Weight training equipment

Bodybuilding & weight training guide

We all know that to be a success in weight training we have to follow a set routine using various equipment with which to give resistance to our muscles, our muscles in turn then grow larger and become more pronounced with the more weight and time spent with the routine.

There is a vast amount of equipment available both in the gym and for purchase to use in the home, this equipment ranges from the weight lifting machine types to what is know as free weights which are barbells, dumbbells e.t.c. listed below is a range of the equipment weight lifters can use for their routine.

Barbell – the barbell is used in weight lifting, weight training and strength training, it consists of a steel bar which is usually around 2 meters and uses cast iron discs which are slipped onto either ends and secured. Varying weights can be added to the bar as the weight trainer progresses.

Bench – weight training benches can vary and include the fixed horizontal, fixed incline, fixed in foldable position, one adjustable portion, two adjustable portions or a combination. Many of the also include racks for resting the dumbbell on and they come in different qualities and prices.

Bowflex machine – this machine is the equivalent to a complete gym in one compact package, the 2006 model is called the Bowflex revolution and several different kind of exercise aimed at a variety of muscle groups can be worked on using just the one machine.

The bull worker – this is a machine that works muscles in the upper back, shoulders and chest, it is a relatively cheap piece of equipment to use at home which can have great results when combined with other equipment for different areas of muscles.

The cable machine or pulley – a variety of exercises can be performed using the cable pull; the person pulls the end of the cable which is connected to weights which can be adjusted to match the persons need. A home type of this is via a cable which will rely on tension being used instead of weights.

Dumbbell – this piece of equipment is known as a free weight and they come in pairs, the dumbbell is lifted with one hand and so many reps and sets are done for any particular exercise with them. Some versions come as just one particular weight while others are very similar to the barbell and weights can be added onto the bar as progression is made.

The leg press – this machine can be used to determine the persons overall lower body strength, the person will usually lie flat on their back on the bench and place their feet on a metal plate which is attached to what is like a dumbbell bar with weights on either end. They will then extend their legs as far as they can upwards pushing the bar and weights up a slight incline.

Weighted clothing – items of this type are generally ankle weights, thigh weights, hip drags, dip belts, weighted vests or upper arm weights, they all obviously include the addition of weights and this leaves the hands free, these can be used when walking, jogging and running to give the muscles extra resistance.