Plate-Loaded Machines

[HenryMaag]

While I do not know exactly where these machines are headed (I am selling them to an equipment distributor in the Arabian Gulf region), I can tell you that the world renowned Oxygen Gym chain is a client of theirs, and I have noted (from visiting their website) that the Oxygen Gym chain does use this color scheme.

[Greybird2]

Wow! Those machines look great! Are you back in business producing the whole line of machines?

[ArnoldHAMnEGGer]

Your comment on how you used the pendulum-type squat reminds me of an old picture of Tom Platz doing deep hack squats on a linear-type hack squat machine (and we all know about Tom's incredible 'thigh sweep'). It is little wonder that the way you were performing your hack squats on the pendulum-type machine 'hammered the hell out of your quads' (you almost make me want to pursue my hack squat machine again).



I don't know about a pendulum-type squat being easy on the lower back for doing heavy weights. I can say that once people start experiencing the seated leg press machine which I build that information will start being gathered as to what machines can blast the quadriceps while still being very low stress on the lower back region.

I suspicion that the spinal discomfort was probably due more to the orientation of your lower spine in this particular movement than it was to the actual compression that it was experiencing (after all you can't do extremely heavy weights on a pendulum-type squat machine). When doing pendulum-type squats the lower back region tends to be slightly 'curved forward', while I am told that when lifting something heavy to arch the back 'curved rearward'.

The way Platz used the Hack Squat; that's exactly how i used the pendulum squat machine. It's also how i do hacks. What you wrote is also true that most are taught to either have a neutral or slightly arched back during heavy squatting type movements. The Pendulum machine, because your back is leaning into the pad and your hips are behind your knees at certain points of the movement, makes it unique but also at the same time i believe can possibly cause more discomfort for those with injured lower backs. Anyway, looking forward to seeing more of your pieces.

[HenryMaag]

As long as your looking forward to seeing more of my pieces, here are some more pictures of the rest of the order going to the Arabian Gulf region.

[ArnoldHAMnEGGer]

As long as your looking forward to seeing more of my pieces, here are some more pictures of the rest of the order going to the Arabian Gulf region.

does the seated chest press have converging handles? is the third piece a shoulder press?

[HenryMaag]

does the seated chest press have converging handles? is the third piece a shoulder press?

No, the 'Vertical Chest Press' does not have converging handles (it is modeled after the Lamb Bodybuilding Machines C-1000RB vertical chest press built 25 years ago). Yes, the third piece (back of the picture) is a 'Cross Axes Shoulder Press' (one of two in the order).

[Greybird2]

Those machines look nice! I would love to try the whole line..

[HenryMaag]

Those machines look nice! I would love to try the whole line..

I hope that you do get to try them someday.

[HenryMaag]

To answer your questions with some pictures: The B-1000 (foreground) is larger than the B-2000 (background). Here is a picture of the two side by side. Also the B-3000 is a heavy-duty version of a standard plate-loaded rowing machine which many manufacturers build. I have included a picture of it.

[HenryMaag]

Members on the forum; please let me know what you think of this new color (a bronze metallic), which I am considering adding as a third standard option on my line of machines.

It is a ‘neutral color’ and goes with many different colors of upholstered pads and grips (just like the ‘gloss black’ and ‘dark silver’ which I already offer).


Before anyone thinks that I am scaling down my machines, and removing features; the machines in this picture are not production models, but are ‘scaled down’ versions of the production models which I built specifically for our home gym (which my son and I use). They are built from 3.5” diameter pipe and other lighter duty components.

I am getting too old to be moving around production models.

[thedickus]

Members on the forum; please let me know what you think of this new color (a bronze metallic), which I am considering adding as a third standard option on my line of machines.

It is a ‘neutral color’ and goes with many different colors of upholstered pads and grips (just like the ‘gloss black’ and ‘dark silver’ which I already offer).


Before anyone thinks that I am scaling down my machines, and removing features; the machines in this picture are not production models, but are ‘scaled down’ versions of the production models which I built specifically for our home gym (which my son and I use). They are built from 3.5” diameter pipe and other lighter duty components.

I am getting too old to be moving around production models.

Not a fan of the bronze. Definitely don't like it with the green pads. Unless it's a special order for a university or pro sports team with those colors I can't see it in a commercial gym. It would look great in Notre Dame's weight room with navy blue pads.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Members on the forum; please let me know what you think of this new color (a bronze metallic), which I am considering adding as a third standard option on my line of machines.

It is a ‘neutral color’ and goes with many different colors of upholstered pads and grips (just like the ‘gloss black’ and ‘dark silver’ which I already offer).


