Force USA G20 Review (Is This All-In-One Trainer Worth It?)

Our Experience Using This Home Gym

While using the G20 all-in-one, I was impressed with the amount of space inside the machine.

It's slightly deeper than other Force USA models, making the internal workout space more comfortable. However, it does make the machine take up a little more room.

The G20 is extremely sturdy, and I was impressed with how well constructed it was. Even when I loaded the power rack with 320 lbs, it felt steady.

Moving between exercise stations was effortless; each attachment is simple and requires no complicated setups. I enjoyed super setting the overhead press with cable tricep pushdowns.

I was impressed with the amount of weight plate storage included on the G20 all-in-one machine; it had enough for my Olympic weights and provides enough storage for most people.

It helps keep your workout area clean, tidy, and safe.

While using the smith machine, I found the bar’s movement smooth, and it didn’t have any annoying sticking points.

However, as the smith machine barbell isn’t counterbalanced, it did feel heavier than most other smith machine bars weights from the G series. This might make it challenging for resistance training newbies.

The G20 all-in-one's power rack feels as strong as its 992 lb rating. Unless you're an advanced powerlifter, you'll unlikely be lifting more than that amount.

The safety spotter arms are sturdy and gave me the confidence to "go heavy" without needing a spotter; the machine has your back.

Overall, I found the G20 excellent and would easily eliminate the need for commercial gyms. It's one of the best all-in-one trainers Force USA has created.

If you're looking for a commercial-grade all-in-one trainer, you won't go wrong with this one.

The only downside is the price, which might be out of your budget. But, if you can stretch to it, it’s well worth the investment.

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, jump over to our guide on the best affordable all-in-one home gyms.

Size & Dimensions To Plan For

The G20 functional trainer has a compact design, making it ideal for anyone with minimal space in their home gym.

You get a Smith machine, power rack, pull-up system and cables, and more, within a small footprint.

However, I must add that the G20 is slightly deeper than other G series machines, meaning it’ll take up slightly more space.

For example, the G12 is 49” deep, while the G20 is 67” deep or 95” deep with the lat rowing upgrade.

Even though it takes up more room than others in the series, you're still saving a significant amount of space (and money) compared to the equivalent standalone equipment.

With over 400+ exercises available, you won't need more equipment. You can get a full-body workout without needing as much space.

I was impressed with the weight storage design; it allows you to store a considerable amount of weighted plates, saving you even more space, and not forgetting the barbell storage.

I must add that, like most functional training equipment, this machine is tall (91 inches).

It won't be suitable if you have low ceilings, especially if you want to use one of the three multiple-grip pull-up bars.

I always recommend leaving at least a 1 foot clearance so you can perform pull-ups correctly.

Here are the dimensions of the machine:

Design & Build Quality

When you first see the G20 functional trainer, it’s an impressive sight. It has an excellent steel construction that feels as sturdy as it looks, which is rare for all-in-one trainers.

A lifetime warranty backs the frame, so you know you can trust the G20's build quality.

It's refreshing to see a commercial quality functional trainer offer such a long warranty; most others don't.

The G20 functional trainer is a robust machine suitable for most fitness goals. You can power lift, use the cables, Smith machine, leg press, Lat pulldown, landmine station, and more.

I use it mainly for standard strength training lifts (squats, bench pressing, shoulder press, rack pulls, etc.), but the additional well-made exercise stations are welcome.

Like the G12, the G20 has Westside hole spacing, allowing you to adjust the height of the barbell J hooks and safety spotter arms to the exact position you need.

It’s perfect for both taller and shorter lifters.

I was impressed by the G20 power rack's ability to be bolted to the floor.

This is something some of the G series machines don’t offer, and it’s a welcomed feature as it provides additional stability to an already stable functional trainer.

One of the only downsides to this machine is the price. Admittedly, it's one of the most expensive in the G series, but if you ask me, it's worth every dollar; the quality is second to none.

Workout Stations & Versatility

The G20 is one of the most versatile all-in-one trainers around, and it comes with 11 stations and over 29 included attachments.

I highly doubt you’ll need any other equipment if you buy this functional trainer.

