Running a gym is tough and the last thing you should worry about is broken-down equipment.
I learned that lesson early when I bought a shoulder press machine from a company I barely researched. The machine looked strong when it arrived but 6 months later, the adjustment lever broke, the paint peeled, and my maintenance bills piled up faster than the weights.
It wasn’t just embarrassing. It cost me members and money.
That’s why today, I pay a lot more attention to who builds my machines, not just what they promise.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to 9 manufacturers who know how to deliver real durability and real value. By the time you finish, you’ll have a simple but powerful tool to choose your equipment wisely and set your gym up for long-term success.
Let’s start!
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison Chart
- 1. Life Fitness – Best for High-End Brands
- 2. Atlantis Strength – Best for Innovation
- 3. YR Fitness – Best for Overall
- 4. Energie Fitness – Best for Customization
- 5. Technogym – Best for Wellness-Focused Brands
- 7. Cybex – Best for Biomechanics
- 7. Star Trac – Best for Global Partnerships
- 8. Precor – Best for Simplicity
- 9. Body-Solid – Best for Strength Equipment
- Conclusion
- Dive Deeper Into Our Resources
Quick Comparison Chart
You’re about to meet some amazing manufacturers.
But first, let’s zoom out and take a fast, easy look at how they compare across the most important categories.
Manufacturer | Founded | Factory Size | Mission | Reputation | Best For |
Life Fitness | 1968 | 500,000+ sq ft | Inspire healthier lives through fitness innovation | Trusted by premium gyms worldwide | High-End Brands |
Atlantis Strength | 1980 | 70,000+ sq ft | Build equipment that matches real human movement | Respected for engineering and durability | Innovation |
YR Fitness | Early 2000s | 100,000+ sq ft | High-quality, cost-effective gym equipment | Growing fast globally with strong value | Overall Balance |
Energie Fitness | 2003 | 60,000+ sq ft | Flexible gym solutions without high costs | Popular for customization options | Customization |
Technogym | 1983 | 400,000+ sq ft | Promote wellness as a lifestyle | Known for luxury, wellness-centered design | Wellness-Focused Brands |
Cybex | 1970 | 340,000+ sq ft | Safe, effective exercise rooted in biomechanics | Trusted by rehab centers and gyms | Biomechanics |
Star Trac | 1979 | Part of Core Health & Fitness | Help people find their fitness path | Strong global distribution partnerships | Global Partnerships |
Precor | 1980 | 200,000+ sq ft | Personalized fitness experiences | Simple, durable machines trusted worldwide | Simplicity |
Body-Solid | 1989 | 200,000+ sq ft | Affordable, durable strength equipment | Strong choice for budget-conscious gyms | Strength Equipment |
Now that you’ve got the big picture, let’s jump into each brand’s story—and help you find the one that fits your vision best.
1. Life Fitness – Best for High-End Brands
If you’ve ever stepped into a high-end gym, chances are you’ve seen Life Fitness machines lining the floor.
I remember walking into a premium health club once and immediately noticing the polished look and feel of their strength equipment. It just felt solid. And when I checked the brand? Life Fitness.
Life Fitness started in 1968 and quickly grew into one of the biggest names in the fitness world.
They focus on making machines that don’t just look good—but also perform well year after year in busy commercial gyms.
- Founding Year: 1968
- Factory Size: Over 500,000 square feet of production space
- Mission: To inspire healthier lives through fitness innovation
- Leadership: Led by Jim Pisani, an industry veteran focused on quality and growth
- Reputation: Trusted by luxury gyms, hotels, and athletic facilities worldwide
Their machines are known for smooth motion, solid frames, and attention to ergonomic design (how the machine fits the body’s natural movements).
Key Products
Life Fitness offers several shoulder press machines you’ll want to check out:
- Insignia Series Shoulder Press
- Signature Series Shoulder Press
- Optima Series Shoulder Press
Each series is built slightly differently, some with heavier frames for premium gyms, others more space-saving for compact fitness areas.
Key Industry Criteria
- Production Capacity: One of the largest in the industry
- Global Market Presence: Sold in over 160 countries
- Reputation: Often chosen by luxury gym chains and hotel fitness centers
Contact Information
- Address: 10601 Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131, USA
- Phone: +1 800-735-3867
- Email: Not publicly listed; contact via website form
Final Verdict:
If you’re aiming to build a gym that feels premium from the moment someone walks in, Life Fitness is a strong choice. Their machines are built to handle heavy traffic while keeping members comfortable and safe.
2. Atlantis Strength – Best for Innovation
When I first tried an Atlantis shoulder press, it felt different, in a good way. The movement was so smooth it almost surprised me. It made me realize not all machines are built the same.
Atlantis Strength was founded in 1980 in Quebec, Canada. They focus on building machines that match real human movement, not just textbook designs. This company is known for pushing boundaries with smart innovations that make strength training better.
