In previous articles, I’ve review leading home gym brands such as Marcy and BowFlex.
So it seems right that I talk about another leading player- Weider.
They’ve been around for a while, and have developed some very functional and well built gym equipment.
So how do they stack up with their competitors? And should you buy their equipment?
I’ll let you be the judge after reading this in-depth review.
About The Company
Weider is a branch of a bigger company called ICON Fitness.
They own several companies, including NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion Fitness, and Lotus. Weider is the part of ICON Fitness that is dedicated to weight-based equipment.
They provide all types of weight-based equipment from smith cages to dumbbell sets and have a wide range of products that appeal to both novice and more advanced users.
Here is my list of their most popular products you should consider.
Home Gym Equipment
ICON Fitness Weider PRO 8500 Smith Cage
This Smith cage has pretty much everything you need to start working out.
It includes squat racks, a set of multi-function pulleys with adjustable bars, accessories, plus a multi-grip pull-up system built for bodyweight exercises.
Along with the weight cage, you’ll get an adjustable bench where you can perform preacher curls and leg extensions. The maximum user weight is 300 pounds.
What customers are saying
The smith cage doesn’t come with a barbell or weights but due to the functionality it offers, most customers agree that the price is reasonable.
An important thing to keep in mind though is that this is a large cage that is very heavy to transport, which is understandable considering the type of equipment it holds.
Home Gym Weider 214 lb Stack Gym
If you don’t have enough space for a smith cage, this stack weight home gym might be a more suitable option.
The bench is assembled with the rest of the equipment which contains a useful pulley system, a peck deck section, and a leg extension accessory attached to a weight stack of 214 lbs.
This stack gym is incredibly easy to use, and although it has a limited range of exercises, they’re usually challenging enough for the average person.
What customers are saying
If you’re on a budget or have limited space, this is a great way to start your home gym, the package also includes ankle straps and an exercise chart to expand your possibilities.
However, be prepared for a complex assembly, which is a common complaint from people who have bought this home gym.
Weider Ultimate Body Works
The Weider Ultimate Body Works is perfect for pilates training and a variety of other exercises.
It was designed to accommodate different height ranges, it has different incline levels, and it allows you to choose 4 resistance levels of up to 50 pounds.
It also comes with resistance bands that enable you to exercise your arms and increase the challenge on a seated chest press.
The space-saver design makes it appropriate for homes with reduced space, and it has a weight limit of 250 pounds.
What customers are saying
Most customers gave this product an excellent rating because it is cost-effective and gives you many options in return for your purchase.
The only complaint people have reported is that Weider’s customer support is apparently very slow in regards to their response time.
Weider X-Factor Door Gym
Most of us don’t have a lot of extra space at home, but everybody has at least one door frame. The X-factor door gym is a great way to make use of that space.
This product can be attached to any door and includes ankle straps, resistance bands, two handles, and connection clips, giving you plenty of options for your workout session.
You will also get an exercise chart with over 50 options and a lifetime warranty against defects in materials.
What customers are saying
Customers who bought this door gym say that it’s a good alternative if you don’t want to pay for a very expensive home gym.
The resistance bands are smooth but strong, and the system is very easy to install.
However, some people have complained about uneven resistance, broken cables, and poor customer service.
Workout Benches
Weider XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench
If you don’t want a big smith cage and only need help with chest exercises, this is the best option from Weider. It comes with a multi-purpose bench and a separate squat rack.
You can adjust the inclination of the bench and you also have the preacher pad and leg extension option as an additional feature.
The bench and squat rack are two separate pieces, which makes it easier to move and clear space at home when it’s not in use.
What customers are saying
Most customers agree that this is a very sturdy piece of equipment that is easy to assemble and a great pick for the price.
However, some people have experienced wobbling, and if you return the item you will only get a partial refund due to a restocking fee.
Weider Pro 265 Weight Bench
This is a weightlifting bench that is specially designed for chest exercises but can also be used for leg extensions, leg curls, and preacher curls.
The seat is adjustable to a flat or incline position and the bench comes with an exercise chart that will inspire you to perform different kinds of exercises on it.
