Spending several thousands of dollars on a garage gym will mean that you want a quality piece of exercise equipment that covers all your workout needs.
The Body Solid EXM3000LPS Home Gym is an all-in-one gym experience for serious fitness enthusiasts who need to stay at the top of their game.
In this review, we’ll take you through all the details you need to know to see if this home gym is right for you.
- Our Review of the Body Solid EXM3000LPS Home Gym
- Pros & Cons Of The Body Solid EXM3000LPS
- Who Is It Best Suited For?
- Unique Features Of The Body Solid EXM3000LPS Home Gym
- Comparing EXM3000LPS With Other Body Solid Home Gym Models
- Comparisons With Other Home Gym Brands
- Frequently Asked Body Solid EXM3000LPS Questions
- Conclusion - Is It Worth It?
Our Review of the Body Solid EXM3000LPS Home Gym
Our Ratings
Workout Versatility
9.0
Value For Money
8.0
Ease Of Use
9.5
Ease Of Assembly
7.5
Materials & Durability
9.5
Overall Rating
8.7
Product Specifications
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 73 x 83 x 91 inches |
Machine Weight | 947 lbs |
Workout Stations | 7 + 1 optional |
Total Weight Stacks | 420 lbs |
Warranty | Lifetime for frames and welds 3 years for pulleys, sealed ball bearings, guide rods, hardware, and plates 1 year for cables, upholstery, and grips. |
Home gyms positively affect your health if used regularly with a good diet, and the Body Solid EXM3000LPS light commercial gym is no exception [1].
It's a big step up from some of the basic home gyms models like the Marcy 988, with more functionality and workout options.
I've been using the EXM3000LPS for over a 2 years now, and here's my first hand experience.
Our Experience Using This Home Gym
The EXM3000LPS is a simple and effective piece of home gym equipment.
Once I had it set up it was easy to use and there's a lot of different work stations to choose from.
The cables move smoothly and provide consistent tension throughout each lift. The iron weight stacks feel much more authentic than Bowflex power rods, and move better than the concrete weight plates used in some home gyms - which made it a better lifting experience.
What I really liked about using the EXM3000LPS was how sturdy it was.
It is very heavy, but that helps to ground it. Even with the full weight stacks engaged it didn't move or wobble while I was training, and it felt a lot safer than some cheaper home gyms.
One thing I didn't like as much was the limited range of motion.
Some of the arms, particularly on chest fly exercises, didn't go out as far as I would have liked. This is only an issue for users who have longer arms, but it's a bit disappointing to not be able to maximise the pump.
The other thing I noticed was that it was quite loud to use, but that's not too surprising given it has two heavy weight stacks.
It didn't really impact my experience, but there's no workout guide included - so beginners may struggle.
However, if you've got a bit of experience then the EXM3000LPS should give you a great workout.
Size & Dimensions In The Home
The Body Solid EXM3000LPS is a big home gym and won't fit in a small garage or basement gym.
The design itself isn't compact, but you also need a lot of space around the machine to use the work stations properly. This means it won't fit neatly in the corner like the Body Solid BSG10X model.
Other large home gyms, like the Force USA G12, are big, but don't dominate the space as much because they can be positioned against a wall. This can make them a better choice for medium sized home gyms which have a lot of other equipment.
It's also worth remembering that the EXM3000LPS is heavy, so think carefully about where you place the gym because it will be tough to move later.
Build Quality
Body Solid make good quality equipment and this is a sturdy home gym.
It's made from heavy gauge steel, which is tough and durable, with some soft cushioning on the grips and seats. Usually the cushioning/padding is the first thing to go, but even after a year of heavy use I haven't noticed any damage.
It's very heavy at 947 lbs, which can be annoying if you want to move it, but makes it very stable while you're working out. It's got a high max weight too, so it's great for larger users.
This is a heavy duty, almost commercial grade piece of equipment and it's made to last. It isn't as durable as some of their newer models, but it can certainly stand up to daily use.
Weight Range
The EXM3000LPS has a really high weight range, even for a premium home gym.
It comes with 420 lbs across two weight stacks as standard, which is more than enough for even experienced lifters used to a commercial gym weight room.
If you're ready to move up a level with your strength training then the EXM3000LPS has what you need.
Workout Stations & Versatility
The EXM3000LPS is very versatile compared to budget home gyms.
