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What are the Different Types of Strength Training Equipment?
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Many health and fitness experts suggest that strength training is a vital part of any healthy exercise routine. In addition to building muscle, strength training improves flexibility and can help maintain bone density. There are many different types of strength training equipment available that can suit individual needs. Whether a person prefers machines that assist with posture and weight distribution or likes to add to an aerobic workout with a pair of hand weights, the options are nearly limitless.
Some strength training equipment uses pulley systems and weight plates to help improve strength. These weight training machines are a staple of gyms and can be quite effective if used correctly. Some machine strength training equipment allows the user to do just one exercise, but others have a variety of positions and attachments to allow multiple moves. It is important to read instructions carefully before using this type of strength training equipment, as injury can occur both during the exercise and setting up the machine.
Free weights are another type of strength training equipment that many people find useful. These come in many types, from dumbbells to heavily weighted balls. Free weights use the body's own resistance to provide a workout; since the exerciser is usually less stable than on a machine, an added component of posture and core strength is added. It is important to perform moves exactly with this type of strength training equipment, as poor posture or pulling from the wrong place can lead to injury and diminish the effectiveness of the routine.
Some free weights can help provide strength training even with other forms of exercise than simple weight lifting. Lightweight dumbbells and weighted wrist and ankle bands can add a resistance and strength components to a cardiovascular routine like jogging or walking. Even yoga and Pilates can be made more effective by holding weights while performing postures. Adding weights to nearly any type of exercise routine can result in a faster muscle build and a higher calorie burn.
Another type of strength training equipment is the resistance band. These elastic bands comes in a variety of lengths and levels of resistance, and can be a great way to add anaerobic stretches and moves to a routine. Exercises are performed using the resistance of the band like a weight; stretching against the resistance activates the muscles. It's important to find the right level of resistance band, as too much pressure can cause the band to snap painfully.
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.
Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.
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![Dumbbells are a popular type of strength-training equipment.]()
By: michaeljungDumbbells are a popular type of strength-training equipment. -
![Dumbbells are commonly used by athletes for strength training.]()
By: fotoinfotDumbbells are commonly used by athletes for strength training. -
![Some exercises may be done on a balance ball in order to build core strength.]()
By: michaeljungSome exercises may be done on a balance ball in order to build core strength. -
![Core strength exercises are often done using body weight for resistance.]()
By: Mat HaywardCore strength exercises are often done using body weight for resistance. -
![A power twister is a useful upper body strengthening tool.]()
By: asianaA power twister is a useful upper body strengthening tool.
Discussion Comments
@KoiwiGal - I used to feel intimidated by men at the gym as well. I know they most likely don't even notice me, but it can still be a bit embarrassing when you are the only woman in the room.
But, I joined up a woman's only gym and I like it much better. It's nice not having to think about it at all, and I feel safer when I'm there at night as well. They just take things like safety after dark more seriously, I think.
Plus, I hate to say it, but it is a lot easier to get on the weight equipment than it used to be at my old gym!
@KoiwiGal - You shouldn't feel bad about learning to use the strength training machines at the gym. All those guys in that room were beginners once too, and they probably are more willing to help than you think.
Or you could get an hour with a trainer, who can show you the ropes. Many gyms offer this as a start up incentive anyway.
Just using the cardio equipment isn't really enough if you are hoping to get really fit and healthy, or even to lose weight. You need to tone and develop your muscles as well. Just tell yourself, I have as much right to be here as any of them, and give it a go!
There are so many kinds of strength training equipment that I always feel quite overwhelmed when I go into the gym.
It doesn't help that the weights room is always occupied by a bunch of men who look as though they have been using the equipment for years. I never feel like they are going to help me if I'm doing it wrong. In fact I feel like they are judging me just for daring to go in there.
Usually I chicken out and only use the cardio machines, because they seem to have a lot more women on them, and I know I can probably figure out how to use them without hurting myself or looking like an idiot.
Maybe I should get some home strength training exercise equipment to use instead.
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