Exercise Equipment to Give Your Whole Body a Workout
If you've ever been to an establishment that is a professional you've probably seen equipment that enables you to give your whole body a workout. The equipment ranges from high-end professional equipment to small machines that can be employed at home.
Whatever equipment you choose to use, make sure you "bake-in" progression and regression to aid your clients or students improve their fitness. And remember that even the best exercise equipment will only yield results if utilized regularly.
All-in-One Exercise Systems
All-in-one exercise systems combine the functions of several pieces of equipment into one unit. They typically include a bench and squat rack for strength training and various attachments to perform a range of exercises that target muscles in the shoulders, arms, back, abdomen and legs. They may also have a pulley and cable system which provides resistance for weight training. Some all-in one exercise systems, such as the Life Fitness G7 home gym, have a selectorized system of resistance, which allows users to alter the weight they're using by pulling a pin. Some of these machines can fold up or put away to save space.
Certain all-in-one exercise equipment systems employ the power of a polymer rod known as Power Rods to create tension instead of traditional iron weights. The Bowflex and Total Gym systems are examples of all-in-one exercise equipment that utilize this type of technology. These systems provide a way to strengthen your entire body without the requirement for weights, but they require you to perform certain strength-training exercises using your own bodyweight.
Other all-in-one exercise systems have a combination of both weights, a pulley and cable system, such as the BodyCraft X3 System. This machine comes with a dual weight stack of 200 pounds, which allows you to perform a variety of strength-training workouts. It also comes with a broad selection of attachments, such as bars that are long and short with double and single D-handles, ankle straps stirrup handles, rope handles and two arm cuffs.
Other all-in one exercise systems, such as the Tonal and Tempo Studios, use technology that helps you maintain proper form while working out. Both products utilize 3D sensors to monitor the position of 25 joints, and compare them with reference points, such as mirrors, which help you identify when your posture is off. They also provide real-time feedback that helps guide you back into good posture. This feature can help lower the risk of injury and ensure that you are focusing on the correct muscles in the best way you can. This is particularly important when training athletes for sports. For instance, if you're doing an upper-body workout that is similar to running blocking, you must be sure you are training the muscles needed by the sport.
Weights
Weight training helps build muscles, strengthens bones, and improves balance, and burns calories. Athletes can train with free weights (dumbbells or barbells) or machines that offer controlled movement patterns or cables with handles and bars for various pull exercises. Resistance bands provide resistance to bodyweight exercises and can be a great option to incorporate them into training for younger athletes or those with no access to weights.
When using weights, coaches must be cautious about putting young athletes into low rep ranges, which could result in muscle soreness and injuries. Athletes in middle and high school should use weights can be lifted six times or more with proper form.
Resistance Bands or Tubing
Tubing and resistance bands offer a versatile alternative to weight training. Professional athletes from all sports utilize them to improve performance, increase power and strength and build muscle without having to use heavy weights.
The practice of elastic resistance training has been around for almost 100 years. Athletes of all ages, fitness levels, and genders benefit from elastic resistance training to increase muscle strength, speed and agility. Tubes and resistance bands can be used to give you a a complete workout. They are lightweight and affordable.
Flat resistance bands consist of strips of latex, or stretchy fabrics. They have handles at both ends. They can be rolled up and stored in a backpack or suitcase when not being used. They're lighter than tube-style resistance bands and can be used for a wider range of exercises.
Tube resistance bands are hollow cylindrical tubes with the use of plastic or rubber compounds. They're typically designed to attach to a bar, door or pole, or any other stationary object. They're great for pushing and pulling exercises. They offer different levels of resistance, based on their thickness and tension. They are also more resilient than regular flat resistance bands, and many of them have a built-in snap-guard that stops overstretching.
The main benefit of using elastic resistance is the ability to change the direction of the pull during an exercise. A study at Brigham Young University, for example, showed that redirecting the tubing to the front part of the leg during a step or squat exercise altered the focus of the quad and hamstring muscle groups.
Another benefit of using resistance bands or tubing is that they can be an ideal option for athletes who prefer working independently instead of working with a trainer or group. You can also bring them with you when traveling as they are compact enough to fit into luggage or backpacks.
Aerobic Machines
Exercises that increase endurance and strength of the cardiovascular system. They also help in burning calories and release feel-good chemicals known as endorphins. Walking, jogging and using an elliptical are a few of the most well-known cardiovascular exercises. stationary cycling bike is preferred over outdoor workouts due to a variety of reasons. Cardio equipment has the main benefit of providing a controlled environment that allows for a customizable exercise. Many machines come with built-in monitors that track heart rate as well as time and distance to provide an improved workout experience.
Treadmills are a low impact cardiovascular workout that can be utilized for walking, running or stair climbing. Users can also control their speed, incline and resistance level. These features make treadmills a great option for those with knee issues or want to get in shape.
Stair climbers have become popular cardio equipment as they work both the lower and upper bodies at the same time, while burning lots of calories. Stair climbers are designed to resemble an endless flight of stairs. stationary cycling bike are great for strengthening the legs, core, and arms while targeting the muscles in the back, shoulders and shoulders.
The Jacob's Ladder is a challenging total-body exercise. This unique piece of equipment is designed as a ladder, with separate rungs which serve as foot platforms. The rungs are attached to a chain, which continues to move 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. They also allow users to adjust their resistance level to target specific muscle groups. Certain ellipticals come with the "Rolling Hills" program that alters the resistance of the machine to simulate riding or running up hills. Other ellipticals or stationary bikes have interval training programs that improve endurance.