Cybex Machine 15 lbs increment
I just switched to a gym (PF) that has mostly Cybex machines. Instead of having 5 lbs increments like most machines, the machines have 15 lbs increments. I am used to Nautilus and Life Fitness machines that have 5 lbs increments.
I read the Cybex manuals --well the ones online and asked the staff and it seems there is only a 15 lbs increment :-(
I know a lot of people will say, just quit and join another gym...but this gym fits into my schedule and I'm not a serious body builder or anything.
So is there any strategy for improving/progressing on the Cybex Machines? I am used to doing two sets of 15 reps, adding 5lbs to the second set when possible to progress.
Or has some clever person figured out a way to hang some 5lbs weights off the Cybex?
Most gym "machines" have 2.5/5 lb weight things that you can add to the top of the machine weight so that you don't have to make the increment in 15/20 lbs. You could try buying your own and bringing them with you.
Not sure what the term for these things is, though. Or how expensive they may be.
Go to the barbells/dumbbells
Problem solved.
You can often hang a 5 or 10lb plate from the pin in the weight stack.
I was going to say - stop using the machines and lift real weights! Besides machines just aren't as effective for most things like a real DB and barbell are.
Original Post by armandounc:
Most gym "machines" have 2.5/5 lb weight things that you can add to the top of the machine weight so that you don't have to make the increment in 15/20 lbs. You could try buying your own and bringing them with you.
Not sure what the term for these things is, though. Or how expensive they may be.
My gym has both cybex and nautilus - but I generally use the free weights. The times when I use the cybex machines, I have used incremental weights that fit on top of the weight stack, you can usually find them hanging from some peg on the side of the machine. They have 5, 7.5 and 10 lb weights and they have notches that make them fit exactly and securely on top of the stack Take a look for them - in my gym they often manage to wander around, so you might also have to search a little. It's ridiculous to think that you would move up in 15 lb increments, so they must have some of them there.
Thanks for a good tip Flogginsully! The Cybex VR1's do have the 5 lbs increments on the top and I do use them, but most of the machines in PF look like Cybex Eagle machines. Also they put a guard in front so you can't reach the weight stack easily. They must be special machines for Planet Fitness. 
BTW I also use dumbells...but I was asking about the machines.
