Exercise Equipment to Give Your Whole Body a Workout
If you've been to an elite gym you've probably seen equipment that lets you give your body a workout. The equipment ranges from high-end professional equipment to smaller machines that are able to be employed at home.
No matter what type of equipment you use, always "bake-in" progression and regression to aid your clients or students improve their fitness. Be aware that even the most powerful equipment can only yield results when it is used regularly.
All-in-One Exercise Systems
All-in-one systems integrate several pieces of equipment into one unit. They typically include a bench and squat rack for strength training and a variety of attachments to perform a variety of exercises to target muscles in the shoulders, arms, back, abdomen and legs. They could also have cables and pulleys that provide resistance for weight training. Some all-in-one exercise equipment, such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, feature a selectorized resistance system, which allows you to change the amount of weight you are using with a pin without having to get up from your chair. Some of these machines can be folded or stored away to make space.
Some all-in-one exercise systems use a polymer-based rod called Power Rods that generate tension to replace traditional iron weights. All-in-one models like the Total Gym and Bowflex systems utilize this kind of technology. These systems let you train your entire body without using weights. However, they do require that you perform some exercises for strength using your bodyweight.
Other all-in-one exercise systems have an amalgamation of weights, a pulley and cable system, for instance the BodyCraft X3 System. It comes with two 200-pound weight stacks that allows you to perform many different strength-training exercises. It has a variety of attachments including short and longer bars with dual D-handles, single and double and stirrup handles.
Other all-in-one fitness systems, such the Tonal and Tempo Studio, incorporate technology that aids in ensuring that you are in good shape during your workouts. Both products make use of 3D sensors to monitor 25 joints, compare them to mirrors, for example, as a reference point, and identify the moment when your posture has changed. They then offer real-time feedback to help you get back to your proper posture. This feature will reduce your risk of injury as well as make sure you are targeting the correct muscles in the most effective way. This is especially crucial when training athletes for sports. If you're doing an upper body exercise that is linked to running blocking, for instance, you should make sure you're targeting the muscles needed by the sport.
Weights
Training with weights builds muscle, strengthens bones and improves balance, and burns calories. Athletes can train with free weights (dumbbells and barbells) and machines that offer guided movement patterns or cables with handles and bars for a variety of pull exercises. Resistance bands provide resistance to bodyweight exercises and can be a great option to incorporate them into workouts for younger athletes or those with no access to weights.
When using weights, coaches should be cautious about putting young athletes into low rep ranges that can lead to injuries and muscle soreness. Middle and high school athletes should generally use weights that they can lift six or more times with proper form.
Tubing and Resistance Bands
Resistance bands and tubing are a versatile alternative for weight training. They are used by professional athletes in all sports - football players, UFC fighters, bodybuilders and many more - to improve performance and strength and increase muscle mass without the need for heavy free weights.
Since the beginning of time, elastic resistance training has been used. Athletes of all ages fitness levels, and genders utilize elastic resistance training to increase the strength of their muscles, speed and agility. Tubes and bands for resistance are inexpensive and portable and can be combined with easy home exercises to complete a fitness routine.
Flat resistance bands are made up of strips of latex, or stretchy fabrics. They are equipped with handles on both ends. When not in use, they can be rolled and put into luggage or a backpack. They are lighter than tube resistance bands and can be used for more exercises.
Tube resistance bands consist of hollow cylindrical tubes that are coated with rubber or plastic. They are designed to be affixed to a door, bar or pole, or any other stationary object. These bands are great for pushing and pulling exercises. They offer various levels of resistance, based on their thickness and tension. They are also more durable than regular flat resistance bands and many have a built-in snap-guard that prevents overstretching.
The main benefit of elastic resistance training is the ability to alter the direction of the pull in an exercise. For example, a study conducted at Brigham Young University showed that changing the direction of force on an exercise like a squat or step by directing the tubing or band towards the front of your leg changed the focus of quad and hamstring muscles.
Another advantage of using resistance bands or tubing is that they're a good option for athletes who prefer to exercise on their own instead of working with a trainer or a group. They're also great for traveling as you can pack them into a suitcase or backpack and be able to access your favorite exercises.
Aerobic Machines
Cardio exercises improve endurance and strength of the cardiovascular system, burn calories and stimulate the release of a variety of chemicals that are known as endorphins. Walking, jogging and using an elliptical are some of the most well-known cardiovascular exercises. Although these workouts can be done outdoors but indoor gym equipment is typically preferred due to a variety of reasons. Cardio equipment has the main benefit of offering a controlled environment that allows for a customized exercise. Many machines also offer built-in monitors that track heart rate time, distance and distance for more precise workouts.
Treadmills are a low impact cardiovascular exercise that can be utilized for walking, running, or stair climbing. Users can also adjust their speed, incline and resistance level. These features make treadmills an excellent option for people who have knee problems or wish to get fit.
Stair climbers have become a popular cardio equipment as they work both the lower and upper bodies simultaneously, while burning lots of calories. home gym are built to mimic an endless flight of stairs. They are great for strengthening the legs and core, as well as the arms while targeting muscles in the back, shoulders, and shoulders.
The Jacob's Ladder is a more unique piece of fitness equipment, offering an intense, full-body workout. This unique piece of equipment shaped as a ladder with separate rungs which serve as foot platforms. The rungs on this rare equipment are linked to a chain that moves as the user climbs. The ladder moves at a pace determined by the user's speed of climbing and allowing them to select their own level of intensity.
Stationary treadmills and stationary bikes are also popular cardio machines. They offer a full body, low-impact cardiovascular exercise. These machines let users adjust the resistance level in order to target specific muscle groups. Some ellipticals have the "Rolling Hills' program that adjusts the resistance of the machine to simulate riding or running up hills. Other ellipticals and stationary bikes come with interval training programs to increase endurance.