The Best Functional Trainer for Your Home Gym, And What is it and How to Use Them Exactly?

As a collegiate athlete who has trained in several small to world-class gyms, I’ve been able to test out different types of Functional Trainers on the market. 

However, out of the eight Functional Trainers that I got to test and research, here’s the one I recommend:

What the best functional trainer?

[amazon link=”B07QYWYXRY”] because of the amount of resistance and weight stack.

Made with a 11 gauge steel frame that helps prevent the rust and breakdown of metal, allowing the structure to last for a long time.

The pulleys are large and strong while the cable is thick, allowing for a smooth movement when using the pulley stem. It comes with 16 different cable positions allowing you to be versatile with your exercises.

It has the highest weight stack of all the competitors with a dual 200 lb weight stack, which is perfect for advanced lifters. It comes with a rotating panel, ten hooks for storing attachments, exercise guides, and a bunch of pull up grip angles for all your chin up and pull up exercises.

What is a functional trainer?

A Functional trainer is a strength training equipment for performing body weight movement with resistance. Generally, it provides similar motion of actual lifts like squats, deadlifts, pull-ups etc. It has multi-purpose features which allows you to perform variety of functional exercises at once.

Functional trainers are one the most versatile piece of fitness equipment available. Instead of just one type of exercise, this sort of equipment allows you to change your workout routine on a regular basis.

Functional trainers, like traditional training, are great for strength training and include weight stacks.

But they also utilize cable or pulley systems that end in handles. You’ll see that many items include thick or thin pulleys, wrist or ankle cuffs, and various attachments to create a more challenging workout

What are the most common parts of a Functional Trainer Machine:

Here are some different parts of a Functional Trainer Machine:

1) Seat (or Seat Post): Located at the bottom of the machine, this adjustable piece allows for easy access to position yourself on the machine first before beginning your exercise routine. For many machines, this part can be moved to accommodate different weights, providing a wide range of functionality.

2)Arms: These are usually the largest moving pieces on the machine. Located above your head or near your upper body, these typically extend or move during an exercise routine. Some arms are attached together to give you variety in your workout by working both limbs. Many different types of movements are performed using arms, including pull-downs, triceps extensions, biceps curls and numerous other exercises to help build muscle.

3)Handles or Hand Grips: The handles are used for many different forms of functional trainer machines. They are detachable pieces that can be removed for easy transportation or storage. Handles can be adjusted to certain angles, locations or heights to provide the best resistance during exercise. Handles are typically used for pull exercises such as rows, shrugs and deadlifts.

4)Chest Press: The chest press is designed to help develop your pectoral muscles (chest area). Many models offer up to 140 degrees of motion, allowing your arms to work together for a wide range of motion to help comfortably build these muscles. Chest presses are also accompanied by handles or grips to provide resistance when using this part of the machine.

5) Sliding Seat Rail: The sliding seat rail is another piece that can be moved when needed, making it easy to adjust and allow multiple users to work on one machine. This piece helps connect the seat and arms, allowing them to move as one unit during many different forms of exercise.

6) Racks or Stands: The racks or stands are used to place the resistance weight plates on, giving users a wide variety of weight capability for their exercises. A user can typically adjust the weight they need to use, moving the weights onto the rack one at a time. For many machines, this is also where you can find the pin that locks and unlocks your desired weight placement.

7) Frame: The frame serves as the base to which all of these parts are attached. Usually made of steel or other strong materials, the frame provides support for training and workouts.

