The Technology That Could Replace Weights Forever
In a Nutshell
Electric lifting machines can overcome free weight limitations by providing adjustable tension throughout the range of motion, heavier eccentric loading, and precise 1-lb increments. The Speediance machine demonstrates these capabilities with smooth motorized resistance and eccentric-accentuated modes, but is limited by a 220-lb maximum, subscription-driven interface, and lack of vertical pulling options. While not replacing traditional weights, these machines offer valuable training enhancements for home users willing to pay $5,000 for the technology.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
For decades, people have used chunks of steel to lift weights and build muscle. However, there are specific elements of hypertrophy and athletic training where traditional free weights and even machines fall short. The first issue is tension in the stretch. When performing dumbbell lateral raises, the most theoretically stimulative part of the range of motion is the bottom third, but gravity only points downward, making this the exact place where dumbbells exert the least tension on the delts—the opposite of ideal.
The second limitation is the opposite problem: some free weight movements where constant tension is desired only have tension during a portion of the lift. For athletic function training requiring strength in every range of motion, movements like dumbbell flies and pullovers kick out completely at the top, meaning the load doesn't apply to the pecs in the upper end of the ROM.
Third, while machines can solve the problem of constant tension, they introduce their own limitation. Lying hamstring curls would ideally be tougher at the bottom and easier at the top to accommodate the strength curve and maximize hypertrophy. Hamstrings are way stronger at the stretch than near full contraction, and since tension under stretch is most important for hypertrophy, not having the hams more challenged at the stretch is a significant downside of most leg curl machines.
Fourth, traditional weights—especially dumbbells—have loading increments that can be inappropriately large. If someone can do 20+ repetitions with 10-lb dumbbells for bicep curls and wants to progress, they typically must jump to 15-lb dumbbells since most gyms don't have 12.5-lb options. This represents the same progression jump as going from 200 to 300 lbs on the leg press in one session.
Fifth, nearly every machine and free weight exercise has nearly identical eccentric and concentric loading. While this is fine, research indicates that accentuating the eccentric—making the descent heavier than the ascent—boosts hypertrophy and strength outcomes to a small but notable extent. Most machines, due to friction, actually work backwards: they make the concentric harder while making the eccentric easier, which is opposite to the theoretical ideal.
Electric motors are openly programmable and cables don't have preferences, making it theoretically possible to create a machine that addresses all free weight limitations. First, a cable machine with an electric motor could provide more tension at the stretch than at peak contraction, with adjustable tension change magnitude depending on personal preference, exercise, and muscle targeting.
Second, such a machine could apply most tension in the stretch while still providing meaningful tension at peak contraction, improving upon movements like dumbbell flies and pullovers. Third, motors and controls could be installed into traditional selectorized machines, allowing hamstring curls and leg extensions to maximize bottom-end force instead of being limited by top-end strength.
Fourth, motorized machines could allow weight increases as small as one pound at a time, enabling longer, more productive, and less injurious mesocycles—particularly valuable for smaller individuals, those training smaller muscles, or advanced lifters making slow gains. Fifth, electric machines can detect when weight is being lowered and switch to higher eccentric load at electronic speeds, with smooth transitions between concentric and eccentric phases.
Lastly, these machines could be programmed for drop sets, reducing resistance smoothly over time without stopping the set to change weights.
The Speediance electric lifting machine was reviewed. The remote control allows setting +10 on the eccentric, adding 10 lbs more resistance on the descent than ascent, with smooth engagement at the bottom of movements.
The menu screen is high-end and snazzy but contains excessive options including program choices, epic chest workouts, upsells, monthly plans, and menus within menus. Diet plans are included, which seems overkill for a standalone fitness machine—the company apparently makes money through subscriptions.
The maximum weight capacity is 220 lbs total (110 lbs per hand), which limits advanced users seeking heavier loads. There is no stretch bias resistance mode, preventing bicep curls heavier at the bottom than top. The included bench attachment is structurally fine but flimsy and not designed for hardcore lifting—it doesn't lock into the machine, causing it to climb during serious sets of flies or presses on inclines.
The machine lacks vertical pull capability since all angles face forward, eliminating lat pulldowns. Horizontal pulling of meaningful resistance is also limited without sturdy knee support, except for bent-over row variations. Cables are positioned narrowly in a single line, unlike free motion dual cable crosses that offer wider or narrower options.
The bars and handles are high-quality and aesthetic, with excellent clip-in/clip-out mechanisms. The locking mechanism attaching bars to motor cables provides ultra-smooth, precise, and aesthetic operation. The motors produce incredibly smooth force with no jumps, jarring, or missed gears—completely silent and precise.
An eccentric accentuated mode allows adding up to one-third more resistance on descent versus ascent. A chain mode makes lifts progressively heavier as cables extend further, which is excellent for jump squats and power presses to improve sport-specific power and speed.
The machine includes extensive workout programs with built-in videos from trainers, a rest timer, and visual coaching capabilities. Load can be increased by as little as 1 lb per set or session. A finger-worn controller allows load adjustments, activation, deactivation, and drop sets without needing a spotter.
The complete Speediance machine with accessories costs approximately $5,000. It's designed for city dwellers with disposable income who prefer home training without aspirations to become ultra jacked or mega strong. The machine is compact and folds into the wall after use.
For budget-conscious users wanting more exercise variation, the Major Fitness three-in-one cable, Smith, and power rack machine costs around $3,000 and offers extensive exercise options. Those seeking maximum gains in strength, muscle, and athletic performance, or who enjoy training around others, will find nothing beats a well-equipped commercial gym.
Free weights and non-electric machines are not going extinct. Electric machines can increase training variation, provide massive stretch stimulus, and enable higher eccentric than concentric loading, boosting muscle growth while minimizing nervous system fatigue. Electric machines relate to regular machines the way regular machines relate to dumbbells and barbells—not better, but a valuable addition that enhances overall training outcomes.
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