RitFit Gorilla 2-in-1 Chest and Shoulder Press Machine Guide

Important disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have shoulder, neck, back, elbow, or wrist pain, a recent injury or surgery, numbness or tingling, unexplained weakness, or dizziness, consult a qualified clinician before starting. Stop any exercise that causes sharp pain.

Setting up a home gym can feel like a big puzzle because most of us do not have a ton of room to work with. You want to get strong and build muscle, but you also need to be able to park your car or walk through your garage. This is why a lot of people are looking at the RitFit Gorilla 2-in-one Chest and Shoulder Press Machine. It is built to help you work your chest and your shoulders without taking up the space of two separate pieces of gear. In this guide, we are going to walk through everything you need to know about this machine, from how it feels to use it to how you put it together in your own home. 

Why You Might Want a Two-in-One Machine

Most of the time, when you go to a big public gym, you see rows and rows of machines. There is one for your chest, one for your shoulders, one for your legs, and so on. But at home, space is the most important thing you have. The RitFit Gorilla tries to solve this by using a smart design that lets you change the angle of the arms and the handles. This means you can do a flat chest press, an incline chest press, or a full overhead shoulder press all on the same frame. It takes up about sixteen and eight tenths square feet, which is small enough to fit into a corner of a room or a small garage.

This machine is what we call plate loaded. That means it does not come with a heavy stack of metal plates that you move with a pin. Instead, you use the round weight plates you already have for your barbell. This is a great way to save money because machines with weight stacks are usually much more expensive. Plus, if you already own weights, you do not have to buy more just to use this machine. Plate-loaded machines also tend to last a long time because they are simple. There are no cables to snap or plastic pulleys to crack, which makes them very reliable for a home setup.

Another thing to think about is the weight capacity. This machine is rated to hold up to five hundred pounds. That includes the weight of the plates you put on it and the weight of your own body while you are sitting on it. For most people working out at home, five hundred pounds is plenty of resistance to get very strong. The frame is made of thick steel that is meant to stay still while you are lifting. It uses something called Q235 steel, which is just a fancy way of saying it is industrial strength and built to handle heavy loads without wobbling.

Quick setup check before your first set (takes 30 seconds)

• Seat: Handles line up with the middle of your chest for chest press.
• Backrest: More laid back for chest, more upright for shoulders.
• Arm angle dial: Pick flat, incline, or overhead.
• Handle dial: Pick a grip width that feels smooth on your shoulders.
• Pins and locks: Make sure every pin clicks fully in.
• Plates: Same weight on both sides, and use collars/clips.

Explaining the Chest Press in Simple Terms

The chest press is one of the most popular exercises because it works the big muscles on the front of your body. When you do a chest press, you are sitting down and pushing weight away from your chest. It is a lot like doing a push-up, but you are sitting in a chair, and the machine helps guide your path. On the RitFit Gorilla, you can set the machine up so you are pushing straight out. This targets the middle of your chest and helps you build a strong foundation.

If you want to work the upper part of your chest, you can change the angle to an incline. This is where you push the handles up and away at the same time. This part of the chest is what gives people that full, strong look near their collarbones. Because the machine has six different arm angles, you can find the one that feels best for your body. Some people have shoulders that get cranky if the angle is too steep, so having those choices is really helpful to stay pain-free while you get stronger.

When you use the chest press, your triceps, which are the muscles on the back of your arms, also do a lot of work. They help you straighten your elbows as you push. Your shoulders also help out a bit. Using a machine like the Gorilla is great for beginners because you do not have to worry about the weight falling to the side like you would with dumbbells. The machine keeps the weight on a steady path so you can just focus on pushing as hard as you can and feeling the muscles work.

Understanding the Shoulder Press Movement

Now, if you want to switch to the shoulder press, you are going to be pushing the weight straight up toward the ceiling. This works the deltoids, which are the round muscles on the top of your arms. Strong shoulders are important for lifting things onto high shelves or even just carrying groceries. On this machine, you tilt the backrest forward and change the arm dial so the handles start lower and move upward. It feels very different from the chest press because all the pressure is going onto the tops of your arms instead of across your chest.