Unlike some of the other machines in the G series, the G20 comes with band pegs to attach resistance bands, leaving you with even more workout possibilities such as band chest workouts and leg exercises.

Here’s a breakdown of the stations you can use on the G20.

There are over 400 exercises you can perform on the G20 functional trainer.

You can have multiple users on the machine at once; it's perfect for a personal trainer with a small training studio or home gyms with limited space like in an apartment.

You basically have an entire commercial gym in one machine.

Weight Range

The G20 comes with two 289 lb weight stacks with a cable pulley ratio of 1:1, so whatever you put on the machine is the weight you’re lifting.

For me, this is ideal, as it’s nice to know how much you can actually lift.

So if you load the cable with 100lbs, you'll be lifting 100lbs.

The J hooks and safety bars have a weight capacity of up to 992lbs.

This is a considerable amount, and I highly doubt you'll be lifting more weight than this amount.

The Smith machine has a weight capacity of 794 lbs, which is pretty decent for a Smith machine. Again, I’d be surprised if you need to use more weight than this.

The cables are military grade and can hold up to 2000 lbs. It’s always nice to know the cables are tested to such a high degree.

One of my favorite features is the Olympic and standard weight plate storage. I could store all my plates on the G20's ten storage racks, keeping my workout area safe and tidy.

Including a barbell holder also made my home gym a lot tidier. I was pleased with the storage options on the G20, and I didn't need to stack weights on top of each other any longer.

Assembling This Product

As with most of the G series machines, the product can be challenging to assemble at first. This is mainly because the instruction manual[1] could be more detailed.

But, if you’re used to building gym equipment or flat-pack items, you’ll get into the swing of things fairly quickly.

However, I would like to see a G20 assembly video as several are available for other G series machines, which could help with the assembling.

When it comes to building the G20 functional trainer, I highly recommend you have assistance from a friend or family member.

The machine arrives in several wooden crates which can weigh up to 500 lbs.

As you can imagine, moving these crates is pretty difficult, especially as the shipping is only curbside… meaning it’s left outside your house, and you’ve got to move it to your gym space.

The assembly can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. If you're inexperienced, I recommend taking a day or so to build it.

You won't need any complicated tools; an Allen wrench and an adjustable wrench are perfect.

If you're worried about installing the G20 machine, Force USA offers an installation package.

The professional installation will cost around $800, but if you've got the budget and don't want to mess around with the assembly, it could be worth it.

Price Guide

The G20 will cost you around $5,500 plus shipping (which varies depending on your region). It's an expensive machine and might be outside your budget.

Still, if you compare it to buying single pieces of gym equipment, you'll be saving money with the G20.

If you can stretch your budget, I highly recommend the G20. It saves you money and space all with one machine. However, if you don’t want to spend that much money, check out the Force USA G9.

Shipping and Warranty

Shipping costs will vary depending on where you’re living in the world.

If you’re in the USA, you can order your G20 from the ForceUSA.com site[2]. They currently ship to 48 states, and shipping costs roughly $350 depending on where you live.

For UK orders, shipping is free to mainland UK (minimum spend of £500).

If you live in Canada, you can purchase your G20 on ForceUSA.ca[3]. Your shipping costs will vary depending on where in Canada you are. You should expect to pay between $99-599.

Living in Australia? I’ve got you covered. You can purchase the Force USA G20 from GymandFitness.com.au. Shipping your functional trainer will cost between $130-480, depending on your territory.

Every G20 all-in-one is covered by one of the best warranties I've seen.

You get a lifetime frame warranty, two years on moving parts, and a 90-day wear and tear warranty (covers accessories and attachments).

The machine is robust and well-made. I highly doubt you'll ever need to call upon the warranty. However, it's better to have it than not.

Pros & Cons Of The Force USA G20

Who Is It Best Suited For?

The G20 all-in-one Smith machine is suitable for most gym-goers, whether you’re a beginner or a personal trainer looking to upgrade your studio.

However, I must state that the G20 ISN’T for you if you’re looking for a basic and cheap all-in-one machine.

It’s expensive, but you won’t need any other equipment once you’ve got the G20 in your home gym.

If you’re a beginner, you can train your entire body using the G20, but might struggle with the un-counterbalanced Smith machine bar.

