G25 Multi Functional Trainer Review: The Best All-in-One Home Gym Australia?
How to Build a Commercial-Grade
Home Gym in Australia
The complete G25 Functional Trainer guide — specs, workouts, installation and expert advice
The Australian fitness landscape has changed permanently. Waiting 20 minutes for a squat rack at a commercial gym is becoming a thing of the past — replaced by high-performance home gyms in garages across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond. But Australian homes face a real constraint: space. You rarely have 50 square metres for five separate machines. The answer is a multi functional trainer — one unit that combines a Smith machine, power rack and dual cable system into a single commercial-grade station. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose, install and train on one.
- 1. What Is a Multi Functional Trainer?
- 2. G25 Deep Dive — Full Specifications
- 3. G25 vs XC10 vs G6S — Which Is Right for You?
- 4. The Space & Cost Economics
- 5. Complete Workout Programming (Push / Pull / Legs)
- 6. Exercise Encyclopedia — 14 Detailed Movements
- 7. Attachments & Accessories Guide
- 8. Nutrition for the Home Gym Athlete
- 9. Installation & Maintenance in Australia
1. What Is a Multi Functional Trainer?
A multi functional trainer (also called an all-in-one trainer or functional trainer Smith machine combo) is a hybrid piece of strength equipment that combines three to five traditional gym stations into a single compact footprint. Unlike a standalone cable crossover that only handles pulley exercises, or a power rack that only handles barbell work, the multi functional trainer integrates them all.
Our flagship models at 24/7 Gym Equipment combine three distinct mechanical systems in one unit:
The Power Rack — heavy-duty steel cage with adjustable J-hooks and spotter arms for barbell squats, bench press, overhead press and rack pulls
The Functional Trainer (Cable System) — dual adjustable pin-loaded pulley stacks for cable isolation, rotational work and unilateral training at any height
The Smith Machine — guided barbell on linear bearing rails for safe, self-spotted pressing, squatting and accessory movements
Purchasing a standalone power rack, cable crossover and Smith machine separately costs approximately $7,000–$9,000 and requires around 15 square metres of floor space. A multi functional trainer delivers all three in a 3.5m × 3.5m footprint — enough to park a car in the same garage overnight.
The G25 Multi Functional Trainer — Australia's Best Seller
Dual 90kg weight stacks · Linear bearing Smith machine · Commercial power rack · Lifetime frame warranty
View G25 Specs & Pricing2. G25 Deep Dive — Full Specifications
Why is the G25 considered the "endgame" home gym machine by serious Australian lifters? Because once it is installed, you genuinely do not need to buy another piece of strength equipment. Here is a detailed breakdown of what makes it different from cheaper alternatives.
Frame Construction: 75×75×3mm Commercial Steel
The most important spec most buyers overlook is wall thickness. Budget machines use 1.5–2mm thin-wall steel that flexes under heavy loads. The G25 uses 75×75×3mm commercial-grade steel uprights with concealed welds — the same specification used in standalone commercial gym machines, not an approximation of it. Laser-cut height numbering provides precise positioning across 34 cable height settings.
Dual 90kg Pin-Loaded Weight Stacks
The G25 features dual 90kg pin-loaded stacks — 180kg total cable resistance. Pin-loaded design means you change resistance in seconds by moving a pin, not by manually loading iron plates. This is critical for drop sets, supersets and circuit training where fast transitions matter. The 2:1 cable ratio means the effective resistance at the handle is half the set stack weight — the standard ratio on commercial functional trainers for smooth, controlled movement throughout each exercise.
The Smith Machine: Linear Bearings on Hard-Chromed Guide Rods
The G25's Smith machine runs on hard-chromed guide rods with linear bearings — the same system used in commercial gym Smith machines. The bar travels smoothly throughout its full range without the stiffness or friction of cheaper bushing systems. The chrome-plated 20kg bar features knurling and safety locks that engage at any point in the movement for solo training without a spotter.
The "Hidden" Fourth Station: Vertical Leg Press
A unique capability of the G25 is its vertical leg press function. A large checker-plate platform attaches to the Smith machine bar. By lying on a flat bench and pressing vertically against the loaded bar, you replicate a commercial leg press without the floor space. This eliminates the need for a separate leg press machine — a saving of approximately $1,500–$2,500 and 2–3 square metres.
