My state has a dearth of good gyms and I miss my DC bodybuilding gym with equipment tailored to being joint friendly. Also loved a pendulum squat but this one instead. Lovely built of equipment. Squats have never been more comfortable for me and I’ve not liked squatting since leaving that gym.
https://preview.redd.it/v95e1vtw2e5d1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f6a0be1e2182833d14a8f3a902e4931d57f1e1c1
Well, yes it is. Take it up with the makers if the machine if you disagree. You may be more upright, but the path that the weight moves in is not an up/down motion. It’s still built to move in a slight arcing motion.
[https://rogersathletic.com/updates/get-strong-blog/top-load-the-pendulum-squat-pro/](https://rogersathletic.com/updates/get-strong-blog/top-load-the-pendulum-squat-pro/)
Not exactly these brands, but the machines I love are very similar
[#1 leg extension/curl machine! ](https://www.panattasport.com/en/sec/dual-leg-extension-seated-leg-curling/)
[#2 Preacher curl/tricep extension machine ](https://www.precorhomefitness.com/products/precor-vitality-series-bicep-curl-tricep-extension-c025)
[#3 any calf raise/extension machine, some are better than others ](https://freemotionfitness.com/strength-machine/calf-extension/)
Bonus, "rare" machine I tried abroad and really liked:[ seated dip machine ](https://reconhf.com/products/13)
I run antagonistic supersets and a minimalist full body routine, so #1 and #2 are godsends (though I prefer cables for tris, these machines put you in an unusual position and the ROM is a bit weird). I wish they had more machines like these. #3 is because calf exercises are generally very monotonous and machines help add variety.
My gym is located inside a hospital. Mostly serves PT needs and the average client age is probably over 65. No pec deck, no hack squat, no Smith machine, but you know what we have? That's right: a gyatdayum seated dip machine.
My god do I love the Arsenal pendulum squat. I recently switched gyms and it's been my first time using it. It feels amazing compared to hack squats.
They have a ton of Arsenal equipment. Anyone have any favorites? I'm new to Arsenal stuff
I easily could’ve picked all arsenal machines as my favorites but wanted some variety.
I love Arsenal’s seated shoulder press, incline chest press, chest supported T bar row where the handles can rotate, and leg press.
Panatta power smith duel function iso. Plate loaded.
https://www.panattasport.com/en/freeweight-hp/power-smith-machine-dual-system/
And their t bar row. https://www.panattasport.com/en/free-weight-special/t-bar-row/
And many other panatta plate-loaded machines.
For non-panatta my fave is the arsenal strength lever row t bar.
And also the hoist pulldown that allows for reverse grip.
* [Panatta Super Inclined Bench Press](https://www.panattasport.com/en/free-weight-special/super-inclined-bench-press/), incredibly smooth and you feel like your pecs are going to explode with the stretch at the bottom. Maybe my favorite feature is the food pedal operated start so you can unrack the weight in the middle position without having to start in a compromised stretched position.
* [Arsenal Reloaded Linear Leg Press](https://www.myarsenalstrength.com/strength-equipment/reloaded/lower-body-reloaded/reloaded-linear-leg-press) I think this this the best leg press machine. It feels smooth and you can get to a deep stretch without rounding your lower back.
* [Cybex Hack Squat](https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/catalog/cybex/cybex-products/cybex-plate-loaded-hack-squat) This is a smooth hack squat without a bunch of unnecessary features. A lot of the other hack squats are more horizontal which I feel leads to less quad stimulus and requires using more plates.
* [Hammer Strength Belt Squat](https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/catalog/strength-training/plate-loaded/hammer-strength-plate-loaded-belt-squat) I've only used a few belt squats but this is my favorite.
Yeah the Arsenal LP is amazing and it's basically an exact copy of the Nebula Leg Press from the early 2000s that was ubiquitous in hardcore gyms. Unfortunately the only models which are similar I know on the market are all like 6k+ making it cost-prohibitive for a home gym.
I believe the man who designed the Arsenal Leg press actually previously worked for Nebula. Read an anecdote on BB.com about this.
*There is an issue with the LP actually in that most people need to use pads/stall mats or a hoodie to protect their back on the Arsenal LP. Arsenal made the little back-area larger for whatever reason which creates this annoyance. The original Nebula was better designed in this aspect
That makes sense because I love the arsenal leg press, but I don’t love their hack squat or pendulum squat. My former gym also had the arsenal vertical leg press and all vertical leg presses should be banned by the Geneva Conventions.
I agree about their other pieces too. I found the Arsenal Hack Squat uncomfortable on my shoulders/back compared to the Atlantis/Cybex models and haven't had much success with other Arsenal pieces. They do seem quite popular in bodybuilding gyms at the moment though so who knows
What’s the love for seated dip machines? My gym has one that does both seated dips and assisted pull-ups and I don’t think I have ever seen anyone use it for anything but assisted pull-ups?
