The fitness equipment industry’s first truly objective design award has arrived. The 2026 Gym Equipment Design Awards (GEDA), founded by RTS Global COO and mechanical engineer Benny Price, has named 30 resistance training machines as “Best In Class” across 10 movement categories, following a rigorous evaluation by an independent council of four international biomechanics and exercise mechanics experts. The results, published in the inaugural 2026 GEDA Report, mark a watershed moment for an industry that has long lacked a science-driven standard for what constitutes genuinely superior equipment design.
The Awards Format: Science Over Marketing
Unlike existing industry accolades that often rely on brand reputation, influencer endorsements, or aesthetic appeal, GEDA evaluates every machine against four quantifiable design criteria on a 20-point scale: Usability (9 points), covering manufacturing quality, ergonomics, and user interaction; Adjustability (5 points), assessing a machine’s capacity to accommodate diverse body types and training scenarios; Resistance Profile (4 points), measuring how closely a machine’s resistance curve matches the human body’s natural strength curve during a given movement; and Innovation (2 points), rewarding genuinely novel engineering concepts.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Usability | 9 points |
| Adjustability | 5 points |
| Resistance Profile | 4 points |
| Innovation | 2 points |
The four-member council — entirely independent and contractually bound to impartiality, with no ties to any equipment manufacturer — adjudicated machines across 10 biomechanically defined movement categories: Horizontal Press, Horizontal Pull, Vertical Pull, Glenohumeral Abduction, Knee Extension, Knee Flexion, Hip Extension, Lower Body Pin-Loaded Press, Lower Body Plate-Loaded Press, and Lower Body Plate-Loaded Squat. Council members hold equal voting weight, while Chairman Benny Price serves in a non-voting capacity.
The awards debuted across 13 individual ceremonies at FIBO 2026 (April 16–19) in Cologne, the world’s largest fitness trade fair, before the comprehensive report was released to the public four weeks later.
Gym Equipment Design Awards 2026 All Winners
1. KNEE EXTENSION
Equipment to challenge extension of the knee joint while maintaining consistent hip position.
| Ranking | Product | Comment | Brand | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EPIC Selectorized Leg Extension ES801 | The EPIC Selectorized Leg Extension offers strong adjustability and range with a comfortable, intuitive user experience. The Resistance Profile™ accommodates the user’s strength curve well throughout the movement. | Freemotion | USA |
| 2 | Hybrid Leg Extension | Extremely comfortable support and input pads, with the ability to select a well-matched Resistance Profile™ for knee flexion. Adjustability in all the places it should be. | PRIME | USA |
| 3 | OnHim Leg Extension | Full secondary joint adjustability allows for training with a more extended hip joint. Strong range adjustability and comfort complete a high-scoring piece. | NewTech Newtech Wellness | South Korea |
2. KNEE FLEXION
Equipment to challenge flexion of the knee joint while maintaining consistent hip position.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hybrid Seated Leg Curl | Extremely comfortable support and input pads, with the ability to select a well-matched Resistance Profile™ for knee flexion. Adjustability in all the places it should be. | PRIME | USA |
| 2 | Seated Leg Curl A300 | Proof that pneumatic resistance can compete at this level. The Resistance Profile™ , combined with the absence of inertial effects, separated this piece from the field. Simple load management buttons also drove strong usability scores. | Keiser | USA |
| 3 | Select Leg Curl | One of the original pieces to set the standard in this category. The adjustability levers have been widely copied since — never as effectively. The hip angle is well positioned and shaped for consistent joint alignment. | Hammer | USA |
3. HIP EXTENSION
Equipment to challenge extension of the hip joint with minimal knee joint management and involvement.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dual 45 Hip Extension | Built with the patented Dual 45 design. Adjustability accommodates a wide range of heights and limb lengths. Includes a flexed knee position option and a guided, plate-loaded path that drops in resistance through the movement for greater control. | Glute Builder | Spain |
| 2 | Booty Builder V8 Hip Extension |
Achieved the rare feat of being first to market in this category while still leading it over a decade later. The seatbelt design and adjustable supports deliver exceptional comfort and ease of use. | Booty Builder | Norway |
| 3 | PURE KRAFT Booty Booster Special 4386 |
