| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Weight range | Weight plates | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body-Solid GDCC200 Check Discounted Price | L:72.5" W:42.3" H:83.8" | 25+ | 2x 160 lbs, 1/2 : 1 ratio | Steel | Lifetime |
Body-Solid offers quite a few models of weight machines, including functional trainers and home gym systems. And when it comes to functional trainers, the Body-Solid GDCC200 is one of their best sellers.
Even though this weight machine isn’t exactly the most affordable, due to the variety of exercise possibilities that it can offer, and the fact that it comes with two steel alloy plate stacks, it actually offers excellent value for the price.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 72.5L x 42.3W x 83.8H inches (184L x 107W x 213H cm)
- Assembled weight: 514 lbs (233.1 kg)
- Weight resistance system: Steel plate stacks
- Max. weight resistance: 2x 160 lbs (72.5 kg) (1/2 : 1 ratio)
- Possible exercises: 25+
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Hardware lifetime / Wear parts lifetime
Frame construction and parts
This functional trainer machine features a heavy, durable and stable frame, made of 11-gauge, 2″ x 4″ ovalized steel tubing. The tubes of the main frame are electrostatically 
coated with anti-corrosive and scratch resistant paint (gray). However, the guide posts of the handles feature a chrome finish. When fully assembled, the machine weighs approx. 514 lbs (233 kg), which means it’s not exactly easy to move. That’s why it should be transported box by box, and assembled into the room where it will be used.
The machine’s bases feature rubberized stabilizers in order to provide protection to the floors and also enhance its stability.
The pulleys are made of heavy-duty nylon material and fiberglass reinforced, made to last for many years. Also, they integrate industrial quality, sealed ball bearings for a prolonged lifespan. The cables supplied with the machine are actually aircraft steel ropes, rated for 2,500 lbs resistance. The cables are coated by PVC sheets, which evidently will wear out over time. However, even if the PVC sheets of the cables have worn out completely, the cables shouldn’t require replacement, as the nylon material in the pulleys is extremely dense and durable, and will wear out very slowly. That’s actually one of the reasons the pulleys, cables and other parts of the machine come with a home lifetime warranty.
One more aspect regarding the pulleys and cables of the machine, is that the main handles offer 20 height adjustment positions. Also, they can rotate 180° on the guide posts, offering various positions for a wide array of exercises.
Although the Body-Solid GDCC200 is not the largest home gym machine, it still requires quite a bit of space. It has a footprint of 72.5″L x 42.3″W (184 x 107 cm) and requires at least 1′ (30 cm) of clearance on each side, and approx. 3′ (91 cm) at the front, so that you won’t experience any hindrance during exercises. Also, when it comes to height, the machine is almost 7′ tall. Thus, if you plan on installing it in a room with a 7′ ceiling, it will be quite a tight fit.
When it comes to user weight capacity, there’s none specified. However, the machine is sturdy enough to support users heavier than 300 lbs. Regarding the user’s height, this machine is actually designed for users up to 6’3″ – 6’4″, as the pull-up bar is only approx. 7′ (213 cm) above floor level. Thus, taller users won’t be able to fully hang from the bar during pull-ups. Also, they may require to be a bit closer to the floor for lat pull-downs.
Optional accessories
First of all, the machine comes with a dual-grip pull-up bar, and a set of 360° handles to 
attach to the cables. However, a press / pulldown bar accessory is also available, but not included with the machine. This bar is designed to be connected to both cables of the weight stacks, for exercises such as bench presses, incline presses, squats, stand-up bar curls, or shoulder presses. So, in case you want to order it too, the part number is GDCCBAR.
On the list of available options for the machine, there are upgrades for the weight stacks. Each stack can be upgraded with 5 more plates (a total of 50 lbs).
Weight Resistance System
This Body-Solid functional trainer comes with two stacks of steel alloy plates, 160 lbs (72.5 kg) each. Each plate weighs 10 lbs (4.5 kg), so the weight increments are 10 lbs. However, 
the weight ratio of this machine is 1/2:1. This means that the maximum effective load per stack is 80 lbs (36.2 kg).
Each weight stack is upgradable though. You can add up to 5 plates more on each stack, to increase its gross weight up to 210 lbs (95.2 kg).
A set of stickers specifying the plates’ weight is supplied with the machine. They’re supposed to be placed on the plates in ascending order, top-to-bottom.
Possible Exercises
The Body-Solid GDCC200 functional trainer offers the possibility to perform an impressive array of exercises. Some of the most important are:
- Chest press
- Incline press
- Cable fly
- Leg extension
- Stand-up curl
- Shoulder press
- Upright row
- Lateral deltoid raise
- Leg abduction
- Leg adduction
- Glute kickback
- One arm row
- Seated row
- Chin up
- Reverse fly
- Biceps curl
- Triceps press down
- Triceps extension
- Concentration curl
- Oblique crunch
- Oblique twist
- Leg lift
- Ab crunch
- Seated crunch
These exercises are available with the machine as it is, without any additions. However, if you also opt for the curl bar accessory, there are several more exercises that you can perform, such as:
- Bench press
- Decline press
- Lat pulldown
- Squats
- … and more.
Assembly and Maintenance
First of all, this weight machine comes packaged in three boxes, one for the frame components, the others for the weight plates. Evidently, since it’s a heavy machine, its transport and assemble is recommended to be done by two people.
The assembly process itself is not difficult. A manual that provides step-by-step assembly instructions is supplied. However, the supplied tools for assembly only include two hex keys, but you’ll also need an adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver. The whole assembly may take a few hours though.
For maintenance the user is not required to do much. The joints, bolts and nuts of the machine should be periodically checked and re-tightened if it’s the case. Also, if the pulleys begin to make squeaking noises, some greasing is required.
The Pros
- Sturdy, all-steel frame;
- Fully adjustable pulley set, with 20 positions, in order to accommodate users of various sizes, for different exercises;
- 4-way adjustable hand straps;
- Smooth pulley and cable movement;
- Ergonomic, dual position pull-up bar;
- Over 25 exercises available;
- Works well with various types of benches such as the Body-Solid GFID31;
- Relatively small footprint for a home gym system;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to setup;
- Excellent warranty plan.
The Cons
- Only 1/2 : 1 weight ratio for each stack – but this is pretty common for crossover
machines; - Pulldown bar not included.
Summary
The Body-Solid GDCC200 functional trainer is quite a versatile machine, offering the possibility to perform more than 25 gym-quality exercises. It’s not exactly one of the cheapest fitness home gyms, but considering that it comes with 320 lbs of steel weight plates, and it’s an extremely sturdy machine which can lasts for many years, it definitely stands up to the price. It’s not made for hardcore weight lifters, but for any beginner or intermediate user who doesn’t have time to attend a gym, this machine is definitely a solid investment.