We’re going to have a yarn today about the importance of gym equipment in your fitness routine, and get a squiz at some of the best gear for us Aussies. You see, gym equipment is the bread and butter of any decent fitness regimen, not just because it lets you crank up the intensity of your workouts, but also because it’s bloody crucial for targeting specific muscle groups and tracking your progress.
Selecting the right equipment can be a bit of a bugger though, especially with all the options on the market these days. Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard yakka and rounded up some of the best fitness machines for you to consider. So, sit back, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive right in!
Our chinwag today will cover four main categories: Cardiovascular Equipment, Strength Training Equipment, Functional Training Equipment, and a bit about Accessories. We’ve even thrown in a few of our best fitness machines for each category to get you started. Let’s get cracking, shall we?
Cardiovascular Equipment
If you’re looking to give your heart a good workout and get those lungs huffing and puffing, cardiovascular equipment is the way to go. The cardio machines we’ll be looking at today are Treadmills, Exercise Bikes, Elliptical Trainers, and Rowing Machines.
Treadmills
Starting off, treadmills are a top-notch choice for a solid cardio workout. They offer a convenient way to jog or run indoors, perfect for those scorching Aussie summers or when the weather’s playing up. There’s a reason why they’re often the first port of call in many gyms – they’re straightforward to use, and you can control the speed and incline to match your fitness level.
Exercise Bikes
Another piece of cardio equipment that deserves a shout-out is the exercise bike. These bad boys are great for getting a low-impact, yet high-intensity workout. They’re a great option for folks with joint issues, or for those who want to mix up their cardio routine.
Elliptical Trainers
Moving on, we have elliptical trainers, a fantastic option for a full-body cardio session. They help improve your balance, provide a low-impact exercise option and engage both your upper and lower body simultaneously.
Rowing Machines
Lastly, for cardio, we’ve got rowing machines. These beauties give you a vigorous workout that gets your heart racing and works your upper body, lower body, and core all at once. A solid choice if you’re after a machine that’s a bit of an all-rounder.
Strength Training Equipment
After you’ve gotten your heart rate up and your blood pumping with some cardio, it’s time to shift gears and focus on building muscle strength. The Strength Training Equipment we’ll be discussing includes Free Weights, Resistance Bands, Weight Machines, and Kettlebells.
Free Weights
First up on our list are the free weights. These include dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates. Free weights are versatile, allowing you to perform a vast array of exercises targeting different muscle groups. They’re also top-notch for improving your balance and strengthening your stabilizing muscles.
Resistance Bands
Next, we have resistance bands. Don’t be fooled by their simplicity – these rubbery bands pack a punch. They offer variable resistance, meaning they become harder to pull as you extend them, challenging your muscles throughout the exercise. They’re also lightweight and portable, making them a great choice for home gym equipment.
Weight Machines
Now, let’s talk about weight machines. These units are designed to isolate and target specific muscle groups, making them excellent for structured strength training routines. They’re also safer to use alone as they guide your movements and prevent you from dropping any weights. For an in-depth look at some underappreciated weight machines, check out this list of the 10 best gym equipment pieces you might be overlooking.
Kettlebells
Rounding out our strength training equipment, we have kettlebells. These hefty little devils provide a killer workout by combining strength training with cardio. Kettlebell exercises engage multiple muscle groups at once, offering a more functional and efficient workout. They’re perfect for exercises like swings, squats, and lifts.
Functional Training Equipment
Our next category, mates, is Functional Training Equipment. This gear is all about training your body to handle real-life movements, improving your balance, agility, and strength. We’ll be going over Suspension Trainers, Medicine Balls, Battle Ropes, and Plyometric Boxes.
Suspension Trainers
Suspension trainers, like the popular TRX system, are top-tier when it comes to functional training. They leverage gravity and your body weight to perform hundreds of exercises. You’re in control of how much you want to challenge yourself on each exercise – because you can adjust your body position to add or decrease resistance.
Medicine Balls
Next up, we have medicine balls. They might look like regular balls, but these weighted spheres are a game-changer when it comes to adding a dash of intensity to your workouts. From Russian twists to slam balls, they can be used to work on your core, upper body, and lower body. Plus, they’re a great way to spice up your training by adding an element of fun.
Battle Ropes
Battle ropes are next on the docket. If you’re after a top-notch tool for cardio, strength and functional training, you’ve hit the jackpot. They’re a great addition to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routines and are bound to get your heart racing and muscles burning.
Plyometric Boxes
Last in our functional training segment, but definitely not least, we have plyometric boxes. Used for jump training, these boxes help improve your power, speed, and strength. Whether you’re doing box jumps, step-ups, or even elevated push-ups, plyometric boxes add an extra challenge to your workouts. For some top picks, have a look at this article on the best functional training equipment.
Accessories
Alright, we’ve covered our main categories, but no fitness routine would be complete without the right accessories, right? We’re going to go over Yoga Mats, Foam Rollers, Stability Balls, and Skipping Ropes.
Yoga Mats
Starting off with yoga mats – whether you’re doing yoga, Pilates, or just need a comfortable surface for your home workouts, a good yoga mat is a must-have. They provide the needed cushioning for your joints and ensure you don’t slip mid-workout. Plus, there are so many types to choose from – thick, thin, non-slip, eco-friendly – you’re sure to find one that suits your style and needs.
Foam Rollers
Next, let’s chat about foam rollers. They’re not just for massages (although they’re bloody brilliant for that too). Foam rollers can be used for self-myofascial release, helping to ease muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation. Plus, they can be incorporated into various exercises for an added challenge.
Stability Balls
Also on our accessories list are stability balls. They’re a fantastic tool to improve balance, strengthen the core, and aid in physical therapy. Whether you’re using them for exercises like planks and bridges or as a fun twist on desk chairs to engage your core, stability balls are a versatile addition to any best workout gear list.
Skipping Ropes
Last, but not least, we have skipping ropes. Don’t underestimate these bad boys – a quick skipping session can get your heart rate up, improve your coordination, and tone your legs. Plus, they’re portable and affordable, making them a great option for working out on the go.
Conclusion
Phew! We’ve covered a lot of ground today, haven’t we? From cardio and strength equipment to functional gear and accessories, we’ve taken a deep dive into the world of fitness paraphernalia. Remember, having the right equipment can make a world of difference in your fitness journey. Not only does it allow you to add variety to your workouts, but it also helps you target specific muscle groups and track your progress more accurately.
In this chat, we’ve gone over some of the best fitness machines for Australians, covering various categories of gym equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned gym junkie or just starting your fitness journey, there’s gear out there to help you smash your goals. From treadmills and exercise bikes for cardio to free weights and resistance bands for strength training, we’ve got you covered.
But let’s not forget about functional training, mates. Suspension trainers, medicine balls, battle ropes, and plyometric boxes can help you train for real-life movements, boosting your balance, agility, and strength. And of course, we can’t overlook the importance of accessories like yoga mats, foam rollers, stability balls, and skipping ropes. They’re the cherry on top of your workout routine, offering additional challenges and support.
Remember, mates, it’s not just about having the equipment; it’s about choosing the right gear that aligns with your fitness goals and needs. But no worries, with our overview and some helpful resources like our home gym equipment guide, you’ll be set to start or enhance your fitness journey.
No matter where you’re at in your fitness journey, the important thing is to keep at it. Even if it seems tough, don’t chuck a wobbly; every bit of effort counts. And with the right gym equipment by your side, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. So, go on, give it a burl!
