Whether you own a private gym or a commercial facility that’s open to members of the public, we have absolutely no doubt that the idea of equipment maintenance has occurred to you on more than one occasion. But does it need to? Is it important to maintain and service your gym equipment? It is important …
Getting fit and healthy in the comfort of your home, saving money from expensive memberships, and sparing yourself from the hassle of having to drive – all of these are possible if you set up your very own home gym.
Chest machines offer a fixed range of motion allowing you to isolate the pectoral muscles without the need for going too heavy. The pivot points on each type of chest press mean you will be targeting different chest muscles. Continue reading to find out more about the different types of chest machines.
A trap bar, sometimes referred to as a hex bar, is a speciality barbell designed for executing a deadlift movement. It’s recognised due to its hexagonal design and, when compared to a conventional barbell, will recruit both anterior and posterior muscles with less stress on spinal extensors.
The bench utilised by powerlifters is likely to be manufactured to competition specification. This means it will conform to specific dimensions applicable in a competition environment. However, not all bench press benches will adhere to such conditions, but they do enable the user to bench press safely thanks to additions such as safety bars.
Gym equipment can become contaminated with bacteria through bodily fluids such as sweat. As someone visiting the gym tends to use multiple machines, sweat can be disseminated quite quickly. If a gym does not have a daily cleaning regime, this could result in an unhygienic training environment.
The Nordic curl and glute ham raise are eccentric exercises that target the hamstrings. The primary difference between the two is that the Nordic curl is a supramaximal movement meaning you should reach a point of failure and be unable to execute the concentric part of the exercise.
A safety squat bar, sometimes abbreviated to an SSB bar, is a barbell with a camber at each end which keeps the centre of weight mass lower when compared to a regular straight bar. This throws the user off balance making a squat more challenging.
The hack squat is a variation of a squat exercise which is performed on a machine. It works by allowing the user to squat with good form whilst offering stability to the upper body. This makes it a good option for those who want to squat without engaging supporting muscles such as the core and lower back.
If you’re considering setting up your own gym business, read our comprehensive guide before taking the plunge to learn about the benefits, potential pit falls and all things to factor into your business plan.