The high weight resistance, 7 different workout stations, and supplementary accessories give you lots of options to train your whole body.
Unlike some other premium home gyms, like the Force USA G12 or Inspire Fitness FT2, there's no Olympic bar or smith machine attachment which can make some compound exercises harder to perform.
If you're used to training in a commercial gym you'll probably miss these features, but there's still plenty of ways to train your entire body.
Upper Body Exercises
Like many home gyms, the EXM3000LPS has the most options for upper-body training.
There's a lat pulldown station, seated row stations, and various handles and bars for your arms.
It comes with the Perfect Pec station, which is good, but I did find the handles a bit too close for maximum chest engagement.
Though, you also have the multi-press station for upper body training which makes up for it.
It was easy to combine these 4 stations together to create an intense upper-body workout that covers every muscle group, including pecs, lats, delts, traps, triceps muscles, biceps, shoulders, lats, and rear deltoid muscles.
Some of the upper body exercises I found most effective with the EXM3000LPS are:
Related Article - Best Upper Body Gym Equipment
Ab Exercises
The EXM3000LPS gym system is good for hitting your abdominal and oblique muscles.
The mid pulley station is where you’ll be doing most core exercises and the two most important are the ab crunch and oblique bend. You can also use the cables for cable crunches.
If you're really focused on building a lean and muscular waist then it's worth getting the optional knee raise/drip station as this will really help you build your abdominal and oblique muscles.
Related Article - Best Gym Machines For Toning Abs
Lower Body Exercises
The EXM3000LPS home gym is one of the best for lower body workouts.
The leg press and leg extension stations come as standard and allow you to really focus the effort on your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
This home gym is great for lower body development, and some of the most effective exercises I found included:
Also See - Best Gym Equipment For Leg Workouts
Assembling This Product
The EXM3000LPS is very challenging to put together, and it's probably one of the worst features of this product.
The first issue is that there are a lot of parts. It comes in several different boxes and not everything is clearly labelled.
The second issue is that there aren't any clear instructions. You get some diagrams to look at but nothing detailed to go from.
The final issue is that there are no tools provided, and no information about what tools you need to use.
Honestly, I've built a lot of home gyms and this was probably one of the most confusing I've ever encountered. You should allow 1-2 days to put this together, and definitely ask a friend for help.
It's really disappointing to see gym equipment like this with a premium price but very poor assembly instructions.
If you haven't assembled something like this before then it's worth paying a professional to set this up for you.
If you are going to attempt it then start by making sure you have all of the parts listed in the EXM3000LPS assembly instructions [2].
Lay them all out and label them clearly before you start and it will save you a lot of issues in the long run.
Price Guide
One of the big set backs of this home gym is the price, because it is very expensive.
At over $5000, it's in the premium home gym category, and a lot of home gym owners just aren't going to be able to afford it.
If you are a beginner, or just looking to tone up and lose weight, then you can spend a lot less to reach your goals. The Body Solid BSG10X is under half the price but still effective, and some Bowflex models are a lot cheaper.
Even if you can afford the EXM3000LPS - it isn't offering the best value for money.
Other, newer models, like the Body Solid G9S are priced similarly but have more features. They also tend to be more compact and more durable.
This is a good quality home gym, but it's not offering as much value for money as some other models.
Shipping & Warranty
You can buy the EXM3000LPS directly from Body Solid. However, you can often get the best prices through online marketplaces like Amazon - which is where I bought mine.
Shipping was free through Prime, and it took just under 2 weeks to arrive (which is fairly standard).
The home gym equipment came in 7 different boxes which spread the weight, but you may still need some help moving it all inside.
Body Solid offer a lifetime warranty on the EXM3000LPS which covers all the products. This is far above industry standard and the extra protection definitely gives better long term value for money.
Body Solid customer service seems good too, so you shouldn't have any problem making a warranty claim if you need to.
Pros & Cons Of The Body Solid EXM3000LPS
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Who Is It Best Suited For?
The EXM3000LPS a solid model if you’re experienced in the gym and know exactly what exercises you need to do to continue improving your fitness.
It's an expensive piece of equipment and paying around $5000 for home gym that only has weight stacks is only going to suit certain people. Anyone thinking of buying will need to spend a substantial amount of money.
In my opinion, the EXM3000LPS is an excellent choice for people looking to improve their basic fitness via easy to use machines rather than free weight lifting.
