Which one is right for you? Rep Fitness Athena: www.repfitness.com/#5f3b28f9517b0 00:51 Athena Side Mount Functional Trainer Review 01:50 Athena Cable Flys 02:45 Saved by the Bell TIMEOUT 08:00 Cost Breakdown: Ares, Athena, FT5000 09:30 Which Product is Right for Your Specific Needs
Just went to Rep showroom to demo and bring home a new 4000 30/16-93 6 post rack and Ares. And walked out with a PR4000 6 post, dual stack Athena plus lat pulldown low row, for 3 full selectorized stacks😊. If you want to work in the back of rack or do any type of incline bench, or if you care about leg and foot room when doing lat pulldowns or low rows....the Athena hands down. Ive had a knee replacemen and cant bend my left knee beyond 110 degrees, so getting into position with bench and leg pad to hold down my bodyweight in the Ares was very awkward and cramped. The center leg pad offered with the 4000 rack was superior to the 2 individual lep pads you need on the 5000 as well. I really wanted to love the Ares, but the full tricked out Athena was so much more comfortable than the Ares. Im not a guy, at 61 years old, who cares about the max of the weight stacks as much as my 30 year old son would. And the pricing all built out was within 300 bucks of the Ares/rack combo. The low row on the Athen is also superior to tbe Ares, with no bar interefernce on your feet. Both extermely high quality, and I was totally sold on the Ares- until I worked out on them. Athena for the win!
Awesome review! Highly recommend the Gympin D handle to connect both side for heavier stack on lat pull downs and low rows. S/O to Flex Marks the Spot for that pro tip. Another assembly tip is to loosen all the pulleys prior to attaching them to the rack.
Thanks for another great review, Jonathan. If I may, I used to have a ceiling like yours. I got a bunch of 1/8 inch plywood, painted it white, and nailed it up with a nail gun. Really brightened the space and gave a more finished look. Just an idea. Thanks again.
Ironically, I've got duct work that was installed improperly, previous owner, and it actually sticks out below the joist a bit.....but that would have been a fantastic idea!
Great video - finally a good review on the Athena. I just ordered mine (got in between the sold out blocks). 16" dual selectroized for a 5000 rack. Had to fit in my wifes approved garage gym corner, lol. Should be here in a few days :)
For lat pulldowns and low rows, you can definitely get an attachment to connect both sides and then attach your own handles like the GymPin Pro D-Handle Bar. Prime, Steadfast, Stray Dog, Ironmaster and a bunch of other companies make something similar too. That way you can use both weight stack easily at once.
Since I have the plate loaded lat/low row, I went with the plate loaded Athena. I plan on moving and the plate loaded should be MUCH easier to move rather than selectorized version plus much cheaper! The only downside is I had to sell my weight horns but I replaced them with a weight tree, which I don't mind at all. I have the 93" rack and strongly recommend it.
Thanks for the great video. How difficult was the build for one side of the athena? Strange that Rep fitness does not have instructional video for this attachment and nobody is putting up videos on the install>
Should I get six post 30+16 ATHENAS 92 inches tall for $3100 or should I get six post 30+16 used rep ares for $3000?? I already have a titan selectorized lat pull down and rhino belt squat, isolator etc...I hae to drive 4 hours to pick ether one up.
With the Dwight Howard reference, instead of Tango and Cash, thought you might go with "best friends like D.H. and Stan Van Gundy" with a clip of the interview when Stan said was trying to get him fired and then Dwight comes up unaware. Great awkward moment.
That's a deep cut though! Plus I'd probably get flagged for copy right lol. Need to tred warily in the youtube waters. Would have been way funnier though
Awesome review! I have the 93” rack and am trying to decide on a dual Athena vs the ares. I’m considering a gym pin D-Handle for the Athena to connect both weight stacks for rows/pulldowns
I'm 5'9 and have the 80" athena and am using the Gympin D handle for lat pull downs. I need to get my bench to the decline position to get full ROM. Otherwise it's a great combination.
