Circa 2006, Evolve Projects, LLC was formed and with Louis Simmons' blessing, the "CoRevolution" (an 'infomercial' version of what was known as the Westside "Scout" Folding Reverse Hyper) was brought to market. Later on, Rogue Fitness would release their version. I picked mine up from a Play It Again Sports for $50.00 with the idea that I would place it in front of one of my cable machines and use its weight stack (instead of placing plates on the CoRevolution.) I have yet to try this experiment, but have zero regrets and might get around to it someday. I would not pay more than $100 for a used CoRevolution in great condition, and instead, I highly recommend hunting down a used Rogue Fitness "Westside Scout Hyper" for $250 USD or lower, as there are plenty of used ones out there and it will be easier to resell (vs. a CoRevolution) if you change your mind. The Reverse Hyper machine was always a huge and heavy 'space hog' that its owners would eventually sell-off to reclaim space, in most cases. Home gym owners have jokingly referred to their Reverse Hyper as their 'gym desk' or 'drink holder.' (Just get a "Drink Spotter" from Massenomics.) The foldable reverse hyper is a much lighter, portable solution with a smaller footprint and a better fit for the home gym owner who wants this machine. Even "Glute Guy" Bret Contreras recently admitted to Joe DeFranco (on a March 5, 2026 podcast episode) that even he put his old school reverse hyper in storage.

Before the Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar (2017), there was the Slayer Barbell Assassin - it's like your EZ-CURL bar... on STEROIDS!!! But seriously, this unique, well-built, barbell was offered in 2 versions - the original Slayer Barbell and the Slayer Barbell "Assassin." Both models came with rotating sleeves. The Assassin model added the ability to choose from 10 different settings to alter its strength curve - not unlike what Strive/Prime Fitness does with their plate-loaded SmartStrength® machines and what Kabuki later did to the safety squat bar with their Transformer Bar design. After a successful exclusive distribution deal with EliteFTS that began at a trade show, Slayer relocated to Florida. Unfortunately, the company dissolved soon afterwards. Slayer's YT channel "slayerbarbell22" still exists and the "TASOSCHATZ" & "willbrink" YT channels have some Slayer-related videos as well - search YT for "Slayer Bar JM Press" to see Dave Tate of EliteFTS perform a modified JM Press with chains using the original Slayer Barbell. While I have no plans to sell my rare and unique Assassin Barbell, as far as any design improvement suggestions go, it would be cool if the sleeves were a bit longer and for the Slayer Barbell to be "rackable" - ironically, I believe Slayer initially captured the attention of the fitness industry by being the first company to offer a "rackable" trap bar before Sorinex & Rogue. Slayer also created a plate-loaded, lever curl 'dumbbell' product - if you are curious, the Watson B.D. Lever Curl Dumbbells ("original design by Charles Poliquin") look 'eerily similar' to Slayer's dumbbell product. The Watson B.D. Lever Curl Dumbbells are on Gym Radar, but it does not have any reviews yet - perhaps we can get Brian Shaw to submit a review? (search YT for "Brian Shaw’s Secret Bicep Hack" to see a short clip of Brian using his Watson B.D. Lever Curl Dumbbells with 45lb Rogue Deep Dish plates.)

I try to avoid Amazon and prefer to buy direct from the source whenever possible. That said, I did look into pulleys on Amazon, "snatch blocks" from Tractor Supply, Harbor Freight, Home Depot and Lowes before I decided to purchase 2 Quick Load Pulleys from F&F Steel (using code CFF.) During my search, I was surprised many pulleys were overqualified for my application and did NOT contain bearings whatsoever (my super smooth Tuff Stuff FT pulleys have really spoiled me.) I arrived at the F&F Steel Quick Load Pulley, as it's frame is not a cheap imported product, uses bearings and is built like a tank. Also, I was pleasantly surprised at the level of customer service and patience of F&F Steel - they won me over quickly. Like other reviewers, I'm purchasing this pulley for "1:2 ratio" reasons, but will NOT be involving a Voltra. I have 4 Rogue Monster Shackles (w/carabiners) mounted on a pair of Rogue Monster Shrimp Trawlers (up top) and also on a pair of Rogue Rhino 'feet' (down below) that I repurposed to use with my own version of a Rogue "Wall" (see my gym pics.) I can place a pair of these pulleys above (or below) quickly by attaching each to an appropriately placed shackle. Because I am using the cables from either my Keiser or Tuff Stuff FT, this pulley design is perfect for my application, as it easily allows the user to 'thread' a cable without worrying if the end of said cable may/may not have a 'stopper' (as that would not be able to be threaded through your typical pulley.) I did want to purchase a pair of Bullet Pulleys to experiment with, but history has shown that whenever they have a sale, its always for their pulley bundles - Bullet Pulley did have a BOGO sale on their pulley some time ago, but not since. Also, a Bullet Pulley would not allow me to easily pass a cable from a machine (with the stopper) either. The F&F Steel Quick Pulley isn't cheap, but its a very solid product. If I could ask for anything, I'd prefer it be offered in black (vs. white.)