The shoulder press on a machine is often much more comfortable than using a barbell. When you use a barbell, you sometimes have to move your head out of the way so you do not hit your chin. With the Gorilla machine, the handles are at your sides, so your head can stay in a natural position. This is much safer for your neck and helps you keep your back flat against the pad. Keeping your back against the pad is key because it stops you from leaning back too far, which can hurt your lower back.

One cool thing about the shoulder press on this machine is that you can choose how wide you want your hands to be. There are seven different spots for the handles. If you have wide shoulders, you can move them out. If you find that a narrow grip feels better on your joints, you can click them into a closer spot. This kind of custom fit is something you usually only find on very expensive machines at a pro gym, so it is a nice touch for a home machine.

The Dual Dial System and How it Works

The secret to why this machine can do two things so well is the dial system. There are two dials made of stainless steel that look a bit like big watches or sundials. One dial changes the angle of the long arms of the machine. It has six positions. You just pull the pin, move the arm to where you want it, and let the pin click back in. This changes whether you are doing a flat press, a slanted press, or an overhead press.

The second dial is for the handles themselves. It has seven positions and can move over a range of one hundred and twenty degrees. This is really important because it changes the "path" of your hands. Everyone has different arm lengths and shoulder widths. By turning this dial, you can make sure the handles start exactly where they should so you get a full stretch and a strong push. It also lets you switch between a wide grip and a narrow grip in just a few seconds.

Using these two dials together gives you a lot of variety. You are not just stuck with two exercises. You can find "in between" spots that feel like a mix of a chest and shoulder move. This is great for hitting those small muscles that sometimes get missed with basic movements. The dials are built to be very precise, so once you find a spot you like, you can remember the number and go right back to it every time you work out.

Multi-Grip Handles and Your Hand Choice

The handles on the RitFit Gorilla are designed to be used in several ways. They have a rough texture called knurling, which helps your hands stay put even if you are working up a sweat. There are three different zones on the handles. This lets you choose a "neutral" grip where your palms face each other or a "regular" grip where your palms face away from you.

For a lot of people, the neutral grip is the most comfortable. If you have ever had shoulder pain when doing a bench press, switching to a neutral grip can often make that pain go away. It puts your shoulders in a more natural position. The Gorilla machine makes this easy because the handles are shaped to allow for both. You can also hold the handles higher up or lower down to change how the weight feels on your muscles.

The knurling on the handles is a big plus. Some cheaper machines have smooth plastic handles that get slippery as soon as you start working hard. The steel handles on this machine feel much more like a high-quality barbell. This gives you more confidence when you are trying to lift a heavy weight for the first time. You do not have to worry about your grip failing before your muscles do.

Setting Up the Seat and Backrest

To get the best workout, you have to make sure the seat and backrest are in the right spot for your height. If the seat is too low, the handles will feel like they are up by your neck, which is not safe. If the seat is too high, you will be pushing down toward your stomach. You want the handles to be roughly in line with the middle of your chest when you are doing a chest press. The RitFit Gorilla is built to work for people between five feet tall and six feet three inches tall, so most people can find a good fit.

The backrest is also very important. For a chest press, you want it tilted back so you can drive your shoulders into the pad. This gives you a solid base to push from. When you switch to the shoulder press, you ratchet the backrest forward. This keeps your torso upright so the weight goes onto your shoulders. There is a simple tab you push to tilt the pad, and it clicks into place very easily.

One thing to watch for is your lower back. You should try to keep it naturally curved and not forced flat or arched too hard. The pads on this machine are made of thick foam covered in durable leather. They are meant to be comfortable but firm enough to support you when you are lifting heavy. If you feel like you are sliding around, check the seat height again to make sure your feet can stay flat on the floor.