The 30" D handle was ordered direct from gympins site during black friday (along with some gympins to save on shipping). It just barely spans the gap between both carabiners.
great review im in the market for a 4000 rack just curious what is the total depth of your rack im limited on space but would really like a 6 post like yours ! thank you keep the great content coming
They make a plate loaded version of these which is about half the price (900ish for both sides) and I think that really would be the best value for a REP Rack cable machine although you do sacrifice having weights stored on the rack and also I think you can't have a lat pull down in the rack either which doesn't matter much since you can do that with the Athena anyways. Been Watchung a few of your vids and you def earned a subscriber, awesome content!
If you get the new rep Pegasus seat and put it as low as it can go, do you think you could do lat pulldowns on it? Also if you use a gym pin can you still use weight storage on the back? Maybe if you only use 10s on gym pins?
Great review as always! If you have the space would you still prefer a standalone functional trainer? Do you still have your Titan unit and if so which one is going to leave the basement first? Thanks in advance!
REP has gone above and beyond with their in rack weight stacks. Really awesome and innovative system. I think the Athena is great for limited space, especially for you basement dwellers.
Had my wife use your code with Wolf Tactical for my Christmas gifts (plate carrier and tactical pouch...ok, it's a fanny pack/sling bag). Unfortunately they only sell their new curved plates on Amazon-speaking of them, might be good if you do an updated best plate carrier video
I want to purchase an Athena on a four post to save space. But Rep says to be careful with the 80 inch rack because it affects your ability to rack the bar after squatting. I’m 5’11” for reference …. Is the 80 inch four post out of the question? Should I just get the 6 post and take up more room in my basement?
did you rotate your front uprights after you got the Athena? Looks like your numbers were facing out in previous videos. Guessing you rotated them for less math and guessing when moving the Athena. you guessed right...i'm looking for a new rack and thinking of Athena/Ares down the road...leaning toward your setup with pr-4000 w/athena and lat/row selectorized too....Thx!
I had numbers facing out but moved them facing in cause I found it made it much easier to line up safeties. Why not ares if going with both Athena and lat low row? Just out of curiosity
@@NoFate247 I have a Titan X-3 6-post custom 30”+12”. Makes sense on the uprights. I stenciled the outside of my uprights and wishing I had also stenciled the inside of my front uprights too. I like the pr-5000 for its laser etched numbering on every hole front and back, but due to 5/8” holes and my accessories like two sets of Irwin cups and etc I’d probably end up with the pr-4000. Leaning toward Athena and selectorized lat/row combo over Ares for a few reasons….prefer 1:1 weight ratio, more space in back of rack for my knees/head or squeezing a bench back there, single cable attachment on top and bottom over that banana clip with the Ares. This is all based on video reviews of course. Have you ever tried out an Ares?
If you already have an inspire ftx would you suggest on selling and trading up for the Athena? The space I have isn't "limited" to keep it but it would free up a corner. I also plan on upgrading my plate loaded lat pulldown on my pr-4000 to the selectorized.
I would consider upgrading to the Athena, freeing up space. If you are going to go pull down and Athena you might want to go ares but obviously that's more money
I was wondering…have you tried doing a low row setup with the Athena in tandem? Was thinking with the right attachment and a 2x4 for foot support this could be done. Just brainstorming on how to get that pull point higher than where the lat low row attachment is situated
On the athena when I do low rows, I just sit on my bench, brace my feet on the bench feet, adjust the cable to the desired height and go to town. This works with both at the same time if you place your bench facing the middle. Works great IMO
Athena with the extra weight if you are on the fence between Athena and lat pull down. If you use my link let me know so I can send you a thank you gift
Is it possible to install the Athena on the 'inside' of the rack? I just have a 41x41 rack and I'm trying to see if you can just install it inside rather than buying additional posts/crossmembers
So I don’t have a power rack yet. But I was going to order the FT-3000 from rep. But now I see this. Do you recommend this over a functional trainer? I know it’s about cost, but what would you do persay? The problem I have is my ceiling in my basement is exactly 82”.
