Favorite gym equipment

[need4tren]

Back
Prime extreme row
Prime horizontal row
Rogers rows
Hammer strength dy row

Chest
Prime incline
Prime flat

Triceps
Hammer strength dip machine

Hamstrings
Prime seated leg curl
Prime laying leg curl

Quads
Old hammer strength horizontal leg press
or Roger’s hip press
Prime leg extension
Bodymasters seated hack squat

And cybex linear smith machine

 

[Mufasa123]

I hate to ask and sound ignorant, but are more expensive plates just better because they look cool? I bought 1000 lbs of bumper plates for $300 on Facebook and just kinda rock with those.

I guess it is the same as buying nice rims for your car, definitely worth a cool look.

It's a good question. Some guys collect and use vintage stuff. Not my bag but I love to see vintage equipment due to history.

For me, I always wanted a set of really nice competition style bumpers. A friend I grew up and lifted with was one of the best OLs in the US and won Junior Worlds. We went to Atlanta games together and I loved that Uesaka set they used. We were poor then. I never got the Uesaka set or Eleiko competition bar as I was older but did get a real nice set of Rogue bumpers which I used for all main plates too. Expensive but not crazy. There is a performance/spin and coksr tolerance and deadening to bounce difference (rubber type and density) vs cheaper plates as well as more accuracy on weight.

Later I had kids and wanted grip plates as I'm probably not the only one who's dropped a plate on their foot. Plus friends could come over so just safer as the bumpers had no grip ridge really. At that time almost all grip plates were expensive and many weren't even standard diameter which is rediculous to me and unacceptable as I pull from the floor a lot. So a bunch of guys were getting together for a max Ivanko discount order and I put mine in too. Of course fricking Rogue releases the knock off Six Shooters a year later and now lots of cheaper options. Is what it is but i like what I own and make good use of it so it worked out.

 

[DecaForDessert]

It's a good question. Some guys collect and use vintage stuff. Not my bag but I love to see vintage equipment due to history.

For me, I always wanted a set of really nice competition style bumpers. A friend I grew up and lifted with was one of the best OLs in the US and won Junior Worlds. We went to Atlanta games together and I loved that Uesaka set they used. We were poor then. I never got the Uesaka set or Eleiko competition bar as I was older but did get a real nice set of Rogue bumpers which I used for all main plates too. Expensive but not crazy. There is a performance/spin and coksr tolerance and deadening to bounce difference (rubber type and density) vs cheaper plates as well as more accuracy on weight.

Later I had kids and wanted grip plates as I'm probably not the only one who's dropped a plate on their foot. Plus friends could come over so just safer as the bumpers had no grip ridge really. At that time almost all grip plates were expensive and many weren't even standard diameter which is rediculous to me and unacceptable as I pull from the floor a lot. So a bunch of guys were getting together for a max Ivanko discount order and I put mine in too. Of course fricking Rogue releases the knock off Six Shooters a year later and now lots of cheaper options. Is what it is but i like what I own and make good use of it so it worked out.

The older I get, the more I realize how true the buy once, cry once statement holds. In this case, they basically all serve the same need, but being a big car guy I have been bitten by cheap turbos and components a few too many times (as well as audio installs lol)

 

[Mufasa123]

The older I get, the more I realize how true the buy once, cry once statement holds. In this case, they basically all serve the same need, but being a big car guy I have been bitten by cheap turbos and components a few too many times (as well as audio installs lol)

Very true. I also watch 'law of diminishing returns' in that initial budget increases yield a lot of gain/performance but increments of gain both diminish and get more expensive later (cost vs performance curve flatens and extends). I try to buy for the value that I desire and will use/appreciate without going lavish on most things.

Sometimes I'll splurge and sometimes I'm just a pure utilitarian.

 

[DecaForDessert]

Very true. I also watch 'law of diminishing returns' in that initial budget increases yield a lot of gain/performance but increments of gain both diminish and get more expensive later (cost vs performance curve flatens and extends). I try to buy for the value that I desire and will use/appreciate without going lavish on most things.

Sometimes I'll splurge and sometimes I'm just a pure utilitarian.

Heard, we seem to be related lol

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

Hack Squat is my Lord and Savior fuck the mother fuckin world

 

[SABAGOY]

Back
Prime extreme row
Prime horizontal row
Rogers rows
Hammer strength dy row

Chest
Prime incline
Prime flat

Triceps
Hammer strength dip machine

Hamstrings
Prime seated leg curl
Prime laying leg curl

Quads
Old hammer strength horizontal leg press
or Roger’s hip press
Prime leg extension
Bodymasters seated hack squat

And cybex linear smith machine

Nice list…I love the body masters seated hack.

 

[Samson250]

It's a good question. Some guys collect and use vintage stuff. Not my bag but I love to see vintage equipment due to history.

