10 Best Plate-Loaded Exercise Equipment

Article By:

The Editors

|Updated: February 24, 2023

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Looking for a versatile and effective workout equipment to target either your upper or lower body? Look no further! Plate-loaded exercise machines are a fantastic option that offer a wide range of exercises and resistance levels, making it a great investment for your gym. In this review, we'll be covering the best plate-loaded exercise equipment, including multifunction racks, leg extension and curl machines, leg press machines, and many more. Get ready to take your fitness game to the next level with the best plate-loaded equipment on the market!

If you’re looking for other fitness gear you might like, check out the home workout guide or getting a squat rack. If you’re on a nutrition kick, then checkout our guide of the best blenders to make consuming nutritious meals more fun. After checking out the equipment below, checkout our guide to Choose the Best Kettlebell for your needs.

Best Chest and Back Exercise

IRON COMPANY Body-Solid Plate Loaded PEC Machine

★★★★½4.5 stars, 107 reviews

$797

The PEC Machine is a high-quality piece of workout equipment. The 2" x 2" steel frame is strong and durable, providing a solid foundation for your exercises. The extra-thick DuraFirm seat and back pads are both comfortable and long-lasting, ensuring that you can work out for extended periods of time without any discomfort. The machine is fully adjustable, so it can accommodate users of any size. The articulating arms allow for both unilateral and bilateral chest development, giving you a comprehensive workout. Its compact enough to make it a good fit for most home or gym spaces. Overall, this machine is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their chest workouts.

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Best Lat Pull Down Machine

XMark LAT Pull Down and Low Row Cable Machine, Heavy Duty LAT Machine with High and Low Pulley Stations, Row Machine, Upper Body Machine

★★★★½4.7 stars, 441 reviews

$704

This XMark LAT Pull Down and Low Row Cable Machine is a versatile and high-quality piece of exercise equipment. With the added accessory package, including a chinning triangle, single grip handles, triceps rope, curl bar, and press down bar, users have a range of upper body exercises to choose from. The machine is designed with strength in mind, featuring nylon-coated aircraft quality cables with a 2200 pound tensile strength rating and 400 pound maximum load capacity. Additionally, the 11-gauge steel mainframe and baked scratch-resistant powder coat finish make the machine stable and comfortable to use, with extra thick cushioning and oversized vinyl-covered pads. The chrome-plated lat pulldown and low row bars are well designed and come with texturized rubber handgrips. The machine has a minimal footprint, performs smoothly, and looks great in any home gym. Overall, the XMark LAT Pull Down and Low Row Cable Machine is a great investment for those looking for a high-quality strength training machine.

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Best Leg Exercise Machine

XMark XM-7615

★★★★½4.6 stars, 351 reviews

$769

The XMark XM-7615 Leg Extension and Leg Curl Machine is a top-of-the-line piece of exercise equipment designed to target and isolate the quadriceps and hamstrings. With its 12-position vertically-adjustable thigh pads, 20-position adjustable press arm, and fully adjustable backrest pad, this machine is designed to fit a range of leg lengths. The machine is constructed with a steel 12-gauge heavy duty 2 x 3-inch mainframe and coated in a baked scratch-resistant powder coat finish with bolted-on, skid resistant feet for added stability. The machine supports both standard and Olympic weight plates and comes with a 14" chrome Olympic adapter sleeve for use with Olympic plates. The extra thick 3 inch sweat and tear-resistant Duraguard vinyl cushions and pads, including oversized 4.33 inch vinyl covered thigh pads with chrome end caps, as well as rubber grip handlebars with molded finger grips make for a comfortable workout experience. The XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine is a great investment for those looking to sculpt, build, and define their legs. With the updated assembly instructions and the redesigned multiple-box shipment, the XM-7615 should be a hassle-free addition to your home gym.

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Most Affordable Row Machine

Valor Fitness CB-14 Seated Row Machine

★★★★½4.6 stars, 146 reviews

$395

The Valor Fitness CB-14 Seated Row Machine is a heavy-duty and versatile piece of exercise equipment for strengthening your back muscles. Constructed with 2" x 2" 12-gauge steel, it is durable and will last through intense workouts. The high-density dual-layered padding provides comfort during your workout. The rubber end caps on each foot of the Row Machine provide additional stability and prevent damage to your floor.

One of the unique features of the CB-14 is the independent arms that can work both sides of your back simultaneously or alternately, giving you the ability to focus on each side of your back. The versatile grips options, including a stationary and rotating grip handle, allow you to target your back muscles comfortably and with less strain on your elbows.

The CB-14 is also adjustable with 4 seat height positions and 5 chest pad positions, providing a comfortable and natural position during your workout. It supports both standard and Olympic sized weights, and comes with 2 Olympic sleeve adapters and both Olympic and standard sized spring clips.

This Seated Row Machine is suitable for athletes of all levels and can be used in a home or garage gym, or light-commercial fitness center. With a max weight load of 200 lb per arm (400 lb total max weight load), it provides a comprehensive workout for your back muscles.

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Best Overall Plate-Loaded Machines

Marcy Smith Machine Cage System Home Gym Multifunction Rack

★★★★☆4.4 stars, 322 reviews

$1999

The Marcy Smith Machine Cage System Home Gym Multifunction Rack is a comprehensive workout machine that allows you to achieve a full-body workout in one space. With a total size of 70” L x 84” W x 86” H, this gym system combines different strength building machines like a Power Tower, Utility Bench, and Squat Rack. It also features a dedicated landmine exercise attachment for added versatility.

