Workout equipment

It depends on your goals (strength, hypertrophy, toning), the time you’ll dedicate, how many people will use it and the intensity. For moderate home use, a machine with a solid basic frame, good guides and standard weight stacks may be enough; if you plan to train frequently—several days a week—or seek higher performance, opt for semi-professional or professional models with robust materials, quality components, heavier stacks or expansion options, and a build designed to withstand continuous use.

This category includes benches, cages or power racks, multi-gyms, cable towers, specific attachments (e.g., for biceps or quadriceps), and leg press or chest/deltoid machines. Benches are ideal for strength work with free weights; racks offer greater safety and versatility for complex lifts; multi-gyms or cable systems provide a wide variety of exercises in one unit—useful if space is limited; specific attachments let you focus on individual muscle groups; and larger machines handle heavier loads for very demanding training.

Machine stability is essential for safe training, especially when lifting heavy weights or performing explosive movements. A solid frame, quality welds, durable materials such as high-grade steel, precisely grooved guides or pulleys, and long-lasting bearings make all the difference. The higher the structural quality, the greater the safety, exercise precision and overall durability.

The maximum supported load should cover your body weight plus the plates or extra load you’ll use, with a safety margin to avoid deformation or premature component fatigue. Usage frequency indicates how many hours per week the manufacturer estimates the machine can operate without degrading: if your training matches that estimate, you can expect better performance and less maintenance; if you exceed it, choose a model designed for semi-professional or professional use.

They require periodic cleaning to prevent dust build-up on pulleys, guides and moving parts; inspection and tightening of fasteners; lubrication of guides and moving points when indicated by the manufacturer; checks on the condition of cables, pulleys, gears or plates; and verification of safety mechanisms. Proper maintenance helps extend service life, maintain exercise precision and reduce noise or premature wear.

BH Fitness provides an official warranty (typically multi-year), access to original spare parts, specialised technical service, and support for assembly, maintenance and troubleshooting. This ensures any issue can be resolved with the right parts and professional assistance, increasing confidence in your investment in a strength machine.

Yes—provided you have adequate space, a solid floor, good ventilation, and accept that professional equipment is typically heavier and bulkier. If you’ll train many hours or multiple people will use it, a professional-grade machine is worthwhile for its durability, load capacity, resilience and comfort. Otherwise, a good mid- to high-range home machine may suffice.

Accessories such as plate storage posts, bars, a variety of grips (narrow, wide, triceps, etc.), an adjustable bench with incline and decline settings, adjustable pulleys, leg extension or biceps/quadriceps curl modules, protective floor mats, and straps or gloves for better grip and comfort. Guided-programme consoles, electronic tracking, or compatibility with apps and wearables can also boost motivation.

For best results, combine compound movements (working multiple muscle groups) with targeted isolation exercises, vary rep ranges, master technique before increasing load, progress weights gradually, and allow appropriate rest between sets. Warm up beforehand, stretch afterward, and adjust the machine (height, grip, range of motion) to your body to avoid injury.

First, define the area where you’ll place the machine, considering not only its footprint once assembled but also enough free space to move and perform exercises. As for budget, remember that investing in a quality frame, good materials and a solid warranty often proves more cost-effective long-term than cheaper models with frequent breakdowns. Also consider shipping, installation and included accessories to avoid surprises.