Butler Pro Gym — Attraction in South Salt Lake

I was just staying in Salt Lake City for a few days, and I got some day passes to work out here. I’m a bit out of place since I’m not a bodybuilder, but whatever, I have good calves and proper squat technique so I’m usually accepted even though I’m not super cut or big. Their day pass process was also really easy. You just go on their website, buy a pass, and get a code to type in at the door. This place is a clean gym with a wide selection of machines, especially ones that aren’t found at most gym. Their pendulum squat in particular is amazing, and don’t be surprised if you’re a lot weaker than you expect on it (My high-bar squat max is 355 lb for 1 rep, and I only put 45 lbs on the machine, although it was for 10 reps). I also thought it was really cool that they had an assisted nordic curl machine, which I’ve only ever seen on the internet. There are also some glute machines that I’ve never seen before like standing hip thrusts, and a standing lunge machine which I’ve also never seen before. I went to a really big bodybuilding gym in San Diego that was probably 3 times as big as this place, and I still didn’t see these machines until I came here (the San Diego gym did have a pendulum squat, but I liked the one here more). There’s also a lot of old school machines that probably aren’t of interest to most people, but I got really into gym equipment during Covid lockdown so I thought they were cool to see, even though I didn’t use them. It’s kinda interesting to see how machines have changed over the years, and I’m sure they’re still effective. They have tons of attachments for cable machines like the Back Widow and a lot of different bar types in varying grip thickness. I loved how their chest press machines had knurled handles, and there were also some lat pulldown machines with twisting handles to help with getting the extra range of motion. They had dumbbells up to 180, maybe 200 lbs, which was a first in my personal experience. There are also of course all the standard machines that are found at commercial gyms along with some cardio machines. I would love to see some Prime Fitness machines, but I know how expensive they are along with their long wait time. My only complaints about this place as a non-bodybuilder gym goer is that they don’t have a locker room (just 4 or 5 bathrooms, and some have showers in them), and there’s not an area to stretch and do mobility work. I made due since I either went at night or early morning so the gym was quiet, but I’m not sure what I’d have done if it was crowded besides get in other people’s way. If you’re a powerlifter or Olympic weightlifter, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. There’s only 1 deadlift platform, 2 squat rack, and 1 flat bench. Most of their weights are just old school iron plates, which can be a bit miscalibrated (some of my barbell squats felt unbalanced). The half-rack was decent, but the full-rack could be upgraded. The flat bench was also just okay, although the incline bench was nice, which makes sense given this gym’s focus on bodybuilding. Their barbells were pretty basic, but on par with a lot of commercial gyms. These are all things that I think bodybuilders would care less about though, and this is a bodybuilding gym so just take that into...

The recent expansion of equipment here is amazing. This is now a top bodybuilding gym in the country. The owner is not bringing in fluff. Corporate gyms have equipment that looks fancier, modern and more expensive but isn’t necessarily the best for targeting muscles. Some of the best equipment is old school plate loaded stuff. The machines here will target and cause pain. Bodybuilders with the most muscle should be the ones deciding what is the best equipment to be in a gym even if carrying their mass isn’t your goal you still want there wisdom for whatever amount of muscle you do want. Bodybuilders ought be the most received people in the gym but aren’t. Planet fitness has lunk alarms for those carrying a gallon of water (a smart thing) and grunting during a workout. Here bodybuilders are welcomed. The kind of gym you might take off your shirt impromptu for posing and you won’t get crucified. There posing room has good lighting for seeing your work. More plate loaded stuff here, cables, free weights etc. Things I love: the new white hack squat I am nailing my quads with (a lot of hack squats feel uncomfortable for me but not this one.). The inverted leg press not many gyms have. I can’t go that heavy for some reason but I get a great burn. The white leg press has a light sled and also feels great. There is generally a lot of leg equipment now. I’m trying to get into the pendulum squat. It’s still new for me. The belt squat had my legs feeling like rubber. I have used slightly better plate loaded sitting calf raise machines but I can definitely target my soleus. I like the smith machine’s thin bar (not the thick heavy bars at corporate gyms) for doing calf raises for gastrocnemius. They had a standing calf raise machine but I think they got rid of it. Maybe they’re getting another? A plate loaded standing calf raise machine would be sweet. I’m not finding a great lying hamstring machine for me. The plate loaded one I’m not able to bring to a full contraction at the top comfortably even with lighter weight but maybe I need to adjust it or do it first in my workout. There are other standing leg curl machines for hamstrings I also need to play more on. They also have a plate loaded sitting hamstring curl machine I can’t go very heavy on but I can do a lot of reps on. There is a great variety of choices for cable attachments. Unlike your usual lat pulldown bar there are attachments here that can target more the lower lats. I am still learning about some of these attachments from training videos. The ab straps are heavy duty and really quality for my ab work. They have a biceps blaster I love to remove shoulder flexion with. This list of equipment isn’t exhaustive. If you can’t get ripped at this gym go see a clinician who can test you for mental retardation. Room for improvement without sounding ungrateful: perhaps another lying hamstring curl if a quality one comes around? Perhaps more dumbbells in the lower weight category like 7.5, 12.5, 17.5, 22.5 etc…, matching kettlebells (lying tricep skull crushers with matching weights...

Butler's Pro Gym is one of my favorite gyms in Utah. Located in a bustling area, this gym stands out from the chains with its unique character and specialty focus on old-school leg equipment. As a fitness enthusiast, I appreciate the individuality and dedication to providing a top-notch workout experience.

One of the standout features of Butler's Pro Gym is their dedicated leg room. This space is equipped with all the classic leg machines that many fitness enthusiasts seek out. From leg presses to calf raises, this room has everything you need for a killer leg day workout.

Unlike many chain gyms that can feel generic and impersonal, Butler's Pro Gym exudes personality and charm. The staff are friendly and welcoming, creating a sense of community among members. This unique atmosphere is what keeps me coming back for more.

Another aspect that sets Butler's Pro Gym apart is their equipment selection. They offer a mix of traditional machines and specialized equipment that you won't find at your typical gym. This variety allows for a diverse and challenging workout experience.

In conclusion, Butler's Pro Gym stands out as a one-of-a-kind fitness destination in Utah. With its old-school leg room, non-chain gym atmosphere, and unique equipment selection, this gym provides a truly unique workout experience. I highly recommend giving Butler's Pro Gym a try if you're looking for a gym that goes above and...