Aerobic exercise is performed in a steady motion with no added resistance. Strength training on the other hand, uses resistance to work your body. According to Georgia State University, exercise and physical activity can reduce cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, build and maintain healthy muscles, bones and joints, and reduce or maintain body weight. If you are new to exercise, familiarize yourself with workout equipment names before you start a routine.
Treadmill
Treadmills have a belt that moves around as you walk or run on them. You can adjust the speed and resistance of these machines by manually hitting up and down arrows on the console or punching in a specific speed or resistance number on the number pad.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are free weights that range from 1 to 120 lbs. They are made out of cast iron or steel and some types have a rubber or foam coating to protect your hands. These tools get lifted in various angles and motions to work all the muscle groups in the body.
Barbells
In similar fashion to dumbbells, barbells are free weights that get lifted to work the muscles. Olympic barbells weigh 45 lbs. and have a knurled grip. To add weight, weight plates can be slid on the ends and held in place by collars.
An EZ bar has an angled appearance which enables your hands to slightly face each other when you do exercises. This takes stress off your wrists. Weight plates can be slid on and anchored on this bar the same as with an Olympic bar.
Weight Benches
Flat weight benches have a padded flat bench with steel supports underneath. These tools are used for exercises like barbell bench presses, dumbbell chest presses and triceps extensions.
Incline benches are at a 45-degree angle and the same exercises can be done on this bench as the flat bench.
Decline benches are at a declined angle and they have padded supports at the top to brace your lower legs as you do exercises.
Elliptical Machine
Elliptical machines are pieces of cardio equipment that also work your lower and upper body muscles. While your legs glide back and forth on foot pedals, hand-held poles are moved in unison. This type of equipment is low impact.
Leg Press and Extension
The leg press machine works your glutes and thighs by sitting on a seat, placing your feet on a steel plate then lowering and lifting it by bending your knees.
A leg extension singles out your quadriceps which are found on the front of the thighs. To use this machine, sit on the seat, place your lower shins under the padded lever arm, then push it up by bending your knees.
Cable Pulley Machine
A cable pulley machine has two adjustable weight stacks and multiple handles and attachments that are used to work your entire body. Single handles, revolving straight bars, ropes and angled bars get attached to one side or both and exercises like chest flys, reverse flys, upright rows and cable chops are performed.
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