I bought this for us recently:

Home Gym SCM-1148L 148LB Multifunctional Full Body Home Gym Equipment.

Free weights are great and we use them all the time, but exercise machines allow you to concentrate on a specific muscle or small muscle group in a way that’s difficult or impossible with free weights. Also, with a machine you can do lower-intensity exercises when desired or required; both are tools in your belt to stay fit and to keep interested in staying fit by being able to change up your routine.

That said, it’s pretty good for the price. I was not expecting a $5,000 machine as found in a commercial gym. I got it for about 1/10 that much and for that, it’s about 60% as good as one of those much-hardier bits of equipment. The motion is smooth when doing exercises and though it moves a little, it does not feel rickety or on the verge of collapse.

It is what I expected, but some limitations:

• It can’t handle much side-to-side motion. Only exercises aligned with the main axis of the machine are really safe to do.
• If you’re over 5’8″ (my height), I’d recommend getting another machine. Your range of motion in many exercises will be constrained. I suspect this was only tested on Chinese people, who tend to be shorter.
• It tries to do a little too much. Some parts of the equipment can get in the way as you do exercises.
• The seat and seat back should have more adjustment points.
• If you’re moderately strong or above, the 148 pound weight stack will not be enough for leg presses.

I do recommend it at that price, but I wish it tried to do just a bit less. I think it’d be more effective with fewer features. I am glad we have it, though.