G25 in action — smooth cable motion, heavy-duty frame and full station overview
3. G25 vs XC10 vs G6S — Which Is Right for You?
We stock three all-in-one functional trainer Smith machines because different athletes and budgets have different requirements. Here is how to choose:
| Feature | G6S — Compact Choice | G25 — Best Seller | XC10 — Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Tight budgets, smaller spaces | Serious lifters & PT studios | Advanced athletes, commercial use |
| Cable Stacks | Dual pin-loaded (smaller) | Dual 90kg pin-loaded | Dual 90kg heavy stacks |
| Smith System | Standard (bushing) | Linear bearing — smooth | Counterbalanced linear bearing |
| Frame Steel | Commercial grade | 75×75×3mm concealed welds | 75×75×3mm commercial |
| Cable Ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 | 2:1 |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty | Lifetime frame warranty | Lifetime frame warranty |
| Price Point | Entry level | Mid-range | High end |
Want the Absolute Best? The XC10
Counterbalanced Smith machine · Dual 90kg stacks · Complete attachment set included · Commercial facility grade
Explore the XC104. The Space & Cost Economics
In Sydney and Melbourne, floor space is expensive. Here is what it costs to replicate the G25's functionality with separate machines — and what it actually takes up:
| Setup | Approximate Cost | Floor Space Required |
|---|---|---|
| Power Rack | $1,500–$2,500 | ~4m² |
| Standalone Cable Crossover | $3,000–$5,000 | ~6m² |
| Leg Press Machine | $1,500–$2,500 | ~4m² |
| Total (3 separate machines) | $6,000–$10,000+ | ~14–18m² |
| G25 All-in-One | Single investment | 3.5m × 3.5m (12.25m²) |
The G25 effectively consolidates three separate purchases into one station that fits in a standard single-car garage bay, allowing you to park your car at night and train in the morning using the same space.
5. Complete Workout Programming (Push / Pull / Legs)
A machine is only as good as the training you do on it. Here is a complete hypertrophy programme written specifically for the G25 — covering all three stations across a three-session training week.
Session A: Push — Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
1. Flat Barbell Bench Press (Power Rack)
The primary heavy compound for chest — done safely inside the G25 rack using J-hooks and spotter arms as your fail-safe.
4 Sets × 6–8 Reps. Lower the bar slowly to mid-chest, pause 1 second, drive up without locking elbows.
2. Incline Smith Machine Press
Upper chest isolation using the guided Smith bar — the linear bearings on the G25 make this movement noticeably smoother than standard bushing machines.
3 Sets × 10–12 Reps. Control the descent, press explosively.
3. Cable Fly — Functional Trainer (Upper Chest)
Cables maintain constant tension throughout the fly movement that dumbbells cannot replicate — superior for muscle fibre recruitment and pump.
3 Sets × 15 Reps. Slight forward lean, elbows slightly bent throughout. Squeeze hard at the point where hands meet.
You'll Need a Bench — Don't Skip This
A commercial-grade FID bench (Flat/Incline/Decline) is essential to unlock the full G25 exercise library. Our 400kg-rated adjustable bench has 12 backrest positions.
Shop Adjustable BenchesSession B: Pull — Back, Rear Delts, Biceps
4. Rack Pulls or Conventional Deadlift
Total back thickness builder. Set spotter arms low, load the Olympic bar, pull from just below the knee for maximum loading with reduced spinal risk.
4 Sets × 5 Reps. Drive hips forward aggressively to lockout. Reset completely between reps.
5. Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown (Cable)
The primary exercise for building back width (the V-taper). Dual cables bridged with the included wide-grip lat bar.
3 Sets × 10–12 Reps. Drive elbows toward back pockets. Do not lean back beyond 15°.
6. Seated Cable Row (V-Grip)
Mid-back thickness and posture strength — the counterpart to all your pressing movements.
3 Sets × 12 Reps. Pull handle to stomach. Squeeze shoulder blades together. Release slowly — the negative matters.
Session C: Legs — Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes
7. Barbell Back Squat (Power Rack)
The king of compound movements, done safely inside the G25 rack with spotter arms as your backup at every weight.
4 Sets × 6–8 Reps. Break at hips and knees simultaneously. Drive knees out. Stand tall at the top.
8. Vertical Leg Press (Smith Machine Attachment)
The G25's signature movement — a full vertical leg press using the Smith bar and checker-plate platform. Targets quads without spinal compression.
