Hydraulic Exercise Equipment

Many gyms feature hydraulic exercise equipment as part of their circuit training apparatus. These machines provide a popular strength training alternative to equipment utilizing weight stacks.

First developed in the 1970s by the Henley Corporation, hydraulic exercise equipment provides resistance against movement of a lever pushing against hydraulic fluid in a piston. Because there are no weight stacks with set weights, using a hydraulic machine for resistance training allows you to fine-tune the resistance for your individual strength training level. Likewise, the hydraulics resist only as you apply force, and it responds to the speed and level of force you apply to your movements. As a result, you determine how difficult your workout is by your energy and movements rather than relying on the weights to control the intensity of your workout. If you move more quickly or exert more force, resistance increases. If you move more slowly or exert less force, resistance decreases.

At-home cardiovascular fitness training equipment may also be hydraulic. The same principles apply to hydraulic cardiovascular equipment: you control the workout and intensity by the force and speed of your own movements.?

Hydraulic exercise equipment typically utilizes separate machines to isolate specific muscle groups. The actions that you perform on such equipment mirrors activities on weight-based machines. The major difference is in how the machines supply resistance.?

The uniquely customizable features of a hydraulic machine yield many benefits:

You can go at your own pace, making the equipment ideal for special populations such as children, the elderly, and people recovering from injuries.Hydraulic strength training and cardio equipment allows you to exercise at a level with which you are comfortable, because you have ultimate control over the resistance it provides.People using hydraulic equipment experience reduced soreness.It allows people of all fitness levels to train on the same equipment.It can be tailored to help meet individual fitness goals.The specificity of each movement helps you avoid injury and allows you to train specified areas.Hydraulic aerobic equipment yields a quieter workout, and the intensity is up to you.

The equipment has drawbacks, as well:

Hydraulic resistance machines may not supply as smooth of a range of motion as weight-based machines.Most hydraulic resistance machines have a top weight that may be lower than weight-based machines.The resistance machines may not provide sufficient resistance for advanced athletes or extremely strong individuals.The hydraulic resistance-training equipment is not as versatile as weight-stack machines, and you usually need multiple machines to get a full body workout. This makes it impractical for home users.At-home hydraulic cardio equipment may have lower weight limits, putting it out of reach of some obese individuals.

You typically find hydraulic strength training machines in gyms and fitness centers. Many gyms geared especially towards women feature hydraulic equipment. Many retail outlets sell at-home cardio training hydraulic equipment, such as the Bowlfex Tread Climber and the Sears Precision Rower.

If you've been looking for a customizable workout that works with your own unique goals, hydraulic fitness equipment may be right for you. Talk to a fitness professional to determine how to incorporate these machines into your workout routine.