Strength Machine Buying Guide: Finding the Best Equipment For Your Fitness Goals

Whether you’re targeting a specific muscle group or building a full setup from scratch, Gym Plus strength equipment has you covered. Arms, chest and shoulders, core, legs, glutes, back and full body, find the piece that fits your goals and your routine.

Quick Decision Guide

Product Comparison Table

Upper Body Machines

	Multi-Grip Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar	Preacher Arm Curl Biceps and Triceps	Adjustable Bench Press with Converging Arms	Seated Row/Chest Pull Machine	Chest Fly Pec Fly and Reverse Delt
Best For	Bodyweight back and arm training	Bicep and tricep isolation	Chest pressing with independent arm control	Back thickness and chest pulling strength	Chest fly isolation and reverse delt work
Price	$189.95	$399.95	$399.95	$469.95	$619.95
Plate-loaded	No	Yes: Olympic plates	Yes: standard & Olympic plates	Yes: standard & Olympic plates	Yes: Olympic plates
Weight Capacity	150kg (user weight)	160kg (65kg plates load)	130kg (excluding user weight)	90kg per arm, 180kg total	130kg for cable system (excluding user weight) 130kg Max user weight
Target Workout	Pull-ups, chin-ups	Bicep curl, tricep extension	Flat press, incline bench press, and ab crunch	Seated row, chest pull	Chest fly, reverse delt

Lower Body Machines

	Single Leg Split Squat Stand	Vertical Leg Press	Leg Curl & Extension, Back Extension Machine	L4 Pro Series Plate Loaded Leg Extension & Prone Leg Curl	Leg Press & Hack Squat
Best For	Cost and space saving, without plates	Light commercial setting, cost saving	Home gym wanting multi-function	Beginners for foundation & advanced athletes wanting pro-grade	Heavy pressing and quad-dominant training
Price	$109.95	$369.95	$759.95	$769.95	$1,869.95
Plate-loaded	No	Yes: standard & Olympic plates	Yes: Olympic plates	Yes: Olympic plates	Yes: Olympic plates
Weight Capacity	N/A	180kg	300kg (150kg user weight + 150kg plate load)	300kg (150kg user weight + 150kg plate load)	420kg sled capacity
Target Workout	Bulgarian split squats, push-ups with elevated feet	Leg press	3-in-1: leg extension, leg curl, back extension	Leg extension, prone leg curl	Leg press, hack squat

What To Check Before Buying

1. Do you already have weight plates?

Many strength machines are plate-loaded. Make sure you have plates before ordering these machines. Check whether the machine is compatible with your plates. Most Gym Plus strength machines fit Olympic plates only. If you don’t own plates, consider standalone pieces like pull-up bars and squat stands.

2. What’s your available floor space?

Measure your space before buying and check the product specs. Not just the machine itself but clearance for the movement like the pec fly arms sweep outward. If your space is limited, consider the Wall/Ceiling Mount Pull Up Bar which gives you flexibility. 

3. Buying multiple machines?

If you are planning to buy multiple machines to build your home gym, check the Upper Body, Lower Body, or Full Body Bundle which are cost-effective options to start your own home gym.

4. Do you need an independent or fixed bar?

Some machines are built with independent arms that move separately. The Adjustable Bench Press with Converging Arms and Chest Fly Pec Fly and Reverse Delt both work this way. This lets you load different weights on each side which gives you the flexibility to tailor the training that fits you the most. If you have a weaker side, this matters more than it might seem. 

5. Do you have gym flooring?

Heavy machines on hard floors can damage surfaces over time. Make sure to have rubber gym flooring under each machine to protect your floor and reduce noise. 

6. Want more exercise variety from one piece of equipment?

These plate-loaded strength machines isolate specific muscles brilliantly. But if you’re after a wider range of movements like cable rows, pulldowns, and more, a cable tower gives you that variety from a single training station. Worth considering if you’re building a well-rounded setup. 

7. Delivery

Check if your address qualifies for Free Metro Shipping on Orders over $250.

8. Warranty

Know what is covered and for how long before you buy.

Home Gym Setup Builder

Common Mistakes

1. Buying a machine before checking if you have plates and/or a barbell

The most avoidable mistake on this page. Many strength machines are plate-loaded but plates are sold separately. Always confirm you have compatible plates or order them at the same time. Some equipment like the ATTIVO L3 Bench Press Station needs plates with a barbell. 

2. Assuming standard plates will fit

Many strength machines here only take Olympic 2” plates. If you have standard 1” plates, choose compatible options like the Seated Row/Chest Pull Machine or simply upgrade to Olympic plates. 

3. Underestimating independent arm capability

Machines like Chest Fly Pec Fly and Reverse Delt have independent arms. Users sometimes don’t realise this feature and load both arms identically every session, missing the benefit. If you have a strength imbalance, independent arms are exactly what you need.

4. Buying multiple machines without checking the bundles first

The Upper Body, Lower Body, and Full Body Bundle bring a few machines together at a better price. If you’re planning to order multiple machines, check the bundles to spend wiser. Less admin, train more, and skip the back-and-forth of ordering piece by piece. 

Service and Support

We’re here to help. 

Not sure which machine is right for you? We've got you.

Whether you're setting up your first home gym or fitting out a commercial space, the Gym Plus team is ready to help you get it right.

Customer Service

Contact us online. We usually respond within a few hours during business hours.

Call 03 5615 8001, Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm AEST.

B2B Enquiries & Partnerships

Setting up a studio, gym, or commercial space? 

Speak to our B2B team at 03 9007 2389. You can also apply for a trade account for ongoing orders.

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