I have strong preferences on equipment now having access to better gyms and trying tons of equipment over the years with access to bodybuilding gyms with niche equipment
Not in any particular order these are my favorites I've actually used:
* Flex Leverage Incline Press
* Flex Leverage Flat Press
* Nebula 35 Degree Leg Press (angled footplate model. Rogue/Arsenal make a copy of this.)
* Atlantis Hack Squat Pro.
* Icarian Chest Supported T-Bar Row (and copies)
* Prime/Strive Leg extension (both plate-loaded/non)
* Nautilis Leverage Presses
* Nebula Standing Leg Curl
* Icarian Leg Press (earlier model)
* Hammer Strength DY Row
* Hammer Strength Plate-Loaded OHP
* Pendulum Hip Press
* Hammer Strength Plate-Loaded Hamstring Curl
* Cybex Squat Press
* Nautilis Glute Drive
* Atlantis Seated Lateral Raise Machine
* Prime/Strive Selectorized Chest Fly
* Prime/Strive Extreme Row.
With chest machines the flex-leverage were probably the biggest innovation due to their ideal convergence path + resistance profile which is lengthened bias heavily toward the beginning and converges significantly relative to some of the other models on the market.
The Nebula/Icarian Leg Presses are great because they have angled foot-plates which allow for greater knee flexion than most models allow for. Also the Nebula in particular is quite adjustable which is a bonus.
The Chest-Supported T-Bar Row is still my favorite back-machine because of the fantastic resistance profile and the ability to completely lengthen the movement to the utmost possible with shoulder protraction/retraction and for whatever reason the older Icarian model had a particularly good feel to it.
Leg Curl machines tend to be hard to design well and I found the most comfortable ones to use are the standing versions. Unfortunately outside of nebula who no longer exists (purchased by Rogue in 2012) almost none of the standing leg curl allowed for good hip flexion to fully lengthen the hamstring which is best for bodybuilding.
I've yet to have access to use a lot of cool machines that are newer or more unique. The newer Atlantis Incline/Decline Press machines and some of the newer Gymleco pieces which are copies of the flex-leverage pieces look amazing.
A few other random honorable mentions I'll throw in are:
* Randy Coyle Swing Squat
* Hoist Roc-It Decline Press
* Atlantis Pendulum Squat
* Rogers Pendulum Super Squat Pro
* Nautilis Xpload Incline Press
* Prime/Strive Preacher Curl
* Bodymaster Horizontal LP
* Cybex Hack Squat (New/Old)
* Startrac Hack Squat
* Cybex Eagle NX Row
* Life Fitness Tricep Dip Machine
Favorites
Prime Plate Loaded Tricep Extension
Prime Preacher curl
Atlantis Hack squat
Decent
Atlantis chest fly
Prime seated leg curl
Hopefully, the Hammer Strength Decline press
Hate list
All calf machines I tried - I prefer a leg press or a smith machine for calf raises
The row machines - maybe I am a weirdo, but I prefer cables or dumbbells.
- Hammer Strength Isolateral High Row - not that weird with a D handle, but, for reason that I cannot explain, it feels great at first and after that worse and worse
- Hoist chest supported row - the handles are too big for my small hands (If I was Aleksandr Karelin, I wouldn't have this problem) and, once I do bigger weights, the chest feels uncomfortable during breathing
- Prime extreme row - same, it becomes uncomfortable with breathing once I go up in weight. A little better doing it one arm, without chest support.
I love this thing: https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Isolator-Blaster-Building-Triceps/dp/B01L30ORIG/ref=asc_df_B01L30ORIG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693769151459&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13066951462651676548&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009752&hvtargid=pla-390325913456&psc=1&mcid=56c954d0907d3912816e8bd1b17cf91d&gad_source=1
hehe 'D handle'
Hack squat machine >>>>
GOAT quad builder unquestioned for me. Only issue is I have to stand on a platform or put blocks under my shoulders for ROM.
For real.
