This is a comparison between the Total Gym GTS and the Rogue SM1 squat stand. Follow the links for more details.
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Overview of the SM1
The
SM1 is the smallest of the Monster series Squat stands and does not include a pull-up bar. It comes in black and is manufactured in Columbus, Ohio. This stand bridges the gap between power racks and squat stands and can be built into a full rack over time if you have the funds available. It has the flat foot design, which enables you to use it without bolting it to the floor.
The
SM1 is 73'' high and has a footprint of 50''x54''. The steel notes are 3x3'' 11 gauge steel. Based on this the
SM1 is fully compatible with Rogues' Monster series and accessories. The delivery includes J Cups and has a weight capacity up to 1000LB.
If you want a simple squat stand which is built like a tank, this is the option for you.
Pros of the SM1
The
SM1 is made from the most sturdy design you can get in the market. This stand won't break on you and is built like a rack. If you want the best from the lowest price range of
Rogue, this is the one to go for.
Cons of the SM1
Squat stands are great for weightlifting. When it comes to
powerlifting buying one might be false economy thinking. For the bench press, you will need spotter arms to train by yourself. Adding these to the price tag brings the squat stand price including the arms in the range of a rack. Then you might as well get a rack and save yourself the hassle.
Alternatives to the SM1
Alternatives to the
SM1 are:
The
SM2 and
SM3 are variations of the Monster squat stand which come with a pull-up bar. The
SM2 has a height of 103'' while the
SM3 is around 108''. Depending on your needs these might be a better option to cover all the exercises you want to do.
The
RML3WC is a foldable rack at roughly the same price as the
SM1 which can be bolted to the wall. As a nice extra, it also can be folded in. This way you have more options to transform small spaces based on your needs.
This is an overview of the features and alternatives to the Total Gym GTS. This article was originally published under "which total gym to get". Follow the links for more details.
- FREE streaming workouts with Total Gym TV Basic.
- 22 Levels of Resistance
- Workout DVD included
- Over 200 Exercises on One Home Elite Gym
- 650lb User Weight Capacity
- Hydraulic rail lift assists with level changes & easy two-step folding.
- 5-year Warranty on Frame, 1-year Warranty on Parts & Upholstery, 90-day Warranty on Foam & Rubber
In addition to this, you will get a multitude of addons that lets you emulate any machine you could possibly imagine in a professional commercial gym. If you want to use this machine all day around and do not have space for a full circuit of machines, this is the machine to get.
Pros of the Total GYM GTS
The
total gym GTS comes with a lot of attachments and even lets you add free weights to it so you can increase the resistance even further on certain exercises. The extended warranty and sturdiness of the 650lb capacity give it good protection against break downs under heavy use. Read this 650lb not just as a maximum capacity, but also an indication of how long the machine will last. The sturdier the material the less likely it is to break. This is the right
total gym to use around the clock with many clients of different needs. If you have a rehab clinic that wants to cover from old people to recovering high performing athletes, this is a good pick.
Cons of the TOTAL GYM GTS
For this price tag, it is not really a feasible option for most home users, which is a shame as it provides the most variety of exercises. If you have space in your facility you can also seriously consider building a full gym instead of getting just one
Total Gym GTS. YOu may have fewer warranties on each individual item, but more variety and the possibility to train more people in parallel.
Alternatives to the TOTAL Gym GTS
The true form trainer is a self-propelled treadmill that will fit the needs of the top-performing athlete. It works with a slight arch to soften the impact of your feet. As it is set up with bearing it becomes easier to run at top speeds and do interval training compared to conventional treadmills. You will also not need as much power and there is no motor that can break down and needs to be maintained or replaced.
If you have space and wanted to run spinning classes you can also get
5x Rogue Echo bikes for the price of one
Total Gym GTS. Admittedly you will not have the same range of exercises to build strength and tone, but if you are looking for indoor cardio you can either save yourself a lot of money or make more customers happy at the same time.
For $4.000 you can also get a top-end free weight section from a leading supplier like Rogue fitness. An example configuration can be:
Total: $3530
This will provide a full gym with weights to go into every direction. The shipping will be free with Rogue for this package. The tax might push it over $4000 depending on the country you buy from. Still, A great alternative if you have space and like to lift heavy compared to the
Total Gym GTS.