The passion for fitness and bodybuilding reached new heights at the Panatta stands during RiminiWellness (30 May – 2 June 20204) – the largest fitness event in Italy – which this year exceeded the 100,000 visitor mark.

During the four-day event, thousands of visitors flocked to the Panatta stands to train with the best equipment in the Panatta Muscle Gym and to discover all the new products on show.

In addition, the brand’s amateur bodybuilding competition “Panatta Rimini Contest” saw record numbers of entrants, with more than 500 athletes participating.

Another highlight of the event was a preview of Panatta’s FreeWeight One, a new entry-level line of free-weight machines designed to focus on essential elements: perfect biomechanics, compact design, ease of use and high performance.

On the cardio fitness side, the Rossopuro line was presented in touch and LED versions.

Another special attraction at the stand was the presence of two bodybuilding legends: Ronnie Coleman, eight-time Mr. Olympia, and Phil Heath, seven-time Mr. Olympia. Their participation drew thousands of young fans eager to meet the champions for photos and autographs.

Panatta says the public response was extraordinary, far exceeding expectations and filling the company with pride.

Young people are the main promoters of physical wellness and bodybuilding culture, an interest that brings benefits not only to physical health but also to mental health, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles.

Bodybuilding, in particular, is seen as a personal challenge that requires self-discipline, dedication and consistency: values greatly appreciated by young people who want to improve themselves and overcome their limits.

These themes were at the centre of “Ronnie & Phil LIVE” – a talk hosted by Bob Cicherillo,
the famous ‘Voice of Bodybuilding’ on 1 June in the Wellness Arena.

The event allowed the two champions to open up and create a real connection with the Italian audience, who actively participated by asking numerous questions.

The enthusiasm for Panatta and the palpable passion for training felt in Rimini represent
the best reward for the brand's hard work and preparation. The team feels it has an extremely bright future ahead.

Phil Heath, professional athlete, bodybuilder and 7x Mr. Olympia, has fielded a lot of questions about bodybuilding without machines. Should bodybuilders be limited to just free weights? Why?

“As an athlete, I know no one wants to waste their training time using poor tools. We want to use the best equipment to experience the maximum benefit possible. In my opinion, it’s always about providing hope for people who have yet to start their bodybuilding journey to any level.”

Now, Heath has shared his step-by-step machine-only routine to help inspire and inform others.

A bodybuilding leg workout without machines – can it get any better?

I was open-minded enough to take my usual standard leg workout and elevate it with amazing Panatta machinery.

Anyone who has followed my journey knows that training on equipment has always been a top priority because I train alone the majority of the time. A lot of my competitors would always make jokes about me; “He doesn’t train that hard because he only uses machines.” On the contrary, there are many reasons I like machines and I know the importance of training with the right equipment and getting the right intensity.

Trapped in a cycle of free weights?

Some people are going to say: “Oh, well, I’m fine with the equipment that I have” – but I’d say, you haven’t tried these machines yet and don’t know how helpful they can be. To me, you should always be asking yourself, how can I improve and what tools do I need to reach new heights?

When people decide on equipment, they choose equipment without knowing how it works and understanding how it was made. However, this knowledge is essential if you want to keep challenging your body with new, efficient tools.

In my first Panatta machine workout, I found myself humbled and inspired and was thrust out of my comfort zone. I immediately knew I wanted their machines at home and if I’d have had them back in my early training days, I could have been even better!

Four tips to get the most from a new leg machine

When confronted with new equipment you’ve never trained with, you’re dealing with the unknown. You’re thinking: “Is this really going to work? I’m really excited. I really want to grow. I really want to get lean and muscular… I want to do it, but I don’t want to hurt myself.”

My purpose here is to share not just how to train, but how to train your mind and how to use the tools/machines and how to express yourself – because bodybuilding is a form of expression. How you focus is how you become that change you visualise. Here’s Heath’s Power Play for You!

1. Conquer yourself

You have to stand strong when you look at a new machine. Because, maybe in your mind you think you can’t. But then if you’re a little bit curious, you can push yourself beyond the unknown and emerge victorious.

2. Experience an incredible sensorial feeling

Equipment is something you have to feel.

My job is to allow myself to push from A to B but I want to feel the entire movement because I’m trying to think of the muscle fibres that are being involved. I’m visualising it.

Especially as a bodybuilder that competes, I know every rep has to be a contraction and I’m then taking biomechanical data.

The reason I love Panatta machines so much is because they lock me into the perfect angle every single time – this means the exercises are easy to do without pain, giving you more confidence, and most importantly, they’re effective at creating muscular development.

3. Don’t use too much weight

After trying a machine for the first time and feeling more confident, the next step is to add more weight. But before this, let me understand how this movement works with little weight and how to get the peak contractions from here to here [in one direction], from here to here [from another direction]. Before you know it, you’ll be challenging yourself.

