Strength Stations

A strength station, also called home gym or multi-gym, is the most complete strength machine for home use. With one device you train multiple muscle groups in a targeted and isolated way, from chest and back to shoulders, arms and legs. You bring as it were a complete mini gym into your home, without the monthly costs of a gym subscription and at any moment that suits you.

A strength station is suitable for beginners who want to start strength training at home and for advanced athletes who want to keep training all major muscle groups. The most important selection criteria are the weight system (weight stack or plate loaded), the available training options, the expansion possibilities and the dimensions in relation to the available space. Do you also want to view second-hand options? View our range of second-hand strength stations.

Why choose a strength station?

Strong muscles are the foundation of a healthy and functional body. They support your joints, protect your bones and make daily movements such as lifting, carrying and getting up possible. With the shift towards more sedentary work, your body needs strong back, shoulder and core muscles more than ever.

A strength station offers an important extra advantage compared to free weights: the guided movement and present support significantly reduce the risk of injuries. You train in a controlled range of motion with a bench or chair for support, without needing a spotter. That makes the machine suitable for a wide audience, from beginners to advanced strength athletes.

Read more about the benefits in our blog 12 benefits why strength training is important for you.

Which strength station suits you?

The right choice depends on your training goal, the weight system, the available space and whether you are buying for home or a semi-professional environment. The scenarios below will quickly point you in the right direction.

You want to train the whole body at home on one machine and have sufficient space: A multigym or all-in-one strength station is the most complete solution. You train chest, back, shoulders, arms and legs on one machine without needing multiple machines. Compact enough for home use but versatile enough for a complete workout.

You want to change weight quickly and easily between sets: Choose a strength station with stack weights. You set the weight by inserting a pin in the weight plate — quick and user-friendly. Ideal when multiple people use the machine or when you regularly change weight during your workout.

You are advanced and want maximum flexibility in weight build-up: Choose a plate loaded strength station. You add loose weight plates yourself and can precisely adjust the weight to your training goal. Requires more actions when changing weight but offers more freedom in build-up for heavy loads.

You want to combine functional strength training with free movement patterns: A functional trainer or cable crossover offers more variety in movement patterns than a fixed multigym. Popular with advanced athletes who want to put functional strength and freedom of movement at the centre.

You have a limited budget or want to first try whether home training suits you: View our range of used strength stations. Fully inspected, refurbished where necessary and delivered with warranty. A smart way to start with quality for a fraction of the new price.

Stack weights or plate loaded?

The weight system is one of the first and most important choices for a strength station.

With stack weights you set the weight with an insertion pin in the weight plate. Quick, simple and convenient when multiple users alternate on the machine. With many models additional weight plates are available to extend the maximum weight as you get stronger. The most user-friendly choice for most home athletes.

With a plate loaded strength station you add loose weight plates yourself. Cheaper to purchase but more actions required when changing weight. Ideal for athletes who already have loose plates and want to build up to a higher maximum load. Note: loose weight plates are generally not included as standard.

What to look for when buying?

Which muscle groups do you want to train?

Determine in advance which muscle groups you want to strengthen. A complete multigym lets you train chest, back, shoulders, arms and legs on one machine. If you want to specifically isolate one muscle group, also view our range of single stations such as a chest press, lat pulldown station or leg press. For extensive buying guidance also read our blog 8 tips for buying a strength station.

Expansion options

Many strength stations are expandable with accessories such as a leg press, extra pulley, ab and back extension or dip station. That can be handy later if you want to expand your training without buying an entirely new machine. Check in advance whether the desired model is expandable and which accessories are available.

Dimensions and placement

Measure your available space in advance, including the height. Strength stations are often larger than they appear in photos. Also allow sufficient movement space around the machine for safe and comfortable training. In doubt whether a model fits? Contact us, we will be happy to help you check the dimensions.

Maximum user load

Always check the maximum load of the weight system and the frame. With stack weights this is the maximum weight of the stack, possibly expandable. With plate loaded models the maximum load depends on the frame construction. Choose a model with sufficient reserve for your current and future training level.

Our advice: Don't start with the largest and most expensive model but with the machine that matches your current training goal and available space. A strength station with stack weights is the most practical choice for most home athletes. Want to expand later? Check when purchasing whether the model supports accessories. Want to know more about setting up a complete home gym? Read our blog build and set up your own home gym.

Who is a strength station suitable for?

• Beginners who want to start with strength training at home and benefit from the guided movement and safety of a machine-controlled machine.
• Advanced strength athletes who want to specifically train all major muscle groups on one versatile machine.
• Athletes in rehabilitation who want to build their muscles in a controlled way after an injury, with full support and a controlled range of motion.
• Home athletes who want to bring a complete mini gym home without monthly gym costs.
• Families or households where multiple people use the machine and versatility and ease of use are important.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a strength station but are you not yet sure which one best suits your wishes and needs? We will be happy to help you further with targeted advice and all your questions. You can reach our strength station specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about strength stations

What is the difference between a strength station and a home gym?

Strength station, home gym and multigym are different names for the same type of machine: an all-in-one strength machine with which you can train multiple muscle groups. The terms are used interchangeably. A single station focuses on one specific muscle group, a multigym or strength station offers a wide range of exercises for the whole body.

How much space do I need for a strength station?

That differs per model. For a multigym, broadly calculate at least 3 by 3 metres of floor area, plus sufficient height of generally at least 2.10 metres. Always check the exact dimensions of the desired model and measure your space in advance, including sufficient movement space around the machine.

What is the difference between stack weights and plate loaded?

With stack weights you set the weight with a pin in the weight plate — quick and simple. With plate loaded you add loose weight plates yourself — more flexible in weight build-up but more actions required. Stack weights are more user-friendly for daily use, plate loaded suits advanced athletes with a specific preference for higher loads.

Can I expand a strength station later?

With many models that is possible with accessories such as a leg press, extra pulley or ab and back extension. Whether expansion is possible differs per model. Check this when purchasing or contact us, we will be happy to look into it for you.

Is a strength station also suitable for beginners?

Yes, certainly. The guided range of motion and present support make a strength station particularly accessible for beginners. You don't need a spotter and the technical threshold is lower than with free weights. Read our blog starting with strength training for practical starter tips.