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Seltzer 55.8K Views
Aug 12, 2022 7:27 PM

Costco Members: Inspire Fitness SF3 Smith Functional Trainer w/ Folding Bench

$2,000

$2,500

20% off
+ Free Shippingat Costco Wholesale
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Deal Details
Costco Wholesale has for it's Members: Inspire Fitness SF3 Smith Functional Trainer with Folding Bench on sale for $1999.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member Seltzer for sharing this deal.

Features:
  • 1 Year Inspire Fitness App Subscription Included
  • Includes Folding Adjustable Bench
  • D Handles, Dual Hook Curl Bar, Tricep Rope, Ankle Strap, Chin/Dip Belt
  • Dual Weight Stacks: (15) 10 lb. Plates & (1) 15 lb. Top Plate
  • Plate-Free Smith Bar

Editor's Notes

Written by qwikwit | Staff
  • About this product:
    • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Costco Members.
    • Ground Floor Delivery Only* (installation NOT included)
  • About this deal:
    • This deal price is $500 lower (20% savings) than the list price of $2499.99.
  • About this store:
    • If you don't have a Costco Warehouse Membership, you can sign-up here
    • Costco return policy details are here.

Original Post

Written by Seltzer
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Costco Wholesale has for it's Members: Inspire Fitness SF3 Smith Functional Trainer with Folding Bench on sale for $1999.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member Seltzer for sharing this deal.

Features:
  • 1 Year Inspire Fitness App Subscription Included
  • Includes Folding Adjustable Bench
  • D Handles, Dual Hook Curl Bar, Tricep Rope, Ankle Strap, Chin/Dip Belt
  • Dual Weight Stacks: (15) 10 lb. Plates & (1) 15 lb. Top Plate
  • Plate-Free Smith Bar

Editor's Notes

Written by qwikwit | Staff
  • About this product:
    • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Costco Members.
    • Ground Floor Delivery Only* (installation NOT included)
  • About this deal:
    • This deal price is $500 lower (20% savings) than the list price of $2499.99.
  • About this store:
    • If you don't have a Costco Warehouse Membership, you can sign-up here
    • Costco return policy details are here.

Original Post

Written by Seltzer

Community Voting

Deal Score
+44
Good Deal

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Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!

76 Comments

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Aug 16, 2022 12:56 AM
3 Comments
Joined Feb 2020
VinzcuteAug 16, 2022 12:56 AM
3 Comments
I bought the ftx last year, is there anyway i can return it to costco and buy this instead? Planning to do it. Instead of me buying barbel.
2
Aug 16, 2022 1:18 AM
5.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2010
BuddyLove99Aug 16, 2022 1:18 AM
5.4K Comments
I need this!

I still haven't unpacked my other workout equipment… but what if the price increases by the time I'm ready 😂
1
Aug 16, 2022 1:56 AM
1.6K Comments
Joined Aug 2021
JumpingJack502Aug 16, 2022 1:56 AM
1.6K Comments
Quote from dekonick View quoted comment :
A functional trainer absolutely has a place in a workout regime. I happen to have a cage, a dedicated flat bench, an incline/decline dedicated bench, 3 7' olympic bars, 2 adjustable benches, an incline bench, a complete set of dumbbells from 2 to 105 lbs as well as an adjustable set to 80lbs - now THAT is garbage, a heavy bag, treadmill, elliptical, rollers (bike), and I bought the FTX from Costco a few months ago. I have been buying all of the equipment bit by bit over the last decade - essentially a complete gym unless crossfit is your deal. Guess what - The FTX is fantastic for functional motions! Imagine that! I would love to have a rack with more weight, the only downfall besides the low height. Other than that, I use it far more often for many exercises I used to do with a cable and free weights. My sons use it, it sits in a corner of the gym. The rest of the equipment takes up a TON of space - pretty much my basement (built the house knowing it was going to have this gym...) around the gym concept including a bathroom w/ shower and a washer + dryer. If I had to give up everything and keep one item, I would keep the FTX. A functional trainer will continue with you as you age - believe me no one escapes. Your knees and shoulders will eventually tell you to stop benching over 300 - my shoulder no longer likes over 210. Thats what happens. FTX for the win - unless you are in your 20's. Then go big iron, but include kettle bells... This is a good deal for this trainer. I am honestly debating getting it to have a second one to sit to the side for real cable crossover ability. 2 functional trainers work great in tandem.
I mostly agree other than that age doesn't have to be a huge limiting factor. I'm turning 37 next month and just totaled 1320 earlier this year (480 squat, 310 bench, 530 DL) at 178 lbs. I truly believe that those numbers are still attainable to those in their 40s and arguably their 50s.

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).
1
Aug 16, 2022 1:31 PM
4.4K Comments
Joined Aug 2011
fritzoAug 16, 2022 1:31 PM
4.4K Comments
Wish I had room for one of these Frown Saw one in person last month and it's HUGE.
Aug 16, 2022 1:34 PM
4.4K Comments
Joined Aug 2011
fritzoAug 16, 2022 1:34 PM
4.4K Comments
Quote from WiseSeagull238 View quoted comment :
I mostly agree other than that age doesn't have to be a huge limiting factor. I'm turning 37 next month and just totaled 1320 earlier this year (480 squat, 310 bench, 530 DL) at 178 lbs. I truly believe that those numbers are still attainable to those in their 40s and arguably their 50s.