Before anyone thinks that I am scaling down my machines, and removing features; the machines in this picture are not production models, but are ‘scaled down’ versions of the production models which I built specifically for our home gym (which my son and I use). They are built from 3.5” diameter pipe and other lighter duty components.

I am getting too old to be moving around production models.

While opinions are subjective, I'm not really on board with bronze powdercoat...it looks a little too antique rather than standing out on home gym equipment.

[C123C]

Color itself is cool and came out really nice. Only issue is that I don't see it "working" from an aesthetic point of view in many spaces (realize I'm not an interior designer for a reason so grain of salt). If one had such a space, might be awesome. Comment above from thedickus is dead on though - Notre Dame's weight room and navy pads...would be totally bad a**.

[grumpytude]

Sorry, that color is not for me at all.

[Asjogren]

Sorry..but no to bronze..just not my preference

[Steinway53]

Hate to pile on , but the bronze is not my thing either. Looking at some of the pics earlier in the thread, I like the minimalist look of your machines, along with the platinum frames. Not an interior designer either, but that silver/light grey/ platinum color (whatever you call it) seems to blend with a wider variety of shades or colors. Just my thoughts, fwiw of course. :-)

[bouchina1]

Start in a high plank (aka push-up) position. Bend your elbows and rest your weight on your forearms instead of your hands. Your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Brace your core as if you were about to be punched in the stomach. (Don't forget to breathe.)
Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Wath this video to learn how to practise this

[HenryMaag]

Well, thank you all for the input on the 'bronze'.


It seems that it doesn't go over too well for commercial gyms. I actually saw the color many years ago at an industry trade show, and I believe that the manufacturer was "Tuff Stuff". I thought that it looked good. Anyway, perhaps some day I will sell machines to Notre Dame. Then I can suggest the color as a possibility.


Moving on, What do you think of this color? I first saw it at the IRHSA show in San Diego about two years ago on machines by "Hoist". Now I will admit that Hoist builds general fitness equipment, primarily for health and fitness facilities, while I build specifically muscle-building machines for serious gyms and weight rooms: so a color like light blue may not be appropriate. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[ArnoldHAMnEGGer]

Well, thank you all for the input on the 'bronze'.


It seems that it doesn't go over too well for commercial gyms. I actually saw the color many years ago at an industry trade show, and I believe that the manufacturer was "Tuff Stuff". I thought that it looked good. Anyway, perhaps some day I will sell machines to Notre Dame. Then I can suggest the color as a possibility.


Moving on, What do you think of this color? I first saw it at the IRHSA show in San Diego about two years ago on machines by "Hoist". Now I will admit that Hoist builds general fitness equipment, primarily for health and fitness facilities, while I build specifically muscle-building machines for serious gyms and weight rooms: so a color like light blue may not be appropriate. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Personally love the color buti think if you're trying to sell equipment to modern gyms, even some hardcore ones, traditional colorways like white frame w/black pads, silver frame w/black pads, or even all black will always serve you well. Again, personally i love bright colors and miss the Big Blue Nautilus or the yellow and black which was seen in Gold's Venice in the late 90's, or the red frame w/black pads...love all that **** but i think it's a turnoff for many gymgoers now.

[kis55]

Well, thank you all for the input on the 'bronze'.


It seems that it doesn't go over too well for commercial gyms. I actually saw the color many years ago at an industry trade show, and I believe that the manufacturer was "Tuff Stuff". I thought that it looked good. Anyway, perhaps some day I will sell machines to Notre Dame. Then I can suggest the color as a possibility.


Moving on, What do you think of this color? I first saw it at the IRHSA show in San Diego about two years ago on machines by "Hoist". Now I will admit that Hoist builds general fitness equipment, primarily for health and fitness facilities, while I build specifically muscle-building machines for serious gyms and weight rooms: so a color like light blue may not be appropriate. Any feedback would be appreciated.

I absolutely love this light blue color. Really looks good!

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Well, thank you all for the input on the 'bronze'.


It seems that it doesn't go over too well for commercial gyms. I actually saw the color many years ago at an industry trade show, and I believe that the manufacturer was "Tuff Stuff". I thought that it looked good. Anyway, perhaps some day I will sell machines to Notre Dame. Then I can suggest the color as a possibility.