Applies resistance at the femur, effectively removing knee muscle involvement when training the hip extensors. The rotating backrest and moving thigh supports create a highly isolated exercise that scored well for both intuitiveness and user comfort. | gym80 | Germany |
4. LOWER BODY PIN LOADED PRESS
Pin-loaded equipment to challenge combined extension of the hip and knee joints without management of the spine.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Versa MD Leg Press MD S70 | A trolley system that allows microprogression from almost zero starting weight and various banding options depending on engagement, with the addition of isometric stoppers – very few machines of any kinda have this degree of resistance manipulation. | Matrix | Taiwan |
| 2 | Horizontal Leg Press | Exceptional adjustability, with well-placed handles and pneumatic assist for ease of operation. The track system is notably smooth, and starter footplates make initial positioning straightforward. | SportsArt | Taiwan |
| 3 | Horizontal Leg Press C403 | The sled runs on concave high-density nylon wheels and stainless steel rails for an exceptionally smooth track. Adjustable positioning and shoulder pad support contributed to a strong overall score. | Atlantis | Canada |
5. LOWER BODY PLATE LOADED PRESS
Plate-loaded equipment to challenge combined extension of the hip and knee joints without management of the spine.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keystone Plate Loaded Leg Press VST700-PL70 |
A classic design with a Resistance Profile™ that aligns well with the user’s Strength Profile™. The unusual addition of banding pegs allows resistance adjustment for users with limited range of motion. The extra-wide footplate is a strong finishing detail. | Vision Fitness | USA |
| 2 | 2nl Hip Press | Strong Resistance Profile™ matching and solid adjustable support pads earned high marks from the Council. The Hip Press also offers variation in secondary hip joint positions and adjustable range of motion. | Citadel Strength | Australia |
| 3 | Angled Leg Press A982 | Footplate adjustability is a distinctive feature, paired with a smooth, solid track and comfortable backrest padding. A piece that proves how far the fundamentals can go when they’re executed properly. | SportsArt | Taiwan |
6. LOWER BODY PLATE LOADED SQUAT
Plate-loaded equipment to challenge combined extension of the hip and knee joints with optional management of the spine.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Power Squat Pro | Built with a subtle arcing path and a patented mechanism that adjusts to the user’s trunk position, accommodating different squatting patterns and body structures. Safety mechanisms limit range as needed, with an intuitive latching system. | Rogers Athletic | USA |
| 2 | Animal Adjustable Hack Squat | Range-limiting capability for safety, with an adjustable sled angle for reducing resistance and a footplate that accommodates dorsiflexion limitations. Rolling banding pegs allow on-the-fly Resistance Profile™ adjustment. | Watson | England |
| 3 | RELOADED PENDULUM SQUAT | Adjustability at both the footplate and the counterbalance. The piece moves through a smooth arc that matches the natural tendency of the hips to travel posteriorly during a squat, aligning well with the user’s Strength Profile™. | Arsenal Strength | USA |
7. HORIZONTAL PULL
Designs for horizontal pulling movements such as rows and seated pulls. Chest-supported variations reduce the influence of hip and spine extension on the exercise.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D.Y.Row Art.nr.017 | A modernisation of the classic Dorian Yates-inspired row. Subtle divergence of path and a well-matched Resistance Profile™ throughout it. A slim seat and chest support with adjustability accommodates varying trunk and arm lengths. | Gymleco | Sweden |
| 2 | EPIC Selectorized Seated Row ES817 | A fluid trailing arm path and a refined Resistance Profile™, showing clear design lineage from Freemotion’s earlier pieces. A simple, non-diverging path well suited to sagittal plane rows, with the necessary adjustability. | FREEMOTION | USA |
| 3 | Plate Loaded Seated Row | Chest-supported with notably comfortable and ergonomicly shaped support padding. Trailing arms follow the arc of the shoulder through various planes, with the ability to build the ideal Resistance Profile™ through the range. Adjustable at both seat and chest. | PRIME | USA |
8. HORIZONTAL PRESS
Designs for horizontal pushing movements such as chest presses, with linear or arcing, and parallel or converging paths.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seated Chest Press Art.nr.321 | An exceptional path of motion driven by a clever pair of leverage systems. The right amount of adjustability and a well-matched Resistance Profile™. Preferred by The Council over its plate-loaded equivalent for the range limitation offered by the weight stack. | Gymleco | Sweden |
