8 Types of Commercial Gym Machines for Advanced Users
Commercial gyms offer machines and equipment to help people achieve their fitness goals. While cardio machines such as the elliptical and recumbent bikes are standard for beginners, more advanced users require different gym equipment to challenge their bodies and take their fitness journeys to the next level. This guide details eight types of commercial gym machines for advanced users that will provide a challenging and effective workout.
CABLE MACHINE
Cable machines use adjustable pulleys with attached cables and handles to create resistance during exercises. This machine allows for a wider range of motion than traditional weight machines, making it ideal for targeting specific muscles from different angles.
Advanced users can benefit from cable machines’ versatility. They can perform different exercises, such as chest flys, tricep pushdowns, and bicep curls. With the ability to adjust weight and angles, users can constantly challenge their muscles for maximum growth and strength.
LEG PRESS MACHINE
The leg press machine is a staple in most gyms, offering a controlled way to train one of the body’s largest muscle groups. Users will sit with their feet on a weighted platform and push the weight away from them using their legs, targeting the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. They can adjust the weight according to their fitness levels.
Using the leg press machine allows for variations such as the narrow stance, which engages the outer thighs, or the wide stance, which targets the inner thighs.
LAT PULLDOWN MACHINE
The lat pulldown machine focuses on strengthening the latissimus dorsi, biceps, and trapezius, which can help develop a V-shaped back. Using this machine mimics the motion of a pull-up but offers more control and a reduced risk of injury. Many individuals use this strength training machine to build their upper body muscle mass.
STAIR CLIMBER
The stair climber is an excellent cardiovascular health machine. It simulates the action of climbing stairs, providing a low-impact yet effective workout. Gym-goers can adjust the resistance level to further challenge themselves as they become more fit.
Regular use of the stair climber can improve cardiovascular health, muscle endurance, and lower body strength. It targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, making it an excellent option for leg day.
FREE WEIGHTS
Unlike weightlifting machines that guide your movement, free weights require a greater understanding of proper lifting form and technique. Individuals engage multiple muscle groups to maintain balance and stability as they lift dumbbells or weights.
Gym-goers can do exercises such as bicep curls, hammer curls, or tricep extensions while standing using free weights. However, individuals can also use free weights along with other equipment, such as an incline bench press or power rack, to optimize their workout.
INCLINE BENCH PRESS
The incline bench press is ideal for training the upper chest, shoulder, and tricep muscles. Its adjustable incline allows users to modify the angle to emphasize specific chest areas. Users should alter the incline according to their comfort and the muscle groups they want to target.
POWER RACKS
Gym-goers use free weights at the power rack, such as barbells, to perform squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. This versatile equipment is essential for advanced users as it allows for a range of exercises and targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
WEIGHTLIFTING TIP
Having a spotter is essential when using any type of strength training equipment but becomes especially vital when using free weights. Your spotter will ensure you maintain proper form and assist if you cannot complete a rep.
ROWING MACHINE
The rowing machine targets the back, arms, legs, and core. It offers a balanced approach to strengthening multiple muscle groups while enhancing cardiovascular fitness. This piece of gym equipment simulates the motion of rowing a boat as the user pulls a handle toward the body, engaging the legs, back, arms, and core.
Using a rowing machine can benefit cardiovascular health and muscle endurance. It engages your back, arms, legs, and core, making it ideal for complete physical conditioning. Regular use can also improve lung capacity and stamina.
MULTI-PRESS MACHINE
The multi-press machine is another type of commercial gym machine for advanced users. It allows you to perform multiple movements, such as bench presses, shoulder presses, and squats, all in one machine.
This machine is beneficial for overall muscle development. It saves time by offering a variety of exercises, and its guided motion reduces the risk of injury. Users can switch between different exercises quickly, maintaining an efficient workout flow.
TREADMILL
Anyone can work out on a treadmill, but advanced gym users can use its features to target specific muscle groups. Some advanced users may set it to a high incline but low speed for a more challenging workout, while others keep the incline low but increase the speed for sprint intervals.
Fitness enthusiasts can also use a treadmill’s programmed features to create interval workouts, varying the speed and incline to target muscle strengthening. Likewise, individuals may use the treadmill as part of their cross-training routine to improve their overall physical performance.
Running or jogging on a treadmill targets the lower body, including the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. However, with added inclines or intervals, treadmill workouts can also engage the core and upper body muscles.
HAVE A VARIETY OF EQUIPMENT
Everyone has different fitness goals, and what one user considers advanced, another may find easy. Having numerous types of gym equipment is vital to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of advanced gym-goers.
PREVENTS BOREDOM
Fitness plateaus are common, especially for advanced users. Having a range of equipment at your disposal prevents boredom and keeps workouts challenging. For example, gym-goers can use the stair climber and leg press machine one day, followed by the rowing machine and lat pulldown machine the next. Alternating equipment use keeps workouts engaging and encourages a more balanced physique.
TARGET DIFFERENT MUSCLE GROUPS
As mentioned earlier, different machines target unique muscle groups. Switching between them allows you to effectively train different muscles, leading to balanced development. It also prevents overuse injuries from focusing on the same muscle groups with one specific machine.
Source: https://truefitness.com/8-types-of-commercial-gym-machines-for-advanced-users/
