What is the Right Equipment?
Since the dawn of body building just over a hundred years ago, several types of fitness equipment have been created and developed by manufacturers around the world. With so many available, it is hard to determine which one will produce the best results for your body. Expert advice may vary depending on your health and body building goals and current level of development.
On Cardio
There are several cardiovascular machines available that offer different benefits. There are actually various objectives for doing cardio. The most common would be burning off extra calories by staying on the machine for around 30 to 60 minutes per session.
There are intense cardio exercises that require more strength and power, with the aim to boost metabolism. Therefore, the benefits of shedding fat can occur while doing the exercise by losing the extra calories, as well as after when the body automatically burns off fat through effective metabolism and muscle growth.
Treadmills are the most basic. The advantage of a treadmill is that it allows you to move at your own pace naturally. You do not have to follow a typical plane or fix your feet on pads for repetitive movements. Studies show that doing alternate intensities and the natural movement of your body on a treadmill tends to burn more fat and calories compared to other machines.
Rowing machines are another type of equipment that offer calorie-burn. Although the total may not be as much as a treadmill, you get the added benefit of developing and toning muscles in your legs, arms, deltoids and back. Muscle burns fat even if you’re not doing any physical activity, so the total burn is still high.
Elliptical trainers are ideal for people who have joint or pain problems. These are an example of low-impact equipment that help bones recovery faster. Cardio machines may use a variety of tools to work efficiently such as rollers, wheels, hydraulics and magnets.
On Weight Training
The categories of weight training equipment are namely total gyms, multi-gyms, portable and free weights. A total gym involves an adjustable bench with a sliding seat platform that can increase the resistance based on your own bodyweight.
Total gyms require more space but provide a lot of exercises for all muscle groups as well. Multi-gyms may include stacked weights, a cable and pulley, steel or composite cords and bands. The equipment may also involve placing round weights on an extension. You may easily adjust the weight accordingly.
Free weight items include barbells, dumbbells, round weights or plates, benches and power racks. These are referred to as heavy duty accessories. These are ideal for home gyms with limited space, beginners and strength trainers. Portable equipment include smaller items which may be part of a bigger assembly such as dumbbells, steps, mats, boards, workout benches and stability balls. The equipment can easily be moved from one place to another.
Consider the type of exercises you intend to perform or those that yield the best results. You may not be able to do everything that a commercial gym offers, but there are several alternate movements that hit or isolate the same muscle effectively.
Things to Consider
Determine your current strength and level as a body builder. Beginners usually progress faster during the early stages by using only free weights. Intermediate and advanced body builders somehow require the use of cables and machines to isolate muscle groups more, adding to definition and cuts.
You will be able to save more space and money by investing in a multi- or total gym. Add a few round plates and bars as needed instead of getting a full rack. Beginners can adequate manage with 2 to 4 pieces of 1+-lb, 2+-lb, 5-lb, 10-lb, 20-lb and 25-lb plates, 2 dumbbell bars, 2 long bars and safety hooks or clips.
Consider how much money and space you currently have. Acquire equipment according to the current available area instead of hoping to renovate, which will result to added expenses. Start by getting the most important equipment. These are usually the most expensive and will consume the bulk of your budget. You can allocate any extra for other gym paraphernalia and mini accessories.
