Comparison Hop-Sport HS-1054K vs Inter Atletika Stimul

The highest weight of an athlete that the simulator can normally carry for a long period of time (at least until the end of the warranty period with regular training). It is worth choosing a model for individual use according to this parameter with some margin — after all, during training, the weight can change noticeably, and upwards too; and if you are working to build muscle mass, then you should focus not on the current, but on the desired weight. And for the units used in public gyms, a large maximum weight is especially important — after all, people with a rather massive physique can use them. Well, anyway, you can’t exceed the weight limit, even by “a couple of kilograms”: it’s not a fact that the simulator will break right away, but off-design loads will increase the wear of the structure and can significantly reduce the life of the product, and breakdown can occur at the most inopportune moment and lead to injury.

As for specific values, in most modern simulators this limit is more than 150 kg, however, there are exceptions — models for 120 – 150 kg, or even 120 kg or less. So it is not worth completely ignoring this point.

The largest weight of weights that can be installed on a simulator of the appropriate design (see "Loading System").

When choosing according to this indicator, it is worth considering both the expected intensity of training and the characteristics of specific exercises. Detailed recommendations regarding this choice for different types of exercises are described in special sources. Here we emphasize that it is definitely impossible to exceed the maximum load weight: even if the simulator does not break down immediately, an “accident” (fraught with serious injuries) can occur at any time.

As for specific values, in most modern simulators the permissible load weight does not exceed 100 kg — this is often quite enough. There are also many models where this figure lies in the range of 100 – 150 kg ; less common options for 150 – 200 kg ; and in the most “heavyweight” models, it is allowed to use loads of 200 kg or more.

Additional devices provided for in the design of the simulator or regularly supplied with it.

— Scott's bench. Device for training biceps with a barbell, dumbbells or your own weight block simulator. It usually looks like a seat, complemented by an emphasis in the form of an inclined shelf — a music stand; the emphasis is set in such a way that the athlete's hands above the elbow rest on it when working.

— Bench for the press. A device for training the press with the help of twists. Usually it looks like a characteristic inclined board with leg mounts at the top. When performing the exercise, the athlete lies with his back on this bench, clings to the fasteners with his feet and lifts the upper body with the force of the press. At the same time, due to the inclination of the bench, the athlete’s head in the initial position is lower than the legs, which allows you to create a greater load than when twisting on the floor. And many benches have an angle adjustment, which allows you to change the load.

— Emphasis for the press. The design of the press stop is similar to the bars: two parallel horizontal bars, usually with soft pads (for comfort and safety) and two vertical handles. During classes, the athlete hangs on the support, holding on to the handles, so that his forearms lie on the planks (this is what the lining is for), and the suppor...t goes to the elbows; this position allows you to perform various exercises for the press, primarily lifting the legs.

— Twister. A twister is a horizontal disk of such dimensions that the athlete can stand on it with both feet (or knees). The disk is able to rotate freely, so you can perform exercises with torso twists.

— Horizontal bar. The classic horizontal bar is a regular horizontal bar, designed primarily for pull-ups. However, in modern simulators, this device can have a more advanced design: for example, many horizontal bars have ends bent down with additional handles for more effective pull-ups with a wide grip.

— Bars. In simulators, this device is usually made in the form of two parallel handles. In general, it is similar to traditional gymnastic bars, however, it is practically not suitable for swing elements and in this case is designed for strength training — primarily in the form of push-ups.

— Stepper. A stepper is a device in the form of two parallel pedals; during training, the athlete stands on these pedals and moves their legs up and down. Due to this, movement uphill is simulated. Steppers are found mostly in fitness stations (see "Type"); their functionality is much more modest than that of individual stepper trainers, however, they also take up less space.

— Rack for the bar. The presence in the design of the simulator mounts for installing the bar during training. This function is extremely important for working with the barbell: it is much more convenient and safer to install the projectile on the mounts than to put it on the floor, and in some cases (for example, when doing the bench press), you cannot do without a rack at all.

