Marcy MWM-990 Review – Is This Home Gym Any Good?

The Marcy Stack MWM-990 is the perfect investment for fitness enthusiasts who want pro-quality home gym equipment.

This mid-range price product delivers a powerful punch with multiple workout options using high-quality build materials.

This Marcy MWM-990 review will help you learn more about how this multifunctional home gym station can help you reach your fitness goals.  

Our Ratings

Workout Versatility

9.0

Value For Money

10.0

Ease Of Use

10.0

Ease Of Assembly

9.0

Materials & Durability

9.0


Overall Rating

9.4

Specifications 

Weight Stack 

150 lbs 

Assemble Dimensions

68” x 36” x 79” 

Pulley System 

Upper & Lower 

Preacher Curl Pad 

Yes, removable  

Press Arm Motions 

Not listed 

Maximum Capacity 

300 lbs 

Maximum Weight Resistance 

200 lbs 

Warranty  

2 year limited 

The Marcy Stack MWM-990 is a full body workout machine with powerful cables, bars, and add-ons that let you get a great full body workout in at home. 

This machine comes with up to 150 pounds of resistance with weight plates. 

A secure weight stack lock keeps the weights in place while working out and lets you choose how much weight you use for each exercise. 

This piece of home gym equipment is made from durable steel tubing and is designed to last for years to come with heavy daily usage.

The home gym comes with a dynamic pulley system (both upper and lower pulleys) so that you can work your upper body and lower body with the machine. 

From bicep curls and cable chest presses to leg curls and leg extensions, you can do it all with the Marcy Stack MWM-990. Another unique feature of this machine is the overhead lat pulldown bar. 

Most home gyms lack this extra feature, but not the Marcy Stack MWM-990. Overhead lat pulldowns are great ways to work your back muscles as well as upper arm muscles. 

We also like the removable curl pads and comfortable thick foam backrest. Providing proper support prevents injury and keeps you healthy while building muscle.  

The fitness machine is beautiful to look at with an all-black steel construction and red accents. 

This home gym has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs and features large dimensions so even the tallest family members can work out. The workout machine comes with a two-year frame warranty. 

This home gym is not difficult to assemble and can be assembled on your own, but we do recommend using 2-3 people for assembly. 

Some of the parts are large and heavy, making it difficult to properly align parts when assembling.  

If you are looking for an affordable home gym with an overhead lat bar, premium foam padding, and 150lbs. worth of weight plates, then this is the home gym for you.  

man in gray and black tanktop sitting on the marcy mwm-990 home gym

Pros and Cons Of The Marcy MWM-990 

What We Like

  • Steel frame 
  • Dual arms for press workouts 
  • Curl bars for lower body workouts 
  • 150lbs. worth of weight plates stacked and customizable 
  • Space-saving vertical design 

What We Don't Like

  • Heavy and difficult to move 
  • 150 lbs. worth of weights may be too limited for power users (bodybuilders) 

Unique Features Of The Marcy Stack MWM-990  

The Marcy Stack MWM-990 would make a great addition to any home gym. It offers 150-pounds worth of weight plates that can be customized for each individual exercise.

The steel construction is durable and dual arms, as well as leg curl pads, are perfect for multiple full-body workouts.  

Built With Durable Steel Frame 

The durable steel frame supports the gym system and provides ongoing, long-lasting use.

Heavy steel tubing is placed next to steel rods that provide maximum support for the weights, curl pads, pulleys, and bars.

The overall machine is sturdy and robust because of the steel frame and support system.  

Upper Pulley 

The upper cable system can be used for chest exercises as well as arm and back exercises. 

The upper pulley system includes cables as well. The cable chest press and standing cable row are two excellent exercises that can be performed with the upper pulley.  

Padded Dual Action Press Arm 

Two padded press arms give you the ability to perform a variety of push exercises that target the chest, arms, back, and overall upper body.

In addition, plush padding makes hard workouts comfortable and gives your arms a soft space to rest in between exercises.  

Secure Weight Stack Lock 

The secure weight stack lock keeps each weight plate carefully in place as you use the home gym.

The system comes with 150 pounds worth of weights, and the steel lock ensures that they won't slip while exercising.

You can also easily adjust the lock to choose the correct volume of weight for each individual exercise. 

