Paramount Functional Trainer

[Butterbean]

Your opinions on this please for a home gym that as yet has no cable machine and a low ceiling.

http://www.paramountfitness.com/products/functional_training/pft200/_about_pft200.shtm

Functional Training   
Model PFT-200
 
INNOVATIVE
Most advanced design in the multifunctional product category.
Specificity of training
The PFT-200 offers a choice of resistance levels. Units are available with either 5 lb. or
2.5 lb. weight increments.
Increased range of motion
Cable extension arms offer 150¼ of vertical adjustment and 105¼ of horizontal adjustment. This range allows for numerous exercises.
space saving design
This machine features a small footprint (40" x 65" stored). You can now fit a traditional cable crossover design into a compact space.
Dual Weight Stack
The new dual weight stack design of the PFT-200 Functional Trainer allows users to train or rehabilitate each arm at different resistance levels or allows for two simultaneous users.
quick and easy adjustment
Spring-loaded lever design for horizontal adjustment. The PFT-200 offers 8 horizontal and 11 vertical arm positions.



 
 

[pumpster]

It's fine but is big and heavy, not easily moved and doesn't provide anything that other pieces do that are either smaller or offer more features.

Besides which you'd have to be more specific on what you need it for, what you already have, and ceiling height.

[Butterbean]

All we have now as far as weight training are dumbbells, bars, plates, benches and squat rack.  I feel we need something w/cable capability also.  Do you have other cable machine suggestions please?  Thanks! 

Ceiling height is 83 inches

[pumpster]

Your ceiling height is just around or slightly higher than the height of most machines so you'd have to check before buying. Before buying any cable system try it for a length of time to ensure that the pulleys and cables are smooth, withou a lot of resistance.


In a relatively small space, some examples that offer a lot of options including both cables and machine resistance:

-Powertec WB-LS uses cables as well as other machine weight exercises that might be effective at replacing some of the current equipment:
http://powertecfitness.com/workbench_lev_gym.htm
-Hoist, click on different models:
http://www.hoistfitness.com/products/consumer/equipment.aspx?c=1
-Parabody
http://us.home.lifefitness.com/content.cfm/homegyms


-Lat tower with high and low pulleys would be good just for pulley work. For example:
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Solid-Body-Solid%C2%AE-Pro-Lat-Machine/dp/B000MXBGR6


-Bowflex is very similar to pulleys and this model's flexible and folds up
http://www.bowflexshop.com/bhg_microsite/products/ultimate/prdcdovr~100000/Bowflex+Ultimate+Home+Gym.jsp



A lot of equipment is available used at much lower prices on craigslist.org

[Princess L]

You're still looking for something 

It looks like a very versatile piece.  You're interested in the commercial one - correct? 

I've used several different home gyms, including the Lifefitness G5, several Hoist systems, Magnum Fitness, and Free Motion.  All of them have positives and negatives.  It's important to know what you expect from the system.  Once you have narrowed down your choices, go to the retailer and USE it.  Don't just test it, USE it.  Go through a couple of different workouts.  See how easy it is to transition from one function to the next.  Put it through the paces before making a decision.

[Butterbean]

Princess, yes still looking! 

Thanks pumpster and Princess very good info - very appreciated

[pumpster]

Princess, yes still looking! 

Thanks pumpster and Princess very good info - very appreciated

Now act on it, based on those efforts. Don't stay in perennial search mode.

[jpm101]

Some of the most excellent advice ever given on this site is offered by Princess L.  Hopefully STella has considered shipping charges also.

Sorry to say Princess L's avator  does not measure up as far as canines go. Check out DrudgeReport.com (7/13/07) for the Ronnie Coleman of the dog world. Now that is a dog. Good luck.

[pumpster]

Some of the most excellent advice ever given on this site is offered by Princess L. 

Unsure the point is off these arbitrary "rankings" by JPM given that no one's asked for them or agrees.

[jpm101]

Sorry I had a opinion about training and equipment ideas given by a women. Does that seem to be the problem with out Mod? I will certainly keep in line for the white master. Good luck.

[pumpster]

Sorry I had a opinion about training and equipment ideas given by a women. Does that seem to be the problem with out Mod? I will certainly keep in line for the white master. Good luck.

Cut out the reviews on each thread dude. Stick to your own contributions to training.

The master part is fine.

[Butterbean]

Now act on it, based on those efforts. Don't stay in perennial search mode.

Yes dear.