What is the Best Exercise Equipment? A Comparison of: Selectorized Exercise Machines Vs. Plate Loaded Home Gyms Vs. Free Weights Part I

Each type of weight lifting equipment has their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a review of the pros and cons of selectorized exercise machines, plate loaded home gyms and free weights:

1. Selectorized Weight Lifting Machines

This is a workout machine that has a weight stack which held together by cables and pulleys.

Some brands are: Body Solid and Mega Tuff selectorized series.

Advantages

-There is a fixed movement, so you’ll always have perfect form while doing the exercises

-Exercises are simple to learn and easy to get started. Many have an instructional guide (in pictures) on the machine to show you how to do the exercises

-Virtually no supervision is required-you don’t need a spotter to watch over you

-With the predefined movements and safety mechanisms of machines, you don’t run the risk of dropping weights on yourself
Disadvantages

-Can be expensive

-There may be a size limitation some workout machines, so if you’re 6’6” tall, you may not fit in a particular machine

Who is this good for? People who are new to working out

2. Plate Loaded Exercise Equipment

Plate loaded exercise equipment requires you to manually add and take off weight plates, such as a smith machine.

Some brands are: Powertec leverage machines and MegaTuff leverage gym equipment
Advantages

-Gives the experience of working out with free weights with the safety of fitness machines

-There is a fixed movement, so you’ll always have perfect form while doing the exercises

-Because you can add on weight plates, you can generally train with heavier weights compared to selectorized machines

Disadvantages

You’ll have to move and unload weight plates, which could increase the chances of injury, and may take away time from your workouts (especially if your weight plates are not organized properly!)

Who is this for? Anyone who is looking for the benefits of free weights and the safety of machines

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