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The Atlantis DNA
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Get inspired with the Atlantis Strength fitness and healthy lifestyle blog. Read about our products, science-based exercises, lifestyle content and the history of strength training.
23 articles
With 409,224 exercise equipment injuries reported by the National Safety Council in 2021 alone, the difference between certified and uncertified gym equipment is a safety and liability decision that affects every commercial facility. Here’s what gym equipment certifications actually cover, which standards matter for your market, and how to find and verify the right gym equipment before you buy.
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March 31, 2026
Gym Equipment Financing for Canadian Gym Owners
Opening or growing a gym means investing heavily in commercial gym equipment, and most owners can’t cover that cost upfront without straining their cash flow. Gym equipment financing lets you spread that investment over time using structured payment plans, keeping capital available for the expenses that keep your business running. For customers building or growing a commercial gym and fitness training facility, selecting the right financing method can save you thousands over the life of your agreement. This guide breaks down the main financing options available in Canada, what it takes to qualify, how much it really costs, and how to choose the right path for your facility.
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March 16, 2026
The Atlantis Power Squat: Where Strength, Hypertrophy, and Joint Longevity Meet
The debate between free weights and machines has always missed the point. The real question is not which tool is better , but which tool allows the legs to produce the most force, for the longest time, with the least cost to the body . That is where the Atlantis Power Squat separates itself from every other squat machine. It is not a leg press. It is not a hack squat. It is a guided squat pattern that allows the hips and knees to move naturally while removing the instability and spinal compression that often limit progress. For bodybuilders, this means deeper muscle stimulation and safer overload. For athletes, it means higher force output without sacrificing performance. For anyone training long-term, it means building legs that are not just strong, but durable.
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March 12, 2026
The Power Squat Pro (PW611) has arrived
If you have ever walked into a gym, you have probably trained on Atlantis machines. And if there were Atlantis machines, you almost certainly spotted Atlantis’ Power Squat (C111). A staple in our catalog for years and one of our flagship products, this machine is among our most-used – robust, reliable, and precise in its movement path. It is a favorite among club owners, professional trainers, and athletes at every level. This is no accident – it is the result of our complete design process, fully developed and validated in our Canadian facilities. But at Atlantis, we never stop at what works – we keep searching for ways to improve. And it is that same commitment that led to the creation of the PW611 – Power Squat Pro.
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January 12, 2026
Fitness Equipment Market in Canada: Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2030
Canada’s Fitness Equipment Market Executive Summary Canada’s fitness equipment market has undergone a structural reset since 2020, emerging larger, more diversified, and more resilient than its pre-pandemic form. What began as a short-term demand shock driven by lockdowns has evolved into a durable rebalancing between home-based fitness and commercial facilities. By 2024, the market reached an estimated value of approximately USD 357.9 million1, reflecting a materially higher baseline than the pre-2020 period. A defining characteristic of the current market is the permanence of home fitness adoption. During the pandemic, Canadian households accelerated spending on cardio machines, free weights, and accessories as gyms closed. While some demand normalized once restrictions lifted, a significant installed base of home gyms remains active. Average home gym setup costs were reported at approximately CAD 2,530, indicating that consumers increasingly view equipment purchases as long-term health investments rather than temporary substitutes2. This shift has reshaped product mix, pricing tolerance, and replacement cycles across the industry. At the same time, the commercial segment has regained momentum. Fitness and recreational sports centres rebounded strongly after 2021 as memberships recovered and operators reinvested in equipment upgrades, functional training zones, and differentiated experiences that cannot be replicated at home3. By mid-2023, the number of fitness facility locations in Canada had largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, supporting renewed institutional and B2B purchasing activity. Commercial demand now complements