Variable Resistance Home Gyms

Variable resistance home gyms such as the Bowflex home gyms or the Weider crossbow/crossbar operate and feel much different than free weights or traditional exercise machines. Because their resistance comes from resistance rods, the weight varies throughout the exercise. Variable resistance is also a feature among elastic band exercise equipment such as the Soloflex and Bodylastics gym.

Variable Resistance Gyms Compared To Traditional Weights

Free weights and traditional exercise machines such as a plate loaded gym or universal gym operate under a constant resistance principal. What this means is that at any point during the exercise (top, midpoint or bottom), the weight is the same. So if you’re bench pressing using a barbell or smith machine with 100lbs, the weight will be 100lbs at the top, midpoint, and bottom of the exercise. With home exercise equipment based on variable resistance, a 100lbs setting will be uneven during the exercise. As you place more tension on the resistance rods or elastic bands by either bending the rods or stretching the bands, the weight will feel heavier.

Variable resistance is beneficial to exercises where you are stronger at the top portion of the lift (such as squats and presses), but is less effective when your muscles are in a contracted state (such as rows).

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