Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer: Can It Replace Your Gym Membership?

The FTX delivers excellent cable-based training in a compact footprint but lacks Smith bar functionality for traditional barbell exercises. Best suited for home gym users prioritizing space efficiency and functional training over heavy compound lifts.

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Key Specifications

Height
85"
Features
8 included

Best For

How this product scores for different use cases

Home Gym Enthusiast
88/100

The FTX offers excellent cable crossover functionality with dual 165 lb weight stacks and multiple exercise stations. The compact 54x40 inch footprint fits most home gyms while providing comprehensive training options.

Apartment Fitness
82/100

At 15 square feet footprint and 85 inches height, this fits most apartments with standard ceilings. The cable-focused design eliminates plate storage clutter and provides versatile training in minimal space.

All-in-One Gym
78/100

Features cable crossover, pull-up bar, dip station, lat pulldown, and low row stations for comprehensive training. Missing Smith bar, leg developer, and pec deck limit true all-in-one functionality.

Beginner / Rehab
75/100

Cable systems provide smooth, controlled resistance ideal for beginners and rehab work. However, the lack of counterbalanced bar and guided Smith movements reduces safety for absolute beginners.

Commercial Facility
52/100

The residential-use designation and aluminum pulleys indicate this lacks commercial-grade durability. Weight stack capacity of 165 lbs per side limits use by multiple strong users throughout the day.

Garage Gym Powerlifter
45/100

This machine lacks a Smith bar, safety arms, and J-cups essential for heavy compound lifts. The 330 lb total weight stack capacity is insufficient for serious powerlifting training.

Our Verdict

The Inspire Fitness FTX functions as a cable-focused functional trainer, not a traditional Smith machine. You get dual 165 lb weight stacks and cable crossover capabilities in a compact design. The 54x40 inch footprint saves space compared to traditional home gym setups.

This machine excels at cable exercises like flyes, rows, curls, and pressdowns. The pull-up bar and dip station add bodyweight training options. The lat pulldown and low row stations provide back training variety.

You cannot perform traditional barbell movements on this equipment. No Smith bar, safety arms, or J-cups means no bench press or squat capabilities. This limits strength training for powerlifters and compound lift enthusiasts.

The 165 lb weight stacks work for beginners and intermediate users. Advanced lifters will outgrow this resistance quickly on major movements. Cable exercises may feel restrictive compared to free weight training.

Space-limited users benefit most from this design. The vertical footprint and built-in weight stacks eliminate plate storage needs. You avoid the clutter of Olympic plates and barbells in small areas.

The $2,099 price point sits in the mid-range for functional trainers. You pay for the compact design and integrated stations. Comparable cable machines with higher weight stacks often cost $500-800 more.

This machine serves home gym users focused on cable training and bodyweight exercises. You get quality construction and versatile movement patterns. Your training centers on hypertrophy and functional fitness rather than maximal strength.

What We Like

  • Two 165 lb weight stacks provide 330 lbs total resistance for cable exercises
  • Compact 15 square foot footprint fits small home gyms and apartments
  • Cable crossover system with aluminum pulleys enables over 80 exercise variations
  • Includes pull-up bar, dip station, lat pulldown, and low row stations built in
  • 85 inch height works with standard 8 foot ceilings in most homes

What Could Be Better

  • No Smith bar included, limiting guided barbell exercise options
  • Missing safety arms and J-cups required for heavy free weight training
  • 165 lb per stack is below the 200+ lb average for functional trainers
  • No leg developer or preacher curl attachment for isolated muscle work
  • Lacks commercial-grade construction, limiting durability under heavy daily use

Full Specifications

Dimensions

Height85"
Width54"

Build Quality

Commercial GradeNo
Linear BearingsNo

Movement System

Smith BarNot Included
Counterbalanced BarNo

Features

Included Features

Cable Crossover
Dip Station
Lat Pulldown
Low Row
Plate Storage
Pull-Up Bar

Not Included

Band Pegs
Bar Storage
Bench Included
Commercial Grade
Counterbalanced Bar
Free Weight Station
J-Cups
Landmine
Leg Developer
Linear Bearings
Multi-Grip Pull-Up
Pec Deck
Preacher Curl
Safety Arms
Smith Bar
Squat Handles
T-Bar Row
Weights Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer - Compact at Home Workout Machine with Accessories - Space Saving Design - Home Gym Cable Machine and Two 165 lb Weight Stacks

Does this machine have a Smith bar for bench press and squats?

No, the FTX does not include a Smith bar. This is a cable-based functional trainer focused on cable exercises, pull-ups, and dips rather than guided barbell movements.

What is the maximum weight resistance available?

Each weight stack holds 165 lbs, giving you 330 lbs total when using both cables together. Individual cable exercises max out at 165 lbs per side.

Will this fit in a room with 8 foot ceilings?

Yes, the machine stands 85 inches tall, which is about 7 feet. This leaves clearance in standard 96 inch (8 foot) ceiling spaces.

How much floor space does this equipment need?

The footprint measures 54 inches wide by 40 inches deep, totaling 15 square feet. You need an additional 2-3 feet around it for safe exercise performance.

Can I do leg exercises on this machine?

You can perform cable-based leg exercises like kickbacks, abductions, and leg curls using ankle straps. The machine does not include a dedicated leg press or leg developer station.

Scores

Overall Score 68/100
Value Score 62/100

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