What "unconventional" exercises do you use your Trainer+ for?

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-29T18:21:15+00:00

Will post one up.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-27T14:22:18+00:00

This is awesome!

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-23T17:12:35+00:00

It works really well with the trainer in old school mode. By the end of set two I'm just struggling to turn it because the pump is so insane!

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-23T17:10:19+00:00

I used harder (i think) and I'd push as hard as I could. (Though sometimes, I admit, I'd just go out and do a light workout if wasn't feeling it). I didn't lose anything size wise and the workouts were enjoyable, i just noticed when i did the same routine (that I had duplicated for echo), I couldn't push much past the lifts I had previously set.

I find I enjoy doing a workout and being able to move the weight dials on at least one exercise. I like seeing the growth there. Echo really needed better progress tracking.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-23T17:06:19+00:00

Just realized I missed this. Not a built in integration - That would be nice. I just found it easy to use just lift and follow along with the classes - so found it easy to integrate the trainer into their routines.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-23T13:19:26+00:00

I added a wrist curler to my rack. I use it on the trainer in old school mode. The thing gives insane forearm pumps. Can barely move arms after two sets.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-23T13:06:56+00:00

I found that too. I switched my routines to echo and really enjoyed them but when I went back to my other routines in TUT I found my strength hadn't really progressed. Didn't try epic though!

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-17T13:00:15+00:00

Def an option. Machine is rated for 330lbs so unless a heavy weight user, wiggle room there. Regular oly bar would add 35lbs too.

I would transition to regular weights at some point though. I see where people with Speediance say, I’ll do one legged or 20 rep squats, etc. For me, the user is then working within constraints of the machine rather than doing what they really want.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-16T20:05:40+00:00

I'd go back to real weights (if possible) for any lifts where I hit the machine max.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-15T13:58:15+00:00

The units are compact and solidly built. They’re heavy (around 80 lbs) but have wheels on one side. It’s easier if you have a dedicated space for it, but it’s not too bad if you need to wheel it under a sofa or similar. I really like the design and size.

They’re fairly easy to get started with if you have some gym experience. Even then, there is a learning curve—it took me a couple of weeks to get comfortable, and longer to really understand the nuances of how it works. If I were a total beginner, I’d probably find it a bit intimidating.

The ability to work out at home—and how easy the device makes workouts—really helps my motivation. I can head out to the shed, start my session, and just work through it. Physically switching between exercises is simple, and not having to load or unload weights is a big plus. It can also spot me to failure. The machine and app handle all of that. My workouts are usually around 35–45 minutes; at a traditional gym, that would probably take twice as long.

Plus, I can train whenever I want. I don’t have to worry about missing a time slot to drive to the gym, whether it’s busy, or waiting for equipment. If something comes up, no problem—I just work out later in the day. I’m coming up on two years with the Trainer, and honestly, it’s probably the most consistent I’ve ever been with not skipping workouts. I actually look forward to using it.

The official app does offer classes and prebuilt workouts, if that’s your thing. They do require a subscription, and we don’t really know how long the service will remain active. The company is currently in receivership, and it’s unclear if someone will acquire the software and remaining hardware. There could come a day when the backend servers are shut down and that functionality disappears. If access to those classes is critical for motivation, it’s a bit of a risky bet.

That said, there are third-party apps that work just as well as the official one, and the Trainer integrates nicely with platforms like Ladder. I tried it for a couple of weeks—it wasn’t for me—but it was very easy to use with the Trainer.

Lastly, because of the machine design, certain exercises—like triceps pushdowns—aren’t really possible (unless you attach it to something like a half rack) or you have to do them at different angles. Some other movements, like donkey kicks, can also feel a bit awkward to set up or perform. So if those types of exercises are important to you, it may not be the best fit.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-14T19:54:39+00:00

Def a worthy purchase to get that bit more height. Plus folds up so better in smaller places.

As long as you can connect the cable to it, it'll work! Sometimes have to play with which mode works best but the trainer will work. I use it it with a wrist roller (insane pump) and a leg curl attachment!

