Strength Exercise Equipment

Muscular strength is an important component of physical fitness, according to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Strength training can help you control your weight and reduce your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Free weights, weight machines, resistance bands and your own body weight are some types of equipment you can use to participate in strength training exercises.

Strength Training Recommendations

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends strength training exercises for most people. It recommends doing exercises that strengthen each of your major muscle groups, including your arms, back, chest, shoulders, abdomen and legs, at least two times each week. Doing between eight and 12 repetitions for each exercise and doing two to four sets will be enough to gain the health benefits associated with strength training.

Weights

Lifting weights, whether it be with free weights or by using weight machines, is a common way to participate in strength training exercises. Free weights include dumbbells and barbells, and along with weight machines, are commonly found in recreation centers and gyms. According to Edward R. Laskowski, rehabilitation specialist at the Mayo Clinic, both free weights and weight machines can be effective weight-training tools. He suggests using the type of weights you enjoy and the type that fits your lifestyle. He also adds that your technique is more important than the type of weight-lifting equipment you use.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are another type of muscle-strengthening equipment. They are portable, inexpensive and easy to use. They come in different widths, and usually, the thicker the band, the more resistance it provides. Resistance bands can be attached to door knobs, sturdy pieces of furniture or other fixed locations and can give you a good workout. According to Indiana University, you can use resistance bands to strengthen most of your major muscle groups.

Body-weight Exercises

Weights and resistance bands are good equipment for strength-training workouts, but sometimes your own body weight can be all you need for a good exercise session. Exercises that use your own body weight as resistance can help you develop your strength. Push-ups, pull-ups, abdominal crunches and squats are some examples of body-weight exercises. Some of these exercises can be customized to match your fitness level. For example, if push-ups on your hands and toes are too difficult, doing them on your knees can decrease the resistance and make them easier.

Considerations

Although strength training exercises are beneficial for most people, some conditions may limit your ability to safely participate in them. If you have any health concerns or chronic conditions, or are new to strength training, visit with your doctor or a trained exercise specialist to help you put together a strength training program that is right for you. As with other types of exercise, strength training may include some risk for injury and learning how to safely and correctly use exercise equipment can minimize your risk.