Note that Smith machines (see "Type") by definition have bar mounts, but this feature is not considered a rack.

Exercises for a specific muscle group that can be performed using a simulator (there are also exercises for individual muscles, they are described in detail below).

The most popular types of exercises for muscle groups found nowadays include different types of traction ( vertical, horizontal, lower, T-shaped, lever, chest, deadlift), pullovers, lunges, pull -ups, push-ups and back extension. Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Vertical thrust. Vertical traction is in some way similar to pull-ups — only in this case, the athlete does not pull his own body to the crossbar, but sits motionless, pulling the movable crossbar or handles towards him. This allows you to choose almost any level of load, including a fairly low one (whereas when pulling up you have to work at least with the weight of your own body); so vertical pulling can be especially convenient for beginners, especially those with a large body mass. However, this exercise is also appreciated by professional athletes. Most machines provide the ability to use a different grip w...hen performing vertical traction, which allows you to develop different muscle groups of the arms, chest and back. For example, pulling with a wide grip on the head develops mainly the latissimus dorsi, but also involves the upper back, biceps, individual muscles of the shoulder girdle, and some others.

— Horizontal thrust. This exercise involves pulling the loaded handles "onward", in a horizontal or almost horizontal direction (hence the name). In the classic form, the horizontal pull is performed while sitting, holding the handles in a vertical or almost vertical position and pulling them either to the stomach or to the neck. In the first case, due to this, the trapezius muscles of the back are worked out primarily in their middle and lower parts; also a significant load falls on the biceps, the lower part of the latissimus dorsi and the rhomboid muscle. Traction to the neck, in turn, gives the main load to the latissimus dorsi, and an additional load to the biceps. Other variants of horizontal thrust are also possible, with other accents; however, the main muscle groups involved still remain virtually unchanged.

— Lower pull. An exercise to pull the weight up, vertically or at an angle — like working on traction with a barbell, kettlebell, etc. Some simulators use a separate lower block for this, others provide the possibility of rearranging the block for horizontal traction. The muscles being trained can be different, depending on the specific exercise.

— T-shaped traction. Deadlift performed using a T-bar. Such a neck has a sufficiently long length, at one end it is fixed in a swivel mount at floor level, at the other end there is a handle and a seat for installing pancake weights. The classic way to perform T-Rows is standing, with the body tilted about 45 ° relative to the projectile, the handles in front of you and the neck moving up and down between the legs. Another option is a pull to the stomach on the simulator, when the athlete is reclining, face down, resting his chest and stomach on a special bench; this technique makes the exercise safer. Anyway, when performed correctly, the T-shaped thrust provides, first of all, the study of the back muscles — the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboid, rear deltoid, etc.; the specific emphasis of the load may be different, primarily depending on the grip.

— Lever pull. Pull, usually performed in a horizontal direction with a weighted rocker arm. At the same time, the athlete sits with the body in an upright position. The exercise can be performed with one or both hands, in addition, in most simulators with this function there is a chest support, which allows you to keep the body in a stationary position. Anyway, the main emphasis with leverage falls on the muscles of the back, in particular, the latissimus dorsi. A similar function is performed by the T-bar row and dumbbell row with one hand in an incline, but the lever traction has one important advantage: it is safer for the spine.

— Draw to the chest. This term can mean different types of exercises, depending on the design of the simulator. So, one of the most common options is the pull of the block to the chest while sitting, in fact, one of the varieties of the horizontal thrust described above. This exercise is aimed mainly at developing the latissimus dorsi, in addition, it also works out the back of the deltoid muscles, biceps, and partially triceps and forearms. Another option is a pull that is close to vertical, but carried out with a reverse grip, by bending the arms at the elbows, and with the direction of movement not strictly vertical, but at an angle. This technique places increased stress on the arms, particularly the biceps, although it also puts a noticeable strain on the back and the stabilizing abdominal muscles.