While powerlifters and CrossFitters can get a brilliant workout on the G20, you might find some of the features, such as the cable pulleys, unnecessary.

The G20 is geared towards average gym-goers looking for a machine that can work it all. It’s a high-end trainer with over 400+ exercise options. It’s well worth the money, in my opinion.

Unique Features Of TheForce USA G20 Home Gym

Space-Efficient & Cost-Saving Design

When you look at other all-in-one strength machines, the G20 is rather compact.

Although it’s slightly deeper than other G series machines, this shouldn’t be an issue for most small gyms or studios but is worth being aware of.

The G20 saves you a ton of space; it has 11 stations which all fit on this compact frame while giving you enough room to feel comfortable while you work out.

If you bought separate machines, you’d not only spend twice as much $$$, but the machines would take up more space. 

While the G20 is compact, if you opt for the additional low-row attachment, it fits onto the back of the machine.

Walkthrough Design

The G20 has a walkthrough design allowing you to place the machine pretty much anywhere in your home gym, even the middle of the room.

When placed in the middle of the room, you can access all sides of the machine.

This is perfect for personal trainers who offer small group sessions and have multiple people using the machine at once. 

However, the walkthrough design changes if you add the lat rowing station upgrade (not included).

Optional Lat Row Station Upgrade

The lat rowing station is an optional upgrade you can purchase for an additional $1300 (approx).

Sure, it’s an expensive upgrade, but it’s pretty amazing and adds another 289lb weight stack to your arsenal.

Not only do you get a lat rowing station, but another lat pulldown and a dipping station. You get all three stations in one compact add-on.

You even get an additional 2x barbell storage, which is nice to have if you’re a powerlifter or CrossFit athlete who uses various types of barbells.

However, the lat rowing station takes up slightly more floor space. If you're struggling for room in your home gym, this might not be the upgrade for you.

If you don't want to purchase the lat row station, there are plenty of seated low row alternative exercises you can do with this machine.

Foldable Dip Station

The G20 doesn’t come with a dipping station as standard; if you want a dipping station, you need to purchase the lat rowing upgrade (purchase separately).

While using the folding dip station, I found the handles comfortable to hold and didn’t dig into my hands as some other brands do.

If you want a dipping station included, check out the G12, it has an excellent set of dipping bars included with the machine.

See Also - Chest Dip Alternative Exercises

Non-Countered Balance Smith Machine

The G20 has a brilliantly made Smith machine that's smooth to use and doesn't cause the machine to shake.

I found it one of the best Smith machines I've used.

My only gripe with it is that it's not counterbalanced.

Some users might find it a challenge to lift the bar, mainly if you're a beginner and can't lift a 45lb barbell.

My solution to this issue has been to attach resistance bands to either side of the barbell and attach it to the pull-up station on either side of the Smith machine.

This helps remove some of the weight from the barbell. I used this trick with some of my clients.

Other all-in-one machines from the G series have a counterbalanced barbell; if this is something you need, take a look at the G12.

51 Adjustment Points

The power rack portion of the G20 uses westside hole spacing, giving you 51 adjustment points where you can move the J hooks and safety spotter arms to a suitable position.

As the holes are spaced 1 inch apart, it makes your setup far more comfortable, regardless of your height. You can be taller or shorter, and you’ll still be able to do power rack exercises comfortably.

29 Diverse Range Of Attachments

You want variation with your all-in-one system, right? - Well, the G20 has one of the most diverse offerings out of all the G series machines.

You get 29 attachments included, allowing you to perform a wide range of exercises such as:

The addition of the cable pulley system opens up the range of exercises you can perform.

And not to forget the dedicated lat pulldown handles that come with the G20 to help you develop the V-shaped torso.

A vertical leg press attachment is included with the G20, which isn’t always the case with other G series models.

It’s an excellent addition and will help add volume to your leg workout without needing to squat.

Combine these attachments to the power rack and chin-up bars, and you’ve got a brilliant full-body machine.

Related Article - Best Lat Pulldown Attachments & Bars

Barbell & Weight Plate Storage

Looking for somewhere to put your weight plates is a nightmare, especially when you’ve got as many as I do.

Luckily, the G20 has ten weight plate holders to help keep your gym space safe and tidy.