For me, I always wanted a set of really nice competition style bumpers. A friend I grew up and lifted with was one of the best OLs in the US and won Junior Worlds. We went to Atlanta games together and I loved that Uesaka set they used. We were poor then. I never got the Uesaka set or Eleiko competition bar as I was older but did get a real nice set of Rogue bumpers which I used for all main plates too. Expensive but not crazy. There is a performance/spin and coksr tolerance and deadening to bounce difference (rubber type and density) vs cheaper plates as well as more accuracy on weight.

Later I had kids and wanted grip plates as I'm probably not the only one who's dropped a plate on their foot. Plus friends could come over so just safer as the bumpers had no grip ridge really. At that time almost all grip plates were expensive and many weren't even standard diameter which is rediculous to me and unacceptable as I pull from the floor a lot. So a bunch of guys were getting together for a max Ivanko discount order and I put mine in too. Of course fricking Rogue releases the knock off Six Shooters a year later and now lots of cheaper options. Is what it is but i like what I own and make good use of it so it worked out.

The most impressive “home gym” I have seen lately belongs to @ChaseIrons and for anyone who’s seen it in his videos he has those all black walls with giant white silhouettes of Jay posing in 09’ and other legends only a true bodybuilding fan would appreciate.

I couldn’t see them all in his training uploads on YouTube so I asked him here on the forum who he had up there and a few days later he went through each one in a “QnA Vid” like someone had randomly asked him on YT what they even were so my old blind ass could see them.

That’s Awesome.

 

[alfresco]

My opinion.

All these new fangle machines will not change where you stand in the line-up on stage.

Good for variety, working around injuries and attracting people to your gym. Oh . . . can’t forget safety but that’s about it.

But it all boils down to consistency and progression regardless of the tool. Any tool is subject to misuse and abuse. It’s how you use the tool (talking here about bodybuilding) all else being equal.

Consistency.

Reminds me of what Bart Starr, football star QB and coach said. He said that in each offense play, if they had just moved the ball three more inches they would have won the Super Bowl.

Again it’s about consistency. Just one more rep or half rep, one more pound or half a pound, over time using free weights or machines is what makes a winner.

Sorry for the segway but couldn’t resist.

 

[DecaForDessert]

My opinion.

All these new fangle machines will not change where you stand in the line-up on stage.

Good for variety, working around injuries and attracting people to your gym. Oh . . . can’t forget safety but that’s about it.

But it all boils down to consistency and progression regardless of the tool. Any tool is subject to misuse and abuse. It’s how you use the tool (talking here about bodybuilding) all else being equal.

Consistency.

Reminds me of what Bart Starr, football star QB and coach said. He said that in each offense play, if they had just moved the ball three more inches they would have won the Super Bowl.

Again it’s about consistency. Just one more rep or half rep, one more pound or half a pound, over time using free weights or machines is what makes a winner.

Sorry for the segway but couldn’t resist.

While I subscribe to this principle because I’m broke, I believe that free weights are naturally more inefficient for growth. Does it feel raw? Absolutely and that’s why I convince myself that I enjoy it (I train in a 120 degree garage every day lol, it blows). Machines just naturally allow you to create a middle ground between isolation and compound movements because of their set travel path allowing you to focus more on the contraction and muscle involvement. Not arguing just mentioning that machines definitely are superior if size is your goal.

 

[Samson250]

While I subscribe to this principle because I’m broke, I believe that free weights are naturally more inefficient for growth. Does it feel raw? Absolutely and that’s why I convince myself that I enjoy it (I train in a 120 degree garage every day lol, it blows). Machines just naturally allow you to create a middle ground between isolation and compound movements because of their set travel path allowing you to focus more on the contraction and muscle involvement. Not arguing just mentioning that machines definitely are superior if size is your goal.

My interpretation of his post was an emphasis on variety, consistency and “progression regardless of the tool.”

My interpretation of yours is free weights are inefficient compared to machines and the middle ground they create.

I take my personal preferences out of it and just alternate between machine’s for a body part one session then free weight exercises for the next (if possible) giving me variety, consistency and hopefully progress.

I am following @b-boy and his log currently as he works through a shoulder issue specifically to see what machines/exercises he is choosing day to day. Good info for someone like me who also went to hard to early strength wise and have to learn how to adjust to the consequences of that at 46.

 

[pimpman]

Old school flex and Cybex hack squat and leg press. The angles are much better than the newer brands IMO.

Flex makes a belt lying leg curl that is killer.

As you said Hammer Strength belt squat tops all others. Only one gym in my area has one and I love it as you can’t bottom out on it like you do other brands.

Hammer strength is king for chest and back. Their MTS chest press was key to adding size to my chest over the last few years.

Man my gym has this and I swear im the only one that uses it. Beside a few girls that when they go down what pops out from between there legs is indescribable but so desirable my girl refuses me to stand behind while I wait on the machine

 

[DecaForDessert]

My interpretation of his post was an emphasis on variety, consistency and “progression regardless of the tool.”