— Deadlift. One of the fundamental, most famous and popular exercises for working with heavy weights. Initially performed with a barbell; therefore, most models with this function are Smith machines (see "Type"), although there are also power simulators and fitness stations where the appropriate handles of the weight-and-block system are used instead of the bar (see "Loading system"). The general essence of the exercise is to lift the weight from the floor to the level of the pelvis. There are several techniques for performing such traction, but anyway, it is a complex exercise, it puts a load on most of the muscles of the body, and also has a noticeable developmental and strengthening effect on the body as a whole.

— Pullover. Exercise, the basis of which is lifting the load from behind the head. One of the advantages of this technique is that it allows you to simultaneously work out three muscle groups at once: pectoral, lats and triceps. But the degree of load on each of these groups may be different, depending on the technique for performing pullovers. So, when performing an exercise lying on a horizontal bench, the triceps are mainly worked out, the pectoral muscles are less involved, and the lats do not strain at all to the degree necessary for training; to work out the latissimus dorsi, the position on an inclined bench is better with the head down, etc. Specifically, the devices for performing pullovers in modern simulators can be either the simplest benches for working with dumbbells or other free weights, or block systems designed to perform "pulls from behind the head".

— Lunges. One of the basic exercises for the muscles of the legs — primarily the buttocks and quadriceps. The essence of the exercise is to move from a vertical position to a pose similar to squatting on one knee, due to a wide step; the knee of the back leg does not touch the floor. Lunges with additional weights in the form of a barbell are very popular; therefore, most machines with this feature are Smith machines (see "Type"). Block stations with this function are somewhat less common; more specific options for performing attacks may be provided there; this point should be clarified separately.

— Pull-ups. Traditional pull-ups, usually performed on the horizontal bar (see "Additional equipment"). The specific types of muscles involved in this exercise depend on the type (direct, reverse) and width of the grip, as well as some features of the technique. However, anyway, pulling up intensively loads the latissimus dorsi and large round muscles of the back. With a direct grip, the shoulder, brachioradialis, rhomboid and trapezius muscles are also involved; this technique is considered one of the most effective for forming the characteristic V-shaped silhouette of the male torso. The reverse grip, in turn, loads mainly the back and biceps.

— Push ups. In this case, push-ups on parallel horizontal bars are usually meant (see "Additional equipment"). This function is practically mandatory for gravitrons (see "Type") — in fact, such simulators were originally created, among other things, to optimize the performance of push-ups. Somewhat less common are other types of simulators with bars — fitness stations, as well as block frames with advanced functionality; in such models, push-ups are performed in the classic format, with full body weight and weights if necessary. Anyway, the main muscles worked out through this technique are the pectoralis major, as well as the triceps.

— Back extension. An exercise also known as "hyperextension". In simulators, for its implementation, the so-called Roman bench is usually provided — a horizontal or inclined bench with special footrests. The athlete lies on such a bench on his stomach (if the surface is inclined — head up) and fixes his legs in the stops; while the body in the initial position is tilted down, and the edge of the bench is located in the middle of the thighs, below the pelvis. When performing the exercise, the athlete lifts the body up, straightening the back, due to which the main load is provided. The muscle groups being worked out depend on the technique of performing the exercise, there are two main options here. If you perform hyperextension with a straight back, the main load goes to the gluteus maximus muscle and the hamstring muscles, if you also bend and unbend your back in the process, the muscle that extends the spine is connected to the work. Anyway, hyperextension perfectly strengthens the supporting apparatus of the back, while it is very safe and suitable even for beginners and people with weak backs.

Exercises for individual muscles that can be performed using a simulator. The difference between such techniques and exercises for muscle groups (see above) is obvious from the name: they give a limited load and are intended mainly for the targeted study of specific muscles.

