I get calls everyday from customers in the UK asking for tips and advice on how to select the right Force USA All-In-One Trainer (Previously the Monster series) for their purposes.
You will notice that the G series All-In-One Trainers are offered in a number of different shapes and sizes.
Rather than go through all of the specifications for each machine which can be seen on the product page of each product, I will take you through some of the finer points and differences so that you can make an educated decision and end up with the machine that is ideal for your circumstances.
What is A Force USA All-In-One Trainer?
Multi gyms have a long way over the last 50 years. In old style multi gyms designers would attempt to get as many stations into one gym machine as possible. Most of the stations were inadequate and did not work properly.
The All-In-One Trainer design is a revolutionary combination of gym machines which combine compact footprint with a number of perfectly working gym machines. There are place around the frame of a functional trainer or dual adjustable pulley frame.
The various models have been designed for different markets and needs, however a Force USA All-In-One Trainer may include a combination of;
- Functional Trainer
- Smith Machine
- Power Rack
- Chin up station
- Core Trainer.
- Leg Press Options
- Dip Bar Options
- Many accessories and handles.
What is a functional trainer I hear you ask?
Functional Trainers are sometimes called “Dual Adjustable Pulleys” and you will have seen them starting to take over at most quality commercial gyms where the old fashioned cable crossover left off.
The cable crossover machine still used by many old school bodybuilders offered one or two options of exercise variation predominantly around the chest. However the functional trainer offers a great many more exercise options. You can tell that its a functional trainer:
Two upright pulley columns which have a height adjustable handle so that different angles of resistance can be created.
The difference between a functional trainer and a cable crossover machine is that the columns of a functional trainer are normally between 100cm and 150cm apart, which requires most exercise to be done standing in front of the machine. A cable crossover typically has two columns 2 to 4 metres away from each other and you would normally stand on the inside of the machine, possibly leaning forward during some exercises.
Functional Trainers normally offer a number of handles and accessories so that you can create a variety of different exercises. The more accessories the more you can do.
Its called a functional trainer because it offers resistance movements that are quite hard to create with standard fixed plane movement machines including sports specific movements such as golf swings, multi angle rotator cuff exercises, anti rotational movements, barbell movements, dumbbell movements etc. In fact there are hundreds of different movements possible on a functional trainer as is evidenced by a short search on Youtube.com.
The G6 and G12 Selectorized Weight Stack Machines
Looking for the top of the range with built in weight stacks and all the options and accessories? Then choose either the Force USA G6 or G12 All-In-One Trainers.
There are a number of G series All-In-One Trainers and you can split them up in a number of ways but the most useful way is decide whether you would like to go for the weight stack options or free weight. A free weight or plate loaded option includes the G1, G3 and G9. In this case you create resistance in the functional trainer by adding standard or Olympic weight plates and you would also need to purchase these weights separately or within one of the packages offered.
The selectorized weight stack options include a stack of weight plates normally in the region of 4 to 5 kgs each and a selector pin mechanism. These are easier and faster to use when you want to change weights. They are also part of the more premium offering. Expect to pay more.
The G6 and G12 are the two current kings of the crop within the Force USA All-In-One range. Don’t let the numericals fool you as they show an indication of when the original machine was developed rather than its ranking in the range. The G12 is not a better machine than the G1, it is a different machine.
What’s Common Between The G6 and G12?
Both the G12 and G6 are beasts and both weigh over 450kgs. Features common to both machines include. Both machines are fundamental 7 gym machine training stations in one.
- Fully adjustable functional trainer systems with twin selectorized weight stacks of just under 100kgs each. This includes independent twin pulley systems (two trainers can train simultaneously).
- Chin stations with multi grip bars offering you 4 different pull-up / chin grip positions.
- Smith machine with over 400kgs capacity. On the G12 this is a counter balanced bar with zero starting weight.
- Power rack with front safeties and j-hooks.
- Core trainer or sometimes called a “landmine” attachment. This includes a T Bar rowing handle, but requires you to have an Olympic bar which is not included in the the G12 box but is always available as an add on and optional extra.
- Leg Press Plate which attaches to the Smith Machine.
- Dip station handles which can be placed at varying heights.
