Nautilus Machines Explained: A Buyer’s Guide to Nautilus Strength Lines

Few names in strength training are as recognisable as Nautilus. For decades, rows of Nautilus machines have filled gyms, colleges and hotels — which means plenty of quality Nautilus machines are available used. This guide explains where the brand came from, the main commercial lines you'll see, and what to look for when buying.

Quick answer: Nautilus makes commercial selectorized and plate-loaded strength machines. You'll most often find Nitro, Nitro Plus, Instinct, Impact, Inspiration, One and Leverage machines on the used market. Check the cables, cams and weight stack, and make sure the machine is complete.

A Short History

Inventor Arthur Jones built the first Nautilus machine in the late 1960s. His key idea was the cam — an off-round pulley that changes the resistance through the movement to better match how strength changes across a joint's range of motion. Nautilus machines became a fixture of gyms in the 1970s and 1980s. You can read more about Arthur Jones and the history of Nautilus, Inc. on Wikipedia.

Today, Nautilus commercial strength equipment is made by Core Health & Fitness.

The Main Nautilus Strength Lines

• Nitro and Nitro Plus: compact, selectorized machines found in countless gyms. A very common sight on the used market, and a practical choice for full circuits.
• Instinct: a selectorized line with a smaller footprint, popular in hotels, apartments and smaller facilities. Includes dual-function machines like the Instinct Dual Inner/Outer Thigh.
• Impact: a full-size commercial selectorized line, such as the Impact Incline Chest Press.
• Inspiration: a premium selectorized line built around natural movement paths.
• Nautilus One: a premium line with dial weight selection, like the Nautilus One Bicep Curl.
• Leverage: plate-loaded machines for heavy, free-weight-style training.

Older lines such as Power Plus also turn up used — for example the Nautilus Power Plus Incline Chest Press.

Buying Used Nautilus Machines

• Cables and belts: look for fraying or cracking, and replace worn ones before use.
• Cams and pulleys: they should turn smoothly, with no grinding or wobble.
• Weight stack: every plate and the selector pin should be present, and the stack should glide on its guide rods.
• Adjustments: test seat and range-of-motion adjustments.
• Completeness: handles, pads and shrouds can be harder to source for older lines.

Our full used gym equipment checklist covers every step.

Are Nautilus Machines Good for a Home Gym?

Yes, if you have the space. Selectorized Nautilus machines are quick to use and very durable, but they're heavy, so check access and floor strength. For a home gym, a few multi-use pieces usually make more sense than a full circuit.

Browse our Nautilus equipment, or contact us about a specific machine.