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Total Gym fit vs Rogue SM 2.5 squat stand [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

May 17, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Total Gym fit vs Rogue SM 2.5 squat stand

This is a comparison between the Total Gym fit and the Rogue SM 2.5 squat stand. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review of the Rogue SM 2.5 Monster squat stand

 

The Rogue SM 2.5 squat stand comes in at $744 and is one of the better options for under $1000 from Rogue. Learn more in this review which was originally published in the Article "Which Rack to buy from Rogue for under $1000".

 

What else to consider from Rogue

Overview of the SM 2.5

 
The Rogue SM 2.5 Squat stand uses the beams of the Rogue Monster series and creates a very sturdy squat stand. This stand is built in Columbus, Ohio and comes in black. With the flat foot design of Rogue, it does need to be bolted to the ground.
 
The SM2.5 has 1000 lb weight capacity and comes in at a height of 103''. The steel notes are made from 3x3'' gauge steel. The overall footprint comes to 50''x54''. This stand comes with J Cups in the delivery to get you up and running. 
 

Pros of the SM 2.5

 
A squat stand is a great alternative when you want to do weightlifting training. It gives you more room to throw the weight about than in a powerlifting cage. It is also less material in case you have to fill an entire gym, have to transport the stand often or want to able to change things quickly. The SM 2.5 will be easy to transport and serve you well in these scenarios.
 

Cons of the SM 2.5

 
A squat stand by itself is not ideal for powerlifting. If you count in the safety arm spotters you will be close to $1.000  again and might as well go for a full rack that costs a bit more but leaves you with a full cage and safety for the bench press without having to buy extra accessories. 
 

Alternatives to the SM 2.5

 
Alternatives to SM 2.5 are:
 
 
The SM3 comes with the same specs except that the height is different. This option is for your tall athletes. If you want to outfit an entire gym maybe mix the SM3, SM2.5, and SM2 to serve various heights. It is also a good way of adding a very high pull up bar to your gym without having to invest in an entire rig or rack.
 
The SM2 is the smallest of the Rogue Monster squat stands. It comes in at 90.375''. This might be a good option when your ceilings are low or you are a smaller athlete with no need for a very high pull up bar. 
 
The RM4 Fortis rack is an alternative to the squat stands which comes in at roughly the same price if you count the spotter arms. If you want to powerlift this might be the better investment of your money than having a squat stand.
 
 

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.