Quick Summary
When building out a home gym there are several ways to go, but as you get more serious about your training, a set of dumbbells and a workout bench aren’t going to cut it. Enter the Force USA G3. The G3 is one of several extremely versatile rigs from the company, combining a power rack, Smith machine, and cable pulley system in a single set of equipment. With the used of additional options, you can even add in a leg press attachment, making this rig more all-encompassing than most standalone home gyms out there. This rig won’t be for everyone for a number of reasons, but as you’ll see in our comprehensive review below, it’s a smart buy for those committed to long-term muscle growth through at-home training.
Specifications
| Model | Force USA G3 |
| Rating |  92.5% |
| List Price | $2,199.99 |
| Best Price | |
| Type | Weight Rack |
| Max. Weight | 2,000 lbs |
| Exercises | 100+ |
| Seat | no |
| User Weight | |
| Dimensions | Length: 80" Width: 55" Height: 87" |
| Workout Area | 10' x 10' (approx.) |
| Legs |  |
| Abs | |
| Curls | |
| Pulldown | |
| Rows | |
| Accessories | - chin up bar - leg press attachment - stabilizer attachment - lat pulldown seat |
| Warranty | Rack: Lifetime Cables and Pulleys: 2 Years Wear and Tear Items: 90 days |
Rating:
Our Rating
92.5/100
As noted above, versatility and value are the biggest selling features at hand with the Force USA G3. Not only are you able to tackle a comprehensive full-body workout from this rig, but you are also free to grow and build up your lifting potential without running out of weight stack. Want to try hanging weight squats? You can do that. Resistance band smith machine press? No problem. The G3 lets you think outside the box, and avoid the mental and physical burnout of repetitive workouts.
Pros:
- High weight capacity (772 lbs – smith machine, 2,000 lbs – cables, 992 lbs – complete unit)
- Range of workout options
- Good value
- Compact size (given range of workout/functions)
- Smooth gliding of smith machine bar
- Easy switching between different workout configurations
- Customizable design
Cons:
- Weight plates not included
- Complex assembly
- Requires tall ceilings if optional pull-up station installed.
Introduction
If you’re looking for a home gym for the first time, the default idea is to look at things like a cable-based rig with a weight stack, or equivalents like the Bowflex Extreme 2 SE we reviewed here. While those setups are good for those wanting to improve or maintain their general fitness and strength levels, the Force USA G3 All-In-One Trainer is geared towards longer term goals. Once you add a workout bench there really isn’t a muscle group you can’t target with this machine, and from a cost standpoint it’s not going to set you back all that much more than a more limited piece of equipment.
Working Out on The Force USA G3
The Force USA G3, at a basic level, can be broken out into 5 different machines that take up a single footprint. Depending on what sort of routine you’re looking to do, you’ll need to pick up a barbell and an adjustable workout bench to use the G3 effectively. This rig breaks down into 5 separate machines, so to speak. Here’s a look at how each element of the machine works, and how it can be used to build/suit your workout routine.
Power Rack
A power rack is basically your new best friend when it comes to working out without a spotter. On the front of the G3, you have a pair of j-hooks, designed to hold your barbell, as well as two safety spotter arms. Each can be adjusted in increments, nearly the full height of the rack, allowing you to work on squats, overhead press, bench press, and even calf raises. Simply set the correct starting height for the workout in question, load up the bar with weight, and get to work. You’ll want to set the J-hooks (with the barbell) at between 50 and 75% of your top range of motion, and the safety spotter arms a notch or two below your low-point, as you don’t want to be contacting the spotter arms during the lift.
Functional Trainer
For those unfamiliar with the terminology (and we don’t blame you), a functional trainer is the adjustable height cable rig you always see in commercial gyms. I’m especially fond of a functional trainer, as it can be used to take on a huge range of chest, bicep, tricep, and core exercises. If you set up your workout bench facing this setup, you can also get a half decent back workout in the books here. A set of nylon stirrup handles, a v-handle, and a tricep rope are all included with the G3.
Smith Machine
While the primary function of a Smith Machine is all about Squatting, there are a few additional uses to consider if you’re going to have access to one at home. First off, this is where Force USA’s leg press attachment connects. Beyond that, a smith machine can be used as a stabilized bench press, for Bulgarian split squats (they’re the devil, but they work), and even for single arm press when used with a flat bench.
Chin Up Station
Pretty self explanatory here. The built in overhead chin up bar on the G3 is designed for a range of grip types. That said, to use it you’re going to need to be mindful of ceiling height. The unit itself stands at 7’3″ tall, so if your ceilings are 8 feet you’re going to struggle not to crack your head when using the pull-up station. If you’re setting up in the garage or another space with taller ceilings this won’t be an issue.
Core Trainer
Why they call this a core trainer and not just a landmine station, we aren’t sure, but that’s what it is. using the added barbell, you’re set for using the landmine station for a range of core, shoulder, and back exercises. Once again consider space here—the landmine station is positioned at the front corner of the G3 rack, and you’ll need over 7 feet of space to accommodate the length of your barbell.
Other Costs
Similarly to how some of the treadmills and exercise bikes we’ve covered also come with additional costs beyond getting inside the door of your workout space, there are other costs to consider alongside the sticker price of the Force USA G3 All-in-one Trainer. Here’s what you need to know.
- Weight Plates: These are not included with the machine, and depending on how heavy you lift, you’re looking at between $450 and $1300 to load this thing up (to be clear, the upper register is at pro/competitive lifter level).
- Barbell: While the fixed bar for the smith machine is obviously included, you’ll need a separate bar for the power rack and landmine station. Through Force USA, a good barbell starts at $179.99.
- Leg Press Attachment: This one is a no-brainer for me, as it’s really the ‘missing link’ in this otherwise very comprehensive training rack. It’s currently priced at $199.99.
There are more things to add, but to summarize, When you take a mid-point on weight plates and add the other options, you’re going to come in somewhere in the rage of $3,000 to fully outfit the G3. Now, that’s not inexpensive, but when you think about the cost difference between this and other types of home gym equipment, and how much more you can do on the G3, it’s really easy to justify the added cost if you can afford it.
Warranty & Guarantee
The Force USA G3 All-in-one Trainer warranty includes:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Cables and pulleys: 2 years
- Wear and tear on rack accessories: 90 days
Conclusion
This really couldn’t be easier. If you have the space, budget, and motivation, we definitely recommend the Force USA G3. It’s a beast of a workout rig that only eats up a five by seven footprint when not in use, and with it you’ll never have to set foot in a commercial gym again.