The Top Functional Trainers Reviewed

	Product's name	Dimension	Weights Included?	More Info
[amazon fields="B07PM8YKRH" value="thumb"]	Best Multi-Functional [amazon fields="B07PM8YKRH" value="title" title_length="100"]	87 x 67 x 91	150 lbs	[amazon fields="B07PM8YKRH" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B00E1P15KO" value="thumb"]	Most Versatile [amazon fields="B00E1P15KO" value="title" title_length="150"]	61 x 57.9 x 87.8 inches	165 lb + 50 lb extra	[amazon fields="B00E1P15KO" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B00KTOMQG8" value="thumb"]	Most Compact [amazon fields="B00KTOMQG8" value="title" title_length="150"]	56x 40 x 82 inches	150 lbs + 75 lb extra	[amazon fields="B00KTOMQG8" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B00823OQHU" value="thumb"]	Best Resistance [amazon fields="B00823OQHU" value="title" title_length="100"]	65 x 43.5 x 83 x inches	200 lbs	[amazon fields="B00823OQHU" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07G2MDGKX" value="thumb"]	Best Minimalistic [amazon fields="B07G2MDGKX" value="title" title_length="150"]	42 x 63 x 83 inches	160 lbs + 50 lbs extra	[amazon fields="B07G2MDGKX" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B01M23W6FI" value="thumb"]	Best Olympic Plate Weights [amazon fields="B01M23W6FI" value="title" title_length="150"]	79.5 x 46.5 x 82.3 inches	190 lbs	[amazon fields="B01M23W6FI" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07QYWYXRY" value="thumb"]	Best Weight Stack [amazon fields="B07QYWYXRY" value="title" title_length="150"]	82 x 72 x 45 inches	220lbs	[amazon fields="B07QYWYXRY" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07R2DBMT7" value="thumb"]	Best Overall [amazon fields="B07R2DBMT7" value="title" title_length="150"]	51 x 55 x 87 inches	200 lbs	[amazon fields="B07R2DBMT7" value="button"]

Find the Best Functional Trainer for You

Inspire Fitness focuses on providing unique, high quality, and movement-based products. For over 15 years, they’ve been creating a health driving force in the fitness industry. Dedicated to designing and manufacturing health, strength, and fitness products so people can live a more active and healthier lifestyle.

The FT2 Functional Trainer is made with a built-in smith machine providing fitness enthusiasts a great add-on to their workout. Made with a heavy duty matte black frame, it is durable and able to handle a lot of force behind it. 

It offers a weight stack of a dual 165 lb but additional 50 lb can be upgraded if you are looking for more resistance.

With the adjustable Smith Bar, you’re able to do bench press and squats as well. It has seven unique handles, an exercise booklet, 2×5 lb additional weights, and a wattle bottle holder, everything you need for a home gym.

The Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer provides a lifetime warranty for moving parts and one of the best versatile function trainers on the market currently. 

Iron Company was established in 1997 and was one of the first internet fitness equipment vendors in the business. Providing access to an unlimited amount of online inventory of fitness guides and tools to help you reach your personal and business goals. From urethane dumbbells to creating your own garage gym, they have it all.

The BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer is very compact. They have a dual stack up to 150 lb, however it can be upgraded to 200 lbs each. It uses a 31 pulley position system that can be rotated 180 degrees, allowing you to train at different heights and angles. 

There are seven various handles and a training exercise booklet that can be used as a guide to ensure you’re using the functional trainer correctly. There is also a multi-grip pull up bar that can work on all your back muscles.

If you’re looking for a compact machine that has all the features you’d want from a functional trainer, we recommend having a look at IRON COMPANY BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer Home Gym.

XMark focuses on exceeding expectations of the fitness industry. From the attention to detail on all their equipment to be responsive to all your needs, they focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience to you. 

Known for their craftsmanship and functionality of each of their products, you know that all their fitness equipment will be of high quality.

The XMark Functional Trainer has a weight stack of a dual 200 lb, higher than most competitors. It uses a two adjustable pulley system that provides up to 19 positions, allowing you to make the most of isolated or compound workouts.

It also comes with seven different attachments that can be used to target different muscles. If you’re looking for a functional trainer that has higher resistances and a smooth pulley, we recommend having a look at Mark Functional Trainer Cable Machine.

Body Solid is an American distributor and manufacturer of home and commercial strength and conditioning equipment. Known for building home gyms, smith machines, racks, and other fitness related equipment, they have expanded their sales worldwide, selling to over 100 countries.

Body Solid Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer is one the more minimalistic designed trainers on the market. It does not have the design and aesthetics but provides everything you need for a solid workout. 

The trainer has a weight stack of 160lb and can be upgraded to 210 lbs at an additional cost. It only comes with an additional pair of nylon handles, meaning there are no ankle cuffs, short or long bars, or any other additional accessories.

If you’re looking for a minimalistic functional trainer, we recommend having a look at Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer Cable Machine.

