With the wide array of equipment to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which machines and weights are best for helping you reach your health and fitness needs. To achieve the best results, diversify your workout with an array of cardio exercises, resistance machines, free weights, calisthenics and fitness classes offered by your gym.
Cardio Exercise
Gyms often have a vast selection of cardio machines from which to choose. Machines like the treadmill, exercise bike, stair climber and the elliptical can help you burn over 500 calories per hour depending on your speed, intensity and current level of fitness. Perform at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise to elevate your heart rate to a level that supports maximum calorie and fat burning.
Weight Training
Weight training helps develop lean muscle mass, thus allowing you to exercise and burn calories more efficiently. Lift weights using different resistance machines and free weights every other day to give your muscles an adequate amount of time to rest. Perform at least three sets of 12 or more repetitions of various kinds of lifting exercises. Before beginning any weightlifting regimen, learn proper weight-training technique to reduce the risk of injury.
Fitness Classes
Fitness and aerobics classes are often available at gyms. These courses teach the proper technique for specialized cardio workouts and can help individuals burn over 500 calories per hour, depending on the level of intensity. Working out with other people in an aerobics class can help you stay motivated and push you to work out harder. Aerobics classes such as kickboxing, dancing and step aerobics can help you reach your fitness goals.
Calisthenics
Calisthenic workouts strengthen your core and tone targeted muscles. Gyms often have special equipment for performing calisthenics with greater resistance and weights for a more enhanced workout. Daily situps, crunches, pushups, leg lifts, squats and lunges can help sculpt your muscles throughout your legs, abdominal region and arms. They also can improve your posture and balance. Perform at least three sets of 12 or more repetitions, increasing the number of sets and repetitions as you build strength and endurance.
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