Strength Equipment – A Definitive FAQ Guide

The wholesale fitness market is filled with all kinds of strength equipment. From simple to multi-purpose, it’s all here. 

Do you want to learn about commercial strength machines but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. You have come to the right place.

This FAQ guide has all the information about strength training equipment in one place. It will make your choice much easier & an informed one.

Let’s begin!

Table of Contents

What are the types of strength equipment?

Strength equipment is a wide category. It has the following types of equipment:

• Plate loaded strength equipment
• Pin loaded strength equipment
• Racks
• Benches
• Free weights

Most commercial strength training equipment is either pin-loaded or plate loaded.

Figure 1 – Strength training equipment

Plate loaded strength equipment:

Plate loaded equipment used weight plates. There are many plate-loaded strength machines. Like:

• Leg Press Machine
• Hack Squat Machine
• Isolateral Row Machine
• Chest Press Machine, etc.

Pin loaded strength equipment:

Pin-loaded strength equipment is also called selectorized machine. These use an attached weight stack. 

This type of strength equipment includes:

• Prone Leg Curl Machine
• Seated Row Machines
• Calf Extension Machine
• Chest Press Machine
• Leg Press Machine, etc.

Power racks or racks:

Power Racks or racks are of four types:

• Full Racks
• Half Racks
• Functional Trainers
• Smith Machines

Full rack:

Figure 2 – A full power rack

A full power rack has:

• A four-sided framework
• Also called a power cage
• High weight capacity
• Attachable to a weight bench

Half rack:

A half-power rack has:

• Only 2 uprights
• Space-saving compared to a full rack
• Cheaper
• J-hooks for barbells
• Safety hooks

Functional trainers:

A functional trainer is a cable machine. It provides a wide range of exercises. 

A good functional trainer will strengthen the core, upper & lower body.

The qualities of a functional trainer are:

• Versatile
• Adjustable
• High & low pulleys
• Symmetric 
• Dual weight stack
• Unrestricted workout
• Safe
• Smooth
• No spotter needed

Figure 3 – A pin-loaded functional trainer

Smith machines:

Smith machines are a cage with a vertical moving guided squat bar.

The qualities of a commercial smith machine are:

• High weight capacity
• A safer free barbell workout
• Solid frame
• Promotes good posture
• Develops all major muscles

Gym benches:

Gym benches are basic strength equipment. These are easily available & widely used. Commercial gym benches may be:

• Selectorized or plate loaded
• Four types
  • Fixed & flat weight benches
  • Adjustable weight benches
  • Olympic weight benches
  • Specialty weight benches
• Foldable
• Easy to move

Figure 4 – An adjustable weight bench

Free weights:

Free weights are a cheaper option for strength training. They require care & training to use correctly.

Free weights include:

• Dumbbells
• Barbells
• Kettlebells, etc.

Figure 8 – A dumbbell

Compared side by side, the differences between the three types of free weights are:

DUMBBELLS	BARBELLS	KETTLEBELLS
Round plate-shapedHandle in middlePlates on each side of the handleMore range of motionSingle hand useThree typesFixedAdjustableStudio	Straight metal barsSleeves on both endsHolds weight platesOnly vertical motionNeeds both handsThree typesStandardOlympicPowerlifting	Spherical shapeHandle on topSingleMore range of motionSingle hand useTwo typesStandard cast ironCompetition

Figure 9 – Commercial strength equipment (Dumbbells)

Which type of strength equipment is better to use, resistance machines or free weights?

Both strength machines & free weights will build muscle. The differences between the two are because of safety, price, space, etc.

Free weights:

• Learning curve
• Wide range of movement
• Versatile exercises
• Safety issues
• Injury risk
• Better for balance & coordination

Strength machines:

• Less learning curve
• Limited range of motion
• Isolated exercises
• Safer than free weights
• Better if recovering from injury
• Higher weight capacity
• More support

What is the difference between pin-loaded and plate-loaded strength equipment?

Strength equipment uses weights to provide resistance for the workout. These weights can be pin-loaded or plate-loaded.

Though the end goal is the same for both types of weight loads, they are not the same.

The differences between pin loaded machine and plate loaded strength equipment are:

Pin loaded strength equipment:

• Selectorized
• Rectangular weight plates
• Fixed weight capacity
• Simple to use
• Easily to adjust the resistance
• Expensive

Figure 10 – A pin-loaded leg extension & curl machine

Plate loaded strength equipment:

• Weight plates used
• Circular weight plates
• Higher weight capacity
• Learning curve compared to pin loaded
• Difficult to adjust the resistance
• Cheaper

What are qualities to look for in commercial strength equipment?

The fitness equipment market is filled with all sorts of strength machines. These are the qualities to look for when choosing strength training equipment:

• Weight capacity
• Weight storage
• Construction
• Finish
• Upholstery
• Portability
• Adjustability
• Foldable or fixed
• Footprint
• Smoothness
• Add ons
• Safety
• Maintenance 

Weight capacity:

Higher weight capacity makes strength equipment adaptable. Commercial machines are used by people with different weights, sizes & builds.