Powertec is the leader and pioneer in innovative strength equipment for home and light commercial use. Used by both fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes, they have become one of the best commercial quality gym equipment retailers due to the amount of customizations and accessory modularizations that they can provide, at an affordable price.

The Powertec is one of the more functionally designed trainers by the amount of tools it provides. It has a load capacity of 1000 lbs while having a dual weight system of 190 lbs. This prevents the frame from rocking when you’re using the pulley system.

The combination of the easy load slide rods and cable system provides a precise and smooth gliding operation. With featured ring stoppers that provide a safety system to prevent the weight being dropped to undesirable distances.

The best thing about the Powertec is its ability to hold Olympic Weight Plates and stacked weight plates. This allows the individual to load as much weight to their fitness level.

If you’re looking for a functional trainer that is able to provide a high resistance, we recommend you having a look at Powertec Fitness Functional Trainer Deluxe.

Rep Fitness is a fitness equipment manufacturer and supplier that provides innovative and high-quality solutions for all your fitness gear needs. 

The Rep Fitness Multi grip functional trainer is known for their heavy duty construction and durability. The 11 gauge steel frames help prevent the rust and breakdown of metal, allowing the structure to last for a long time.

The pulleys are large and strong while the cable is thick, allowing for a smooth movement when using the pulley stem. It comes with 16 different cable positions allowing you to be versatile with your exercises.

It has the highest weight stack of all the competitors with a dual 200 lb weight stack, which is perfect for advanced lifters. It comes with a rotating panel, ten hooks for storing attachments, exercise guides, and a bunch of pull up grip angles for all your chin up and pull up exercises.

Force USA focuses on home and light commercial fitness product use, creating the best value strength equipment so you can reach your fitness goals. All of the products are made in the USA, meeting strict quality requirements, to ensure all your products are durable and sturdy.

The Force USA Monster Functional Trainer is made for advanced fitness individuals due to the number of features that is installed into it. 

The steel power rack includes commercial grade J Hooks and Safety that can be adjusted up and attached to 50 different number points so you find the perfect position for bench pressing, squatting, and other exercises. 

The functional trainer component allows over 75 different exercises by adjusting height positions and the variety of accessories that is included. Each component angled and designed for natural body movement reducing the chances of you getting injured.

These additional components include a Chin Up Station, Landmine Station, Band Pegs, Attachment Storage, Barbel Storage, and Safety Spotter Arms.

They also allow other attachments that can be purchased such as leg press, stability bar, lat pull down seat, cambered bar, and v-type handles.

The Force USA provides you with everything you see in a commercial gym within a reasonable sized compact functional trainer.

MiM USA focuses on creating products for people’s well being, happiness, and overall improvement of their life. They focus on collaborating with the industry’s best designers to create functional fitness masterpieces for both home and commercial gym. They guarantee a smooth checkout and delivery experience with all your products, at all times.

You can definitely see this with MiM USA’s Functional Trainer as it comes with a bench along with the whole machine. Expanding the number of workouts that you can perform without purchasing additional equipment.

The four track pulley system allows you to easily change the lifts that you want to perform. From Squats to shrugs, rows to bench press, and leg curls to hamstring curls.

If you’re looking for multi-functional equipment to use at home, The MiM USA’s Functional Trainer provides you a complete solution for all your home workout needs. 

Functional Trainer Buying Guide

What Is A Functional Trainer?

A functional trainer  is a cable machine that uses cables, pulley systems, and weight stacks that allows you to control the movement and weight used for your exercises. They provide a unique way to train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements that you may do at home, at work, or in a sporting environment.

A functional trainer is a great way to spice up your normal workout routine and add isolated exercises that target specific muscles to your exercise list.

What Is Functional Training

Functional training is a type of strength training that helps prepare your body for daily activities. Movements including bending, lifting, twisting, pushing, loading, squatting, pulling, and hauling are part of functional training.

They use multi-joint movement patterns that use the hips, spine, elbows, wrists, knees, and shoulders to increase your range of motion and connect each muscle to work together, reducing the overall stress towards your body.

The Benefits Of Using a Functional Trainer?

Variety and Variations

Owning a functional trainer provides you with a numerous amount of exercise that you can perform at the comforts of your own home. You can target every single body of your body part to ensure there are no muscle imbalances.