This integrated steel lock is also helpful if you have kids at home.

They won't end up smashing their fingers.

marcy mwm 990 weight stack lock

Dual Function Leg Developer 

A dual function leg developer keeps your knees in proper alignment while you move your legs through leg curls and leg extensions. This helps isolate your lower body muscles.

Adjustable weight means that you can slowly increase the intensity of each curl and extension. Plush pads help support your legs while performing a leg workout. 

Related Article - Leg Press Vs Leg Extensions

Removable/Adjustable Preacher Curl Pad 

The pads attached to the preacher curl can be removed and adjusted for maximum comfort.

With different bicep sizes, it can be uncomfortable when the pads cannot be adjusted. This makes the home gym a great option for homes with multiple users.

Related Article - Best Cable Exercises For Arms

Comfortable Back Rest 

The backrest on the Marcy Stack MWM-990 is built with durable foam padding so that you can feel supported while resting between sets as well as performing exercises.

The body doesn't sink back into the backrest but is held firmly and comfortably, minimizing injury.  

Overhead Lat Station 

The overhead lat station is commonly left off of many home gym systems, so it's a treat that the Marcy Stack MWM-990 has one to use.

The lat station is conveniently located above the upper pulley system and won’t interfere with other overhead workouts. 

You can even buy additional lat pulldown attachments to hit your back from all angles.

Read Also - Best Cable Exercises For Back

Over 30 Types Of Weight Exercises 

With its dual action press arms, removable curl pad, upper pulley system, overhead lat pulldown, and dual-function leg developer, this home gym system can help you move through 30 different types of weight exercises.

This home gym gives you the ultimate workout options while taking up much less space than individual machines or weights.

If you want to get into great shape with superior muscle tone, this is a solid home gym choice.

marcy mwm 990 press arm

Easy Changing Resistance 

The resistance can be adjusted by moving the steel weight stack lock. You can perform reps with up to 150 pounds of weight resistance.

Specifically choosing the correct resistance for each movement makes for a more effective and efficient workout.  


Add Ons & Accessories 

The Marcy Stack MWM-990 has several different options available for add-ons and accessories.

These add-ons and accessories are not included with the home gym model and are not necessary for a great workout.

However, these accessories can add variety to standard workouts.

For example, squat racks can be added to the home gym model to help increase the weight used during various squats.

This also makes it easy to stack weights and keep them off the floor. This is particularly helpful for people who are squatting at 200+ lbs. 

Dumbbell handles and curl bars are also available to add another exercise option.

man in blue tank top doing a chest press on the marcy mwm-990

You can perform these while sitting on the Marcy bench or by standing and using the weight plates that come with the Marcy Stack home gym.  


Comparing Different Marcy Stack Home Gym Models

MWM-990 Vs MWM-988  

The Marcy Stack MWM-988 is very similar to the 990. Both home gym models can be used by someone up to 300lbs.

They both have an upper and lower pulley option, but the 998 is built with higher-quality materials (14-gauge steel).

If you want a longer-lasting workout machine with quality construction, then the 998 is the better choice for you. However, the 998 costs more.[1 

Read Also - Marcy MWM-988 Tested & Reviewed

Product Image
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym...
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Product Name
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym...
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 35 x 79 inches
68 x 42 x 79 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
125 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
-
30+
Price
-
-
Product Image
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym...
Product Name
Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 35 x 79 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
-
Price
-
Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
Price
-

MWM-990 Vs MKM-4965  

The Marcy Stack MKM-4965 is similar to the 990 home gym model, but this particular machine also comes with a center pulley.

The center pulley makes it possible to perform additional exercises, including new ab workouts. 

Fitness professionals can take the ab attachment and attach it to the center pulley to create a comfortable way to perform seated crunches. This model also has slightly better construction.

However, if you don’t mind missing out on the center pulley, we recommend the MWM-990 to save money.  

Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Marcy 150lb. Stack Home Gym with Pulley, Arm,...
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Marcy 150lb. Stack Home Gym with Pulley, Arm,...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
73 x 37 x 78 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
261 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
-
Price
-
-
Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
Price
-
Product Image
Marcy 150lb. Stack Home Gym with Pulley, Arm,...
Product Name
Marcy 150lb. Stack Home Gym with Pulley, Arm,...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
73 x 37 x 78 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
261 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
-
Price
-

MWM-990 Vs MKM-81010  

The MKM-81010 is the professional model of the Marcy Stack home gym options. It has a 200 pound stack instead of the 150 pound stack found on the MWM-990 and MKM-4965.