residential demand rather than competing directly with it. Technology has become a central axis of competition. Connected fitness equipment, digital coaching platforms, and app-integrated machines now represent a substantial share of new equipment sales. An estimated 68 percent of newly sold fitness equipment includes some form of smart connectivity or interactive content integration2. This trend has raised average selling prices, introduced recurring subscription revenue models, and increased customer lock-in for brands with strong ecosystems. From a structural standpoint, the Canadian fitness equipment market remains fragmented. No single brand dominates nationally across all segments, and competitive intensity is high across price tiers, channels, and use cases4. Global manufacturers, digitally native brands, and domestic retailers coexist in a landscape shaped by omnichannel buying behaviour. Consumers increasingly research online, compare pricing and features digitally, and still rely on physical retail or commercial distributors for delivery, installation, and servicing of large equipment. Looking ahead, the market’s growth trajectory appears steady rather than explosive. Forecasts project mid single digit annual growth through the end of the decade, driven by health awareness, hybrid work patterns, connected product innovation, and ongoing commercial facility investment1. While the extraordinary surge of 2020 is unlikely to repeat, the Canadian fitness equipment market now rests on a broader and more stable demand foundation than at any point prior to the pandemic. Canada Fitness Equipment Market Growth Analysis (2020 to 2024) Market Structure Before 2020 Prior to 2020, Canada’s fitness equipment market was structurally weighted toward commercial demand. Gyms, recreation centres, universities, and sports facilities represented the dominant buyers of high value cardio and strength equipment, while consumer demand was more supplementary and replacement driven. The broader fitness and recreational sports centres industry generated approximately CAD 4.5 billion in operating revenue in 2019, reflecting a mature ecosystem of physical locations tha
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December 4, 2025
What Is The Cost Of Commercial Gym Equipment In 2026?
The cost of commercial gym equipment in Canada for 2026 is around CAD $20,000 to CAD $270,000+, depending on the size and quality of your setup. For a small gym (600–1,000 sq ft), expect around CAD $10,000 to $40,000. For a boutique gym (1,000-2,000 sq ft), expect around CAD $25,000 to $100,000. For a mid-sized Gym (2,000–5,000 sq ft), expect around CAD $50,000 to $200,000. For large full-service Gym (5,000–10,000 sq ft), expect around CAD $200,000 to $500,000. For luxury gyms (10,000+ sq ft), expect a minimum investment of CAD $500,000. We know those numbers can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where your project fits. That’s why we’ve broken it all down for you in this guide, so you can see what to expect for every type of gym, from small studios to full-service fitness centers.
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December 4, 2025
What Are The Legal Requirements For Opening A Gym In Canada?
The legal requirements for opening a gym in Canada depend on your province. But the first step, no matter your location, is to register your business, get a Business Number from the CRA, and register for GST/HST if your annual revenue exceeds $30,000. Here’s what you need to know before opening your gym , beginning with your legal business structure.
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December 4, 2025
How Much To Open A Gym In 2026?
Opening a gym in Canada in 2026 will cost you anywhere from CAD $50,000 to several million, depending on the type and size of facility you’re planning. For a mid-size gym of 3,000-5,000 square feet, you’re looking at an investment of CAD $150,000 to $600,000. We know that’s a wide range, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.
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November 12, 2025
Unlocking the Power of the Posterior Chain: Why It Matters for Bodybuilders and Athletes
When it comes to strength, performance, and aesthetics, few muscle groups are as important as the posterior chain . Composed of the muscles running along the backside of the body—glutes, hamstrings, spinal erectors, and even the lats—the posterior chain is the powerhouse that drives explosive athletic performance while also shaping the physique from every angle. Whether you’re sprinting down the field, moving serious weight in the gym, or sculpting a physique for the stage, your posterior chain is working overtime. Yet for many lifters and athletes, this critical area often gets overshadowed by front-facing muscles like the chest, biceps, and quads. In this blog, we’ll break down the benefits of training the posterior chain, why the glutes deserve extra attention, and how Atlantis Strength’s new glute adductor machine is designed to maximize development in ways traditional machines simply can’t.
