Workout equipment comes in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Some manufacturers design equipment for commercial use, while others cater to the home market. Most exercise machines facilitate muscle strengthening or aerobic exercise, but some machines are multi-functional. Workout equipment evolved through the centuries, but despite the numerous high-tech machines, some fitness enthusiasts prefer a back-to-basics approach.
Origins
Workout equipment is not a new concept. In an article titled "From Milo to Milo: A History of Barbells, Dumbbells and Indian Clubs," University of Texas Professor Jan Todd traces the origins of workout equipment and progressive resistance training to ancient Greece. Milo of Croton was a wrestler who lifted a young calf every day until it turned into a full-sized bull. Milo gained strength as the calf grew bigger. Most strength training machines adhere to this principle of progressive resistance.
Function
Strength-training workout equipment uses an adjustable weight stack for progressive resistance. Resistance equipment strengthens and tones the muscles. Heavier loads increase muscle size.
Workouts performed on cardiovascular exercise equipment strengthen the heart and increase caloric expenditure. Some aerobic machines use an upright standing position, while others are performed from a seated position.
Features
Some strength-training machines enable you to increase or decrease the range of motion of the exercise to accentuate a specific part of the muscle. Others come with adjustable seat heights, which allow you to align your working joint with the machine's axis of resistance.
Technology has benefited cardiovascular workout equipment. Most aerobic machines have consoles that display your speed of movement, caloric expenditure, time elapsed and heart rate. Cardiovascular workout equipment also has intensity adjustments, which may include increased resistance cycles, speed adjustments and incline increases.
Benefits
Fitness enthusiasts often debate the pros and cons of equipment and equipment-free workouts. While each has its benefits, workout equipment offers concrete, objective feedback about your fitness improvements. The ability to lift more weight indicates a strength increase. The ability to sustain longer workouts at increased aerobic intensity while maintaining a lower heart rate is a sign of improved cardiovascular fitness.
Warning
The Federal Trade Commission advises skepticism toward manufacturers' claims about their products. While strength-training may cause a higher resting metabolic rate, isolated muscle toning machines do not spot-reduce body parts or promote overall weight loss. If you are purchasing home workout equipment, check the warranty and service agreements. Use caution when considering free trial offers. They usually do not include the cost of return shipping and handling.
Considerations
Workout equipment that features seat adjustments and stabilizing devices are best for novice exercisers and for isolating specific muscle groups. Fitness experts such as Phil Kaplan warn that isolated muscle toning exercises do not simulate the functional movement patterns used in daily activities and sport. Cable machines enable exercise in different planes of movement, and may be more suitable for sport-specific conditioning and functional training.
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