Summit™ All-In-One Trainer Deep Dive: The Ultimate Training Solution

You want the capabilities of a cable machine, Smith machine, and rack, but you don't have the space for standalone units or a massive 6-post footprint. While a 4-post system like this does mean a slightly tighter working area than a full 6-post rack, the Summit™ All-In-One is the ultimate compromise — giving you the versatility you need in the space you actually have.

We’re breaking down the specs, the compatibility, and the configurations, so you can build the ultimate all-in-one home gym machine to elevate your training.

What Is the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer?

Previously, if you wanted a REP® Smith Machine Attachment and cable system on your rack, you typically needed to opt for a 6-post rack — an unrealistic home gym system for those with limited space. Now, with the Summit's new 26" crossmembers, you can fit both systems on a 5K rack, providing you with half-rack, cable, and Smith functionality.

The Pros: Why the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer is a Game Changer

Space-Saving: Consolidating three major pieces of fitness equipment — a functional trainer, Smith machine, and a power rack — into the footprint of a 4-post rack.

Purpose-Built 26" Crossmembers: "26" Crossmembers enable REP customers to have an encompassing 4-post rack with either an Athena™, or Ares™ 2.0 rack attachment," says Noah Tenenbaum, an MS in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, CSCS, FMS-L1, FMS-YBT, FMS-FCS, and a REP product analyst. 

Easy Upgrades: If you're looking to upgrade your home gym setup, you can purchase a Summit™ Upgrade Kit, which provide you with 26" crossmembers and the option to add necessary front foot extensions (unless bolting your setup down) making cable and Smith attachment capable in a 4-post build.

Workout Versatility: Transition from heavy barbell squats into cable accessory work and guided, Smith Machine split squats with ease. This collection of workout essentials provides you with a wide range of funtionality.

Cost-Effective Path: Buying the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer is more cost-effective than purchasing a standalone Smith machine, cable system, and power rack.

Attachment Compatibility: Unlike some "all-in-one" home gym machines from big-box stores, the Summit™ is built on the foundation of the PR-5000. This means it's compatible with a massive ecosystem of REP attachments — like the Leg Roller 2.0, REP® x Kleva Built® Adroit Landmine, Drop-In Dip, Band Pegs, Belt Squat, Utility Horn, Wall Ball Target, Spotter Arms, and more.

The Cons: The Reality of the All-In-One Footprint

No "Inside-the-Cage" Lifting: The Smith Machine rails and cable pulleys occupy the internal 26" space, meaning you won't be able to use a free-weight barbell inside the rack. However, you will have the use of a half-rack, meaning barbell squats and bench press can be tackled off the front uprights using spotter arms.

Limited Incline Bench Angles: Due to the compact design and shorter depth inside the rack, some Smith incline bench angles will be limited with Nighthawk™ and BlackWing™ benches.

Mandatory Spotter Arms: Since you have to lift outside the rack, Spotter Arms are a non-negotiable purchase for safety. 

Attachment Competition: The uprights already have the cable pulleys attached to them, leaving limited open holes for J-cups, Landmines, and Dip Stations. You may end up finding yourself moving your attachments more frequently than you would on a larger rack.

Strictly Vertical Smith Orientation: Due to the tight desire of this setup, the Smith Machine's path is limited to a vertical orientation. If your training requires an angled setup, you'll want to consider other options.

Limited Storage: While you'll find built-in weight storage pegs on most Summit™ All-In-One Trainers, additional storage solutions are limited due to the compact construction of the rack. However, the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with Wall-Mounted Ares™ 2.0 does give you the option to upgrade with storage wings and/or pegboard storage.

Necessary Front Foot Extensions: If you're not planning on bolting your rack down, you'll need front foot extensions on the Summit™ All-In-One Ares™ 2.0 and Athena™. This can expand a setup you had hoped would be as compact as possible.

All-In-One Gym Rack New Build Options

If you're starting from scratch, or looking for the simplest transition to a 4-post all-in-one home gym machine, look no further than the lineup of Summit™ All-In-One Trainers. All you have to do is choose the type of cable system you're interested in.

Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with Ares™ 2.0

The Ares™ 2.0 is REP's most premier cable machine attachment, providing standard functional trainer exercises with two height-adjustable pulleys, plus the ability to tackle lat pulldowns and low rows.

Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with Wall-Mounted Ares™ 2.0

For those looking for added stability and a more compact footprint, the Wall-Mounted Ares™ 2.0 cable system can't be beat. This exercise equipment provides you with total fitness functionality, including lat pull downs and low rows, and is mounted into the wall for security.

Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with Athena™

The Athena™ cable machine is REP's most budget-friendly cable attachment, providing you with the ability to tackle a wide range of cable work like chest press, pallof press, tricep extension, and more. Unlike the Ares™ 2.0, you won't have access to lat pulldowns or low rows, but this results in a more cost-friendly alternative.

Already Have a PR-5000? Summit™ Upgrade Kits for Existing Racks

REP's making it easy to upgrade your setup to a 4-post rack with Smith and cable capabilities. Here's a rundown of the available kits:

Transforming Your Ares™ System

For owners of a PR-5000 rack with an Ares™ 2.0 or Wall-Mounted Ares™ 2.0 cable system, use this Summit™ All-In-One Athena™ Upgrade Kit to update your crossmembers to 26" length and add a compatible Smith Machine Attachment.

What's Included:

• 2 pairs of 26" crossmembers
• 26" cables for the Ares™ 2.0

Optional Add-Ons:

• Compatible Smith Machine Attachment and a Smith barbell with your choice of Medium or Medium Aggressive knurling
• Mini Front Foot Extensions if you're not bolting your rack down

Transforming Your Athena™ System

For owners of a PR-5000 rack with an Athena™ cable system, use this Summit™ All-In-One Athena™ Upgrade Kit to update your crossmembers to 26" length and add a compatible Smith Machine Attachment.

What's Included:

• 2 pairs of 26" crossmembers
• 26" cables for the Athena™

Optional Add-Ons:

• Compatible Smith Machine Attachment and a Smith barbell with your choice of Medium or Medium Aggressive knurling
• Mini Front Foot Extensions if you're not bolting your rack down

Takeaway

If you're looking to elevate your workout versatility, in a cost-effective and space-saving way, the Summit™ Series provides with 4-post racks that work with Smith Machine Attachments and cable systems. The secret sauce is the engineering of 26" crossmembers, allowing both Smith and cable systems to attach on the same crossmember — giving you full-body strength training in a compact footprint.

FAQs

What's the best Summit™ Upgrade Kit for me?

The right Summit™ Upgrade Kit for your depends on the fitness equipment you currently own. Both options require a PR-5000 rack. If you have an Ares™ 2.0 or Wall-Mounted Ares™ 2.0 cable system opt for the Summit™ All-In-One Ares™ 2.0 Upgrade Kit . If you have the Athena™ cable machine, choose the Summit™ All-In-One Athena™ Upgrade Kit.

Can I work inside the rack on Summit™ Series racks?

Due to the compact design of these 4-post builds with Smith and cable functionality, you won't be able to tackle free weight lifting from within the rack. This design essentially turns your rack into a half-rack, allowing you to lift outside the rack with Spotter Arms.