| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Weight stack | Weight increments | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body-Solid G3S Check Discounted Price | L:80" W:47" H:83.5" | 40+ | Cast iron, 15 plates, 160 lbs | 10 lbs | Lifetime |
The Body-Solid G3S home gym is pretty similar to the older PowerLine P1X model which was discontinued a while ago. It’s a multi-function strength training machine featuring a cast iron weight stack and several workout stations. However, unlike the Body-Solid BFMG20, it does not have a pec fly station.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 80L x 47W x 83.5H inches (203L x 119W x 212H cm)
- Assembled weight: 339 lbs (154 kg)
- Weight stack: 160 lbs (72.5 kg)
- Workout stations: 5
- Possible exercises: 40+
- Accessories: Stirrup handles, lat bar, straight bar, ankle strap, ab/tricep rope, exercise chart, Total Body Workout DVD, bottle/towel holder
- Warranty: Lifetime
Frame construction
The Body-Solid G3S home gym is constructed on a 12-gauge steel frame combining rectangular and cylindrical bars for
improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The main body of the unit is painted black, the only exceptions being the front press arm which is painted gray, the seat post, and the upright posts of the weight stack which are chrome plated.
This Body-Solid strength training machine is not too large compared to other models. With all the parts assembled, its footprint is approx. 80″ (203 cm) long, and 47″ (119 cm) wide. However, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side of the unit, and at least three feet of clearance at the front, for ease of access and correct exercise execution.
The unit’s height is approx. 83 1/2″ (212 cm). Evidently, this is a little less than 7′ (214 cm), so it should fit in a room with a 7-foot ceiling. However, it would be a tight fit, so it is recommended to place and use this machine in a room with at least one foot of clearance above.
The base frame of the unit does not have pre-drilled holes in it for anchoring to the floor. However, the unit’s net weight is approx. 339 lbs (154 kg) so it provides excellent stability on its own. It is recommended, though, to place the unit on a rubber mat to prevent floor damage.
Parts and accessories
The Body-Solid G3S home gym is equipped with an adjustable seat. Its post offers several adjustment positions 
with a maximum distance between it and the lat bar of approx. 41″ (104 cm). The backrest is adjustable as well. It does not have a recline function but does decline forward which may be necessary for certain types of front press exercises.
Both the seat and the backrest are padded. The backrest actually integrates a thicker layer of padding than the seat. It is also contoured for improved ergonomics. Also, they both have durable vinyl covers which are sweatproof and easy to maintain.
The machine is equipped with a set of knee stoppers, a feature that many home gyms in this feature range do not have. They attach to the front main upright frame bar under the backrest. They have thick foam rollers for improved comfort, similar to the ones on the leg developer. They are non-adjustable, though.
This Body-Solid home gym is equipped with a set of 14 pulleys. The standard ones that come with the gym are made of fiberglass-reinforced nylon. They integrate sealed ball bearings for a smooth motion. The cables are pretty durable, rated for 1000 lbs test, and have PVC sleeves. It’s important to mention, though, that Body-Solid also offers an optional set of aluminum pulleys for this particular home gym.
The G3S home gym comes with quite a few accessories. The most important ones that you will probably use on a daily basis are the lat bar, the short row bar, the two stirrup handles, the tricep rope, and the ankle strap. An ab harness is not included, but you can use the tricep rope for mid-pulley ab crunches. The gym also comes with a bottle & towel holder, a DVD that presents a wide array of exercises that can be performed on this machine, and an exercise chart.
Workout stations
The Body-Solid G3S home gym is equipped with 5 distinct workout stations. These are: 
High-pulley and lat pulldown station. The unit has one terminal pulley at the top which allows the execution of various pulldown exercises. A curved bar for lat pulldown exercises is included with the machine. It features PVC foam sleeves for an improved grip.
Front press station. This consists of a simple U-type bar with triple grips on its ends. It offers the possibility to perform front press exercises, as well as tricep presses.
Mid-pulley station. The mid-pulley is integrated into the front upright bar of the frame, right above the backrest. It allows the execution of a wide array of exercises, including ab crunches, power punches, woodchops, standing rows, and more. Not all home gyms with a similar design have this, so it’s quite a plus.
Low pulley station. The low-pulley is integrated into the front support frame bar of the gym. It allows you to perform exercises such as seated rows, tricep pulls, bicep curls, etc. A short bar with a small extension chain is included with the gym especially for these exercises.
Leg developer. This is basically an attachment for the home gym. It offers the possibility to execute leg curls and leg extensions. It features four large foam rollers for improved comfort. The front section of the frame also has a small rubber bumper for it, so it won’t hit the frame when it reaches its lower position.
Weight Resistance
One of the main advantages of the GS3 home gym is that it comes with a cast iron weight stack. Cast iron plates
are considerably sturdier than cement/vinyl plates and can last a lifetime especially if the machine will be used in a home gym setting, and not in a public health club.