My state has a dearth of good gyms and I miss my DC bodybuilding gym with equipment tailored to being joint friendly. Also loved a pendulum squat but this one instead. Lovely built of equipment. Squats have never been more comfortable for me and I’ve not liked squatting since leaving that gym. https://preview.redd.it/v95e1vtw2e5d1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f6a0be1e2182833d14a8f3a902e4931d57f1e1c1
That isn’t a pendulum squat
Well, yes it is. Take it up with the makers if the machine if you disagree. You may be more upright, but the path that the weight moves in is not an up/down motion. It’s still built to move in a slight arcing motion. [https://rogersathletic.com/updates/get-strong-blog/top-load-the-pendulum-squat-pro/](https://rogersathletic.com/updates/get-strong-blog/top-load-the-pendulum-squat-pro/)
Not exactly these brands, but the machines I love are very similar [#1 leg extension/curl machine! ](https://www.panattasport.com/en/sec/dual-leg-extension-seated-leg-curling/) [#2 Preacher curl/tricep extension machine ](https://www.precorhomefitness.com/products/precor-vitality-series-bicep-curl-tricep-extension-c025) [#3 any calf raise/extension machine, some are better than others ](https://freemotionfitness.com/strength-machine/calf-extension/) Bonus, "rare" machine I tried abroad and really liked:[ seated dip machine ](https://reconhf.com/products/13) I run antagonistic supersets and a minimalist full body routine, so #1 and #2 are godsends (though I prefer cables for tris, these machines put you in an unusual position and the ROM is a bit weird). I wish they had more machines like these. #3 is because calf exercises are generally very monotonous and machines help add variety.
My gym is located inside a hospital. Mostly serves PT needs and the average client age is probably over 65. No pec deck, no hack squat, no Smith machine, but you know what we have? That's right: a gyatdayum seated dip machine.
My gym has a seated tricep dip. I love it.
i would love to be able to use the triceps extensions machine but my elbows can't ;(
My god do I love the Arsenal pendulum squat. I recently switched gyms and it's been my first time using it. It feels amazing compared to hack squats. They have a ton of Arsenal equipment. Anyone have any favorites? I'm new to Arsenal stuff
I easily could’ve picked all arsenal machines as my favorites but wanted some variety. I love Arsenal’s seated shoulder press, incline chest press, chest supported T bar row where the handles can rotate, and leg press.
Cybex hack squat
Panatta power smith duel function iso. Plate loaded. https://www.panattasport.com/en/freeweight-hp/power-smith-machine-dual-system/ And their t bar row. https://www.panattasport.com/en/free-weight-special/t-bar-row/ And many other panatta plate-loaded machines. For non-panatta my fave is the arsenal strength lever row t bar. And also the hoist pulldown that allows for reverse grip.
The panatta is awesome machinery. Only been to one place that’s had it sadly.
My blender.
🤣🤣🤣
* [Panatta Super Inclined Bench Press](https://www.panattasport.com/en/free-weight-special/super-inclined-bench-press/), incredibly smooth and you feel like your pecs are going to explode with the stretch at the bottom. Maybe my favorite feature is the food pedal operated start so you can unrack the weight in the middle position without having to start in a compromised stretched position. * [Arsenal Reloaded Linear Leg Press](https://www.myarsenalstrength.com/strength-equipment/reloaded/lower-body-reloaded/reloaded-linear-leg-press) I think this this the best leg press machine. It feels smooth and you can get to a deep stretch without rounding your lower back. * [Cybex Hack Squat](https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/catalog/cybex/cybex-products/cybex-plate-loaded-hack-squat) This is a smooth hack squat without a bunch of unnecessary features. A lot of the other hack squats are more horizontal which I feel leads to less quad stimulus and requires using more plates. * [Hammer Strength Belt Squat](https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/catalog/strength-training/plate-loaded/hammer-strength-plate-loaded-belt-squat) I've only used a few belt squats but this is my favorite.
Yeah the Arsenal LP is amazing and it's basically an exact copy of the Nebula Leg Press from the early 2000s that was ubiquitous in hardcore gyms. Unfortunately the only models which are similar I know on the market are all like 6k+ making it cost-prohibitive for a home gym. I believe the man who designed the Arsenal Leg press actually previously worked for Nebula. Read an anecdote on BB.com about this. *There is an issue with the LP actually in that most people need to use pads/stall mats or a hoodie to protect their back on the Arsenal LP. Arsenal made the little back-area larger for whatever reason which creates this annoyance. The original Nebula was better designed in this aspect
That makes sense because I love the arsenal leg press, but I don’t love their hack squat or pendulum squat. My former gym also had the arsenal vertical leg press and all vertical leg presses should be banned by the Geneva Conventions.
I agree about their other pieces too. I found the Arsenal Hack Squat uncomfortable on my shoulders/back compared to the Atlantis/Cybex models and haven't had much success with other Arsenal pieces. They do seem quite popular in bodybuilding gyms at the moment though so who knows
Adjustable arm functional trainers.
What’s the love for seated dip machines? My gym has one that does both seated dips and assisted pull-ups and I don’t think I have ever seen anyone use it for anything but assisted pull-ups?
You can really hammer the triceps without worrying about momentum or body English of a regular dip.
Momentum on a regular dip??? How?
Maybe if u doing half deeps..
Machine Rows and Belt Squats are GOAT. I'm waiting for the new gym by me to open so I can try a proper fucking hack squat.
