UCLA Study: MAXPRO Builds Strength as Effectively as Traditional Gym Equipment
· Sabrina Wescott
Last updated: October 15, 2026
The quick answer: A peer-reviewed study from UCLA's exercise physiology lab compared MAXPRO's concentric-only cable training to traditional gym machines over 12 weeks. Both groups significantly increased their strength, with no meaningful difference between them, and the MAXPRO group completed nearly the same total training volume. In other words, a portable cable machine built strength just as effectively as standard gym equipment.
"Can a portable machine really replace the gym?" It's the question we hear more than any other. So instead of just telling you it can, we let independent researchers test it. Here's what the study looked at, what it found, and what it means for your training.
The Study at a Glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | UCLA UCFIT Digital Health-Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory |
| Published in | A peer-reviewed sports science journal (read the full study) |
| Length | 12 weeks |
| Participants | Adults new to resistance training |
| Compared | MAXPRO concentric-only cable training vs traditional gym machines (concentric and eccentric) |
| Main result | Both groups significantly increased strength, with no significant difference between them |
What the Researchers Compared
Every lift has two phases. The concentric phase is when the muscle shortens as you lift. The eccentric phase is when the muscle lengthens as you lower. Traditional weights and gym machines load both phases.
MAXPRO is concentric. You feel resistance as you lift or pull, and the cable returns smoothly on the way back. The big question the study set out to answer: does training with resistance only on the lifting phase build strength as well as traditional equipment?
What the Study Found
Equivalent strength gains
Both the MAXPRO group and the traditional-machine group significantly increased muscle strength, with no meaningful difference between the two.
Nearly the same training volume
The MAXPRO group completed nearly the same total training volume as the traditional group over the program.
The takeaway: For building strength, concentric cable training with MAXPRO held up against traditional gym equipment. You don't need a room full of iron, or a gym membership, to get stronger.
Why Concentric Training Works
Muscles get stronger when they work hard against resistance and that resistance increases over time. Most of the effort that drives strength and muscle growth happens as you lift. Concentric training puts your resistance right there.
It also has practical benefits. The lowering phase is the main source of next-day muscle soreness, so concentric-focused training typically leaves you less sore. Less soreness means faster recovery and an easier time training consistently. It's also easier on your joints, which makes it approachable for beginners and people returning to exercise. For a deeper dive, read Why Slow Eccentric Phases Won't Build a Lot of Muscle.
What This Study Does and Doesn't Show
We want to be clear about what the research says. The study looked at strength, over 12 weeks, in adults who were new to resistance training. It showed equivalent results, not superior results. That's an important finding on its own: it means you can build strength with a portable cable machine just as you would with standard gym equipment.
As with any single study, more research in different groups (like experienced lifters) and over longer periods will add to the picture.
The MAXPRO Lineup Today
The MAXPRO SC and MAXPRO Air: the same concentric cable training, built for different lives.
The study was conducted on the MAXPRO SC. Since then, we've also launched the MAXPRO Air, which uses the same concentric cable training approach in an even smaller package.
MAXPRO SC: more power
Up to 300 lbs of resistance, dual cables for two-handed lifts, bench compatible, and under 10 lbs. Built for the serious home athlete who also travels. $799.
MAXPRO Air: more portable
2.85 lbs, a 12-foot cable, and up to 125 lbs of resistance. It fits in any bag, perfect for travel, sports training, small spaces, and beginners. $499.
Both connect to the MAXPRO Coaching App with no subscription required. Not sure which one fits you? Read MAXPRO Air vs SC.
MAXPRO was also featured on Shark Tank and named the Best Portable Smart Home Gym by Sports Illustrated.
UCLA MAXPRO Study: FAQ
What did the UCLA MAXPRO study find?
Over 12 weeks, people training with MAXPRO's concentric cable resistance increased strength as much as people training on traditional gym machines, with nearly the same training volume.
Is MAXPRO as effective as lifting weights?
For building strength, the UCLA study found MAXPRO training was as effective as traditional gym equipment.
Does concentric-only training build strength?
Yes. The study showed concentric-only training built strength equivalent to training that loads both the lifting and lowering phases.
Who was in the study?
The study included adults who were new to resistance training, over a 12-week program.
Where can I read the full study?
You can read the full published study here.
Related: Why Slow Eccentrics Won't Build a Lot of Muscle · Sports Illustrated Names MAXPRO the Best Portable Smart Home Gym
