expired Posted by Seltzer • Aug 12, 2022
Aug 12, 2022 7:27 PM
Item 1 of 5
Item 1 of 5
expired Posted by Seltzer • Aug 12, 2022
Aug 12, 2022 7:27 PM
Costco Members: Inspire Fitness SF3 Smith Functional Trainer w/ Folding Bench
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$2,500
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I have the FTX, it's a great product, especially at sale prices. If I didn't already own that, I would be buying this.
Most of the differences are the size (this is wider and IMO better for some moves), the bench fully folds and collapses to hang out of the way, and it comes with a couple of different accessories.
Aside from that, and the most important differences, is that this has a bar for use as a Smith machine and doesn't require plates. The FTX comes with a curl bar for pulls but it doesn't really work for squats or press movements. This also means that since I'm a baby power lifter that doesn't go over 330 lbs I wouldn't need a separate rack and plates (at least another $600+) for bench and squat, saving me a lot of money and space.
This also has a way to do a "weight doubler" since pulleys aren't actually the full weight listed for what resistance you are moving. As per the manufacturer website, each stack is 165 lbs with a 2:1 ratio for 82.5 lbs per pulley {85 lbs max with 5 lbs Add-On Weights}. However, the "Weight Multiplier" "Doubles weight for heavy lifters, while using the smith bar" so the Smith actually has a functional 330 lbs rather than the 165 effective it would be otherwise.
The FTX doesn't have this and is confirmed on the FAQ website for that product [inspirefitness.com] "The FTX has a resistance ratio of 2:1 per pulley, which means the maximum weight you can lift per pulley is 82.5 lbs per pulley."
Hopefully that made sense without over-explaining.
I wanted to point out a few things to think about THIS trainer for anyone considering it.
Although I've never used this one, it appears the "Smith Machine" aspect is still flawed with these trainers. If you wanted to squat ATG (a$$ to grass), you have to set the bar at the lowest position and then stand up. Starting at the bottom of the squat isn't gonna kill you, but I've used mine with a similar setup and it absolutely sucks having to end your set at the bottom. You can't do a hard burn out set knowing you'll have to collapse at the end. I got stuck once. I could be wrong, but I don't see how you'd get around this.
If it is indeed wider than the FTX, I would 100% not go with this. Yes, the FTX is too close for dual cable flys, this one might allow it, but it's going to ruin cable bench presses which is one of the most amazing movements to do on this machine. I know the pictures show using a bar for various bench movements, but just like the squat, you'll have to start with the bar at the bottom of the bench. You will kill the range of motion because you won't be able to start with it low enough (it really needs to go through your chest to mimic the benefits of a real bench press) and it will kill your shoulders pressing from there. If you don't use the bar, the FTX is at a great width that allows for a cable press that isn't too wide and gives a crazy chest pump.
Someone mentioned these machines being too short, agree/disagree. I'm 6'0 and can't stand up and do tricep work… but I can on my knees or sitting on the bench it comes with.
Another comment was talking about benches, I just wanna confirm the FTX does come with an adjustable bench that hangs on the machine itself. It's lightweight and very low to the ground. That can be positive to help if you have back pain, a negative if you just don't like a low bench, but the biggest positive is it makes for an amazing bench to have sex on. I know this comment just took a turn, but the truth is that it's so low I can be sitting in it and my wife can ride my brains out. Adjust the angle of the bench that hits the right spot for her and we're both orgasming our faces off. Lol I'm not joking, it's worth it for that alone.
Anyways guys, I would say get the cheaper FTX Trainer from Costco unless I am way off on the dimensions and Smith Machine setup. ✌️
With this, you and a partner could literally bang out 10 reps each during a TV commercial because there are no plates to change. It makes everything so much quicker. Also, the machine has lots of creative options for use if you look online a little. Many online complaints come from not learning the machine functions or not reading instructions. If doing squats, go to the dollar store, buy a pool noodle, cut it shorter, and then slit it down the middle to wrap over the red bar.
