After a lot of pondering and watching work out videos, you have finally decided to get fit and healthy. As long as you are determined and ready to begin that is all that matters.
The first thing you will need to do is identify your main fitness goal. Are you looking to build muscle or lose weight? Wanting to become more flexible, agile, or improve your endurance? Having clear goals can help you choose which routine to follow, how frequently you need to be doing the drills, and what type of equipment to use.
Machine exercises are safe to use and can provide support as you begin your fitness journey. Though, it can be alarming when you don’t know how they are supposed to help and what type of equipment you need.
What Gym Equipment is Best For Beginners?
Here’s a list of equipment that can meet your basic requirements for exercising, whether at home or at the gym. For easier reference, the list is grouped based on function – cardio and strength.
Cardio equipment
- Treadmill
A treadmill is the classic workout machine for a starter. A quick and easy routine you can try is by walking at an incline to raise your heartbeat. Doing so combines some cardio and a simple leg workout. You can adjust the speed and grade to a comfortable pace, as you see fit.
- Leg press machine
A seated version of the squats, this machine allows you to lift heavy weights without adding additional strain on your knees and lower back. Beginners can try about ten reps in a set.
- Lat pull-down bar
This machine supports pull-up motions. The equipment can be adjusted to different weight settings to match your body’s requirement as you develop strength. Aim to complete 10-12 reps per set for optimal results.
- Ergometer or rowing machine
An Ergometer or rowing machine may look intimidating at first, but it’s easy to use even for a beginner. It can provide a grand full-body workout for anyone regardless of their experience level. Push with your legs first, lean backward, so your shoulders pass your pelvis, then pull your arms toward your chest.
- Cable biceps bar
Cable biceps bar is another piece of beginner-friendly equipment. Set it to a weight that you can comfortably lift. Then lower slowly. Maintain at least 10-12 reps to see good results.
- Chest press machine
To use this equipment, lay with your back on the bench. Position your arms slightly past your shoulders, then move your arms up and down. The activity is similar to doing push-ups that strengthen upper body muscles.
- StairMaster
A StairMaster helps burn major calories and build strength without too much stress on your joints. As the name implies, it imitates the motion of walking upstairs, facilitating an increase in endurance and stamina.
- Elliptical trainers
Elliptical trainers allow whole body workout and aid in improving balance and mobility. Depending on the model, you can adjust the resistance and grade either automatically or manually.
- Arc trainer
It’s a low impact machine that can help burn calories in a short period of time. The motion for the arc trainer combines what you do on an elliptical with a StairMaster. You can customize it with three ranges: glide, stride, and climb.
- Stationary bicycle
Cycling is excellent for improving cardiovascular health. It also helps burn calories.
Strength equipment
- Resistance bands and tubing
Victorem pull up assist band is excellent for a full-body workout to develop strength. You can substitute different bands to get the desired resistance.
Tubing also comes in different levels of resistance from light to heavy. Some brands come with a door attachment used to secure the tubing in place when doing strength exercises. For best results, use tubing with padded handles on each end.
- Hand weights
Adjustable dumbbells are a must-have for any weight training equipment at any level. Starting off at 2 pounds, the weights can be increased gradually.
- Ankle weights
These are optional for strength exercises such as side leg raise and hip extension. Use comfortably padded ankle cuffs with pockets that can hold half-pound or 1-pound weight bars to add depending on your progress.
No Pain, No Gain
Exercise is a must in continuing good health, but it is only effective when done regularly. The choice of exercise equipment depends on your fitness goal. Nonetheless, having the best gear is useless without putting in the necessary work. It’s all about maintaining the discipline.