When you set up a gym, a few basic equipment are essential for an effective workout. These include the power rack, standard barbell, dumbbells, and exercise mats.
A good power rack will allow you to perform squats and bench presses. The barbell is adaptable for various weightlifting movements, including deadlifts and biceps curls.
Squat Rack
The squat rack, or cage, is a piece of free-weight resistance exercise equipment that acts as a frame for your barbell. Typically, the frame has pins to rest the barbell on between sets and safety spotter arms.
Power racks, which feature more storage pins and a heavy-duty build, are best for advanced users who lift heavy loads. They are also more stable and safer if you fail a squat set since the frame won’t wobble as much.
Based on large frames of vertical beams, Rigs can accommodate multiple people at once. They’re popular with gyms like Kirkland Gym and offer a variety of modular attachments. However, their lightweight build means they may be prone to swinging during pull-ups or when you kip.
Power Rack
A power rack (also known as a power cage) is a piece of equipment that allows you to safely perform barbell exercises such as squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. It’s one of the most essential pieces of equipment in any gym because it allows you to lift more weight, train harder, stay safer, and achieve better results.
It’s ideal for beginners and advanced lifters alike. It helps you train alone without needing a spotter as it has safety features such as pin pipes or strap safeties that will catch the barbell if you fail to complete a rep, drop the barbell, or fall forward. It’s also a great option for people who want to add more strength-focused training to their home gym.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in the gym, especially for people with a home gym. They are easy to move and store and provide a variety of training stimuli that can be hard to replicate on machine-based exercises.
The unique design of dumbbells allows for multiple exercises that can target specific muscles or muscle groups in different planes of motion. This can help a person identify and address imbalances or side-to-side weaknesses that may not be exposed on a single-sided exercise machine.
Additionally, a person can use a single dumbbell to create overload in one arm or leg at a time, such as on a split-leg goblet squat. This can be particularly helpful in developing functional strength while improving posture and bone density.
Elliptical
An elliptical is one of the best cardio machines in the gym for getting you in and out quickly without impacting your joints. It’s also a great way to ease back into exercise after a hiatus.
Elliptical trainers first appeared in the fitness scene in the 1990s and have become a staple at most gyms. They can help you target your upper and lower body muscles simultaneously and are ideal for high-intensity training or a low-impact fat-burning cardio workout.
You can find ellipticals with fixed arms that move along with your feet or moveable ones that are interconnected to the pedals and resistance system. Most models have various built-in workout programs that simulate different terrains and vary the speed and incline level.
Inversion Table
Using an inversion table helps you de-compress spine discs and remain upright. It also strengthens the core muscles and improves the flexibility of the body. It also aids in blood circulation and speeds up the removal of toxins from the body. This results in better functioning of the immune system and energy levels in the body.
Many people suffer from back stiffness due to poor posture. This can lead to shortened chest and back muscles. Inversion tables help lengthen these muscles, and many users say they feel taller after a short inversion session.
It’s important to remember that you should only use the inversion table if it feels comfortable and safe. If you experience discomfort, dizziness or lightheadedness, reduce the inversion angle and slowly return to the upright position.
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.