Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer | For Serious Weight Lifters

I like the Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer for serious weight lifters as it comes with dual independent 160-pound weight stacks. They function separately, so you can use both stacks or work on one side of your body. Furthermore, the weight stacks are upgradeable from 160 to 210 pounds each.

Even a force multiplier feature allows you to double the amount of resistance. In other words, the maximum weight that the Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer will enable you to lift is 800 pounds (including the upgrade and force multiplier).

The Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer also features a Smith bar that connects with a weight stack. Most Smith bars use free weights, which can be quite a pain, but not with the Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer. The Smith bar connects to the weight stack to make doing presses easy. The Smith bar also features a top lockout feature, so you can keep it out of the way when not in use.

Moreover, it also comes with various safety catches if you drop it. When it comes to doing presses, the Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer is one of the safest machines. The FT2 requires an optional, highly adjustable bench for your incline and bench presses.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer 
Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer

Product: Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer

Price: For a great deal on this gym, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: In-home: Frame lifetime / Cables 2 years / Labor 1 year (see the light commercial warranty below)

My rating: 9.8/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

  • Assembled dimensions: 58″D x 61″W x 88″H inches (147D x 155W x 224H cm)
  • Assembled weight: 563 lbs (256 kg)
  • Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
  • Weight resistance system: Steel plate stacks
  • Max. weight resistance: 2 x 160 lbs (72.5 kg)
  • Possible exercises: 40+
  • Warranty:
    – In-home: Frame lifetime / Cables 2 years / Labor 1 year
    – Light-commercial: Frame 10 years, Parts 1 year

FT2 Frame Construction

Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer

To begin with, the Inspire Fitness FT2 is quite a well-built trainer. It features light commercial quality construction and comes with a light commercial warranty in a commercial gym. In addition, it has a highly durable frame made of heavy-duty rectangular and round 11-ga steel tubing.

The frame construction features a two-layer electrostatically applied powder coating, which is rust-resistant and scratch-resistant.

This Inspire Fitness functional trainer is slightly larger than the FT1 model. It’s 58″ (147 cm) deep and 61″ (155 cm) wide. The machine has an adjustable pull-up bar. The lowest height setting of this pull-up bar is 83″ (211 cm), while its highest location is 88″ (224 cm).

It’s also advisable to install the machine in a room with a slightly higher ceiling height, have some clearance above the pull-up bar, and avoid hitting the ceiling during pull-up exercises.

This fitness machine is weighty. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs over 500 lbs. And with an optional bench and optional weight plates, it exceeds 700 lbs. Therefore, although it comes packaged in several boxes, two people should transport and assemble the gym. But on the other hand, all this weight plays an essential role in its stability, and the unit doesn’t require attaching to the floor; it doesn’t wobble or move during exercises.

Although the machine is sturdy, it has a 330 lbs (150 kg) user weight capacity that applies to the pull-up bar. The other exercises involving the Smith section or the pulleys have nothing to do with the user’s weight.

Pulleys

The machine has durable fiberglass pulleys reinforced with nylon and integrates precision steel ball bearings for smooth usage. The cables rate for 2,000 lbs tensile strength; steel ropes feature a tough nylon coating to promote a more seamless ride over the pulleys and prevent deterioration in the lifts.

Eight pull points are available: 2 wide adjustable pulleys, two high narrow pulley points, and four low points. The four low pulley points are great for seated rows, curls, etc. The two wide pulleys allow you to quickly swap an incline fly and an incline/decline chest press.

Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer 
Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer

They offer 31 adjustment positions and pivot 180° on their axis. And the high narrow pulleys allow you to perform lat pull-down exercises.

FT2 Smith Machine included

As I mentioned, the Inspire Fitness FT2 comes with a Smith machine. The Smith section consists of a (red) bar and safety elements and attaches to cables over the low front pulleys.

It works like any conventional Smith machine, but instead of wasting time loading and unloading weight plates onto the barbell, you adjust the weight stacks’ pins.

Like any other Smith machine, the FT2 offers extra safety during stacks, but since the bar connects to the vertical guides, you don’t have to make any effort to stabilize the weight. Some users prefer standard barbell squats, as they consider it a more regular exercise, as the stabilization of each squat involves extra muscles.

The Smith bar also goes pretty low, its minimum height above the floor level being 6″ (15 cm). Thus, you can also perform deadlifts with it.

Accessories

One last aspect to note is the accessories included with the Inspire FT2. The accessories consist of a Tricep Rope, 2 x Rubber D Handles, Straight Bar, EZ Curl Bar, Ankle Strap, 2 x Water Bottles, Multi-Function Belt, Sports Handle, 2 x 5 lbs Add-On Weights, & Exercise Booklet.

FT2 Weight resistance

The Inspire FT2 functional trainer has two weight stacks. Each stack consists of 16 highly durable weight plates made of metallic alloy. Each plate weighs 10 lbs (4.5 kg), which results in the total weight for each stack of 160 lbs (72.5 kg). Also, the set includes two 5 lbs (2.26 kg) weight addons to help with micro-adjustability.

Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional 

Each weight stack has a standard pop-pin adjustment system. You insert the pin into the weight plate with the desired weight for each stack. Adjustment takes seconds, so you won’t waste much time between exercises, like a regular Smith machine or other fitness machines that require loading and unloading Olympic-type weight plates.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, each weight stack is upgradeable. You can opt for five extra plates (50 lbs total) for each stack, giving you a total weight of 210 lbs (95.25 kg) per stack.

