Picking Your Weight Training Equipment

Around the gym locker or in fitness magazines you might have heard weight training equipment referred to as resistance equipment. If your lifting a weight then the weight is providing resistance against your muscles. You can think of resistance as an opposing force, like the weight, gravity, a rubber band type device; your muscles will get stronger by working against the resistance. Calling weight equipment resistance equipment is actually a more accurate term, because you don't need weights at all to build muscles. There is some exercise equipment out there that weighs less than a pound, but you can build muscle through the resistance provided by these devices.

Throughout this article I will use resistance training and weight training interchangeably.

Knowing how to weight train is a new skill set. Just because you have a body doesn't mean that you know how to train it. If you are just beginning to lift weights I highly suggest that you find a professional whose advice you can benefit from. Understanding how to properly use equipment is the first step in this overall process. In the sections below I will break down the different types of training equipment available to you. Depending on your age and fitness level one type of training may be better for you.

Training equipment can be described many different ways:

1. Free weights: Free weights are just as the name suggests. These are weights that are not attached to a machine and can be moved around. This type of weight includes free weight plates, dumbbells, and kettlebells. Free weights come in many different weights and materials.

2. Machines Weights: Generally when you think of a weight machine your think of machines with a seat which have different exercise stations with adjustable weights, cables and pulleys. These machines can come in different designs and configurations. Newer models may even be computerized with vocal feedback.

3. Rubber bands and Rubber Tubes: Resistance bands and tubes are very mobile and light, so they provide the ability to work out anywhere. The bands are similar to rubber bands and are flat and wide. The tubes are round and hollow. These are similar to the rubber tubes used in hospitals for taking blood. If your a frequent traveler this is the type of equipment you should purchase. If you have allergies you can look for the latex versions.

4. Rollers and Balls: These items are great for adding instability into your exercise routine. By adding instability you require your body to use the smaller stabilizer muscles which provide a greater workout and burn.

5. Your own Body weight: People usually don't associate their own body as a training tool, but it can be great for exercises such as pushups, sit-ups, squats and lunges.

6. Pilates and Yoga: Pilates and yoga as weight training? Not really. But many of the moves associated with these disciplines are very challenging and do promote muscle growth and flexibility. Many of the movements and postures associated with Yoga and Pilates encourage the development of balance, coordination and strength.

Whatever exercise you choose get professional advice prior to embarking on a new workout routine. Also it has been shown that changing your routine periodically and targeting different muscles groups will provide the most benefit over the long run.

Lee has been writing articles for over 5 years. Come visit his latest websites over at humidifiercoolmist.com Humidifier Cool Mist and filterlesshumidifier.org Filterless Humidifier. These sites help consumers find the best products and information they are looking for when doing product research.