To begin with let me give you the overview of who should be buying each machine and why. There’s no need to “sell” a Force USA machine. If you are in the market with a budget for a capable premium brand machine then there will be a Force USA All-In-One Trainer machine in the range to suit your pocket and needs. We help you buy the machine that is right for you (not right for us).
As you read the below explanations please bear in mind that there is considerable overlap with the G12 and G6. Both are very capable and one is not “better” than the other.
The King of Gym blog refers to the G6 as “Best all-in-one gym overall. It has the best mix of high-value features. It works well for bodybuilding, powerlifting and general resistance training styles.”
The G12 is described by The King of The Gym as “Best premium quality all-in-one gym for bodybuilders or serious fitness enthusiasts. Also, the best option for commercial use in personal training studios, physical therapy clinics, hotels and corporate gyms.”
Who should buy the Force USA G12?
When my sales team is asked for help in explaining the differences between these two machines it is frequently a result of us being called and asked to help someone buy a G12 as it has been perceived as the biggest and the best machine. This is not true and my normal answer is to ask for a few minutes going through my customers needs before making a recommendation. About 50% of the time the G6 is actually the correct machine. So please take the time to check out the differences. Alternatively please call us on 020 3965 7711 or email us on sales@gymandfitnessequipment.co.uk.
The following are ideal applications for the G12
- Small commercial gyms for the stronger experienced trainers
- Corporate Gyms
- Bodybuilders
- Power Lifters
- Couples and families with some gym experience.
- Serious and strong fitness enthusiasts.
- Personal Training studios dealing with serious and strong fitness enthusiasts.
- Hotels
- Corporate Gyms
- School gyms especially in helping power and strength based sports.
Who should buy the Force USA G6?
The following are ideal applications for the G6
- Small commercial gyms for the sports specific, physique athletes and functional training area
- Corporate Gyms
- The ideal perfectly balanced home gym
- Bodybuilders and physique competitors
- Couples and families with little experience in raining at a gym
- Fitness enthusiasts
- Sports specific trainers interested in speed training with the cable.
- Personal Training studios dealing sports training
- Physiotherapists and rehabilitation practitioners
- Hotels
- Corporate Gyms
- School gyms especially in helping strength, sports specific and functional training.
The Differences Between the G6 and G12
So far I have identified a number of broad similarities and differences. Now I will go into some more detail o the fundamental differentiators which will help you decide which machine is the right one for you.
Cable Ratios
Pulley cable systems work on a mechanical advantage with two variables; effective weight and length of cable. If you want a heavier effective weight then you will be sacrificing the length of the cable. Force USA All-In-One Trainers offer both 1:1 and 2:1 cable ratios and this is an exceptionally important fundamental to understand in order to select the right machine for you. Many personal trainers and professionals regard the 2:1 as the best balance and this is why a great may functional trainer cables ratios are 2:1.
Force USA however have on offer machines with 1:1 cable ratios which is quite are in a functional trainer and some say that this has created a perfect gym machine.
Functional Trainers with 1:1 Cable Ratios
Functional Trainers such as the Force G12 USA All-In-One Trainer (previously the Force USA G12 Monster) offer a 1:1 cable ratio which means that for every kilogram loaded up you will be lifting a kilogram. This also means that you will be able to load more working resistance with the G12 then you would be able to with a 2:1 cable ratio functional trainer.
The 1:1 also means that for every cm that you move the functional trainer handle the weight stack moves by 1cm. For those of you who have trained at a commercial gym you will recognise this format from most Lat Pulldown machines. The cable is therefore shorter than a 2:1 and you will need to add a chain extension to the cable in order to stand further away from the machine.
Functional Trainers with 2:1 Cable Ratios
Functional Trainers such as the Force USA All-In-One Trainer (previously known as the Force USA G6 Monster) offer a 2:1 cable ratio. For every kilogram loaded up you will be lifting half a kilogram. Each 5 kg weight plate added will add 2.5kgs to the effective weight. This means that the increments are finer but that your total weight stack maxes out at around 50kgs.
For most trainers there is no issue here. This is similar to having a 50 kgs dumbbell in each hand when you hold the D handles and like a 100kgs barbell when you use one of the functional or barbell handles. For most people this should be an adequate weight for strength and bodybuilding movements and training.
