Run Faster, Lift stronger, Think deeper

TITAN belt squat machine vs TITAN plate loaded seated row

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Jan 1, 2021 5:00:00 PM

TITAN belt squat machine vs TITAN plate loaded seated row

This is a comparison between the TITAN belt squat machine and the TITAN plate loaded seated row including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

 
 

Overview and review of the TITAN plate loaded seated row $314 

This is an overview of the TITAN plate loaded seated row including pros, cons and alternatives. This article was originally posted in Which gym machine to get from TITAN. Follow the links for additional information.

Related articles

Overview of the TITAN plate loaded seated row

 
The TITAN plate loaded seated row is another classic machine you will find in most gyms around the country. The plate loaded design makes it a good choice for anyone with a spacious home gym who wants to save money. This is a solid, easy to use machine where you can not do a lot wrong. The full specifications of the TITAN plate loaded seated row are:
 
- Two different grip styles to target muscle groups
- Adjustable seat, chest pad, and distance between grips
- Olympic sized weight plate holders
- Tough, solid steel construction is long-lasting and dependable
- Powder-coated paint job prevents rust and early scuffing
- One-year warranty provided for every machine
 
- Overall Length: 63”
- Overall Width: 44”
- Vertical Handle Adjustable Width: 9 1/2” - 17 1/2”
- Horizontal Handle Adjustable Width: 15” - 23”
- Adjustable Seat Height: 17” - 22 1/2”
- Loadable Sleeve Length: 9 3/4”
 
If you have the space there is not a lot you can do wrong with this to train your back.
 

Pros of the TITAN plate loaded seated row

 
The pros of the TITAN plate loaded seated row are:
 
  • Easy to use
  • Low price
  • Plate loaded
  • Secure
 
This is a machine that is very easy in its construction and use. There is not a lot that can break and you will also have no problems using it right away. This makes this a popular choice for commercial gyms as it is comfortable, effective and does not need a lot of instructions.
 
Compared to the competition the TITAN plate loaded seated row cones in a my ale price. TITAN achieves this by cutting some corners on services and instructions. For a so one machine like this that does not weigh in as much and you can therefore fully enjoy the savings which TITAN fitness brings to you.
 
The TITAN seated row is plate loaded which means that you save money on buying the machine without a weight stack. Especially for home gym owners who want to go beyond a rack and some free weights this is a great option to save cost compared to other industrial machines.
 
Compared to any version of barbell rows the seated TITAN row is more secure as your back and spine rest against a lad and you are seated. Barbell rows expose you to more risk to pull a muscle or hurt your skeleton when you go heavy.
 

Cons of the TITAN plate loaded seated row

 
The cons of the TITAN plate loaded seated row are:
 
  • Space requirements
  • Plate loaded
  • Lower back activation
 
You will need extra space in your gym for a TITAN plate loaded seated row. As it is a one trick pony and the exercises it provides can be done with dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbells this might not be the best use of space when you do not have a lot to go around.
 
While a plate loaded machine is great when everyone knows what they are doing or when you are the only one using the gym it can become a problem in a crowded area. Having to plate load all the machines in a gym can lead to conflict and trip hazards. If your gym is crowded or crammed multiple times a week try to stick with machines which have the weight stacks included. This makes the gym safer, less cluttered and you will have fewer complaints from staff that the plates are not put away properly.
 
While the plate loaded seated row is safer and easier to use than a barbell row you will get less back activation compared to free weights. If your aim is to build a big string back for sports or powerlifting you are usually better off with sticking with the free weights.
 

Alternatives to the TITAN plate loaded seated row

 
Alternatives to the TITAN plate loaded seated row are:
 
 
The TITAN Atlas bar costs less than this machine and has more applications. If you have no plates for either of these machines to make it work you can also consider just getting a barbell and plates and start your gym this way. Also has the advantage that a barbell can be stored in the corner of a room when you are done with your routine.
 
The TITAN T bar row is a good alternative for a commercial gym to the seated back row. It takes up more space, but is easier to load. In this machine you will have to stand to row so it is closer to the experience of a barbell row. In a home gym the seated row might be the better option as it takes up less space.
 
The Titan chest supported adjustable row is a great option for anyone who rows very heavy weights with a barbell and wants to feel more secure. While the application is very niche it will work wonders for anyone who fits this description.
 

Conclusion for the TITAN plate loaded seated row

 
The TITAN plate loaded seated row is a low price option on a seated row which is ideal for the spacious home gym. In commercial gyms you might want to lean more towards a vendor with better warranty and Included weight stacks.
 
 
 
 

Overview and review of the TITAN belt squat machine $599

This is an overview of the TITAN belt squat machine including pros, cons and alternatives. This article was originally posted in Which gym machine to get from TITAN. Follow the links for additional information.

