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A full body workout exercise machine lets you train most of your major muscle groups in one session without building a station for every movement. If you want a single piece of equipment that covers pushing, pulling, legs and core work, the right machine can simplify your routine and keep your sessions efficient. The main things to weigh are how many movement patterns the machine supports, how much resistance it offers, how much floor space it needs, and whether it fits the way you actually train. This list compares nine options across home and commercial-style setups so you can match a machine to your goals rather than chasing the most features.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product Best for Key feature
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym Strength training at home with broad exercise coverage Cable-and-pulley system with multiple stations
Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym Compact home setups with limited floor space Adjustable cable-based resistance in a smaller footprint
Tonal Smart Home Gym Users who want guided, data-driven programming Digital resistance with built-in coaching prompts
Hydrow Rower Full body cardio paired with back and leg work Rowing motion engaging legs, core, back and arms
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Lower-body and cardio focus with incline training Incline and decline range for varied leg work
Concept2 RowErg Serious rowers and budget-conscious full body conditioning Air resistance that scales with effort
Marcy Smith Machine Home Gym Barbell-based strength training at home Guided barbell path for squats, presses and rows
Body-Solid Multi-Station Home Gym Lifters who want stacked weight and multiple stations Weight stack with several training stations
Schwinn Airdyne Bike Metabolic conditioning with upper and lower body effort Air resistance with moving handlebars for arm work

Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

This is a cable-and-pulley home gym built for users who want broad strength coverage in a single frame. It suits people training at home who plan to progress over time and want chest, back, shoulder, arm and leg work without a rack of free weights.

Key specs

  • Cable-based resistance system with adjustable weight settings
  • Multiple training stations for upper and lower body movements
  • Manufacturers specify a footprint that requires a dedicated corner of a room
  • Resistance is set by pin or lever selection on the weight stack

Pros

  • Covers pressing, pulling, squatting and leg work in one unit
  • Cable motion provides smooth, consistent tension through the range
  • Good progression path for beginners and intermediate lifters

Cons

  • Large footprint compared with most home equipment
  • Owners often report that assembly takes significant time and two people

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Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym

The PR1000 is a smaller cable-based home gym aimed at people who need strength coverage without giving up most of a room. It fits apartments and spare bedrooms better than full-size stations and suits users who train three or four times a week.

Key specs

  • Compact cable-and-lever design with a reduced footprint
  • Adjustable resistance for upper and lower body movements
  • Manufacturers describe it as suitable for home use with standard household outlets
  • Designed for seated and standing exercises

Pros

  • Smaller footprint than larger multi-station units
  • Covers the main push, pull and leg patterns
  • Easier to store against a wall when not in use

Cons

  • Maximum resistance may feel limiting for advanced lifters
  • Fewer specialized stations than larger home gyms

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Tonal Smart Home Gym

Tonal is a digital strength system that uses electronic resistance and an on-screen coach. It suits people who prefer guided programming, progress tracking and a machine that adjusts load without manual plate changes.

Key specs

  • Electronic resistance system with adjustable load
  • Wall-mounted unit with a built-in display
  • Subscription-based training content is part of the product model
  • Covers a wide range of full body strength movements

Pros

  • Guided workouts reduce the planning burden
  • Load adjusts in small steps, which suits steady progression
  • Compact wall-mounted design saves floor space

Cons

  • Ongoing content requirements add to long-term ownership
  • Owners often report that the system depends on the software ecosystem
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Hydrow Rower

The Hydrow is a connected rowing machine built around full body engagement. It fits people who want cardio and strength in one motion and who enjoy structured classes on a display.

Key specs

  • Water-resistance rowing mechanism
  • Large screen for live and on-demand rowing classes
  • Drive motion uses legs, hips, back and arms in sequence
  • Requires a subscription for full class library access

Pros

  • Rowing recruits most major muscle groups in one movement
  • Water resistance responds to how hard you pull
  • Classes give structure for beginners

Cons

  • Long, narrow footprint when in use
  • Subscription needed for the full workout library

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NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

A treadmill is not a full body machine in the strict sense, but it works the legs and cardiovascular system strongly, and an incline range adds glute and hamstring emphasis. It suits people who want leg-focused conditioning paired with separate upper body work.

Key specs

  • Motorized belt with incline and decline range
  • Manufacturers specify a large running surface for stability
  • Built-in display with programmed workouts
  • Folding design is available on some models in this line

Pros

  • Incline training increases lower body demand
  • Strong cardiovascular stimulus for conditioning
  • Programmed workouts help with pacing

Cons

  • Limited upper body engagement on its own
  • Large footprint when not folded

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Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is a widely recognized air rower used in gyms and training facilities. It suits people who want a durable, straightforward machine for full body conditioning and who care about measurable output.

Key specs

  • Air resistance flywheel that scales with how hard you pull
  • Performance monitor displays pace, distance and stroke rate
  • Adjustable damper setting controls airflow
  • Manufacturers describe a durable steel frame

Pros

  • Very durable and widely used in training environments
  • Resistance is entirely set by your effort
  • Clear pace and distance data for tracking progress

Cons

  • Requires good rowing technique to get full benefit
  • Can be loud during hard sessions

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Marcy Smith Machine Home Gym

A Smith machine guides a barbell along a fixed vertical path, which makes squats, presses and rows more controlled. It suits people who want barbell strength work at home and value a safer setup for heavy sets.

