Understanding Weight Training Equipment

The most intimidating thing about weight training is the equipment. You can examine a weight machine for half an hour —looking it up and down, walking circles around it, touching it, prodding it, even reading the instructional plaque posted on the frame — and still have absolutely no clue where to sit, which lever to push, or what possible benefit you derive from using it. Heck, even a simple metal bar sitting on a rack can leave you scratching your head.
Handling the bewildering nature of weight equipment consists of two points.

• First, relax. With a bit of practice, weight training contraptions are actually easy to operate.
• Second, be happy that you decided to take up weight lifting in the 21st century. Back in the 1800s, fitness enthusiasts lifted furniture, boulders —even cows! Although we personally have never tried hoisting farm animals over our heads, we feel confident that today’s weight training devices are a major improvement.

In this chapter, you discover the basic strength-building tools found in health clubs and home equipment stores. You also receive a detailed account of the pros and cons of each equipment category:

• Free weights (dumbbells and barbells)
• Machines
• Rubber exercise bands and tubes

And, with a little guidance, you decide which type of equipment is right for you. This chapter also reveals the answers to the big questions:

• Should beginners stick to machines?
• Do barbells build bigger muscles?
• Can you get strong without using any equipment at all?