If you are going to dedicate both money and floor space to a premium strength machine at home, I think it needs to do considerably more than give you a few basic exercises. That is what grabbed my attention when I learned about the versatile Body-Solid GFT100 Functional Trainer.
Rather than using fixed exercise stations, it combines two independent weight stacks with fully adjustable swiveling pulleys, giving you the freedom to perform a multitude of strength exercises from different heights, angles and body positions.
As a Personal Trainer and Health Coach with more than 20 years of experience working with women, versatility, durability, and value for money are some of the first things I look for when evaluating a significant piece of home fitness equipment. The more useful exercises one machine can provide, the more likely it is to justify its cost and space.
So in this Body-Solid GFT100 functional trainer review, I’ll look at exactly what you get, what I like, the limitations to consider and whether I think the machine is worth buying.
Body-Solid GFT100 Functional Trainer at a Glance
The Body-Solid GFT100 Home Cable Machine includes:
- Two independent 160 lb weight stacks
- Two fully adjustable swiveling pulleys
- Integrated chin-up bar
- Included cable attachments
- Built-in accessory storage
- 1:2 weight-resistance ratio
- 2″ × 3″, 11-gauge steel frame
- Optional upgrades to dual 210 lb or dual 310 lb stacks
- 633 lb assembled weight
- Dimensions of 45″ L × 64″ W × 83″ H
- In-home lifetime warranty on major components
What I Like About the GFT100
Two Independent Weight Stacks
The GFT100 has two separate 160 lb stacks. This is one of the biggest advantages over simpler cable machines. Each side can work independently, which opens up both bilateral and unilateral exercise options. The dual-stack design provides isolateral movements and balanced training. For practical training, that means you are not forced to have both sides of your body doing exactly the same thing at exactly the same time. You can train one side individually or use both sides together.
The Adjustable Pulleys Create Enormous Exercise Variety
The GFT100 has two fully adjustable swiveling pulleys. This is probably the feature that gives the machine most of its versatility. You can move the pulley higher or lower depending on the exercise and allow it to swivel toward the direction you are pulling. That gives you far more freedom than a machine with one fixed cable position.
You can use the GFT100 for pressing, pulling, arm, shoulder, lower-body and core exercises from a wide range of positions.
The 1:2 Resistance Ratio Makes Progression Flexible
The GFT100 uses a 1:2 stack-to-resistance ratio. This allows smaller incremental adjustments and a large range of motion. I like this because progression does not always need to involve making a large jump in resistance. Smaller increases are more realistic when strength training, and can make it easier to continue progressing while maintaining good control and technique.
Useful Attachments Are Included
The GFT100 comes with:
- Aluminum stirrup handles
- Triceps rope
- Chin & dip belt
- Double swivel bar
There is also a built-in accessory rack for storage. That matters because cable attachments can quickly become another shopping list. With this machine, you already have several useful options included, which greatly increase the variety of exercises you can perform.
The Integrated Chin-Up Bar Adds Another Type of Training
This multifunctional Body-Solid home cable set-up also includes an integrated chin-up bar. That expands the machine beyond cable exercises and gives you the option of bodyweight pulling and hanging movements. It is a useful addition on a machine designed to act as the centerpiece of a home strength area.
The Standard Weight Stacks Can Be Upgraded
The standard machine includes two 160 lb stacks. But they can be upgraded to two 210 lb stacks or two 310 lb stacks. That means the machine has the potential to continue accommodating significantly greater resistance demands if your training progresses beyond the standard setup. For most residential users – and especially women – the standard version is already substantial.
The Construction Is Substantial
The frame uses 2″ × 3″, 11-gauge steel and the complete machine weighs approximately 633 lbs. This is clearly not a lightweight budget cable machine. It is designed to be a substantial, permanent strength station. That is a positive if you want serious home fitness equipment that will last.
It Uses Space Efficiently for What It Offers
The Body-Solid GFT100 dual-stack cable machine is a space-saving design, measuring 45″ L × 64″ W × 83″ H. Considering that you are getting two weight stacks, two adjustable pulleys and a pull-up bar in one machine, the footprint is reasonably efficient.
You still need to allow extra workout room around it. And the 83-inch height means measuring your ceiling is essential.
What Exercises Can You Do?
The GFT100 Functional Trainer can be used for a very broad range of strength movements.
Examples include:
Upper Body
- Cable chest presses
- Fly variations
- Rows
- Pull-ups
- Shoulder exercises
- Biceps curls
- Triceps pressdowns
- Triceps extensions
Lower Body
- Squat variations
- Lunges
- Cable hip exercises
- Glute-focused movements
Core
- Cable rotations
- Anti-rotation exercises
- Standing core movements
And you can add an adjustable weight bench for even more flexibility.
If you want a broader explanation of what matters when choosing this type of equipment, read:
Best Functional Trainer for Women: What to Look for Before You Buy
Is the GFT100 Good for Women Over 40 or 50?
