Gyms today are well equiped with machines, dumbells, medicine balls, stability balls, elastic cords, balance boards, and more. But with so many options, how do you decide on what equipment to use in your program? What works best? Choosing equipment for physical conditioning depends on your goals, experience, and limitations.
First, define your goals. Do you want a more muscular and defined physique? Do you want strength? Power? Speed? Balance? When you have clarity of your ultimate goal, you can then design the appropriate training method and the choice of equipment is evident.
For example, if you are a dancer and want to improve your functional strength, machines are a poor choice. They do not allow your body to learn how to coordinate certain movments, leaving the stabilizer muscles unstimulated, and thus limiting your potential to develop the balance and functional strength need for dancing, or any sport for that matter.
That being said, machines still do have a place. If you are new to resistance training, or in a rehabilitation program, machines are very useful to get accustomed to and build strength in basic movements. You can safely use a much heavier load with machines without the fear of losing control making them a preferred choice when training alone without a spotter.
The ideal strength training program will incorporate a variety of equipment. Consider your goals, be it function or aesthetics, and any limitations, such as injuries and safety issues. Using a personal trainer will introduce you to unique and effective methods that are to difficult to perform when you are on your own. Challenge yourself to try something new. You will see faster results and have more fun with your workouts!
Vancouver Personal Trainer Greg Smith- Kalev Training in Yaletown
w: http://www.KalevTraining.com
t: 604-518-4691
e: Kalev@KalevTraining.com
b: www.rippedmansecrets.com
