Free Weights VS Machines

Selecting the right tool is an essential part of working out. There are unlimited options that we can choose from, but the endless argument that we often hear is, which type of exercise tool is more beneficial and has better results: machines or free weights? Some people would prefer free weights due to several factors, such as:

1. Free weights are known to be cheaper than machines. You can even improvise using everyday objects such as cans of beans, bags of rice, or a bag of pet food to substitute for dumb bells and barbells.
2. You can do it almost anywhere. You can either do lunges at the park, inside your bedroom, or in your kitchen where you can use a gallon of milk as your dumb bells. All you need to do is come up with a good free weight routine, and you’re good to go.
3. Better workout. Majority of people think that free weights give them better workouts as it taxes their muscles and gives them growth more than what a regular machine can do.

Looking at the several factors why people most often prefer free weights, it seems that there is already a clear winner, so why even bother comparing the two? This is because machines also have some good features that make it a perfect counterpart for free weights. These are:

1. Low risk for injury. It is much safer compared to free weights, and that’s why machines are often used for physical rehabilitation.
2. Perfect for beginners. If you’re a beginner, then using a machine is highly recommended for you so you can practice lifting. You should know the best gym equipment to use before starting a routine so you don’t hurt yourself by accident.
3. Multiple selections of a combined routines. You can mix and match several routine workouts in a machine, which is a bit harder when you are using free weights.

Hammer Strength Machine Benefits

Now that the two have been justly compared, it is now much harder to choose which one is better for you. But imagine having all the features of these two combined, thus the birth of the Hammer Strength Machines.

The Hammer Strength Machine is the perfect alternative because it lets you enjoy all the unique features of both free weights and exercise machines. It is considered as one of the best equipment lines when it comes to working out. Here are the five benefits Of Hammer Strength Machines:

1. The Iso-Lateral Technology

Iso-Lateral Technology is patented to be used exclusively for Hammer Strength machines. The machine copies the natural movement of our body while strengthening it through the combination of one-sided movements and the meeting and swerving arcs to build up our physical strength. It also helps in strengthening both sides of the body. If you train using Hammer Strength machines, your whole body will have equal and balance strength.

2. The Biomechanics of the Hammer Strength machines is well-researched.

The technology behind the biomechanics of the Hammer Strength Machine lines is based on the actual motion arcs of the human body. Gary Jones, the creator of the Hammer Strength line of machines, consulted different chiropractors, sports doctors, and pro-athletes to come up with the idea of how he can build the perfect workout buddy. But the most important benefit of the biomechanics technology is the reduction of risk injuries and improvement of everyday training effectivity.

3. Hammer Strength Equipment is a combination of free weights and different workout machines.

Some of the unique qualities and features of free weights and machines are present in the Hammer Strength Machine. It utilizes the same features, and the machine is designed to give you all the benefits with a single device. You can choose from multiple selections of effective training combination routines or do a simple workout routine for effective total body training.

4. You can use these machines without a spotter.

If you are going to use a machine at the gym, it is recommended that you have a spotter, especially if you’re going to work on your chest and shoulder area. With the Hammer Strength, you don’t need to rely on a spotter so you can work out even if you’re on your own.

5. Durability and comfort.

If there’s one thing that you should always look for in a machine, it should always be durability and comfort. You can’t train or exercise properly if you are not comfortable with the equipment that you are using. The well-made Hammer Strength machine line boasts of the durability of the equipment, and it also offers the best structural integrity with a primary focus on each user’s safety and comfort.

It is never too late to start your training routine. You can either use free weights or exercise at the local gym with the help of equipment, but it’s better if you have the option to combine both features and try the Hammer Strength machines. There are  many different types of Hammer Strength Machines perfect for your every need.

(Image:  Hammer Strength ISO P/L Lateral Bench Press)

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Are you considering buying a piece of gym equipment?

Of course, having a high-quality piece of gym equipment can make all the difference in your workout and your results. This is because most top-rated brands consider the variety of exercise styles and the way the human body functions in their design coupled with the durability and quality needed for a commercial application.

