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When deciding what gym equipment to purchase next, plate loaded machines might be the right choice to consider. In commercial gyms, these machines can offer an alternative choice to traditional rigs, strength machines, or free weights.
In this guide, we wanted to discuss the benefits of adding plate loaded machines to the gym floor and look at the different options available for anyone considering putting these in their strength zone to mix up equipment options available to members.
Plate loaded machines are a great option as not only are they cost-effective and stable, but they can allow members to tailor the training experience to suit their lifting needs. This makes them a versatile strength training tool for new members and experienced veterans alike.
What Are Plate Loaded Machines?
Plate loaded machines were first created in the 80's to make weight training more appealing to a wider audience. They function similarly to other types of strength machines with lever systems that attach to weight plate loading pins which are then pushed, pulled, or lifted to move the desired weight.
Many gyms find they are a great accessory tool for their members as they offer the ability to lift heavy, can be more cost-effective with reduced weight stack and maintenance costs, and can offer a more stable movement compared to the likes of cable machines or free weights.
The design of these machines allows heavier weights to be lifted than single-station strength machines making them a favourite for anyone looking to maximise their strength training. As we will soon see, plate loaded machines come in a wide range of types covering almost every exercise.
Advantages of Plate Loaded Machines
So what are the advantages of having plate-loaded machines in the gym:
- They allow for more tailored training potential since the machine can be fine-tuned to suit specific incremental lifting needs. Individual incremental weight plates can be easily added or removed, allowing members to dial in their strength training.
- Plate loaded machines can potentially be a more cost-effective choice if plenty of weight plates are already available. Unlike strength machines, they don't need a weight stack, which can help save on costs. Additionally, they are easier to maintain since they don't require a cable pulley system that would need to be replaced or maintained.
- The sensation of moving weight on a plate-loaded machine closely mimics lifting free weights, as the movement is smoother compared to strength machines that rely on a pulley system. This is because pulley system cables can have different ratio levels, which can make lifting weights feel easier or more unpredictable.
- Plate-loaded machines may offer increased stability, making them preferable for beginners or individuals recovering from injury.
Different Types of Plate Loaded Machine
Plate Loaded Leg Press
Where better to start than everyone's favourite leg day training tool. The plate loaded leg press can be found on most gym floors and is a great accessory to traditional leg day training. The fixed position also allows more weight to be lifted as it focuses on the individual leg muscles reducing the need for accessory muscles required in a full barbell squat.
This allows full focus to go into targeting the quads, hamstrings or calves during training. It also makes them a great choice for anyone new to the gym as they can safely learn the basics of squatting without risking a barbell on their back.
There is a range of types out there but we like the traditional Impulse Sterling Leg Press. Depending on a site's needs dual-function strength machines are available like the Impulse Hack Squat/Leg Press offering two machines for the price of one.
Plate Loaded Row Machine
If members want to get in a killer back workout then a plate-loaded row machine is a great choice. Plate loaded row machines can be found in a wide range of configurations enabling members to target muscle groups across the back easily. Seated Rows and T-Bar Rows are the main two types, with both being great additions to any commercial gym.
Starting with the Impulse Seated Row machine, it's one of our favourites for hitting the lats. The ergonomic design helps members to build width and depth across their back muscles. This plate-loaded system has 17 different setup positions making it easy to hit everything from the top of the traps down to the bottom of the lats.
If you're looking for something a bit different the Impulse T-Bar Row takes a different approach. It combines the landmine attachment into a single machine with two handle grip options meaning members won't have to search across the gym to find the right handle for training. Narrow and wide grips make it easy to build a wide back.
Plate Loaded Chest Press Machine
Everyone loves chest day which is why having one of these machines is key. It breaks up training monotony by offering a different way to target the pecs. Beginners might find this an easier movement to master before progressing onto a bench press which requires additional muscles to stabilise when lifting.
