Gym experts across the UK were asked what they thought the best gym machines were to achieve three different types of fitness goal: overall fitness, weight loss and building muscle. They were then also asked to pick just one piece of equipment as their overall top performer.
According to the report by PureGym, these are the six best gym machines overall:
- Lifting Platform
- Squat Rack
- Cable Machine
- Dumbells
- Climbmill / Stairmaster
- TRX System
The fact that the top choice only got 21 percent shows that opinion was quite divided. Another interesting thing to point out is that even though the TRX System came close to the top five, it also came number 10 in a list of the least used equipment.
The TRX provides a full body workout and can allow the user to target many different muscle groups. Try this workout below and don’t be afraid to ask a staff member for help.
- Squat – 10 reps
- Row – 10 reps
- Lying hamstring curls – 10 reps
- Flys – 10 reps
- Mountain climbers – 10 each side
- Side plank taps – 10 each side
READ ME: Fasting for weight loss explained
The best gyms machines for building muscle:
- Squat Rack/Lifting Rack
- Lifting platform
- Dumbbells
- Barbells
- Cable Machine
- Leg Press Machine
- Bench Press
- Pull-up Bar/Chin-up Bar
- Lat Pull-Down Machine
- Kettlebells
Like the TRX System, the cable machine can be used lots of different ways. PureGym has a guide for beginners for using the cable machine here.
READ ME: The hottest health craze for weight loss
The best gym machines for improving fitness:
- Rowing Machine
- Treadmill
- Climbmill/Stairmaster
- Kettlebells
- TRX System
- Indoor Cycle/Spin Bikes
- Dumbbells
- Elliptical Trainer/Cross-Trainer
- Cable Machine
- Lifting Platform
READ ME: The best exercise classes to try
The best gym machines for weight loss:
- Climbmill/Stairmaster
- Squat Rack/Lifting Rack
- Rowing Machine
- Lifting Platform
- Treadmill
- Dumbbells
- Barbells
- Kettlebells
- Assault Bike
- Indoor Cycle/Spin Bikes
Pav Kaur Rangi, a PureGym manager says that for “a great cardio workout for your legs, the stair-master is very popular with gym goers with a whole variety of needs – from bodybuilders training for a competition, to everyday members looking to shift some weight. It could even lay claim to being the best piece of kit for cardio, above the likes of the treadmill”.
READ ME: The health craze that promises weight loss and amazing skin in 24 hours
