Gym Equipment
The range of gym equipment you will find in a gym depends on the size of the facility and whether or not it specializes in one or two kinds of workouts. For the most part, gyms do try to have a wide range of fitness equipment available for its patrons. A gym may also have all its equipment from the same manufacturer or may have an assortment of different bran names. This type of equipment is also found in many homes and apartments where people want to exercise on their own without having to leave home. There are different categories of gym equipment, which are:
Cardio Equipment
- Treadmill – this is the traditional and most popular type of exercise equipment. The more modern models are motorized so that it doesn’t take a lot of effort for you to walk on the treadmill and increase your speed if necessary. It is perfect for taking your walk at any time and not have to go outdoors.
- Elliptical Trainers – this piece of equipment gives you the benefit of a stepper and treadmill in one package. You can give your body the cardiovascular workout you need without placing any strain on your joints and bones. With this machine you work all the major muscle groups in your body because you move the upper handles with your upper body and the platforms with your lower body.
- Exercise Bikes – there are two types of exercise bikes – upright and recumbent. Upright models are very similar to the ordinary peddle bike you would ride on the street, while on the recumbent bike you are in more of a reclining position with your legs parallel to the floor.
- Rowers – practice rowing on a machine to give you a great workout. There are three types of rowers – air, hydraulic and magnetic. The air rower is the closest match to actually rowing a boat on the water. There is air resistance to help you have a smooth stroke. In a hydraulic rower, the hydraulics provides the natural resistance you would encounter when rowing in water. The magnetic rower provides various levels of resistance. These are mainly found in gyms, but since they are shorter they are perfect if you only have a limited amount of space.
- Stepper – this is a low impact piece of fitness equipment. You place your feet on platforms and work them in opposite directions so that it seems as if you are climbing stairs. There are also handles for you to hold that you can move back and forth for a total body workout.
Strength Training Equipment
- Dual systems – these machines consist of benches and pulleys allowing you to do arm and leg exercises in a variety of positions.
- Dumbbells – these help you to add resistance to your exercise routine. The weights range from 12 to 30 kg.
- Vibration Training – this piece of fitness equipment help you tone and strengthen your muscles as well as increase your flexibility.