My interpretation of yours is free weights are inefficient compared to machines and the middle ground they create.

I take my personal preferences out of it and just alternate between machine’s for a body part one session then free weight exercises for the next (if possible) giving me variety, consistency and hopefully progress.

I am following @b-boy and his log currently as he works through a shoulder issue specifically to see what machines/exercises he is choosing day to day. Good info for someone like me who also went to hard to early strength wise and have to learn how to adjust to the consequences of that at 46.

Im dumb lol, I read it while I was working out in said 120 degree garage. Apologies, I completely misinterpreted it

 

[lookslikesausage]

Panatta makes a Super Incline Chest Press that is incredible and one of the best incline machines presses I've used. Their Convergent High Row is also excellent. The Nautilus Pullover (chain driven) would be another grail piece for me. Was a huge fan of the Flex Hack Squat but must admit that Nebula's Hack Squat was also up there and now quite a few brands are making Hacks that are probably just as good. Finally, some brands listened and made their versions with an adjustable foot plate. I feel like Pendulum Squats should also always have an adjustable foot plate but I'm just very particular about equipment after mostly seeing Life Fitness and Hammer Strength in so many gyms over the years.

 

[Samson250]

Im dumb lol, I read it while I was working out in said 120 degree garage. Apologies, I completely misinterpreted it

I wasn’t implying you were “dumb” I just said my interpretations of yours and his posts then said what I did. I guess I’m the one who should give “Apologies” based on this reply to my post from you. Idk.

But having said that..

Absolutely F*** getting an apology from me for what I said or say now or ever to you or anybody and grow a pair of balls man. If I disagree with something you say or post your gonna dam well know it. No “misinterpretation” will happen. Don’t ever try and extract sympathy from me again.

 

[DecaForDessert]

I wasn’t implying you were “dumb” I just said my interpretations of yours and his posts then said what I did. I guess I’m the one who should give “Apologies” based on this reply to my post from you. Idk.

But having said that..

Absolutely F*** getting an apology from me for what I said or say now or ever to you or anybody and grow a pair of balls man. If I disagree with something you say or post your gonna dam well know it. No “misinterpretation” will happen. Don’t ever try and extract sympathy from me again.

No worries, I accept your apology

Glad we can be best friends again

 

[DecaForDessert]

Man my gym has this and I swear im the only one that uses it. Beside a few girls that when they go down what pops out from between there legs is indescribable but so desirable my girl refuses me to stand behind while I wait on the machine

I’ve noticed this as well. Every now and then I check out a gym called EOS and it is always open. One of my favorite ways to take my legs to failure

 

[pimpman]

I’ve noticed this as well. Every now and then I check out a gym called EOS and it is always open. One of my favorite ways to take my legs to failure

lol that exactly my gym EOS

Do you know the story behind the name? EOS stands for = end of sentence
The owner was incarcerated for a good while. Next time you there look at the floor on the power lifting bars. The square wood platform has a barbed wire round drawing picture and says yard time if you google him you would never think that man has spent a day in prison. Now his filthy rich. He has EOS location all over the USA like a shit load of them

 

[DecaForDessert]

lol that exactly my gym EOS

Do you know the story behind the name? EOS stands for = end of sentence
The owner was incarcerated for a good while. Next time you there look at the floor on the power lifting bars. The square wood platform has a barbed wire round drawing picture and says yard time if you google him you would never think that man has spent a day in prison. Now his filthy rich. He has EOS location all over the USA like a shit load of them

No kidding? Congrats to him for turning shit around and living the American dream.

Do you have any of the cool ones locally that have the custom lighting or training rooms? AZ has a ton apparently

 

[Samson250]

No worries, I accept your apology

Glad we can be best friends again

I see you man and you seem like a nice dude but you posted over 20 posts yesterday.

You’re wrong for that and I prefer you don’t call me a friend until you grow up and figure that out. I’ve been here 20+ years you don’t think we all see you hiding out in 2-3 threads all day every day boosting your post count up and using AI to craft 99% of your posts?? Seriously?

Now.. moving forward to redirect this thread back on track this will be my last reply about this but consider your next posts (all of them) carefully because from now on every member who reads this is watching for the name @DecaForDessert name to pop up to see if it’s the same bs and I guarantee they all noticed it way before I did. Keep doing what you have been since March and good luck to you bud. It doesn’t end like you hope.

If you want a second chance to start all over again on the board, properly introduce yourself in the New Members Forum like you didn’t in March and start trying to become a better overall contributor I would absolutely call you my friend on the board and stand by your side no matter what if your showing us.

If you at me again I won’t do anything.
You’ll have done it to yourself because people read this sh** man.

(I would just come back with a new account and name because “Deca for whatever” doesn’t suit anything you’ve posted since March)