Products That Don't Suck

By Devon Ratcliff CI-CPT

Periodically I will be testing various products of lesser popularity that we carry. Those that don’t suck will be featured here.
I was surprisingly impressed by the Precor S3.21 home strength training system. I’ve spent a lot of time working out in different gyms and health clubs and, until now, I hadn’t seen a home gym that I’d actually recommend. Needless to say I was very skeptical about this machine, almost to the point of wanting to not like it. One exercise at a time the S3.21 began to change my mind.
One can perform over twenty five different exercises using the S3.21, and a detailed wall chart of these exercises is included. What I find most surprising is the fact that back extension (roman chair) is one of the exercises. A few of the exercises took a little getting used to as I’ve been spoiled by the stand alone units for each exercise, and/or free weights at the gym. Once I got past the fact that I was not at a health club and that this unit only requires 6’6” by 5’of floor space, I was able to perform each of the exercises listed on the wall chart with ease. The S3.21 didn’t whine, squeak, cry, or rattle a single time during my workout, which is a lot more than I can say for my body.
The S3.21 (with the heavy weight stack and leg press option) is truly a total body workout. I’ve never been convinced that one could attain a “Bowflex body” using any home gym, but working out on the S3.21 has definitely got me rethinking that opinion. I would highly recommend the Precor S3.21 home strength training system to anyone looking to achieve or maintain a respectable level of fitness.