The RitFit Gorilla 2-in-1 Chest and Shoulder Press Machine is a plate-loaded home gym station that turns a flat chest press, an incline press, and an overhead shoulder press into one compact frame. This guide explains how the machine works and how to set it up.
You will learn the dual dial system, grip choices, seat setup, and safety rules that keep pressing pain-free. It suits solo lifters between 5 ft and 6 ft 3 in who want a commercial feel without a full rack.
Quick Answer: The RitFit Gorilla 2-in-1 Chest and Shoulder Press Machine combines chest press and shoulder press on one plate-loaded frame, saving floor space while delivering up to 500 lb of resistance across six arm angles and seven handle positions. Built-in safety stops let you train alone, and the Q235 steel build suits most home gyms.
Key Takeaways
- Two-in-One Design: One frame switches between flat chest press, incline press, and overhead shoulder press, saving about 16.8 sq ft of floor space.
- Plate Loaded: Uses 2-inch Olympic plates instead of a pin stack, so it pairs with weight plates you may already own.
- 500 lb Capacity: The Q235 steel frame is rated for 500 pounds, enough for most home lifters.
- Six Angles, Seven Grips: Dial adjustments match your arm length, shoulder width, and preferred press path.
- Four Band Pegs: Resistance bands add variable resistance and ease joint stress at the bottom of each rep.
Why Choose a 2-in-1 Chest and Shoulder Press Machine for a Home Gym?
A 2-in-1 press machine saves floor space and budget by merging chest press and shoulder press into one frame. The RitFit Gorilla 2-in-1 Chest and Shoulder Press Machine delivers a flat chest press, an incline press, and a full overhead shoulder press in about 16.8 square feet.
It is plate loaded, so you slide your own 2-inch Olympic plates onto the arms instead of moving a heavy pin stack. That keeps the price down and works with weights many home lifters already own.
The frame uses Q235 steel and is rated to 500 pounds. Thick padding and built-in stops give it a commercial feel without a commercial footprint.
How Does the Chest Press Work on the RitFit Gorilla?
The chest press works the pecs by pushing the handles straight out from a seated position. It feels like a push-up with a guided path, so the load cannot drift sideways like it can with dumbbells.
For the upper chest, tilt the arms to an incline and push up and away at the same time. Six arm angles let you find a path that keeps sensitive shoulders pain-free.
Your triceps share the work as you straighten your elbows, while beginners appreciate the fixed path because there is no balance skill to learn before adding load. For a full breakdown of both movements, see our chest press vs shoulder press guide.
How Does the Shoulder Press Movement Work?
The shoulder press drives the handles straight up toward the ceiling to work your deltoids. On the Gorilla you tilt the backrest upright and set the arm dial so the handles start low and arc upward.
Machine pressing is often kinder than a barbell because the handles sit at your sides. Your neck stays neutral and your back stays flat against the pad.
Seven handle positions let you choose your grip width. Wide shoulders can spread out, while a narrow grip protects sensitive joints.
How Does the Dual Dial System Switch Between Chest and Shoulder Press?
Two stainless steel dials control the movement path. One dial sets the arm angle across six positions, and the other sets the handle position across seven positions over a 120-degree range.
You pull the pin, move the arm or handle, and let the pin click back into place. Finding the right spot takes seconds between sets.
Because the dials are precise, you can memorize a number and return to the exact same setup next session. That removes guesswork when you are tired.
Which Grip Should You Choose With the Multi-Grip Handles?
The knurled steel handles offer three grip zones, so you can press with a neutral grip or a regular grip. Most lifters with shoulder discomfort prefer the neutral position where palms face each other.
Sweaty hands stay put thanks to the knurling, unlike slippery plastic handles on cheaper machines. You can also grip higher or lower to shift how the load feels.
How Do You Set Up the Seat and Backrest for Your Height?
Set the seat so the handles line up with mid-chest for chest press and sit a little lower for shoulder press. The Gorilla fits lifters from 5 ft to 6 ft 3 in.
Recline the backrest for chest press so you can drive your shoulders into the pad. Ratchet it upright for shoulder press so the load hits your delts, not your chest.
Keep your lower back in a natural curve and your feet flat. If you slide, drop the seat height until your heels stay planted.
How Do the Weight Horns and Plate Storage Work?
The arms accept 2-inch Olympic plates on chrome-coated horns, and storage bars on the back keep extra plates off the floor. Storing plates on the frame also adds base weight for stability.
Load the same weight on each side so the movement stays smooth and the frame stays balanced. The storage bars can also hold 1-inch standard plates.
How Can Resistance Bands Add Variable Resistance?
Four steel pegs on the base let you anchor resistance bands that loop over the weight horns. Bands make the load heavier at the top of the press, where you are strongest.
Use bands alone to warm up or pair them with plates for a harder top-end contraction. Bands can also protect sore shoulders by keeping the bottom of the rep lighter.
Who Is the RitFit Gorilla Chest and Shoulder Press Best For?
The Gorilla is built for solo home lifters who want pressing without a spotter. Built-in safety stops catch the arms if you cannot finish a rep.
Beginners benefit from the guided path and low learning curve. Stronger lifters can grow with the 500 lb capacity and plate loading.