- Founding Year: 1980
- Factory Size: Over 70,000 square feet
- Mission: To create strength equipment that outperforms expectations
- Leadership: Privately owned, led by a team passionate about biomechanics
- Reputation: Highly respected among strength coaches and gym owners for their engineering quality
Key Products:
- Atlantis Shoulder Press (B-301)
- Atlantis Iso-Lateral Shoulder Press (B-304)
These machines focus heavily on natural range of motion, helping users train harder without straining joints.
Key Industry Criteria:
- Production Capacity: Medium-sized but focused on high precision
- Global Market Presence: Distributed across North America and expanding globally
- Reputation: Known for extremely durable, gym-grade equipment
Contact Information:
- Address: 225 Bd de l’Aéroport, Dorval, QC H9P 2X6, Canada
- Phone: +1 514-631-3777
- Email: [email protected]
Final Verdict:
If you want machines that feel like an extension of your body, Atlantis is worth a serious look. They focus on how real people move, not just how textbooks say they should.
3. YR Fitness – Best for Overall
I still remember the first YR Fitness machine I tested. It felt solid. Smooth. No rattling, no weak welds—just like when evaluating different types of weight benches where real stability makes all the difference. It’s the kind of feeling that gives you confidence, both as a gym owner and a user.
YR Fitness started in China with one mission: to make commercial gym equipment that hits the sweet spot between quality and price. They have built strong partnerships with experienced factories, focusing heavily on real-world gym use.
- Founding Year: Early 2000s
- Factory Size: Over 100,000 square feet
- Mission: To deliver high-quality, cost-effective gym equipment for commercial use
- Leadership: Led by a team of fitness industry veterans
- Reputation: Growing fast in Asia, Europe, and North America
Key Products:
- YR Fitness Plate Loaded Shoulder Press
- YR Fitness Selectorized Shoulder Press
These machines focus on durability and affordability without sacrificing performance.
Key Industry Criteria:
- Production Capacity: Large and scalable
- Global Market Presence: Widely distributed across Asia, Europe, America, and the Middle East
- Reputation: Known for excellent value and solid construction
Contact Information:
- Address: No.5, Xisha Road, Qingyang Industrial Zone, Jinjiang, Fujian, China
- Phone: +86 158 8089 9806
- Email: [email protected]
- Website:yanrefitness.com
Final Verdict:
If you want the best balance between performance, price, and reliability, YR Fitness is a brand you’ll want to seriously consider.
4. Energie Fitness – Best for Customization
One time, a gym owner told me he needed machines that “matched the walls” of his club. Energie Fitness was the first name I thought of. They don’t just build machines, they help you create your own gym identity.
Energie Fitness has been creating equipment since 2003, focusing on customizable options for gyms that want to stand out.
- Founding Year: 2003
- Factory Size: 60,000 square feet
- Mission: To provide flexible gym solutions without high costs
- Leadership: Family-owned with a hands-on leadership approach
- Reputation: Valued for affordable customization options
Key Products:
- Energie Fitness Shoulder Press
- Energie Fitness Dual Function Shoulder/Chest Press
Key Industry Criteria:
- Production Capacity: Moderate but flexible
- Global Market Presence: Mainly in Europe but expanding globally
- Reputation: Known for flexibility and fast turnaround on custom orders
Contact Information:
- Address: Innovation House, Euston Way, Town Centre, Telford TF3 4LY, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 1952 204920
- Email: [email protected]
Final Verdict:
If you want machines that fit your brand’s style without breaking your budget, Energie Fitness is a smart place to start.
5. Technogym – Best for Wellness-Focused Brands
I once walked into a gym that felt more like a spa. Soft lighting, smooth flooring, beautiful machines. Most of them said Technogym.
Technogym was founded in Italy in 1983. Their mission is blending fitness with wellness—not just building muscle but improving how people feel every day.
- Founding Year: 1983
- Factory Size: Over 400,000 square feet
- Mission: To promote wellness as a lifestyle
- Leadership: Founded and led by Nerio Alessandri
- Reputation: Known for beautiful design and wellness-centered technology
Key Products:
- Technogym Selection Pro Shoulder Press
- Technogym Pure Strength Shoulder Press
Key Industry Criteria:
- Production Capacity: Very large
- Global Market Presence: Over 100 countries
- Reputation: Trusted by premium gyms and wellness centers
Contact Information:
- Address: Via Calcinaro, 2861, 47521 Cesena FC, Italy
- Phone: +39 0547 650111
- Email: [email protected]
Final Verdict:
If your gym’s focus is on health, wellness, and premium experience, Technogym is hard to beat.
7. Cybex – Best for Biomechanics
The first time I used a Cybex shoulder press, I noticed something small but important: the resistance felt natural. No weird jerks. No awkward positions. It just flowed.
Cybex has been in the game since the 1970s, starting with physical therapy machines before expanding into commercial gym equipment. Their background in rehabilitation shaped the way they design strength machines today with a heavy focus on biomechanics, which is how the body naturally moves.