The Role of Weight Horns and Plate Storage

Since this is a plate-loaded machine, it has long bars on the arms where you slide your weight plates. These bars are made for two-inch Olympic plates, which are the most common kind. A nice feature of the Gorilla is that it also has storage bars on the back of the frame. This keeps your extra plates off the floor and makes it easy to add or take off weight between your sets.

The storage bars are also helpful because they add weight to the base of the machine. This makes the whole unit even more stable. When you have several hundred pounds of plates stored on the back, the machine is not going to move or tilt at all, even if you are pushing hard on the front. It can also hold one-inch standard plates on the storage bars, which is a nice touch if you have some older weights lying around.

When you are loading weights, it is always a good idea to put the same amount on each side. The arms move together, but keeping the weight balanced helps the machine last longer and ensures the movement feels smooth. The weight horns are coated in polished chrome so the plates slide on and off easily without scratching the metal. This keeps the machine looking nice even after years of use.

Using Resistance Bands for Extra Resistance

On the bottom of the machine, there are four steel pegs sticking out. These are for resistance bands. Bands are a great way to make your workout harder without just adding more iron plates. As you stretch a band, it gets harder to pull. This means the weight gets heavier at the top of the move where you are strongest. This is called variable resistance, and it is a trick that a lot of professional athletes use to get stronger faster.

To use them, you loop a band around the peg on the floor and then over the weight horn where you put the plates. You can use bands by themselves if you are just warming up, or you can use them along with weight plates for a really tough workout. Bands also help you work on being explosive. Since the resistance increases as you push, you have to keep pushing hard all the way through the movement.

The band pegs are made of solid steel and are built into the frame, so you do not have to worry about them bending or snapping. Using bands can also help people who have joint pain. Sometimes, a weight that is heavy enough to build muscle feels too heavy at the very bottom of the move, where your joints are most vulnerable. By using bands, the weight is lighter at the bottom and heavier at the top, which can be much friendlier on your shoulders.

Who This Machine Is Perfect For

The RitFit Gorilla is really designed for the home lifter who wants to do things on their own. Because the machine has built-in safety stops and a fixed path, you do not need a partner to stand behind you and watch. If you get stuck and cannot finish a rep, the machine will just rest on the stops, and you can safely get out. This makes it a great choice for people who work out in their garage early in the morning or late at night when no one else is around.

It is also an excellent choice for beginners. Free weights like barbells can be a little scary if you have never used them. It takes a lot of balance and practice to get the form right. This machine shows you exactly where your arms should go. It helps you build the basic strength and confidence you need before you move on to more complicated lifts. And because it is adjustable, it can grow with you as you get stronger and want to try different angles.

Finally, people who are looking for a "commercial" feel at home will like this machine. It is not a flimsy piece of equipment. It feels solid and smooth, much like the machines you would pay a monthly fee to use at a big fitness club. For anyone who wants a serious upper body workout but does not have the space or budget for a dozen different machines, the Gorilla is a very smart pick.

Who Might Want to Look at Other Options

While this machine is great, it is not for everyone. If you are a competitive powerlifter who only cares about the barbell bench press, you might find that you prefer to just use a regular bench and rack. Machines are great for building muscle, but they do not help you practice the balance needed for barbell sports. If your goal is to compete in a lifting meet, you should spend most of your time with a free barbell.

Also, if you have a huge budget and a massive amount of space, you might prefer to buy separate high-end machines for every muscle group. Commercial gyms do this because it lets more people work out at once. But for most of us, those machines are too big and too expensive for a home. If you are extremely tall, like over six feet five inches, you might also want to test the machine first to make sure the seat height and arm reach are enough for your long limbs.

If you already own a full Smith machine or a big power rack with a cable system, you might already have ways to do these exercises. In that case, adding a separate chest and shoulder press machine might just take up space you could use for something else, like a leg machine. It is all about looking at what gear you already have and seeing if the Gorilla fills a gap in your training.

