Gym Equipment and Weight Machines
You can exercise your entire body using just your own bodyweight, or you can use a variety of weight training equipment including barbells and dumbbells, as well as gym machines, frames, or workstations. Most gyms will have a few basic exercise machines that are great to get started with, and most come with helpful diagrams and instructions on how to properly use them. These workout machines are especially important for beginners, as they remove the instability and safety concerns that can come with free weights.
The leg press, chest press, lat pull-down and triceps pushdown machines are all common pieces of gym equipment. These work out a wide range of muscles in your upper body, back and arms. They also work to improve your balance and posture by strengthening your core muscles, which can help prevent injuries. These machines may look intimidating for newbies, but they’re easy to learn and can help build a strong foundation of strength so that you’ll be ready for more challenging exercises down the road.
A simple cable machine like the Smith machine is a great choice for beginners, as it allows you to do a variety of resistance exercises with varying amounts of stability. You can start out with a low amount of weight, then add more as you become more comfortable with the movement and your form. Always ask for a staff member to show you how to use the equipment, and if it’s your first time, try out a machine with no weight on it to get used to the movement and ensure your form is correct.
Another piece of basic gym equipment is the stair stepper or climbing machine, which helps improve your cardiovascular fitness by strengthening your legs, hips and gluteus maximus muscles. It also teaches you to control your breathing, which can benefit your heart health and reduce the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
A basic rowing machine can be found in most gyms, and it’s a great way to strengthen your shoulders and back without having to worry about your form or posture. Oftentimes, these workout machines have multiple attachments that allow you to target different muscle groups and vary your intensity.
Many gyms also have a set of assisted dip or pull-up bars, either as a stand-alone piece or incorporated into other frames. These workouts work your biceps and back muscles, helping you to build the strength for more advanced moves like unassisted dips and pull-ups in the future.
Many of these workout machines are used in our PWR, FIERCE and BUILD programs to build a strong base of strength and prepare you for more intense exercises. If you’re interested in trying our fitness programs, check out the schedule page to find our current offerings!
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
FIND HER ON INSTAGRAM OR YOUTUBE THROUGH THE BELOW LINKS