On a tight budget? It’s true that you can find exercise machines and accessories available at a wide range of price points. So you may ask: What gives premium fitness equipment its higher price point? Believe it or not, in many cases, it comes down to the quality of the steel that goes into the machine’s construction.
For example, Gym Source carries fitness machines manufactured by Cybex, which builds its machines using the highest quality steel found in fitness. Steel is an alloy made out of iron and carbon, and the different compositions affect the strength. Cybex equipment—and equipment made by other brands carried by Gym Source—is made of heavy-duty carbon steel that is orders of magnitude stronger than alloy or stainless steel (which you’ll find in machines online or at big box retailers).
Better-quality steel has a higher tensile strength and a thicker gauge. Steel is rolled, which creates its thickness or gauge; the smaller the gauge, the thicker and stronger the steel is. Let’s use power cages as an example. You can find a $300 to $400 power cage online, but expect it to be made from 12 to 13 gauge steel. By contrast, a premium power cage from Hoist may cost $1,000 to $5,000—and features long-lasting durability with thicker 11 gauge steel.
Why does steel quality matter so much? The higher quality steel used by Gym Source brands has the strength to handle heavy loads and and long-term stress better than weaker steel, dramatically reducing the likelihood of your machine bending, breaking and requiring repair or replacement. As such, machines made from high-quality steel are a good investment since they far outlast the lifetime of lesser quality machines.
The highest quality steel is essential for gym settings in order to endure and withstand the use and abuse of commercial use. That’s exactly what makes these brands the best choice for home use, as well—since they’re built to last for the long haul no matter the number or ability level of all members of your household. Simply put, the brands that use better quality steel provide the quality required for long-term safety and enjoyment.