Here are some example exercises that you can perform using a functional trainer

• Arms: Bicep Curls, Overhead Triceps Extensions, Hammer Curls
• Back: Pull Downs, Single Arm Row, Rows, Straight-Arm Pushdowns.
• Chest: Cable Fly’s And Chest Press From Any Angle.
• Shoulders: Cable Crossovers, Reverse Flys, Shoulder Press, Lat Raise, Upright Rows.

Legs: Straight-Legged Deadlift, Cable Squats, Glute Kickbacks, Leg Raises.

The versatility and variations can be further increased with the attachments. The attachments allow you to target different muscle groups and progressive exercises. 

Attachments include barbells, handles, harnesses, tri-bar attachments, and rope attachments.

Affordable

Functional Machines are very cost effective. Although it may be a high initial investment, the functional trainer allows you to train almost every muscle and body part at the comforts at your own home. You won’t ever need to purchase extra dumb bells, weight, or other expensive equipment.

It is also space friendly and beginner friendly, meaning it is perfect for individuals that live in a small space and have no prior lifting experience.

With the additional attachments, you will have endless versatility and variety without needing to purchase new equipment every few months.

As the weights are already there with the functional machine, there is no need to purchase additional dumb beels or plates when you get stronger.

Safety

Most injuries occur from using free weight equipment as they have no safety mechanism. Most don’t have the confidence or a spotter to assist when they move up heavier in weight.

A functional machine provides you the comfort that you want when you’re lifting heavy. There are no worries about the barbell being stuck on your chest or being buried under plates.

All you have to do is move the pin on the weight so there are no embarrassing stories. This makes it perfect for individuals wanting to lift in a home gym.

Beneficial For Healing Injuries

As functional training helps isolate muscles when working out, it serves as a great tool to strengthen weakened muscles. The machines mimic rehab exercises to enable patients to restrengthen weakened muscles and improve body coordination.

As you control the resistance and weight, you’re able to heal your injuries faster than waiting for it to heal by itself.

What To Look For When Purchasing A Functional Trainer

Size

Before you look into any other features, make sure the functional trainer is able to fit in your space or room. Even a compact functional trainer will take a lot of room, and it will be even worse if you live in a low-ceiling house.

Once they are assembled, most trainers will weigh around 800 lbs, so make sure to place the trainer at the right place.

Weight Stacks

Most high-quality functional trainers use weight stacks or plates. When you’re searching for a trainer, think about whether you need one or two weight stack systems.

This depends on how much resistance you want to handle. 

With a dual weight stack, you’ll have more workout choice including cable crossover, bench press and hundreds of other exercises.

Most functional trainers will have different weight stacks, so make sure to choose one that fits your fitness level. 

Keep in mind that the actual resistance will be half due to the special resistance. This means if you want 100 lbs of resistance, you should choose a trainer that supports over 200 lbs of resistance.

Some companies will offer additional weight stacks, so you can always increase the load when you get stronger.

Pulleys

The pulley system allows you to do cable exercises. The better systems are easy to adjust and have more variety for the height of the machine. If you get the chance to test the machine, make sure it’s smooth to move it up and down.

Attachments

There will be different sorts of attachments depending on the functional trainer. As certain brands may have their own attachments or pairs that come with the trainer when you purchase it.

Here are some common attachments:

• Pull up bar
• EZ curl bar
• D handles
• Sports bar
• Long bar
• Short bar
• Multi-purpose belt
• Triceps rope
• Ankle cuff

Warranty

You need to be cautious about the warranty before purchasing the functional trainer. The more expensive the trainer, the longer the warranty.

Most companies may divide the warranty into parts and frames, which will vary from time and price.

You should always look for a trainer that provides at least a 2 year warranty if you’re looking to use the machine for decades.

Assembly

When you’re building your functional trainer, you must account how many hands you will have to help assemble the machine. By yourself, it may take a few days to set it up. If you’re alone, we recommend finding something simple and easy to build and assemble, so you begin your fitness journey immediately.

What Are Some Exercises That I Can Perform On The Functional Trainer?

There are hundreds of exercises that you can perform such as tricep extension, bicep curls, and chest press. Here is a snippet of what the functional trainer can do.

