by James - This article may contain affiliate links.
The Marcy MWM 990 home gym is an excellent price/value machine recommended for beginner and intermediate level trainees. Considering its price and number of exercises, it is powerful equipment to buy. The 150 lb max resistance is quite enough, though, it is not for everyone.
Thanks to the many inbuilt functions, you can have a total body workout at home. Also, it has a not so large footprint, so it is suitable for a smaller space. Finally, it has a robust structure made from quality materials, so you do not have to worry about breakage or wobbling.
But, the Marcy 990 weight stack machine is not for tall people who are over 6 feet. The overhead lat station provides a short range of motion for them, and the same is true for the chest press. Finally, the assembly is pretty hard.
PROS
- Good price/value ratio, gym quality training
- Over 30 strength training exercises = full body workout
- Easy weight stack change with safety lock
- Compact design
- High and low pulleys
- Heavy-duty steel frame construction, excellent stability
- Preacher curl bicep pad,
- Press arm for pec fly exercises.
- Leg developer (leg extensions, leg curls)
- Enough resistance for beginners / intermediate level trainees
CONS
- Complicated assembly
- Not suitable for men over 6 feet.
- 150 lb is not enough for stronger guys.
- The warranty (2 years) could be longer
Customer Reviews / Price
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimensions: L. 68″ x W. 36″ x H. 79″
Read on for the detailed review.
Tip: You can check out more weight stack Marcy home gyms here.
Best Features of the Marcy MWM 990 Home Gym
1. Over 30 types of weight exercises = full body training at home
Even if it is a compact home gym system, it is packed with all the necessary features to have a full body workout.
The pulley system is versatile to section. We can use it for performing lat pulldowns with various grip positions to target different parts of the back. It can also be used for triceps exercises such as triceps extension. And finally, for shaping your abs since you can do practices like cable crunches.
The dual function leg developer section with oversized foam roller pads is a beneficial part of the machine. Other multifunctional home gyms at this price do not come with this function. The leg extension is a useful exercise to strengthen your quadriceps while the leg curl works your hamstrings and glutes.
The dual action press arms is a useful feature that helps you target your chest muscle groups with vertical butterfly (pec fly) and chest press.
Finally, the additional adjustable preacher curl pad is a useful part to focus on biceps with barbell or dumbbell exercises.
To sum up, you can have a complex Marcy MWM 990 workout routine. It is particularly useful for upper body workouts (back, arms, shoulders, and chest.)
Marcy MWM 990 exercise chart
2. Acceptable resistance & easy changing
150 lb maximum weight stack capacity is enough for a beginner or intermediate fitness level person. Or, for someone who wants to do Marcy home gym exercises with high repetitions. That amount will provide a load for a long term to develop. Of course, advanced level trainees will not find that amount enough. They need to buy an all in one home gym equipment with a higher weight capacity.
Since we are talking about a selectorized weight stack machine changing the weight you want to use is a piece of cake. You just place the selector pin to the chosen resistance level, and you are ready to go. This way your workout will be more continuous since you do have to mount and unload weight plates. The weight stack lock is added for safety.
3. Good for smaller spaces
Typically, a weight stack home gym machine is large taking up a lot of space, but this Marcy gym is not that big. The footprint is L. 68″ x W. 36″. So, it is not too wide nor too long. But do not forget that you need a few feet around the machine to use it comfortably.
Problems
1. Not easy to put together
Even if it comes with a manual, the Marcy 990 assembly is not easy since the instructions are not clean. Plus, you will need tools like wrenches that are not included in the pack. For most of the customers, it took hours to assemble.
There is a good point for Marcy, though. That is there are no missing parts such as bolts or washers.
2. Not suitable for taller people
Since this Marcy 150lb stack home gym is a compact machine, users over 6 feet cannot use it comfortably and effectively.
Firstly, the overhead lat pulldown is too low for them. This way they cannot enjoy the full range of motion which is required for strength and muscle development.
The dual press arms are also too narrow. Hence, it is uncomfortable to use and does not allow guys with longer arms to get the maximum range of motion. This way they cannot stretch their chest and squeeze it (vertical butterfly exercises).
So, if you are tall, I do not recommend getting this product.
3. Are you pro? 150 lb will not be enough
For an average trainee, 150 lb selectorized weight is quite enough, but if you are someone who is already very strong, that amount of load will not be enough for you to lift heavy. Get Marcy MWM 990 only if you want to perform the exercises with high reps. The Marcy Weight Bench Cage Home Gym is a better option if you want to get better results from weight training.
FAQ
What are the stack weights made of?
Rubber coated composite metal. This way they do not cling providing almost soundless resistance training.
Can I do rowing exercises with the Marcy 990 home gym?
No! There is not such a low pulleys for this gym system. But, with the help of an ankle strap, you can do lower body exercises.
Can this Marcy stack home gym be upgraded?
No. You cannot add extra weight stacks to Marcy MWM 990, and no other additional accessories are available. Although, the pulleys may stand a few additional pounds.
Marcy MWM 990 vs 988?
Nothing in functions. 988 looks better because of the colors. All the other stuff like the cables, frame and weight stack are the same.
Conclusion / Is it for you?
Well, if you are someone with a normal height and fitness level who needs a reliable and versatile weight stack multi gym at an affordable price, Marcy MWM 990 home gym is a good buy for you. You will hardly find similar equipment at such a price.
Last update on 2022-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’m running, but I want to have a little strength training at home. Is MWM 990 suitable for that? I don’t want to build big muscles just to be a bit stronger.
Yes, for that purpose this machine is absolutely OK. You can strengthen all parts of your body with it.
My wife had Bariatric surgery and wants to start working out as well will this system also help her exercise and help loose some weight as well?
This machine is for strength training. To burn fat, it’s better to start with light cardio such as walking. On the other hand, more muscle mass leads to a faster metabolism and with that weight loss.