Body Solid G1S Home Gym Review (Popular Garage Gym Model)

Introducing The Body Solid G1S Home Gym 

The G1S is a whole body workout machine that is designed as an affordable home gym system. 

This all-in-one unit makes it easy to perform all of your daily workout needs. You don’t even have to stop between sets to change cables. 

With the new design, the G1S makes it much easier on your joints and muscles during the workout.

The ability to use the 6-position grips and pulleys without changing makes the movements smooth and simple. 

With the compact design, the Body-Solid G1S is made for those with smaller spaces and tighter budgets.

Of course, you can add weights, plates and upgrade the pulleys or benches as your needs grow, too. 

Body-Solid G1S Home Gym: A Fitness Professional's Review

Specifications

Body-Solid has been making home gym and exercise equipment for a long time. They are no stranger to the needs and expectations of their customers.

The brand is well known for making reliable, easy-to-use equipment, and the Body-Solid G1S is no exception. 

The construction of the G1S is more than durable. It starts with 12-gauge steel that is then electrostatic-applied powder-coated for ultimate longevity. 

The seat, bench, and cushioning are all made from DuraFirm padding for the best in comfort and support. 

There are also three types of bushings on the machine, from bronze, nylon, and machined steel for the rails, pulleys, and cabling.

All are there to provide less friction for more effortless gliding, adjustments, and lifting. 

As a home gym tool, you get everything you need for a complete, full-body workout, too. This includes the main system with the metallic alloy plate stacks, pulleys, and cabling.

You also get the lat bar, straight bar, ankle straps, triceps straps, a total body workout DVD, and a water bottle and towel holder. 

The compact design takes up less than 10 feet in your room. While it cannot be folded and isn’t easily moved once assembled, it doesn’t take up a lot of space when not in use. 

Not only can you perform over 40 of the most intensive workouts imaginable, you also get the best warranty in the industry. 

Every part of the system is covered, for life, from the cage and frame to the weight stack and even the bench and bearings.  

If you want to upgrade, that is possible, too. The pulleys have an upgrade option to an all-aluminum style that offers even less resistance, greater pull-through, and higher strength. 

Body-Solid G1S Home Gym: Pros & Cons 

Not sure if a home gym is worth the cost, setup and maintenance? The G1S system has a lot of benefits. That does not mean, however, that there aren't downsides.  

While either the pros or cons of the Body-Solid G1S can make or break your decision, let's look at the significant factors for each side. 

Unique Features Of The Body Solid G1S Home Gym 

The Body-Solid systems are built with quality and durability. The G1S is an upgrade from the highly popular EXM1500S.

However, there are a host of improvements that make the G1S unique and much better than previous generations. Let’s see what those improvements and unique features are.  

Sturdy And Durable Built/Design 

On top of all that, all moving pieces feature self-lubricating bronze bushings for smooth maneuvering adjustments and less maintenance. 

Weight Stack Resistance System 

The weight stacks are also brand new, a premium weight stack that offers plates made of high-end alloy and using nylon bushings for smooth, quiet operation.

If the 160 pound stack isn't' enough, you can also purchase 2.5 and 5 pound weight stack adapter plates for additional resistance to your workouts. 

Adjustable Seat 

Keeping your heart rate up as you switch from one exercise to the next without losing valuable time with these minor adjustments. 

Multiple Workout Stations 

The entire machine is comprised of 5 separate stations where you can perform the workout and exercise routines.

Whether you are working upper body, core, lower body, or arms, there is a station and workout for you. 

Easy To Use, Space Saving, No-Cable-Change Design 

With Body-Solid, all of that is a thing of the past. No cooling down or resting between sets and reps. Maximum performance with minimal effort. 

Available Accessories For The Body-Solid G1S 

Like most Body-Solid machines and equipment, there are upgrades and accessories available that don’t come with the initial purchase. 

Body-Solid G1S Vs BSG10X Vs EXM1500s: What’s the Difference?

Body-Solid isn't a one-trick pony. They make home gym equipment for everyone, and there are several different models to choose from.

However, aside from the G1S, there are two that are also quite popular. The Body-Solid BSG10X and EXM1500S. How do they compare to the G1S? Let’s find out. 

Difference Between Body-Solid G1S Vs BSG10X 

Upon first glance, it may appear that the G1S and BSG10X are similar in nature. They do have a few similarities at hand.