Honestly, If you have the space and want a functional trainer, then buy it separate. It might be more money but makes for a cleaner look in your gym and easier to sell/upgrade one or the other if their seperate. If you're looking to save money or space, go with the Athena. Although 82 inches, you'll be able to get it in, but just barely. Email me if you want to discuss further. Nofate247@gmail.com or msg me on IG
Just pulled the trigger on the Athena wall mounted option. Hurt my wallet, but based on your review I had to go check this out and it is absolutely amazing!!! Can’t beat this at all
@@NoFate247 curious why you say Ares over lat pull-down + Athena? Because I’ve heard people say they weren’t fans of the low row on the Ares since it doesn’t come clean through the middle. But the Athena + lat pull-down wouldn’t have that problem
Which one is right for you?
Rep Fitness Athena: www.repfitness.com/#5f3b28f9517b0
00:51 Athena Side Mount Functional Trainer Review
01:50 Athena Cable Flys
02:45 Saved by the Bell TIMEOUT
08:00 Cost Breakdown: Ares, Athena, FT5000
09:30 Which Product is Right for Your Specific Needs
Really like how you did calf raises. I've been trying to figure out how to do them in my home setup. I'm gonna give that a try.
Yeah I found that and the belt squat movement the most surprising that worked exceptionally well
Just went to Rep showroom to demo and bring home a new 4000 30/16-93 6 post rack and Ares. And walked out with a PR4000 6 post, dual stack Athena plus lat pulldown low row, for 3 full selectorized stacks😊. If you want to work in the back of rack or do any type of incline bench, or if you care about leg and foot room when doing lat pulldowns or low rows....the Athena hands down. Ive had a knee replacemen and cant bend my left knee beyond 110 degrees, so getting into position with bench and leg pad to hold down my bodyweight in the Ares was very awkward and cramped. The center leg pad offered with the 4000 rack was superior to the 2 individual lep pads you need on the 5000 as well. I really wanted to love the Ares, but the full tricked out Athena was so much more comfortable than the Ares. Im not a guy, at 61 years old, who cares about the max of the weight stacks as much as my 30 year old son would. And the pricing all built out was within 300 bucks of the Ares/rack combo. The low row on the Athen is also superior to tbe Ares, with no bar interefernce on your feet. Both extermely high quality, and I was totally sold on the Ares- until I worked out on them. Athena for the win!
Yeah I definitely think the athena is over looked far to quickly
What color rack you get
Great stuff as always. Big fan of the Ares and the new handles are great. Pretty impressed you built the Athena by yourself in just over 3 hours.
The impact wrench helped immensely
Awesome review! Highly recommend the Gympin D handle to connect both side for heavier stack on lat pull downs and low rows. S/O to Flex Marks the Spot for that pro tip. Another assembly tip is to loosen all the pulleys prior to attaching them to the rack.
Great advice, love flex marks the spot
Thanks for another great review, Jonathan. If I may, I used to have a ceiling like yours. I got a bunch of 1/8 inch plywood, painted it white, and nailed it up with a nail gun. Really brightened the space and gave a more finished look. Just an idea. Thanks again.
Ironically, I've got duct work that was installed improperly, previous owner, and it actually sticks out below the joist a bit.....but that would have been a fantastic idea!
Great video - finally a good review on the Athena. I just ordered mine (got in between the sold out blocks). 16" dual selectroized for a 5000 rack. Had to fit in my wifes approved garage gym corner, lol. Should be here in a few days :)
Email me your address if you used my link so I can send you a thank you gift 🙏 Nofate247@gmail.com
For lat pulldowns and low rows, you can definitely get an attachment to connect both sides and then attach your own handles like the GymPin Pro D-Handle Bar. Prime, Steadfast, Stray Dog, Ironmaster and a bunch of other companies make something similar too. That way you can use both weight stack easily at once.
That's Absolutely and Option!!!
Since I have the plate loaded lat/low row, I went with the plate loaded Athena. I plan on moving and the plate loaded should be MUCH easier to move rather than selectorized version plus much cheaper! The only downside is I had to sell my weight horns but I replaced them with a weight tree, which I don't mind at all. I have the 93" rack and strongly recommend it.
after putting all the plates on this thing, I don't want to think about taking them off for moving.....smart decision on your part!
