Battle of the strength machines! Which is the best cybex, icarian, flex, etc?

[Maverick]

I am in the process of opening my own gym and rather than dedicate my gym to once specific brand of equipment I have decided to mix it up and get pieces from each company. I have hammer strength, cybex, icarian, and bodymasters equipment.

Just curious which brand of equipment you gusy enjoy. For example I like the cybex VR2 bicep curl and tricep extension over the icrarian and flex and bodymasters becuase of the range of motion and where the bar of the machine is placed, but I tend to favor the icarian leg extension over the flex or cybex, etc all the way down the line.

Which do you guys prefer on the average or does it really make no difference to you guys?




Mav

 

[MikeS]

I know different manufacturers make version of this, but the Smith Machine is #1 in my book!

 

[bigbaldbulldog]

it all depends on who your cliental is going to be.. Keep in mind that your hardcore guys will only make up about 10-15% of your gym income...the rest comes from moms dads and older folks.... Big machine can intimadate them so just be careful what you get... I Like the Smith machine as a base to work around..

Good luck sounds like you got a plan and you are doing your homework

 

[jawbreakerkid]

Flex machines....military, flat bench, incline, I love their equipment

 

[vitor]

brother, Remember one thing in the gym business, Customers like US SUCK. We go there, take up space, are always there, intimidate people, and dont buy shit, IE Supps, or personal training. So dont ask us, go ask some regular 170lb guys, and 136lbs girls. Trust me, having 200lb DUMBELLS and 1 million hammer strength machines is the wrong idea.

Icarian is nice, Cybex has some great finance programs if you buy majority of their equipment.

 

[rAJJIN]

I can tell ya one I dont like....
The Nautilis Leg press...I wouldnt want it if it was Given to me.

remember that Plate loaded seated Tricep machine at The Old Golds?..Like a seated pressdown?
That peice was kickass Imo.... not sure who made it.

another I never see is the T-bar Plate loaded back machine...
not sure the company or exact name But your standing forward at appx 45^
with chest on the Pad... Now days it seems the ones in this area all have the seated hammer-stength row machin which doesnt compare imo.

 

[DOGMA]

I have always liked the hammer strength machines. I also like that flat and incline bench that you load plates to but when you press up the arms allow you to bring your hands close together kinda like a press and fly at the same time, but I cant remember who mfr'd it.

 

[Maverick]

Well I have some hammer pieces but the majority of my strength machines are a mix of cybex and icarian. I was just curious which you guys preferred when you go to the gym.




Mav

 

[flexmaster]

one thing i've seen...

from working at the gym i work at now is that you definately need to cater towards the middle aged/elderly population more than the highschool/college age population. the place i work is makes great money and is geared more towards the middle aged person just looking to work out, then relax at the club, have a few beers, and chat with people...it's pretty high end. if you think that the elderly/middle aged population will make up a large part of your clientel you need to remember a few things about ths population...plate loaded machines are definately out, make sure it is easy to get into and out of, no huge intimidating machines. looks matter as well, make sure they catch your eye a little. for the mot part, they know little about the difference between certain machines, but i always see people chooosing the nicer looking machines rather than some of the older ones.

one thing that everyone loves here is the elliptical machines, with attached tv, dvd/cd/mp3 player and internet capable. they are always the first cardio machines filled and people stay on them forever.

while it would be cool to own the biggest baddest hardcore gym ever, its really not feasible if you are looking to make money. most people are not into that, they just want to "lose fat and tone up" for the most part. try and gear it towards the people who will most likely be coming there. hope that helped some...good luck with your gym

 

[lynx]

I know that hammer strength stuff is always being used at our gyms. Also, they have this stuff called Free Motion, it's different. I've never used it so I can't tell you if it's good or not, but it seems like there is always people on it. I like some hammer strenth stuff, it's a nice to switch it up once in a while.

 

[JETHRO TULL]

I enjoy different pieces....the leg press I once used and enjoyed the best...

Was made by Icarian. I like bodymasters, paramount as well.

 

[joshbarnett]

i prefer hammer strength equip. but i love the nebula leg press cuz you can load it up to 2300-not that i do but its nice to not be limited. ronnie uses it in his video. louie simmons' power rack is nice because you can move the safety bars every 1/2 inch to adjust to anybody.

 

[huge-inc]

Nebula & flex

Nebula & flex....it really depends on your clients....do yourself a favor and attend a Club Industry trade show and check out the new equipment. Also attend the seminears..the entire show is about health club industry

 

[bigbadasian]

Reply

|--[\\\]>------- Well Mav, the gym i run carries Hammer, Strive, LifeFitness, Bodymasters, and Flex, out of all of those, i choose: Hammer and Strive. Hammer b/c their machines 'feel' the best to me, and Strive b/c of the 3 dif. load points. I went to a trade show awhile back and the new Icarian line and Atrlantis line is AWSOME! i would go with one of the two along with Hammer.