From a business perspective, the more machines a gym has, the better. I have been training in different and more expensive gyms for the past weeks, I have a membership that lets me access multiple gyms for a set price, with more access available if you pay more. I've noticed that most people use machines now, even muscular dudes or bodybuilders, they all seem to only hit machines. I mean, the more options the better, but I would not pay more just because of some levitating row machine. Take legs, for example, I don’t remember ever seeing or trying a machine that could substitute for squats or lunges, I always end up doing them anyway. By the way, most gyms in Brazil lack the basics. Most don’t have good squat racks, different bars, or heavier dumbbells, but they do have very expensive machines. Free weights simply don't attract new members.