Hydraulic weight lifting machines, created in 1969, feature hydraulic cylinders that produce resistance for each exercise, in contrast to traditional weight lifting machines that use weight stacks or resistance bands. Hydraulic exercise machines use oil-filled cylinders and allow users to adjust the tension with a controller knob. Popular in circuit training stations in many commercial gyms, users can choose from various types of hydraulic weight lifting equipment, from single-movement machines to multi-exercise total gym machines.
History
In 1969, Jerry Brentham, a high school fitness coach, used his previous knowledge of hydraulics to develop gym equipment that used hydraulic cylinders for resistance. Brentham's goals included creating a safe module for resistance exercise that excluded some of the dangers inherent in free weights or traditional weight lifting machines. After its inception, various manufacturers began producing hydraulic equipment and marketing it towards teens, seniors and women.
Identification
Hydraulic exercise machines feature cylinders with 6 levels of resistance, which you can click into position to modify the level of resistance. Applying force at one point of the exercise causes the hydraulic oil within the cylinders to transfer the force to another point, which creates smooth, constant resistance. Further define the resistance by varying the force and speed at which you perform the exercise. The more forceful and quick your movements, the greater the resistance and intensity will be.
Function
Hydraulic weight lifting machines provide a means to perform strength training and serve as a cardiovascular exercise module. The increased heart rate and energy output on a hydraulic resistance circuit exercise program parallels the response to traditional circuit resistance exercise, according to the February 1989 issue of "The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research." Adding hydraulic resistance exercise to your weekly regimen can help you meet the American College of Sports Medicine's physical activity recommendations. Perform at least 30 minutes a day of aerobic activity, 5 days a week, in addition to at least 2 days a week of resistance training to fully meet the ACSM's recommendations.
Considerations
Hydraulic exercise equipment, user-friendly and simplistic in design, requires no spotter and no previous experience, making it a popular choice among the elderly, women, children, teens and beginners. However, the pitfalls of hydraulic machines include the lack of eccentric resistance, and users' tendency to quickly adapt and neglect adhering to the progressive overload principle, according to Tom Venuto, C.S.C.S. and fitness author. To continue progressing in strength and overall fitness, and to avoid fitness plateaus, regularly change the exercises and weight lifting machines that you incorporate into your fitness regimen, recommends Dr. Len Kravitz, researcher at the University of New Mexico.
References
- Hydra-Gym Athletics: Our Company History
- Hydraulic Fitness: Cylinders
- Shapes for Women: About Our Hydraulic Fitness Cylinders
- American College of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity and Public Health Guidelines
- "The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research"; Energy Output During Hydraulic Resistance Circuit Exercise; National Strength and Conditioning Association; February 1989
- TomVenuto.com: Curves for Women
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