Plate Loaded Equipment use round plates, similar to those used with barbells, that can be hung and removed to create resistance during exercise. This makes them much more versatile than selectorized machines, which typically only allow a limited amount of weight to be added and remove via a pin. This can limit users from pushing their physical limits or overloading the equipment.

As well as being very durable, plate-loaded machines are also safer than free weights, due to the fact that they are not exposed to as many moving parts and have far fewer components that can break, fray or tear. This helps them to be more user friendly and requires less maintenance.

The Benefits of Plate Loaded Equipment for Strength Training Enthusiasts

Some people have complained that the range of motion and the structure of plate-loaded equipment can lead to an unbalanced strength curve compared to selectorized equipment, although this is not always the case. Some manufacturers such as Hammer Strength have worked to solve this issue by positioning their bearings and pivot points differently, or allowing plate loads to be changed at different positions within the movement.

Here at Gymwarehouse we have a great selection of top-of-the-range plate-loaded machine such as the Trap Shrugged and Grappler, 70 Degree Leg Press and Unilateral Converging Incline Chest Press, amongst other. These are available individually or in package form such as our ‘Strike’ range which contains 8 upper and lower body plate loaded machine plus suitable weights to load onto the machines.