Other people is would suit include -
- Elderly singles and couples
- Those doing rehabilitation from injury
- Someone looking to lose weight and get toned without weight plates and bars.
Related Article - Our Top Home Garage Gyms
Unique Features Of The Body Solid EXM3000LPS Home Gym
With 7 workout stations targeting different muscle groups, the EXM3000LPS gym system is ideal for anyone who wants intense workouts for their whole body.
Plus, it means no more gym memberships or long journeys.
Commercial-Rated
The EXM3000LPS is not just for use in private homes. Body Solid has approved it for light commercial use, so you can also use it in a professional environment.
Specifically, that means a facility without monthly membership fees where no more than 50 people will use it in a day. Examples include hotels and police stations.
Also See - Top Commercial Gym Brands
Multiuser
Three people can use the EXM3000LPS light commercial gym, but only with the optional knee raise/dip station.
Otherwise, two people can use it simultaneously.
The Body Solid EXM3000LPS home gym remains stable and secure even when 2 or 3 people use it.
One possible combination involving three people would be one user using the leg press station, another user using the high pulley station for lat pulldowns, and a third user performing dips with the dip station.
Various Workout Stations
Your Body Solid EXM3000LPS home gym workout routine can be as diverse as you like, given that you’ve got seven workout stations and more than 40 possible exercises.
Each station is worth a closer look so you can understand how it can benefit you.
Dual Weight Stacks
The Body Solid EXM3000LPS double stack home gym has two stacks of 210lbs.
It increases the total weight capacity to 420lbs, enough for most advanced gymgoers to get a thorough workout.
It also helps when two different people use the machine because they both get at least 210lbs of weight.
DuraFirm Padding
To ensure your comfort while using any of the backrests or seats on the Body Solid EXM3000LPS home gym, they contain DuraFirm padding.
That means you won’t feel any discomfort while you’re lifting heavy weights while seated or while leaning backward.
The padding makes the seats and backrests durable when used with heavy weights.
Weight Stack Shrouds
When you’re doing a lot of heavy lifting, it’s common for the weights to make a lot of noise.
Shrouds typically cover the weight stacks with cloth or sheeting, but on the Body Solid EXM3000LPS home gym, the coverings are made of steel.
That makes it less noisy while also increasing the unit's safety and making it look more appealing.
Comparing EXM3000LPS With Other Body Solid Home Gym Models
EXM3000LPS Vs EXM2500S
The BodySolid EXM3000LPS is basically a bigger and more versatile version of the EMX2500S.
The key difference between them is that the EXM2500S only has a single stack. This means there's less resistance and only one person can use it at a time.
However, the EXM2500S is smaller, lighter, and more affordable.
You can still do a range of exercises on it, though it does lack a dip station and leg press.
If you’re newer to the gym, then the EXM2500S will be a better choice than the Body Solid EXM3000LPS home gym, but it won’t be sufficient if you’re advanced.
Read Also - Complete Review Of Body Solid EXM2500S
EXM3000LPS Vs EXM4000S
The EXM4000S is a step up from the EXM3000LPS in terms of versatility and functionality.
The EXM4000S has a triple stack for a massive amount of resistance and 10 different exercise stations.
This gives you a lot more workout options and it's better suited for athletes and those doing serious strength training.
The downside of the EXM4000S is that it's bigger, heavier, and is more expensive - so it's not a viable option in every home gym.
Related Article - Body Solid EXM4000S Review
EXM3000LPS Vs EXM1500S
The EXM1500S is a much more basic model than the EXM3000LPS.
It only has a single stack of 160 lbs, and 6 exercise stations.
You can use it to hit all the major muscle groups and there are a decent range of accessories - including a low row bar for seated row exercises, and utility bar for other lifts. Unfortunately, there's no multi press station or leg press/leg extension.
The advantage of the EXM1500S is that it's more compact and much more affordable.
However, the lower weight capacity and fewer exercise options on the EXM1500S mean it's only really useful for absolute beginners.
Learn More - Body Solid EXM1500S Review
EXM3000LPS Vs G9S
The Body Solid G9S is a similar model to the EXM3000LPS, but offers better value for money.
They both provide 420 lbs of resistance from two stacks and a very similar design.
The G9S only has 4 exercise stations: the Perfect Pec station, Low Row station, Leg Press, and Main Press station, but they still let you hit all the major muscle groups. You can also get the knee raise/drip station to increase the versatility.