Moving on, What do you think of this color? I first saw it at the IRHSA show in San Diego about two years ago on machines by "Hoist". Now I will admit that Hoist builds general fitness equipment, primarily for health and fitness facilities, while I build specifically muscle-building machines for serious gyms and weight rooms: so a color like light blue may not be appropriate. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Light/sky blue is a nice color for a home gym and goes well with black padding, or accents (in the case of a rack for example: safeties, pull up bar(s), etc). It's a keeper as an option in my opinion, also dark blue, or a midnight blue are excellent colors if you got something like that available as well.

[EricAtl]

Hi, who is making your pads.

[gym62richard]

Personally for the base frame I like the more traditional colours, black, white or silver. I think padding/ upholstery is the place to add stronger complimentary colours.

I also like to add a complimentary colour to racks, I have black uprights with Red Cross members, J hooks and safeties. On the last few machines I was able to customise, I added a secondary colour to the moving parts, lever arms, linkages etc, in this case white frames with red upholstery and moving parts.

But of course these things are very subjective.

[HenryMaag]

Hi, who is making your pads.

Eric,

They are made "in house".


I know that they can't even begin to compete with the Panata pads for aesthetics, but the stitching does hold up well (I have had no complaints - in fact one of the gym managers at Camp Pendleton said that despite the extreme use that my demo machines were getting in his gym the past year that he has not had to replace the vinyl on any of them while replacing other machines vinyl many times).

I have been using US Naugahyde for my upholstery even from the beginning with Lamb Bodybuilding Machines back in the eighties.

[EricAtl]

Eric,

They are made "in house".


I know that they can't even begin to compete with the Panata pads for aesthetics, but the stitching does hold up well (I have had no complaints - in fact one of the gym managers at Camp Pendleton said that despite the extreme use that my demo machines were getting in his gym the past year that he has not had to replace the vinyl on any of them while replacing other machines vinyl many times).

I have been using US Naugahyde for my upholstery even from the beginning with Lamb Bodybuilding Machines back in the eighties.

Naugahyde is the best. Pads look good. What are you using as a backer. Thank you.

[rpark]

Sorry to throw a wrench into things..... but I prefer the bronze over the blue. Just my preference. I’d rather have a classy looking machine than something trying to compete with Planet Fitness style stuff. That being said, none of my stuff matches, but my favorite colors appear to be metallic flake silver/gray like Rogers Athletic uses (and plain black or white).

[HenryMaag]

Naugahyde is the best. Pads look good. What are you using as a backer. Thank you.

The machines pads are 'backed' with 3/4" 7 ply plywood (furniture grade). Except for the L-6000 Inverted Leg Press which is a laminate of 4 sheets of around .2" plywood.

[HenryMaag]

Sorry to throw a wrench into things..... but I prefer the bronze over the blue. Just my preference. I’d rather have a classy looking machine than something trying to compete with Planet Fitness style stuff. That being said, none of my stuff matches, but my favorite colors appear to be metallic flake silver/gray like Rogers Athletic uses (and plain black or white).

Thank you for the vote for the 'bronze'.

I haven't given up on it as a third option, I am presently ordering some more samples of a little darker bronze which I am going to test out. I have a theory that, perhaps, gym owners (and their clients) may get bored of the standard black, silver, and white options and for the sake of standing out may try the bronze.

[HenryMaag]

Sorry to throw a wrench into things..... but I prefer the bronze over the blue. Just my preference. I’d rather have a classy looking machine than something trying to compete with Planet Fitness style stuff. That being said, none of my stuff matches, but my favorite colors appear to be metallic flake silver/gray like Rogers Athletic uses (and plain black or white).

rpark,

I want to thank you for your "wrench", ...it hit me in the head; ...your comment about the light blue color ( "trying to compete with Planet Fitness style stuff" ) has been ringing in my ears ever since you made the comment. I completely agree with you, and will not pursue light blue any longer (it goes without saying that you will not see any light purple on any of my machines either).

Personally, my favorite colors are the standard "Gloss Black", "Silver" (I prefer the darker silvers), and to a lesser degree "White". I still do feel that "Bronze" is a possible option, in that it does look 'classy' (as you commented), and is significantly different from Black, Silver, and White.

Here are some pictures of my latest attempt at "Bronze". I put it on an old Lamb Pullover machine which we have in our basement gym. I upholstered the pads in black, because it was black on bronze that I saw at the trade show many years ago. I also feel that contrast between pads and frame on machines looks way better than a monotone (where both are the same color). I have had multiple customers request black on black, and have talked them into dark grey on black. This new "Bronze" color is relatively dark and may offer me a new option to suggest to the customers who want black on black (I could suggest black on dark bronze instead).


Any comments on this "Bronze" would be appreciated.

[Greybird2]

I think it looks nice. Much better than the green pads.