The Body Solid Powerline BSG10X is a compact all-in-one fitness solution for building muscle at home. This weight-stack system is made by one of the best home gyms brands in the world, and is designed to provide a full body workout, with users able to perform more than 40 exercises using this one weights system.
Founded in Chicago in 1989, Body Solid makes a wide range of fitness products for the home, from free weight machines, power racks and dumbbells, to aerobic equipment such as treadmills, rowers and elliptical machines. As we’ll discuss in our Body Solid Powerline BSG10X review, this home weights system is best suited to committed beginners and those looking to upgrade their first, cheaper system.
The one thing we will say right up front is that you’ll need a decent amount of space at home for the Powerline BSG10X, so take note of the specs below to ensure it’ll fit in your garage or room of choice.
Body Solid Powerline BSG10X review: Specs
- MSRP: $1,540
- Dimensions: 66 (L) x 47 (W) x 80 (H) inches
- Type: Weight stack
- Supported exercises: 40+
- Supported user weight: N/A
Body Solid Powerline BSG10X review: Overview
The Body Solid Powerline BSG10X is known as a weight-stack system. This type of machine enables you to build and strengthen muscle by lifting stacked weights via a pulley system, and is suitable for all capabilities. That’s because you can choose how much weight you want to lift during each exercise, so you shouldn’t be at risk of over-straining yourself as long as you are sensible with the weight you load.
Weight-stack systems also tend to be safer than lifting free weights, since the weights are usually contained within an enclosure, meaning there's no chance of dropping them on your toes. This also makes the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X a good choice for beginners who are new to these types of machines. For another beginner-friendly pick, read our Total Gym XLS review. That machine also folds up, so it’s good for smaller homes.
Note, however, that weight-stack systems require you to have a reasonable amount of free space at home. And although it's a relatively compact piece of kit, the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X is no different. When measuring your chosen space, also take into account the extra room you will need to move around the front of the machine.
Body Solid Powerline BSG10X review: Design
Another reason why the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X is a good beginner-friendly choice is the fact that it comes 90% pre-assembled, meaning you only have to attach nine bolts (the process takes around 30 minutes) and you're good to go.
If you are seriously short on time and space, the better option for you might be a suspension trainer, which packs down into a mesh bag when not in use and takes seconds to set up. In that case, check out our TRX Home2 System Suspension Trainer review.
As previously mentioned, the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X is one of the more compact weight-stack systems on the market, measuring 66 (L) x 47 (W) x 80 (H) and weighing 328lbs. But in this case, small definitely doesn't mean weak, as the system's 11-gauge mainframe construction, impact-resistant, fiberglass-reinforced nylon pulleys and 2,200lb military-spec steel aircraft cables give it a real sense of durability.
The Powerline BSG10X comes with a 48-inch lat bar, a low row bar, and an abdominal harness, so you can perform a wide variety of strength-building exercises (more about those in the next section).
With a telescopic seat, adjustable 160lb weight stack and eight-position press arm, it's suitable for people of most shapes and sizes. Plus it’s built for comfort too, thanks to a set of extra-thick, tear-resistant DuraFirm pads.
Body Solid Powerline BSG10X review: Features
A good home weights system will enable you to carry out a wide variety of exercises targeting key muscle groups, and the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X does a reasonable job in this department.
Though its repertoire of 40+ exercises is by no means best in class – the most versatile machines support anything from 60 to 100 strength exercises, while suspension trainers support up to 1,000 – it’s more than enough to meet the needs of beginners and more experienced weight lifters.
However, we would not recommend it for semi-pros or anyone looking for a very wide variety of strength training exercises. In those scenarios, we’d point you in the direction of our Total Gym FIT review, which supports over 85 exercises.
Being able to perform all your favorite exercises – from bicep curls to chest presses, squats to ab crunches – on one piece of equipment, rather than having to switch from one to another as you would at a proper gym, is very satisfying. And thanks to the high-quality construction of the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X, each activity can be executed smoothly and without fuss.
Note that you can also add an optional leg press to your set-up, though this will cost you an extra $275. If you want a system that works your legs too, read our Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Home Gym review before making your decision about the Powerline BSG10X.
As previously stated, the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X comes with a 160lb stack of weights, which should be more than enough for the average person but probably won't be sufficient for those who want to pack on some serious bulk. A number of strength training systems come with more weight – the Bowflex PR3000 power rod system, for example, comes with 210lbs.
Body Solid Powerline BSG10X review: How could it benefit you?
There are a number of ways in which this piece of equipment could help you – and that's on top of the aforementioned fitness benefits:
- First and foremost, the Powerline BSG10X is sufficiently versatile to help you improve every area of your body.
- It could also save you money in the long run. With the average cost of gym membership in the US currently standing at $58 per month, you would pay off the BSG10X's recommended $1,540 price tag in 26 months, meaning all your usage from there on would essentially be free.
- Then there's the amount of flexibility it would give you; while many gyms are only open for a set number of hours each day, having this Body Solid machine in your home means you can work out on demand, with no queues to contend with.
All of that said, there are some things we don’t like about the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X, and these include how much space it takes up, and how the leg press feature requires you to pay an extra $275 to upgrade the machine. We also don’t like how it supports just over 40 exercises, and would have expected a lot more from a weights system with this price tag.
Body Solid Powerline BSG10X review: User reviews
To date, the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X home gym has received over 100 reviews on Amazon, and the response has been generally very positive. The Powerline BSG10X currently scores 4.3 out of 5 stars, with 65% of users giving it the maximum 5-star rating. At the time of publication, only two customers have written reviews on the Body Solid website, and both give the product 4 out of 5 stars.
One of the aforementioned top-rated reviews commented that the Powerline BSG10X represents great value for money. “A true bargain,” was how they summed it up, saying, “Rivals home gyms that are much more expensive.”
Another customer claimed to have rapidly reaped the benefits of this all-in-one system. Giving it 4 out of 5 stars, they gushed: “I would definitely purchase this machine again, because after using it for two weeks I am already getting in shape.”
A minority seemed less positive, however. One review with a score of 3 out of 5 stars questioned how well the product is made. “I am very disappointed in the quality and durability of the cables,” they said. “The cables start kinking within the first six months and should be replaced annually or they will break in the middle of an exercise.”
Should you buy the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X?
If your schedule doesn't suit going to a public gym, or you simply don’t enjoy working out in front of others, then the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X is a strong choice for beginners and those upgrading from their first machine.
Its build quality and functionality are both impressive, and it's also very easy to assemble, meaning you won't have to spend hours poring over an instruction manual. We don’t like the hefty price tag for the smaller number of exercises supported, but the Body Solid Powerline BSG10X home gym will work out cheaper than going to the gym... eventually.
Essentially, what you’re paying for here is a well-made weight-stack system that’s built to be durable, comfortable to use, and an effective way to train key muscle groups. While it doesn't enable you to perform as many exercises – or lift quite as much weight – as other machines that are comparable or cheaper in terms of price, its spec should be perfectly adequate for all but the most serious weightlifters.
Want something to help you keep track of your workouts? Then also take a look at our guide to the best fitness trackers. To save further, check out our roundup of the best Amazon Prime Day Fitbit deals.