The multi-grip pull-up bar allows you to execute exercises for the upper body with ease, such as pull ups, chin ups, and hanging leg raises. The bar can also be used to attach resistance bands.

The cage boasts a durable pulley system that enables you to perform several crossover workouts, and comes equipped with a rowing cable so you can do seated rows to target your back, forearm, and upper arm muscles. The cage is perfect for athletes of all levels looking for a customizable training station.

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Best Leg Press Machine

PowerTec Fitness Leg Press

★★★★½4.7 stars, 131 reviews

$1599

The PowerTec Fitness Leg Press Machine is a top-notch piece of equipment for your home gym. With a weight capacity of up to 1000 lbs, it's perfect for those who are serious about lower body training. The machine is compact, making it suitable for small spaces, and has a smooth roller system with nylon-reinforced wheels for a comfortable workout experience. The adjustable backrest adds to the comfort and versatility of this machine, allowing you to target different muscle groups in your lower body, including the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.

Safety is a key aspect of this machine, with dual safety catches ensuring you can lift heavy weights with confidence. This home gym equipment is made with professional-grade padding and includes stainless steel weight horns and a large foot plate. If you're looking for a high-quality, versatile and safe leg press machine, the PowerTec Fitness Leg Press Machine is a great option.

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Best Vertical Leg Press

Body-Solid Powerline PVLP156X

★★★★½4.5 stars, 304 reviews

$557

The Body-Solid Powerline PVLP156X Vertical Leg Press is an excellent choice for anyone looking to isolate and target their lower body muscles. The vertical design of the machine provides an effective workout that targets the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings and calves.

This leg press machine is equipped with dual-adjustable 1/2-inch locking pins and offers three starting and stopping positions, providing maximum versatility and flexibility in your workout. The extra-thick back pad and contoured head and neck pad make it a comfortable and safe option for all users.

The durable alloy steel frame with tough powder-coated finish can withstand heavy use and has a weight capacity of 400 lbs. However, it is important to note that weights, adapter sleeves, and collars are not included with the machine.

In conclusion, the Body-Solid Powerline PVLP156X Vertical Leg Press is a high-quality and effective workout machine that is perfect for home use and can be easily incorporated into any home gym.

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Best Tricep Dip Machine

Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Seated Dip Machine

★★★★½4.7 stars, 108 reviews

$319

The Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Seated Dip Machine is a great addition to any home or garage gym. Its specialty design allows for intense tricep workouts by allowing weight to be added for resistance. Assembly is quick and easy, taking only a matter of minutes to set up. The machine is constructed with heavy-duty steel, providing stability during use and optional bolt-down holes for added security. The sleek black powder-coated paint job not only looks great but also protects the machine from rust and other weather elements. Additionally, the machine is designed to fit athletes of all sizes with a vertically adjustable seat height. Overall, the Plate Loadable Seated Dip Machine is a high-quality, durable and effective solution for building strong triceps.

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Best Seated Calf Raise

XMark Seated Calf Raise Machine

★★★★½4.6 stars, 354 reviews

$346

If you're looking to enhance your lower body strength, the XMark Seated Calf Raise Machine is the perfect addition to your home gym. This plate-loaded machine supports up to 450 lbs of weight, making it suitable for even the most intense calf workouts. The heavy gauge tubular construction ensures stability and durability, while the 3” Duracraft seat and thigh cushions provide comfort during your workout. The adjustable swiveling thigh pads offer both vertical and horizontal adjustments, allowing for a more personalized workout experience. The XMark Calf Raise Machine is not only functional, but it also boasts a sleek and attractive design, making it a great addition to any home gym. With its high-quality construction and premium features, the XMark Seated Calf Raise Machine is a top-notch choice for anyone looking to build powerful calves.

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Best Shoulder Press

Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Deltoid and Shoulder Press Machine

★★★★½4.5 stars, 43 reviews

$649

The Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Deltoid and Shoulder Press Machine is a great addition to your home gym. This multi-functional machine allows you to work on your upper chest, upper back, shoulders, pecs, and deltoids with ease. The seat height is adjustable to (4) different heights in increments of 1-inch, from 17 to 20-inches from the floor, to accommodate all athletes sizes. The shoulder press has a spring-loaded raised lockout for a full range of deltoid function, providing a deep, full-stretch workout and optimal development.

The machine also features thick and comfortable padding to reduce strain and stress on your muscles while working out. The padding is found on the seat, back, and arm pads, making your workout comfortable and pain-free. The machine has (4) weight post sleeves and can hold a weight capacity of 700-pounds, making it perfect for Olympic weightlifting.

With an overall height of 65-inches and a footprint of 39-inches long by 35-inches wide, the back pad is 18-inches long, 9.75-inches wide, and 2.25-inches thick, while the seat pad is 10.5-inches long, 11.25-inches wide, and 2.25-inches thick. The arm pads are 10-inches long, 5-inches wide, and 1.75-inches thick, making the machine compact and easy to use.

In conclusion, the Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Deltoid and Shoulder Press Machine is a great investment for anyone looking to build upper body strength and develop their muscles at home.

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, plate-loaded exercise equipment offers an efficient and comprehensive workout experience that is suitable for both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts. With a variety of options available, it's important to choose the right equipment that fits your fitness goals, budget, and space. We hope this review has helped you find the perfect plate-loaded equipment to elevate your workout routine. Happy training!

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