Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
by: Julie-Ann Amos
Once you have made the decision to invest in weight training equipment for your home gym, the next step is to determine which kind of equipment to buy. Most fitness enthusiasts who want to include a weight training routine as part of their overall fitness efforts will opt for either free weights or a weight training machine.
Free Weights
Free weights include several separate components that you can combine in a number of ways to vary your weight training routine. A complete set of free weights will typically include:
? One barbell (sometimes two)
? Weight plates and safety collars
? Weight bench and rack
? Dumbbells
With these basic pieces of weight training equipment, you can easily adjust the type, intensity and frequency of exercises performed. Because the components are separate and not attached to each other, many fitness enthusiasts find free weights to be the easiest type of weight training equipment to fit into various sized spaces in their home.
If you are into very heavy lifting, you will want to invest in a power rack. This is a heavy duty rack that adjusts to fit your height, allowing you to squat and put the barbell across your back. Then you simply stand up, do your specific exercise, and return the barbell to the power rack. This is the safest way for you to do heavy lifting with your weight training equipment.
Weight Training Machines
Some fitness enthusiasts opt for a weight training machine that provides several workout stations and options, all attached to a single steel frame. A typical weight training machine will allow you to do the following:
? Bench press
? Lat pull down
? Leg extension
? Leg curl
? Bicep curl
? Low row
The type of weight training resistance will differ from machine to machine. Some use adjustable weight plates while others use flexible rods of various stiffness to modify resistance. There is also some training equipment on the market that uses the weight of your own body combined with gravity to create resistance, but be cautious about selecting this type of home gym. They are not always of the highest quality, and many are limited in terms of the types of exercises they can handle.
Which one is right for you?
Choosing which type of weight training equipment is right for you ? free weights or a weight training machine ? will depend on a number of factors. Before making your choice, think about the following:
Space ? How much space do you have to accommodate the equipment? Remember that you need enough room for the equipment itself, and also enough room to walk around it and safely perform exercises.
Experience ? If you are a seasoned weight training enthusiast then you can be equally well-served by either type of weight training equipment. If you are a novice, though, make sure that you understand and use proper techniques for whichever type you buy.
Budget ? Good quality weight training machines typically cost more than good quality free weights, but either type can fall in a range from inexpensive to top of the line. Be especially cautious of machines that are extremely inexpensive, as they are likely make of inferior quality materials.
About The Author
Julie-Ann Amos is a freelance writer for http://www.fitness-n-exercise-equipment.com, your complete guide to the best home fitness and exercise equipment. She has contributed numerous articles on ab machines and weight training equipment. Copyright 2006 Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com
|
Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
by: Julie-Ann Amos
Once you have made the decision to invest in weight training equipment for your home gym, the next step is to determine which kind of equipment to buy. Most fitness enthusiasts who want to include a weight training routine as part of their overall fitness efforts will opt for either free weights or a weight training machine.
Free Weights
Free weights include several separate components that you can combine in a number of ways to vary your weight training routine. A complete set of free weights will typically include:
? One barbell (sometimes two)
? Weight plates and safety collars
? Weight bench and rack
? Dumbbells
With these basic pieces of weight training equipment, you can easily adjust the type, intensity and frequency of exercises performed. Because the components are separate and not...
Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
Fitness > Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
by: Julie-Ann Amos
Once you have made the decision to invest in weight training equipment for your home gym, the next step is to determine which kind of equipment to buy. Most fitness enthusiasts who want to include a weight training routine as part of their overall fitness efforts will opt for either free weights or a weight training machine.
Free Weights
Free weights include several separate components that you can combine in a number of ways to vary your weight training routine. A complete set of free weights will typically include:
? One barbell (sometimes two)
? Weight plates and safety collars
? Weight bench and rack
? Dumbbells
With these basic pieces of weight training equipment, you can easily adjust the type, intensity and frequency of exercises performed. Because the components are separate and not...
Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
Fitness > Weight Training Equipment Choices - How To Decide Between Free Weights And Weight Training Machines
How To Exercise: Choosing The Right Type Of Exercise For You
How To Exercise: Choosing The Right Type Of Exercise For You
by: Ray Kelly
So you have to start an exercise program. What are you going to do? How are you going to exercise?
Well the type of exercise you do largely depends on you. What do you like doing? What do you hate doing? Do you have to pay membership fees? Do you need a training partner? Do you need to buy equipment?
