This type of strength training equipment facilitates horizontal pressing exercises, primarily targeting the pectoral muscles. It utilizes weighted plates, offering a variable resistance experience distinct from machines with selectorized weight stacks. Users load and unload plates onto designated pegs or horns, allowing for precise weight adjustments and progressive overload. A typical example involves a seated or slightly inclined position, pushing handles or a platform away from the body.
Free-weight exercises like the barbell bench press offer similar muscle activation, but this equipment provides a guided range of motion, which can enhance stability and potentially reduce the risk of injury, particularly for beginners. The variable resistance allows for accommodation of strength curves, potentially leading to greater muscle stimulation throughout the entire range of motion. Additionally, the capacity for heavier loads compared to many selectorized machines makes it suitable for advanced strength training. This equipment has evolved alongside other resistance training modalities, reflecting a growing understanding of biomechanics and exercise science.
