| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Weight range | Weight plates | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body-Solid G1S Check Discounted Price | L:49" W:36" H:83.5" | 20+ | 10-160 lbs | Metallic alloy | Lifetime |
The Body-Solid G1S home gym system is actually a revised and improved EXM1500S. Although these two models share many similarities, there still are a few differences between them. First of all the new G1S model features a thicker, more durable, dark gray finish. It offers the possibility to attach a gym accessory rack to the rear frame bar, and also features a bottle holder.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49L x 36W x 83.5H inches (125L x 92W x 212H cm)
- Assembled weight: 323 lbs (146.5 kg)
- Weight resistance system: Metallic alloy plate stack
- Max. weight resistance: 160 lbs (72.5 kg)
- Possible exercises: 20+
- Warranty: Lifetime
Frame construction and parts
Compared to other similar weight stack gym systems, such as the Gold’s Gym XR 55 or Weider Home Gym 2980 X, the GS1 model from Body Solid has a smaller footprint. It takes only 49″L x 36″W (125 x 92 cm) of floor space which basically 
means it may be an excellent choice for anyone who lacks storage and usage space. However, the machine does require a slightly larger usage surface, for safe operation, the recommended usage space being 73″L x 47″W (185 x 119 cm). Also, the highest point of the assembled machine is 83.5″ (212 cm). Therefore, it should fit in a room with a 7′ (213 cm), but it would be quite a tight fit.
The Body-Solid GS1 selectorized home gym features a 12-gauge steel frame, with a scratch-resistant and corrosion-resistant electrostatically applied powder coat finish. The only available color for this new model is dark gray, as opposed to white, which was the color used for the previous, EXM1500S model.
The GS1 is quite a heavy item of fitness equipment, its total assembled weight being 323 lbs (146.5 kg). Evidently, due to its total weight, this home gym is not meant to be moved once it’s assembled. The frame is not equipped with transport wheels of any kind. Due to its weight, it delivers superlative stability. It doesn’t require to be anchored to the floor. Its rear base also features rubberized pads which maximize its stability.
This Body-Solid home gym system is equipped with an adjustable seat. Its vertical post has 6 adjustment positions, so you can basically adapt its height in order to find the most comfortable position. Given the adjustment possibilities, the machine can accommodate comfortably users up to 6’3″ (190 cm). Taller users should also be able to perform various exercises on this machine without any hindrance, but may not 
benefit from a complete range of motion for all exercises.
The backrest of the machine is non-adjustable, attaching to the oblique frame bar via two screws. Both seat and backrest feature 2″ (5 cm) thick padding, providing optimal comfort for all exercises. The upholstery on them is made of heavy-duty, waterproof, vinyl material.
The leg development attachment is equipped with 4″ (10 cm) foam rollers, which deliver excellent comfort for leg extensions. The arms of the chest press station, as well as the short bar and the lat bar, feature rubber foam coating, delivering optimal comfort and a secure grip.
The standard pulleys included with this home gym system are 4 1/2″ (11.4 cm) in diameter, made from fiberglass reinforced nylon material. However, the option of aluminum pulleys is available. All pulleys integrate industrial quality, sealed ball bearings for smooth operation and prolonged use.
The cables supplied with the machine are 2,200 lbs (998 kg) tension strength steel ropes. They should be able to withstand much more weight than the included 160 lbs (72.5 kg) weight stack. All cables are coated with a sheet of PVC materials for smooth gliding over the pulleys.
In terms of included accessories with this machine, the list includes a lat bar, short straight bar, ankle strap, ab & triceps strap, bottle holder with a water bottle, and a Total Body Workout DVD, which covers all the exercises that can be performed on this machine.
With regards to available options and upgrades for this machine, we can mention the weight stack adapter plates for 2.5 lbs and 5 lbs increments. As we’ve mentioned above, there’s the option for aluminum pulley upgrades. However, the machine does not offer the possibility to install a preacher pad, nor a leg press, such attachments not being available for the G1S.
Workout stations
Chest press station – this station has a different placement compared to other home gyms, such as the StrengthTech EXM2500S or Marcy MWM-990. It’s 
connected to the lower part of the frame rather than the top. It features multi-position handgrips, which along with the adjustable seat, offer the possibility for the correct execution of various chest press exercises.
High pulley station – the high-pulley offers the possibility to perform lat pull-down exercises, triceps press downs, cable crossovers and several other exercises. The machine also comes with the lat pull-down bar.
