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Total Gym fit vs Rogue SM3 Squat stand [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

May 18, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Total Gym fit vs Rogue SM3 Squat stand

This is a comparison of the Total Gym fit and the Rogue SM3 Squat stand. Follow the links for more details.

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Rogue SM 3 Monster squat stand

 

The Rogue SM3 squat stand comes in at $759 and is one of the mid-range 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".

 

Overview of the SM3

 
The SM3 Monster Stand is the flagship of the Rogue Squat stands and comes in at a height of 2.82m. It is available in black and manufactured in Columbus Ohio. This is the squat stand for the big players who mean business.
 
The SM3 it comes in at a height of 111''. The steel notes are 3x3 Gauge steel. The total footprint of the squat stand os 50''x54''. This unit does not need to be bolted to the floor as it comes with the flat foot design of Rogue. It will be shipped to you including J Cups,. You can choose from either a Single Skinny Pull up bar or a Fat/Skinny pull up bar. 
 
This is probably one of the biggest squat stands that you can get in the market. If you like it big and your customers too, go for this beast. If you have a lot of basketball players to train, this might be the squat stand for you.
 

Pros of the SM3

 
If money is not an issue with you and needs a squat stand, you can not go wrong with this one. It is completely overbuilt, in a good way. Why do you like a Mercedes. Probably not because it is the cheapest way to get you from A to B. This purchase will make you happy if you have high ceilings and tall athletes.
 

Cons of the SM3

 
If you want to use this for powerlifting it might be the wrong choice. To bench press safely you will also have to get spotter arms on top of the squat stand. The Spotter arms tailor at 270$ and all of a sudden you reached the $1.000 dollar mark and might as well look into a full rack
 

Alternatives to the SM3

 
Alternatives to the SM3 Squat stand are
 
 
IThe Rogue RM4 fortis rack is a viable full rack option that comes in at roughly the same prize as the SM3 when you count in the spotter arms. If you want to powerlift and have no special reason for getting a 2.82m high squat stand I would recommend the fortis instead. You will have more options to upgrade and a safer environment to train in. 
 
If you are not a basketball player an on a budget the SML2 might be an alternative. The SML2 saves you about 300$ compared to the SM3 for accessories or a barbell. You still will get a squat stand which is 92'' high. The SML 2 is compatible with the MOnster lite series of Rogue
 
If you are as tall as a basketball player and still want to save money, the SML3 might be an option. Again you are saving roughly 300$ compared to the SM3 while you keep the height at 108''.
 

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

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

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.