What happens when you let hypertrophy experts design a gym from scratch? You get Strip Barbell, a newly curated lifting paradise just off the Las Vegas strip. Dr. Mike Israetel and IFBB Pro Jared Feather teamed up with owner Joe to transform a functional fitness space into a bodybuilder's dream.
After realizing the original gym lacked the specific equipment needed for serious muscle growth, Joe brought in the RP team to hand-select the best machines on the market. The result is a facility filled with top-tier pieces from Atlantis and Prime, chosen specifically for their superior resistance curves and adjustability.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Expert Curation: The equipment list was built by cross-referencing the "dream lists" of Dr. Mike and Jared Feather to find the absolute best machines for hypertrophy.
- Atlantis Hack Squat: Chosen as the #1 leg machine for its incredible smoothness, sticky platform, and adjustable "Yes pad" that combines a hack squat feel with a leg press.
- Prime Pressing Power: The gym features Prime plate-loaded chest presses with adjustable cams, allowing users to target the beginning, middle, or end of the range of motion—perfect for hypertrophy.
- Smooth Shoulders: The Atlantis lateral raise machine was selected for its ultra-smooth feel and zero joint stress, making it a favorite for capping off the delts.
The Leg Day Essentials: Atlantis Hack Squat
The first piece of equipment both Mike and Jared agreed on was the Atlantis Hack Squat. It is described as "probably the smoothest hack squat out there," featuring a unique "Yes pad" that allows for a movement pattern similar to a leg press but with the stability of a hack squat. Its design includes a non-slip platform and requires less weight than traditional machines while delivering a massive stimulus to the quads.
Targeted Pressing: Prime Fitness Machines
For chest training, the team selected the Prime Incline and Flat Chest Presses. These machines are game-changers because of their "SmartStrength" technology—an adjustable cam that lets you change the resistance profile.
- Setting 1 (Bottom): Overloads the lengthened position (deep stretch), ideal for hypertrophy.
- Setting 3 (Top): Overloads the lockout, great for strength and powerlifting.
- Middle Settings: Provide a balanced curve or emphasize the eccentric portion of the lift.
They also feature a foot unloader pedal, which pushes the weight out for you, allowing you to start the rep safely from a deep stretch without risking injury.
Arm & Shoulder Perfection
To round out the physique, the gym is stocked with 8 pieces of dedicated arm equipment and the legendary Atlantis Lateral Raise machine. This lateral raise unit is praised for having a "perfect force curve" that matches the strength profile of the side delts, providing consistent tension without stressing the shoulder joint. It's a staple in Dr. Mike's own home gym for a reason.
Final Thoughts: A Destination Gym
Strip Barbell isn't just a gym; it's a curated experience for people who take lifting seriously. Whether you are a local or just visiting Vegas, it offers a rare collection of the best hypertrophy equipment in the world, hand-picked by the experts who know how to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "curating" gym equipment better than sticking to one brand?
Sticking to a single manufacturer often leads to a "junk drawer" effect where some machines are excellent and others are subpar. Curating equipment allows you to select the absolute best-in-class machine for every specific movement pattern, ensuring optimal biomechanics for every body part.
How do adjustable resistance cams improve muscle growth?
Machines with adjustable cams (like Prime Fitness) allow you to change where the exercise is hardest. Setting the resistance to be heaviest at the bottom (deep stretch) is generally superior for hypertrophy, while setting it to be heaviest at the lockout can be useful for strength goals or working around injuries.
What features make for a "perfect" hack squat?
A top-tier hack squat should have incredible smoothness to reduce joint stress, a non-slip platform for stability, and a design that allows for a full range of motion. The Atlantis model serves as a prime example because its "Yes pad" mimics the biomechanics of a leg press while maintaining the stability benefits of a hack squat.
Does machine quality actually matter for hypertrophy?
Yes. Poorly designed machines often have friction points or mismatched force curves that stress joints rather than muscles. High-quality machines (like Atlantis and Prime) match the body's natural strength curves, allowing you to train closer to failure with less risk of injury and better target muscle stimulation.