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I still haven't unpacked my other workout equipment… but what if the price increases by the time I'm ready 😂
Either way, back to the original comment, functional trainers have their place in any true lifting program. People who say 'iron only is best' are stuck in the 1970s where they undoubtedly orgasmed their first time watching Arnold in Pumping Iron... aka boomers who never evolved with the times (yes, which implies there are plenty of older folks who have modern thinking).
Either way, back to the original comment, functional trainers have their place in any true lifting program. People who say 'iron only is best' are stuck in the 1970s where they undoubtedly orgasmed their first time watching Arnold in Pumping Iron... aka boomers who never evolved with the times (yes, which implies there are plenty of older folks who have modern thinking).
Look at 3:09-3:10 in the video you reference. Yes, those two seconds.
When he twists the bar there, he's actually engaging the weight, setting a lower end on his range of motion. This means that once he starts squatting, as soon as he gets that low again he's going to bottom out, cutting off full range of motion. He really is loading at the bottom of his squat.
Similarly on bench, he is not going to be able to set the bottom of his range of motion below the peak of his chest.
In both of these cases, the user also is taking on full load that the bottom of the movement, which is more injury-prone than loading at the top.
In contrast, a real Smith machine can let you load weight at the top of your movement, lower it, and rack it again at full extension.
I personally like functional trainers, but I would be hesitant to recommend the Smith machine aspect of this one for the very reason the previous poster pointed out.
I see that some people do leg press laying on the floor pushing the barbell up
Do you guys have any good recommendation for a substitute exercise for leg extension on this machine?
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I see that some people do leg press laying on the floor pushing the barbell up
Do you guys have any good recommendation for a substitute exercise for leg extension on this machine?
This is on a Free Motion Cable Machine, but I do this exact same exercise at home on the FTX Trainer: https://www.instagram.c
Cable Sissy Squats will leave you walking like a newborn baby colt. Hit me up if you have any questions.
Cable Sissy Squats will leave you walking like a newborn baby colt. Hit me up if you have any questions.
Now I have to buy it
Thanks for the tip by the way
I see that some people do leg press laying on the floor pushing the barbell up
Do you guys have any good recommendation for a substitute exercise for leg extension on this machine?
Edit: if you for whatever reason need more weight (most don't, not even actual bodybuilders) you can hit the smith machine with 25 or 45 lb plates
Look at 3:09-3:10 in the video you reference. Yes, those two seconds.
When he twists the bar there, he's actually engaging the weight, setting a lower end on his range of motion. This means that once he starts squatting, as soon as he gets that low again he's going to bottom out, cutting off full range of motion. He really is loading at the bottom of his squat.
Similarly on bench, he is not going to be able to set the bottom of his range of motion below the peak of his chest.
In both of these cases, the user also is taking on full load that the bottom of the movement, which is more injury-prone than loading at the top.
In contrast, a real Smith machine can let you load weight at the top of your movement, lower it, and rack it again at full extension.
I personally like functional trainers, but I would be hesitant to recommend the Smith machine aspect of this one for the very reason the previous poster pointed out.
Basically there is a moment starting out at the bottom with a pause rep, essentially a pin squat/Dead squat when the bar needs rotated to engage the weight. See the Video here: https://youtu.be/nKP4-Bl-FSA?t=180 (ignore the lack of ATG on a demo video).
What this means is there is a pause at the lowest point of the movement, however far that is for your goal on the reps, but then you engage the bar again and finish it at the top of the rep like a normal re-rack.
Either way, back to the original comment, functional trainers have their place in any true lifting program. People who say 'iron only is best' are stuck in the 1970s where they undoubtedly orgasmed their first time watching Arnold in Pumping Iron... aka boomers who never evolved with the times (yes, which implies there are plenty of older folks who have modern thinking).
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the "TOP" ? I see that it is 48 inches deep but that is the depth of the bottom of the machine.
What is the depth from the top when it is put against wall?I have room everywhere except the top as I have a beam going across the ceiling- which is why I am asking if anyone can please help with the measurement (depth) from the top
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