About 9 months ago I made the switch from a mostly cardio-based workout regime to mostly strength training. Part of that switch was forced due to an injury I sustained from too much running, and part of it was because I was curious how my body would react to a more strength-focused program.
Without going into too much detail, it’s suffice to say that I will never be turning back! One hiccup that came with my new found love of strength and resistance training was that I would need a lot more equipment than my two sets of light dumbbells that I currently had.
So, I started looking around for ways to resistance train without spending a fortune on home gym equipment, because at the time COVID-19 was just beginning which meant that going to the gym was not an option and that purchasing new dumbbells was also not an option thanks to the overwhelming market demand.
As I was looking for alternatives, I stumbled upon BodyGym, an all-in-one gym system that uses resistance bands and a bar to allow you to do countless exercises anywhere, anytime. I was curious and decided to explore this product more so that I can bring you a full review of BodyGym that will help you decide if it’s a worthwhile product for you and your fitness goals.
How Does the BodyGym System Work?
Upon first glance at the BodyGym, you may wonder how the heck this simple piece of equipment could possibly allow you to achieve a full body workout. But anyone who has ever used resistance bands can tell you that they are both effective at creating resistance and a challenge and that they are extremely versatile.
This system works in a similar way that lifting weights does as the durable resistance bands mimics the resistance you get when you lift weights, which is the catalyst for building strength and lean muscle mass.
The BodyGym Bar attaches to the resistance bands on the two ends at different adjustable positions, which allows for customization of resistance. The ends of the bands are also able to be attached to other things like a door frame, chair, etc. so that you can recreate traditional strength-building exercises like curls, lateral raises, leg presses, etc.
Benefits of Strength Training With Resistance Bands
Although some serious lifters may balk at the idea that you can get a good workout in and transform your body with resistance bands alone, there is a lot of evidence to the contrary. Some of the many benefits to strength training with resistance bands include:
Versatility - No other form of resistance training is quite as versatile as resistance bands. Sure, dumbbells can give you a heavy lift and weight machines provide stability, but neither of them are as versatile as bands. For example, you can easily combine movements like a squat and bicep curl or lunge and overhead press to get an all-over burn in half the time.
Muscle recruitment - Due to the instability and flexibility of a resistance band, you’re able to recruit more of the small, hard to reach muscles in your body as your body is forced to use them to keep the band stable throughout the exercise.
Accessibility - Anyone who has ever checked out the price of dumbbells and other traditional gym equipment knows that it’s an investment, and one that many people aren’t willing or able to make. Couple that with the fact that gym equipment has been scarce this year and you have a recipe for letting your dreams of a home gym fall to the wayside. Resistance bands, on the other hand, are incredibly affordable and easy to purchase.
Portability and discreteness - Let’s face it, most of us don’t have a dedicated room in our home that’s used for workouts only. Most of us are working out in our living rooms, bedrooms, basement, etc. It can be cumbersome to have to haul your weights out everyday and put them away when you’re done. And what happens when you’re traveling? I don’t know many people who are down for traveling with bulky dumbbells. Resistance bands can be stored away anywhere and are so simple to travel with.
Dynamic movements - According to Hooke’s Law, the more force you apply to a resistance band, the more force it generates in response. Resistance bands apply more force during the most critical parts of a given motion, which leads to a more dynamic workout.What Comes With Your BodyGym Package?
BodyGym has three different packages to choose from:
Basics Package
Price: $39.99 + $9.95 shipping & handling
- The Patented BodyGym Bar
- High-Quality Latex Resistance Band
- Workout Sticker Guide
- Travel Bag
- Tape Measure
- BodyGym Workout Guidebook
- Targeted Workouts DVD
- Move With Marie DVD
Deluxe Package
Price: $59.99 + FREE shipping
Everything that’s included with the Basics Package PLUS:
- BodyGym Workout App - Access to stream DVD workouts to any device with the BodyGym App. Compatible with iPhone devices, Android devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Chromecast, Apple and Windows Computers.
Advanced Package
Price: $69.99 + FREE shipping
Everything that’s included with the Deluxe Package PLUS:
- Entire BodyGym Library - Streaming access to our entire BodyGym Digital library.
- Includes our 3 New Total Body Workouts - New ways to workout to keep your workouts fresh as you progress.
One of my favorite things about BodyGym is their commitment to excellence and the way that they stand behind the quality and effectiveness of their products. They offer a 60-day money-back guarantee on their BodyGym system. So if for some reason you aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase or you aren’t getting the results you want, you can return it for a full refund - no questions asked! That kind of guarantee says a lot about their belief in their product. Additionally, they have a one year warranty of their BodyGym band.
Additional Equipment Available
If you want to take your workout to the next level, or be able to progress with your BodyGym system, you can thanks to their additional resistance bands you can purchase which will increase the intensity.
Included with your purchase will be the 15 lb. band, but you can also purchase a 17.5 lb. band and/or a 20 lb. band to crank up the intensity, which is awesome! I love equipment and programs that encourage you to progress and get stronger!
You can also buy the BodyGym handles, which will replace the bar and allow you to perform even more exercises. They are easy to set up and attach and allow you to experience full momentum and control, all while protecting your hands with the soft foam grips. They also have workout mats and a BodyGym Ball to complete your full home gym setup.
Lastly, you can purchase their app for a one-time fee of just $10! That gives you access to all their workouts from any device. You can stream from your phone, tv, or computer. The app is included with the Deluxe and Advanced packages, but you can purchase it separately if you chose the Basics package and later decide you want access to their dozens of workouts like Tabata, Total Body Push, and Express Glutes and Abs.
Reviews of BodyGym: What Are Online Customers Saying About This All-In-One Home Gym Solution?
According to Amazon.com, there are a total of 1,830 reviews of BodyGym, with 92% being positive. The majority of users are thrilled with the ease of use and convenience that this workout equipment offers and the fact that they can workout from the comfort of their own homes or on the go anytime they want without worrying about bulky equipment.
After reviewing the negative reviews, I discovered that they mostly had to do with the resistance band breaking after a few uses. It’s important to keep in mind that, by nature, resistance bands will wear and snap if too much force is applied to them or they are used improperly. That said, BodyGym does offer a generous money-back guarantee and warranty on their product, so it’s in your best interest to contact them ASAP at the first sign of a problem so that they can make it right for you.
Overall, this all-in-one resistance training system is a great way to achieve your fitness goals without all of the stress, hassle, and money spent on equipment or at the gym. Everyone from the elderly to those training for competition can benefit from the muscle recruitment achievable by using the BodyGym system.
Is BodyGym Right For You?
This is certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution for those who want to get in shape, lose weight, or build muscles. We all have different goals when it comes to our fitness, and the tools that we use to achieve those goals will vary based on our unique bodies.
That said, I believe that the BodyGym system is a wonderful resource for almost anyone who works out from home. Whether this is your only piece of equipment you buy or you purchase it to supplement your already growing selection of weights and other equipment, the BodyGym offers something unique to the mix.
Additionally, if you’re looking for low impact, yet effective workouts that will change your body composition, this system can help you reach your goals. I am thoroughly impressed with BodyGym, and although there are several other systems on the market that are similar in style, BodyGym is one of the most affordable and comprehensive I’ve seen!
And for the price, you really have nothing to lose. Especially when you consider the fact that they offer a 60-day money back guarantee.