This weight bench includes a weight set of 80 pounds consisting of two 15-pound plates and two 25-pound plates.
What customers are saying
Customers say that this bench has proven to deliver great quality for its price, especially since it’s an entry-level weight bench.
It is extremely sturdy, very easy to assemble, and is the perfect weight for beginners.
However, the bench is narrow and Weider hasn’t clearly indicated a maximum user weight so the bar that holds the bench in an incline position can feel pretty narrow for heavy people.
Weider Incline Weight Bench
This incline weight bench is incredibly stable and perfect for dumbbell workouts.
It is easily adjustable to an incline, flat, or decline position, and includes a roll leg lockdown feature useful for your decline exercises.
It can hold a maximum user weight of 410 pounds and comes with an exercise guide to assist those who aren’t sure how to make the most of the bench.
What customers are saying
Customers who purchased this bench say it’s overall a good purchase for the price. Plus it’s easy to assemble and perfect for performing basic strength exercises.
The dimensions are appropriate for the average person, but some people complained about design flaws and poor-quality on the benches they received.
Free Weights
Weider Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbell Weights
Adjustable dumbbells help you save a lot of space at home and will be very useful if only one person is using the dumbbells at a time.
This model by Weider gives you up to 50 pounds of weight for each dumbbell with 10-pound increments.
You can easily adjust the weight with a simple switch, and with each purchase, you get 2 dumbbells and a storage rack tray.
What customers are saying
Most customers are highly satisfied with their purchase and say that the weights are made of quality materials, it provides great value for money, and saves a lot of space at home.
Weider Rubber Hex Dumbbells
The Weider Rubber Hex Dumbbells are the traditional dumbbells you’re used to seeing at the gym.
They come in different weights from 5 pounds up to 70 pounds and are designed in a hexagonal shape to prevent it from rolling away.
For each purchase, you get one dumbbell of a given weight.
This product doesn’t have many ratings but it’s a very standard item you’ll find in almost any gym and it isn’t difficult to figure out how your experience will be.
Weider Power Dumbbell Set
This is a suitable option if you’re not a heavy lifter and prefer to have a vinyl-coated, non-slip type of dumbbell.
The Weider Power Dumbbell Set is a complete set which includes 3 pairs of dumbbells of 3 to 8 pounds, a storage tray, and an exercise chart.
Again, this is a very standard piece of equipment that doesn’t have many ratings but you’ll find it in almost any gym and it’s easy to gauge your experience.
Weider Vinyl Kettlebell Set
Kettlebells are essential for functional training, and this model has everything you need to get started.
The Weider Vinyl Kettlebell Set includes 5-pound, 10-pound, and 15-pound kettlebells (one of each).
They are color-coded, making the weights easily identifiable for visual people, and have a wide handle that allows for multiple grip options.
What customers are saying
Most customers are very satisfied with this kettlebell set and love not only the price but also the extra workout instructions that come with this set.
This is not your typical iron kettlebell but it works exactly the same, the only difference is the manufacturing material.
Other Alternative Brands
Marcy
Marcy is a brand that is well known for its competitive prices and excellent durability. They offer great customer service and high-quality machines.
They don’t have very fancy technology but their high- quality products are enough to build a complete home gym.
Bowflex
This brand is highly recommended if you’re into innovative technology and stylish devices.
Bowflex has been around for decades and is specialized in strength training, but also offer plenty of cardio machines.
ProForm
This is another brand owned by ICON Fitness and has the same quality as Weider.
They manufacture a variety of cardio machines and integrate an interesting immersive coaching experience known as iFit.
Teeter
Teeter has been offering a wide range of products specifically designed for patients with back pain, since 1981.
Their range of products includes strength trainers, cardio machines, inversion tables, and much more.
Should You Choose Weider?
If you’re looking for sturdy and affordable gym equipment, Weider is an excellent brand.
Their level of customer service is concerning but strength training equipment doesn’t have a high degree of complexity, so there’s a very low chance of requiring assistance.
They offer very durable products at a great price and for that reason, most customers still love and recommend them.
