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Gizmos and Gadgets Galore: How to Choose Strength Training Equipment

By Cindy | May 4, 2008

Gizmos, gadgets, machines and more saturate the strength training industry with a gazillion options. Understanding what equipment to buy or use in strength training is important to realize gains. The most important consideration in buying equipment is to expect more demands on the muscles.

To create fun, effective routines, a wide range of small gizmos are readily available on the market. The advantage of small equipment is mobility, storage space, and affordability. Excellent in home plans can be developed with these simple options.  The disadvantages are possible injuries due to poor form and the need to upgrade equipment as strength gains are made.

Read and observe for proper form online or through DVDs tailored for the particular piece of equipment. With access to the internet, finding sample programs and proper technique can easily be accomplished from the comforts of home.

Pick a variety of gizmos to liven up your routines. Each piece will stress the muscles in slightly different ways further strengthening the muscle/mind connection.

A short and by no means all inclusive list of small gizmos!

1. Resistance Bands
2. Tubing
3. Dumbbells, barbells, and free weights
4. Kettlebells
5. Benches and small stability discs
6. Stability (Balance) balls, Bosu Ballast Ball
7. Medicine balls
8. Small weighted balls
9. Various push up apparatuses, pull up bars, household things, and children (yep they are progressively getting bigger, too!)
10. Abdominal deluge of gadgets (most of which are less effective than body resistance moves)

What about the Machines?

Machines are easy to use, allow for increased weight, and focus on specific muscles. Due to the specific focus on machines, paying attention to all muscle groups requires more time. For a beginner, the machines are a nice introduction into strength training because the settings are simple and the movements self explanatory. An exercise can still be performed improperly, but close attention paid to the directions make the chances less likely. The majority of people fit into standard machine settings, but alignment is crucial when setting up a machine for your body.

Types of Machines

1. Nautilius Circuits/Home Gym Combos
2. Cable/ Freemotion/ Bowflex
3. Plate Loaded Machines

The disadvantage of machines is their size, price and possibly limiting focus on muscles. Unless you’re attempting to isolate certain muscles, the amount of work performed for a particular exercise may use less muscle fibers than free weights. The plate loaded machines and cable machines are designed to use stabilizer and neutralizer muscle fibers in the exercises performed as well as secondary support muscles.

Ultimately, current strength and goals determine the choice best suited for you. With access to a gym, I recommend trying all available equipment.  See what you really enjoy and mix up your routines every 4 to 6 weeks to work your mind and muscles.

For a home gym, the only recommendation that I have is to not let the equipment you buy collect dust. Your preferences will vary due to your budget, space and commitment.

A word for prior athletes

Muscle memory and strength will quickly surpass initial muscle endurance levels. If you lifted heavier weights for a sport, then once your endurance develops, the need to shift to heavier weights will come quickly.

Outside of the health benefits and increased metabolism of lifting weights, the thrill of feeling physically stronger is empowering! Let’s develop other muscles besides our biceps (from constantly lifting baby) to keep up with our growing children.

Picture acquired at Cybersalt

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Topics: Fitness Knowledge |