Equipment for hypertrophy and general strength

Most members of a gym, studio or corporate facility aren't training for a competition. They want to build muscle, get stronger and look and feel better. That calls for a different equipment mix from a powerlifting room or a team S&C space. You need more variety, more machines, and a layout that works for many people training on their own.

Three families of equipment

Free weights (dumbbells, barbells, benches and racks) are the most versatile and space-efficient tools you can buy. Every strength floor should have a good dumbbell range and adjustable benches.

Plate-loaded machines guide the movement but load with weight plates. They're a favourite in hypertrophy-focused gyms because they let members train hard and safely close to failure. Many replicate free-weight movements, such as a leg press, hack squat, chest press or row, with a fixed path.

Selectorised machines (pin-loaded stacks) are the quickest to adjust. They suit beginners, older members and facilities where people train without a coach on hand. They take more floor space per exercise and cost more per station.

A good hypertrophy floor uses all three. Free weights form the core. Plate-loaded machines cover the big lower-body and pressing movements. Selectorised and cable stations cover the smaller muscle groups and add variety.

Cover every movement pattern

Rather than buying machine by machine, plan by movement:

• squat and leg press
• hinge
• horizontal push and pull
• vertical push and pull
• single-leg work
• isolation for arms, shoulders, hamstrings and calves

Then choose the equipment that covers each pattern in the space and budget you have. A dual-adjustable cable station covers a remarkable number of exercises in one footprint.

Flow

Members training alone move between stations. Group equipment by body part or movement so people don't cross the whole floor between sets. Keep heavy free weights near the walls on impact-rated flooring, and put machines on the open floor. Leave clear walkways so nobody walks through someone else's set.

Flooring by zone

A dumbbell area needs different flooring from a cardio line or a machine zone. Rubber thickness and density should match what will be dropped or set down in each area. We cover this in How to choose rubber gym flooring and Zoning a training floor.

Quality you can feel

Members notice smooth cable pulleys, solid upholstery, well-knurled handles and machines that don't rattle. In boutique and premium gyms that quality is part of the product. Custom colours and upholstery are available on many ranges. Allow around 14 to 16 weeks for customised equipment, and less for standard stock.

Fitting out a strength floor? LUXGYM specifies, supplies and installs equipment and flooring together, from boutique studios to commercial gyms. Visit the Cooroy showroom or see strength equipment.