- Founding Year: 1970
- Factory Size: Over 340,000 square feet
- Mission: To provide safe, effective exercise solutions rooted in human movement science
- Leadership: Part of the Life Fitness family
- Reputation: Respected by gyms, rehab centers, and sports facilities for safe, smooth motion
Key Products:
- Cybex Prestige Strength VRS Shoulder Press
- Cybex Eagle NX Overhead Press
Key Industry Criteria:
- Production Capacity: Large-scale manufacturing
- Global Market Presence: Strong presence in over 90 countries
- Reputation: Known for safety, comfort, and smooth, joint-friendly mechanics
Contact Information:
- Address: 10601 Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131, USA
- Phone: +1 847-288-3300
- Email: Contact through website form
Final Verdict:
If protecting your members’ joints is a top priority, Cybex is a manufacturer you should seriously consider. Their machines feel different and better for a reason.
7. Star Trac – Best for Global Partnerships
I once worked with a gym chain that needed dozens of machines for locations around the world. Star Trac was one of the first brands we called. They knew exactly how to support a business that was thinking big.
Star Trac has been building gym equipment since 1979. Today, they’re part of Core Health & Fitness, a larger group that gives them access to big resources while keeping their focus on quality machines.
- Founding Year: 1979
- Factory Size: Part of Core Health & Fitness manufacturing network
- Mission: To help people find their path to fitness and health
- Leadership: Core Health & Fitness leadership team
- Reputation: Popular with commercial gyms that need equipment built for heavy use
Key Products:
- Star Trac Inspiration Shoulder Press
- Star Trac HumanSport Shoulder Press (cable-based)
Key Industry Criteria:
- Production Capacity: High, thanks to Core Health & Fitness’ global network
- Global Market Presence: Sold in more than 80 countries
- Reputation: Valued for reliability and strong distributor relationships worldwide
Contact Information:
- Address: 4400 NE 77th Ave, Suite 300, Vancouver, WA 98662, USA
- Phone: +1 360-823-1900
- Email: [email protected]
Final Verdict:
If you’re planning to open multiple locations or want strong long-term support, Star Trac’s global network can give you the backup you’ll need.
8. Precor – Best for Simplicity
One gym I consulted for had one request: “We need machines that are simple, strong, and easy for everyone to use.” Precor was an easy recommendation. Their machines don’t try to be flashy—they just work.
Precor started in 1980 in the United States. They built their reputation by focusing on user-friendly designs that work well for beginners and experienced lifters alike.
- Founding Year: 1980
- Factory Size: Over 200,000 square feet
- Mission: To create personalized health and fitness experiences
- Leadership: Now part of Peloton Commercial
- Reputation: Known for durable, intuitive equipment
Key Products:
- Precor Discovery Series Vitality Shoulder Press
- Precor Discovery Series Plate Loaded Shoulder Press
Key Industry Criteria:
- Production Capacity: High volume
- Global Market Presence: Strong distribution in North America, Europe, and Asia
- Reputation: Trusted for simple, reliable gym machines
Contact Information:
- Address: 20031 142nd Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072, USA
- Phone: +1 800-786-8404
- Email: Contact through website form
- Website:precor.com
Final Verdict:
If you need shoulder press machines that anyone can walk up to and use without confusion, Precor makes it easy.
9. Body-Solid – Best for Strength Equipment
I once helped a startup gym get off the ground with a tight budget. They needed equipment that could take a beating without breaking the bank. We outfitted most of their strength area with Body-Solid machines—and it worked out better than anyone expected.
Body-Solid has been manufacturing fitness equipment since 1989. They’re best known for making tough, no-frills machines that offer great value for small and mid-sized gyms.
- Founding Year: 1989
- Factory Size: Over 200,000 square feet
- Mission: To provide affordable, high-quality strength and fitness equipment
- Leadership: Family-owned and operated
- Reputation: Popular with smaller commercial gyms and budget-conscious buyers
Key Products:
- Body-Solid Pro ClubLine Shoulder Press (SPB368G)
- Body-Solid Series II Shoulder Press (S2SP)
Key Industry Criteria:
- Production Capacity: Medium
- Global Market Presence: Available in over 100 countries
- Reputation: Known for affordability and solid build quality
Contact Information:
- Address: 1900 S. Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park, IL 60130, USA
- Phone: +1 800-833-1227
- Email: [email protected]
Final Verdict:
If you want shoulder press machines that can handle daily abuse without blowing your budget, Body-Solid is a strong choice.
Conclusion
Finding the right shoulder press machine is about more than specs. It’s about trust. Strength. Vision.
Today, you met 9 manufacturers that can help you build a gym that lasts.
You learned how they work, what makes them different, and why choosing wisely saves you time, money, and stress.
I’ve seen both sides, the regret of a bad choice, and the pride of getting it right.
You’re standing at that crossroads now.
Which manufacturer spoke to you?
Contact us now and take the first step toward building a gym you’re proud of.
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