The 2:1 cable ratio also means that for every cm that you move the functional trainer handle the weight stack moves by half a cm. For those of you who have trained at a commercial gym you will recognise this format from most tricep pushdowns, adjustable cable crossovers and sing stack adjustable columns. The cable is therefore longer than the 1:1 cable ratio machine such as the G6. Therefore you don’t have to add chains to lengthen the cable. You will be able to move away from the machine whilst you are training to perform more complex functional training movements. This is why the bigger Force USA All-In-One Trainers come with a set of chains
Speed Training on Various Cable Ratio Functional Trainers.
Speed training involving a trainer moving quickly away from the Force USA All-In-One Trainer whilst holding onto a handle is best performed on a 2:1 cable ratio machine. This is because another effect of the shorter distance that the weight stack moves also means that it accelerates at a salwar pace when you move it.
When you move quickly with a 1:1 cable ratio functional trainer such as the G12, then the weight stack moves at the same speed as you do, meaning that the weight stack may build up momentum and carry on moving up for a short distance after you have completed your initial phase of the movement. This is normal and you may have experienced this feeling in a commercial gym when you use a machine such as the lat pulldown as a tricep pushdown. The movement feels different. When you move quickly then it will feel that there is momentary pause or slackness in the cable.
The slower acceleration of the 2:1 cable movements (half a cm for every cm that you hand moves) means that you get away with speed movements without the feeling of the cable losing its tension of that moment. This is not an issue for most trainers. Only those who wish to use explosive movements and fast training such as plyometric, accelerative and sports specific training movements.
Summary of Functional Trainer Cable Ratios
If you want to perform speed or functional training movements the G6 is the machine for you. If you want a heavier weight stack add power bands. If you want super heavy and not concerned about a shorted cable or functional training then the G12 is for you.
The 1:1 cable ratio means a shorter cable and more weight
The 2:1 cable ratio means a longer cable and less effective weight.
Interior Working Space
The G6 is taller and thinner than the G12
The internal working area for the G6 is
- 215cm (H),
- 105cm (W Uprights),
- 91cm (W Smith),
- 86cm (D)
The internal working area for the G12 is
- 215cm (H),
- 122.5 cm (W Uprights),
- 109 cm (W Smith),
- 86cm (D)
The G6 is Therefore Narrower the G12. This is not an issue for most people. The possible restriction would com in if:
- You have exceptionally long limbs (possibly of you are over 6 foot 6 inches and taller)
- You want to perform very wide grip exercises such as wide grip snatches and bench press.
Dimensions of the Units
The height of the G6 is 235cm. You need another 2 cm minimum for installing the unit.
The height of the G12 is 223cm. You need another 2cm to install the unit. In addition if you are working with a tight or low ceiling space then we recommend that you fit the G12 smith machine counterbalance weights and cable system BEFORE placing the uprights in a vertical position.
Depths (from front to back) The G12 is a bit more compact at 150cm and you don’t have to access the back of the machine. It can be placed against a wall.
The G6 is 166cm deep.
External width is normally referred to as the length of the smith bar. The G6 is 195cm wide and the G12 is 202cm. YOu need to leave at least 20cm on each side to be able to place your weights onto the smith bar.
Uprights are 2 by 2 inch (5cm by 5cm).
Smith Machine Counter Balances
The Monster G12 offers a counterbalanced Smith Machine. This means that the resting weight of the bar is 0kgs as opposed to the G6 with a resting weight of around 20kgs.
Pulley Positions on the Frame of the G6
The functional trainer pulleys attach to the frame where the J-Hooks attach. With the G6 (unlike all of the other G series All-In-One Trainers) the pulley sits to the side of the frame which allows you to leave the pulley adjustment where it is and attach the J-Hooks. With the the other units you need to move the functional trainer handle to the top of the machine otherwise the cable runs over the J-Hook.
A consequence os this is that will the other G series machines the top J-Hook holes cannot be used when the functional trainer handle is placed at the top of the machine. On the G6 this is not an issue and opens up the possibility of a higher placing of the J hooks for very tall people.
G12 and the Weight Stack
Owing to the tight footprint and configuration of the weight stacks on the G12 there are some minor restrictions when using an adjustable bench with the smith machine. This is common with all compact functional trainer smith machine hybrid multigyms.