This is the same model Functional Trainer used by Athlean-X and Strict Vision Athletics on YouTube - WWE Wrestler Seamus has the later, PPMS-245 model. In the Summer of 2018, after 1-2 months talking to the Seller and an 8 hr drive, I obtained a used PS-245. I knew beforehand that it was configured with 2x200lb stacks and a "rehab-friendly" 4:1 ratio, so I ordered a 2:1 cable kit from Tuff Stuff once I got it home - this 2:1 kit changed its max resistance from 50lbs to 100lbs per arm. The Tuff Stuff PS-245 is a commercial grade machine with arms that can be adjusted in 2 planes (i.e. up/down, left/right). Its cable smoothness has really spoiled me (only my Keiser Functional Trainer might be smoother.) At HGC 2025, I tried the Voltra and found its "cable pull feel" unsatisfying. I sold my Bodymasters lat pulldown once I placed my Keiser Functional Trainer directly in front of my Tuff Stuff Functional Trainer (see my gym pics) so I can combine 4 cables from both FTs (using a F&F Steel MultiLink 90) for a max resistance of 300lbs to replicate a lat pulldown exercise. When using a cable machine for back development, I generally prefer a single arm lat pull-in (thanks, Dr. Jordan Shallow) using a Prime RO-T8 handle (attached to either FT) or performing a seated scapular retraction using 2 cables from a single Functional Trainer (per Doug Brignole's BRIG20.) Otherwise, I use my Keiser Biaxial Upper Back machine. I'm looking forward to RepOne Strength's ESTACK product line, as there has been talk about possibly offering a ESTACK retro-fit kit for existing selectorized machines - that could bring my Tuff Stuff FT into the digital age by providing band & chain emulation, programmable eccentric loads, and possibly 500lbs max resistance per arm! Time will tell. Initially, I had to get used to the Tuff Stuff name. This company started as Cal Gym back in the 70's, was later bought by Brooks Industrial Marketplace in Dec 2022 and unforfunately, filed for Chapter 11 in Sept 2023.

Keiser strength machines have dynamic capabilities and are very joint-friendly - ideal for pro sports (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA) and physical rehab facilities. The Keiser AIR250 Model 2621 Standing Hip works Adductors, Abductors, Flexors, Extensors... and GLUTES! You may have seen a selectorized version of this kind of machine in your local gym (aka Multi-Hip) collecting dust, right? This machine is the upright, space-saving, 'less-pervy,' alternative to an Abductor/Adductor (aka good girl/bad girl) machine. To accommodate users of all heights, Multi-Hip machines typically either have a fixed platform and its roller pad mounted on an adjustable length arm OR a large, adjustable height platform. The AIR250 Standing Hip has an adjustable height "half-platform," as only one leg needs to remain planted. UPDATE: I ordered an upgrade kit (for my AIR250 v1) with an extending arm for its roller pad (like Keiser's newer AIR250 v2/A300/A400 Standing Hip machines.) Keiser strength machines (with 2 or 5-window displays) show resistance & reps. This machine's max resistance is 145lbs (66kg) and adjusts in 1lb/1kg increments. I never imagined I'd own this machine. I first heard the late IFBB Pro Doug Brignole on Mark Bell's Power Project podcast Ep 517 (4.30.21.) During lockdowns, Doug had created a home gym that included a Tuff Stuff "Multi-Hip" machine. Frequently, I archive select used machine listings and had saved a listing for 3 Keiser machines that included a Standing Hip machine! It was only sold as a package, but no regrets, as I soon realized it was a sick deal and glad I bought all 3. Brignole is solely responsible for my adding this machine to my gym. NOTE: Keiser later decided to fold their "AIR250" designated machines into their A300 lineup. More recently, these machines are also available within their A400 series. Starting with the AIR250 v2 (model 2621) version, this Standing Hip machine now has straighter arms (less bends) and its roller pad is now on an extending arm.