| 2 | Hybrid Chest Press | A slight convergence with the ability to select a Resistance Profile™ that accommodates strength well. Thick handles reduce pressure on the palms under heavy resistance and the subtle upward arc feels smooth | PRIME | USA |
| 3 | Leverage Seated Chest Press | A single handle option, but the unilateral range limitation and a complex multi-lever system deliver a strong Resistance Profile™. The lever engineering is the standout feature. The main drawback is the lack of grip variety options. | Nautilus(BowFlex) | USA |
9. VERTICAL PULL
Designs for vertical pulling movements, generally referred to as pulldowns, with resistance directed upwards from above.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plate Loaded Lat Pulldown | Multiple range-limiting options allow precise tailoring of the Resistance Profile™ portion being trained. Trailing arm handles support variation in arm path across different pulling angles. | PRIME | USA |
| 2 | Citadel Strength Lat Pulldown | A well-matched Resistance Profile™ and solid, angle-adjustable pads that support various torso positions. This pulldown distinguished itself through a slightly adducting path of motion that closely follows the natural arc of the shoulder. | Citadel Strength | Australia |
| 3 | Roc-it Plateloaded Pull downRPL-5201 | Multiple handle options and a large seat allow for flexible user positioning, particularly for those who favour a slightly reclined pull. The plate-loaded design enables opposing unilateral work without inertial effects — a distinctive feature at this level. | HOIST Fitness | USA |
10. GLENOHUMERAL ABDUCTION
Abduction of the shoulder joint, commonly referred to as a ‘lateral raise’ exercise, with force applied through either a handle or a pad at the humerus.
| RANKING | PRODUCT | COMMENT | BRAND | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shoulder Rotation Art.nr.331 | The essential adjustability needed to accommodate varying torso heights, with Gymleco’s trademark lever & roller system producing a notably dramatic Resistance Profile™. Range limiting can be performed via the stack on the super smooth belt. | Gymleco | Sweden |
| 2 | 4385-PUREKRAFT Standing Lateral Raise | A solid Resistance Profile™ thanks to a dual-axis system and extremely precise height adjustability cover the fundamentals of a strong lateral raise design. Handle cuffs eliminate grip as a limiting factor, keeping focus on the target musculature. | gym80 | Germany |
| 3 | Selection 900 Delts | The most user-friendly range-limiting system on the market. Combined with seat adjustability and comfort, ergonomic padding, this piece has some uniquely excellent elements. Smooth and stable under heavy resistance. | Technogym | Italy |
Prime Leads the Pack
Across the 10 categories, 22 distinct brands earned recognition. Prime Fitness emerged as the most decorated manufacturer, securing four podium finishes: first place in Vertical Pull (Plate Loaded Lat Pulldown) and Knee Flexion (Hybrid Seated Leg Curl), and second place in Horizontal Press (Hybrid Chest Press) and Knee Extension (Hybrid Leg Extension). Prime’s sustained success across upper- and lower-body categories underscores the breadth of its design engineering capabilities.
Sweden’s Gymleco claimed two first-place victories — Horizontal Press (Seated Chest Press) and Glenohumeral Abduction (Shoulder Rotation) — with the council praising its Seated Chest Press for “an exceptional path of motion driven by a clever pair of leverage systems” and noting the Shoulder Rotation’s “essential adjustability needed to accommodate varying torso heights.”
Gym80, Citadel Strength, and SportsArt each appeared on the podium twice, while single-category winners included Technogym (Selection 900 Delts, third in Glenohumeral Abduction), Freemotion (Epic Selectorized Leg Extension, first in Knee Extension), and Life Fitness / Hammer Strength (Select Leg Curl, third in Knee Flexion).
Notable Winners and Standout Engineering
Several individual machines earned exceptional recognition from the council. BootyBuilder’s V8 achieved what judges described as “the rare feat of being first to market in this category while still leading it over a decade later” in Hip Extension, where it placed second. Matrix Fitness claimed first in Lower Body Pin-Loaded Press with its Versa MD Leg Press MD-S70, which the council noted offered “a degree of resistance manipulation that very few machines of any kind” can match — incorporating micro-incremental loading, multiple band-resistance options, and isometric limiters.
In the Lower Body Plate-Loaded Squat category, Rogers Athletic’s Power Squat Pro took first place, recognized for a patented mechanism that adapts to individual torso positioning across different squat patterns and body structures. Watson’s Animal Adjustable Hack Squat earned second with its integrated range-of-motion limiters and adjustable sled angle, while Arsenal Strength’s Reloaded Pendulum placed third for a motion arc that “matches the natural tendency of the hips to travel posteriorly during a squat.”
