T he strength training world is today dominated by two types of machines, which were designed to assist the user (in a higher or lower proportion) while performing the workouts. They are an upgrade from the classical weight training options and are considered safer to use, especially by beginners. The first to enter people’s homes were the multi-gyms, which used fully controlled movements to prevent any accidents, but there were still plenty of bodybuilders who considered that even the best home gym was a bit too restrictive for the exercises they were trying to pull through, and this is how the functional trainer was developed.
In this article, we will explore the technology behind each machine type and analyze the situations in which one could be better than the other, as there are still plenty of reviews that advocate for the use of a home gym instead of a functional trainer for the increased safety it offers. We will also try to clarify which are the main features of each machine type and answer some of the most common questions regarding these pieces of gym equipment, so in the end, you should be able to make the right decision.
When looking at a cable crossover machine, you will observe that it looks a lot like a multi-gym, although just a bit more alien. There is the weight stack you may be familiar with, and there is the pulley system. Even some of the accessories are in the picture, like the pulldown bar, for example. Yet there is one thing that is missing, and this is the pre-established path of the cables. Yes, the trainer leaves it to you to control your movements in order not to get injured. No worries, though, as your body already has what it takes to do it, and the process is called proprioception. More specifically, your brain can assess what movements your body needs to do to maintain its balance and not get injured. It is like when you are lifting a box. You don’t need to think about how to do it. Your hands just grab it, and the right muscles contract to help you lift it and place it on the shelf.
The greatest advantage offered by this type of arrangement is that it replicates, to some point, the movement involved when lifting free weights and, rendering to this study, since your muscles need to contract not only to sustain the weight but to control it as well, the chances are that you will get bigger muscles faster.
Compared to a functional trainer, a multi-gym is more restrictive in what concerns the movements you can execute. The pulleys have a pre-established path, so the chances that you may be executing an exercise the wrong way are almost non-existent. The linear movements guarantee the safety of the workouts, and you can still get excellent results with this method, as well. However, since your muscles no longer need to contract to maintain the correct body position, a small difference concerning muscle definition was observed. This method is mainly recommended for people who want to stay fit and prevent muscle loss diseases, and this study has proven that you can stop the deterioration of the muscles by including a rigorous strength weightlifting routine in your daily life.
The best way to tell which machine would work for you is to take into account a series of criteria when making the choice, and here are the ones we consider to be the most important:
It is hard to tell which machine is better than the other as, even if there are some differences between them, they both cater to the same purpose in the end – to get you fit and healthy. The gym is more suitable for regular home training, while the trainer can be used to achieve better results if you are on your way to becoming a bodybuilder. Nevertheless, the studies have shown that any form of strength training improves your cardiovascular health and strengthens your muscles, so you should totally go for it.