Options like the Impulse Seated Chest Press machine is a functional piece of equipment designed to take upper-body training sessions to the next level. Targeting the chest muscles effectively has never been easier and the ability to add incremental plates to each arm makes progressively overloading the muscles for strength gains simple.
Plate-loaded machines provide a safer way to train by allowing weight to be lifted in a controlled manner. The handles remain in a fixed position, ensuring that perfect form is maintained throughout the movements to stimulate the chest muscles. Another benefit is isolateral training, which is great for anyone who is injured or has muscular imbalances, as the independent arms can be used to fix strength imbalances.
Plate Loaded Hip Thrust Machine
Hip thrust machines are built to develop strength and power in the lower body focusing on the glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Users lock themselves in with a pin-locking system or strap to keep themselves secure during the exercise. Plate loaded versions like Impulses Vertical Hip Thrust put a real focus on the glutes fixing members in a squatting position.
The machine has several benefits including a locking knee pad to keep users secure, a non-slip foot pad for maximum grip, and a vertical design that targets the glute muscles in a different way than the barbell variant. These machines are designed to help target the glutes, offer adjustable resistance, and have comfortable padding.
Plate Loaded Lateral Raise Machine
When the dumbbell rack is full having a lateral raise machine available is a great alternative. The design allows targeted action on the deltoids in the shoulder, making it a great accessory tool for developing well-rounded shoulders in addition to dumbbell lateral raises or presses.
The handy thing about this machine is that it also includes a weight plate storage peg on the front of the machine which means members won't have to search across the gym to find the weight plate that they need.
Plate Loaded Lat Pulldown Machine
This machine is a member favourite, especially when the traditional cable pulley lat pulldown is occupied. The Impulse Plate Loaded Lat Pulldown Machine is designed for precise targeting of the upper and lower back muscles, with its plate loading design making it simple to progressively overload muscles across the back.
When choosing a plate loaded lat pulldown machine pick one with a good handle option such as the curved ones below. It makes training more versatile giving members the most amount of choice for targeting the back. This machine is a great choice for commercial sites as it uses durable parts and features locking foam rollers to keep users secure during workouts.
Plate Loaded Multi Gym
While not strictly a plate loaded machine, multi-gyms can be a great option in spaces where each square foot counts. The Impulse Encore ES2100 Multi Gym is a low-maintenance multi-functional trainer with a commercial-grade build quality perfect for a wide range of facilities.
We included this model as it features a plate loading smith machine as one of the many attachments for targeting multiple muscle groups in the body. Choosing to add a weight bench expands the plate loaded multi gyms capabilities even further and having six weight plate pegs leaves plenty of room for storage.
Plate Loaded Leg Extension Machine
Where would we be without providing a good option for developing the lower body. Impulse has a handy option, the Plate Loaded Leg Extension which allows users to grow large quads easily. The plate loaded design makes for convenient training making weight plate changeovers a breeze while multiple adjustment points and auxiliary handles make it suitable for a wide range of users.
Plate Loaded Calf Raise Machine
Our last machine on the list is another lower-body burner targeting the calves. The dual station Impulse Leverage Squat/Calf is great for improving overall lower body power. It comes with a durable footplate which with a small change in foot placement allows stimulation of different muscle fibers which is key to developing the calves.
While calves are the focus of this machine it can also be used for developing the thighs and glutes. This is where the bend in the footplate comes in handy allowing targeting of the leg muscles. It can be a great option for anyone not ready for barbell squats or recovering from a back injury as it takes the stress off the lower back and knees compared to a traditional barbell squat.
Conclusion
To conclude plate-loaded machines are an excellent addition to any gym. They can be used for a variety of movements and cater to beginners, individuals recovering from injury, and those looking to supplement their main lifts.
We hope this plate loaded machine buying guide has been helpful, to see our full range head over to our plate loaded equipment. If you need more help please get in touch with our team at 0131 526 3770 or [email protected].