Keiser strength machines are primarily known for their dynamic capabilities and being very joint-friendly - this makes them ideal for pro sports (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA) and physical rehab facilities (for us mere mortals.) The Keiser AIR350 Biaxial Upper Back is a solid, quality, adjustable machine. Both its seat and chest pads are adjustable with plenty of positions available. While the footprint of this machine is rather large for what it can do, it certainly keeps me from wanting another row machine. Clearly, this machine can be filed under 'nice to have,' as you can replicate its chest-supported movements by using a 90-degree utility seat (or Prime Shorty, Exponent Edge Infinity, or Freak Athlete ABX bench) and a standalone functional trainer (preferably one with arms that move in 2 planes.) All Keiser strength machines (with either 2 or 5-window displays) will provide resistance & reps. On this machine, it displays the 'overall resistance' - meaning, you will need to divide the resistance shown on the display by 2 to determine how much resistance is being provided for each side.†† Since the max resistance for this machine is 350lbs (159kg), that means there are 175lbs max resistance available for each side.†† The weight can be adjusted in 1lb/1kg increments, again, divided by 2 = 1/2lb per side.†† As with most of my machines, I purchased this one used, as part of a package deal for 3 Keiser machines from a bankrupt school only 15 minutes away. NOTE: Later on, Keiser decided to fold their 3 "AIR350" designated machines (Biaxial Upper Back, Biaxial Chest Press, Seated Butterfly) into their A300 lineup of machines. More recently, these 3 machines are also available within their A400 series as well. ††the word 'side' was used (and not 'arm') as this machine was designed for back development. That said, one could easily end-up using their arms (more than is required, unintentionally) if the back exercise is not executed properly.

Keiser strength machines are primarily known for their dynamic capabilities and for being very joint-friendly - this makes them ideal for pro sports facilities (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA) and physical rehab facilities (for mere mortals.) The Keiser AIR300 Leg Extension is a solid, quality, adjustable machine. Leg extensions that are unilateral-capable are less common and this design, in particular, reminds me of the Flex Fitness/StarTrac machines. The Keiser (model 1131) is truly a killer leg extension, as its ROM is just sick, so much so, that I highly recommend applying some amount of resistance to this machine BEFORE you sit down - more specifically, if its 2 leg rollers are freely 'dangling' (no resistance) and you get into position, and press the yellow [+] button (to add resistance) you may be unpleasantly surprised (or worse) when your legs are abruptly cranked underneath you! (if your name is GUMBY, you may disregard the aforementioned warning.) This machine also comes with an adjustable back pad - while the back pad's angle remains fixed, it can be moved forward or backward via a notched/ladder style system. All Keiser strength machines (with 2 or 5-window displays) will provide resistance & reps. On this machine, it is displaying the 'overall resistance' - you will need to divide the resistance (as shown on the display) by 2 to determine how much resistance is being provided for each leg (i.e. the max resistance for this machine is 278lbs (126kg), so that would be 139lbs max resistance available for each leg.) Weight can be adjusted in 1lb/1kg increments. As with most of my machines, I purchased this one used - it was part of a package deal for 3 Keiser machines from a bankrupt academy 15 minutes away. NOTE: Improvements were later made to the AIR300 Leg Extension (model 1131) design (i.e. its metal linkage was replaced with lighter weight kevlar) and it became what is now known as the A300 Leg Extension Pro (model 1133) and A400 Leg Extension Pro (model 1133).

Keiser strength machines are known for their dynamic capabilities and being very joint-friendly - ideal for pro sports (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA) and physical rehab facilities. The Keiser AIR300 Seated Calf is a solid, quality, adjustable machine. With unilateral & bilateral options, it's unlike most seated calf machines. For example, a typical, plate-loaded, seated calf raise would have you plant both of your feet on fixed pedals or crossmember. You would then have a padded bar (that goes across the top of your legs) and you would proceed to raise that bar upward with each rep. On the Keiser unit, you have an adjustable bar that contains 2 pivoting pads. Once seated, you lock the padded bar across the top of your legs, press down on 2 individual pedals, either together or one-at-a-time. All Keiser strength machines (with 2 or 5-window displays) provide resistance & reps. On this machine, it displays 'overall resistance' - you need to divide the resistance shown on the display by 2 to determine how much resistance is being provided for each leg (i.e. the max is 860lbs (390kg), so that's 430lbs max for each leg.) Weight adjusts in 1lb/1kg increments, so again, divide what is displayed by 2 = 1/2lb increment per leg. It's footprint is minimal; in my 2-car garage, I placed it between my SUV and the wall (on the opposite side of my "main gym") and I can still use it while my vehicle is parked inside. As with most of my machines, I purchased this one used. Admittedly, a seated calf wasn't high on my list at the time. Here's what convinced me: #1) I already had 4 other Keiser machines & compressor #2) It's very rare to see a used Keiser Seated Calf machine for sale anywhere #3) The asking price was comparable to a used, higher end, plate-loaded seated calf raise #4) It was only 3 hours away at a MLB Spring Training Facility. NOTE: The AIR300 Seated Calf (model 2936) later became the A300 Seated Calf (model 2936) and A400 Seated Calf (model 2936.)