A lower weight capacity will limit the usefulness of strength-based gym equipment.

Most commercial strength equipment has weight capacities up to 400Kgs.

Weight storage:

Strength equipment with built-in weight storage makes it space-saving. As it removes the need for a separate weight rack.

The storage pegs or pins are made of aluminum. When in use, these act as a counterweight for the machine.

Figure 12 – Weight storage pins on a strength machine

Construction:

Figure 13 – Construction of strength equipment

Commercial strength equipment is built to last. It is constructed of high-quality materials.

YR Fitness strength equipment is made of:

• High gauge steel
• Aluminum

Other materials will give way to wear & tear due to excessive use. Making it a costly choice in the long run.

Finish:

The finish is important because sweat & over-use is not good for the frame. A low-quality finish is easily damaged & bad for brand image.

For commercial strength machines, the finish is either a powder coat or chrome.

YR Fitness strength equipment is protected by two layers of powder coating.

Upholstery:

Low-quality upholstery will dry out, crack and dent. It also is bad for the users as they may slip off the bench or seat.

Commercial strength equipment upholstery is of:

• High-density padded foam
• PU leather or PVC leather
• Textured vinyl
• ABS plastic support plate

The padding has to be 2-3 inches thick for comfort.

Adjustability:

Adjustable strength machines have many benefits. Like

• Dual function
• Flat, incline & decline angles
• Suitable for people of various builds
• Wide range of motion

Adjustable parts should work in a quick, easy & smooth manner. There are two ways to adjust strength equipment.

• Pop-pin
• Step ladder

Footprint:

Strength machines with a wide footprint or base are more stable while in use. The base has rubber pads that grip the floor firmly. 

This makes the machine skid or slip-resistant.

Smoothness:

Quality commercial strength equipment is smooth during use. There is no gripping or sticking.

This maximizes the benefit of the machine & prevents injury.

Add ons:

Add ons with strength equipment make it more versatile & attractive for your customers.

This includes:

• Instructional placards
• Bottle holders
• Cell phone & key holders, etc.

Safety:

Strength training involves heavyweights. It can easily result in an injury. Strength equipment should have a stable base to avoid wobbling.

The proper locking mechanism of adjustable parts, wide seat  & back pads to prevent slipping from the pad or falling off.

Maintenance:

Proper maintenance of commercial strength equipment includes:

• Cleaning 
• Lubrication
• Warranty, etc.

What is the function of a shroud on strength equipment?

A shroud makes pin-loaded strength equipment safer & more appealing. It is a cover that is put over an exposed weight stack or pulleys & cables.

This prevents anything from getting caught in the weight stack. It also protects the components from exposure damage.

There are two types of shrouds:

• A full shroud
• A half shroud

Both types are either opaque or transparent. An instructional placard may also be placed on the shroud to guide users.

What are the accessories for commercial strength equipment?

Commercial strength equipment is upgraded by various accessories. These are not included with strength equipment. Accessories have to be purchased separately.

These accessories include:

• Curl bar
• Handle grips
• Triceps extension handle, etc.

What is multi-gym strength equipment?

It is also known as an “All in one” gym machine. A multi-gym has several stations in one machine.

It may have 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or even more stations.

YR Fitness has a wide range of multi-gym strength equipment for sale.

The benefits of a multi-gym are:

• Wide range of exercises
• Versatile
• Space-saving
• Multiple stations
• Accommodates more than one user
• Cost-effective
• Compact
• Pin loaded

Is it easy to move commercial strength equipment?

Yes, it is.

There is a valid reason to make commercial strength equipment portable. Due to limited space, many commercial gyms prefer to store equipment when not in use.

Strength equipment is large in size. An easy and quick way to move it from one place to another is an advantage.

Three things make strength machines easy to move.

• Wheels
• Foldability
• Handles

Some commercial strength equipment has foldable parts. This makes it easier to save space once the machine is not in use.

Wheels are the best option. They are folded up when the equipment is in use. Allowing the machine to rest on its base. 

Some machines have two wheels at one end while others have four. Two on each end.

Figure 14 – Weight bench with wheels & handles

Handles make strength equipment easy to pull. Some machines have handles on both sides while others have one at the front or back only.

What is dual-function commercial strength equipment?

Dual function strength equipment gives the benefit of more than one exercise in a single machine.

Some examples of dual-function strength machines are:

• Leg extension & lying leg curl machine
• Lat pull-down & low row machine
• Standing biceps & triceps machine, etc.

YR Fitness offers a durable range of multi-use commercial strength machines.

Dual function strength equipment offers:

• Durable
• Multi-use
• Can withstand up to 1400Kgs of tension
• Space-saving

Conclusion

Wholesale strength equipment, especially from the best Chinese gym equipment manufacturers, is a must for a fitness-related business. It is easily available.

Go online & you will find info on all forms of strength equipment. Hopefully, this FAQ guide will save you from the information overload & steer you in the right direction.

Are you looking for quality strength equipment, including options from the best gym equipment manufacturers in China? Browse YR Fitness today to get the best value for your money.

YR Fitness’s experience & originality will not lead you astray. Ask for a quote now!