Absolutely. I would not recommend it simply because somebody is a particular age, but this can certainly help women in midlife achieve their resistance training goals and keep bones, muscles and joints strong.
For women in their 40s, 50s and later years, maintaining strength and muscle becomes increasingly important for overall physical capability and everyday function. The GFT100 provides enough resistance and exercise variety to support a very broad range of strength-training goals.
Can Beginners Use the GFT100?
Yes. The adjustable resistance means a beginner can start with manageable resistance and gradually progress. The biggest difference compared with a traditional multi-gym is that functional trainers require more understanding of exercise setup.
There is more freedom, which is excellent, but that also means you need to know where to position yourself and the pulleys.
Body-Solid GFT100 Functional Trainer Pros and Cons
What I Like
✓ Two independent 160 lb stacks
Gives you excellent flexibility for bilateral and unilateral exercises.
✓ Fully adjustable swiveling pulleys
The biggest reason the machine can support so many different movements.
✓ 1:2 resistance ratio
Allows smaller effective resistance increments and plenty of cable travel.
✓ Expandable weight stacks
You can move beyond the standard dual 160 lb configuration if needed.
✓ Heavy-duty construction
The 11-gauge frame and 633 lb machine weight make this a substantial piece of equipment.
✓ Several attachments included
You can perform a wide variety of exercises without immediately purchasing lots of extras.
✓ Integrated chin-up bar
Adds another training option without requiring separate equipment.
✓ Strong residential warranty
Buy with confidence with lifetime in-home coverage on frame/welds, bushings/hardware and pads/cables/grips.
Things to Consider
✗ It requires permanent space
At 633 lb, this is not something you casually move from room to room.
✗ You need adequate ceiling height
The machine itself is 83 inches tall.
✗ Functional trainers require more exercise knowledge
The freedom is excellent, but there is less built-in guidance than a traditional fixed-station gym.
✗ It is a premium investment
This makes the most sense for someone who knows she intends to strength train consistently at home.
Who Should Buy the GFT100?
I think the GFT100 is best suited to someone who:
- Wants a serious home strength setup
- Wants full-body cable training
- Values exercise variety
- Wants independent left/right resistance
- Likes adjustable cable exercises
- Wants room for long-term progression
- Has enough permanent space
- Wants one versatile machine rather than numerous smaller machines
Who Probably Shouldn’t Buy It?
I would choose something else if you:
- Have very limited space
- Need equipment that can fold away
- Want something lightweight and portable
- Prefer highly guided fixed exercise stations
- Only expect to strength train occasionally
If you’re deciding between this style of cable machine and a more traditional multi-station system, see my Functional Trainer vs Home Gym for Women comparison.
What Warranty Does the GFT100 Have?
For residential use:
- Frame & Welds – Lifetime
- Bushings & Hardware – Lifetime
- Pads, Cables & Grips – Lifetime
That is one of the stronger aspects of purchasing this machine and important when you are making a significant home fitness investment.
Is the Body-Solid GFT100 Worth Buying?
If you are specifically looking for a premium functional trainer for your home, I think the GFT100 is a very strong option. What makes it stand out to me is not one gimmicky feature. It is the combination of:
dual independent stacks + adjustable swiveling pulleys + heavy construction + included attachments + expandable resistance + strong residential warranty.
That creates a machine with enough versatility to remain useful as your exercise selection and strength develop. It is not the right choice for everyone. If you want a very simple machine with predefined stations, I would look at a multigym instead, such as the Body-Solid G1B or the premium Body-Solid G3B.
But if you enjoy cable training and want a machine that gives you considerable freedom in how you train, I think the Body-Solid GFT100 is an excellent centerpiece for a serious home strength setup.
Shop the Body-Solid GFT100 Functional Trainer
The Body-Solid GFT100 Functional Trainer is available from Tenacity Fitness for $2,315, with free U.S. shipping (excluding Alaska and Hawaii.)
SHOP THE BODY-SOLID GFT100 FUNCTIONAL TRAINER
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight does the Body-Solid GFT100 have?
The standard GFT100 has two independent 160 lb weight stacks. They can optionally be upgraded to dual 210 lb or dual 310 lb stacks.
What is the resistance ratio?
The GFT100 uses a 1:2 weight-resistance ratio.
How big is the GFT100 At-Home Functional Trainer?
It measures 45″ long × 64″ wide × 83″ high.
How much does the GFT100 by Body-Solid weigh?
Approximately 633 lbs.
Does the GFT100 include attachments?
Yes. It includes aluminum stirrup handles, a triceps rope, chin & dip belt, double swivel bar and accessory rack.
Does it include a pull-up bar?
Yes. The GFT100 has an integrated chin-up bar.
Can you use a bench with the GFT100?
Yes. An optional bench or stability ball can be added for additional workout variety.
Is the Body Solid GFT100 Cable Machine suitable for home use?
Yes. It as suitable for home and garage gyms, as well as fitness facilities.