Using Gym Equipment the Right Way

A tool is only as effective as its user. Thus, it doesn’t matter how heavy a dumbbell is or how state of the art an elliptical is, if you don’t use it the right way, all your effort will be for naught.

For the best results when using gym equipment, you have to know the appropriate way to handle them and set them. For example, if using an Inspire Fitness M3 Multi Gym and you fail to set it properly before use, you are probably not going to get the best use out of the machine or be able to reach your fitness goals.

So if you hope to use gym equipment to your advantage and gain the most from them, you have to make sure you use them the right way by following the tips below.

Properly screwed and set

Before starting any workout regimen with any equipment, be sure to always ensure that all screws are in place and properly tightened. For example, if you are about to use dumbbells, make sure the weight plates are tightly screwed on to avoid them suddenly falling off and unto your toes or face.

An improperly put together or loose gym equipment can be a health hazard, and you must protect yourself by checking all is properly fixed before using any equipment. Also, make sure gym equipment has been properly set to meet your strength levels. You can always consult the equipment’s manual or have a trainer help you with this.

Properly cleaned

Gym equipment is capable of hosting germs. Because of the amount of sweat and other body fluids released during a workout, germs find it convenient to stick around on gym equipment and hop from one user to an equipment’s next user. To avoid falling prey to such germs, it’s advisable that you wipe down any and all gym equipment before using it. The purpose of using gym equipment is to stay fit and healthy, not pick up someone else’s illnesses. So be sure to clean equipment both before and after use.

Don’t push too hard

Before partaking in any exercise regimen it is best to know your limits. If your heartbeat becomes alarmingly irregular, or your vision starts swimming, then it’s probably time to take a break. Also, feeling pain during a workout doesn’t necessarily indicate “weaknesses leaving the body”. Medically speaking, pain is your body’s way of warning you of injury. Thus, by ignoring pain during a workout you are actually ignoring your body’s warning that you are taking things too far and this is what leads to extreme soreness or stiffness among most people after working out.

The key is to find a balance and gradually build up your endurance and stamina. Trying to do more than your body is capable of can come at a very high price that can have you laid up for days.

Also, if you have a pre-existing health condition, be sure to identify what exercises suit your case and which you shouldn’t be partaking in. For example, an individual suffering from heart disease or asthma is better off avoiding any exercise that might exacerbate their condition.

Right position

Each exercise requires a certain posture if you are to get the results that you seek. For example, when doing push-ups, your back ought to be straight with no sagging in the middle. Stomach muscles ought to be clenched and palms should be placed on the ground beneath your shoulders to get optimal benefits from push-ups.

There are other exercises where posture is intrinsic to their success such as aerobics and yoga. If improperly postured, it is likely you are fruitlessly straining yourself.

Pick the right equipment to match your exercise goals

For example, if your goal is muscle building and increasing overall strength, then barbells and dumbbells are a good option. For a more convenient full-body workout, equipment such as the Inspire Fitness M5 Multi Gym, or the Life Fitness G4 Home Gym with Leg Press is both good options.

But if your fitness goal is targeted at improving your cardiovascular health or general weight loss, then an elliptical such as the Octane Zero Runner Zr7 or a rower such as the Life Fitness Row Gx Trainer are both good options. The point is to know and make use of equipment that matches your goals.

These are the things you need to know about properly using gym equipment to gain all the benefits and none of the discomfort. For further help, you can contact a certified fitness trainer to guide you concerning using what equipment correctly to attain what goals.