Weight Lifting Machines

Weight lifting machines are designed to help strengthen specific muscles and muscle groups of the body in a safe and simple way. Weight lifting machines are configured to position the body correctly during a specific exercise or lifting movement. By being in an optimal position, less stress is put on joints and tendons, resulting in a reduced risk of injury when compared to exercises done with dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells.

Weight lifting machines are often recommended by personal trainers as a great place to start for beginner weight lifters. Instead of worrying about balance, mechanics, and tricky movements, the machines help guide and support the weight lifter in using proper form. Once the user is familiar with the movements of the weight machines, free weight training options can be added to the workout routine to target weak points and stabilize muscles.

Weight lifting machines can be categorized as either upper body or lower body equipment. Upper body weight machines focus on strengthening the abs, back, shoulders, neck, biceps and triceps. Common machines include the chest press, lat pull, seated row, shoulder press, back extension, ab crunch, bicep curl, tricep extension and 4-way neck. Lower body machines focus on strengthening the legs. Common lower body weight machines include the leg press, leg curl, leg extension, hip abductor, hip adductor, and calf raise.

There are three main types of weight lifting machines:

• Selectorized machines have an integrated weight stack that can be easily adjusted by moving a selector pin to the amount of weight desired. They are popular for everyday use by both novice and experienced users and can be found in most commercial gyms.
• Plate load machines are similar, but require adding or subtracting weight plates to select the amount of resistance. They are popular with bodybuilders, military personnel and athletes involved in contact sports. They tend to be less expensive than their selectorized counterparts, since the weights are not integrated into the machines.
• Hydraulic weight machines create resistance by moving hydraulic oil back and forth through cylinders. The amount of resistance depends on the amount of force that is exerted by pushing or pulling. They are popular for circuit training routines.

American Fitness carries hundreds of weight lifting machines from trusted brands such as Impact Fitness, Yukon Fitness, Body-Solid, BodyCraft, Champion Barbell, Magnum, and Valor Athletics. If you need help choosing the right equipment for your needs, our expert staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.