 

Overview of the TITAN Belt squat machine

 
The TITAN belt squat machine is simple in its design and effective. You will get a metal frame that you can hook plates and a belt up to to squat away. No fuss, just simple execution. Belt squat machines are a great option for anyone who wants to build strong legs without risking a lower back or shoulder injury. High workloads on heavy barbell squats can lead to pain in the shoulders and lower back as you have to carry the weight. With a belt squat machine you do not have this problem and can train the glutes to failure before your lower back or shoulders fail you. All of this is delivered at a great price compared to other machines in the market which do the same. The full list of features includes:
 
- Build lower body explosion without stress on your shoulders, spine, and lower back
- (3) weight stopper positions to adjust how deep you squat
- (4) additional weight posts for storage and to counterbalance increasing stability for heavy lifts
- Diamond plated aluminum footplate for superb grip and sleek look
- Heavy-duty steel construction to handle anything you can throw at it
- Includes a weight belt for further back support
 
- Floor Space Required: 7 FT 6-in Wide x 5 FT Deep
- Overall Width: 83-in.
- Overall Depth: 52-in.
- Overall Height: 38.5-in.
- Footplate Dimensions: 49-in x 24-in.
- Weight Post Length: 16.5-in.
- Storage Weight Post Length: 9.75-in.
- Weight Post Diameter: 1.9-in.
- Inside Lifting Width: 42-in.
- Weight Capacity: 1,000 lb.
- Product Weight: 232 lb.
 

Pros of the TITAN Belt squat machine

 
Pros of the TITAN belt squat machine are:
 
  • Price
  • Simple design
  • High load capacity
 
As with all TITAN products the price of the TITAN belt squat is very attractive compared to the competition. Comparable products are usually closer to $1000 or even beyond.
 
The simple design with a metal stop that is adjustable in height makes this a sturdy machine that anyone can use. No complex pulleys or climbing on a high platform. Load the plates, click in the belt and put it on and off you go. Big legs in no time.
 
This machine scales up to 1.000 pounds which is more than enough for most athletes to get to where they want to go.
 

Cons of the TITAN Belt squat machine

 
The cons of the belt squat machine are:
 
  • Space requirements
  • Weight placement
 
The TITAN belt squat is quite wide and also adds on with the plate storage in the back. You can not fit this machine into a rack and save some space. It needs a dedicated space and therefore might not be a great option for home gyms.
 
With this model the weight is around you rather than beneath or in front of you. This creates an effect similar to a trap bar which is not simulating the real world of a barbell squat or sumo deadlift to the same extent. This can be fixed by adding extra weight but has a different feel about it than the rhino from Rogue.
 

Alternatives to the TITAN belt squat machine

 
 
The TITAN belt squat machine is not the first item you should get for your home gym. It is an accessory and tread it as such. If you do not have a rack and barbell yet, start there and build your gym around this center piece. With the X3 range you can start around $200 to $300 for a rack and add a barbell and some small plates to your shopping cart.
 
Another alternative is the TITAN hack squat and leg press machine. This machine provides a two in and one and can be loaded with a considerable amount of weight. Generally speaking I would recommend the belt squat more to powerlifters and weightlifters, while the leg press might be a better option for bodybuilders. Of course, all of the above is always the best option for building the perfect physique, but you might not have the money or space to pull that off.
 
The TITAN smith machine can be a good option if you desperately want to do lunges in a machine. I personally think that smith machines are a waste of space, money and time but most commercial gyms have one  so yu might want to get one just to compete.
 
The Rogue Rhino is the current gold standard in the industry for belt squats. This machine can be fitted into the space  of a rack and works with one of the best pulley systems in the business. If you intend to do a lot of belt squats and only want to offer the best experience, this is the one to get. The main differecne to the TITAN model is that the load is not positioned around you, but in front of you. This minimizes the support the metal frame gives you for the lift and simulates barbell work closer than the TITAN belt squat. Both will blow up your legs without wrecking your lower back as much as a barbell though. The gold standard also comes at a gold price of $1.750.
 
The last machine you might want to consider when you are looking at a belt squat is the Rogue leg press machine. This is probably the biggest machine I have seen in a gym and it costs around $4000. In return you get the mechanics to operate your legs separately  and one of the smoothest finishes I have seen on a leg press.
 

Conclusion for the TITAN belt squat machine

 
The TITAN belt squat machine is not sophisticated, but gets the job done. If you want a belt squat for your home gym and have the space, get one. I think this is especially a better idea than a deadlift platform. With a bit of practive you can do your deadlifts on your rack. Wherever you would have placed your deadlift platform you can put the belt squat instead.
View full post