Max. user weight
The maximum weight of the user for which the equipment is designed. Usually, only the weight of a person’s body is meant here, without taking into account the barbell, dumbbells or other weights that he holds during the training. However, manufacturers take into account that athletes often use various weights (the weight of which is often comparable to the weight of the athlete himself), and put an appropriate margin of safety into the design. So this parameter is rather arbitrary and is not a strict limitation: in fact, this is the maximum weight of the athlete, at which the structure is guaranteed not to break when working with any additional weight (within reason). If the weight is relatively small, the excess weight of the athlete is also quite acceptable. For example, a
bench with a limit
of 100 kg or less is unlikely to break under a user weighing 120 kg with 5 kg dumbbells.
It is worth paying attention to the maximum user weight when choosing if the machine is purchased for public use, or for professional athletes working with heavy weights. Here we note that the above-mentioned restriction to 100 kg is quite modest;
100 – 120 kg — also not an outstanding indicator; models for
120 – 150 kg are quite popular; and the most durable and reliable equipment have a weight limit of
more than 150 kg.
Max. load weight
The greatest weight of the additional load that the equipment can carry. Usually, this parameter refers to the weight that is not directly on the bench or seat for the user: for example, in models with an exercise rack stand (see below), the maximum load weight is the maximum weight of the bar that can be safely held on the
rack stand. It is worth mentioning
benches with pancake racks(also see below): in them, the total weight of pancakes should be more or less evenly distributed over the “seats”.
The maximum load weight must not be exceeded: this can lead to breakdowns, and not necessarily immediately — an “accident” can happen later, under a completely acceptable weight.
Footrest
A stop fixing the legs, contributing to comfortable abs training, calves and muscles in the gluteal region.
The footrest will come in handy when doing strength exercises without a partner who can hold the legs.
Bench tilt angle
Types of incline angles available for the bench. Note that a specific angle of inclination can also be adjusted within the same type — for example, a bench with a negative angle can be made steeper or flatter.
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Positive. The angles of inclination are called positive, at which the upper part of the backrest (the side where the athlete's head is in the normal position) looks up. The exception is the vertical arrangement, which is specified separately. Simply put, this is the position of the back for being reclining on the bench. This position is used in many types of exercises.
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Vertical. The strictly vertical position of the backrest. In most exercises where such a backrest is used, it is not necessary. However, additional support can provide comfort and increase the overall effectiveness of the exercise.
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Horizontal. The horizontal (for an athlete — lying) position is classic for the chest press (see "Types of exercises"), but can also be used in other types of training.
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Negative. The angle of inclination at which the head and torso of the athlete, when supported on the back, are directed downward; in other words, the angle at which the head is lower than in the horizontal position. This position is known to many primarily from abs exercises — it allows you to provide a fairly intense load
...on the abs. However, its use is not limited to this: for example, some types of chest press also involve a low head position.Country of origin
Country of origin of the brand under which the equipment is presented on the market. It usually refers to the country in which the brand was originally registered, or in which the company's headquarters are located. By this parameter, the overall quality of the equipment and the brand as a whole is often assessed. However, such assessments are rather conditional. Thus, the "homeland" of the brand often does not coincide with the place of actual production: many large companies use factories in regions with cheap labour to reduce costs. At the same time, the quality depends not so much on the manufacturing country, but on how carefully the company monitors its reputation and controls the goods leaving the factories. In addition, companies originating from one state may register brands in another to look more prestigious in the eyes of the manufacturer.
Simply put, it is worth looking not so much at the origin of a particular brand, but at its overall reputation.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the equipment in the assembled and ready-to-work state. It is important to note that more space is needed for the comfortable and proper operation of the machine. 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 an obstacle. Therefore, it is recommended when choosing to calculate that in addition to the dimensions of the machine, you may need an additional metre of free space on each side.