As a bodybuilder, you want to know not just about how much weight you can lift, but you want to know how your muscles are contracting throughout each repetition from start to finish.

Peak contraction is usually peak resistance but with Panatta machines, resistance is exerted the entire way. That’s why the strength curve is so different to all the other equipment I’ve ever used.

When you understand the biomechanics after years of training – the workout with Panatta equipment is like a dream come true. When I’m training, I know I’m going to grow at every rep because it’s not painful, it’s very safe and it’s precise.

Panatta’s range of machines always let me pull and push from different angles and get the perfect repetition.

4. Remember the purpose: getting the best tools for the perfect rep

Over the years, as we've honed our skills and experimented with various tools, the pursuit of excellence remains constant. Bodybuilders are driven to push boundaries, seeking superior equipment and methods to elevate our performance and mastery in every aspect.

Many years ago, I wanted a machine that was sent to the gym. I used to train with it for a pre-contest but surprisingly, when it arrived, I didn’t like it because it hurt. This upset me because I didn’t have the equipment that I really needed to grow.

Most people may not know that there are differences and not all equipment is the same because they haven’t had an opportunity to train on the top equipment. It’s like riding a vehicle. Put somebody in the Ferrari for the first time, even in the passenger seat, they smile. They like how it feels. If they never tried it, they wouldn’t know!

So that’s why it’s so important to choose certain types of equipment. You have to know both the machine (how it works, who made it, what materials are used, the type of padding etc.) and yourself. Because in bodybuilding what are we trying to do? We’re trying to focus on what? The smallest details to reach ultimate perfection! You should be thinking about how the smallest details can give you the best edge.

I’d recommend Panatta’s equipment to anyone – go and try it wherever you can! Even better, try it out using my workout below. Test out Panatta machines, bring your strongest mindset, be ready to move past your comfort zone and learn the perfect rep for your muscle growth.

PHIL HEATH’S LEGS AND CALF TRAINING
TRAINING WITHOUT MACHINES	PANATTA SPECIAL FREE WEIGHT MACHINE WORKOUT
Leg Extension – 4×8/12 reps	Alternate Leg Extension – 4×8/12 reps
Front Squat – 4×6/8 reps	Super Pendulum Squat – 4×6/8 reps
Leg Press – 3×6/8 reps	Super Horizontal Leg Press Dual System – 3×6/8 reps
Hack Squat – 7×6/8 reps (FST-7)	Super Hack Squat – 7×6/8 reps (FST-7)
Standing Calf Raises – 4×15/20 reps	Donkey Calf – 4×15/20 reps
Leg Press Calf Raises – 4×15/20 reps	Super Seated Calf – 7×12/15 reps (FST-7)
Seated Calf Raises– 7×12/15 reps (FST-7)	Alternate Leg Curl – 4×6/8 reps
Lying Leg Curl – 4×6/8 reps	Kneeling Leg Curling – 4×6/8 reps
Standing Leg Curl – 4×6/8 reps	Seated Leg Curling – 7×5/7 reps (FST-7)
Sitting Leg Curl – 7×5/7 reps (FST-7)

Panatta will consolidate its global presence throughout 2024 by attending a host of major industry events around the globe.

With a roster of sponsorship deals at some of the most prestigious fitness and bodybuilding events, Panatta is significantly increasing its investment in exhibition spaces. This is a strategic choice based on the awareness of the importance of creating direct connections with fitness enthusiasts, industry experts and bodybuilding athletes on a global level.

These are just some of the main events of 2024:

• 6 – 8 March: IHRSA, LA, California: The largest gathering for fitness professionals in the US; trade shows and educational events will create opportunities to expand business prospects as well as knowledge and encourage innovation in the sector.
• 15 – 17 March: Arnold Sports Festival, Birmingham, UK: Panatta has signed a three-year contract as the presenting sponsor of the Arnold Classic UK competition and intends to bring its offering to life within a 300sq m stand and a spacious 200sq m Muscle Gym: an interactive meeting point for athletes, enthusiasts and potential customers to experience its equipment firsthand.
• 11 – 14 April: Fibo, Cologne, Germany: One of the world’s most important fitness events which has enjoyed Panatta's support since its first edition. This year, Panatta has signed a contract as gold sponsor and will be exhibit a range of its exciting new products.
• 30 May – 2 June: Rimini Wellness, Rimini, Italy: The most important fitness fair in Italy and the one closest to Panatta's heart, given its long history of participation and the special relationship that has developed over the years between the organisers and attendees. This year, Panatta will have an imposing presence spread over several areas dedicated to fitness, lifestyle, bodybuilding, and training.
27 – 28 July: Dubai Pro, Dubai, UAE: An event hosting one important bodybuilding competition in the Middle East.
• 25 – 27 October: Dubai Muscle Show, Dubai, UAE: The most prestigious fitness and bodybuilding fair in the Middle East.

