Plate Loaded vs. Selectorized Gym Equipment

Free weights have long been a staple in both home gyms and garage gyms, offering a comprehensive approach to various types of exercises, from Olympic lifting and powerlifting to general strength training and strongman movements. All you need is an Olympic barbell and some weight plates to get started.

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However, there are several reasons why you might want to incorporate strength machines into your gym setup. Whether it's to diversify your bodybuilding routine, navigate around powerlifting injuries, or simply add variety to your workouts, machines offer supplemental benefits. They can fill gaps that free weights might leave, especially if you're missing that one specific machine from your commercial gym days.

You may be wondering, “Aren’t machines designed for commercial gyms only?”

Actually, there are numerous reputable manufacturers offering residential-grade gym equipment. Brands like Body Solid, Hoist, Titan Fitness, and others provide high-quality machines for home and garage gyms at reasonable prices. We strongly advocate for using commercial-grade fitness equipment in residential settings due to its superior durability and longevity compared to even the most robust residential options.

So you might think, “Great, I'll just purchase the next leg press I come across.”

Not so fast. Selecting the right strength machine involves considering multiple factors such as space, budget, maintenance, and durability. The goal is to maximize your workout efficiency while minimizing the time and money spent on upkeep.

Let's explore the different types of strength machines, their benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed choice for your next equipment purchase.

Plate Loaded vs Selectorized

The primary distinction in strength equipment lies between plate-loaded and selectorized machines. This difference significantly impacts cost, space, functionality, maintenance, reliability, and simplicity.

In essence, plate-loaded machines require you to use your own weight plates to increase resistance, similar to using an Olympic barbell. Selectorized machines, on the other hand, come with a built-in stack of plates, and you adjust the weight using a pin.

Here’s a quick overview comparing selectorized and plate-loaded equipment:

Plate Loaded Selectorized

Unlimited weight capacity

Limited to weight stack

Must load and unload all weight plates

Quickly change weight between sets

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Simple to maintain

Many moving parts, cables, etc.

Reliable

More frequent maintenance

Bi-lateral movements

Generally uni-lateral

Inconsistent load resistance

Consistent resistance through the movement

Let’s explore these differences in greater detail!

Benefits of Plate Loaded Fitness Equipment

• Unlimited loading
• Most plate-loaded machines allow unlimited loading, making them ideal for bodybuilders and powerlifters who require substantial weight capacity. This feature is also beneficial for home gym owners who aim to achieve high strength levels.
• Selectorized machines have weight limits, and even with tools like the Gym Pin, there’s a restriction on how much weight you can add without risking damage to the cables.
• Utilize what you already have
• If you own Olympic plates, they’re compatible with plate-loaded machines. The only limitation is the number of plates you own.
• Simplicity
• Plate-loaded machines are straightforward and easier to repair compared to selectorized machines, which contain multiple moving parts like cables and pulleys that can wear out over time.
• These machines usually have metal bearings that allow smooth rotation through the entire range of motion.
• Reliability
• Plate-loaded machines have fewer components that can break. They’re often made from heavy-gauge steel to handle significant loads, making them highly durable.
• Manufacturers understand the high weight loads these machines will endure and design them accordingly.
• Bi-lateral or uni-lateral movements
• One advantage of plate-loaded machines is their ability to facilitate both single (uni-lateral) and dual (bi-lateral) movements, which is ideal for isolating specific muscle groups and correcting muscle imbalances.

Despite their benefits, plate-loaded setups have certain drawbacks which lead some individuals to prefer selectorized machines.

Drawbacks of Plate Loaded Equipment

1. Load positioning and resistance consistency
   
   Plate-loaded machines often have inconsistent resistance curves throughout the movement, especially in machines like leg curls/extensions. The placement of the plates can affect the resistance at different points in the motion. Some advanced machines, like those from Prime Fitness, offer adjustable load resistance to mitigate this issue.
   
   Prime Fitness provides plate-loaded machines that allow weight adjustments over multiple angles, providing a more consistent workout experience.
   
   
2. Ease of use
   
   Using a pin to adjust weights in selectorized machines is quicker and more convenient than loading and unloading plates. This feature is particularly beneficial for performing drop sets and other high-intensity techniques. Adjusting weights quickly allows for efficient warm-up sets and reduces downtime between exercises.
   
   

Pro tip: If you wish to increase the weight on a selectorized stack, consider using the Gym Pin, a metal rod that allows you to add Olympic weight plates to the stack. Be cautious not to exceed the machine's weight capacity to avoid cable damage.

While plate-loaded strength equipment offers numerous benefits, any piece of equipment that encourages physical activity is a good investment. So, get up and get moving!

Interested in plate-loaded options for your home gym? Check the used marketplace for commercial-grade equipment at great prices.

Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll discuss space-saving fitness equipment for your garage gym setup.

Article Written in Collaboration With: Joe Gray of Gray Matter Lifting

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