The SKEISO SKS-2 supports full-body workouts by combining a free-weight half rack, two independent adjustable cable stations, pull-up and dip stations, and a low-row setup. It is built for users who want barbell and cable training in one frame without a guided Smith bar. That distinction matters: squats and presses on the SKS-2 use a free bar placed on the J-hooks, while the cables handle flyes, rows, raises, arm work, lower-body accessories and core exercises.
SKS-2 exercise map
| Body part | Exercise options | Main station |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | Free-bar flat or incline bench press; standing cable press; cable fly at high, middle or low pulley positions; dips | Rack, cables or dip handles |
| Back | Pull-up; chin-up; lat pulldown; seated low row; one-arm cable row; face pull; straight-arm pulldown; barbell row | Pull-up bar, cables or rack |
| Shoulders | Free-bar overhead press; cable lateral, front and rear-delt raise; face pull; cable upright row | Rack or cables |
| Arms | Cable curl; rope hammer curl; triceps pressdown; overhead cable extension; close-grip bench press; dip | Cables, rack or dip handles |
| Quads | Free-bar back or front squat; split squat; reverse lunge; cable squat; cable-assisted lunge | Rack or cables |
| Glutes and hamstrings | Barbell Romanian deadlift; rack pull; hip thrust; cable pull-through; kickback; abduction and adduction | Rack or cables |
| Calves | Barbell standing calf raise; single-leg cable-supported calf raise | Rack or cables |
| Core | Pallof press; chop; lift; cable crunch; hanging knee raise; loaded carry setup | Cables or pull-up bar |
Free-bar rack exercises
The half rack is the SKS-2's main heavy free-weight station. With a compatible bar and plates, it supports back squats, front squats, bench presses, incline presses, overhead presses, rack pulls and rack-supported rows. J-hooks establish the starting position and safety arms provide a secondary catch point; both need to be set for the specific lifter and movement before loading.
This is not a Smith machine. The bar path is controlled by the lifter, which appeals to users who prioritize conventional barbell training but also requires appropriate technique and setup. If a guided bar is essential to the buying decision, compare the functional trainer and Smith machine formats rather than assuming the SKS-2 includes both.
Cable exercises for chest, back and shoulders
Two adjustable pulley carriages let the user set independent lines of pull. For chest work, both pulleys can be positioned at mid height for standing presses or flyes, high for high-to-low flyes, or low for low-to-high flyes. For back work, use a low position for seated or standing rows and a higher position for pulldowns or straight-arm pulldowns when the attachment and setup support the movement.
Shoulder options include one-arm lateral raises, front raises, rear-delt flyes and face pulls. These movements can be trained one side at a time or bilaterally. Each stack is labeled 200 lb, but handle resistance depends on cable routing; because the exact cable ratio is not verified, programming should use the selector setting and actual feel instead of assuming a specific ratio.
Arms, dips and pull-ups
A low cable position supports curls and hammer-style curls with a compatible attachment. A high position supports triceps pressdowns, overhead extensions and single-arm variations. The dip handles add a bodyweight pressing option for the chest and triceps, while the pull-up station supports pull-ups, chin-ups and hanging core work. Assistance or added resistance requires separate compatible equipment.
Leg, glute and core training
The rack covers the main free-bar squat and hip-hinge patterns. The cable stations add pull-throughs, kickbacks, hip abduction, hip adduction, cable squats and split-stance movements when paired with a suitable handle or ankle strap. The low-row footplate helps brace seated rows and may also support selected low-cable setups without turning the frame into a dedicated leg machine.
For the core, use anti-rotation presses, controlled chops and lifts, kneeling cable crunches or hanging knee raises. The independent stacks are especially useful for offset and unilateral work because one side can be loaded without moving the other carriage.
Why choose a half rack with cables?
- Free-bar priority: the rack preserves conventional barbell movement rather than guiding the bar on rails.
- Independent cable work: two selectorized stacks support unilateral and bilateral exercises.
- More training modes in one frame: rack, cable, pull-up, dip and low-row stations cover compound and accessory work.
- Adjustable movement angles: pulley height can be changed for presses, rows, flyes, raises and core patterns.
- Useful exercise pairings: users can combine a free-bar compound lift with cable accessories without changing equipment zones.
Who is the SKS-2 best for?
The SKS-2 fits users who want a free-weight half rack and dual-cable trainer together and do not need a Smith bar. Its verified assembled size is approximately 66.9 × 71.1 × 94.5 in (L × W × H) and its net machine weight is approximately 1,032 lb. Measure the room, ceiling, access path and the additional space needed for the bar ends, bench, plates, cable travel and spotter access.
A guided-bar user may be better matched to an all-in-one Smith configuration. A buyer who does not train with a barbell may prefer a smaller cable-only trainer. Read the half rack versus full rack guide and the half rack functional trainer buying guide for those tradeoffs.
Setup and equipment requirements
The SKS-2 includes the rack and integrated training stations described on its product page, but many exercises require separate training items such as a barbell, plates, bench or specialized cable handle. Confirm the current package contents rather than treating every accessory used in an exercise example as included. The assembly manual covers installation and parts; it does not replace exercise coaching.
Before training, check fasteners and cables, secure attachments, set the J-hooks and safeties, and keep the surrounding area clear. Start with a manageable load and use qualified instruction when learning unfamiliar free-bar or cable movements.
Frequently asked questions
Does the SKS-2 have a Smith machine?
No. It is a free-weight half rack with integrated cable stations. The lifter controls the bar path.
Can two sides be trained independently?
Yes. The SKS-2 uses two independent 200 lb selectorized stacks, supporting unilateral or bilateral cable setups.
Can it train legs without a Smith bar?
Yes. The rack supports free-bar squats and hip hinges, while the cables support accessory movements such as pull-throughs, kickbacks and cable lunges with compatible attachments.
Are a bench, bar and plates included?
Do not assume they are included because an exercise requires them. Check the current package list on the product page before ordering.
See the complete system before choosing: review the SKS-2 specifications, included components and current purchase details.
