Etenon R8101 selectorised chest press with converging arms

The Etenon R8101 is a selectorised chest press with independent iso lateral arms and a converging trajectory that brings the handles towards each other during the push. That path follows the line of action of the pectoralis major, which gives a stronger contraction at the end of the concentric phase and a deeper stretch on the eccentric than a parallel trajectory press.

Independent arms remove the compensation from the dominant side and allow unilateral sets, so a strength imbalance can be trained out rather than reinforced. The dual rubberised grip system offers a horizontal grip for the standard chest press and a vertical neutral grip, changing the angle of loading on the pectoralis major without moving to another machine.

Seat height is set with a one hand pneumatic support, load with a magnetic pin, and 2.5 kg micro loads are available for small increments. Target muscles are the pectoralis major, middle and lower portions, with the anterior deltoids and triceps as synergists.

Technical specification

Chest press on a commercial floor

The chest press is one of the two or three stations that decide how a gym floor is perceived, because it is used by almost every member at some point in a programme. Two things drive that: the speed of the adjustment between users, handled here by a one hand pneumatic seat, and the availability of a grip that suits the shoulder of the user, handled by the dual grip.

Allow 145 x 140 cm for the machine plus circulation, and plan the load path: at 244 kg the machine is positioned once and stays there. Machines in the R8 range share the same construction and finish, which lets a club equip a floor over several budget years without visual mismatch.

Frequently asked questions

What is a converging trajectory?

The handles travel towards each other as the arms extend, following the natural action of the pectoralis major, instead of moving on two parallel lines.

Can one arm be trained at a time?

Yes. The arms are mechanically independent, so unilateral sets are possible and the dominant side cannot compensate.

Which grip should a member use?

The horizontal grip gives the standard press. The vertical neutral grip changes the angle of loading and is often more comfortable for users with shoulder restrictions.