The included weight stack consists of 15 plates, 10 lbs (4.5 kg) each, while the top selector plate also weighs 10 lbs (4.5 kg). Thus, the base stack weighs 160 lbs (72.5 kg).
The machine’s stack is upgradable, though. You can opt for extra plates, but the maximum weight stack that can be loaded onto this machine is 210 lbs (95 kg). Body-Solid also offers 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) and 5.0 lbs (2.26 kg) plate adapters for micro-adjustability. These are not included with the machine.
The weight stack glides on two parallel chrome-plated beams; this type of assembly adds stability to the motion of each exercise. The stack is not concealed as is the case for other machines and guards for this purpose are not available for the G3S model.
Possible Exercises
The Body-Solid G3S home gym offers the possibility to execute more than 40 exercises, so you can basically perform a full-body workout on it during every session. Among the most notable exercises that can be performed on this machine, we can count:
Arm Exercises
- Triceps Pushdown
- French Press
- Standing French Press
- Triceps Press
- Triceps Extension
- Rope Pushdowns
- Standing Hammer Grip Curls
- Standing Biceps Curl
- Seated Biceps Curl
- Reverse Grip Tricep Pushdown
- Tricep Kickback
- Reverse Curl
- Biceps Curl
- Seated Wrist Extension
- Standing Wrist Curls
- Standing Wrist Extension
Abdominal Exercises
- Standing Trunk Rotation
- Trunk Rotation
- Standing Oblique Crunch
- Woodchops
- Kneeling Low to High Trunk Rotation
- Reverse Crunch
- Seated Abdominal Crunch
- Seated Oblique Abdominal Crunch
Back Exercises
- Standing Wide Angle Lat Row
- Narrow Pulldowns with Hand Grips
- Seated Lat Rows
- Stiff Arm Pulldown
- Standing Lat Row High Pulley
- Standing Lat Row Low Pulley
- Standing Lat Row Alternating Motion-Low Pulley
- Standing Single Arm Lat Row Low Pulley
- Standing Single Arm/ Single Leg Lat Row Low Pulley
- Seated Low Back Extension
- Standing Low Back Extension
- Shoulder Pullover
- Reverse Grip Lat Pulldown
- Wide Pulldowns
Chest Exercises
- Seated Press
- Cable press
- Resisted Punch
Leg Exercises
- Leg Extension
- Prone Leg Curls
- Standing Hip Flexion w/ Knee Flexion
- Standing Leg Kickback
- Standing Hip Extension
- Ankle Eversion
- Ankle Inversion
- Hip Abduction
- Hip Adduction
- Standing Hip Flexion
- Standing Hip Internal Rotation
- Standing Hip External Rotation
Shoulder Exercises
- Rear Deltoid Rows
- Standing Lateral Shoulder Raise
- Seated Shoulder Press
- Standing Shoulder Press w/ Alternating Motion
- Standing Shoulder Press
- Front Shoulder Raise
- Standing Front Shoulder Raise
- Shoulder Extension
- Shoulder Shrug
- Scapular Protraction
- Scapular Retraction
- Scapular Depression
- Seated Lateral Shoulder Raise
- Standing Rear Deltoid Row
- Standing Shoulder Extension
… and more
Assembly and Maintenance
The Body-Solid G3S home gym requires complete assembly. It comes in several fairly heavy boxes and it is recommended to be carried and assembled by two persons. The assembly process is not too difficult and the manual provides clear step-by-step instructions and schematics. However, due to the many parts, it may take at least 4-5 hours. Also, tools for the assembly are not included and you will need a set of wrenches, a Phillips screwdriver, and a rubber mallet.
Once the gym is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. All you need to do is keep it clean, periodically check for loose bolts and parts, grease the guides of the weight stack, and the posts of the seat and backrest.
The Pros
- Commercial quality construction, extremely sturdy frame;
- Adjustable seat and backrest;
- Durable upholstery and thick padding for optimal comfort;
- 5 workout stations, including front press station, lat pulldown station, leg attachment, low pulley station, and mid pulley station;
- Heavy-duty pulleys and cables;
- Multiple accessories included;
- Cast iron weight stack (160 lbs);
- The weight stack is upgradable (up to 210 lbs);
- Relatively small footprint for a home gym system;
- Offers the possibility to perform more than 40 exercises;
- Fairly easy to setup;
- Little maintenance required;
- Decent warranty package.
The Cons
- Tools for assembly not included;
- No guards for the weight stack.
Summary
The Body-Solid G3S is a multi-function home gym equipped with a 160 lbs cast iron weight stack. It has 5 workout stations including a front press station, lat pulldown station, leg attachment, low pulley station, and mid pulley station. It offers the possibility to execute more than 40 exercises and comes with multiple accessories, including stirrup handles, short bar, lat bar, ankle cuff, and more.