If you want to get stronger and build muscle, you need to pay your dues in the gym. Going to the gym and exercising is also not easy, as with the evolution of gym culture, many new different types of equipment have been added, making things complicated for newcomers. So before you injure yourself by an exercise with the wrong form, let's first learn about the types of gym equipment, their benefits, and more.
What Are The Different Types Of Equipment?
If you have ever been to the gym or scrolled through any Instagram reel, you've probably seen people working out with dumbbells, barbells, plates, weight machines, Smith machines, cardio machines, and bodyweight exercise machines. So, in total, there are seven different types of equipment, each with its operating method and set of benefits.
Benefits Of Different Gym Equipment
1) Dumbbells
Dumbbells are one of the most common gym equipment, irrespective of an old-school gym or a modern franchise gym. Dumbbells not only improve grip strength but also help increase the range of motion, resulting in intense muscle growth. The only thing to keep in mind is that you should not ego lift and only use the weight, with which you can easily perform 10-15 reps.
2) Barbells
Barbells are ideal for improving muscle mass and strength. There are three types of barbells: Olympic bar, zig-zag bar and straight bar. The Olympic bar aids in the execution of compound movements, such as the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Zig zag and straight bars are best for performing isolation exercises.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Your Muscles Have Stopped Growing
3) Plates
Every gym includes plates ranging from 2.5 kg to 25 kg. Plates aid in explosive movements and can also be used while performing high intensity interval workouts. Using regular plates helps increase lower back strength because when you lift it from the ground, your posterior chain muscles are engaged, resulting in additional strength.
4) Weight Machines
Weight machines are one of the best gym equipment since they allow you to do progressive overload. Progressive overload involves executing one more rep or lifting a heavier weight than your prior workout, and when the muscle is shocked with new stimuli, it grows faster.
5) Smith Machine
A Smith machine is a sort of machine in which weight is attached in such a way that it moves up and down in a circular motion. The Smith machine is great for anyone starting a gym since it provides assistance and makes lifting easier.
6) Cardio Machine
Cardio machines include treadmill, cross trainer, stationary cycle, and stair climber. The cardio machines are ideal for increasing stamina and burning calories.
7) Bodyweight Exercise Machine
Body exercise equipment includes an abs machine, a hyperextension machine, and a multipurpose machine with dip and pull-up stations. Bodyweight workouts are ideal for developing natural strength and avoiding plateaus.
Which Equipment Is Best?
Every piece of gym equipment has its own benefits, and what is best for you depends on your goal. If you want to lose weight, cardio and bodyweight machines are best, but if you want to build muscles, use more barbells, plates, and dumbbells.
Also Read: Looking To Build Muscle? Here’s What To Focus On For The First 30 Days
Which Equipment Is Best For Beginners?
As a beginner, you should begin with the body weight machine and then go to the Smith machine. Once you're comfortable lifting weights with a Smith machine, progress to dumbbells and then barbells.
Image Credit: Freepik