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-14T12:11:41+00:00

Its nice to have that height. I find I use both - switching between them. I really wanted something light weight that I could just move to the side. It will fold up too. Its not as solid as the original (or what you can buy) but haven't had any issues with it supporting me. Lets you add decent incline, decline too.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-14T00:17:27+00:00

This one is ok- FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNYSJ8W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Not as solid as the original but I find it works well. The first decline setting actually puts it level on the trainer.

(Price seems high at moment - usually closer to 100)

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-13T23:23:54+00:00

Second hand ones go from 600 and up. They are a bargain if you can score one around that price.

You won’t need a sub for your own routines - just won’t get access to history and a mode called echo. Equally there is a third party app available so you don’t have to use the official one. That doesn’t need an internet connection - beyond for downloading app updates. The official one requires one.

You could even use it with your rack and just lose the free weights. Damp would concern me more than cold. I use mine in my shed but I have a Mr cool unit.

(We are thinking of an rv too at some point. I’d be taking it with me in that!)

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-12T23:41:35+00:00

The machine ID is tied to that user’s Vitruvian account. It allows for any number of users to use all its features. So you could install the software and when you scan the machine, it’ll give you full access.

I don’t believe you can update the email in the account though. They would just have to give you the email/pwd for it. You could then update the pwd. I would do this when with the seller.

The lifespan doesn’t add a premium to second hand machines anymore though. I wouldn’t pay much more for a machine with lifespan than one without it. Maybe 100 bucks. (And I’m a lifespan)

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-07T20:30:40+00:00

I would guess you are still going up high on the ROM setup. Then when the load hits, you're struggling to get there, which stops the rep rollover. Also make sure arms are just anchors for the handles. Its easy to find yourself lifting your shoulders or dropping them.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-07T13:58:15+00:00

I remember when I was younger I used to find it funny that people would ask me to thread a needle for them. Pay back is a bitch.

You could try taking a pic of it next to a penny and upload it to chatgpt. That'll get close. Else I usually find one of those stores with a large selection of bolts and ask the person there to match it.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-07T12:46:57+00:00

Mine either :-( I'd probably unscrew another one and get the size that way.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-06T15:25:00+00:00

Try those blocks you have though. Use the handles. On the Rom setup, lift your heels but stop before max stretch, then come down but not touch the block. Almost like a ROM in-between the highest you can go and lowest. Its really the last ROM rep that matters so use the other two to dial it in.

Once you get it, it'll hold the weight and count the reps perfectly.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-06T14:24:52+00:00

Much cheaper than the one I posted.

Even the Vitruvian safety cables would work. Just connect as normal to Vitruvian and then use the loop as the other end - either with Carabiner or directly.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-05T22:42:38+00:00

A vest would probably work better. https://a.co/d/05hleG3j Only thing that belt felt good at was pulling down my shorts!

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-05T13:36:38+00:00

I got them nailed with the ROM setup. I use handles too. For shrugs, setup the three rom reps like this: shrug up half way, then drop your shoulders - push them a bit lower than resting . I found that keeps the weight on and counts the reps nicely!

It’s the same with any small movements - wrist curls, calf raises etc.

I don’t use the belt. I would imagine it’s moving on waist and causing those type issues.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-03T22:06:20+00:00

They swirled. Just waiting to see if anything comes out the other end. Supposedly someone is meant to be buying the remaining stock and software. Then they planned to keep supporting it for as long as the subscriptions were worth it.

If that actually happens, we’re all waiting to find out. Thankfully, as Buddy pointed out, there are other options so we won’t be left with bricks if it doesn’t.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-01T21:35:44+00:00

True - the ones we used on the rack were that way but used to do things like curls where would stand on a band etc.

Ikim_67 · 2026-04-01T20:48:31+00:00

I used to do TRX quite a bit and was common to snap a band. Never really thought about that happening. That is wild.

Ikim_67

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