These are all questions you need to answer.
If you choose something that you don?t like doing, you?re not going to keep doing it for long. Think about it, if you don?t like jogging you?re hardly going to keep dragging yourself out of bed at 6am, especially when winter comes around! If you can?t find something you like, just choose the thing you hate the least. This is usually walking.
Walking is great because it suits all fitness levels. Anyone can start a walking program at any time, it?s just the intensity and duration that differs. Walking is also very...
How To Exercise: Choosing The Right Type Of Exercise For You
Fitness > How To Exercise: Choosing The Right Type Of Exercise For You
How To Set Up a Golf Fitness Program to Improve Your Golf Game
How To Set Up a Golf Fitness Program to Improve Your Golf Game
by: Sean Cochran
Professional golfers on the PGA Tour understand the connection between golf swing mechanics and the body. The most notable players in the world have regimented golf fitness programs they adhere religiously too. The benefits of such programs have been well documented in the media. Press clippings from Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Phil Mickelson all refer to golf fitness exercises being a component of their regular practice schedule.
The amateur can learn a lot from the pros. They can learn the importance the body has in relation to the golf swing, how golf swing mechanics and the body are intertwined, and improvement in the golf game requires the implementation of a golf fitness program.
Where most amateurs get ?off-track? with their golf fitness training is the components and exercises incorporated in such a program. Golf fitness programs are quite different...
How To Set Up a Golf Fitness Program to Improve Your Golf Game
Fitness > How To Set Up a Golf Fitness Program to Improve Your Golf Game
Fitness Equipment Basics
Fitness Equipment Basics
by: John Mac
Fitness equipment can be split into 2 basic areas, first there is aerobic or cardio fitness equipment which is designed to give you a fitness workout to burn off calories & loose weight. Secondly there is strength/muscular fitness equipment which is designed to tone, or increase in size, your bodies muscles.
Most fitness equipment that you would expect to find in your local gym or fitness centre can now be purchased for home use depending upon the space you have available & the type of fitness equipment you require.
For aerobic fitness equipment you should consider a treadmill, an exercise bike or a rowing machine.
Treadmills are popular because you can walk, jog or run on them making them an ideal piece of fitness equipment for the beginner right through to professional athletes, being suitable for all levels of fitness. Make sure you choose one with a wide belt that is long enough for your...
Fitness Equipment Basics
Fitness > Fitness Equipment Basics
The Best Golf Fitness Exercise to Improve the Power in Your Golf Swing
The Best Golf Fitness Exercise to Improve the Power in Your Golf Swing
by: Sean Cochran
The game of professional golf has transformed over the years. Many spectators, journalists, and pros themselves state that golf is now a game of power. Driving distance is integral to winning on Tour, club manufacturers gear much of their advertising around the ?power game?, and it is a wish of most every amateur.
Improved distance off the tee or with any club on the course requires increased clubhead speed. Clubhead speed is a product of power in your golf swing. Increasing the power in your golf swing will improve your clubhead speed. Equaling more distance on every shot you desire.
The question to ask is how do you increase the power in your golf swing? Three components exist directly affecting the power in your golf swing:
1) Efficiency of Your Golf Swing Mechanics
2) Power Generating Capacities of Your Body
3) Equipment
Fitness > The Best Golf Fitness Exercise to Improve the Power in Your Golf Swing
Fitness Workout for Your Financial Muscles
Fitness Workout for Your Financial Muscles
by: Mayumi King
So you bought the financial freedom books, but your bank account has yet to reap the rewards? Consider this:
Your financial success can be developed just like a muscle... and if you're not seeing results, you may be on the wrong "financial fitness" plan.
You were running on a treadmill to trim some ?financial fat.? The result? Your wallet got "skinny.? You weren?t building your financial muscles. Why not?
Much like a good muscle-strengthening or exercise program, you need expert training, inspiration, and a "financial workout" that's tailored to your specific goals.
Following are five of the Greatest Financial Challenges people typically face in their lifetime. Take the financial fitness challenge and see what muscles you need to start strengthening!
(Note: please consult a Financial Fitness Professional before attempting any of these exercises.)
Challenge...
Fitness Workout for Your Financial Muscles
Fitness > Fitness Workout for Your Financial Muscles