Whether you’re starting a new fitness program at your local rec center or purchasing equipment for your home gym, understanding the different types of equipment out there is valuable knowledge for anyone with an interest in physical fitness. Your custom routine will determine the equipment you’ll be most familiar with but knowing what’s available can give you the opportunity to expand your workout to something new and exciting.

Cardio Machines

Many weight loss fitness programs will incorporate cardio machines to get your heart rate up and get your blood pumping. Treadmills and elliptical machines offer adjustable speed, inclination, and resistance settings that let you customize your workout while cycling and rowing machines are another option if you’re looking to focus on certain muscle groups.

Weight Training Equipment

For any weight training workout you will be able to choose from free weights or a weight machine and many people will incorporate both into their routines. Free weights will generally be used with an adjustable weight bench that give you the desired inclination for each exercise. Weight machines can be either plate loaded or stack machines and the one you choose will just be a matter of personal preference.

Stretching and Yoga

Flexibility and stretching is an important part of any workout so using the proper mats can make this aspect more enjoyable and save your hands and knees some potential grief. To add some extra meat to your warm ups and cool downs you may want to try using some exercise bands and tubing. They come in different thicknesses so having a few different bands on hand can give you a variety of resistances.

Other Machines and Equipment

Exercise balls and balance disks can be used on their own for toning and stability exercises or used concurrently with weights to add a little more difficulty to your weight training. Hand exercisers are excellent little pieces of equipment that will help you work on your grip. You may even want to try things like ab and thigh machine to tone specific areas.

No matter what type of workout you want to get there is a piece of equipment out there that can either provide the workout or simply enhance it. If you aren’t sure about a certain machine try it out or have a trainer or store clerk show you how to use it. Learning about new machines and equipment can be an interesting way to spice up a previously stale workout routine.