Assembly Tips to Save You Time

When your RitFit Gorilla arrives, it will come in two boxes. It is a heavy machine, so you might want to open the boxes where you plan to build it rather than trying to carry the whole thing at once. Most people say the assembly is pretty straightforward, but it helps to have your own tools. A good set of socket wrenches will make the job much faster than the little flat wrenches that sometimes come in the box.

One great tip is to use the "finger tight" method. This means you put the bolts through the holes and twist the nuts on with your hands, but you do not tighten them with a wrench until the whole machine is standing. This lets the parts wiggle a little so you can line up all the holes easily. Once every bolt is in place, then you go around and tighten them all down as hard as you can. This prevents the frame from being crooked or having a leg that does not touch the floor.

The machine uses square head bolts in some spots. These are really cool because they lock into the steel frame. This means you only need one wrench to tighten the nut because the bolt will not spin on the other side. It is a small detail, but it makes building the machine much less of a headache. If you have a friend to help you hold the heavy arms while you slide the pins in, the whole process will probably take you about two or three hours.

Assembly steps that usually save the most time (simple and safe)

Step 1: Lay out parts and sort bolts. Group them by size so you do not “force-fit” the wrong bolt.
Step 2: Build the base first. Get the bottom frame square and flat before you stand anything up.
Step 3: Add uprights and cross pieces finger tight. Do not fully tighten until the frame looks straight.
Step 4: Install seat, backrest, and the moving arms with help. Heavy parts are easier with two people—one holds, one pins/bolts.
Step 5: Tighten bolts in a pattern. Go around like a “star” pattern so the frame pulls together evenly.
Step 6: Final safety check. Confirm pins click in, arms move smoothly, and the machine does not rock. If it rocks, level it or adjust the floor mat.
Step 7: Re-tighten after your first week. Heavy training can settle the frame a bit, so a quick bolt check is normal.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

One of the most common mistakes people make on a press machine is moving too fast. They use momentum to "bounce" the weight at the bottom and throw it up. While this lets you use more weight, it is actually not as good for building muscle. It is much better to lower the weight slowly and under control. Try counting to three as you lower the handles. This makes your muscles work much harder and is much safer for your joints.

Another mistake is flaring your elbows out too far. In a chest press, if your elbows are pointed straight out to the sides, it puts a lot of stress on the front of your shoulder. You want your elbows to be tucked in a bit, at about a forty-five-degree angle from your body. This is a much stronger and safer position. The same goes for the shoulder press. Keep your elbows slightly in front of your body rather than perfectly in line with your ears.

Lastly, some people lift their butt or their feet off the floor when the weight gets heavy. You should always keep five points of contact: your head, your upper back, your glutes, and both of your feet. This creates a solid "base" for your body. If you are lifting your feet, it means you are losing stability, and you will not be able to push as much weight as you could if you stayed planted. If the weight is so heavy that you have to wiggle around to move it, it is probably time to take a plate off and work on your form.

Safety Advice for Training at Home

Since you are likely training alone, safety is your top priority. Always check that the weight plates are secure. Even though the machine is stable, a plate that slides around can make the lift feel weird and might throw off your balance. Use weight clips or collars every time. Also, make sure the adjustment pins are clicked all the way into the holes before you start a set. You do not want the arm of the machine to slip while you have a hundred pounds on it.

Before you start your heavy lifting, always do a warm-up. Do a set or two with very light weight or even just the empty handles. This gets blood moving to your muscles and lets you check that the seat and handles are in the right spot for that day. It also helps your joints get lubricated and ready for the pressure of a heavy lift. Warming up only takes five minutes, but it can save you from a pulled muscle that might keep you out of the gym for weeks.

It is also a good idea to keep your workout area clean. Do not leave dumbbells or extra plates lying on the floor right where you step off the machine. If you have to bail on a rep or if you are tired after a hard set, you do not want to trip on something. The storage bars on the Gorilla machine are there for a reason, so use them to keep your gym tidy and safe.