Great video. I would've probably went Athena and lat pulldown/low row had I know that both were going to be released.
It's a tough choice and I think ultimate decision for many will be space and cost....like most home gym decisions
Looks like a great option for us small space guys!
Every inch counts in most home gyms. Don't let the football field sized tik tok gyms fool you into believing that's the norm
Nice comparison of the different options!
Appreciate you checking in! Which one do you think has the most value for a home gym owner?
Thanks for the great video. How difficult was the build for one side of the athena? Strange that Rep fitness does not have instructional video for this attachment and nobody is putting up videos on the install>
One side of the athena wasn't bad. I did it all by myself. You save time (frome xperiance doing the 2nd side but only about 20-30 minutes)
Should I get six post 30+16 ATHENAS 92 inches tall for $3100 or should I get six post 30+16 used rep ares for $3000?? I already have a titan selectorized lat pull down and rhino belt squat, isolator etc...I hae to drive 4 hours to pick ether one up.
@futbol1972 Athena
@@NoFate247 thank u
Great video as always
Very informative
Well my name is Phil……oh. Great review man! Looking good!
:):):) Thanks for checking in!
Just wondering how hard it was to bring the stacks downstairs. Great video!
Easy they box them well and you bring it down piece meal wants assemble. Biggest part is the uprights of course but everything else is very manageable
With the Dwight Howard reference, instead of Tango and Cash, thought you might go with "best friends like D.H. and Stan Van Gundy" with a clip of the interview when Stan said was trying to get him fired and then Dwight comes up unaware. Great awkward moment.
That's a deep cut though! Plus I'd probably get flagged for copy right lol. Need to tred warily in the youtube waters. Would have been way funnier though
@@NoFate247 would have been a hassle too, and not got by the non hoops fan. But every time I see D.H., that's what I think of.
Awesome review! I have the 93” rack and am trying to decide on a dual Athena vs the ares. I’m considering a gym pin D-Handle for the Athena to connect both weight stacks for rows/pulldowns
If you go ares you shouldn't need it but I know a few people who use the d handle to connect the two
I'm 5'9 and have the 80" athena and am using the Gympin D handle for lat pull downs. I need to get my bench to the decline position to get full ROM. Otherwise it's a great combination.
Where did you get the d handle
The 30" D handle was ordered direct from gympins site during black friday (along with some gympins to save on shipping). It just barely spans the gap between both carabiners.
great review im in the market for a 4000 rack just curious what is the total depth of your rack im limited on space but would really like a 6 post like yours ! thank you keep the great content coming
56 inches for just six posts, another 9 for the lat pull down thanks for watching and subscribing 👍🏼
I bought the dual stack Athena with the low row and lat pull-down attachment. The only difference is that mine is plate loaded.
How do you like it? If I used my link let me know so I can send you a thank you gift Nofate247@gmail.com
They make a plate loaded version of these which is about half the price (900ish for both sides) and I think that really would be the best value for a REP Rack cable machine although you do sacrifice having weights stored on the rack and also I think you can't have a lat pull down in the rack either which doesn't matter much since you can do that with the Athena anyways. Been Watchung a few of your vids and you def earned a subscriber, awesome content!
I didn't have time to dive into the late loaded version but definitely an affordable option that you could upgrade later if it wanted
You could save money by going with a plate loaded Athena.
That's absolutely true. Bud just not enough time to cover it all
If you get the new rep Pegasus seat and put it as low as it can go, do you think you could do lat pulldowns on it? Also if you use a gym pin can you still use weight storage on the back? Maybe if you only use 10s on gym pins?
Yes and yes, but if you want to do a gym pin with 45s, you need the storage spacers they sell
Thanks for the reply and video, I think I'll go for the athena, appreciate it
@@spacecowboy301Let me know if you use my link so I can send you a thank you gift
Great review as always! If you have the space would you still prefer a standalone functional trainer? Do you still have your Titan unit and if so which one is going to leave the basement first? Thanks in advance!
