10 Fundamentals Regarding Exercise Equipment You Didn't Learn At School

Exercise Equipment to Give Your Whole Body a Workout If you've ever visited a professional gym you've probably seen equipment that enables you to give your entire body an exercise. It ranges from expensive professional, heavy-duty systems to more compact, do-it-all equipment that you can use at home. Whatever equipment you are using, be sure to “bake-in” progression and regression to help your students or clients improve their fitness. Remember that even the best equipment will only deliver results when it is used regularly. All-in-One Exercise Systems All-in-one systems integrate several pieces of equipment into one unit. They typically include a bench, squat rack and other attachments for a variety exercises that target muscles in the arms and shoulders, back, abdomen and legs. They might also include cables and pulleys that provide resistance to help you train weights. Some all-in-one exercise systems like the Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, feature an adjustable resistance system which lets you change the amount of weight you're using by simply getting up from your seat. Some of these machines can be folded down or stowed to save space. Some all-in one exercise systems utilize an elastomer-based rod known as Power Rods, which create tension to replace traditional iron weights. The Bowflex and Total Gym systems are examples of all-in-one exercise systems that make use of this technology. These systems offer a way to train your entire body without the requirement for weights, but they require you to complete some strength-training exercises using your own bodyweight. Other all-in-one fitness systems include an amalgamation of weights and a pulley and cable system, for instance the BodyCraft X3 System. The machine comes with two 200-pound weight stacks that allows you to perform many different strength-training exercises. It also comes with a broad variety of attachments, including short and long bars with double and single D-handles, ankle straps, stirrup handles, a rope handle and dual arm cuffs. Other all-in one exercise systems, such the Tonal and Tempo Studio, feature technology that assists in ensuring that you are in good shape during your exercise routine. Both systems use 3D sensors to monitor the position of 25 joints, and compare them to reference points, such as mirrors, to aid you in identifying when your posture is off. They provide real-time feedback that helps guide you back into good form. This feature can help lower the risk of injury and ensure that you are focusing on the correct muscles in the most effective way possible. This is particularly crucial when training athletes for sports. For instance, if you're doing an upper-body workout that is similar to running blocking, you want to ensure that you're targeting the muscle groups required by the sport. Weights Weight training increases muscle mass, bone strength and balance. It also helps burn calories. Athletes can train using free weights (dumbbells, barbells) and machines that offer instructions for movement or cables with handles and bars for a variety of pull exercises. Resistance bands add resistance to bodyweight exercises, and are a great way to incorporate into the training of younger athletes or those who do not have access to weights. When using weights, coaches must be cautious about putting young athletes into low rep ranges that can result in injuries and muscle soreness. Athletes in middle and high school should use weights that can be lifted more than six times with proper form. Tubing or Resistance Bands Tubing and resistance bands provide a versatile alternative to weight training. They're utilized by professional athletes in all sports – football players, UFC fighters, bodybuilders, and more – to enhance performance, increase strength and power and increase muscle size without the need for bulky free weights. Elastic resistance training has been practiced for more than 100 years. Athletes of all ages fitness levels, and genders use elastic resistance training to improve the strength of their muscles, speed and agility. Tubes and bands for resistance are inexpensive and portable, and they can be paired with simple home exercises to complete a fitness routine. Flat resistance bands are generally comprised of strips of latex or stretchy fabric and have handles connected to 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 greater variety of exercises. Tube resistance bands are hollow, cylindrical tubes with the use of plastic or rubber compounds. They're usually designed to be attached to a door, bar, pole, or other stationary object. These bands are great for pulling and pushing exercises. They offer various levels of resistance based upon their thickness and tension. They are also more durable than standard flat resistance bands and a lot of them have a built-in snap-guard that stops overstretching. Full Review of the major advantages of using elastic resistance training is that it enables you to alter the amount of emphasis put on specific muscles during an exercise by changing the direction of the pull. A study at Brigham Young University, for instance, demonstrated that redirecting the tubing to the front part of the leg during a squat or step exercise changed the focus of the hamstring and quad muscles. Another benefit of tubing or resistance bands is that they can be an excellent option for those who prefer to exercise on their own rather than working with a trainer or a group. You can also bring them with you when traveling, as they are small enough to fit in luggage or backpacks. Aerobic Machines Cardio exercises boost endurance and strength in the cardiovascular system. They also help to burn calories and release a feeling-good chemical called endorphins. Jogging, walking and using an elliptical are a few of the most popular cardiovascular exercises. While these exercises are able to be done outdoors however, indoor gym equipment is usually preferred for a variety of reasons. Cardio equipment has the primary benefit of offering an environment that is controlled and allows for a customizable exercise. Many machines come with built-in monitors to monitor heart rate, time and distance for more precise workouts. Treadmills provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout that can be used for walking, running, or stair climbing. Users can also control their speed, incline and resistance level. These features make treadmills an excellent option for people who have knee problems or wish to get in shape. Stair climbers are popular pieces of equipment for cardio as they exercise the lower and upper body simultaneously while burning a lot of calories. They are designed to mimic a continuous staircase, stair climbers work the legs and core while targeting muscles in the arms, back and shoulders. The Jacob's Ladder provides a challenging, total-body workout. This rare equipment is shaped as a ladder, and comes with separate rungs which function as foot platforms. The rungs are attached to a chain, which moves continuously as the user climbs. The ladder moves at a rate determined by the user’s climbing speed. Stationary bikes and treadmills are also popular cardio machines. They provide a full-body low-impact cardiovascular workout. These machines let users adjust the resistance level to focus on specific muscle groups. Certain ellipticals feature a “Rolling Hills” program that alters the resistance of the machine to simulate biking or running up hills. Other stationary bikes and ellipticals have interval training programs that improve endurance.