The list of single muscle exercises found in modern machines includes shoulder press, chest press, shrugs, butterfly, arm curl, arm extension, arm adduction, arm abduction, torso rotation, crunches (abs), hip abduction, leg swings. leg curls, leg extensions, leg presses, squats , leg raises, leg raises, calf raises, and delt raises. Here is a more detailed description of each exercise:

— Shoulder press. Exercise for lifting weights from shoulder level; hands are located on the sides of the body. It involves all thr...ee bundles of the deltoid muscles: the actual delta, trapezius muscles and triceps. The exercise can also be performed with free weights (dumbbells), but the simulator with this function allows you to ensure the correct, strictly defined trajectory of the movement of the hands.

— Chest press. An exercise to move the load from chest level in the "forward" direction (if we take the vertical position of the body). The chest press in the simulators can be performed in two main ways. The first option is the bench press, when the load moves almost vertically. All Smith machines have this function (see "Type"), however, the bench is not necessarily included in the equipment of such a simulator, often it has to be installed separately. The second option provides a sitting (vertical or slightly tilted back) position of the athlete, and the working part of the simulator has the form of two levers connected to the load system. However, anyway, such an exercise is primarily aimed at developing the pectoralis major and minor muscles, although it also (to a lesser extent) involves the triceps and anterior deltas.

— Shrugs. An exercise based on lifting the shoulders with an additional load with the arms lowered (the name itself comes from the English shrug — “shrug”). Shrugs can be performed with free weights — dumbbells or a barbell; therefore, by definition, this type of exercise is indicated for all Smith machines (see "Type"). However, there are also block models — power simulators, fitness stations — with such an opportunity; in them, the system of lower blocks is usually responsible for creating the load. In general, shrugs are considered an almost perfect isolated exercise for the trapezius muscles.

— Butterfly. It's a "butterfly". Exercise to reduce the hands in front of the chest in a horizontal plane (sitting) with a load. Promotes the development of large and small pectoral muscles, also affects the anterior deltoid and serratus muscles. Note that the terms "butterfly" and "reduction of hands" are not identical — the butterfly is only one of the varieties of mixing exercises. However, sometimes these terms are used as synonyms in the description of simulators, and they even call the butterfly a variety of hand reduction, which was not originally related to "butterflies". See below for details.

— Flexion of the arms. Exercise for bending the arms in the elbows with weights. In the classic version, the fist holding the weight is placed horizontally with the palm up, and the main load goes to the biceps, but another grip option is also possible — vertical (hammer), aimed mainly at the brachioradialis muscle. Note that Scott benches (see "Additional equipment") are by definition designed for flexion work, primarily with free weights; so in simulators with Scott benches, bending of the arms is indicated only if such a simulator has its own (usually weight-block) load system for this exercise and allows you to do without "third-party" weights.

— Extension of the arms. Exercise for extension of the arms in the elbows under load. It can be performed with different grips and different types of projectiles — in particular, with a horizontal handle of the upper block or a rope head (the latter allows you to additionally reduce and spread your arms). Anyway, this exercise is mainly aimed at developing the triceps; and it depends on the specific execution technique which part of the triceps will be worked out the most.

— Reduction of hands. Various hand exercises. One of these exercises is the butterfly described above, but the matter is not limited to this — the simulators also use the reduction of hands on the crossover. The latter option involves the starting position, in which the hands are on the sides of the body, at shoulder level or higher, holding the handles of the cable simulator, and when performing the exercise, the athlete brings his hands together in front of his stomach. It is possible to work on the reduction of hands and lying on a bench, with lower blocks. In both cases, the main study goes to the large pectoral muscles.
Note that some manufacturers confuse the concepts of "butterfly" and "reduction of hands." So when choosing a simulator with such capabilities, you need to pay attention to its equipment: characteristic stops are used for butterfly, and crossover mixing is usually provided in block frames (see "Type").

— Breeding hands. Arm extension exercise with weights. A kind of opposite to the butterfly described above: similar in execution technique (for this, the same set of stops can even be used, switched to different modes), but the main effort is directed in the opposite direction. However, the technique for performing arm dilutions in different simulators can be different: sitting with straight arms, with bent arms, or lying down. In these options, the target muscle groups will also differ. So, doing the exercise while sitting helps primarily strengthen the back of the deltoid muscles, as well as the development of the rhomboid and trapezius muscles; and work lying down loads mainly the pectoralis major muscle.
Note that this exercise (primarily lying down) can also be performed with free weights, however, the simulator gives a more uniform load, with less likelihood of injury.

