Often, multi gyms use a series of cables, pulleys and wheels to increase the amount of weight that you are actually lifting without having to add more weight to the physical weight stack.

In your example, the actual weight of the plates will be 38kg, but by using the mechanical leverage effect of the cables and pulleys, the resistance weight effect will be 60kg.

This means is that it will feel like you’re lifting 60kg even though the stack is only a 38kg stack.

The resulting effects on your muscles will still be pretty much the same as if you were lifting an actual stack of 60kg. The key thing to look out for is how smooth it feels when lifting the heavier amounts as some multi gyms can feel a bit ’stiff’ when you get to that higher weight level and, depending on the location of the pulleys, the weight can feel different at different stages of the exercise movement (which you obviously don’t want).

Good luck with your training program

John

thanks for stopping by.

You’ve asked a good question and it’s one that get’s asked a lot – especially if you’re going to invest some serious cash in a quality multi-gym.

Well done on setting yourself a target for your weight loss. Before I answer your question, I just want to highlight how important it is that you see a qualified medical practitioner before you undertake any exercise or diet program – better to get to your target healthy and alive! OK?

So here’s what to look out for:

1. Look to buy a good quality piece of equipment with workstations to perform the large-muscle group exercises such as Lat Pulldowns and Squats. That will be key to helping your weight-loss goals and building up the bigger muscles in your body.

2. Look for a unit with a total weight stack of no less than 200 pounds or 90kg so you’ll not out grow it for a quite a while.

3. Aim for a weight stack with the lighter weights going up in smaller increments. That will allow you to increase weight in small amounts when you’re just starting and will help both your actual progress and also your motivation as you feel you’re making that progress. Look for a weight stack with more weight plates to allow you to add on a small amount more often.

4. I would also suggest that you supplement your gym with some free weights such as a set of dumbbells as this will help you at the beginning when you’ll be using lighter weights and concentrating on form to get your body used to exercise.

Remember that it’s not all about lifting just heavy weights for a small number of reps. You can get some incredibly tough workouts using lighter weights and controlled movements with good form. Believe me, I’ve seen long term bodybuilders with muscles screaming whilst lifting what are, to them, measly little dumbbells!

Hope that helps you decide on your purchase Mark. Makes me happy to hear of someone setting out on their own personal journey to getting fit. Stick at it and take it carefully at first. I see too many folks dive in and try to do too much at first only to be laid up with injury for weeks after.

Good luck with your goals and please let us know how you get on – we’d love to hear about your successes all along the way!

John

to better help you, it would be good if you could let us know the following:

– what make/model of multi-gym have you bought?
– if you don’t know the make/model, what exercise stations has it got?
– do you have any other equipment e.g., dumbells, other weights, cardio machine such as a treadmill?
– what are your main fitness goals? e.g., are you looking to lose weight/fat, build cardio, tone or build muscle?

kind regards

John