What are the fitness equipment in the gym

In the commercial gyms I frequent, the equipment can basically be classified into three categories: aerobic, strength, and functional training. There are at least twenty or thirty types of equipment, large and small, which can cover almost all training needs from novices to professional athletes preparing for competitions.

The first thing you see when you enter is often the aerobic area, with treadmills, elliptical machines, and spinning bikes as standard equipment. Venues with slightly higher positions will also be equipped with more joint-friendly options such as rowing machines, stair climbing machines, and ski machines. I finished my hip and leg training last week and didn’t want to do aerobic running and jumping, so I climbed the stair climbing machine for 20 minutes. The next day, my calves were so sore that I was shaking even when I walked down the stairs. The energy consumption was more intense than jogging for 5 kilometers. Don’t think that aerobic equipment is only useful for fat loss. Warming up on the elliptical machine for 10 minutes before training is much more effective in activating joints than jumping around for half a day.

Going deeper into the venue is the strength area that everyone loves and fears. Free weight barbells, dumbbells, adjustable dumbbell benches, and open squat racks are the core. The row next to it has seats with fixed tracks and single-function equipment. Leg extensions, high pull-downs, seated chest presses, and Hack squat machines are all frequently used models. When it comes to strength equipment, the most controversial one is definitely the Smith rack. The veterans around me who have practiced for five or six years basically don’t touch it. They say that the fixed trajectory blocks the path of force generation, and the strength they develop is “dead force”. I have seen many people using the Smith to squat 100 kilograms, but when they switch to free squats, they can’t even stand on the 20 kilogram empty bar, and it is easy to follow the trajectory that is not suitable for them. It can be twisted to the knees; but novices especially like to use it. Last week, I took my colleague who was new to the industry to do leg training. He couldn't control his balance when squatting on the free bar. He dared to slowly increase it to 60 kilograms with the Smith rack. At least he found the feeling of exerting force in the quadriceps first, and didn't have to worry about being unbalanced. In fact, there is no absolute good or bad, it is just to adapt to the needs of different stages.

The cushioned area in the corner of the venue usually contains functional training equipment. Medicine balls, wave balls, elastic bands, TRX suspension ropes, kettlebells, and battle ropes are all piled here. Most of them are used for core training, coordination, or private group classes. Last month, I took a fat-burning class with the coach. I threw the battle rope for 15 minutes and added the wave ball plank. The sweat dripped directly onto the mat, and the consumption was more exaggerated than lifting iron for an hour.

Nowadays, many niche fitness studios will also add more targeted equipment. For example, powerlifting halls will be equipped with special deadlift tables and bench presses, CrossFit halls will have sled carts and rock climbing walls, and yoga halls will also have flying yoga hammocks. There is no need to worry about the so-called "contempt chain" when choosing equipment. It is easy to use if it suits your current training goals.