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The internet was divided recently over a hypothetical (like, definitely not IRL) fight that pit one gorilla versus 100 men. Could a single primate really take on, let alone win, a fight against a hundred able-bodied guys? The verdict remains unclear, though perhaps the conversation should’ve shifted to just how in shape these hundred men would be? After all, one gorilla versus 100 scrawny guys (I’m including myself in this category) is hardly the same as one ape versus 100 well-trained fighters. And how adept are these guys at running? Punching? Throwing a stocky, broad-chested, aggressively charging primate off your back?

Fortunately (or unfortunately?), we’ll never really know how this supposed fight turns out, but the discussion and debate has prompted a host of people to reconsider their workout routines, in case said gorilla meet-up ever does take place. One way to prep for primate? Investing in a good home gym.

But just how heavy are these home gyms? And what parts of the body (or what exercises) can they help with? Read on to see our gorilla vs. gym comparison, and some of the best home gyms to buy.

What Is In a Home Gym Set?

You’ve purchased dumbbells, kettlebells and resistance bands but now you’re ready to bring your workouts to the next level. For those looking to go the extra mile to turn their home into a fitness paradise, you might want to start thinking about investing in an all-in-one home gym.

A home gym is a single, typically-large piece of equipment that allows you to perform multiple exercises in one place. They can also be called multi-gyms or “multis.” A good home gym can often include a bench for sitting or reclining, stacked metal weights, press bars for pushing and pulling, a system to work your legs, and a cable row for back and arm exercises. Depending on your fitness goals, there are gyms that can have everything you need for a full-body workout, or you can purchase one that focuses on a specific area of the body, like legs or arms. 

Keep in mind, you’ll need a bit of space for some of these traditional home gyms. They’re pretty heavy so don’t expect to be moving them around a lot either. That said, we’ve included a great portable home gym pick as well.

What Are the Best Home Gyms to Buy Online?

Below we share some of our favorite home gyms, from an all-in-one classic, to portable systems that tuck away easily, so you can work out freely — even if you don’t have a ton of free space.

As for whether a gorilla or home gym weighs more: scientists peg the average weight of a full-grown male gorilla at about 400 pounds, so that’s the measurement we’re using in these reviews and comparisons.

To anyone familiar with fitness equipment, the Bowflex name might ring a bell. Bowflex is known for their series of home gyms that target every part of the body. The Bowflex Blaze has everything you’re looking for: 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance, lat bar, squat bar, triple function hand grip, ankle cuffs and folding bench. If rowing is your thing, the Blaze also comes with a sliding seat rail that allows aerobic rowing as well as leg presses. 

On top of it all, the gym gives you 60+ exercise options — including 25 full-body routines — plus several free trainer-built workout regimens. A built-in tablet holder lets you follow along with a program or watch content while working out. In terms of assembly, give yourself about two hours or so to get the home gym fully set up.

If you’re looking for a home gym with a lot of functionality but takes up a little less space, Marcy’s gym station could be the better option for you. It’s just under six-feet long and about three feet wide. Made with heavy-duty steel tubing and reinforced with guard rods, the gym station comes with a 150-pound weight stack, dual action press arms, leg developer and an upper pulley.

With this gym, you’ll be able to target every part of your body from your arms to your chest to your legs. It also comes with a weight stack lock to ensure your plates are securely locked. Your workouts are also a little more comfortable with this home gym, thanks to the ergonomically-designed seats and padding throughout, which help to reduce tension and impact. 

Learn the fundamentals to train your entire body with this easy-to-use home gym. This system features six workout stations where you can train your entire body, from your biceps and back to your core and quads. The 80-pound vinyl weight stack provides a ton of options, but what’s really stellar here is the innovative pulley system: using this system, some exercises can now offer up to 214 pounds of total resistance. The workout system is durable and holds up to heavy lifting — and heavy use. The sewn vinyl seats are also incredibly easy to clean as well. We would know: this is the home gym that we used all through Covid and it’s still in our garage and part of our weekly workouts today, with the durable equipment build holding up even all these years later.

When you’re just getting into a home workout routine, you don’t want to be intimidated by a gym machine with too many bells and whistles. If you’re looking for a multi-station system that helps you get down some core moves and build up your strength, this one, from GarveeLife, is one of the most effective, least intimidating home gyms.

This system features a 7-in-1 workout bench lets you do everything from chest presses and leg curls, to lat pull-downs and dumbbell rows. It also comes with a built-in pulley mechanism and space for all your barbells and weights. The steel frame supports up to 900 pounds, more than most home benches. The home gym folds down into a compact package when not in use.

A large new piece of gym equipment isn’t exactly like a dainty new piece of furniture, so if you want something that’ll give you the feel of a multi-gym but isn’t a space hogger, you should go for a portable gym like this one, from HOT WAVE. Beginners and advanced trainers will appreciate this portable home gym with the ability to perform hundreds of exercises.

This home gym includes heavy resistance bands, a tricep bar, an ab roller wheel, pulleys and more. A push-up board offers more than 20 different exercises to tone, tighten and build everything from your biceps to chest and back. The portable gym is easy to put together and comes with a storage bag so once you’re done it can be tucked away in a closet.