When trying to reach your fitness goals, it helps tremendously to have a piece of gym equipment you can rely on close by. But, with the significant price tag that often comes with gym equipment, this is a purchase you’ll want to research before making an investment into anything.

To help you have more faith in the purchase of your next piece of gym equipment, we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 brands for commercial gym equipment.

Precor

Precor is a trusted fitness brand that manufactures high-end commercial gym equipment including elliptical trainers, cycles, treadmills, climbers, and more. Affiliated with Amer Sports, a leading sports equipment company, it’s no wonder this tried and true brand has landed at the top of our list.

Established in 1980, Precor has been finding new ways to innovate sports equipment ever since. The treadmills produced by this outstanding company are built to withstand varying levels of intensity and come fitted with a self-cooling motor. Pedals, cycle seats, and handlebars are designed ergonomically for ultimate comfort for longer workouts. Elliptical trainers boast versatility and durability with handles to work out your whole body—or the option to stride hands-free to optimize calorie burning. Climbers are designed to encourage better posture with minimal joint impact.

(Image: Precor EFX 835)

Life Fitness

Life Fitness was born in 1968, when Keene P. Dimick developed an exercise bike to heighten his own physical condition. This invention went on to inspire entrepreneurs Augie Nieto and Ray Wilson to create Life Fitness.

The goal of the brand is to create exercise equipment that aids generations of trainers, athletes, and exercisers to live more fulfilling and healthier lives. Their cardio and strength training equipment is always striving to be a step above the rest with features like LCD entertainment system consoles, calorie tracking, and heart rate monitoring.  The initial claim to fame for Life Fitness was their Life Cycle model.  They had such success here that it only made sense to scale to other pieces like treadmills and ellipticals.

(Image: Life Fitness 95Ti )

Cybex

Cybex International, a leading manufacturer of exercise equipment, is a developer of premium cardiovascular and strength exercise equipment. Their gym equipment is geared towards reflecting the body’s natural movements. As a result, workouts are easier on users and have optimum efficiency.

Always striving to be innovative and unique, Cybex’s equipment has a number of incredible features. Their cycles feature three types of exercise, their treadmills are constructed using a smart technology by the name of Intelligent Suspension, which reduces the shock on the user’s back and knees. The ArcTrainer stimulates stabilizing muscle groups to allow for maximum calorie burning bared with minimal joint impact. With features like this, it’s little wonder why Cybex is a leading manufacturer of commercial gym equipment.  They have several products on the market but when it comes to cardio, the ArcTrainer is a stand out piece.

(Image: Cybex 770AT )

StairMaster

When users are looking to push themselves to the limit, StairMaster is a great option. The company is consistently producing machines that add new innovations to keep hearts pounding and sweat flowing. Launched in 1983, this brand has come quite a way from their first piece of equipment–the StairMaster 5000—and has added new features and innovations every step along the way.

Though they have several versions of their StairMaster that have evolved over the years, the gauntlet “stairway to h*ll” model has likely burnt the most calories.  The continuous climb has been a great way of training in the most productive way possible (especially when combined with High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

(Image: Stairmaster Stepmill 5)

Star Trac

This international leader in gym equipment has made quite a name for itself. Featuring high-quality total body, cardiovascular, and strength training fitness equipment, Star Trac manufactures and designs their own equipment to best reflect the needs of the user.

After over 20 years in the business, Star Trac has learned the ins and outs of the industry and has truly invested in their users’ success.  They do make great bikes and are very well known for their treadmill series.

(Image: Star Trac E-TRX)

Hammer Strength

As you may have noticed, the above pieces are all mainly catering to the cardio variety however if you are only doing cardio your facility and physique will not be fully adequate.  Hammer Strength came out in the mid-90’s and has a great range of movement that moves the way the body was truly designed.

(Image:  Hammer Strength Iso P/L Bench Press)

The Verdict

As you likely know by now, there are many viable commercial gym equipment brands out there. However, only some are the best of the best and are truly worth your investment.

In this list, we’ve broken down our top 6 best gym equipment brands and why we have so much faith in their products. Hopefully, this will make your choice easier and narrow down your selection to the right brand(s) for you.

If you’re wanting more information or need further help, call today to speak with one of our fitness experts!

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