Are Functional Trainers Worth It? How Much Do They Cost?

Functional trainers have gained immense popularity in recent years, both for home gyms and professional fitness centers.

Their versatility and effectiveness in providing full-body workouts make them an attractive investment for fitness enthusiasts.

However, the question arises: are functional trainers worth it?

In this article, we will present to you that in our opinion, they are indeed worth it.

We'll highlight their benefits and address the concerns related to cost.

In our experience and research into the type of machine, the price range seems to hover from about  $1000 to $7000+, with the most in the $1500-$3000 range.

Depending on who you are, this may seem like a significant investment, but it's essential to consider the long-term value and the diverse benefits these machines offer.

Functional trainers are designed to cater to different fitness levels, allowing users to perform a wide range of exercises targeting all muscle groups.

Furthermore, they are perfect for individuals seeking to improve their functional strength, balance, and mobility – all crucial factors in our daily lives.

Lets go deeper into the what functional trainer offers, examine a range of different priced machines, and give you all you need to know so you can decide if a functional trainer is worth it for you or not!

The Basics of Functional Trainers

Functional trainers are versatile machines designed to offer a full-body workout through various functional training movements.

These multiplanar machines enable users to perform exercises in multiple planes such as horizontal, vertical, and diagonal movements.

They have grown in popularity due to their ability to provide such vast amounts of versatility, making them an essential addition to home gyms and fitness centers alike.

Lets discuss the features and components of functional trainers and the types of exercises they enable.

Features and Components

Functional trainers come with several features that make them highly customizable, efficient, and space-saving. Some of these features include:

• Weight Stacks: Most functional trainers have one or two weight stacks, offering consistent resistance during exercises. A typical weight stack ranges from 180 lbs. to 360 lbs., with the option to adjust them in smaller increments for tailored workouts.¹
• Pulley System: The pulley system allows for smooth and friction-free movement of the cables, providing an excellent range of motion for various exercises
• Adjustable Height: Functional trainers come with multiple height adjustments, accommodating users of different heights and allowing for a wide range of exercises.
• Attachments: Some functional trainers include attachments like pull-up bars, dip stations, and other accessories to expand the range of exercises.

While the average cost of a functional trainer ranges from around $1,100 to $7,000, it's essential to note that popular models often offer better value for money.

Selecting the right functional trainer for your needs and budget is crucial in ensuring an effective and worthwhile workout experience.

Types of Exercises

Functional trainers enable users to perform a variety of exercises, targeting multiple muscle groups and training movement patterns.

Some popular exercises include:

• Upper Body: Pull-ups, push-ups, cable rows, chest presses, shoulder presses, bicep curls, and tricep extensions.
• Lower Body: Squats, lunges, leg curls, leg extensions, and calf raises.
• Core: Cable crunches, oblique twists, and leg raises.
• Functional Movements: Woodchops, Turkish get-ups, and medicine ball throws.

By enabling users to engage in a wide variety of exercises, functional trainers cater to a broad audience, from beginners to advanced athletes.

They are ideal for those seeking improved strength, flexibility, stability, and overall muscular conditioning.

Functional trainers are an excellent investment for home gym owners, personal trainers, and fitness enthusiasts who value versatile and effective workouts.

Average Costs and Best Brands

When considering whether or not functional trainers are worth the investment, it's important to examine the average costs of some of the top functional trainers on the market.

This will give you a better understanding of the value you're getting and how it compares to other home gym equipment.

25-30 Functional Trainers And Their Price Points

To provide you with a comprehensive overview, we've looked at about 17 of the most popular functional trainers and their average costs.

We wanted to grab both ends of the spectrum with some cheap, some mid range, and some high end functional trainers. 

The functional trainer market offers a wide range of pricing and features, catering to various fitness levels, preferences, and budgets.

Therefore, it's crucial to determine your specific needs and requirements before making a decision on whether its worth it or not. 

Besides, how can you tell if its worth it if you haven't decided on a budget and then looked for machines in your price range?

Benefits of a Functional Trainer

When considering whether to invest in a functional trainer, it's essential to understand the benefits they offer.

Functional trainers provide an all-in-one solution for various exercises and users.

This section will discuss the various advantages of the functional trainer.

Versatility Exercise Options

Functional trainers are incredibly versatile and enable users to perform numerous exercises targeting different muscle groups. Some of the key advantages in this area are:

• Multi-planar movements: Functional trainers allow for exercises in all planes of motion, making them ideal for training in sports-specific movements and improving functional fitness. 101 Functional Trainer Exercises.
• Customizable resistance: With adjustable weight stacks and pulley positions, users can easily tailor the resistance level to suit their individual needs and fitness levels.
• Accessory options: Many functional trainers are compatible with various attachments, such as bars, handles, and ropes, allowing for even more exercise variety.

