“Selectorized machines appeal to many users, from novice to professional. They’re nonintimidating, easy to use, and biomechanically precise,” says Jim McIntyre, the strength products manager for TRUE Fitness. “Selectorized training has been an integral offering at clubs for decades. That’s not about to change.”
But manufacturers are hardly complacent. This year, for instance, TRUE is adding a rotary torso, deltoid raise, and horizontal leg curl to its 16-piece FUSE-XL selectorized line.
And club operators remain discriminating consumers. “They’re insisting that selectorized pieces provide sound movement patterns and smooth travel, so members will view them as a viable substitute to free weights,” says Rick Reading, SportsArt’s sales director for the U.S. and Canada. His company, he says, “is at the drawing board with some amazing new concepts.”
Other firms are busy creating new designs, as well.
Core Health & Fitness’ Nautilus ONE
The Nautilus ONE line, from Core Health & Fitness, replaces the standard selectorized pin with an intuitive, user-friendly dial to change resistance. The machines’ four-bar linkage and unique cam design provide fluid movement and proper muscle loading through the complete range of motion.
CardioGym’s CG2 Functional Trainer
The new CG2 Functional Trainer, from CardioGym, features a motorized weight-selection system, allowing users to change resistance conveniently, quickly, and safely. And the single-unit CG2, with two 100-pound weight stacks and four cable/pulley systems, facilitates multiple exercises in a small area.