Both are full-body home gym systems, they each use a 160-pound weight stack, and both are easily adjusted for over 40 exercises. 

However, the similarities tend to end there. The BSG10X comes 90% assembled and in a single box. It has a smaller footprint, and it is made with 11-gauge steel instead of 12-gauge.

You will also find that the G1S has a wider, sturdier footprint and comes with better bushings and pulleys. 

When comparing builds, the G1S is far superior. However, the BSG10X has its place.

It is more affordable, easier to put together, and has enough features for most intermediate types to have a great workout.

However, it only has a 10-year warranty, and fewer accessories can be applied to it.  

Related Article - Body Solid BSG10X Review

Difference Between Body-Solid G1S Vs EXM1500S

The EXM1500S, though, is a different story. This is the base model the G1S is made from. Like the G1S, this model is a 5-station home gym, full-body workout center.

It features a lot of the same exercises and appearances as the G1S. The EXM1500S even comes with the Body Solid full lifetime warranty. 

However, the G1S is far superior in almost every way. As mentioned, this is the model the G1S is made from.

Every aspect of the system has been upgraded. From the seat cushioning to the pulleys used, all parts are stronger, more durable, and of higher quality. 

Still, the EXM has its place. It isn’t a bad machine by any stretch of the imagination. Body Solid stands behind it, and you can get a great workout for about $600 less than the G1S.

However, if it is in your budget and space requirements, the G1S is a better fit for almost all situations. 

Also Check Out - Body Solid EXM1500S Tested & Reviewed

Body-Solid G1S & Similar Home Gym Brands: How Does It Stack Up?

We have seen that the G1S is among the best that Body Solid has to offer.

But what about other brands? Here, we compare the G1S against Weider, Marcy, and Bowflex to find out. 

Body-Solid G1S Vs Bowflex Revolution

Unfortunately, the Body-Solid G1S doesn’t stand much of a chance against the Bowflex Revolution.

It does have a lower cost by almost 50% and has a better warranty (lifetime compared to 10-years). But, the accolades stop there. 

The Revolution is arguably the best all-around home gym equipment on the market right now. It features a non-gravity, non-inertia based weight system known as SpiraFlex.

SpiraFlex was designed for NASA to use as a workout system in space. Bowflex has licensing rights and uses the system in its home gym system. 

With a sturdier system, the Revolution offers full rowing, cardio, weight training, and exercise capabilities. With up to 300 total pounds of resistance, even pros can get a great workout.

The Revolution is also easier to assemble and doesn’t rely on cable weight stacks, making adding or removing weight even easier. 

See Also - Bowflex Revolution Home Gym Review

Body-Solid G1S Vs Marcy Stack Pro 988 

Marcy is a name well known in the home fitness community, and for a good reason. Their smith cages are among the most sought-after home gym pieces on the market. 

The Marcy Stack Pro 988, though, is a home gym system similar to the G1S. However, it, too, is made even better. 

With the Marcy system, you get 14-gauge steel, 10 pounds less on the weight side, and more functionality.

Unlike the G1S, the Stack Pro 988 comes with a preacher curl attachment and a dual-function press arm that allows for butterfly presses as well as bench presses. 

The G1S costs more, and it does offer a few more options for exercises, though. Plus, the Marcy system requires pulley changes for a complete workout.

The G1S has a smaller footprint but doesn't look as polished or professional as the Marcy system does. 

Related Article - Marcy MWM-988 Review

Body-Solid G1S Vs Weider Pro 6900 

Anyone who has ever even looked at a weight, let alone lift one, has heard the name Weider.

One of the most recognized brands in the industry is best known for their free weight systems and professional equipment.

The Weider Pro 6900 stack system is a budget-friendly professional workout station that targets the entire body.

Unlike the G1S, which costs twice as much, the Weider offers a 6-station workout area, a 125-pound vinyl stack plate system that brings you 300 pounds of resistance. 

It is slightly smaller and does offer preacher curl attachment as well as leg, bench, and core press plus lat pull downs.

You will need to change pulleys, though, which, along with the warranty, is one advantage the G1S does have. 

The Weider system weighs about 40 pounds more and is even more difficult to assemble. However, the lower cost and more prominent name is a huge draw that is hard to overcome. 