Why GEDA Matters: Filling an Industry Void
The launch of GEDA addresses a long-standing gap in the fitness equipment sector. As Benny Price articulated on the Fitness Business Asia Podcast, “Most gym equipment is still judged on the wrong things — brand reputation, how it looks, or which influencer recommends it.” For decades, purchasing decisions worth millions of dollars — from boutique studio fit-outs to global Chain gym equipment procurement — have been made with remarkably little objective data on how well a machine actually performs its intended biomechanical function.
GEDA’s methodology introduces what the fitness equipment industry has notably lacked: a standardized, repeatable, transparent evaluation framework rooted in exercise mechanics rather than commercial relationships. The council’s independence from manufacturers eliminates the conflicts of interest that can undermine credibility in industry award programs. For gym operators and equipment buyers, the GEDA Report now serves as a de facto buyer’s guide backed by scientific rigor rather than sales pitches.
This matters at scale. The global commercial fitness equipment market, valued at approximately $12 billion, serves over 210,000 health clubs worldwide. Even marginal improvements in equipment selection — choosing machines that better accommodate diverse user populations, reduce injury risk, and match natural biomechanics — compound across millions of daily workouts.
The Founder: Benny Price and the RTS Connection
GEDA’s credibility is inseparable from its founder’s credentials. Benny Price holds a Bachelor of Engineering with First Class Honours from Swansea University and serves as COO and Level 2 Educator at RTS Global, the international arm of Resistance Training Specialist® — widely regarded as the fitness industry’s most rigorous Exercise Mechanics™ curriculum. Founded in 1989 by physical therapist Tom Purvis (a founding instructor of NASM), RTS has spent over three decades teaching objective, biomechanics-driven decision-making to fitness professionals across 30 countries.
Price brings 15 years of hands-on coaching experience spanning bodybuilding champions to high-risk rehabilitation patients, plus extensive international teaching across the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. This dual fluency — in both the engineering principles that govern machine design and the practical realities of how equipment performs with real users — positions him uniquely to bridge a gap the industry has long acknowledged but never systematically addressed.
RTS Global’s DNA is embedded in GEDA’s approach. Tom Purvis himself designed equipment for Bowflex, Cybex, and Nautilus, embedding biomechanical principles directly into commercial product lines. The GEDA awards extend this lineage: taking the Exercise Mechanics™ framework out of the classroom and into a public-facing evaluation system that manufacturers, operators, and end users can all reference.
“We did it,” Benny Price wrote in announcing the report. “Four weeks after all the chaos of 13 individual award ceremonies at FIBO, your 2026 Gym Equipment Design Awards Report is here. It took more iterations than I can count to get it here, and the process never stops.”
The GEDA council’s founding principle, Price has stated, is straightforward: “The fitness equipment industry deserves a proper standard for what ‘good’ actually is — one rooted in objective biomechanics, not brand marketing.”
Industry Response and Looking Ahead
Early industry response has been notably positive. Industry practitioner Jay Gill, commenting on the report’s release, noted: “It’s great to see the kit that was picked and the rationale behind it, with a number of reputable brands.” Gill’s follow-up question — whether GEDA would share “close considerations” that nearly made the cut — hints at the depth of interest the awards have already generated among equipment professionals.
The 2026 GEDA Report is available for free download at GymEquipmentDesign.com. With a mission statement to “champion and showcase the global community of equipment manufacturers and gym operators who prioritize human-centered design,” and plans for continuous iteration and refinement of the evaluation methodology, GEDA appears poised to become an annual fixture — and potentially the industry’s most trusted reference point — in the fitness equipment landscape.
About Gym Equipment Design Awards (GEDA)
The Gym Equipment Design Awards (GEDA) is an independent, biomechanics-based evaluation platform for resistance training equipment. Founded in 2026 by mechanical engineer and RTS Global COO Benny Price, GEDA operates through an independent council of international exercise mechanics experts with no ties to equipment manufacturers. The awards evaluate machines across 10 movement categories using a standardized 20-point scoring system covering usability, adjustability, resistance profile matching, and innovation. The organization’s mission is to serve as a beacon of engineering excellence and collaboration for the global fitness industry. For more infomation, visit GEDA Website: www.gymequipmentdesign.com