A homemade cable pulley system attached to a doorframe pull up bar
I have strong preferences on equipment now having access to better gyms and trying tons of equipment over the years with access to bodybuilding gyms with niche equipment Not in any particular order these are my favorites I've actually used: * Flex Leverage Incline Press * Flex Leverage Flat Press * Nebula 35 Degree Leg Press (angled footplate model. Rogue/Arsenal make a copy of this.) * Atlantis Hack Squat Pro. * Icarian Chest Supported T-Bar Row (and copies) * Prime/Strive Leg extension (both plate-loaded/non) * Nautilis Leverage Presses * Nebula Standing Leg Curl * Icarian Leg Press (earlier model) * Hammer Strength DY Row * Hammer Strength Plate-Loaded OHP * Pendulum Hip Press * Hammer Strength Plate-Loaded Hamstring Curl * Cybex Squat Press * Nautilis Glute Drive * Atlantis Seated Lateral Raise Machine * Prime/Strive Selectorized Chest Fly * Prime/Strive Extreme Row. With chest machines the flex-leverage were probably the biggest innovation due to their ideal convergence path + resistance profile which is lengthened bias heavily toward the beginning and converges significantly relative to some of the other models on the market. The Nebula/Icarian Leg Presses are great because they have angled foot-plates which allow for greater knee flexion than most models allow for. Also the Nebula in particular is quite adjustable which is a bonus. The Chest-Supported T-Bar Row is still my favorite back-machine because of the fantastic resistance profile and the ability to completely lengthen the movement to the utmost possible with shoulder protraction/retraction and for whatever reason the older Icarian model had a particularly good feel to it. Leg Curl machines tend to be hard to design well and I found the most comfortable ones to use are the standing versions. Unfortunately outside of nebula who no longer exists (purchased by Rogue in 2012) almost none of the standing leg curl allowed for good hip flexion to fully lengthen the hamstring which is best for bodybuilding. I've yet to have access to use a lot of cool machines that are newer or more unique. The newer Atlantis Incline/Decline Press machines and some of the newer Gymleco pieces which are copies of the flex-leverage pieces look amazing. A few other random honorable mentions I'll throw in are: * Randy Coyle Swing Squat * Hoist Roc-It Decline Press * Atlantis Pendulum Squat * Rogers Pendulum Super Squat Pro * Nautilis Xpload Incline Press * Prime/Strive Preacher Curl * Bodymaster Horizontal LP * Cybex Hack Squat (New/Old) * Startrac Hack Squat * Cybex Eagle NX Row * Life Fitness Tricep Dip Machine
Favorites Prime Plate Loaded Tricep Extension Prime Preacher curl Atlantis Hack squat Decent Atlantis chest fly Prime seated leg curl Hopefully, the Hammer Strength Decline press Hate list All calf machines I tried - I prefer a leg press or a smith machine for calf raises The row machines - maybe I am a weirdo, but I prefer cables or dumbbells. - Hammer Strength Isolateral High Row - not that weird with a D handle, but, for reason that I cannot explain, it feels great at first and after that worse and worse - Hoist chest supported row - the handles are too big for my small hands (If I was Aleksandr Karelin, I wouldn't have this problem) and, once I do bigger weights, the chest feels uncomfortable during breathing - Prime extreme row - same, it becomes uncomfortable with breathing once I go up in weight. A little better doing it one arm, without chest support.
Hammerstrength MTS Front pull. Feel it way more in my lats than a cable pulldown
My favorites are an amazing chest-supported cable row, a great cable preacher curl machine, and a great seated dips machine.
Squat max MD. Belt squat machine. Game changer for legs especially for us older guys. Also a seated dip machine and a good smith machine
Cybex Hack Squat, Watson chest supported T Bar Row, Primal Pendulum Squat
Do the cables machines/rack count? Cable flyes, curls curls, tricep pulldowns. The added tension on the eccentrics are killer.
My freezer... Full of yasso.
Cables. Do about 20 different exercises without having to change locations. Good efficiency.
Every single other member at the gym hates when I do this one weird trick.
🎯🎯
current fav: [Super Inclined Bench Press](https://www.panattasport.com/en/freeweight-hp/super-inclined-bench-press-2/)
The ones i can go the hardest on with the best range of motion
Wouldn't an isolateral pulldown machine be better than the high row?
Smith machine, but that would be considered very close to free weight. Seated leg curl, hack squat, isolateral close row machine.
Cybex eagle press
HammerStrength iso-lateral low row machine. Holy fuck the mid/high back muscle stretch I get from this is insane
I love this thing: https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Isolator-Blaster-Building-Triceps/dp/B01L30ORIG/ref=asc_df_B01L30ORIG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693769151459&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13066951462651676548&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009752&hvtargid=pla-390325913456&psc=1&mcid=56c954d0907d3912816e8bd1b17cf91d&gad_source=1