One big advantage of the G9S is the quality. It's a newer model and made to military specifications, which makes it more durable and a better long term investment.
It's also more compact than the EXM3000LPS and fits in a smaller home gym.
Both of these BodySolid models are very similarly priced, but the G9S offers more.
Comparisons With Other Home Gym Brands
EXM3000LPS Vs Force USA G12
The Force USA G12 is a better home gym for serious strength training.
It has a very different design compared to the EXM3000LPS, with an integrated power rack and smith machine. This makes it easier to do some bench press, shoulder press, and other compound exercises.
The G12 also has a pull up bar and all the benefits of a power rack - including storage, so it's a more complete all in one home gym solution.
Both models are premium and expensive, but the Force USA G12 offers better value for money for experienced lifters.
EXM3000LPS Vs Marcy Smith MD-9010 Cage
The Marcy Smith MD-9010 is a more affordable home gym for beginners.
The key difference is that the MD-9010 uses free weights rather than stacks. This gives you a more authentic experience and means you can load as much weight as you want onto the bar.
There are also useful accessories like the tricep rope, row handle, and ankle strap are helpful additions that allow you to do up to 100 exercises.
The disadvantage of the March Smith MD 9010 is the quality. It's a budget home gym and it isn't made to last as long. Plus, it can be harder to use as there are fewer specific workout stations.
An MD 9010 is a fraction of the price of the EXM3000LPS at $1200, and offers some good value for money for beginners.
EXM3000LPS Vs NordicTrack Fusion CST
The NordicTrack Fusion CST is more technologically advanced and compact home gym than the EXM3000LPS.
The display screen allows you to follow virtual training videos, with strength training and full body sculpting workouts. The Fusion CST will also provide advice on nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
However, the Fusion CST lacks any weight plates and operates solely using a selection of pulleys and cables. You can make digital adjustments, but it takes some getting used to and is a bit less authentic.
The NordicTrack Fusion offers you a home gym and personal trainer all in one, so it's a great asset for beginners. Plus, it's only $1900, so it's a lot cheaper than the EXM3000LPS.
EXM3000LPS Vs Inspire Fitness FT2
The Inspire Fitness FT2 is another expensive home gym but is better for serious strength training.
It’s slightly smaller than the EXM3000LPS and only has 165lbs on each of the two stacks. However, it has an integrated Olympic bar which can be loaded with weight plates, and an adjustable pull up bar.
This gives you all the benefits of a power rack combined with a home gym system.
Both the Inspire Fitness FT2 and the EXM3000LPS can easily be used to train your whole body, but the FT2 offers more of a complete replacement to a commercial gym.
They are both premium models which will set you back over $4,500, so it's difficult to justify the cost if you’re not a professional bodybuilder, but it’s important to factor in what they may save you in gym membership costs.
Frequently Asked Body Solid EXM3000LPS Questions
Can two people work out at the same time using weight stacks?
Yes, when you use the EXM3000LPS, two people can work out using the weight stacks, and a third person can join them on a station that doesn’t use the weight stacks.
Does the Body Solid EXM3000LPS come with a curl bench?
No, the EXM3000LPS double stack home gym does not come with a curling bench. However, you can use the low pulley station for arm curls and the leg developer for leg curls.
How much space is actually needed to use this machine?
A room that’s 12’ by 12’ should be sufficient. The EXM3000LPS dimensions are 73 x 83 x 91 inches, but you’ll need some extra space to fit in a full range of motion.
Where is the best place to buy this home gym model by Body Solid?
For competitive pricing and fast delivery, we recommend shopping through the Body Solid storefront on Amazon.
Our Ratings
Workout Versatility
9.0
Value For Money
8.0
Ease Of Use
9.5
Ease Of Assembly
7.5
Materials & Durability
9.5
Overall Rating
8.7
Conclusion - Is It Worth It?
Hopefully, you know know everything about the EXM3000LPS home gym.
It's a good option for those with some fitness experience and has everything you need to train all major muscle groups, and a great asset in a home gym.
However, if you do have the budget for this model then it's worth exploring your options, because there are some newer home gyms offering more versatility and quality at around the same price.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6533109/
- https://www.bodysolid.com/home/exm3000lps/exm3000lps_gym_system/media_manuals
Last Updated on July 10, 2023
