For lots of people, the idea of joining their local gym can be daunting. One of the main fears people have is that they won’t know how to use all the specialist equipment. Once the fitness instructor has given you a whistlestop tour of the gym, it can be difficult to pluck up the courage to ask again what everything is, so it can be good to familiarise yourself with some of the equipment before you go.
One of the most common things you’ll find in a gym is the free weights. These are used by people wanting to build muscle and improve their strength. There are several types of free weight. A dumbbell is a small free weight. A central bar connects two weighted discs at each end. These may be adjustable or may come in a range of separate weights. A barbell is a longer version of this, which is held with both hands and lifted to the chest and above the head by skilled weightlifters. Curl bars are used for bicep and tricep curls, and they reduce the strain on the wrists.
Perhaps more intimidating can be the machines. These tend to be used more for cardio workouts. This means that you will be burning fat and raising your heart rate through a range of activities designed to work out specific muscle groups. The treadmill is one of the most commonly seen pieces of cardio equipment, and it is used to create an indoor running environment. You set your own speed at a level you’re comfortable with.
Other pieces of cardio equipment include the exercise bike. These don’t resemble normal bikes in that they are a seat positioned above pedals and behind a set of handlebars, but there are no wheels. The greater the incline and resistance, the harder your workout will be. Rowing machines have a handle, resembling an oar, attached to a wire on a seated device. These are good for the shoulders and abdominals, but provide an intense, all over workout.
The cross trainer is good if you want a lower-impact workout which won’t put as much strain on the ankles or knees as running on ground or a treadmill. Also known as airwalkers, these give you the ability to ‘run’ in the air. The reduced joint pressure means you can push yourself harder without risking any muscular pain or injuries.
While it can be worrying at first when you’re not entirely sure what all the equipment is for, you shouldn’t feel afraid to ask for help or advice. The trainers are there to help, and would rather spend a bit of time showing you the right technique rather than letting you get hurt.
Carla Tyldesley is a keen fitness enthusiast who regularly blogs about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and fitness regime in an effort to encourage others to reap the rewards it can bring
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