It is common knowledge that Functional Trainers are an extremely versatile piece of strength equipment (and extremely popular!) because they allow users to easily train for a “purpose”, whether that be a sport, activity or a movement that is performed regularly in daily life. But did you know that there are several different types of functional trainer designs, each with their own advantages?
While almost all Functional Trainers use cables allowing freedom of movement during the exercise path, variations in the frame design, the type and amount of resistance used as well as how it is applied, and the quantity and adjustments (if any) of the pulleys that the handles and accessories attach to, can drastically change the performance of the unit.
Understanding these differences, will help you choose the right functional trainer for your needs.
Dual Adjustable Pulley Functional Trainers
When many people visualize a functional trainer, they think of a Dual Adjustable Pulley. Dual Adjustable Pulleys have two pulleys, each secured to a vertical linear post or upright. The position (height) of the two pulleys can be adjusted up and down but because the posts the pulleys slide on are fixed, you can not bring the pulleys closer together or further apart. Dual Adjustable Pulleys generally incorporate a Pull Up Bar allowing for a range of hanging exercises to be performed, some in both assisted or non-assisted versions. Many Dual Adjustable Pulley Functional Trainers include two weight stacks, allowing for super-sets or multiple users to exercise at one time.
Positives:
- Ability to fine tune the height position of the two pulleys.
- Commonly available with 2 weight stacks – allowing for super sets or two users.
- Usually includes a Pull Up Bar Assembly
Articulating Arm (Radial Arm) Functional Trainers
Articulating Arm Functional Trainers, sometimes referred to as “Radial Arm Functional Trainers” also have two pulleys whose position can be changed but unlike Dual Adjustable Pulley Functional Trainers, their pulleys are secured to the end of two pivoting arms. Although usually a little more cumbersome to adjust than a Dual Adjustable Pulley, the path the arms adjust on forms an arc which allows the user to position the pulleys close together at the top and bottom, something not possible on a Dual Adjustable Pulley. With the pulleys closer together the resistance from the cables can be applied on a vertical path (as opposed to angled path when the pulleys are wider apart) which feels more natural and comfortable when completing for certain exercises. Users who perform vertical path exercises using both cables at one time like Squats, Shoulder Press and Lat Pull Downs will appreciate the ability to position the cables closer together.
Positives:
- Ability to fine tune the position of the two pulleys.
- Ability to position the pulleys close together at the top & the bottom (Ideal for squats, shoulder press, lat pulldowns etc.)
3-Tier Functional Trainers
3-Tier Functional Trainers have 3 pairs of pulleys fixed to the frame (Upper, Middle & Lower) whose height or position can not be adjusted. As the majority of exercises are completed with the pulleys in, or very close to these positions, it makes 3-Tier Functional Trainers by far the simplest and quickest type of functional trainer to use. When exercise handles (or accessories) are attached to each pulley, users can just drop the handles on the level they are working on and grab another levels handles to continue exercising at a rapid rate. Users lose the ability to adjust the position of the pulleys between the middle and upper and middle and lower locations but gain the ability to easily perform circuit training or quick change cardio/strength workouts. Many designs position the upper and lower tiers of pulleys close together so the resistance from the cables can be applied on a vertical path, just as Radial Arm Functional Trainers allow. 3-Tier Functional Trainers are ideal for those who are willing to sacrifice a little adjustability to get a quicker and easier workout.
Positives:
- Simplest and fastest to use – No pulley adjustments
- Available with the top and bottom tiers of pulleys close together (Ideal for squats, shoulder press, lat pulldowns etc.)
- Less moving parts general reduces wear
- Some designs are available with a Pull Up Assembly
HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FUNCTIONAL TRAINERS
- Contact your local specialty dealer and see what types of functional trainers they have on their showroom to try.
- Complete a range of exercises on each type including exercises at various heights
- Decide whether you want to perform hanging exercises on your Functional Trainer
- Do you prefer the pulleys closer together at the top and bottom positions for exercises like squats, shoulder presses and la pulldowns.
- How important is it to you to be able adjust the pulleys between the middle and upper and middle and lower positions?
If you are willing to sacrifice the ability to “fine-tune” the pulley positions then 3-Tier Functional Trainers will allow you to gain a lot in terms of speed and simplicity as well as easily incorporating cardio to your strength training workouts. It is for this reason that 3-tier functional trainers are very popular in homes and small light commercial facilities where unsupervised users of all levels use the equipment. If this interests you, be sure to check out our GX Activity Trainer Series which includes two 3-Tier Functional Trainers.