Buyer's Bible: Functional Trainers
Functional Trainer Buying Guide – What You Need to Know
If you're thinking about upgrading your home gym or building a professional studio, a functional trainer is one of the most versatile machines you can own. It combines strength, flexibility, and full-body workouts in a single piece of equipment. But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the right one?
What Is a Functional Trainer?
A functional trainer is a cable-based machine with adjustable pulleys and multiple attachments, allowing for hundreds of strength and conditioning exercises. Unlike traditional weight machines, functional trainers give you a greater range of motion, which helps improve real-world strength and movement patterns.
Key Features to Consider
- Adjustable Pulleys: Look for smooth pulley systems with multiple height options.
- Weight Stack: Consider the weight range. Some models offer dual stacks up to 100kg+ per side.
- Frame Size: Make sure the dimensions fit your room or garage gym.
- Attachments: Handles, bars, ankle straps, and tricep ropes can enhance versatility.
- Build Quality: Commercial-grade steel ensures long-lasting performance.
Home vs Commercial Functional Trainers
Home functional trainers are usually more compact and budget-friendly, while commercial models offer larger weight stacks, more robust construction, and premium features.
Top Functional Trainers at World Fitness
Body Iron Commercial Functional Trainer FTB90
The Body Iron Functional Trainer FTB90 is a compact yet powerful dual-stack cable machine designed for versatile full-body training. With smooth adjustable pulleys, a sturdy steel frame, and a built-in chin-up bar, it offers a huge range of exercise options while keeping your setup clean and efficient.
Body Iron MFX360 Ultimate Trainer
The Body Iron MFX360 Ultimate Trainer combines a functional trainer, smith machine, and power rack all in one powerhouse, delivering 220 kg of smooth, selectorised resistance via dual 110 kg stacks while eliminating the need for weight plates.
With adjustable pulleys, multi-grip pull-up bar, J-hooks and spotter arms, dumbbell storage and built-in safety catches, it’s a complete full-body training solution ideal for both home gyms and commercial setups.
Body Iron BFX250 Commercial Functional Trainer
The Body Iron Commercial Functional Trainer delivers serious versatility with dual pin-loaded weight stacks, independently adjustable cable columns, and a built-in chin-up bar. Perfect for everything from cable crossovers and rows to pull-ups and core work. With robust commercial-grade construction and a compact footprint, it’s ideal for home gyms, studios, or pro-level facilities, a solid choice if you want a long-lasting cable machine that supports full-body training.
Deciding What's Right For You
1. Your Fitness Goals: Are you training for general strength, cable-based isolation work, or full-body workouts? Your goals will influence the type of trainer needed.
2. Available Space: Measure your room/garage gym carefully; pay attention to both footprint and height.
3. Budget: Functional trainers vary widely in price depending on size, build quality, and features. Know what you’re willing to spend.
4. Usage Frequency: For occasional home workouts, a compact home-grade trainer may suffice; for daily or heavy use, consider a commercial-grade unit.
5. Future-Proofing: Choose a unit with enough weight capacity, good build quality and versatile attachments so your trainer remains useful as you progress.
Investing in a functional trainer is a smart decision for anyone serious about fitness. It replaces multiple machines, saves space, and offers nearly limitless exercise possibilities. Browse our full collection of functional trainers today and take your training to the next level.
Leave a comment