| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Workout stations | Weight stack | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Inspire M2 Check Discounted Price | L:72" W:48" H:78" | 30+ | High-pulley, Mid-pulley, Press bar, Low-pulley, Leg developer | 160 lbs | Lifetime |
The Inspire M2 Multi Gym has been around for a few years; it’s actually a model released in 2015. However, it’s a top-quality, light-commercial weight stack machine and to this day continues to benefit from an almost flawless feedback from all users. It has a durable construction, excellent micro-adjustability, it’s not an extremely large piece of equipment, and most importantly, it offers the possibility to perform more than 30 gym-quality exercises.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 72L x 48W x 78H inches (183L x 122W x 198H cm)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Backrest: Adjustable
- Weight resistance: Weight stack (cast iron), 160 lbs (72.5 kg)
- Possible exercises: 30+
- Accessories:
- Lat bar;
- Easy curl bar;
- One D-handle with extension chain;
- One ankle strap;
- Warranty:
- Residential: Lifetime
- Light-commercial: 10 years
Frame construction
Similar to the Inspire M1, the M2 model features a very solid steel frame, made of 2″ x 4″ oval and 3″ round, 11 gauge steel tubing. As opposed to other home gyms, such as the BodyCraft Xpress Pro or Marcy SM-4008, it’s not too large; with all the parts assembled, it is 72″ (183 cm) 
long and 48″ (122 cm) wide. Its width is actually given by the lat bar which is a standard 48″ bar, the machine itself has a narrower base of only approx. 42″ (108 cm). The unit’s height is 78″ (198 cm) which pretty much means that it will fit well even in a room with a 7′ (213 cm) ceiling.
Since most of the unit is steel made and has a weight stack of 160 lbs (72.5 kg), the fully assembled Inspire M2 weighs over 350 lbs, which means that it’s recommended being assembled by two people. Also, despite the fact that its front base is really narrow, the overall weight plus the firm rear base render the machine really stable; it won’t wobble or move as you exercise.
The Inspire Fitness M2 features an adjustable seat and backrest. Also, as opposed to other machines, it has small pad above the backrest, attached directly to the main bar of the unit, which provides support and protection for your head during certain exercises. This pad is non-adjustable.
The seat can be adjusted vertically, its post having 6 adjustment holes. There isn’t any weight capacity specified for the seat and the machine itself, so it should be able to support users over 300 lbs (136 kg) with no problems.
The unit’s backrest can be inclined forward; its rear adjustment plate also features 6 adjustment positions. It can be locked at various angles in order to allow the execution of incline press exercises, or seated rows, or shoulder presses with a firm back support. The seat, the backrest
and the head support pad integrate a generous layer of foam padding and have a highly durable vinyl upholstery. They can last a lifetime if used properly.
The Inspire Fitness M2 is equipped with 18 heavy-duty pulleys. They’re made of fiberglass reinforced nylon, a material highly resistant to wear and tear. All the pulleys integrate industrial grade, sealed ball bearings for a long lifespan and easy, smooth operation. Also, the casing of the lateral base pulley has a pivoting design and it can swivel 180° on its axis, resulting in a more free range of motion for various exercises.
The unit’s cables are coated with a sheet of polyurethane material, providing a smooth gliding over the pulleys. They’re rated for 2,000 lbs tensile duty, so they should support the 160 lbs (72.5 lbs) weight of the stack with no problem.
In terms of accessories, this multi-gym machine includes a multi-purpose D-handle, a standard 48″ aluminum lat bar, an Easy-Curl bar, and an ankle strap. An extension chain which can be attached to any of these is included. Also, there are two long-strap handles attached to the press bar which offer a bit of flexibility when it comes to press exercises; but since they’re basically incorporated into the press bar, they’re not considered accessories, but parts within the unit’s construction.
Workout stations
The Inspire M2 features five distinct workout stations. These are:
High pulley station. This is pretty much a standard, one-point pulley lat pulldown station. It offers the possibility to perform various pulldown exercises. As we’ve mentioned above, a 
standard 48″ (122 cm) aluminum made lat bar is included;
Press station. To begin with, the unit’s press stations offers 8 adjustment positions, 4 for front presses, and 4 for pulls, rows and fly exercises. Also, an important feature which other home gyms do not have is the side strap pulling handles which are directly attached to the press bar. These offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to press exercises. For example, you can alternate between low presses, incline presses and shoulder presses without having to adjust the machine. Also, even though there isn’t a conventional fly press, these handles allow the execution of fly exercises.
