FlexTime Fitness & Pioneer "self-spotting" benches.

**AnglicanBeachParty** · 04-10-2010, 08:51 PM

I first visited this gym (FlexTime Fitness in Muskogee, OK) in 2008. Since then, I have often tried to describe to people the unusual weight benches they have there.

Well, this last week was our kids' Spring Break, so I got a chance to go back and visit this gym again.

The benches shown in the attached photos below are "self-spotting", which is really cool if you work out without a partner.

Kind of hard to describe (see the YouTube video below), but the vertical weight supports (either the uprights that hold the barbell or else the dumbell cradles) are supported by a linear bearing at the bottom of the machine. You set the barbell or dumbells on the uprights at the appropriate height, get down on the bench, grab the weights at arms' length, and push gently "down" toward your feet. The entire support structure then slides forward on the linear bearings so that you can unrack the weight in the most comfortable position.

After you unrack the weight(s), the slight tilt of the machine causes gravity to pull the support structure back out of your way, so that you can begin your set. I found the ones with the dumbell cradles to be particularly useful. When working out alone, I have sometimes avoided heavy dumbells simply because it is hard to get them into position to begin the set.

I had imagined that this was some funky old equipment from the 1980s, made by some long-departed company. But, I Googled the name (Pioneer) and phone number on the equipment label, and found that this equipment is still made. The company (http://www.pioneerstrengthequipment.com/) is in the Tulsa area, which explains why I found it in Muskogee, but haven't seen it elsewhere.

I am still surprised that this concept hasn't caught on.

The gym itself is somewhat small, but it is adequate for a good workout, and they only charge $5 a day for walk-ins, which I believe includes tanning too, if you want it.

**YNOT7** · 04-10-2010, 08:53 PM

good stuff wish my gym had this

**Sandpig** · 04-10-2010, 09:10 PM

Interesting.

**Sledge** · 04-10-2010, 09:18 PM

I've seen simular benches with the adjustable arms for spotting before. I just bench in a power rack if I need a self spot.

I realy like the dumbell attachment though thats awesome.

**doubleogordo** · 04-10-2010, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by Sandpig

Interesting.

x2.

**Jason Newman** · 04-10-2010, 10:34 PM

get a clip of that smith machine that prevents the bar from dropping on you and you're in business, the two together make a partnerless gym

**TTS** · 04-10-2010, 11:35 PM

I like it. The dumbbell attachment is the best though. I am going to have to get one of those.

**doubleogordo** · 04-10-2010, 11:47 PM

with all of the thought and technology that goes into modern equipment it seems that one feature is overlooked. the order of the classic weight "tree" seems outdated. the 45's on the bottom makes no sense to me. they are the heaviest plate and therefore should be moved the shortest distance--the middle. the lightest weights should go on the bottom. whenever i am tired towards the end of a workout i get a little lazy with my lower back and bending over to put the 45 away becomes more dangerous.

**data** · 04-11-2010, 12:34 AM

Actually if you start your bench off those safety racks its 100x harder. Rather than starting off the top you have to push a dead weight from your chest which is pretty hard.

**Ibarramedia** · 04-11-2010, 12:48 AM

Originally Posted by AnglicanBeachParty

I first visited this gym (FlexTime Fitness in Muskogee, OK) in 2008. Since then, I have often tried to describe to people the unusual weight benches they have there.

Well, this last week was our kids' Spring Break, so I got a chance to go back and visit this gym again.

The benches shown in the attached photos below are "self-spotting", which is really cool if you work out without a partner.

Kind of hard to describe (see the YouTube video below), but the vertical weight supports (either the uprights that hold the barbell or else the dumbell cradles) are supported by a linear bearing at the bottom of the machine. You set the barbell or dumbells on the uprights at the appropriate height, get down on the bench, grab the weights at arms' length, and push gently "down" toward your feet. The entire support structure then slides forward on the linear bearings so that you can unrack the weight in the most comfortable position.

After you unrack the weight(s), the slight tilt of the machine causes gravity to pull the support structure back out of your way, so that you can begin your set. I found the ones with the dumbell cradles to be particularly useful. When working out alone, I have sometimes avoided heavy dumbells simply because it is hard to get them into position to begin the set.

I had imagined that this was some funky old equipment from the 1980s, made by some long-departed company. But, I Googled the name (Pioneer) and phone number on the equipment label, and found that this equipment is still made. The company (http://www.pioneerstrengthequipment.com/) is in the Tulsa area, which explains why I found it in Muskogee, but haven't seen it elsewhere.

I am still surprised that this concept hasn't caught on.

The gym itself is somewhat small, but it is adequate for a good workout, and they only charge $5 a day for walk-ins, which I believe includes tanning too, if you want it.

That is very interesting ABP. I might invest in that since I lift alone.

**AnglicanBeachParty** · 04-11-2010, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by doubleogordo

with all of the thought and technology that goes into modern equipment it seems that one feature is overlooked. the order of the classic weight "tree" seems outdated. the 45's on the bottom makes no sense to me. they are the heaviest plate and therefore should be moved the shortest distance--the middle. the lightest weights should go on the bottom. whenever i am tired towards the end of a workout i get a little lazy with my lower back and bending over to put the 45 away becomes more dangerous.

I think that was originally done for stability, but I think most modern weight trees could handle having the 45s at the top.