EXM2500
This is this 2nd home gym I have purchased but the first through fitness factory. You are always hesitant to make a significant purchase on something that you can’t “touch” yourself to determine the level of quality. After moving to the south, I decided not to disassemble my previous home gym, bringing it with me and simply joined a gym. However, gym memberships are expensive if you don’t get full use of it (i.e. travel a lot), leading me to buy a new home gym. I read all the reviews posted to get a feel for the company and their products. You are always hesitant to believe reviews not knowing if they are from legitimate customers or just made up. I found the reviews to be quite genuine and extremely helpful. I was fully aware ahead of my purchase that the instructions in the box were EXTREMELY vague and pictures only. One review advised to complete an internet search for the full version. I was able to find this online detailed Body Solid EXM2500 installation packet (https://www.joong.com.tw/uploadfiles/1325/Body-Solid-product-manual/Home-Gym/15_exm2500s_asm.pdf) and it broke down the installation process easily. Feeling a bit more comfortable, I called the showroom and spoke with Matt who I found to be extremely professional/knowledgeable on the phone when I was initially inquiring about the unit ultimately leading me to making the purchase. I also purchased additional cable bar attachments and three ¾” 4’x6’ floor mats. I only ran into a couple of issues but was able to call the showroom, quickly identifying the issue, resulting in a supplement shipment being sent out immediately. I must be very clear, I am absolutely ecstatic with the EXM2500 and what it allows me to do from home (already had a bench and full set of dumbbells). It took a couple of days to put together by myself. I built the framing with everything that could be done while waiting for the correct size mats to arrive three days later (to then be able to maneuver the framing onto the mats into place in my garage without the plates installed). Now there are no more drives to the gym burning up valuable time and no more unnecessary gym dues. It definitely was very frustrating that all the bolts, nuts, washers, etc were loosely packaged and not in an organized way with them being labeled for instant usage. I recommend spreading out a tarp and grouping the pieces together to ensure you have everything as well as to ensure to identify the correct bolts, etc for the correct step (various sizes). Without detailed written step-by-step instructions supplied with the purchase, I missed one KEY step in that the lat pull down cable MUST BE routed over a pivot shaft (that houses the bolt to attach the seated press arms). The pivot shaft is housed inside of the “Top Frame – part G” and is not visible without looking inside of it. If you route the cable under the pivot shaft it will lead to the protective black casing of the cable to rub against metal on the bottom side of the pivot shaft, exposing the cable, causing considerable friction. In my haste to get all of the cables routed after waiting the extra days for the 2nd delivery, I didn’t see the general “note” on pg41 of the online instructions talking about routing over the pivot shaft (no warning note on the generic instructions shipped in the box of gym parts). I also missed this point mentioned by another customer named David, you left his review talking about this cable routing issue. That being said, after noticing my lat pull down cable shredding (not knowing what was causing it to happen), I called the showroom and was put in contact with Kevin. Kevin asked a couple of questions and was able to immediately explain to me what was the problem (and unfortunately not an uncommon installation mistake). Kevin shipped out a replacement cable at no cost. Again, I am absolutely ecstatic about this purchase and very pleased with the quick resolution to a couple of issues that were identified afterwards. I am glad to have made this purchase and will be using it almost daily. Highly recommended!