These trade shows not only serve as a platform for Panatta to unveil its latest product innovations but also as a stage to spotlight internationally renowned athletes who epitomise dedication, passion, and extraordinary results achieved through Panatta equipment.

Enthusiasts, customers, and visitors alike will also have the opportunity to directly engage with Panatta brand ambassadors, including iconic figures such as Ronnie Coleman (an 8x Mr Olympia), Phil Heath (a 7x Mr Olympia), Maureen Blanquisco (the reigning Ms Olympia Bikini 2022) and Angela Borges, a world champion in the Wellness category.

Alongside these luminaries stand Bob Cicherillo, celebrated as "The Voice of Bodybuilding," and Mohamed Foda, a rising star known as "The Next Big Thing" in bodybuilding.

With an unyielding commitment to innovation, quality and an unwavering passion for bodybuilding, Panatta is poised to make an indelible mark at the 2024 industry fairs.

Panatta’s Three Angles Bicep Machine is designed for training the main elbow flexor muscles; the biceps brachii and brachialis.

Adjustable in three inclinations, the machine can be set up in different working setups so that the shoulder can flex up to 90°, gradually limiting the activation of the biceps brachii and placing the brachialis as the main performer of the gesture.

The handles are articulated (jointed) and rotating, to follow the physiological movement of the arm along the entire range of motion.

The independent levers also enable users to work on their muscles unilaterally or bilaterally. This enables the machine to highlight any asymmetries between the two sides of the body and prevents users from accidentally over-compensating during exercise when exercising a single arm.

In addition, the CAM system connected to the levers returns a load curve in line with the natural expression of strength of the targeted muscles throughout the range of motion.

Finally, the handles are also adjustable on two angles, for a supine or semi-supine grip.

The Three Angles Bicep Machine’s settings

Position 1: Shoulder in a near-neutral position

There is maximum expression of overall strength since the biceps brachii still maintains a good degree of stretch.

Position 2: 45° flexed shoulder

The biceps brachii is in a partial shortening position, and the brachialis is the major focus during the movement.

Position 3: 90° flexed shoulder

The biceps brachii is totally shortened while the brachialis performs the movement.

Check out Panatta’s official video here for more insights or follow this link to watch Phil Heat’s complete back and biceps workout with Panatta.

In 2024, industry event Arnold Classic UK and Italian fitness and bodybuilding Panatta will take their partnership to new heights in Europe after Panatta signed a three-year presenting sponsorship contract for the event.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, famously known as "The Governator," has curated a mosaic of events bearing his name, fortified by his legion of devoted fans and a select group of corporate allies.

Scheduled for 15-17 March, the 2024 Arnold Classic UK event will be hosted in Birmingham.

Panatta says its union with the event has come as no surprise, as it’s previously endorsed and participated in Schwarzenegger multisport The Oak festivals since their inaugural editions in Columbus (Ohio) and several times in Spain.

Panatta's heritage extends across six decades, encompassing cutting-edge bodybuilding equipment, enlightening seminars, generous support for premier sports competitions and athletes worldwide, with a perpetual ardor for the world of sports.

At the expo, Panatta will showcase its collection within a 300sq m booth and a sprawling 200sq m Muscle Gym.

This will serve as an interactive hub, inviting athletes, enthusiasts and potential clients to experience firsthand the excellence in Italian sports equipment.

Furthermore, it's an opportunity to rub shoulders with leading athletes including celebrated Olympians like Ronnie Coleman (8x Mr. Olympia) and Phil Heath (7x Mr. Olympia) together with fitness models.

According to Panatta, the event promises to be an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of top-tier sports equipment and athletic inspiration, enjoy a workout session and hear the latest from its distinguished ambassadors.

The Alternate Curling Machine by Panatta is a specialist piece of equipment designed for training the elbow’s flexor muscles, including the brachial, the brachial bicep and the brachioradialis.

With multiple applications, the machine features a Scott bench to replicate the classic curl exercise, with a guided and slightly converged trajectory that minimises joint stress and ensures a more natural gesture.

Thanks to a combined system of levers linked by anodized aluminium CAM, the equipment generates a physiological load curve in line with the strength curve developed by the target muscles.
This allows the muscle contraction to remain high and constant throughout the range of movement, maximising the effectiveness of the workout.

The independent levers also allow mono- and bilateral working.

In addition, the machine’s two rotating handles are mounted on an intermediate joint which self-regulates the distance from the elbow axis according to the length of any user's forearm. The handles are adjustable in two angles, for a perfectly supine or semi-supine grip.

The Alternate Curling Machine equipment is completed with gas-assisted adjustable seat, which allows users of all heights to find the right working set-up.