Check Out: How Exercise Equipment Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
Exercise Equipment to Give Your Whole Body a Workout
If you've ever been to an establishment that is a professional you've probably seen equipment that enables you to give your entire body an exercise. The equipment ranges from powerful professional systems to compact equipment that can 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. Keep in mind that even the finest equipment can only yield results if it is used regularly.
All-in-One Exercise Systems
All-in-one exercise systems combine the functions of several pieces of equipment into a single unit. They usually include an squat rack, a bench and other attachments for various exercises that target muscles in the arms, shoulders, back, abdomen and legs. They could also have cables and pulleys that provides resistance to help you train weights. Certain all-in-one fitness systems, such as the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym have an adjustable resistance system which allows you to change the amount of weight you're using with a pin without getting up from your seat. Some of these machines can be folded or stored away to make space.
Certain all-in-one exercise systems employ an elastomer-based rod known as Power Rods, which create tension to replace traditional iron weights. The Bowflex and Total Gym systems are examples of all-in-one fitness systems which make use of this technology. These systems allow you to exercise your entire body without the use of weights. However, they do require that you perform some strength training exercises with your own body weight.
Other all-in-one exercise systems include weights as well as a cable and pulley system, such as BodyCraft X3 System. This machine has a dual weight stack of 200 pounds that allows you to perform a variety of exercises for strength training. It comes with a variety attachments including short and longer bars, single and dual D-handles and stirrup handles.
Other all-in-one fitness equipment, like the Tonal and Tempo Studio, include technology that helps to ensure the correct posture during your exercises. Both products utilize 3D sensor technology to monitor 25 joints, compare them to mirrors or other reference points and determine when your form has changed. The products then give real-time feedback that can assist you in regaining proper form. This feature can reduce the risk of injury and ensure that you are targeting the correct muscles in the best possible way. This is especially crucial when you train athletes to take part in sports. If you're performing an upper-body exercise that is linked to running blocking, for instance you must ensure that you're targeting muscles required by the sport.
Weights
Weight training builds muscles, strengthens bones and improves balance, as well as burning calories. Athletes can train using free weights (dumbbells or barbells) and machines that offer guided movements or bars and cables for various pull exercises. Resistance bands offer resistance to exercises using body weight and can be a great option to incorporate them into training for younger athletes or those without access to weights.
When using weights, coaches must be cautious about putting young athletes into low rep ranges that can result in injuries and muscle soreness. Middle and high school age athletes should generally utilize weights they can lift six or more times with proper form.
Tubing and Bands of Resistance
Resistance bands and tubing are a versatile alternative for weight training. Professional athletes in all sports use them to improve performance, increase power and strength and build muscles without having to use heavy weights.
The practice of elastic resistance training has been practiced for over 100 years. Athletes of all ages, fitness levels, and genders utilize elastic resistance training to increase the strength, speed, and agility. Tubes and resistance bands are inexpensive and portable and can be paired with simple home exercises to create a complete fitness routine.
Flat resistance bands are generally comprised of strips of stretchy or latex fabric and have handles attached to both ends. They can be folded up and placed in a suitcase or backpack when not being used. They're lighter than tube resistance bands and can be used for a greater variety of exercises.
Tube resistance bands are hollow, cylindrical tubes made of a rubber or plastic compound. They are designed to be affixed to a door, bar or pole, or any other stationary object. They're 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 stops overstretching.
One of the major advantages of using elastic resistance training is that it permits you to change the emphasis on certain muscles during an exercise by altering the direction of the pull. For instance, a research conducted at Brigham Young University showed that changing the direction of force during an exercise like a squat or step by directing the tubing or band towards the front of your leg altered the focus of quad and hamstring muscles.
A resistance band or tubing is also an ideal option for those who prefer working on their own rather than with a trainer or group. You can also bring them with you when traveling, as they are small enough to fit into a backpack or suitcase.
Aerobic Machines
Cardio exercises increase cardiovascular strength and endurance. They also help to burn calories and release feel-good chemicals known as endorphins. Walking, jogging and using an elliptical machine are some of the most popular cardiovascular exercises. Equipment for indoor gyms is preferred over outdoor exercise for a variety of reasons. Cardio equipment has the primary benefit of providing a controlled environment that allows for a custom-designed exercise. leg exerciser come with built-in monitors to track heart rate, time and distance for a more accurate workout experience.
Treadmills provide a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that can be used for running, walking or stair climbing. Users can also control their speed, incline and resistance level. These features make treadmills a great choice for those suffering from knee issues or who want to get in shape without putting too much pressure on their joints.
Stair climbers are well-known pieces of equipment for cardio as they work the lower and upper body at the same time while burning a lot of calories. Stair climbers are made to resemble an endless flight of stairs. They strengthen the legs and core as well as arms while focusing on muscles in the back, shoulders and shoulders.
The Jacob's Ladder is a challenging total-body exercise. This unique equipment is shaped as a ladder, and comes with separate rungs that function as foot platforms. The rungs are linked to a chain, which continues to move as the user climbs. This causes the ladder to move according to the user's climbing speed and allows them to select their own level of intensity.
Stationary bikes and treadmills are also popular cardio machines. They offer a full-body, low-impact cardiovascular exercise. These machines let users alter the level of resistance in order to focus on specific muscles. For example some ellipticals have a "Rolling Hills" program that adjusts the resistance of the machine to simulate running or biking up hills. Other ellipticals and stationary bikes feature interval training programs to improve endurance.