Home Multi-Gyms Fitness Equipment

Weight or strength training equipment is becoming more
popular. Whether it is for reasons of weight loss, rehabilitation, injury
prevention, better sports performance or heath concerns such as building
bone density or preventing osteoporosis, more and more people are incorporating
strength training into their fitness programs.

A successful strength training program involves choosing
the “right” home fitness equipment for your needs and knowing how to
use it properly. The safest and most practical way to strength train
is with a “home gym” which offers convenience features not found in
free weight equipment.

Choosing the best home gym equipment that meets your requirements
can be a bit of daunting task. Start by considering your fitness goals
and those of other family members who will be using the equipment. One
person may want to lose weight while a growing teenager might want to
build strength for playing other sports. Keep in mind that planned usage
may change, so do not “underbuy”. Choose a multi-gym with a wide range
of settings so you don’t outgrow it.

Decide where the equipment will be located in your home.
Note the area available – height, width and length – and be sure that
the unit you are considering will fit the space you have available.

Ensure that the gym is easy to use, easy to make adjustments
and one that you can move through stations comfortably.

If you are able to visit a specialty store to check out
different models, be sure to check out how the different machines “fit”
your body (ergonomics) and how “smooth” the equipment feels as you perform
a variety of exercises. Generally speaking, you will get what you pay
for.

There are three types of resistance systems on home gyms:

1. Weight Stacks – uses a stack of metal plates lifted by a cable/pulley
system Inserting a pin will determine how many plates are lifted and
thus how much weight is engaged. These units are often the bulkiest,
non-portable, and more complicated to assemble. They are sturdy, feel
natural, and it is easy to adjust for varying the weight desired.
2. Hydraulic pistons – fluid in cylinders is forced from one chamber
to another. Resistance is adjusted using valves or by changing the position
at which the piston is attached to levers. No negative resistance on
the return portion of movement.
3. Flexible rods and rubber bands – bowed rods or thick rubber bands
are attached to the frame and to the cable you are manipulating. Lightweight,
portable, but may feel unnatural.

Classification:

Strength training

Body Areas Utilized:

All major muscle groups (chest, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and legs)

Points to consider:

ergonomics – does it fit users of different sizes and allow a full
range of motion in proper body positioning?
easy to set up for different exercises – can therefore do “circuit
training” where you quickly move from one exercise to the next thereby
gaining an element of aerobic training
easily adjusted for the proper alignment – minimizes risk of injury;
more effective workout;
assembly – larger, heavier units can be challenging to put together
portability – the weight stack units are not portable. If you will
need to be able to easily move or store your home gym, your choices
will be more limited.
polyurethane, molded pads on press arms; high quality means pads
won’t smell or crack over time
look for oil impregnated brass bearings at the major pivot points
where wear occurs
constructed of 11 gauge steel, 2″ to 3″ diameter powder coated
paint finish will repel sweat and corrosion,
stability and strength (also durability) increased with more,
rather than fewer, welds
quiet smooth cable motion; nylon pulleys and test cables of at
least 1500 lbs.;
accessories add versatility and increase the usefulness of your
home gym. What are included and what can later be added?
extensive warranty – lifetime on the frame; at least 3 years on
cables and upholstery; (extended warranty not necessary)
instructional video and/or clear wall chart