Since that strange pandemic that hit the world, the realm of training at the gym was turned on its head with gyms closing and people exploring the world of home gym equipment and working out at home. Many people never looked back after discovering home gyms once the world returned to some kind of normality. I have always mixed training at home with visiting gyms too, as you can not beat the huge variety of weight equipment designed to target each and every muscle… or can you?
Enter the Major Fitness Spirit B2 Smith Machine, a formidable all-in-one solution that can pretty much target all muscles. Designed with both beginners and intermediate trainers in mind, this machine delivers an efficient and safe full-body workout experience without requiring a bulky setup. In this article, we will delve into its features, usability, and some personal insights from my own experience with the Spirit B2, complemented by its additional weight bench and Olympic weights.
Setting Up the Spirit B2
Constructing the Spirit B2 Smith Machine is a task that demands a bit of time and space. The assembly process involves various components that need careful attention, but it’s manageable with a little patience. Once set up, the machine offers a stable and heavy-duty design made from commercial-grade steel uprights, ensuring it can withstand even the most challenging workouts. With dimensions of 64.6” L x 86” W x 83.8” H and a weight capacity of up to 2000 lbs, it embodies the strength and durability needed for serious training.
Versatile Pulley System
One of the standout features of the Spirit B2 is its advanced cable system, which includes dual pulleys with 16 adjustable heights. This versatility is a game-changer for targeting various upper-body muscles. Personally, I find the pulleys invaluable for exercises like the pectoral fly, where I can fully extend my muscles for a deeper stretch—a technique that sports science actively promotes.
The foot plates allow for weighted rowing, making it easy to engage different muscle groups effectively, or for a deep stretch of all the back muscles, try the standing cable cross-over row. The pulleys are also excellent for isolating the anterior, lateral, and posterior deltoids, allowing for comprehensive shoulder workouts.
Smith Machine Versatility
The Spirit B2 Smith Machine is designed with functionality in mind. The main Smith machine function is perfect for a home set-up and gives a level of safety when performing various exercises. Whilst performing squats, deadlifts or the classic bench press, it is good to know that the Smith machine has your back. Additionally, with the incorporation of a raised foot table, I can perform my favourite glute bridges that maximise the gluteal contraction, a movement often overlooked in traditional strength routines. The added depth from this accessory truly enhances the exercise’s effectiveness.
The Spirit B2 also features 2x barbell holders, Olympic barbell hooks, and J-hooks that allow for a myriad of free weight exercises, including squats, chest presses, and deadlifts. The hooks latch onto the frame at 10 different locations with a simple twist, making it user-friendly for those new to strength training. I appreciate the option to use a separate Olympic bar with the J-hooks, which adds an extra layer of versatility.
The machine also includes a landmine attachment, wide and narrow dip bars, chin-up, and pull-up bars, making it an all-encompassing solution for comprehensive strength training. However, it’s important to note that the weight storage needs careful organisation; otherwise, you might find yourself blocked when trying to access certain weights.
With all of these accessories and a little inventive imagination, the weight training exercises are almost endless. I even use the height-adjustable Smith bar for various leg and hip stretching exercises.
Weight Bench and Olympic Weights
Accompanying the Spirit B2 is a sturdy weight bench that supports up to 1300 lbs (590 kgs) and offers nine backrest positions and four seat positions. This adaptability makes it ideal for various exercises, whether you’re performing bench presses or seated dumbbell curls. The set comes with 230 lbs of Olympic weights, including 2x 10 lbs, 2x 25 lbs, 2x 35 lbs, and 2x 45 lbs plates. While this is a solid start, I would recommend investing in additional 10 lbs and 25 lbs plates to further enhance your training options.
Conclusion: A Worthy Investment
The Major Fitness Spirit B2 Smith Machine is undoubtedly an excellent investment for anyone serious about home fitness. Its heavy-duty construction, versatile pulley system, and comprehensive accessories make it suitable for a wide range of exercises and fitness levels. Whether you’re focusing on muscle gain, endurance, mobility or general strength, the Spirit B2 is designed to meet all your training needs.
With a peace-of-mind warranty and robust customer service, Major Fitness stands by the quality of their product, ensuring that you have the support you need should any issues arise. In summary, the Spirit B2 is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a gateway to a healthier lifestyle and a testament to the power of effective strength training from the comfort of your own home.
UPDATE 2025: Minor Adjustments for Optimal Performance
While the Spirit B2 is largely impressive, I have encountered a few minor issues over time that required a few tweaks. For instance, the pulley system needed a little tape near the clip to prevent the ball-stop from moving along the cable and getting caught in the pulley wheels. Additionally, I found it beneficial to add two extra bolts at the top of the Smith column to store my Olympic bar at a height that doesn’t interfere with my head when manoeuvring around the machine, especially important for someone who stands at 6’2”.
NOTE 2025:
Since the Spirit B2 was released, Major Fitness have developed the product further with the new Spirit B52 Smith Machine, which I am sure will tick all the same boxes and more for home workouts.
For more information or to buy, see online.
