Gyms provide various types of exercise equipment, depending on their size. A small locally owned facility may have fewer pieces of equipment to offer than a larger fitness clubs. Regardless of size, most gyms have equipment that falls into the two main categories of exercise: cardiovascular and strength training.
Cardio Equipment
Cardio workout equipment comes in many forms. For instance, treadmills allow you to walk or run at your own pace. Some may incline or decline to give you a the benefits of walking up and down hills to intensify your workout. Elliptical trainers are low-impact cardio machines that provide the benefits of walking, running or climbing stairs with less stress on the joints. Many gyms also offer the option of using stationary bikes. You may also find stair-stepper machines that simulate continuously walking up stairs.
Strength Training
Strength training equipment can be divided into two types: free weights and machine weights. Machine weights, such as bicep and tricep machines, use a pulley system to work the muscles in a fixed range of motion. Free weights, such as dumbbells and kettle balls, allow you to move in multiple directions during the exercise. Each has pros and cons. Free weights offer flexibility to target different muscles but can lead to a higher risk of injury. Machine weights limit the muscles targeted during the workout but decrease your risk of injury since the movement is supported.
Alternative Equipment
You'll find other pieces of equipment in the gym, such as jump ropes for cardio and yoga balls used for stretching along with basic exercises, such as sit-ups and push-ups. Some gyms offer specially made treadmills and elliptical machines that convert your energy used on the machine into electricity.
Benefits
Cardio and strength training provide numerous benefits. Cardio can help you burn fat and reduce stress while improving your cardiovascular system. Strength training boosts metabolism, which in turn burns more fat, builds muscle and strengthen joints and bones.
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