Inspire FT1 vs Inspire M3
Functional Freedom or Fixed Stability?
Who Should Buy Which?
This isn't just a choice between machines; it's a choice between training philosophies. Buy the **FT1** if you are an athlete, have joint issues, or want to replicate modern functional gym movements. Buy the **M3** if you want to lift heavy with absolute safety, isolate muscles (especially legs and chest), and prefer the guided feel of a traditional health club machine.
At A Glance
Space & Footprint
Both machines are corner-friendly, but the FT1 is significantly easier to place in a standard room. Its tapered design slides deep into a corner, leaving the room feeling open. The M3 is compact for a multi-gym but requires specific clearance for the leg extension leg and the press arm arc.
FT1 Functional Trainer
- checkTapered 'V' shape saves corner space
- checkRequires width/depth for cable flys
- checkFits under standard 2.1m ceilings
M3 Multi Gym
- checkRectangular footprint
- checkNeeds front clearance for leg station
- checkFixed motion requires less 'user' operating space
Training Experience
The **FT1** is a dual adjustable pulley system. You define the path of motion. This activates stabilizer muscles and allows for sport-specific movements (golf swings, punches). It's incredibly smooth (1:2 ratio) but maxes out at 75kg per side (approx 37.5kg effective pull). The **M3** is a fixed-path isolation machine. You sit down, peg the weight, and push. The independent press arm prevents your strong side from taking over, and the leg curl/extension station provides a lower-body workout the FT1 simply cannot match without awkward ankle straps.
Inspire Fitness FT1 Functional Trainer
- The FT1 uses dual adjustable cable columns with more than 30 height positions, allowing training in virtually any direction or plane. The adjustment system is quick and simple, making it easy to move between exercises or run supersets without interruption. Resistance feels smooth and controlled, making it suitable for functional movements, sport-specific exercises, and higher-rep training.
Inspire Fitness M3 Multi Gym
- The standout feature of the M3 is the independent press arm, which prevents your dominant side from taking over during chest and shoulder presses. The movement is exceptionally smooth thanks to sealed ball bearing pulleys. The isolated abdominal crunch station and dedicated seated leg curl/extension unit add targeted muscle-building capability often missing from functional trainers.
Build & Longevity
Both carry Inspire's hallmark quality: 11-gauge steel, electrostatic powder coating, and nylon pulleys. The FT1 feels lighter and faster due to its cable ratio. The M3 feels dense and heavy, like a commercial tank. Both are 'buy it for life' investments with excellent warranties.
Inspire Fitness FT1 Functional Trainer
Inspire Fitness M3 Multi Gym
Target Audience
Who fits each machine best?
Inspire Fitness FT1 Functional Trainer
- addInfinite movement planes (functional training)
- addSmoother, lighter starting resistance (great for rehab)
- addCorner-fitting tapered design
- addIncludes multiple cable handles & accessories
Inspire Fitness M3 Multi Gym
- addHeavy, direct resistance (no 1:2 ratio reduction)
- addDedicated Seated Leg Extension/Curl station
- addGuided safety (impossible to drop a weight on yourself)
- addIsolated Ab Crunch station
Value Proposition
The FT1 is generally the premium option and holds its resale value slightly better due to the popularity of functional training. The M3 offers more 'raw weight' for the money but is less versatile.