Adding toning exercise to your fitness program can mean the difference between minimal or dramatic results. Using toning equipment increases muscle mass and therefore the amount of calories you burn at rest. For women, performing toning exercise gives the muscles more definition and can improve the appearance of cellulite-stricken areas such as the thighs and butt. Whether you use fitness machines at the gym or exercise bands at home, adding a little more muscle never hurt.
Cable Machine
Most gyms have a cable machine on the workout floor. It's a large, tall piece of equipment with cables, weight stacks and attachments. Some machines also come with a pullup bar in the center used for abdominal and back exercises. You can perform exercises for the entire body using the cable machine. Various attachments help you strengthen the upper and lower body or perform sport-specific exercises for golf, tennis and baseball. Simply slide the cable attachment up or down and attach the equipment you need to perform exercises. You can use the cable machine regardless of your fitness level, and small models can serve as a home gym.
TRX Suspension System
The TRX suspension system is a lightweight device that attaches to doorframes and other stable objects. While suspended, you can perform hundreds of exercises for the entire body. You can also improve your cardiovascular system with aerobic exercise. The TRX can be used at the gym, home, outdoors and on the road. It takes up little space and offers a challenge to the body. Classes also explain how to use the TRX suspension system. When you purchase the system, you get a DVD showing the exercises you can do.
Stability Balls
You may already use the stability balls for abdominal exercise but they can be used for so much more. You can employ them in place of a bench to perform exercises for the chest and upper body. You can also use them to challenge the muscles of your lower body, performing squats and lunges. The best part about a stability ball is that it creates an unstable surface, which challenges the deep muscles of the core. Exercise balls come in three or four sizes corresponding to height. The ball size and height reference should appear on the packaging for easy reference before purchase.
Weighted Vest
The weighted vest is just what the name implies, a vest with added weight. Weighted vests come in small and large weight increments allowing a challenging workout for all fitness levels. You can wear the vest to perform simple exercises such as squats or more challenging exercises like jump squats. Wearing a weighted vest is a little easier than carrying hand weights but with the same benefit. Vests are best used when performing bodyweight exercises such as pushups, squats, lunges and jumps. If you experience back pain, use of a weighted vest is not recommended. You can purchase weighted vests at a sporting goods store to take your workout to the next level.
Member Comments