How to Keep Your Machine Running Smoothly

To keep your machine feeling like new, you need to do a little maintenance every now and then. Sweat is surprisingly corrosive. After a hard workout, take a second to wipe down the seat, backrest, and handles. You can use a mild soap and water or a gentle cleaning wipe. This keeps the pads from cracking and stops the steel from getting rusty. It also keeps your gym smelling fresh, which makes you more likely to want to go back in there the next day.

The moving parts, like the dials and the spots where the arms pivot, will eventually need a little oil. Every few months, you should apply a silicone-based lubricant or a bit of WD-40 to the joints and guide rods. This stops any squeaking and keeps the movement feeling silky smooth. Be careful not to use too much, as excess oil can attract dust and hair, which can gum up the works over time. A thin, even layer is all you need.

It is also a smart habit to check the bolts once a month. Lifting heavy weights creates a lot of vibration, and that can slowly loosen the nuts and bolts over time. Take your wrench and give everything a quick check to make sure it is still tight. If you notice the machine starts to wiggle or make a clanking sound, it usually just means a bolt needs to be snugged up. Keeping the machine tight ensures it stays safe and quiet for years to come.

Getting More Out of the Machine

While it is mostly for pressing, you can get a little creative with the RitFit Gorilla. If you use the band pegs on the base, you can stand in front of the machine and do rows. You just grab the handles and pull them toward your waist. This is a great way to work your back muscles and your biceps. It makes the machine even more of a "full upper body" station. You can also do shrugs by standing and holding the handles at your sides, which builds the muscles in your upper back and neck.

Another thing to try is unilateral training. This is a big word that just means using one arm at a time. Because the arms on this machine move independently on some models, you can focus all your energy on your left arm and then your right arm. This is a great way to fix strength imbalances. Most of us have one side that is a little stronger than the other. Training them separately ensures that your weak side gets just as much work as your strong side.

You can also change the "tempo" of your lifts to make things harder. Instead of just pushing the weight up, try pushing it up as fast as you can (while staying safe) and then lowering it very slowly for a count of five. This creates more "time under tension" for your muscles, which is a key factor in making them grow. You do not always need more weight to make a workout harder; sometimes you just need to change how you move the weight you already have.

Comparing the Gorilla to a Smith Machine

If you are looking at home gym gear, you might have seen a Smith machine. A Smith machine is a big rack with a barbell that moves on a track. While a Smith machine can do more things (like squats), it is also much larger and takes up a lot more space. The RitFit Gorilla is a "specialized" machine. It is designed to do pressing better than a Smith machine can because the handles and the path of the arms are built specifically for the chest and shoulders.

In a Smith machine, the bar moves in a perfectly straight line up and down. While this is safe, it does not always feel natural for your shoulders. The Gorilla machine uses a "pivot" motion, which often feels more like how your body actually moves. The handles can also move in toward each other slightly as you push, which gives your chest a much better "squeeze" at the top of the move. Many lifters find that they get a better chest workout on a dedicated press machine than they do on a Smith machine.

The Gorilla is also much easier to set up. With a Smith machine, you have to drag a bench in and out, line it up perfectly, and make sure the bar height is right. With the Gorilla, everything is built in. You just sit down, adjust the dials, and start lifting. This saves time and frustration, which makes it easier to stick to your workout plan. If you only have thirty minutes to work out, you do not want to spend ten of them moving a heavy bench around.

Conclusion and Final Advice

The RitFit Gorilla is a solid piece of gear for anyone looking to build a serious upper body at home without a lot of hassle. It is tough, easy to use, and fits in small spaces. By using the dial system and the multi-grip handles, you can find the perfect workout for your body. Remember to take it slow, focus on your form, and keep the machine clean. If you do those things, this machine will be a great partner in your fitness journey for many years to come.

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This blog is written by the RitFit editorial team, who have years of experience in fitness products and marketing. All content is based on our hands-on experience with RitFit equipment and insights from our users.