It also is wider and longer than the other models, which gives more room for you to sit and can be more comfortable for larger individuals.

You can also perform seated rows on this machine because there is room to sit backwards and use the dual action press arms to perform the exercise.

The complete system also includes the center pulley from the 4965 model upgrade. This is the premier option for homeowners with large budgets who want the best home gym model.

Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Marcy 200 lbs. Stack Home Gym Multifunction...
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Marcy 200 lbs. Stack Home Gym Multifunction...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
85 x 73 x 41 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
84 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
200 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
-
Price
-
-
Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
Price
-
Product Image
Marcy 200 lbs. Stack Home Gym Multifunction...
Product Name
Marcy 200 lbs. Stack Home Gym Multifunction...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
85 x 73 x 41 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
84 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
200 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
-
Price
-

Comparing Marcy With Similar Home Gyms

Marcy Stack MWM-990 Vs Bowflex Revolution 

The Bowflex Revolution Home Gym has a lower profile and might work best for homeowners who want to save space.

However, the machine has far fewer overhead options when it comes to working the arms.

The Marcy MWM-990 Home Gym provides the opportunity for homeowners to work out their upper body with an overhead lat station. 

The Bowflex Revolution Home Gym comes with up to 600lbs of resistance with the leg press station compared to the 150 lbs on the Marcy MWM-990.

If you consistently work at resistance levels above 150lbs for your lower body, the Bowflex is a better option for you.

The Bowflex home gym model also comes with a vertical bench that slides into new positions for additional exercises.  

Read More - Bowflex Revolution Complete Review

Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym (Discontinued)
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym (Discontinued)
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
38.19 x 72.83 x 64.96 (inches)
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
157 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
220 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Labor 90 days, 10 years Parts
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
100
Price
-
-
Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
Price
-
Product Image
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym (Discontinued)
Product Name
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym (Discontinued)
Dimensions (L*W*H)
38.19 x 72.83 x 64.96 (inches)
Item Weight (Lbs)
157 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
220 lbs
Warranty Information
Labor 90 days, 10 years Parts
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
100
Price
-

Marcy Stack MWM-990 Vs Body-Solid G1S

The Body-Solid G1S home gym is one of the more expensive home gyms, but for someone with extra cash, it's a great option.

It has a sleeker look than the March MWM-990 and saves space without long cables. The small footprint also comes with steel construction and up to 160lbs. of resistance. 

This model comes with the chest press dual-action arms, lat pulldown, and ab crunch center pulley system that the Marcy MWM-990 does.

It does not have the plush padding that the Marcy MWM-990 home gym does, however.

The Marcy is an affordable, entry-level home gym option that comes with everything you need to get a great workout in. 

At this price point, you are not going to find another home gym with as many options, from dual-function arms and leg developers to a secure weight stack, preacher curl pad, and overhead lat station.  

Related Article - Body-Solid G1S Full Review

Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Body-Solid G1S Selectorized Home Gym
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Body-Solid G1S Selectorized Home Gym
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
90 x 47 x 84 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
315 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
160 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Lifetime
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
-
Price
-
-
Product Image
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Product Name
Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station...
Dimensions (L*W*H)
68 x 42 x 79 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
125 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
150 lbs
Warranty Information
2-Year Limited Warranty
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
30+
Price
-
Product Image
Body-Solid G1S Selectorized Home Gym
Product Name
Body-Solid G1S Selectorized Home Gym
Dimensions (L*W*H)
90 x 47 x 84 inches
Item Weight (Lbs)
315 lbs
Weight Stack (Lbs)
160 lbs
Warranty Information
Lifetime
Number of Exercises (eg: 50+)
-
Price
-

Unboxing & Assembling The Marcy MWM-990 Gym

Our step-by-step guide will help you unbox and assemble your new Marcy Stack MWM-990 home gym.

Refer to the owner’s manual for safety precautions before unboxing and assembling as well as while using the machine.[2]

In order to put the machine together, you will need to use a wrench. 

