Strength machines are designed to train specific muscle groups to improve your figure. But for strength training to be effective, you need to choose the right home strength machine.
Strength training equipment is subject to increased safety requirements, because using low-quality strength equipment increases the risk of injury. Therefore, you should not neglect more expensive models and well-known brands (if possible), because the level of quality control of materials from such companies is much higher.
What should a safe strength training machine look like?
How to choose a strength trainer?
First of all, pay attention to the material of the frame; it is best if it is sheet steel. The strength of the frame also depends on the cross-section of the racks; it must be at least 5x7 cm.
Also, the strength and stability of the simulator depends on the quality of the connections. If the connections are of poor quality, the strength trainer will not last long and will begin to sway and vibrate some time after purchase. The design of any simulator uses welded and screw connections. Welded joints must be of high quality, and there must be additional reinforcement plates at the screw joints.
The design of strength training equipment also includes ropes and cables. A safe and high-quality strength training device must be equipped with steel cables that can withstand at least 700 kg of tensile strength. For better glide and protection from damage, steel cables are coated with a special nylon sheath.
The most “vulnerable” parts of any structure are the moving ones (you can’t fight against the force of friction). In strength training machines, these are the rotation points. Therefore, it is very important to choose a strength trainer with high-quality bearings that slow down the wear process. The best option is brass bearings filled with oil.
The key to convenience and effectiveness of training on the simulator is good seats and handles. You should prefer a strength trainer with polyurethane handles and molded seats. The material used for the manufacture of seats and handles should not have an unpleasant odor, crack or dry out during use of the simulator. The handles and seats should lock themselves into the position you choose.
The safety of using the simulator will be ensured by protective housings: some models have closed cables and block weights so that clothes or fingers do not accidentally get caught in them. Load securing pins must be securely fixed. Try to choose a strength trainer with specially shaped pins that allow them to easily fit into the grooves of the weight block and be firmly fixed there.
Another important characteristic of a high-quality strength training machine is the convenient change of weights. It should be done quickly and not require additional effort on your part. It's best if you can reduce or increase the weight of the load without leaving your workplace.
Convenient adjustments are also the key to the effectiveness of strength training. The fewer different transformations of the simulator you have to perform when moving to a new exercise, the better.
When choosing a multifunctional station (strength machine), also pay attention to the availability of additional devices that allow you to diversify your home strength training. These include additional weights, a leg press station, cuffs for working the thigh muscles (both inner and outer surfaces), loops for training the abdominal and arm muscles. Some of these devices are included in the basic package of high-quality home strength systems. When purchasing, check with the seller in advance which additional accessories are included in the package and which ones will have to be purchased separately.
When deciding which exercise machine is best for your home, choose carefully based on what result you want to achieve. Don't forget about reliability and safety. Then the training will be effective, and you won’t want to stop. Good luck!
