Comparison Stingray Titan vs HouseFit HG-2232

The highest weight of an athlete that the machine can normally handle for a long period (at least until the end of the warranty period with regular training). It is worth choosing a model according to this parameter with some margin — after all, during training, the weight can change noticeably, and upwards too; and if you are training to build muscle mass, then you should focus not on the current, but on the desired weight. And for the units used in public gyms, a large maximum weight is especially important — after all, people with a rather massive physique can use them. Anyway, you can’t exceed the weight limit: it’s not a fact that the simulator will break right away, but off-design loads will increase the wear of the structure and can significantly reduce the life of the product, and breakdown can occur at the most inopportune moment and lead to injury.

As for specific values, in most modern machines this limit is more than 150 kg. However, there are exceptions — models for 120 – 150 kg, or even 120 kg or less.

The largest weight of weights that can be installed on a machine of the appropriate design (see "Load").

When choosing according to this parameter, it is worth considering both the expected intensity of training and the characteristics of specific exercises. Detailed recommendations regarding this choice for different types of exercises are described in special sources. Here we emphasize that it is not recommended to exceed the maximum load weight: even if the machine does not break down immediately, an accident can occur at any time.

As for specific values, in most modern machines the permissible load weight does not exceed 100 kg — this is often quite enough. There are also many models where this figure lies in the range of 100 – 150 kg; less common options for 150 – 200 kg; and in the most “heavyweight” models, it is allowed to use loads of 200 kg or more.

The ability to adjust the seat of the machine at the request of the athlete.

Note that we are talking only directly about the seat; the backrest adjustment, if any, is specified separately (see below). As for the possibilities, the seat adjustment allows you to adjust it at least in height — this allows you to choose the optimal position, taking into account the height of the user. However, another option may be provided — horizontal adjustment by shifting back/forward; and in some machines, these options are combined.

The ability to adjust the backrest. Specific types of adjustment may be different — in height, in distance from the edge of the seat, in inclination, etc. However, this feature provides the ability to adjust the seat of the machine to the characteristics of the physique of the athlete and the requirements of the exercises performed.

Exercises for a specific muscle group that can be performed using a machine (there are also exercises for individual muscles, they are described in detail below).

The most popular types of exercises for muscle groups found nowadays: vertical traction, wide grip row, seated low pull, T-bar row, back row, lat pulldowns, deadlift), pullovers, lunges, pull-ups, dips and back extension. Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Vertical traction. Vertical traction is in some way similar to pull-ups — only in this case, the athlete does not pull his own body to the crossbar, but sits motionless, pulling the movable crossbar or handles towards him. This allows you to choose almost any level of load, including a fairly low one (whereas when pulling up you have to work at least with the weight of your own body); so vertical traction can be especially convenient for beginners, especially those with a large body mass. However, this exercise is also appreciated by professional athletes. Most machines provide the ability to use a different grip when per...forming vertical traction, which allows you to develop different muscle groups of the arms, chest and back. For example, pulling with a wide grip over the head develops mainly the latissimus dorsi, but also involves the upper back, biceps, individual muscles of the shoulder girdle, and some others.

— Wide grip row. This exercise involves pulling the crossbar toward your stomach, in a horizontal or almost horizontal direction. In the classic form, the wide grip row is performed while sitting, holding the crossbar in a vertical or almost vertical position and pulling it either to the stomach or to the neck. In the first case, due to this, the trapezius muscles of the back are worked out primarily in their middle and lower parts; also a significant load falls on the biceps, the lower part of the latissimus dorsi and the rhomboid muscle. Row to the neck, in turn, gives the main load to the latissimus dorsi, and an additional load to the biceps. Other variants of wide grip row are also possible, with other accents; however, the main muscle groups involved remain virtually unchanged.

— Seated low pull. An exercise to pull the weight up, vertically or at an angle — like working on traction with a barbell, kettlebell, etc. Some machines use a separate lower block for this, others provide the possibility of rearranging the block for wide grip row. The muscles being trained can be different, depending on the specific exercise.

— T-bar row. Deadlift performed using a T-bar. Such a bar has a sufficiently long length, at one end it is fixed in a swivel mount at floor level, and at the other end, there is a handle and a seat for installing pancake weights. The classic way to perform T-bar rows is standing, with the body tilted about 45 ° relative to the projectile, the handles in front of you and the bar moving up and down between the legs. Another option is a pull to the stomach on the machine when the athlete is reclining, face down, resting his chest and stomach on a special bench; this technique makes the exercise safer. Anyway, when performed correctly, the T-bar row provides, first of all, the training of the back muscles — the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboid, rear deltoid, etc.; the specific emphasis of the load may be different, primarily depending on the grip.

— Back row. It is usually performed in a horizontal direction with a weighted rocker arm. At the same time, the athlete sits with the body in an upright position. The exercise can be performed with one or both hands, in addition, in most machines with this function there is a chest support, which allows you to keep the body in a stationary position. Anyway, the main emphasis with the back row falls on the muscles of the back, in particular, the latissimus dorsi. A similar function is performed by the T-bar row and dumbbell row with one hand in an incline, but the back row has one important advantage: it is safer for the spine.