100 Functional Trainer Exercises (Video 1) For Creating Your Functional Trainer Routine

If you’re looking for more alternative exercises, this is what we recommend to spice your workout:

Cable Reverse Lunge

Training: Cable Reverse Lunge

Many of us are comfortable with the classic lunging movement, however doing the reverse challenges your core strength and balance. With the cable pulley at the lowest height setting, begin walking a few steps away from the cable

Start in a lunge position and hold the rope attachment over one shoulder and extend your legs so you’re standing up. And continue to go back down to a reverse lunge position.

Plank Tricep Kick Back

Plank Tricep Kickback

This exercise is a perfect burner for your core, triceps, and legs.

Begin placing the pulley at the lowest height using a D handle attachment. Then move into a plank position as you face toward the machine. Grasp the handle with one hand and pull it back towards your hips and then perform a tricep extension movement.

Standing Leg Curl

Standing Cable Leg Curls

Using the ankle attachment, place the strap around your ankle then put the pulley on the lowest height setting.

Begin facing the machine and extend your legs behind. You should be feeling your hamstrings and glute. As you keep your leg straight and your core tight, move your leg back to the standing position.

Side Plank Cable Row

Side Plank Cable Row

This exercise is great for activating the shoulders, lats, and core.

Attach the D handle and position the pulley at the lowest height setting. Then position your body into a side plank position, perpendicular to the pulley system.

With your free arm, pull the cable towards you while keeping your body upright and strong. Your body should not be rotating or moving at all. This is all an arm movement exercise.

Cable Front Squat

Workout Tips - Front Squat using the cable machine

The cable front squat engages your hamstring, glutes, quads, and core. It forces you to stabilize your body because the force is moving you forward, towards the pulley system.

Begin putting the pulley onto the lowest height setting while facing the machine. Stand with your feet at hip width apart or in your standard squatting position and grasp the rope attachment. Lower down like you would squat and stand back up.

Wood Chop

How To: Oblique Twist "Wood Chopper" (LF CAble)

The wood chop is a classic functional movement exercise that challenges your core and shoulders in several different planes of movement. Begin placing the pulley slightly higher than your shoulder height.

Stand where you are perpendicular to the machine and pull the cable down in a diagonal motion across your body to the floor. Then bring it back to the starting position. The motion simulates a chopping motion.

Single Arm Row

How to do Standing Single Arm Cable Rows

This movement is similar to the bench press motion, but you’re standing up. This is great for isolating the movement and strengthening your lats and shoulders.

Place the cable pulley at shoulder height and take a few steps back. Begin pulling the handle towards you while keeping your core tight. Then slowly move the cable back to the starting position.

FAQs for Functional Trainers

Conclusion

When choosing a Functional Trainer, there are many factors to consider. The room size and height, budget, your fitness level, and overall space.

However, out of the eight Functional Trainers that we got to test and research, we recommend 

REP FITNESS FT-5000 Multi-Grip Functional Trainer Cable Machine because of the amount of resistance and weight stack.

Made with a 11 gauge steel frame that helps prevent the rust and breakdown of metal, allowing the structure to last for a long time.

The pulleys are large and strong while the cable is thick, allowing for a smooth movement when using the pulley stem. It comes with 16 different cable positions allowing you to be versatile with your exercises.

It has the highest weight stack of all the competitors with a dual 200 lb weight stack, which is perfect for advanced lifters. It comes with a rotating panel, ten hooks for storing attachments, exercise guides, and a bunch of pull up grip angles for all your chin up and pull up exercises.

If you’re looking for a functional machine that includes a smith machine for more variety of exercises, we recommend FORCE USA Monster G3 Power Rack, Functional Trainer & Smith Machine Combo. 

The steel power rack includes commercial grade J Hooks and Safety that can be adjusted up and attached to 50 different number points so you find the perfect position for bench pressing, squatting, and other exercises. 

The functional trainer component allows over 75 different exercises by adjusting height positions and the variety of accessories that is included. Each component angled and designed for natural body movement reducing the chances of you getting injured.

These additional components include a Chin Up Station, Landmine Station, Band Pegs, Attachment Storage, Barbel Storage, and Safety Spotter Arms.