Echelon Strength Home Smart Gym – WiFi-Enabled 24-Inch HD Touchscreen, 5–110 LB Digital Resistance Per Arm, Foldable Mirror Design, Smart Bar & Accessories, Full-Body Home Workout Machine

Why it's worth it

The Echelon Strength folds into a full-length mirror and stands on its own, so nothing gets bolted to studs. Each arm delivers 5 to 110 pounds of digital resistance, and a smart bar, grips and straps come in the box for squats, rows and presses.

If you rent, this is the obvious pick. There's no wall mount, no drilling and no landlord conversation — you roll it into place, plug it in, and fold it flat against the mirror when you're done. That single difference is why it's here rather than a second machine that needs studs and a professional installer.

The resistance modes are the interesting part. Beyond normal cable weight you get concentric, eccentric, elastic-band and isokinetic modes, which change how the load behaves through a rep. Eccentric-heavy work is how a lot of physical therapy gets programmed, and elastic mode mimics band training without a drawer full of bands. It's more range than most people will ever use, but it's there when a program calls for it.

From our review of 6 smart home gym systems, by Sebastian Finch, Health & Fitness Editor

What we like

• +If you rent, this is the obvious pick
• +The resistance modes are the interesting part
• +Per arm you get 5 to 110 pounds, so 220 across both cables in a two-handed movement
• +The 24-inch touchscreen runs instructor-led strength, HIIT, cardio, yoga and recovery classes, and you can build custom workouts

What to know

• –It's big. Folded, it still stands over six feet tall and eats a wide stretch of wall, and at nearly 290 pounds you won't be…
• –Storage for the attachments is a genuine annoyance