With the weight stacks at the back of the machine it is not possible to push the bench all of the way through the machine. This only becomes an issue if you wish to use a full upright position on a bench such as the Force USA F-Mr-Fid Adjustable Gym Bench. When you put the bench at close to a 90 degree or 70 degree incline, you may find that the backrest pushes you very close to the smith bar.
The simple solution to all of this? Turn the bench around. Nearly all benches work perfectly when you turn them around to face towards the weight stacks instead of away from the weight stacks
Functional Training Accessories on the G6 and G12
There are slight differences when it comes to the accessories and handles that are provided with the G6 and G12
- Double attached functional Straight bar is provided with both units. This allows you to attach each side of the bar to each of the two functional trainer cables and simulate barbell exercises
- Abdominal strap / crunch accessory (Not supplied with the G12)
- Lat pulldown bar which offers a hammer/ spade grip bar. (The G12 offers a standard lat pulldown bar).
- D handles / Stirrup handles are made of metal whereas the G12 offers nylon single handles.
- Both are supplied with a high quality trice rope.
- The tricep bar on the G6 has a sharper angled V whereas the G12 tricep bar is a straighter shallower angled short bar.
- Short straight bar for tricep and bicep work is provided on the G6, not the G12
- Functional single attachment “Sports / bat handle” is supplied with the G6 which allows sports specific movements such golf swings and baseball bat movements.
- Close grip, hands parallel rowing handle is supplied with the G6 but not with the G12.
- Leg Press attachments (Previously optional extras) are now included with both the G6 and the G12
- Training charts. To stimulate some creativity each unit is supplied with an exercise chart which attaches to the back of each machine. If you ever get bored with those, then there is always YouTube.
- Band pegs come with the G6 NOT the G12. This allows you to add more weight to the weight stack on the G6
Accessories for the G6
Accessories for the G12
Some Typical Customer Solutions
Names and some details have been altered
Phillip Physique: Age 47. G6 Solution
Has trained his whole life in a gym as a physique competitor and lightweight bodybuilder. He aims to keep his muscle mass and is interested in keeping his repertoire of exercises broad and interesting. He enjoys trying new exercises and as he gets a bit older form of exercise is more important that lifting exceptionally heavy weights. As he quite strong he wa concerned that the 2:1 ratio of the G6 would mean light weight stacks. However after using the G6 he commented that “even at half of the effective weight, I am still able to hold over 40kgs in each hand with the functional trainer”.
Tony Time Starved: Age 37
Tony is a manager of a sales team in a high pressure environment. He has no time to go to a gym anymore. He loves a heavy workout and for years enjoyed going to the gym in his local town before his promotion. Tony wants the best and is not trying to get a cheap gym. He wants a turnkey solution where the delivery is easy and he does not have to carry the machine parts to his training room. He also wants the installation done by a professional company.
Tony was torn between the G6 and the G12 and he settled on the G12 because he still wants to work as heavy as possible.
Jethro Gym Strongman: Age 31. G12 Solution
Jethro weighs 150 kgs and is one of the strongest guys in the gym. He loves his classical pulley exercises and has no intention of deviating from his standard routine.
Penny Personal Trainer: Age 41. G6 Solution
Penny trains all types of people although she has found a special market for sports specific training and athletes. After consideration she has decided that the heavy weight stack on the G12 would be wasted on most of her customers who come for help with various movements which don’t require a heavy weight.
Paul Personal Trainer: Age 34. G6 Solution
Paul has been a personal trainer at a gym for a number of years. After the Covid lockdown he has decided to invest in working from his garage at home. He loves trying out new exercises. Mots of his customers want to “lean out” but still hold muscle.
Patricia Powerful: Age 51. G12 Solution
Patrica is has been powerlifting for many years and still lifts a significantly higher amount than most men in her gym. She loves a super heavy weight stack and use lots of short movements and partial repetitions to continually increase her on rep maximum lifts.
Francois Physiotherapist: Age 29. G6 Solution.
Francois deals with a mix of rehabilitation and sports specific customers. He needs to be able to offer a light starting weight on a machine and frequently begins his patients on light power bands before progressing to the functional trainer
Christopher Crossfitter: Age 25.
Christopher wants a machine that can double up as a rack and a functional trainer. He also wants to move very quickly between exercises and so needs a selectorized weight stack so he can change weights quickly.