Who Should Look at Other Equipment Instead?
Competitive powerlifters who need barbell balance work should keep a plain bench and rack. If you already own a full smith machine or a cable machine, the Gorilla may overlap your current setup.
Very tall lifters over 6 ft 5 in should test seat height and arm reach first. The Gorilla shines when you want focused pressing in a small space rather than a full gym.
If lower-body training is your priority, pair this press with a leg press machine or the multifunctional smith machine instead.
How Long Does Assembly Take and What Tools Do You Need?
Assembly takes about two to three hours with two people and basic socket wrenches. The machine arrives in two boxes, so build it where it will stay.
Use the finger tight method. Hand-tighten every bolt, line up all holes, then torque everything down.
Square head bolts lock into the steel frame, so one wrench does the job on most joints. A helper holding the heavy arms makes the process faster.
What Common Mistakes Should Beginners Avoid on a Press Machine?
Bouncing the weight and flaring the elbows are the two biggest form errors on any press machine. Lower the handles on a three-count and tuck your elbows to about 45 degrees.
Keep five points of contact. Your head, upper back, glutes, and both feet should stay planted through every rep.
If you have to wiggle to move the load, drop a plate and fix the form first. Controlled reps build muscle with far less joint stress.
What Safety Advice Matters When Training at Home Alone?
Secure every plate with clips, click all adjustment pins fully home, and warm up before heavy sets. These three habits prevent the most common home gym injuries.
Do one or two light sets with empty handles to check seat height and grip before loading. Keep the floor around the machine clear of loose plates and dumbbells.
How Does the RitFit Gorilla Compare to a Smith Machine?
A Smith machine guides a barbell in a fixed vertical line and can handle squats, but it is much larger and needs a bench dragged in and out. The Gorilla uses a pivot motion built for pressing and keeps everything on one frame.
The pivot arc feels more natural to many lifters, and the handles sweep inward for a better chest squeeze, so setup is faster with no bench to position or bar height to dial. For a closer look at guided pressing, see how to do a smith machine shoulder press.
Browse the smith machine collection if you want a rack that also does squats. If you only need pressing, the Gorilla gives you the same guided path with a smaller footprint.
FAQs About the RitFit Gorilla Chest and Shoulder Press Machine
Is the RitFit Gorilla 2-in-one Chest and Shoulder Press Machine worth it for a home gym?
Yes. The RitFit Gorilla 2-in-one Chest and Shoulder Press Machine is ideal for home lifters who want efficient upper-body training without sacrificing space. Its dual-function design, plate-loaded resistance, and adjustable angles allow you to target chest and shoulders safely while avoiding the footprint and cost of multiple machines.
How much space does the RitFit Gorilla Chest and Shoulder Press Machine require?
The RitFit Gorilla Chest and Shoulder Press Machine needs about 16.8 square feet, making it suitable for small garages or dedicated workout corners. Because it replaces two separate machines, it helps maximize limited floor space while still delivering commercial-style stability and a 500-pound weight capacity for serious strength training.
Is the RitFit Gorilla plate-loaded press machine good for beginners?
Yes. The RitFit Gorilla plate-loaded Chest and Shoulder Press Machine provides a guided movement path and built-in safety stops, reducing the balance demands found in free weights. Beginners can focus on proper form, controlled reps, and muscle activation while building confidence before progressing to more complex lifts.
What makes the RitFit Gorilla different from a Smith machine?
The RitFit Gorilla Chest and Shoulder Press Machine uses a natural pivot motion designed specifically for pressing, often feeling more joint-friendly than the rigid vertical bar path of a Smith machine. It also requires less setup time and space, making it a practical choice for focused upper-body workouts at home.
How do you properly set up the RitFit Gorilla for chest vs shoulder press?
Align the seat so the handles match mid-chest for chest press, then recline the backrest slightly. For shoulder press, raise the backrest upright and adjust the arm dial so the handles start lower and move upward. Always confirm pins are locked, plates are balanced, and grips feel comfortable before lifting.
Can you train on the RitFit Gorilla without a spotter?
Yes, the RitFit Gorilla has built-in safety stops that catch the arms if you cannot finish a rep. The fixed press path removes balance demands, so solo training stays safe. Always secure plates with clips and check that the adjustment pins are locked before you start a set.
How much weight can the RitFit Gorilla hold?
The RitFit Gorilla is rated for up to 500 pounds, which includes the loaded plates and your body weight. The Q235 steel frame handles that load without wobble, so it is strong enough for nearly every home strength training program.
Conclusion
The RitFit Gorilla 2-in-1 Chest and Shoulder Press Machine gives home lifters a tough, compact way to build the chest and shoulders without a spotter or a full rack. With plate loading, six arm angles, seven handle positions, and a 500 lb capacity, it grows with your strength.
Start light, lock the dials, and master controlled reps before adding load. For savings on this and other RitFit gear, read our ritfit discount guide.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical or fitness advice. Consult a qualified physician before starting any exercise program, and always inspect your equipment, secure your weights, and use proper form to prevent injury.
References
1. Design. Build. Lift. RitFit M2 All-In-One Rack: 3D Smith Machine Full Review. YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOZ7U8Od8WM.
