Exercise Equipment to Give Your Whole Body a Workout
If you've ever visited an establishment that is a professional, you've likely seen exercise equipment that enables you to give your whole body a workout. It ranges from expensive, heavy-duty, professional systems to more compact, do-it-all machines that you can put to use at home.
No matter what kind of equipment, it is important to "bake in" the process of regression and progression so that your students or clients can improve their fitness. Remember that even the best equipment will only deliver results if it is utilized regularly.
All-in-One Exercise Systems
All-in-one systems combine multiple pieces of equipment in one unit. They usually include a bench and squat rack to help with strength training, as well as a variety of attachments to perform a variety of exercises that target muscles in the arms, shoulders, back, abdomen and legs. Some may include a cable and pulley system to provide resistance for weight training. Some all-in one exercise systems, such as the Life Fitness G7 home gym, have a selectorized system of resistance, which allows users to adjust the weight they are using by pulling a pin. Some of these machines are also easily foldable or stowable, which helps to make space.
Some all-in one exercise systems utilize an elastomer-based rod known as Power Rods that create tension to replace traditional iron weights. The Bowflex and Total Gym systems are examples of all-in-one exercise equipment that make use of this technology. These systems let you exercise your entire body without the use of weights. However, they still require that you perform some exercise routines for strength using your body weight.
Other all-in-one fitness systems combine both weights and a pulley and cable system, such as BodyCraft X3 System. The machine comes with a dual weight stack of 200 pounds that allow you to perform dozens different strength-training workouts. It has a variety of attachments like longer and shorter bars, single and dual D-handles and stirrup handles.
Other all-in-one exercise equipment, like the Tonal and Tempo Studio, incorporate technology that assists in ensuring that you are in good shape during your exercise routine. Both of them make use of 3D sensors to monitor 25 joints, compare them to mirrors, for example, as a reference point and determine when your form has changed. The products give real-time feedback that can help you get back into the correct posture. This feature will reduce your risk of injury as well as ensure that you are targeting the right muscles in the most effective way. This is especially important when training athletes to participate in sports. For example, if you're doing an upper-body workout that corresponds to run blocking, you should be sure you are targeting the muscle groups required by the sport.
Weights
Weight training helps build muscles, strengthens bones, and improves balance, as well as burning calories. Athletes can train using free weights (dumbbells or barbells) or machines that provide controlled movements, or cables and bars for various pull exercises. Resistance bands offer resistance to exercises using body weight and can be a great option to incorporate them into workouts for younger athletes or those without access to weights.
Coaches should avoid placing young athletes into low rep ranges when using weights. This can lead to injuries and muscle pain. High and middle school should be using weights that can be lifted six times or more with proper technique.
Resistance Bands and Tubing
Resistance bands and tubing are a great alternative to weight training. They're used by professional athletes across all sports - footballers, UFC fighters, bodybuilders, and more - to boost performance, increase strength and power, and build muscle size without the need for large free weights.
The practice of elastic resistance training has been around for more than a century. Athletes of all ages, fitness levels, and genders benefit from elastic resistance training to improve the strength, speed, and agility. Tubes and bands for resistance are affordable and easy to carry, and they can be paired with simple home exercises to complete a fitness routine.
Flat resistance bands consist of strips of latex, or stretchy fabrics. They have handles at both ends. When not in use they can be rolled and put in a backpack or suitcase. They're lighter than tube resistance bands and can be used for a wider variety of exercises.
Tube resistance bands are hollow, cylindrical tubes made of a rubber or plastic compound. They are typically designed to be attached to a door, bar, pole, or other stationary object. These bands can be used for pulling or pushing exercises, and provide various levels of resistance, based on their thickness and tension. They're also more resilient than flat resistance bands and typically come with a snap guard that safeguards against over-stretching and possible injury.
The most significant benefit of using elastic resistance is the ability to alter the direction of the pull during an exercise. For instance, a study performed at Brigham Young University showed that changing the line of force during the squat exercise or step by directing the tubing or band to the front of your leg changed the focus of the muscles of the quad and hamstring.
Another advantage of using resistance bands or tubing is that they can be an ideal option for athletes who prefer to exercise independently instead of working with a trainer or group. You can also bring them along when you travel, as they are small enough to fit into luggage or backpacks.
Aerobic Machines
Cardio exercises increase endurance and strength of the cardiovascular system they burn calories and stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins. Jogging, walking and using an elliptical machine are some of the most well-known cardiovascular exercises. Although these exercises are able to be done outdoors however, indoor gym equipment is typically preferred due to a variety of reasons. Cardio equipment has the primary benefit of offering an environment that is controlled and allows for a customizable exercise. A lot of machines come with built-in monitors to track heart rate, distance and time for an improved experience.
Treadmills provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout that can be used for walking, running or stair climbing. home gym workout equipment can also control their speed, incline, and resistance level. These features make treadmills an excellent option for those with knee issues or want to improve their fitness.
Stair climbers are well-known pieces of equipment for cardio as they work the upper and lower body at the same time while burning a lot of calories. Designed to mimic a never-ending staircase, stair climbers work the legs and core while targeting muscles in the arms, back and shoulders.
The Jacob's Ladder provides a challenging, total-body workout. This unique equipment is shaped as a ladder, and comes with separate rungs that serve as foot platforms. The rungs are connected to a chain that continues to move as the user climbs. This makes the ladder move at a speed determined by the user's speed of climbing, allowing them to choose 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 target specific muscle groups. For example some ellipticals have an "Rolling Hills" program that adjusts the resistance of the machine to simulate running or biking up hills. Other ellipticals or stationary bikes come with interval training programs that improve endurance.