Key specs

  • Vertical guided barbell with safety hooks
  • Weight plates loaded on standard Olympic-style sleeves
  • Frame-based design for squats, bench, rows and overhead work
  • Manufacturers specify a stable base for dynamic loads

Pros

  • Guided bar path reduces the need for a spotter
  • Covers the main barbell lifts in one frame
  • Good for progressive overload with heavier plates

Cons

  • Fixed bar path limits natural movement for some lifters
  • Takes up a significant floor area

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Body-Solid Multi-Station Home Gym

This type of multi-station home gym uses a stacked weight system with several attachments. It suits lifters who want a classic, expandable setup and plan to add resistance over time.

Key specs

  • Weight stack with pin selection
  • Multiple stations for chest, back, legs and arms
  • Frame designed for heavy-duty use
  • Accessories such as leg extension and lat pulldown attachments are typically sold separately

Pros

  • Consistent, easy-to-adjust resistance
  • Covers a wide range of exercises
  • Sturdy construction for long-term use

Cons

  • Large footprint that requires planning
  • Full setup can take time and multiple people to assemble

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Schwinn Airdyne Bike

The Airdyne is an air bike with moving handlebars, so the upper body works alongside the legs. It suits people who want high-intensity conditioning across the whole body without heavy loading.

Key specs

  • Air resistance that increases with effort
  • Moving handles engage arms, shoulders and chest
  • Monitor displays time, calories and power output
  • Compact relative to most cardio equipment

Pros

  • Engages upper and lower body together
  • Strong conditioning stimulus for interval work
  • Resistance scales automatically with effort

Cons

  • Limited maximal strength development compared with weight-based machines
  • Can be loud during fast intervals

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Buying Guide

Selection criteria

Start by defining what “full body” means for you. Some people want strength across all major muscle groups, while others want conditioning that engages the whole body. A machine that does both well is rare, so decide which goal comes first. If your priority is muscle and strength, favor weight-based or cable systems. If your priority is conditioning, rowers and air bikes are a better match.

Important features

  • Movement coverage: Count the main patterns: push, pull, squat or hinge, and core. A machine that covers at least three of these is a practical full body option.
  • Resistance type: Weight stacks give consistent, adjustable load. Air and water resistance scale with effort, which suits conditioning. Electronic resistance adjusts in software.
  • Load range: Check the maximum resistance. Owners often outgrow low maximums within a few months of consistent training.
  • Footprint: Measure your space, including clearance around the machine for movement.
  • Build quality: Look for steel frames and well-documented weight capacities.

Specs to check

  • Maximum resistance in pounds or kilograms
  • Overall dimensions and folded dimensions, if relevant
  • Weight capacity of the user and frame
  • Power requirements for electronic units
  • Whether subscriptions or accessories are required for full use

Choosing by need

  1. Limited space: Consider compact cable systems, rowers or air bikes.
  2. Strength focus: Choose cable multi-station gyms or Smith machines with heavy load ranges.
  3. Conditioning focus: Rowers and air bikes deliver strong full body cardio.
  4. Guided training: Digital systems suit users who want structured programming.
  5. Lower body emphasis: Treadmills with incline work provide leg-focused training, paired with separate upper body work.

Things to watch out for

  • Machines that promise every movement often do each one with compromises.
  • Check whether the machine requires a subscription or separate accessories to reach full functionality.
  • Confirm the warranty terms for the frame and resistance components.
  • Measure doorways before buying large equipment.
  • If you have joint problems, back issues or a medical condition, consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting a new program.

FAQ

Can one machine really train my whole body?

One machine can cover most major muscle groups, but few do every pattern equally well. Multi-station cable systems and rowers come closest to full body coverage. Most people still add a few exercises, such as core work, to round out their routine.

Is a rowing machine enough for a full body workout?

Rowing engages the legs, hips, back, shoulders and arms in one movement, so it is a strong full body option for conditioning. It does not replace heavy strength work, so adding resistance training two or three times a week is a good idea for muscle development.

How often should I use a full body machine?

Most people train full body sessions two or three times a week with at least one rest day between sessions. Beginners often start with two sessions and increase volume as recovery allows. The right frequency depends on intensity and personal recovery.

Do I need a subscription for smart machines?

Some connected machines require a subscription for full class or program libraries. Check the terms before buying, because the base machine may work without a subscription while guided content may not.

What is the difference between a cable machine and a Smith machine?

A cable machine uses pulleys to provide tension through a range of motion, and the path of movement is more free. A Smith machine guides a barbell along a fixed vertical path. Cable systems suit a wider range of motions, while Smith machines suit barbell-based lifts with extra stability.

How much space do I need for a home full body machine?

Space needs vary widely. Compact cable systems may need a corner of a room, while multi-station gyms and Smith machines may need a dedicated area. Measure the machine’s dimensions and add clearance for movement before buying.

Can beginners use full body machines safely?

Yes, with the right starting load and form. Start light, learn each movement, and increase resistance gradually. If you have a medical condition or are returning from injury, speak with a doctor or qualified trainer first.

Conclusion

The best full body workout exercise machine depends on your space, your goals and how you prefer to train. For broad strength coverage at home, cable-based multi-station systems such as the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym and Body-Solid Multi-Station Home Gym are strong options. If space is tight, the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym offers a smaller footprint. For guided, data-driven training, the Tonal Smart Home Gym fits users who want structure. For conditioning, the Hydrow Rower, Concept2 RowErg and Schwinn Airdyne Bike deliver strong full body cardio. Lifters who want barbell-based work may prefer the Marcy Smith Machine Home Gym. Choose the machine that matches your main goal, check the specs against your space, and build a progression plan you can follow consistently.