See Also - Weider Pro 6900 Home Gym Review

Unboxing & How To Assemble A Body-Solid Home Gym

One of the major downsides to the Body-Solid home gym equipment is the assembly. Once the unit arrives at your door, you will want to wait until a non-workout day to put it all together.

The process will take at least 5 hours, with the average being 6 to 8 hours, even with two people. None of the steps are especially difficult; they are just time consuming.

Unlike other brands, none of the components come pre-assembled, so you will put everything together, even the weight stack and pulleys. 

There are a few important things to keep in mind when doing the assembly. First, always refer to the owner’s manual for each and every step.

You will only finger-tighten the bolts and attachments until most of the machine is assembled. 

This is required to allow the movement of the frame and support beams to align the holes to get everything seated.

Also, take your time. You want to get all of the pieces organized and laid out before you begin. 

Including the different hardware pieces, there are over 200 different parts you will use. Make sure you put it together in order, as it appears in the manual.

You can find that manual on the Body-Solid website.[1]

Because the assembly is so intense and there are over 70 individual steps, we cannot explain it all here. However, the basic process will go like this: 

Disassembling, Moving & Storing A Body-Solid G1S Gym 

Once the Body-Solid G1S is assembled and in place, it isn’t designed to be moved. There aren’t any transport wheels or lift handles to aid in storing or moving the unit. 

However, if you do need to move the unit, it should be disassembled in the reverse order of assembly, as noted above.

Make sure you keep the owner’s manual in case it is needed later for such a reason. 

Home Gym Maintenance Tips: What To Keep On Top Of

Once the machine itself is clean, you want to vacuum the flooring around the unit, using a hose attachment to get under the seat, weight stack, and other hard-to-reach areas where dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate. 

Aside from that, you will want to perform a visual inspection of the system before every use.

Ensure the cables and weights are not cut, damaged, or frayed and that the bolts are still seated and tight. 

Body-Solid G1S Workout & Exercise Programs 

The Body-Solid G1S is designed to engage all of your muscles. From head to toe, there isn’t a major muscle group that isn't accounted for.

With the G1S, you have 5 workstations that perform over 40 exercises and engage muscles from various angles.

Thanks to the multiple pulleys and cables, you don’t have to switch between each set. 

So what can you do with the G1S? Let’s take a look. 

Frequently Asked Body Solid G1S Questions

How much is a Body-Solid G1S home gym? 

The Body-Solid G1S has an MSRP of $2056. However, depending on the attachments, additions/upgrades and where you buy, that price can be higher or lower by a few hundred dollars. In most cases, though, you won’t find a new-in-box version for less than $2000. 

Can I add weights to my Body-Solid G1S home gym? 

Technically, no. The plate stack is fixed at 160 pounds, and once assembled, you can't add additional weight plates. However, you can add additional adapter plates that come in 2.5 and 5 pound options. These are generally used to add smaller weights to your sets when you are between plates. 

Can a leg press be added to the G1S? 

No, leg press and preacher curl attachments are not available for the G1S.

Where can I buy Body-Solid G1S replacement parts? 

You can buy replacement parts for your Body-Solid G1S through the Body-Solid website or through approved 3rd party vendors such as Amazon. 

Where is the best place to buy a Body-Solid S1S? 

Currently, the best options for purchase are through an approved Body-Solid dealer. You can find a dealer by entering your zip code in the dealer locator on the Body-Solid website.[2] If you prefer not to wait, you can also find Body-Solid equipment and parts, including the G1S, through their storefront on Amazon. 

How long does it take to assemble a Body-Solid G1S home gym? 

On average, it will take two people about 5 to 7 hours to fully assemble the G1S and have it ready for use. Complete instructions are included in the packaging to ensure you perform the assembly and installation of the unit in your room properly. 

Conclusion

The Body-Solid G1S is an advancement over previous Body-solid home gym systems.

The all-inclusive workout stations provide you with hours of lifts, presses, and rows. You can target a single area or perform a full-body workout any day, at any time. 

While the assembly can be difficult or time consuming, it only has to be done once.

After that, you have a home gym ideal for beginners, intermediates, and even pros who can't get to the full gym every day. 

References:

1. https://adeasel-bodysolid-com.s3.amazonaws.com/dowloads/files/Manual_G1S.pdf?
2. https://www.bodysolid.com/Dealer_Locator/