Health Club Equipment
Health club equipment varies from cardiovascular exercise machines to weight lifting machines. Some of the health club equipment that you are likely to see at your own health club includes:
Elliptical Machine
This is a machine that gives you an all over, cardio-vascular workout. The motions used in an elliptical machine mimic those that are used in cross country skiing. You move both your arms and legs when using this type of machine that allows you to adjust the tension to your abilities. When you first start using this piece of health club equipment, you will most likely have to use the easiest level. Gradually, you will work your way up to a more difficult level with more tension that will give you a stronger all over body workout.
Treadmills
Treadmills are probably the most well used pieces of health club equipment. They give you a good cardiovascular workout but are very low impact. This means that they are easy on the knees and the back. You can choose to walk on the treadmill or even run. Some treadmills can even be adjusted so that you feel as though you are walking uphill. Treadmills are a great way to get a low impact cardio workout.
Weight Machines
In many health clubs, weight machines are kept in a separate room from the other health club equipment like the cardiovascular machines. Weight training is meant to tone the muscles and, in some cases, build them up. When used in combination with cardiovascular health club equipment, you can get a good workout and even lose weight. The rule of thumb with regard to using weight machines is to use them every other day if you are just trying to tone up and every day if you are trying to build muscle.
Stationary Bikes
You can find stationary bikes in most health clubs. This is one of the oldest types of health club equipment, but still very widely used and provides a good cardiovascular workout for the legs, buttocks and abdominal muscles. These bikes come in different styles. Some of them support you sitting straight up, while others allow you to recline while biking, giving further attention to the muscles in the buttocks and thighs. Most of the stationary bikes that you will see at today's health clubs are all computerized and some even have a screen that you can watch as you "bike" through various country sides, to make your workout more interesting.
When you are using health club equipment, make sure that you follow the directions on the equipment first and have someone explain how the piece of equipment works before you attempt to use it. Never try to use health club equipment in a way that it should not be used in an attempt to modify your workout or you may end up causing yourself an injury. The above examples are just a few of the many different types of health club equipment that you will encounter at your local fitness center or health club.
