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

Total Gym fit vs TITAN T3 short power rack [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Aug 29, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Total Gym fit vs TITAN T3 short power rack

This is a comparison between the TOtal Gym Fit and the TITAN T3 short power rack.Follow the links for more details.

Click for Instagram

Overview and review of the T3 short power rack 36

The TITAN T3 short power rack will put you back about $380 - $440. TITAN is well known for their very good prices compared to their competition and will get you started on your home gym. This review was originally posted in “which Titan rack to buy for under $500

Overview of the T3 short power rack 

 
The T3 Series of TITAN is the best value for money option you can get from them. It sits right in the middle of the TITAN portfolio with its 2x3 uprights. You can also opt for 2x2 to save cost or 3x3 if you want more stability. A short power rack is usually a good option in basements or cramped spaces where the ceiling is low. The 36” depth version provides you with a spacious full rack to do your workouts in. The features and specifications of this version of the T3 are: 
 
T3 overview: 
  • 2 uprights featuring 6" side hole spacing. 
  • 2"x 3" steel tubes
  • 1,100 LB rackable capacity
  • 4,400 LB total rack capacity.    
  • 1.25" and 2" diameter pull up bars. 
  • Includes J-Hooks and weight holders.
  • Weight: 254 lb 
  • Height: 82 1/4" 
  • Height of Pull Up Bar: 77" 
  • Inside Width: 42 1/8"
  • Outside Width: 53 1/4"  
  • Inside Depth: 36"
  • Outside Depth: 44 3/4"  
  • Floor Space: 16.7 square feet
  • Material: Steel
 
This is a solid rack for environments with low ceilings for the weekend warrior. If you are an elite athlete you might want to upgrade to 3x3 steel tubes. 
 

Pros of the T3 36” short rack 

 
As with the entire TITAN portfolio, the main argument is price. Compared to the competition you will keep a considerable amount of money in your own pocket. The T3 will provide the necessary equipment and space to squat, bench press and deadlift safely. There are also a good few options in accessories available from TITAN. 
 

Cons of the T3 36” short rack 

 
The most obvious is that it is short. If you are 6 feet tall and want to do pull-ups you are probably saving money on the wrong end by getting a short rack. It also might not go with the most up to date accessories that TITAN releases to the market because of the 2x3 tubes. For example, the TITAN lever arms are not an option with this rack. The last con is about TITAN itself. While you save on the price tag you are at a higher risk of minor quality issues on delivery of your shipment. These can range from inconsistent finish to low-quality welds or material quality in a camber or safety bar. These are minor and not necessarily have an impact on the performance, but might look poor or annoy you. 
 

Alternatives to the T3 36” short rack 

 
Alternatives to the T3 36” short rack are 
 
 
If you need a short rack because of the space you have to fit a rack into your gym, garage or basement you can also opt for the 24” version. This way you can save on space on height and square foot of space is tight. 
 
If you want to save space and have 3x3 steel tubing you can also go for the X3 Half rack. If you use it like a squat stand rather than a full rack, you can use the second set of uprights to store plates on. 
 
If you don’t need plate storage and want the freedom of a squat stand you can opt for the  X3 squat stand instead. Just be aware that it would be good to have space to drop the bar as spotter arms can not always be relied on. 
 

Summary of the T3 short 36”

 
A good basement rack for budget-conscious weekend warriors. An elite athlete might want to opt for a 3x3 tall rack if space is available. 
 

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.