The nuts and bolts will come with the machine. Putting each piece together and securely attaching them will lead to a fully built machine.

The diagrams in the owner’s manual make it easy to assemble. Preparing your machine for your first workout involves the following four steps:

  • #1: Select The Desired Resistance Plates — Begin by selecting the desired resistance plates that you want to use for your workout. Make sure that the correct amount of resistance is used for your needs. Be careful not to overload yourself with too much weight.  
  • #2: Position The Adjustable Arms To The Correct Setting — For this step, make sure that the adjustable arms are placed in the correct position for your exercise.  
  • #3: Attach Cable Clips To Appropriate Location — If you are performing an exercise with cable clips, make sure that they are attached to the correct location.  
  • #4: Complete The Exercise — Now you can perform the exercise and get stronger! 

Marcy MWM-990 Workout & Exercise Programs 

You can build muscle with the Marcy Stack MVM-990 home gym. There are a variety of exercises that can be performed to strengthen the body and increase muscle mass.  

  • Chest Workouts 
    When it comes to chest workouts, there are several exercises that can be performed on the machine: cable fly, push-up flat bench dumbbell press, seated chest press, and dumbbell pullover. 
  • Tricep Workouts 
    For triceps, we recommend these exercises: triceps push-down, bench dips, lying triceps extension, and overhead triceps extension, as well as lat pulldowns. 
marcy mwm 990 home gym workout stations
  • Bicep Workouts 
    Biceps will be worked best by using the pull-up bar and the pulley system. You can perform pull ups, which are just as effective as lat pulldowns, and a variety of bicep curls with the pulley system. Remember to switch up your bicep curl grip and include both standard and hammer curls in your routine.
  • Shoulder Workouts 
    Be careful when working shoulders to go slowly. These muscles are prone to tears. We recommend using the bench and the cable system to perform cable shoulder exercises such as upright row, cable front raises, dumbbell shoulder press, and bent over delt flys. 
  • Back Strength Workouts 
    Back strengthening exercises should use various grips on the pull down bar. Start with wide-grip and close grip lat pulldowns and then move to reverse lat pulldowns. You can also perform the seated cable row with a wide or close grip. 
  • Leg Workouts 
    To build stronger legs and balance your body properly, we recommend cable leg workouts that include leg extensions, leg curls, and leg presses, all using the leg curl pads and pulley system. 
  • Abs And Core Workouts  
    To perform abs and core workouts with the Marcy Stack MWM-990, we recommend performing standing crunches with the pulley system. 

Common Questions About The Marcy MWM-990

How much does each plate weigh on a Marcy weight machine? 

Each plate weighs 10lbs, with the top plate weighing a bit closer to 20 lbs (exact amount not shared). To increase weight, simply increase the number of plates used for each exercise.  

How much is Marcy Stack MWM-990 Home Gym?  

The cost varies, but the March Stack MWM-990 home gym system tends to sell for $550 to $650 at various online retailers.  

How long does it take to build a Marcy home gym? 

It typically takes the average homeowner 4-8 hours to build a Marcy home gym. The exact amount of time varies depending on the number of people involved and their experience building things. The instruction manual provides detailed instructions on how to build the Marcy home gym.  

Where can you buy Marcy Stack MWM-990 and all its replacement parts? 

You can buy a Marcy Stack MWM-990 and all of its replacement parts from an online retailer such as Amazon.com. We recommend Amazon because of their fast and efficient shipping service.  

How wide is the highest part of this machine? 

The widest part of this machine is 36 inches.  

Marcy MWM-990

Workout Versatility

9.0

Value For Money

10.0

Ease Of Use

10.0

Ease Of Assembly

9.0

Materials & Durability

9.0


Overall Rating

9.4

Conclusion - Should You Buy It?

The Marcy Stack MWM-990 home gym is an effective and powerful home body workout machine.

We recommend this machine for homeowners looking for a home gym system at the mid-range price point.

The steel construction and 150lbs. worth of customizable weight makes this a perfect solution for most fitness enthusiasts.  

References:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNeMbDqF6PI

2. https://www.marcypro.com/content/Product_Manuals/Home_Gyms/MWM-990%20Assembly.pdf

Last Updated on January 2, 2023