The storage is located on the back of the machine, which keeps them out of the way.

But it does mean you must place the machine a foot away from the wall to use the holders.

This is something other models in the G series vary on.

Related Article - Complete Guide To Home Gym Storage

Comparing the Force USA G20 With Popular Alternatives

Force USA G20 Vs G15

The G15 is fairly similar to the G20 and lets you perform a wide range of exercises on it. However, there are some differences to note.

The G20 is four inches taller than the G15, making the G20 perfect for taller individuals.

If you’re limited on floor space, the G12 isn’t as deep but does lack the internal space the G20 has.

The cable pulley ratios are different with the G12, leaving you with 4:1 and 2:1 options instead of the G20s 1:1 ratio.

Force USA G20 Vs X20

The X20 is more of a power rack than the G20. It doesn’t include the Smith machine or vertical leg press function and is best suited for powerlifting athletes.

It's also slightly cheaper than the G20, coming in at around $1000 cheaper.

I think for the extra money, you'd be better off buying the G20 unless you're planning on performing more barbell work, then maybe look at the X20.

Force USA G20 Vs G12

The G12 is an incredible all-in-one trainer that would be a brilliant alternative to the G20. The G20 is slightly more expensive, roughly $1000 more, but it does come with more exercise options.

One thing the G12 doesn’t have is the “booty builder” padded plank, which is a top feature of the G20.

If you want the most expensive machine, the G20 is the one for you. However, you can’t go wrong with the G12.

Also Check Out - Force USA G12 Tested & Reviewed

Force USA G20 Workout Programs & Exercises

The G20 comes with an exercise chart demonstrating 42 possible exercises. However, here’s an example of what you can do.

Commonly Asked Force USA G20 Home Gym Questions

Who shouldn’t buy the Force USA G20?

If you're looking for a cheap all-in-one trainer, this machine isn't for you. With a price tag of around $5,500, it's not the cheapest on the market. While Powerlifters and CrossFitters might prefer a more cost-effective barbell-focused option like the G9.

Did I find any missing features in the G20?

The G20 is one of the most versatile machines I’ve come across. However, one thing I did notice is that the smith machine isn’t counterbalanced. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, if you’re new to resistance training, you might not have the strength to lift the smith bar.

What size weights fit this all in one unit?

You can use Olympic-sized weighted plates (with 2-inch holes) and standard weighted plates (1-inch holes). So no matter what weights you’ve got at home or in your personal gym, you can use them with the G20 all-in-one trainer.

Can the lat row station be used as its own standalone unit?

As the lat row upgrade is meant to be used with the G20 machine, I wouldn't use it as a standalone unit. It won't be stable and could result in injury.

Force USA states on their site that it's

"Not for use as a standalone machine and must be used in combination with the G20 trainer".[4]

Is upgrading the lat row station worth it?

If you've got the budget, paying to upgrade the G20 is well worth it. The lat low row is an excellent addition to the all-in-one trainer and compliments the lat pulldown station perfectly. However, if you’re stuck for space in your home or garage gym, you might want to pass on the lat low row, as it attaches to the rear of your G20 and takes up additional space.

Does Force USA provide any discounts?

Yes, they offer discounts from time to time, so always keep an eye out. However, at the moment, they include an Olympic barbell for free with every order. Although, this will change depending on stock. Always jump at the chance if you see one of these offers.

Conclusion

Looking for the best home gym equipment can be challenging, and with more coming to the market each week, it’ll only get more difficult.

If you’ve been searching for the best all-in-one gym equipment for your garage gym, check out the Force USA G20.

The G20 is a state-of-the-art, all-in-one functional trainer that’ll eliminate your need for any other gym equipment.

It’s suitable for most gym goers, but intermediate to advanced users will get the most from this machine.

References: 

1. https://force-manuals.nmg.io/F-G20-BASE-compressed-0820.pdf
2. https://www.forceusa.com/products/g20-commercial
3. https://www.forceusa.ca/products/g20-commercial
4. https://www.forceusa.com/products/g20-lat-row-station-upgrade#:~:text=NOTE%3A%20Not%20for%20use%20as,USA%20G20%20All%2DOne%20Trainer.