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October 9, 2025
Bulletproofing the big three: a physiotherapist’s checklist for pain-free squats, benches & deadlifts
Week after week we meet lifters convinced the squat, bench press, or deadlift is “ruining” their knees, shoulders, or lower back. In reality, the culprit is rarely the exercise itself; it’s usually a subtle form breakdown that keeps funneling excessive force into vulnerable tissues, set after set. To help you train pain-free, this article lays out a rapid check–screen–fix protocol you can complete in under five minutes at the gym. For each of the Big Three lifts, you will: Identify the specific joint-loading error we most frequently diagnose in the clinic. Run a quick 60-second self-screen to confirm whether the fault shows up in your own movement. Apply a targeted corrective drill to ingrain safer mechanics—along with pointers on Atlantis machines or specialty bars can make the fix even more effective.
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September 17, 2025
How To Start A Gym The Right Way?
To start a gym the right way in 2026, start by defining your niche, creating a solid business plan, and choosing an accessible location. Then, the most critical step is to choose the right commercial gym equipment . In this article, we’ll outline all the steps required to start your gym while making sure you have a solid business plan.
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September 16, 2025
The Missing Piece for Triceps Development: Inside the T262 Selectorized French Press
When it comes to building complete arms, the triceps can’t be overlooked. They make up nearly two-thirds of upper-arm mass, and yet, they’re often trained with the same limited angles and movements. That’s where the T262 Selectorized French Press steps in as a machine designed to take triceps training further by combining precision, safety, and functionality.
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September 9, 2025
Strength‑First on Campus: What the Modern University Recreation Center Really Needs
Strength training is driving campus fitness. If you’re planning or upgrading a university recreation center , focus first on strength equipment that supports progressive training: power racks, lifting platforms, plate‑loaded machines, and a functional turf zone. This guide shows you what to install, how to lay it out, and how to keep flow smooth during peak hours.
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August 19, 2025
Building Strength with Precision – The Power of the Horizontal Leg Press (Featuring Dr. Mike’s Take)
Why the Horizontal Leg Press Still Matters Leg training is the cornerstone of serious strength development. Whether you’re building an elite performance facility or equipping a boutique gym, leg machines are non-negotiable. Among the classics, the Horizontal Leg Press continues to earn its place — not through hype, but through results, reliability, and biomechanics. Dr. Mike Israetel, respected coach and co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, recently reviewed the Atlantis Horizontal Leg Press in one of his training session breakdowns. The verdict? It’s more than a machine — it’s a tool for smart, pain-free progression. Let’s break it down.
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July 7, 2025
Chest Training Done Right
Why Coaches, Athletes, and Gym Owners Should Prioritize Precision in Upper Chest Development Building Upper Chest Strength with Intention Upper chest development is a non-negotiable for serious strength athletes. Whether you’re chasing improved pressing power, balanced aesthetics, or shoulder health, incline pressing has long been a staple. But not all incline machines are built the same—and not all setups yield the results athletes expect. The Converging Incline Bench Press, like the Atlantis P143 , offers something unique: biomechanical integrity combined with controlled freedom of movement. For coaches, athletes, and gym owners building serious training environments, this machine fills a critical role in chest training setups.
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June 18, 2025
Strength Development: A Nervous System Matter
Too many people think that getting strong and lifting heavy is mainly about muscles. In reality, that’s only part of the equation. Strength development isn’t just a muscle matter, it’s a nervous system matter. Before even talking about hypertrophy, protein, or split training, one thing needs to be understood: strength is coordination. Intra- and intermuscular coordination that is ruthlessly efficient. Without it, the weight on the bar means nothing.