3 Sets × 12–15 Reps. Feet high on plate = glutes/hams. Feet low = quads. Press through the whole foot.
💡 Pro tip: This is why the G25 eliminates the need for a separate leg press machine.Want a Dedicated Leg Day Machine?
If you have extra space, nothing beats the S901 Combo — 45° Leg Press, Hack Squat, Forward Squat and Calf Raise in one machine. 500kg rated.
View S901 Leg Press / Hack Squat6. Exercise Encyclopedia — 14 Detailed Movements
Most people buy a functional trainer and use it for five exercises. The G25 is capable of over 300 variations. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most effective movements, sorted by muscle group — each one written to give you everything you need to execute it correctly from day one.
CHEST
Cable Crossover — High to Low
The ultimate lower chest and sternum definition exercise. Cables maintain constant tension at the point of peak contraction — something dumbbells and machine flies cannot do.
Pull handles down and across until they meet in front of your hips. Squeeze hard for 1 second. Slow return to full stretch at the top.
Single-Arm Cable Chest Press (Unilateral)
Fixes strength imbalances between left and right side — a common problem in bilateral pressing that dumbbells and barbells can mask.
Press forward in a punch pattern. Use your core to prevent torso rotation. The obliques engage heavily as a stabiliser — this doubles as core work.
BACK
Straight-Arm Pulldown
Isolates the lats by removing the biceps from the equation entirely — excellent for building the mind-muscle connection before heavy compound work.
Arms locked straight. Push the bar down to your thighs in a sweeping arc. You should feel a deep stretch in your armpits (lats) at the top of each rep.
T-Bar Row (Landmine Attachment)
An old-school mass builder for the mid and upper back. The landmine's arc path is more joint-friendly than straight barbell rows for most athletes.
Pull bar to lower chest. Drive elbows back and up. Flat back throughout — no rounding at the lumbar spine.
LEGS
Cable Glute Kickbacks
The most effective cable isolation exercise for the glutes — constant tension throughout the full range of motion, unlike hip extensions on plate-loaded machines.
Drive the strapped leg back and up in a controlled arc. Squeeze the glute hard at the peak — hold 1 second. Lower slowly. Keep the lower back neutral throughout.
Smith Machine Bulgarian Split Squat
The best unilateral leg builder available — the Smith bar provides balance that allows heavier loading than dumbbells for this notoriously difficult movement.
Lower the back knee toward the floor. Drive up through the front heel. Keep the torso upright. The Smith machine handles lateral balance so you can focus purely on leg drive.
Cable Pull-Throughs
The best posterior chain exercise for athletes who cannot deadlift heavy due to lower back sensitivity — loads the hamstrings and glutes through a hip hinge without spinal compression.
Hinge at the hips until you feel a deep hamstring stretch. Snap the hips forward explosively to stand tall. The movement is driven by hip extension — not a squat.
SHOULDERS
Cable Face Pull
The single most important exercise for long-term shoulder health, posture correction and rear delt development. Every serious lifter should include this in every training week.
Pull the centre of the rope toward your nose, simultaneously pulling your hands apart as they reach your face. Squeeze the rear delts hard. This corrects the internal rotation caused by heavy pressing.
Cable Lateral Raise
Superior to dumbbell lateral raises because the cable maintains constant tension throughout the full range — dumbbells have zero resistance at the bottom of the movement.
Raise your arm out to the side until parallel with the floor. Slow, controlled descent — do not let the stack slam down between reps. The stretch at the bottom matters.
ARMS
Cable Bicep Curl (Straight Bar or EZ Attachment)
Constant cable tension throughout the full curl range — superior peak contraction compared to barbell or dumbbell curls where tension drops at the top of the movement.
Curl from full extension to full contraction. Squeeze hard at the top. Slow on the way down — the eccentric phase drives hypertrophy.
Rope Tricep Pressdown + Split
The most effective tricep isolation exercise — the rope allows you to split the handles at the bottom for maximum contraction that a straight bar cannot achieve.
Press the rope down until elbows are fully extended, then split the hands outward at the very bottom. Squeeze triceps hard. Keep elbows locked at your sides throughout.
7. Attachments & Accessories Guide
When you unbox a 24/7 Gym Equipment functional trainer, you are getting a toolkit — not just a frame. Understanding your included attachments and available upgrades is the key to unlocking the machine's full 300+ exercise capability.
Tricep Rope
Best for: Tricep pressdowns · Face pulls · Hammer curls · Overhead extensionsThe rope's neutral grip is easier on the wrists than a straight bar, and the split at the bottom of every pressdown creates a greater contraction range than any fixed-handle attachment. One of the most-used attachments in the full set.