If you have space and money it's always preferred to get stand alone unit. Makes things just easier. Titan may leave in spring but not certain
@@NoFate247 thanks!
REP has gone above and beyond with their in rack weight stacks. Really awesome and innovative system.
I think the Athena is great for limited space, especially for you basement dwellers.
Rep leading the pack when it comes to innovating and helping out the MANY Who have limited space, which is always appreciated.
Great review!
Really appreciate that, the editing on this one took forever and hopefully it shows
Nice video. Is it hard to remove the Athena from the rack? I plan to get it but moving to a new location in a year after daughter graduates.
Not hard actually much easier than installing it.
When you say 540lbs cable can handle, is that 2:1 ratio so 270lbs I can only put on total? Thanks getting ready to order with your link!
You can put 540 lbs on cable, it'll feel like 270 in the handle.
Solid review as always! I ordered my Ares with your affiliate link, I'd love a No Fate sticker for my gym 💪
Heck yea!! Email me please your address Nofate247@gmail.com or on ig nofate247
Nice review friend!
Thank you. Trying to get a lot of info out there without the video dragging on
Had my wife use your code with Wolf Tactical for my Christmas gifts (plate carrier and tactical pouch...ok, it's a fanny pack/sling bag). Unfortunately they only sell their new curved plates on Amazon-speaking of them, might be good if you do an updated best plate carrier video
I might do another vest video later in the year. Email me your address so I can send you a thank you gift Nofate247@gmail.com 🙏
I want to purchase an Athena on a four post to save space. But Rep says to be careful with the 80 inch rack because it affects your ability to rack the bar after squatting. I’m 5’11” for reference …. Is the 80 inch four post out of the question? Should I just get the 6 post and take up more room in my basement?
If you have the space and money get the six post but I think you would be fine on squatting with 4 post Athena at your height
I could send you photos of mine to give you an idea of the room you would have
there is Wall-Mounted Athena
will be good for small romms gym?
Yes
One day I’d love to upgrade to rep!
Just use my affiliate link bro LOL> You're setup is perfect your space IMO.
did you rotate your front uprights after you got the Athena? Looks like your numbers were facing out in previous videos. Guessing you rotated them for less math and guessing when moving the Athena. you guessed right...i'm looking for a new rack and thinking of Athena/Ares down the road...leaning toward your setup with pr-4000 w/athena and lat/row selectorized too....Thx!
I had numbers facing out but moved them facing in cause I found it made it much easier to line up safeties. Why not ares if going with both Athena and lat low row? Just out of curiosity
@@NoFate247 I have a Titan X-3 6-post custom 30”+12”. Makes sense on the uprights. I stenciled the outside of my uprights and wishing I had also stenciled the inside of my front uprights too. I like the pr-5000 for its laser etched numbering on every hole front and back, but due to 5/8” holes and my accessories like two sets of Irwin cups and etc I’d probably end up with the pr-4000. Leaning toward Athena and selectorized lat/row combo over Ares for a few reasons….prefer 1:1 weight ratio, more space in back of rack for my knees/head or squeezing a bench back there, single cable attachment on top and bottom over that banana clip with the Ares. This is all based on video reviews of course. Have you ever tried out an Ares?
Never got to try the ares but want to at least get my hands on it
If you already have an inspire ftx would you suggest on selling and trading up for the Athena? The space I have isn't "limited" to keep it but it would free up a corner. I also plan on upgrading my plate loaded lat pulldown on my pr-4000 to the selectorized.
