Basic Gym Equipment
In the gym, you will be able to find two basic types of equipment. There are the free weights and the machines.
Free Weights
The most basic form of the body building equipment is the free weights. They are known as the free weights because they are not attached to the pulleys, cables or the weight stacks. They mostly consist of the dumbbells, weight plates, and the barbells.
The Barbell
It is a long iron bar whose length is between 4 and 7 feets. The weights are placed on the long metal rod. The Barbell exercises are performed by holding the barbell using both hands.
Dumbbells
A dumbbell is like a short barbell. These rods are 10 to 15 inches long. The dumbbell exercises are performed by holding a dumbbell in each hand. Almost all of the gyms have dumbbell racks which weigh from 5 lbs. to 100+ lbs. There are some dumbbells which are adjustable. They have small collars and it clips on the ends of the dumbbells that hold the weight plates. They are not as convenient as the rack of the fixed dumbbells but they are a lot cheaper.
Weight Plates
The weight plates range between 2.5 lbs. to 100 lbs. They are mostly made up of iron but there are some gyms that have plastic plates.
Curl Bar
It is designed for working the biceps and the triceps. The length of the curl bar is shorter as compared to the barbell. It has angled hand placements. This is very good at working the muscles from the different angles. They can also reduce the stress that can be placed on the wrists.
Triceps Bar
It is an oval shaped bar has two parallel hand placements. It may be known as the triceps bar but it can also be used to work other body parts except triceps.
Benches
The bench is one of the most common equipment in the gym. There are three types of benches. There are flat, incline, and decline benches. There are some benches that are adjustable. Some benches come with racks while others are just simple benches.
Stability Ball
Any exercise that is done on the bench can also be done on the stability ball. Exercises such as the bench press, dumbbells flyes, lateral raises, crunches, reverse crunches etc. can be done on the stability ball. This is a very useful and significant equipment as it increases the balance and strength of the body.
Machines
The machines also allow you to perform an extensive variety of exercises. Some are designed for individual muscles while others have a multi-station which works for the whole body.
Leg Press Machine
With this machine, you can lift heavy loads safely and there is no worry about slipping or falling. Less stress is placed on the lower back and the knees in this machine.
Hack Squat Machine
This is the very good variant of the traditional barbell squat. This machine helps in developing the outer sweep of the thighs.
Lat Pulldown Machine
This is an excellent alternative of the chin-up. It has managed to get rid of the restrictions of the chin-up and it makes it an excellent alternative.
Cables and Pulleys
Most of the gyms have an assortment of cables and pulleys. There is a weight stack connected to the long cable and there is a small handle or bar at the end. Exercises for the whole body can be performed by using them. Featured photo credit: Choose the Right Kind of Basic Workout Equipment via cdn.shopify.com