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May 30, 2024
Strength Revolution: A Father-Son Legacy
From Raymond Sansoucy’s vision to Jordan’s leadership, Atlantis Strength pioneers durability and innovation in fitness equipment. In the realm of fitness equipment, Atlantis Strength has long been synonymous with durability, innovation, and performance. Founded over four decades ago by Raymond Sansoucy, the company carved its niche by crafting robust strength training machines tailored for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. Raymond’s journey from humble beginnings to establishing Atlantis Strength as a premier name in the industry is one marked by perseverance, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From late-night welding sessions to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of fitness trends, his dedication laid the foundation for Atlantis’ success. “It was very difficult at first,” recalls Raymond, reflecting on the early days of the business. “We had to improvise because components were scarce, and everything was new to us. I was also running my gym and doing my degree at night, so sometimes I had to finish pads at 4:00 am so I could deliver to the client that same day.” Despite the challenges, his passion for crafting superior strength equipment never wavered. Predominantly welded frames, heavier gauges of steel, and higher resistance levels became the hallmarks of Atlantis products, setting them apart in an increasingly competitive market. While Raymond’s bodybuilding background initially influenced Atlantis’ design ethos, the company’s trajectory was shaped by the broader fitness revolution. “A lot of what was available in the old days was fine for lighter applications,” Raymond observes, “but it would not survive heavy use, or was not heavy enough to use. I wanted to make equipment that stronger people could work out on and not have to fix every week.”
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February 13, 2023
Pec Deck – The Underdog Chest Developer
Ask a group of men to name a muscle group that has mystique and you’re likely to have the pectoralis major come out a clear winner. This muscle, which gives the chest its classic, chiseled aesthetics, is one few men can get too much off. Even the functional coaches and strength training experts agrees on its importance, since its horizontal adduction function is involved in every throwing, punching and anterior pushing movement.
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January 23, 2023
Shoulder Health For A Bigger Squat
Squat is one of the most important exercises to master in the gym. Whether you want to be strong, big, athletic or a combination of all three, squat has shown time and again that it can deliver on the pain you put in your work. The more popular an exercise is, the more misconceptions surround it. Poor comprehension or even just bad interpretation will often lead trainees into the pit trap of “I know how to do this”. Add YouTube tutorials and “fitness experts” to the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster.
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October 25, 2022
Ankle Mobility and Leg Development
Leg development is critical in sports performance. It doesn’t matter if you need speed, power, or strength, you will need to spend time in the weight room to help get you there. The same can be said of muscle hypertrophy, as exemplified by Tom Platz. This Golden Era bodybuilder was known for his huge legs and is still remembered for this exact reason. Therefore, it does stand to reason that sports and physique athletes and coaches alike have spent time reflecting and experimenting on this to see what works best. This left it to the scientists in the strength training field to find out why.
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August 8, 2022
Use the Right Strength Curve to Improve Your Hamstrings
Hamstrings are often the underdog of leg development, whether it’s for aesthetic improvement or athletic performance. As one of the less obvious muscle groups to develop, knowing what exercise to select matters as much as other loading parameters. Choose the proper way to train them, and it can make or break the progress of the trainee and speed up results. Of course, the regular loading parameters of reps, sets, tempo, and rest still matter. Those are the basic tools of the trade. However, more knowledgeable experts are aware that this is not enough to get optimal results. This is why it is the common opinion of top experts that exercise choice is one such critical parameter. Hamstring development is a great example of where this knowledge can be applied. One of the most useful factors in determining which training modality to select is knowing the strength curve of said exercise. If used well, knowledge of the strength curve can inform the choice of exercise you make as a coach and help you or your clients blast through plateaus.
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August 8, 2022
Get A Grip, Save Your Shoulders
An unspoken indicator of athleticism and strength is having a firm handshake. There is a reason for this, as a firm grip is necessary to succeed in many sports and disciplines. This is why it’s so important to train it, whether it be directly or indirectly.
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February 23, 2022
Discover our new brand & website
If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that change is the only constant, especially in the digital landscape. This is why we’re so excited to share our revamped website and brand with you. It has been very rewarding to take our new identity from a concept to a real online presence over the last few months. Now that we’re officially live, we’re thrilled to present a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration behind it all.
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