Workout Equipment

DEFINITION

Workout equipment covers a wide range of items. It can be anything which enables a person to work towards achieving their objective overall and in this workout.

You should bear in mind that choosing equipment comes after determining the objective, not before. Equipment is a means to an end, not an end in itself. It is only one of the factors (workout routines, nutrition, mobility etc) involved in achieving the goal.

Matching the correct type of equipment for the training goal will greatly contribute to fast workout results.

TYPES OF WORKOUT EQUIPMENT

Workout equipment used/required can be classified in several ways

1) Design

• Fixed Axis Machines - the main benefit is ease of use. Resistance/weight/load can be varied easily without much effort. The focus is primarily on working specific body parts or muscle groups and is usually in one  plane instead of in natural movement patterns. High levels of stability are touted as an advantage but any improvements may not translate to real life. Using strength, fitness etc outside of the gym requires accommodating unstable or unsteady movement.
• Cable Machines - the benefits of fixed machines are maintained with the added benefit of an increased requirement to control the movement whilst moving the load. More than one exercise can often be done on these, unlike fixed axis machines (pulldowns, rows, standing horizontal press). Modern versions allow multi-directional movements (chops and lifts whilst twisting), making them more natural.
• Free Weights - barbells, plate weights (plastic or metal) and dumbells.These can be used to lift very heavy loads in extremely unstable conditions. This appears unsafe but provided allowance is made for the individual's profile and correct progression is ensured, the training benefits obtained (fitness, strength, mobility etc) will be "useable" away from the workout, in everyday life. Heavy loads will possibly require the use of items to hold the equipment in place, (e.g. power racks, stands). One new addition to the range of free weights is the Kettlebell. Its appearance can be described as either like an old style  kettle without the spout or a cannonball with a handle. Its use has introduced new exercises into the workout repetoire (e.g. swing). Some of these were popular in previous eras and with some modification/compromise can be performed using dumbells. Another item from the past goes by several names, one being the Indian Club. It looks like a skittle and was used in the past by wrestlers, especially in India.
• Bodyweight/Calisthenics - not immediately classed as equipment but the body can be used to perform the movements at degrees of difficulty possible with the preceding categories. Also control of the body through space whilst moving or opposing movement is developed. 
• Suspension Training Equipment - similar to gymnastic rings but more easily set up and more portable. The basic gymnastic holds can be trained as well as the more usual bodyweight exercises e.g. pushups, rows etc. The increased instability takes these movements to a much higher degree of difficulty and strength.
• Resistance Bands - usually made of latex the force needed to stretch them increases in proportion to the length they are stretched. They can be used as standalone equipment (either for strength, muscle, fitness etc or as part of a injury rehabilitation program.

2) Results Desired

• General Health and Fitness - to obtain a balance of fitness, strength, muscle and mobility can require more than one piece of equipment.
• Specific - fitness, strength, muscle, strength, fitness or sport fitness etc. As an example powerlifters need to gain extremely high levels of pure strength in the squat, bench press and deadlift. Workouts performed have the aim of improvements in those 3 lifts. Golfers need power, grip and forearm strength. A strong and  durable back is important to cope with the many forces acting on the spine whilst striking the ball. The latter for example would require high levels of core strength to protect the spinal vertebrae, tissues  etc.

3) Location of Workout

• gym
• home
• office
• outdoors
• travelling
• anywhere

Where a person prefers or can train will influence which types of workout equipment can be used. Some people need to be in a gym to have the training mindset. Others dislike waiting for pieces of equipment or having to alter the sequence of their workout routine. Household duties and lack of a nearby gym may dictate that a person exercises whilst on lunchbreak at their place of work. Workplaces even provide facilities not available at gyms or feasible at home. Stair climbing or stair sprinting is a very effective and time efficient way to get fit and develop leg power and speed. 

Modern design of equipment means items no longer have to be permanently fixed to a structure e.g. pullup bars. Combining cantilever pullup bars, special door anchors and suspension training equipment allows a person to get a comprehensive workout whenever and wherever they choose. Utilising particular principles means that even high levels of strength and muscle can be achieved. These attributes can also be obtained using advanced calisthenics (even in the gym if that is the preferred location).

4) Preferred Frequency, Time, Duration

The advent of 24/7 gyms means that it is increasingly feasible to workout at a time most convenient to you. Frequency and duration will have a role as to where the workout can be performed and therefore which equipment can be used. 

5) Personal Finances

Fast workout results can be obtained on a shoestring with creative thinking and a small investment in home equipment or anywhere training equipment such as suspension training, adjustable weight dumbells, skipping / jump rope etc.

6) Personality

CONCLUSION

The combined effect of all these factors will influence the workout equipment used.

Examples could be

• office worker who likes the social aspect of training - would probable join a commerical gym and attend group classes such as aerobics or spinning.
• strength focused, self disciplined, financially comfortable person who preferred training alone - might choose to purchase a power rack and substantial free weight set for use in the garage or basement.

The way that the workout equipment is used will greatly influence how fast workout results will occur.

As can be seen from the other sections on this site I firmly believe that

• safety must be paramount (regardless of the equipment used) to avoid progress being hindered by layoffs due to injury.
• exercises undertaken should have the aim of incorporating as much of the body as possible and in natural movements. This enables the most return for effort expended.

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