If you’re new to the gym, stepping into a room full of machines and heavy equipment can be more than a little intimidating. Today, we’re going to break down the different gym equipment you can find at your local Buzzfit so that you’re prepared for your next sweat sesh.
Cardio is an awesome way to improve your overall health – it keeps your heart and lungs working well, lowers your blood pressure, and can even help your bone health. You can incorporate aerobic exercise into your life in a lot of ways, from going on walks or bike rides to swimming or running! At the gym, you can choose from a variety of cardio equipment, and eventually decide which you enjoy the most.
The treadmill is a classic example of an exercise machine. They’re versatile and can be used for walking, jogging, or running, and you can change the elevation grade and speed of your machine to either increase or decrease resistance. Treadmills are great for people who want a simple, straightforward workout, or those who prioritize running.
If the treadmill is rough on your joints (or if you don’t like running), you may prefer the elliptical. An elliptical trainer, also known as a cross-trainer, is a stationary exercise machine that allows you to stair climb, walk, or run without putting too much strain on your joints, lowering your risk of impact injuries.
If you’re looking for an even lower-impact workout than the elliptical, the stationary bike could be your new best friend. A stationary bicycle, as opposed to other types of cardio equipment such as a treadmill or an elliptical, puts less strain on your joints while still providing an excellent aerobic workout. All you need to do is sit and pedal!
StairMasters can also strengthen your lower body, which is good for your bones in addition to providing cardio benefits. It engages your glutes and quads like no other, and after a few minutes on one of these, you’ll definitely feel the burn. StairMasters are thus excellent cardio machine options for people who are short on time but still want to get a good workout.
Stepping foot into a weight room can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. But it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone because strength training can help you manage your body fat percentage, and it also boosts your metabolism! Lifting also improves your quality of life by temporarily increasing your supply of endorphins, and it allows you to do everyday things like vacuum under the couch more easily. Strength training can also do a better job than cardio workouts to help to keep your joints and bones healthy, so if you’ve been thinking about picking up some weights, this guide is for you.
If you’re new to exercising, you may want to start lifting with a machine. Weight machines will help you acclimate to safe strength training because they help to regulate the appropriate range of motion for a specific exercise. Machines can also teach you proper form, which lowers your risk of injury. Furthermore, there is little to no set-up required, and most machines have pictures showing how to use them, making them ideal for beginners.
Dumbbells are ideal for those who have mastered their form and are looking for versatile equipment. They can be used for a variety of exercises, including resistance and cardio routines. Dumbbells are among the most versatile weights, as they can be used to work the core, upper body, and lower body, while also helping you improve your stability and balance!
Barbells are super efficient tools when it comes to weightlifting. Because they each work multiple muscle groups and joints, the Big Four barbell exercises (squat, bench press, overhead press, and deadlift) provide an overall workout.
Barbells improve athletic performance, are inexpensive, and versatile. Their only drawback is the setup and math involved. Barbells are ideal for those who want to work out more muscle groups in less time.
While gyms will have a variety of equipment on hand, we discussed the most common exercise equipment you can find in a professional or home gym. Gym equipment can be used in a variety of ways to several different ends, whether your goals are building muscle, improving your balance, or feeling healthier. These machines all serve a variety of purposes and can be used by just about anyone – the most important thing is using them safely.
Always be sure to follow the safety guidelines provided by your gym so that you and others around you can have a safe, fun workout.
If you’re looking to get into the gym and start feeling good, be sure to stop by Buzzfit – the friendliest gyms in Quebec!