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).
I just started weight lifting at 47. I'm 51 now and benching over 200lbs and have nice definition...all done by machines. Plan on getting to 225-240 by the end of the year.
Aug 16, 2022 2:37 PM
141 Comments
Joined Sep 2019
LimewaterAug 16, 2022 2:37 PM
141 Comments
Quote from Train View quoted comment :
Actually this isn't true. It really does operate like a traditional Smith machine. If you look at the embedded video on the Costco website, you can see during the bench press demo that you just rotate the bar to lock it at the top or bottom of the movement, which would allow you to start a squat from standing and go ATG.
This is not actually true. The original poster is correct, though possibly a little confusing.
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.
Aug 16, 2022 7:02 PM
4 Comments
Joined Mar 2022
BrightGoat1014Aug 16, 2022 7:02 PM
4 Comments
I think the only exercise that I feel that I would be missing out on this machine is Leg Extension
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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Aug 16, 2022 8:09 PM
1.8K Comments
Joined Feb 2013
iamandrewzAug 16, 2022 8:09 PM
1.8K Comments
Quote from BrightGoat1014 View quoted comment :
I think the only exercise that I feel that I would be missing out on this machine is Leg Extension
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.com/reel/Ce..._copy_link

Cable Sissy Squats will leave you walking like a newborn baby colt. Hit me up if you have any questions.
Aug 16, 2022 9:05 PM
1.6K Comments
Joined Aug 2021
JumpingJack502Aug 16, 2022 9:05 PM
1.6K Comments
Quote from fritzo View quoted comment :
I just started weight lifting at 47. I'm 51 now and benching over 200lbs and have nice definition...all done by machines. Plan on getting to 225-240 by the end of the year.
Yes!!! Good on you!! Love this so much. Keep on keepin on my friend.
Aug 16, 2022 9:06 PM
4 Comments
Joined Mar 2022
BrightGoat1014Aug 16, 2022 9:06 PM
4 Comments
Quote from iamandrewz View quoted comment :
This is on a Free Motion Cable Machine, but I do this exact same exercise at home on the FTX Trainer: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ce..._copy_link

Cable Sissy Squats will leave you walking like a newborn baby colt. Hit me up if you have any questions.
Darn, that was my excuse for not buying it
Now I have to buy it LMAO

Thanks for the tip by the way
Aug 16, 2022 9:08 PM
1.6K Comments
Joined Aug 2021
JumpingJack502Aug 16, 2022 9:08 PM
1.6K Comments
Quote from BrightGoat1014 View quoted comment :
I think the only exercise that I feel that I would be missing out on this machine is Leg Extension
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?
Try "sissy squats". Sounds .. sissy, but it is nothing of the sort. If you want to target and really work your quads, you can do this with nothing but bodyweight and a 6" box. The key is to keep on your toes and go SLOW up and down.

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
Last edited by WiseSeagull238 August 16, 2022 at 02:10 PM.
Original Poster
Aug 17, 2022 5:34 AM
980 Comments
Joined Jul 2004
Seltzer
Original Poster
Aug 17, 2022 5:34 AM
980 Comments
Quote from iamandrewz View quoted comment :
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.
Quote from Limewater View quoted comment :
This is not actually true. The original poster is correct, though possibly a little confusing.
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.
Here to point out that you two are both mostly right. However, I don't see this as entirely a flaw.
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.
Aug 18, 2022 3:15 AM
127 Comments
Joined Mar 2016
dekonickAug 18, 2022 3:15 AM
127 Comments
Quote from WiseSeagull238 View quoted comment :
I mostly agree other than that age doesn't have to be a huge limiting factor. I'm turning 37 next month and just totaled 1320 earlier this year (480 squat, 310 bench, 530 DL) at 178 lbs. I truly believe that those numbers are still attainable to those in their 40s and arguably their 50s.

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).
Age isn't a limiting factor, it just is reality that as you age, it becomes more difficult to add or maintain muscle mass, bone density, lung capacity, cardiac output, max heart rate... and your joints absolutely do wear. Ligaments and tendons are avascular compared to other tissues and are very slow to grow, strengthen, or repair. It is much easier to tear these connective tissues. As to throwing iron around, it is fun to do... Personally, I do not work out according to science despite having the knowledge and understanding; Long, old school workouts are enjoyable. I will take too long between sets, I don't follow the crossfit rage. What I do happen to be careful about is trying to not injure connective tissue or tear stabilizing muscles - not worth it. BTW, nice deadlift! Anyway, with a full career in the fire service, both as firefighter and paramedic, I have a torn shoulder from carrying people up and down flights of stairs, and throwing ladders. It was a ladder that did the real job... If I had known then the importance of functional training, I probably wouldn't ever have developed two hernia's and a torn right shoulder. Ill keep my FTX and rubber bands... if I could only keep one thing. Ahh, miss the heavy lifting days... Alas, age and stage...
Aug 18, 2022 5:14 PM
3 Comments
Joined Oct 2014
TexasMan47Aug 18, 2022 5:14 PM
3 Comments
I'm in South Texas, if anyone wants to get rid of their ftx model to get this one, let me know. I'm looking for a cheap ftx machine.

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Aug 18, 2022 5:18 PM
6 Comments
Joined May 2019
GreenLocket416Aug 18, 2022 5:18 PM
6 Comments
Can anyone please help me with the dimensions from
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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