Before: One year of no lifting following a herniated back disc injury. After: 2 months (and counting!) back at it, using the Vitruvian Trainer+
Written April 2024
The Vitruvian Trainer+ Review (From an Ex-Competitive Powerlifter)
4 ways this all-in-one portable gym transformed the way I work out forever
The endless commute. Waiting for equipment. Crowds. It was all draining me of the most valuable thing—time (already scarce with my busy schedule).
As a seasoned lifter juggling strength programs and navigating yet another hiatus return from an injury, I needed a solution that offered convenience and let me work at my own pace. After a ton of research, that's when I found the Trainer+.
Here's my take on it.
First thing's first: "wth is a Trainer+?"
Imagine a single 80lb platform that morphs into almost any exercise equipment you can dream of. Then picture a compact and portable form factor you can store just about anywhere. And when you think versatility and convenience were already a dream, add in unmatched power that could push you through a lifetime of progressive overload. 440lbs (200kg) of digital weights to be exact. A feat no other digital equipment has accomplished to date. That's what the Trainer+ is. A smart home gym made by Vitruvian.
Who it's for
Who it's NOT for
Four Ways it Has Transformed My Fitness Life
#1
Switching Gears at Hyper-Speed
Trainer+ lets me push my limits like never before. It's the only digital gym that goes up to 440lbs (200kg) of digital weights. Time-under-tension, eccentric only, old school mode - you got it. What really sets it apart is the lightning-fast ability to switch exercises and weights. Gone are the days of exerting energy and wasting time moving around weights. Want to transition from a 300lb squat to a 40lb barbell curl? Easy. With just a few attachment adjustments and a couple of clicks on the app, I'm there. It's seamless, effortless, and maximizes every second of my workout.
#2
Tracking Progress with Precision
Keeping track of my progress used to be a hassle. I'd jot down notes with pen and paper, often forgetting to log workouts or losing track of my reps. But with Trainer+, it's a whole new ball game.
Its advanced data tracking and performance insights have revolutionized how I monitor my progress. Now, I can analyze every rep, every set, and every improvement with pinpoint accuracy. It's not just about numbers—it's about understanding my body better, optimizing my workouts, and feeling empowered to push myself further than ever before.
#3
Rediscovering the Joy of Lifting
Trainer+ isn't just about getting strong—it's about having fun. Before, my workouts felt stale, like I was stuck in a rut doing the same exercises day in and day out. But with Trainer+, it's a whole new world.
Don't worry - there's a "Just Lift" mode, where you can pick and go. But there's also a library of 200 exercises to choose and filter. I'm finally breaking free from monotony. It's the first time in nearly a decade that I've been able to mix things up and inject excitement back into my routine. It's like a playground for lifters, offering endless possibilities for exploration and growth. I'm constantly finding new challenges to tackle, keeping me engaged, motivated, and hungry for more.
#4
Best of All? It's Pushing My Full Potential
Before Vitruvian, my fitness journey was riddled with setbacks from past injuries, constantly holding me back from reaching my true potential. Cheating reps due to momentum and uneven resistance only exacerbated the issue, leaving me frustrated and sidelined. Now, I really feel like I can continue to test my limits - without being so afraid. It removes momentum for maximum engagement, providing consistent resistance throughout every rep. And if all else fails, the safety features kick in, reducing weight when I reach true failure. All without the need for a spotter.
The result? Equal muscle fatigue, minimizing pain and joint risks.
"So, What's the Catch?"
TLDR: It's NOT cheap (and that's a damn good thing)
To get the most of the Trainer+, you'll need the platform and the Pro Kit. That'll run you $3,600 total (which can be paid in monthly installments!). But here's the thing: it's actually a better and more affordable ROI than other alternatives. In fact, it blows other home gyms out of the water. You see, I did a ton of research when considering a home gym. In the end, it boiled down to two options: (1) a physical rack with free weights or (2) other digital weight alternatives. For the physical racks, the setups were too massive. And the prices were outrageous - a single bench PLUS paid shipping cost nearly a third of the Trainer+. And the entire setup was almost 3x when considering dumbbells and barbells. As for the the other digital gyms. Well, almost all of them had a 200lbs limit. That would never be able to satisfy a strength program. You will break through that ceiling sooner or later. And a lot of them still required wall mounts or two to three times the space Trainer did. In the end, the Trainer+ was the better choice for me. It was the most convenient, most compact, and most powerful. I'm sticking with it for life. You should try it too.
With that said, it has already sold out once during New Years Resolution, and they JUST got back in stock. I'd suggest grabbing yours ASAP before it goes out again!
Why Vitruvian Trainer+ is The Better Choice
No More Waiting in Line for the Rack. Effortless Setup. Seamless Operation.
Getting a workout in is a piece of cake. It just takes three simple steps each time:
Unleash the Power with a Simple Setup
Straight out of the box: Roll it out, plug it in, and flip the switch to unleash your fitness journey. It is literally that simple.
Dive into Dynamic Workouts in Seconds
Changing weights or exercises? It's lightning-fast—just a few clicks, and you're ready to crush your next set.
Ignite Your Fitness Revolution with Real-Time Tracking
With real-time data tracking, every rep propels you forward. Watch your progress unfold before your eyes and fuel your motivation to conquer new heights.
About Me
Hey there! I'm Raven, a former competitive powerlifter who knows a thing or two about pushing limits. With a personal best of ~1400lbs total at 165/74kg, I've been in the trenches.
But along the way, I've faced my fair share of setbacks. From sciatica to herniated discs, injuries have forced me to rethink my approach to health and fitness as I grow older. I've learned the hard way that recovery isn't as swift as it used to be.
As a busy manager at work, finding time for fitness is always a challenge. That's why I'm all about convenience without compromising on results. I write about my lifeline to maintaining a balance between serious lifting and reclaiming more time for the things that matter.