Safety

Functional trainers are designed with safety features that make them suitable for individuals of all fitness levels, including beginners. Among the safety benefits are:

• Controlled movement: The pulley system helps control the range of motion, reducing the risk of injury from incorrect form or muscle imbalances.
• Stabilization: The use of cables and pulleys can provide constant tension, assisting users in maintaining proper form and avoiding unnecessary stress on joints and muscles.
• Spotter-free lifting: The dual weight stacks and adjustable pulley positions ensure that users can confidently perform exercises without the need for a spotter to prevent accidents.

Space Efficiency

For home gym owners or fitness facilities looking to maximize their space, functional trainers offer a compact and efficient solution. Key space-saving features include:

• Relatively Compact footprint: Functional trainers often have a smaller footprint compared to other gym equipment like power racks or treadmills, making them an excellent choice for confined spaces.
• All-in-one design: With multiple exercises available on a single machine, gym users can save time and space by avoiding the need for different machines for each exercise.
• Organization: The built-in storage for attachments and weight plates helps maintain a tidy workout environment, ensuring users can easily find the tools they need for their exercise routines.

Considering the versatility, safety, and space efficiency of functional trainers, they make a compelling argument for worthiness.

Offering the ability to target various muscle groups with a single piece of equipment, functional trainers are a valuable addition to any home gym or fitness facility.

Who Is A Functional Trainer Worth It For?

Functional trainers are versatile pieces of equipment that can significantly enhance the workout experience and deliver excellent results.

Although they can be an expensive investment, their value is evident when used by a variety of individuals and workout spaces.

In this section, we will explore who can benefit the most from investing in functional trainers and why they are worth the investment for these specific users.

Home Owners

For home gym enthusiasts, functional trainers can be a game changer.

They offer a space-efficient and low-maintenance option compared to other traditional gym equipment. Here are a few reasons why a functional trainer can be worth it for homeowners:

• Versatility: These trainers offer a wide range of exercises, targeting multiple muscle groups.
• Customizable: Most functional trainers can be tailored to individual fitness levels and goals.
• Space-efficient: Functional trainers are designed to save space and can fit into most home gyms.

Non-Membership Gym Facilities

For boutique or specialized fitness studios that focus on small group training or personal training, functional trainers are a worthwhile addition.

They offer numerous benefits to non-membership gym facilities, including:

• Attracting clients: The wide range of exercises and customizability can appeal to different types of clients.
• Efficiency: Clients can maximize their workout time by using a functional trainer for a full-body workout.
• Value for money: With the ability to perform multiple exercises, it is a cost-effective piece of equipment for gym facilities.

Commercial Fitness Facilities

Functional trainers can be indispensable in commercial fitness facilities, such as health clubs or larger gyms.

They provide a beneficial addition to the equipment lineup and appeal to a variety of gym-goers.

Some reasons to invest in functional trainers for commercial fitness facilities are:

• Increased member satisfaction: Members appreciate the versatility and customization opportunities offered by functional trainers.
• Competitive advantage: Offering functional trainers may set a commercial gym apart from competitors and attract new members.
• Relatively Low maintenance: Functional trainers typically require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective choice for commercial gyms. Checkout our functional trainer maintenance guide!

When it comes to determining if a functional trainer is worth it, the answer is clear for homeowners, non-membership gym facilities, and commercial fitness facilities.

Their versatility, space-efficiency, and wide range of exercises make them an invaluable addition to any fitness space.

Conclusion: The Unbeatable Argument

Investing in a functional trainer for your home gym is undeniably worth it when you consider the value it brings to your fitness routine.

The average cost of the most popular functional trainers on the market ranges between $1000 and $5,000 depending on the quality and features offered.

However, even at a low price, a functional trainer provides a level of versatility and efficacy that is hard to beat when compared to other gym equipment.

The benefits of a functional trainer come from the variety of exercises and movements that can be performed on this single piece of equipment.

The central features of the functional trainer include adjustable pulleys, cables, and weight stacks, which enable a wide range of exercises targeting different muscle groups.

The adjustability of the pulleys allows users to perform exercises at various angles and heights, thus making it a perfect tool for individuals of all fitness levels and expertise.

Considering these factors, the unbeatable argument in favor of a functional trainer lies in its capacity to improve your fitness levels while making the most out of your investment in home gym equipment.

Are you looking for a functional trainer of your own? Head over to our functional trainer collections and look at some of the best ones that catch your eye.