Of the many different types of exercise equipment, there are a few staples that you should familiarize yourself with if you are interested in purchasing equipment or deciding what gym to join. Exercise equipment can mean cardiovascular machines, free weights, resistance bands or equipment such as a jump rope or yoga mat.
Cardiovascular Equipment
One of the most common types of exercise equipment are cardiovascular equipment, which are designed to simulate running or a variation of running. The treadmill is simple to use and you can adjust the speed and incline of the moving belt to fit most exercise capabilities. Elliptical machines are similar to treadmills, except that your feet stay grounded as the machine moves, minimizing the stress on your back and legs. Stair steppers and stationary bikes are also types of cardio equipment. All types can be used indoors and thus are available to use year-round.
Weightlifting Equipment
Weightlifting equipment typically comes as either a machine that focuses specifically on one area of your body, such as your biceps or quadriceps, or as a home gym, which has many different exercises that you can do with one machine. Home gyms are more compact to fit easier in a basement, bedroom or workout room. Individual exercise machines, such as a leg press or arm curl machine, work better in a gym or health club, as people can rotate which machine they use and more people can be working out at once.
Free Weights
Free weights are good for use both at home and at the gym. They can be used for more exercises and cost less than weightlifting machines but often are not as adjustable. Free weights simulate actual situations where you would lift heavy weights, but the weight is not built into a machine to help guide you with the right technique. Free weights are effective in building and toning muscle essentially from head to toe, as long as you know how to properly execute exercises to help strengthen those muscles.
Other Types of Equipment
Additional types of exercise equipment include exercise balls, jump ropes and yoga mats. Exercise balls can help improve your balance and strengthen your core, in addition to being fairly inexpensive. Jump ropes are also inexpensive and are great for elevating your heart rate and helping to tone your arms and legs. Exercise bands help improve your flexibility and range of motion, while yoga mats are really the only equipment you need for classes like yoga or Pilates.
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