When most people think of home gym gear, their minds immediately picture the same few items: dumbbells, treadmills, kettlebells, and maybe power racks, barbells, and weight plates. With just a few of these pieces, it isn’t hard to perform a lot of different exercises and even entire workouts.
Unfortunately, despite their overall utility and special knacks for building serious lower-body muscle, leg machines aren’t usually included in this initial rundown of home gym equipment and are oftentimes perceived as being more niche items. You have to be a serious“leg day” enthusiast or filthy rich to opt for a leg press machine, right…?
…not right!
“Leg press machines have a place in every home gym” is a hill we’re willing to die on. To justify our stance, we’re going to do a deep dive on the RitFit BLP01 vs Gazelle matchup to illustrate the merits and specific advantages each of these machines offers.
We can’t promise that our analysis will make you wish that every day was leg day, but we’re confident that by the time you’re finished (and have a shiny new machine in your home gym), you’ll be much less likely to skip it.
RitFit BLP01
There is more to the BLP01 than meets the eye.
Despite this article beginning with a discussion of the mertis of leg press machines, the BLP01 offers a bit more than this single-exercise functionality. After all, it’s full name is the ”RitFit BLP01 45 Degree 3-in-1 Leg Press Hack Squat and Calf Raise Machine”.
Who doesn’t appreciate three times as many exercise options?
Considering that the leg press and hack squat exercises are compound movements able to work and develop multiple muscles at once (with the loaded calf raise being an effective muscle builder in its own right) there is outsized value and utility in this machine.
An underrated quality of the BLP01 is the ability to quickly and easily convert the machine between these three exercise configurations. By removing the backpad from the leg press area and replacing it in the upper hack squat area, lifters can perform entirely new movements in seconds.
Besides the multitude of exercise options, lifters of all sizes can maximize their comfort by adjusting the BLP01’s footboard into a number of different height settings. Comfort and safety are further enhaced by the steel foot pedals, ensuring a non-slip experience.
A final, yet important aspect to note is the the BLP01 is one of the most affordable price points on the market (the BLP01 currently retails for just under $800), few other leg press machines, yet alone 3-in-1 machines are able to match it. However, despite this “entry-level” price, the BLP01 packs a massive punch.
RitFit Gazelle
The RitFit Gazelle has taken a lot of what makes the BLP01 so great and made it even nicer. The more premium machine can’t match the BLP01’s price tag (it currently retails for $1149), but many will likely be interested in its numerous premium features.
The Gazelle offers the same ease of adjustability, both between exercises and in height settings as the BLP01 while allowing lifters to effortlessly perform reverse hack squats in addition to the other three main exercises.
Premium safety features such as the Gazelle’s high load bearing design (supporting static loads up to 2000 pounds) and a 4-level height limiter for rapidly reracking weights at different support levels. The upper and lower frame pegs allow lifters to manipulate the actual loads used with band resistance, creating more unique lifting experiences.
Finally, the Gazelle’s shoulder rest is ergonomically designed to fit the natural curves of the upper body and shoulders. This may seem like a trivial comfort novelty, but it can really make a difference when hack squatting a few hundred pounds.
Ultimately, the Gazelle offers more exercise optionality and a number of different premium features to give the BLP01 a run for its money.
The RitFit BLP01 vs Gazelle – Who is Each Machine Best For?
Choosing between two solid leg press machine options is hard enough, but when it’s the BLP01 vs Gazelle matchup, decisions are that much harder to make. Let’s take a look at the home gym lifter each option is the best for:
- Who the RitFit BLP01 is Best for
The BLP01 ticks a lot of boxes. These are the three boxes it ticks the most:
Those seeking a less expensive 3-in-1 leg press machine
The BLP01 is one of the most affordable multifunctional leg machines available today. For those who appreciate premium machines at a not-so-premium price, it fits the bill.
Those seeking a more compact machine
The Gazelle is by no means huge at roughly 7 feet long by 4 feet wide, but the BLP01 is the more compact option at a little more than 6 feet long and 3-and-a-half feet wide. It is the space-saving option.
Those seeking a tried-and-true piece of equipment
The BLP01 has been a fan favorite for quite some time now and has racked up hundreds of 5-star reviews across multiple platforms. For those who like to bet on the sure thing, it’s a guaranteed winner.
- Who the RitFit Gazelle is Best for
The Gazelle is certainly a premium machine, but it’s not only for those who like the “good things in life”. A few other groups will also get a kick out of it:
Those who want to perform reverse hack squats
The Gazelle’s shoulder rest structure and adjustable footboard positioning make it uniquely suited to facilitate reverse hack squats. If these are key pieces of your training protocol, this is the machine for you.
Those seeking more premium gear components
Higher-quality components from the thick, high-tensile steel down to the commercial-grade handle for pedal adjustment are standard in the Gazelle, making it the machine of choice for those who appreciate premium touches.
Those who love band work
Upper and lower pegs allow users to loop bands of different resistance levels to better manipulate the loads used. Lifters who love versatility and optionality during workouts will also love this feature.
| Feature | Gazelle Pro | Ritfit BLP01 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Capacity | 2000LBS | 1200LBS |
| Ideal User Height Range | 4.9Ft - 6.8Ft | 5.3Ft - 6.4Ft |
| Back Cushion | Thickness: 3.15'' | Length: 33.86''
|
Thickness: 1.97'' | Length: 27.56'' |
| Shoulder Rest Distance | 8.46''
|
9.06'' |
| Counter Weight Rod | 2 pairs
|
1 pair |
| Back Pedal Shape | Octagon
|
Rectangular |
| Bottom Pedal Size | 29.92'' x 21.65'' | 23.07'' x 26.77'' |
| Back Pedal Size | 25.59'' x 15.94'' | 18.31'' x 14.17'' |
| Material | ~11 Gauge Steel (0.12'') | ~12 Gauge Steel (0.098'') |
The RitFit BLP01 vs Gazelle…
As hyperbolic as it sounds, it truly feels like a “golden age” of home gym leg press machines. The best part about this is, you’ve just taken a deep dive into two of the best ones out there.
Even better, the RitFit BLP01 and the Gazelle share enough positive qualities in common to make them solid options for anyone in the market for a 3-in-1 machine while having very unique and specific advantages that separate them from each other.
Ultimately, it’s pretty much impossible to go wrong with either choice with the BLP01 being a very affordable option and the Gazelle being a very premium option.
…and whichever way you decide to go, one thing is for certain: you’ll never want to skip leg day again!
