The 3 Greatest Moments In Exercise Equipment History

Exercise Equipment to Give Your Whole Body a Workout If you've been to a gym that is professional, you've seen equipment that allows you to work out your entire body. The equipment ranges from high-end professional equipment to smaller machines that can be utilized at home. No matter what type of equipment you choose to use, make sure you “bake-in” progression and regression to aid your clients or students improve their fitness. Remember that even the best fitness equipment will only yield results if utilized regularly. All-in-One Exercise Systems All-in-one exercise systems integrate the functions of multiple pieces of equipment into one unit. They typically have the squat rack, bench and other attachments for a variety exercises that target muscles in the arms and the back, shoulders, and legs. Some might have the pulley system and cable to provide resistance for weight training. Certain all-in-one exercise systems, like the Life Fitness G7 home gym, have a selectorized system of resistance, which allows users to alter the weight they use by pulling a pin. Some of these machines can be folded down or put away to save space. Some all-in-one exercise systems use the power of a polymer rod, also known as Power Rods that generate tension to replace traditional iron weights. All-in-one models like the Total Gym and Bowflex systems utilize this kind of technology. These systems allow you to train your entire body without the necessity of weights, however they still require you to perform certain strength-training exercises using your own body weight. Other all-in one exercise systems come with an amalgamation of weights and a pulley as well as a cable system, for instance the BodyCraft X3 System. The machine comes with a dual weight stack of 200 pounds that allows you to perform a variety of exercises for strengthening. It also comes with a broad selection of attachments, such as bars that are long and short as well as double and single D-handles, ankle straps, stirrup handles, rope handles and two arm cuffs. Other all-in-one fitness systems, like the Tonal and Tempo Studio, include technology that helps to ensure the correct posture during your workouts. Both products utilize 3D sensors to track the position of 25 joints and compare them with reference points, such as mirrors, to assist you in determining the areas where your form is off. They provide real-time feedback that helps guide you back into good form. This feature can reduce the risk of injury, and ensure that you are targeting the right muscles in the best way possible. This is particularly crucial when training athletes to compete in sports. If you're doing an upper body exercise that is correlated with run blocking, for example you must ensure that you're targeting muscles required by the sport. Weights Weight training improves bone strength, muscle mass, and balance. It also burns calories. best workout machine for home may train with free weights (dumbbells or barbells), machines which provide guided movements, or cables and bars for various pull exercises. Resistance bands add resistance to bodyweight exercises and are a great way to incorporate into the workouts of young athletes or those who don't have access to weights. When using weights, coaches should avoid putting young athletes in low rep ranges which can cause injuries and muscle soreness. Middle and high school athletes should generally lift weights that they can lift six or more times with proper form. Tubing or Resistance Bands Tubing and resistance bands are a flexible option for weight training. They're utilized by professional athletes across all sports – footballers, UFC fighters, bodybuilders, and more – to improve performance, increase strength and power and increase muscle size without the need for large free weights. Elastic resistance training has been practiced for over a century. All athletes of all ages, fitness levels, and genders utilize elastic resistance training to increase the strength of their muscles, speed and agility. Tubes and resistance bands are affordable and easy to carry, and they can be paired with simple home exercises to complete a fitness routine. Flat resistance bands are strips of latex, or stretchy fabrics. They have handles on both ends. They can be folded up and put in a suitcase or backpack when not in use. They're lighter than tube resistance bands and can be used for a wider range of exercises. Tube resistance bands are hollow, cylindrical tubes that are coated with an elastomer or plastic compound. They're usually designed to be attached to a door, bar or pole, or any other stationary object. These bands can be utilized for pulling or pushing exercises, and provide different levels of resistance based on their thickness and tension. They are also more durable than regular flat resistance bands and many come with a snap-guard built-in that prevents overstretching. One of the major advantages of using elastic resistance training is that it enables you to alter the focus put on specific muscles during an exercise by altering the direction of the pull. For instance, a study conducted at Brigham Young University showed that altering the direction of force on a squat or step exercise by directing the tubing band towards the front of your leg changed the focus of the muscles like the hamstring and quad. Tubing or a resistance band is also an excellent option for athletes who prefer to work on their own rather than with a trainer or a group. They're also ideal for travel as you can pack them in a suitcase or backpack, and still be able to access your favorite exercises. Aerobic Machines Cardio exercises boost cardiovascular strength and endurance. They also help in burning calories and release feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Some of the most common kinds of cardiovascular exercises include walking or jogging, using an elliptical machine, riding a stationary bike and climbing on a stair-climber. While these exercises can be performed outdoors but indoor gym equipment is often preferred for a variety of reasons. Cardio equipment has the main advantage of providing the control of an environment that allows for a customizable exercise. Many machines come with built-in monitors to track heart rate, time and distance for more precise workouts. Treadmills provide an exercise that is low-impact and can be used to simulate running, walking or climbing stairs. Users can also adjust their speed, incline, and resistance level. These features make treadmills a great alternative for those who suffer from knee problems or wish to improve their fitness. Stair climbers are now a popular fitness equipment because they work both upper and lower bodies simultaneously, while burning lots of calories. Created to resemble a never-ending staircase, stair climbers strengthen the legs and core, while targeting muscles in the arms, back and shoulders. The Jacob's Ladder is a challenging total-body workout. The unique piece of equipment is designed like a ladder and features separate rungs which function as foot platforms. The rungs are connected to a chain, which moves continuously as the user climbs. The ladder moves at a rate determined by the climber's speed. Stationary treadmills and stationary bikes are also popular cardio machines. They offer a full body low-impact cardiovascular exercise. They also allow users to adjust their resistance to target specific muscle groups. Certain ellipticals come with a “Rolling Hills' program that alters the resistance of the machine to simulate biking or running up hills. Other ellipticals and stationary bikes come with interval training programs to improve endurance.