— Lat pulldowns. This term can mean different types of exercises, depending on the design of the machine. So, one of the most common options is the pull of the crossbar to the chest while sitting, in fact, one of the varieties of the wide grip row described above. This exercise is aimed mainly at developing the latissimus dorsi, in addition, it also works out the back of the deltoid muscles, biceps, and partially triceps and forearms. Another option is a pull that is close to vertical traction, but carried out with a reverse grip, by bending the arms at the elbows, and with the direction of movement not strictly vertical, but at an angle. This technique places increased stress on the arms, particularly the biceps, although it also puts a noticeable strain on the back and the stabilizing abdominal muscles.

— Deadlift. One of the fundamental, most famous and popular exercises for working with heavy weights. Initially performed with a barbell; therefore, most models with this function are Smith machines (see "Product type"), although there are also strength training machines where the appropriate handles of the weight-and-block system are used instead of the barbell (see "Loading system"). The general essence of the exercise is to lift the weight from the floor to the level of the pelvis. There are several techniques for performing such exercises. But anyway, it is a complex exercise, it puts a load on most of the muscles of the body, and also has a noticeable developmental and strengthening effect on the body as a whole.

— Pullover. Exercise, the basis of which is lifting the weight from behind the head. One of the advantages of this technique is that it allows you to simultaneously work out three muscle groups at once: pectoral, lats and triceps. However, the degree of load on each of these groups may be different, depending on the technique for performing pullovers. So, when performing an exercise lying on a horizontal bench, the triceps are mainly worked out, the pectoral muscles are less involved, and the lats do not strain at all to the degree necessary for training; to work out the latissimus dorsi, the position on an inclined bench is better with the head down, etc. Specifically, the devices for performing pullovers in modern machines can be either the simplest benches for working with dumbbells or other free weights, or weight-and-block systems designed to perform pullovers.

— Lunges. One of the basic exercises for the muscles of the legs — primarily the buttocks and quadriceps. The essence of the exercise is to move from a vertical position to a pose similar to squatting on one knee, due to a wide step; the knee of the back leg does not touch the floor. Lunges with additional weights in the form of a barbell are very popular; therefore, most machines with this feature are Smith machines (see "Product type"). Cable crossover machines with this function are somewhat less common; more specific options for performing lunges may be provided there; this should be clarified separately.

— Pull-ups. Traditional pull-ups are usually performed on the horizontal bar (see "Equipment"). The specific types of muscles involved in this exercise depend on the type (direct, reverse) and width of the grip, as well as some features of the technique. However, pull-ups intensively load the latissimus dorsi and large round muscles of the back. With a direct grip, the shoulder, brachioradialis, rhomboid and trapezius muscles are also involved; this technique is considered one of the most effective for forming the characteristic V-shaped silhouette of the male torso. The reverse grip, in turn, loads mainly the back and biceps.

— Dips. IDips on parallel horizontal bars (see "Equipment"). This function is practically mandatory for gravitons (see "Product type") — such machines were created, among other things, to optimize the performance of dips. Somewhat less common are other types of machines with bars — all-in-one machines, as well as cable crossover machines with advanced functionality; in such models, dips are performed in the classic format, with full body weight and weights if necessary. Anyway, the main muscles worked out through this technique are the pectoralis major, as well as the triceps.

— Back extension. An exercise is also known as hyperextension. In machines, for its implementation, the so-called Roman chair is usually provided — a horizontal or inclined bench with special footrests. The athlete lies on such a bench on his stomach (if the surface is inclined — head up) and fixes his legs in the stops; while the body in the initial position is tilted down, and the edge of the bench is located in the middle of the thighs, below the pelvis. When performing the exercise, the athlete lifts the body, straightening the back, due to which the main load is provided. The muscle groups being worked out depend on the technique of performing the exercise, there are two main options here. If you perform hyperextension with a straight back, the main load goes to the gluteus maximus muscle and the hamstring muscles, if you also bend and unbend your back in the process, the muscle that extends the spine is connected to the work. Anyway, hyperextension perfectly strengthens the supporting apparatus of the back, and it is very safe and suitable even for beginners and people with weak backs.

The country of origin of the brand under which the product is presented on the market.

There are many stereotypes associated with the “nationality” of a particular product. Firstly, as the country of origin indicates the "homeland" of the manufacturing company or the country of location of its headquarters; the actual place of production may be located in another country (this is often resorted to nowadays to reduce the cost of the manufacturing). Secondly, the actual quality of the goods nowadays depends solely on how carefully this quality is controlled by the manufacturer and is not related to geographical factors. Therefore, it makes sense to pay attention to the country of origin of the brand only if you fundamentally want or do not want to support a company from a certain state. To assess the quality, you should focus primarily on the reputation of a particular brand.

The dimensions of the equipment in the assembled and ready-to-work state. It is important to note that more space is needed for the comfortable and proper operation of the machine. This is due to the need to have space for the athlete, and the arm and leg extensions when performing exercises and using additional equipment. If we are talking about a gym, then people working nearby or other equipment, etc., can become a hindrance. Therefore, it is recommended when choosing to calculate that in addition to the dimensions of the simulator, you may need an additional metre of free space on each side.