If you happen to be a new guy in the local bodybuilding and sports gym, you may be clueless on the various kinds of Fitness equipment. You may have a gist or an idea of the stuff and machines that you may encounter in the gym and you may actually think you have an idea on what they really are and ways on how to use them; this situation is a recipe for disaster. There are two types of equipment found inside gyms, namely: free weights and machines. Let's first differentiate these two:
Machines – unlike free weights, they have complicated mechanisms (while some even have electronics) attached to them that allow you to perform a variety of tasks and exercises. They are generally safer that free weights, but have a less payoff rate. Fitness equipment in this category include calf machines, treadmills and lateral pull down machines.
Dumbbells
Considered as smaller barbells, dumbbells are a type of fitness equipment specifically for basic weight training. Some exercises are performed with dumbbells in both hands. These are basically 10-15 inches long, allowing the hands to snugly grip them. Their weight plates can range from five to 100 lbs. In choosing dumbbells, always choose ones whose weights are covered in rubber, as a precautionary safety measure.
If you are planning to raise your cardiovascular endurance and burn off calories, then a treadmill should definitely be fitness equipment you are utilizing. Some people may find it hard to jog and take walks around the neighborhood, simply because of the hard, paved ground. Treadmills negate this effect, and as an added plus, you can burn off at least a hundred calories while walking in a fast pace on it. However, they can pose a balance challenge to new users, so training and a little bit of getting used to may be required.