Possible Exercises

Since it’s a cable cross trainer, the Inspire Fitness FT2 leaves a lot of room for improvisation when it comes to exercises. Not only that, changing from one activity to another takes seconds. For example, if you use the front pulleys, you can quickly change from a stand-up chest press to a chest fly.

The trainer permits the execution of over 40+ regular exercises. The package includes a booklet with the main activities. They include:

  • Arm exercises
  • Abdominal Exercises
  • Back Exercises
  • Chest Exercises
  • Leg Exercises
  • Shoulder Exercises

Of course, some of these exercises require optional accessories.

FT2 Assembly and Maintenance

The Inspire Fitness FT2 involves a lot of assembling. It comes packaged in several boxes, and their transport is advisable to be done by two people. The included manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, but the process will most likely take several hours due to the many parts and bolts.

The tools required for the assembly do not come with the trainer, so you will need a set of wrenches or two adjustable wrenches, a Phillips screwdriver, and a rubber mallet. Adding a bit of grease to each pulley is also advisable to promote its complete functionality for a long time.

Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer
Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer

Once assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. However, the guide rods of the weight stack may require a bit of lubrication from time to time so that the plates move smoothly on them. In addition, the pulley may also need lubrication.

Pros

  • Extremely sturdy and stable frame;
  • Heavy-duty construction, excellent stability;
  • Smooth pulley and cable movement;
  • 31 adjustment positions for its mobile pulleys;
  • 180° pivoting adjustable pulleys allowing a natural, healthy range of motion for all exercises;
  • Smith machine included – it enables the execution of squats and deadlifts;
  • Ergonomic, adjustable pull-up bar with knurled grips for maximum adherence;
  • 160 lbs weight for each stack;
  • 5 lbs addons included increments;
  • Upgradable weight stacks by up to 50 lbs each;
  • Over 40+ exercises available;
  • There are several accessories included. These are Multi-Function Belt, Easy Curl Bar, Straight Bar, Ankle Cuff, Swing Handle, Tricep Rope, Two D-Handles, Water Bottles, and Exercise Booklet;
  • Accessory rack included;
  • Little maintenance is required;
  • Quiet operation;
  • Great warranty plan.

Cons

  • Heavy machine, difficult to move once assembled;
  • Assembly takes several hours and may not be an easy task for everyone.

Inspire Fitness FT2 Summary

The Inspire Fitness FT2 is a dual-stack functional trainer, offering 160 lbs (+5 lbs addon) for each stack and 31 adjustment positions for its front pulleys. It also has a Smith machine and an adjustable pull-up bar.

It’s a light-commercial trainer featuring a very sturdy, reliable construction. It has many accessories, including a curl bar, straight bar, two handles, ankle cuff, tricep rope, etc. In addition, it offers the possibility to perform more than 40+ exercises. Moreover, it’s one of the best functional trainers, and its quality and versatility match the price.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.

9 thoughts on “Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer | For Serious Weight Lifters”

  1. Wow, I must say I am astounded about this functional trainer. This is one that I think anyone who wants to keep fit should have. Seeing that it has good pulleys is really great but one problem I might have with this is assembling it and packing it up. Also, you added that once assembled, it’ll be a hard one to move. However, this doesn’t change the fact that it’s a good trainer though.

    Reply
    • Hey, John, assembly is possible to do by yourself. Approach it systematically and lay all of the pieces out. The directions are straightforward and relativity easy to follow. As far as packing it up I would suggest disassembling it in reverse order. I would also suggest that you assemble it where it’s going to be used so it doesn’t need to be moved. However, if you are still concerned about assembly and disassembling there may be a professional assembly service in your area.

      Reply
  2. The Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer with bench may be my favorite piece of equipment that I have seen so far. It’s obviously a solid piece of equipment to be considered the “best buy” for both 2018 and 2019! Safety catches are important for home gyms and for anyone who is tempted to push themselves during a solo workout… This is a strong selling point for me! It is a big piece of equipment, so it wouldn’t exactly be portable, but the versatility more than makes up for this minor inconvenience!

    Reply
  3. My cousin is setting up his commercial gym up and he is still adding a couple more of equipments that would help to make the gym look more professional and this fitness ft2 functional trainer would be one heck of a great buy for him. This equipment is simply a beast. The way it stands, the appearance, the sophistication and the possibilities of taking plenty add ons, I have only praises to spare for this device. Thanks so much for the review and I will suggest this to him ASAP

    Reply
  4. Hi!

    How complete your Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional looks, to work the entire body. It is a well built trainer that many people who love physical exercises would like to have. 

    In the images I can see that the materials used are of high quality. The truth is that I don’t see any cons it, I consider it a fair price for the variety of exercises and quality of its components.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  5. I got it december 2018. and I must say, it’s totally amazing and life-changing. I go to the gym often, and loved it so much; but then I had kids, and I had to choose between leave work and go to the gym or leave work and go see my kids, my children would win anytime anyday, and I put on 30 pounds as a result of that. Combination of this weight system which is excellent, a bike and a rowing machine, and I’m back in shape.
    This inspires system is very easy and also comfortable to use. it takes up an amazingly small amount of room, while providing almost all exercise you can think of.

    Reply

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