BodyGym Portable Home Gym review
People belong to gyms for access to equipment they don’t have at home, including resistance machines for strength training. While there are countless home-based alternatives, they rarely meet the effectiveness of gym equipment.
BodyGym, on the other hand, claims their pared-down design and straightforward app deliver a smart, simplified approach to resistance training.
According to BodyGym, the portable bar-and-cable system is everything you need to get a full-body workout anytime, anywhere. Its dynamic design is engineered to offer over 150 exercises, ranging from one-arm bicep curls to intense core exercises. As an added bonus, users can take advantage of the BodyGym app to get the most out of their workouts.
We wanted to see whether BodyGym lived up to its promise as the best option for at-home and on-the-go resistance training. We decided to test it out for a few weeks, and here’s what we found.
How we tested BodyGym
We tested BodyGym with someone whose overall goal is to lower body fat and build muscle. In addition to using resistance equipment at the gym, their strength training regimen includes bodyweight and kettlebell exercises. They also jump rope and box for cardio.
Over the course of several weeks, we tracked their workouts to assess how BodyGym performed in terms of muscle isolation, strenuousness and exercise versatility. Here’s what we found.
How does BodyGym work?
BodyGym adjusts resistance by manipulating the bar and cable in various ways to create different workouts. It has a modest learning curve, so it took a few uses before we felt comfortable moving through our regular exercises or experimenting with new ones.
To adjust resistance, we simply rolled the bar one way or the other. This caused the cable to wrap around the ends of the bar, which created more resistance as the cable was wrapped.
The bar and cable can be manipulated to work in seated, standing or floor-based positions. We adjusted our hand and foot positions to execute different exercises, many of which were similar to those performed on resistance machines in gyms. Additionally, some of the floor-based core exercises we performed were reminiscent of Pilates moves traditionally performed with rings.
What is resistance training?
Resistance training, also referred to as weight or strength training, focuses on improving muscle strength and endurance. The “resistance” comes from using body weight and free weights, as well as resistance equipment like bands or cable machines.
Resistance training is often leveraged to reduce body fat, increase energy levels and improve flexibility and posture. According to one study, it may contribute to more effective calorie burn after workouts, which can result in a metabolic boost that makes weight loss easier and more consistent.
Additionally, Mayo Clinic suggests that resistance training may be effective at managing chronic conditions like heart disease, back pain, diabetes, depression and arthritis. Resistance training is also believed to improve cognition and learning skills for older adults.
BodyGym features
BodyGym has a simple, portable design. It ships free and is covered by a one-year warranty.
The following items are included in the package:
Bar: The bar, which breaks down into two pieces, is made of high-grade plastic and glass. Its lightweight, ergonomic design allows for easy, comfortable use.
Cable: The cable is made with high-quality natural latex rubber. It has two nylon straps with slip-resistant silicone handles. There is also a foot pad that slides up and down the cable.
Fitness DVDs: BodyGym comes with two fitness DVDs, including one featuring a 94-minute workout class led by Marie Osmond. The other DVD has 250 minutes of dynamic BodyGym exercises.
Carry case: All BodyGym pieces, including the DVDs, fit into a drawstring carry case for easy portability.
BodyGym cost
BodyGym retails for $42.99. It comes with a 60-day trial period, as well as a 14-day free trial of the streamed workouts on the BodyGym app.
Where to buy BodyGym
BodyGym is available through Amazon.
Best resistance training equipment
If you’re still exploring other options for at-home strength training, here are some of the best resistance training equipment on the market.
NordicTrack Fusion CST: A bestseller, this NordicTrack machine offers high-intensity strength training with an advanced cable system, 1-year iFIT membership and an HD touchscreen for streaming workouts.
Bowflex PR1000: Offering over 25 different exercises to target each muscle group, this multipurpose home gym offers options for strength and cardio workouts. Thanks to its collapsible bench you don’t have to dedicate an entire room to your equipment.
TheraBand Resistance Bands: Popular in gyms as well as rehabilitation centers, TheraBands are ideal for dynamic use. They’re soft and easy to manipulate for upper and lower body exercises.
BodyGym pros
We found the BodyGym to be quick and easy to set up, and we were immersed in a full-body workout in less than 60 seconds. Even new users can dive into workouts quickly thanks to BodyGym’s quick reference guide and the BodyGym app.
BodyGym is a travel-friendly system, fitting easily in our carry-on bags or luggage. Since it doesn’t take up much room, it’s suitable for working out in small or limited spaces, including offices, RVs and dorms.
The BodyGym app is easy to understand and navigate. The app also illustrates exactly how to perform each exercise, which helped us perfect our form.
BodyGym cons
There was some inconsistency with the stability of the bar. Rolling the band to increase resistance would often make the bar unstable because the bar tries to “unroll” itself during workouts. We would have liked to see some sort of a locking mechanism to secure resistance levels during use.
BodyGym only comes with one resistance band, which may be somewhat limiting to those experienced in strength training or interested in bulking up. Even if users upgrade resistance, it might not be high enough for some people.
The BodyGym app costs extra, and some users feel the exercises and music are somewhat repetitive. A few users report the app may not be something they use long-term once they get the hang of BodyGym.
Is BodyGym worth it?
BodyGym lives up to its promise as a dynamic resistance workout device. Its pared-down, user-friendly design offers a high degree of exercise variety, which engages users seeking a well-rounded resistance training workout.
Based on our experience with BodyGym, we feel it’s an ideal on-the-go option for active users who want to stay on top of strength training goals, even when they can’t get to the gym.
Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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