The Ultimate Australian Buyer's Guide to All-in-One Gyms and Functional Trainers

November 2, 2025

Alright, legends, let’s be honest. When you type "all-in-one gym" into Google, you’re looking for fitness nirvana—one machine that does everything so you can stop driving, stop waiting for the squat rack, and start training in your trackies.

But the search results can be confusing. Is it a massive contraption with seven stations? Is it a stack of elastic bands?

Here at Southern Cross Fitness (SXF), we’re slicing through the noise to show you why the modern All-in-One Trainer is the undisputed champion of home strength. It’s compact, it's comprehensive, and it’s the only equipment that makes sense for the serious Aussie home gym setup.

If you’re keen to see what the best-in-class, most versatile bits of kit look like, jump straight over to our full range of All in One Trainers.

What Does ‘All-in-One’ Actually Mean?

When top Aussie retailers talk about all-in-one gyms, they’re usually talking about one of these three different beasts.

1. The Heavyweight Champ: Functional Trainers

These are the machines that get us excited. Functional Trainers are the slick, new-era multi-use machines defined by dual, adjustable cable systems. Think of them as a giant, versatile tool kit. They let you train muscles in all directions, making them perfect for sports, stability, and looking like you actually know what you’re doing. If you want maximum training possibilities in a minimum footprint, the Functional Trainer is your future.

2. The Old School Hero: Multi-Station Gyms

The classic Multi-Station Gym (or multi-gym station) usually involves sitting down and pushing or pulling a fixed weight stack. They are safe, reliable, and great for isolating individual muscle groups. Think of the Cross X300. The only downside? They sometimes take up more space, and because the movement is fixed, they don't give you the core and stability benefits of a cable machine gym.

3. The Backpack Buddy: Portable Home Gyms

This category covers the Portable Home Gyms—the resistance bands, door anchors, and jump ropes. We love them for travel or a super tight budget, but let’s be real: you’re not going to hit a new squat PB with a stack of elastic bands. They're awesome accessories but not a true, long-term all-in-one gym.

Why the Functional Trainer is the Real G.O.A.T.

Ask any serious lifter or pro studio manager, and they’ll tell you that the versatility of the Functional Trainer is unmatched. They consistently rank highest because they give you freedom.

Stop Being Stuck in a Straight Line

Traditional multi-station gyms often lock you into a fixed path. But life (and sports) happen in 3D! With a Functional Trainer, you can adjust the cable height for thousands of exercises, from high cable rows to low bicep curls, and even mimicking a rotational medicine ball toss. These are genuine multi-use machines that adapt to your body and your sport, not the other way around.

Your Garage/Apartment Will Thank You

The biggest hurdle for home fitness? Space! All-in-One Trainers are designed to be vertical powerhouses. Many top-tier models (like the ARROW X-Treme 12.0) cram a squat rack, a Smith machine, and that amazing cable system into one tidy corner. If you’ve got a small space, choosing a Functional Trainer means you don't have to sacrifice a killer workout—you just get smarter with your gear!

Ready to Buy? Don't Mess Up the Details!

So, you’ve decided the All-in-One Trainer is the way to go (smart choice!). Here’s what you need to check before you drop your hard-earned cash:

1. Don't Cheap Out on the Cables

A trainer is only as good as its smoothest movement. Look for systems with high-quality pulleys and cables that glide like butter. If the cable feels sticky, jerky, or cheap, it won't last long, and more importantly, it will feel terrible to use. Remember, this is a long-term investment in your physical self—treat yourself!

2. Check the Accessories Checklist

You want maximum bang for your buck. A good All-in-One Trainer should come bundled with all the goodies:

Safety Gear: Spotter arms and J-Hooks for safe lifting in the squat rack.
Handle Variety: D-handles, tricep ropes, ankle straps—the works!
Bench Buddy: Make sure you get an adjustable bench that fits perfectly inside the squat/smith rack area.

Time to End the Gym Commute!

The research is clear: to get the best results, you need the most versatile equipment. The Functional Trainer delivers commercial-grade results in a space designed for your home. It’s time to move past the old-school multi-station gym setup and step into the future of fitness.

Ready to make your home the ultimate training headquarters?

Grab your definitive All-in-One Trainer from Southern Cross Fitness today! Shop the complete range here.