Gym Equipment Buying Guides

The age old argument regarding free weights vs machine weights continues. While each can help you build strength there are definite pros & cons for each. Furthermore, one of the key questions I ask customers that are looking to purchase strength equipment has to do with what their strength training goals are.

Machine weights

The most important component in any strength training program is safety. If you are new to strength training or if you are working out alone, variable strength machines like the Bodyworx L8000LP might be a better option initially. While machines can be viable option for serious weight training, they are best for novice, senior and recreational athletes.

For rehabilitating injured athletes, variable strength machines are preferred. They provide a more controlled motion and specifically isolate certain muscle groups. Machines also allow you to track progress and provide objective feedback while increasing the protective participation of the healthy limb or muscle group.

Free weights

Research has shown us that free weights promote quicker strength gains and they require more balance and coordination than do the weight machines. Free weights recruit more muscle groups than variable resistance machines, which tend to only isolate specific muscles.

Free weights are also more versatile than machines because they allow for more variations in range of motion. An example of a free weights machine is something like the a Power Rack. The power rack while basic in its form allows the serious weight trainer the ability to do a wide range of exercises that focus on the major muscle groups.

Freight weights also require balance, and they tend to promote more activity of the joint stabilization muscles. Also in terms of cost, you can start out with a few dumbbells.

As mentioned above, your goals will also play a part in deciding which strength training system you choose. If your goal is more about toning & general fitness then a machine weight system may be the go.

Exercise bikes are the most familiar pieces of fitness equipment to people and for good reason. Being compact & very simple to use, exercise bikes are a convenient means of performing your daily exercise from the comfort & safety of your home.

When you are choosing an exercise bike, it's important to look out for these features to ensure you purchase one that feels smooth & comfortable.

Flywheel
The flywheel is a large metal gear that the pedals are connected to via the Crank. You'll often see this as being described as a `One Piece Crank' or `Three Piece Crank'. A Three Piece Crank will feel more smoother as you cycle. Like the wheels on a push bike, the flywheel is what generates the momentum as you pedal.

The weight of the flywheel is what you need to look out for when comparing different exercise bikes. For example, the Bodyworx AC270M features a "5kg" flywheel while the Horizon Paros Pro has a "7kg" flywheel. As a rule of thumb the heavier the flywheel is the more smoother the bike will feel.

Resistance
This is what makes it harder or easier as you pedal along. The variability of the resistance will either be provided manually or by a computer. Generally, you will have less variability on a manual exercise bike (typically 1-8 levels) whereas anything up to 32 with a computer controlled bike.

When deciding on which type to go for, you really need to think about what you want out of using an exercise bike. For example, if you've been prescribed by a physiotherapist to strengthen your knees pre/post surgery, a manually controlled exercise bike may be sufficient. However if your wanting a little more out of it, then a computer controlled bike might be a better option.

When you choose a computer controlled exercise bike like the York C420, not only do you get 32 levels of resistance, but also programs too. The programs will automatically adjust the tension on the bike to make it harder or easier depending on the program selected. More on them next.

Programs
As mentioned above, programs are only provided by exercise bikes which feature computer controlled resistance.

Programs are a useful feature to consider especially if your goal is to lose weight or maintain fitness.

We've got a good selection of exercise bikes in our showroom available for your demonstration.