— Torso rotation. An exercise to rotate the upper body in a sitting position around a vertical axis, with weights. Most machines with this function are of a specialized variety — torso machines (see "Type"). And the exercise itself involves almost exclusively one type of muscle — the oblique muscles of the abdomen; among other things, it is considered very effective for correcting "excess figures" in the waist area. You can also perform such exercises with free weights (the traditional option is a barbell bar on your shoulders), but the simulator is still more convenient for this: it allows you to do without excessive load on the shoulders and spine, and also does not give inertia when turning, in contrast to same vulture.

— Twisting (press). Basic exercise for working out the abdominal muscles (mainly upper). Twisting with weights promotes muscle growth, without weights — burning fat. In modern simulators, different types of equipment can be provided for performing these exercises. Most often, this is an ordinary bench with footrests, and additional weights, if necessary, must be taken separately; however, a special mechanism for creating weights may also be provided — usually in the form of a swinging lever, which must be pushed by the body when moving to twisting.

— Hip abduction. Exercise to abduct the hip to the side or back under load. The specific embodiment depends on the type of simulator. So, in glut machines, which were originally created for such an exercise, the hip is retracted back (for more details, see "Type"); the load goes mainly to the buttocks, most of these simulators are designed to work out this muscle group in isolation (although there are models that allow you to noticeably load the calf and posterior femoral muscles as well). In multi-hips, lateral (lateral) hip abduction is often provided with a straight leg; it has a similar purpose, and by changing the position of the legs, you can change specific areas of the gluteal muscles, which account for the greatest load. And among the fitness stations you can find models with devices that allow you to train both legs in this way at once — two stops that are bred to the sides due to the movement of the hips.

— Swing your legs. This term most often means swings with straight legs back and forth with additional weights. This is the standard type of exercise for multi-hips (see "Type"), although it is not limited to this, and a similar way of working can be provided in other varieties of equipment. Such swings load mainly the gluteus maximus and minimus, as well as some thigh muscles. Some manufacturers also include side swings in this category, although this exercise is more correctly called lateral hip abduction (see above).

— Bending the legs. Exercise for bending the legs at the knees under load. In the traditional version, when performing it, the athlete lies on his stomach on a special bench, resting his ankles on the movable lever of the simulator, and bends his legs in an upward direction, overcoming the resistance of the lever. Other variations include the standing leg curl (where you work with one leg at a time) and the seated leg curl (here, the legs are in the starting position horizontal and tilted down when bent). Anyway, this exercise mainly involves the back muscles of the thighs and, to a much lesser extent, the muscles of the legs.

— Leg extensions. Exercise with the main load on the extension of the legs. Traditionally, it is performed as follows: the athlete sits on the seat of the simulator, places his feet under the movable stop so that the rollers are on the ankles (the legs are bent in the initial position), and unbends the knees, overcoming the resistance of the stop. This is an isolation exercise for working out the quadriceps — the front muscles (extensors) of the thigh.

— Leg press. An exercise for the legs, similar in technique to squats: the main load occurs due to pushing the working part of the simulator with your feet away from you. The specific design of simulators with this function may be different. So, in most models, the bench press is carried out while sitting, in a horizontal direction; however, there are also Hack-machines with this function, in which the athlete lies on his back, and the effort is directed upwards (for more details, see "Type"). Anyway, the leg press works mainly on the thigh muscles — quadriceps and biceps, similar to the same squats. However, this technique is safer, since it loads the spine and lower back less, besides, it allows you to work with almost any load (whereas squats are performed at least with the athlete’s own weight).

