Information on how to run faster, lift stronger and think deeper

Total Gym fit vs Rogue RML 690 rack [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

May 20, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Total Gym fit vs Rogue RML 690 rack

This is a comparison between the Total Gym fit and the Rogue RML 690 rack. Follow the links for more details.

Click for Instagram

Overview and review of the Rogue RML 690 Power rack

 

The video above summarises my personal opinion for purchasing a Rogue RML 690 for a home gym. If you want to just lean back and get information, watch it and then dig into the details below. In the following paragraphs you will find details on dimensions and alternative choices. I invite you to leave a comment on Youtube if you have direct questions.

Price: 1.568

This review was originally posted in the longer article "Which strength equipment to buy from rogue" in which you can read about 25 products of Rogue which cost more than 1.000$. The Rogue 690 bring storage and rack space to your basement or local gym at a resonable price for Rogue. See the details in this article.

Related articles

Overview of the RML 690

 

The RML 690 is a hybrid of the Rogue R6 Power rack and the RM6 Monster rack. The RML 690 is compatible with the Rogue Monster lite series and provides you with a full and half rack in one go. The half rack can either be used for storage or to train additional athletes/clients. 
 
The RML 690 comes in at 530 LB with a length of 76'''. It is 49'' wide and has a height of 90.375''.  The entire footprint comes to 80'' x 53''. It can be mounted to a wall with the Monster Lite Rack Wall mount kit. IT comes in black and therefore retails at a lower price than the RML690C
 

How many new clients should the RML 690 in bring you?

 
If you think that the Rogue RML690 will bring you 6 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 3.600$ net new revenue against an investment of 1.568$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.
 

Pros of the RML 690

 
The RML690 gives you the needed storage and training capabilities to have multiple clients or athletes train at the same time. As long as you have space this full/half rack combo provides a gym in itself. If you will use it for your home gym you can also convert the back rack into shelving for your kettlebells and dumbbells
 

Cons of the RML 690

 
In many applications, the half racks at the back are poorly utilized and therefore a waste of space. If you already have good plate storage options or have a home gym with limited space you might be better of saving many and space by going for a 490 instead of a 690
 

Alternatives to the RML 690

 
For the same budget of 1.568$, you can get the following alternatives from Rogue
 
With this alternative, you can save 500$ and get to choose your favorite color for your rack. If you do not have specific plans for the back half rack, this is a great option to save money and still get better value out of your purchase. 
 
If you are running a gym and want to run more classes to maximize revenue the USMC Pull up rig might be a better choice for you than the RML 690C. You can have more people train at the same time at this rig, as long as they do not want to lift heavy at the same time.
 

Conclusion

If you want to save some money on Rogue products and do not care about the color of your rack this is a good option. Make sure that you know what you want to do with the half rack in the back of the RML 690 before you purchase. Otherwise go for something smaller as it is likely that the space will be left unused.

Further reading

Overview and review of the Total Gym fit [Article, Video]

Overview and review of the Total Gym fit

This is an overview of the Total Gym Fit and alternatives. This article was originally posted in "which total gym to get". Follow the links for more details.

 

Related articles

 

TOTAL Gym fit $1599 - $2500

 
The total Gym fit is either a top range option for your home gym for individual use or an option for a professional environment where you have space and want to train more than one person in parallel. The main features of the TOTAL Gym fit are:
 
  • FREE streaming workouts
  • 12 Levels of Resistance
  • Over 85 Exercises on One Home Gym
  • 450lb User Weight Capacity
  • Arrives Fully Assembled
  • Lifetime Warranty on Frame, Extended 2-Year Warranty on Parts & Priority Processing
 
The Total gym fit still comes with accessories, but not as many as the GTS. Look closely at which attachments you want to get if the range of exercises is not sufficient compared to the TOTAL Gym GTS set. The warranty is shorter and also the frame is made of less sturdy material. In turn, you get a lower price point. 
 

Pros of the Total Gym fit 

 
The total gym fit has twice the levels of resistance and 2 years instead of 6 months warranty compared to the next model down, the Total Gym XLS. It is still a full commercial gym in one machine. You will also have fewer attachments to store and understand compared to the GTS. Overall this is a very solid option for home gym owners or a budget option for a commercial setting.
 

Cons of the Total gym fit

 
Compared to the Total Gym GTS the width of exercises drops considerably from 200 to 85. This is mainly due to getting fewer attachments. If you have a heavy use environment you will also have a higher likelihood of having no warranty left when the Total gym breaks down. The price is still high for a homeowner who just wants to exercise at home.
 

Alternatives to the Total Gym fit 

 
Here are some alternatives to the Total gym fit, if you were looking for something more challenging:
 
 
The concept 2 rower D is the gold standard of rowers in the market. If you want to workout from home and don't like running, this is the machine to get. It comes fully equipped with a computer and different resistance levels. If you have rowed before in a gym you will most likely have sat on the concept 2.
 
The Rogue Echo bike is the best value for money airbike which is currently available in the market. If you want to save space compared to a rower or just prefer cycling over rowing for your cardio training, then this is the right machine to get. 
 
If you prefer free weight training at home and have a shed to convert to a Crossfit gym, the Rogue Alpha package will give you everything you need to start and get going. You only might want to add a rack or squat stand if you do not have one already.