Mid pulley station. The pulley system integrated into the backbone bar of the machine, above the head support pad, allows you to perform a quite a few exercises as well. Among them, we can count triceps press-downs, cable rotations, baseball swings etc. An ab harness or swing handle are not included with the unit, though.
Leg developer. The Inspire M2 is equipped with a standard leg developer attachment, featuring a set of 4″ padded rollers for maximum comfort. This element allows the execution of leg extensions and stand-up leg curls.
Low pulley station. Last but not least, this multi-gym machine is equipped with a low pulley element which has a swivel housing and can move 180° on its axis. The low pulley can be attached on either side of the machine. It allows you to perform various low pulley exercises, such as biceps curls, stand-up rows, seated rows or triceps pulls.
A leg press option is also available for this multi-gym system (not included). It’s the Inspire LP3 part number, which can also be attached to the M3 or the M5 home gyms. It features an adjustable backrest and a seat with the same upholstery as the main unit. It has a steel frame and integrates several pulleys.
Weight Resistance
The Inspire M2 comes with a weight stack of 160 lbs (72.5 kg). It includes 15 weight plates (10 lbs each) and the top weight assembly which also weighs 10 lbs (4.5 kg). The weight stack
features a standard middle selector with a pop-pin for the weight adjustment. It glides on two support guide rods and is shrouded by two covers which also reduce some of the noise that the plate may generate.
One important aspect with regards to the machine’s weight stack is that the plates are made of a steel alloy, offering superior durability. They can take a lot of abuse and you can be sure that they won’t crack or sustain damage in case your hand slips on a pulling handle. This is actually one of the reasons this fitness machine is a bit more expensive than others. For example, home gyms such as the Marcy MWM-988, have a vinyl / cement combo weight stack, the plates not being as durable as metal.
The unit’s weight stack can be upgraded. There’s a 50 lbs (22.6 kg) extra stack available for this machine, as well as a 5 lbs (2.2 kg) addon for micro-adjustment. The 50 lbs addon integrates 5 metallic weight plates, 10 lbs (4.5 kg) each.
Possible Exercises
- Fixed bench press
- Inward bench press
- Incline inward bench press
- Pec fly
- Shoulder press
- Inward shoulder press
- Lateral deltoid pull
- Upright row
- Seated mid row
- Low pulley row
- Lat pulldown
- “Good morning” exercise
- Ab crunch
- Leg lift
- Tricep pushdown
- Tricep extension
- Tricep kickback
- Bicep curl
- Reverse curl
- Leg extension
- Leg curl
- Leg abduction
- Leg adduction
- Glute kick
- Deadlift
- Baseball swing
- Golf swing
- … and more
Assembly and Maintenance
The Inspire Fitness M2 comes packed in several boxes. Its assembly isn’t extremely difficult as the manual provides very clear step-by-step assembly instructions and well-drawn schematics. A few Allen wrenches are included, but you will also need your own 13, 16, 17, and 19 mm fixed wrenches, an adjustable wrench, and a rubber mallet.
For maintenance, the pulleys may require lubrication after a while. Applying some lubricant to each pulley, as well as onto the guide rods of the weight plates may eliminate the need for extra lubrication for a long while, though. Other than that, it is recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users of all sizes;
- Adjustable seat (6 positions);
- Adjustable backrest (6 positions);
- Head support pad included;
- Durable vinyl upholstery and foam padding for maximum comfort;
- 4″ foam rollers for the knee stoppers and leg developer;
- 5 main workout stations: high pulley station, mid pulley station, press station, low pulley station, leg developer station;
- Adjustable press station (8 positions);
- Pivoting low pulley for more flexibility during exercises;
- Handles with straps attached to the press bar which allow the execution of shoulder presses and fly exercises;
- Durable cast iron weight plates;
- 160 lbs weight stack;
- The weight stack is upgradable by up to 50 lbs;
- D handle included;
- Lat bar included;
- Easy-Curl short bar included;
- Ankle cuff included;
- Laminated poster with the main exercises that can be performed on this machine is also included;
- Over 30 exercises available;
- Little maintenance required;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Lifetime warranty for home users.
The Cons
- No conventional fly press so the butterfly exercises don’t offer standard, complete weight resistance.
Summary
The Inspire Fitness M2 is a multi-gym machine featuring 5 workout stations, and a metallic weight stack of 160 lbs (72.5 kg). It’s press station, seat and backrest are adjustable. The press station also features strap handles which diversify the exercise possibilities by a lot. The machine allows the execution of over 30 gym-quality exercises, being perfect for a complete training regimen. When it comes to the price, the M2 is not exactly an affordable gym machine. However, since it’s a light-commercial unit, it offers an outstanding quality and value for the price.