— Squats. A simple yet effective exercise that focuses primarily on the development of the quadriceps of the thigh (although some techniques allow you to develop other muscles — in particular, the inner thigh). Machines are mainly used for weighted squats, this exercise can be performed in three versions. The first option is the cable-loaded squat, available in many block frames and some weight machines and fitness stations (see "Type"); in this case, the load is provided by cables with weight blocks, the handles of which the athlete holds in his hands. This is a fairly effective and safe technique, but it puts additional strain on the muscles of the arms and shoulders (due to the need to hold the handles). In addition, squats are, by definition, available in all Smith machines, as well as Hack machines (see ibid.). Such simulators are good because the load in them moves along a fixed trajectory, which facilitates the correct execution of exercises, and the load falls mainly on the pumped muscles. At the same time, the Smith machine additionally uses the buttocks during squats, and the Hack machine — almost all the muscles of the legs, as well as the lower back and the press.

— Reduction of the legs. An exercise to reduce the legs (usually bent at the knees) with additional effort. Usually, it is performed in a sitting position, and the working part of the simulator is a pair of movable stops in the area of the knees or shins. Due to this exercise, the adductor muscles of the thighs (both superficial and deep) are worked out.

— Breeding legs. Exercise for breeding legs bent at the knees with additional effort. Most often, simulators with this function use movable stops, similar to those used to bring the legs together (see above); often these functions are combined in one device, and switching between them is carried out by changing the operation mode of the stops. As for the effect, the spread of the legs creates a load mainly on the small and medium gluteal muscle.

— Get on your toes. Exercise in the form of lifting on socks with additional weights. It primarily affects the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the lower leg. It can be performed both standing and sitting — in the first case, the athlete works with all his weight plus weights (this is an option for a fairly advanced level of training), in the second case, only weights are used (this method is more convenient for beginners). Also, simulators with this function can be of different types (see above) and have different designs and functionality. In particular, in Hack machines, the exercise is usually performed while standing, and the weight is provided by the same shoulder pads as in squats; a similar format of work can be provided in separate power simulators. In Smith machines, the bar is responsible for the load. And among the power simulators that involve lifting on toes while sitting, there are models with stops for the knees and even designs where the athlete's legs are horizontal and when performing the exercise, he pushes the movable stop away from himself with his socks.

Let's go to the deltas. An isolation exercise designed, in accordance with the name, to work out the deltoid muscles. It involves raising the arms (primarily the shoulder part) to the side, through the sides, with additional weights. In simulators for such lifts, a pair of movable stops is usually provided, the rollers of which are located in the middle of the shoulder. This allows you to load the target muscles, practically without using the "extra".

The presence of a protective cover or other similar device on the simulator unit. The block in this case is the part responsible for creating the necessary resistance; at the same time, in load block load systems (see "Load"), massive weights move inside the block, in other types of systems moving parts can also be provided. So the casing on the block anyway provides additional safety and reduces the risk of injury. This feature is especially desirable for machines used in public halls.

The country of origin of the brand under which the product is presented on the market.

There are many stereotypes associated with the “nationality” of a particular product, but they are practically unfounded. First, as the country of origin indicate the "homeland" of the manufacturing company or the country of location of its headquarters; the actual place of production may be located in another country (this is often resorted to nowadays to reduce the cost of the process). Secondly, the actual quality of the goods nowadays depends solely on how carefully this quality is controlled by the manufacturer, and is not related to geographical factors. Therefore, it makes sense to pay attention to the country of origin of the brand only if you fundamentally want or do not want to support a company from a certain state. And to assess the quality, you should focus primarily on the reputation of a particular brand.

The dimensions of the equipment in the assembled and ready to work state. It is important to note that in fact more space is needed for comfortable and proper operation of the simulator. This is due to the need to have space for the person himself, the removal of arms and legs when performing exercises and using additional equipment. If we are talking about a gym, then people working nearby or placed equipment, etc., can become a hindrance. Therefore, it is recommended when choosing to calculate that in addition to the dimensions of the simulator, you may need an additional metre of free space on each side.