Mid-pulley station – various home gyms within this range of features do not include a mid-pulley. This particular workout station opens the possibility to perform ab crunches, core, and triceps exercises.
Leg developer – designed mainly for leg extensions; however you can also perform stand-up hamstring curls, using one leg at the time.
Low pulley station – along with the leg developer, which also uses lower pulleys, the low pulley station is situated on the left of the machine, also integrating a vertical and a horizontal foot pad, for seated rows and stand-up biceps curls.
Weight Resistance System
One of the best aspects regarding the Body Solid G1S home gym is its weight stack. As opposed to other similar machines, this model comes with a set of metallic alloy 
weight plates, which are considerably more durable than vinyl/concrete plates. The stack includes 15 plates, 10 lbs (4.5 kg) each, the top plate attachment that seals it also weighing 10 lbs. Thus, the total weight of the stack is 160 lbs (72.5 kg).
The weight stack is not upgradable. Its selector rod features only 15 holes, so if you were to add other plates, you won’t be able to lock them conventionally on the rod. However, since the cables of the machine are rated for 2,200 lbs, you can always improvise when it comes to the total weight. For example, many users attach a Standard or Olympic dumbbell plate on the outside of the stack, with a chain or cord.
Another important aspect that must be mentioned here, regards the machine’s weight ratios. Although its true weight ratios are not specified anywhere, various users have reported that the lat pull-down station has a weight ratio of approx. 100%, while the leg developer generates a weight resistance of 150%.
Possible Exercises
This Body-Solid home gym system offers the possibility to perform more than 20 exercises. Among the most important of them to be mentioned are:
- Vertical grip chest press
- Horizontal grip chest press
- Incline chest press
- High cable crossover
- Lat pull-down
- Close grip lat pull-down
- Seated row
- Stand-up row
- Squat
- Shrug
- Seated triceps extension
- Triceps press down
- Triceps kickback
- Standing biceps curl
- Concentration curl
- Deltoid raise
- Upright row
- Ab crunch
- Trunk rotation
- Oblique crunch
- Standing leg curl
- Leg extension
- Leg abduction
- Leg adduction
- Glute kickback
- … and more.
This home gym is not equipped with a pec fly station. Thus, fly exercises cannot be performed on it. In order to work those muscles on it, you’ll have to perform different exercises, such as mid-pulley trunk rotations.
Other machines offer the possibility to install a curl pad, in order to perform preacher curl exercises. Such addition is not available for this home gym. A leg press attachment isn’t available for it either.
Seated rows are meant to be performed while sitting on the floor, with feet placed on the foot bar under the low pulley, on the left side of the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
Although the assembly of this machine is pretty much straightforward, the whole task will take at least a few hours, due to the many parts you’ll have to put together. However, the manual provides clear step-by-step assembly instructions. Tools for assembly are not included, and you’ll need a set of Allen wrenches and an adjustable wrench.
Once the machine is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. The periodic inspection for loose bolts, joints, and parts is recommended. Also, if certain joints begin to squeak, lubrication should solve the problem.
The Pros
- Sturdy, all-steel frame;
- Heavy construction which adds excellent stability (does not require to be anchored to the floor);
- Durable upholstery on seat and back support, with 2″ thick padding for optimal comfort;
- Heavy-duty, fiberglass reinforced pulleys, with sealed ball bearings;
- Aluminum pulleys option available;
- Adjustable seat;
- 5 workout stations, including chest press station, lat pulldown station, leg attachment, low pulley station, mid pulley station.
- Over 20 exercises available;
- Highly durable metallic alloy weight stack;
- Relatively small footprint for a home gym system;
- Lat bar, short bar, ankle strap, ab/triceps strap included;
- Bottle holder with water bottle included;
- Total Body Workout™ DVD included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to setup;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- Weight stack cannot be upgraded (unless you improvise);
- No curl pad or leg press attachments available.
Summary
The Body-Solid G1S is a weight stack gym system designed for home use. It features a 160 lbs metallic alloy weight stack and 5 distinctive workout stations. It offers the possibility to perform more than 20 gym quality exercises. It’s a perfect choice for beginners and intermediate users, but since the weight stack is not upgradable, it may not suffice for advanced users. It’s not a cheap model, but one of the aspects that make it a bit more expensive than other similar machines is the metallic weight stack. The ones with a vinyl/concrete weight stack are cheaper. In all, this home gym system offers excellent value for the price.