade.
ResourcesHaugen M., et al. (2023). Effect of free-weight vs. machine-based strength training on maximal strength, hypertrophy and jump performance – a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10426227/National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundations of Fitness Programming. (2015). https://www.nsca.com/contentassets/8323553f698a466a98220b21d9eb9a65/foundationsoffitnessprogramming_201508.pdfNobari H., et al. (2022). Effects of Variable-Resistance Training Versus Constant-Resistance Training on Maximum Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9317775/