I would consider upgrading to the Athena, freeing up space. If you are going to go pull down and Athena you might want to go ares but obviously that's more money
I was wondering…have you tried doing a low row setup with the Athena in tandem? Was thinking with the right attachment and a 2x4 for foot support this could be done. Just brainstorming on how to get that pull point higher than where the lat low row attachment is situated
I guess this could be done off of one post too
On the athena when I do low rows, I just sit on my bench, brace my feet on the bench feet, adjust the cable to the desired height and go to town. This works with both at the same time if you place your bench facing the middle. Works great IMO
@@NoFate247 thx. Thinking about getting both but if I had to choose which one only or which one first
@@samrmills Athena for sure
@SamLife If you use my affiliate link let me know so I can send you a thank you gift
What are the best cable attachments to own with the Athena?😀
Here are a few I like: amzn.to/3R6v8Pn
I also like Rep fitness' close grip tricep push down bar and their multi grip curl bar: www.repfitness.com/#5f3b28f9517b0
Checkin Innn, Do you know by any chance if the Athena can be used on a Titan series rack?
I haven't tried but I have to assume it'll be off by enough to not work smoothly. I honestly wouldn't risk it unfortunately.
What you think if the Athena+lat pull down and the ares release at the same time which one you will get
Ares if I have the money
Athena with the extra weight if you are on the fence between Athena and lat pull down. If you use my link let me know so I can send you a thank you gift
Is it possible to install the Athena on the 'inside' of the rack? I just have a 41x41 rack and I'm trying to see if you can just install it inside rather than buying additional posts/crossmembers
Afraid not.
So I don’t have a power rack yet. But I was going to order the FT-3000 from rep. But now I see this. Do you recommend this over a functional trainer? I know it’s about cost, but what would you do persay? The problem I have is my ceiling in my basement is exactly 82”.
Honestly, If you have the space and want a functional trainer, then buy it separate. It might be more money but makes for a cleaner look in your gym and easier to sell/upgrade one or the other if their seperate. If you're looking to save money or space, go with the Athena. Although 82 inches, you'll be able to get it in, but just barely. Email me if you want to discuss further. Nofate247@gmail.com or msg me on IG
Just pulled the trigger on the Athena wall mounted option. Hurt my wallet, but based on your review I had to go check this out and it is absolutely amazing!!! Can’t beat this at all
If you used my affiliate link let me know so I can send you a thank you gift Nofate247@gmail.com
Have you tried to attach both stacks for heavy dual stack lat pulls?
How do you keep your legs down when using both stacks?
With both stacks you need to use something to hold your feet down like a weighted vest or sandbag.
Would it be possible to use some sort of belt that you strap under the bench and on top of your lap?
You could but might be a hard setup
Not sure if you have experienced the Ares yet but would you go with the Ares or the selectorized last/low row and dual Athena?
Ares over the pull down and dual Athena. Imo
@@NoFate247 curious why you say Ares over lat pull-down + Athena? Because I’ve heard people say they weren’t fans of the low row on the Ares since it doesn’t come clean through the middle. But the Athena + lat pull-down wouldn’t have that problem
Any issues of doing flys from the top position with a 80” rack? Do you feel the pulleys are high enough?
They were high enough for me at 6'1 probably not if you are 6'5
I’m around the same height so I was curious
The gym pin stack extender, is it an 8mm or 10mm gym pin?
5/8
What about the ARES? I’ve been trying to select one of the 2.
Ares or Athena? I would say go ares if you have the taller rack version and the money. Ares will do both functional Trainer and lat pull down.
@NoFate247 thank you, holmes slice
Is the Athena so good that you'll get rid of your Titan functional trainer? Or will you just move it out in the garage?
The l titan functional Trainer will most likely get sold or go to the garage come spring
You are an Athena creama full time dreama - Wish my jammer arms were as easy as that handle movement , smooth and easy as my HS sweetheart
Yeah this thing is locked cocked and ready to rock
@@NoFate247 LMFAO 🤣🤣
Nice🏋♂️
Thanks for checking in 🙏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Get ares
Heard so many great things about the Ares! Def. a set it and forget it type of do it all!
Concerned by the strength with which you pulled that hundo.
Rest assured it is good ole dad strength lol.
MY FARTS R WARM AND STINK
Don't trust a wet fart
HOW OFTEN DO U TRIM YOUR NOSE HAIRS
Not often enough
This gets the award for the most random question of the year
I don't mind, had people ask a lot worse. Maybe I should do it more but hard to get the weed whacker up there