Landmine / Torso Trainer
Best for: T-bar rows · Landmine press · Russian twists · Single-arm rowsThe landmine sleeve inserts into the base of the G25 and accepts an Olympic barbell. The resulting arc path of movement is excellent for rotational power — specifically useful for golf, tennis and combat sports athletes. It bridges free weight and machine training in one attachment.
Dip Handles (Y-Dip)
Best for: Chest dips · Tricep dips · Bodyweight progressionsTwo handles that slot into the safety holes on the power rack uprights. Bodyweight dips are one of the most effective compound movements for chest and tricep development. The adjustable width and height means they can be configured for your specific body mechanics — something fixed dip stations cannot offer.
Spotter Arms (Safety Catchers)
Best for: Squat safety · Bench press solo training · Rack pullsThese are your life insurance. Rated to 250kg+ on the G25, they catch the bar if you fail a lift — allowing confident solo training at weights you might otherwise not attempt without a spotter present. Rule: always set them 5cm below the bottom of your range of motion on every exercise.
Ankle Strap
Best for: Cable glute kickbacks · Hip abduction · Leg curl variationsPadded strap that wraps around the ankle for lower body cable work. The ankle strap is the primary attachment for all glute, hamstring and hip isolation work on the cable system. Included with the G25.
8. Nutrition for the Home Gym Athlete
You can have the best G25 setup in Sydney, but if you are not fuelling your body appropriately, training results will plateau. The home gym has one advantage here that commercial gym members do not: your kitchen is steps away, making perfect timing of nutrition genuinely achievable.
Fast-digesting carbohydrates — banana, toast with honey, or a small bowl of oats. Caffeine (long black or pre-workout) increases focus and delays fatigue. Keep the meal small enough not to feel heavy during heavy lifts.
Australian garage gyms get warm — electrolyte replacement matters more than most training guides acknowledge. Sip electrolytes or BCAAs during long sessions, particularly through summer, to prevent premature fatigue and maintain strength output.
20–30g of protein to begin muscle protein synthesis. Whey protein isolate (WPI) absorbs fastest. Pair with a carbohydrate source to replenish glycogen stores — rice, fruit or a potato. The "anabolic window" is wider than old research suggested, but getting protein in promptly remains best practice.
9. Installation & Maintenance in Australia
The "Will It Fit?" Checklist
Ceiling height — Most Australian residential ceilings are 2400mm. The G25 stands at 2200mm. Allow additional clearance for pull-up movement and overhead exercises. If ceiling fans or light fittings are present, measure carefully.
Floor space — Minimum recommended training area: 3.5m × 3.5m. This allows comfortable cable movement range and barbell loading on both sides.
Floor load — Once fully loaded with plates, the G25 system can reach 600kg+ total weight. Ground floor concrete slabs are the preferred surface. Consult a structural engineer before placing on a second-floor timber sub-floor.
Access — The G25 ships in a crate. Measure your garage door or access point before delivery. Confirm delivery vehicle access with your freight contact for narrow driveways.
Protect Your Floor
Do not install directly onto bare concrete. Concrete chips weights, provides no grip and transmits impact noise. We recommend 15mm high-density rubber gym tiles — they protect your floor, provide a non-slip surface under the machine, and reduce impact noise during Olympic lifting and barbell drops.
Essential Add-On: Commercial Rubber Gym Flooring
15mm high-density rubber tiles — 1m × 1m per tile. Protects concrete, reduces noise and provides a professional finish for your gym space.
Shop Rubber Gym FlooringMonthly Maintenance for Australian Conditions
Australia's coastal and humid environments are harder on steel than most gym guides acknowledge. The G25's guide rods and Smith bar rails should be wiped down with a silicone spray once per month to maintain smooth travel and prevent surface oxidation. Wipe cable pulleys and attachment connection points with a dry cloth after every session. Basic maintenance extends the machine's performance lifespan significantly.
Sydney Metro Installation Service
If you are in the Sydney Metro area, 24/7 Gym Equipment offers professional installation. Our team assembles, levels and safety-checks the machine — so you can start lifting the same day. Contact us after ordering to book your installation slot.
Ready to Build Your Dream Home Gym?
The G25 is more than a machine — it is the foundation of a training environment you will use for years. Visit our Sydney showroom or order online for fast Australia-wide delivery.
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