Lean and Mean: A Guide to Selecting the Right Fitness Equipment for Your Lifestyle
My high school teacher once said “If you don’t know the rules, you don’t have the tools”. In a world of endless opinions on fitness, there is oftentimes a lack of consideration and context for your lifestyle, work and home situation and goals that factor in how to know which tools are most effective for your fitness goals. There are fancy machines, expensive technology, and on the other end, inexpensive, yet beneficial equipment that can fit in your carry-on luggage or backpack.
Take a moment to reflect on your personal fitness goals. Are you seeking to build muscle, get lean, improve cardiovascular health or flexibility? Each goal requires a different approach, and the equipment you choose should align with your goals. Do you have space in your home to store your equipment or set up a home gym? Have you considered mobile fitness equipment that you can use in a hotel room, or on the go, or in small spaces? Either way, understanding your lifestyle, mixed with your living situation should factor into how you're selecting equipment to purchase.
If you’re looking to get muscular, the answer is to ensure resistance training is a part of your fitness workout plan. From free weights, strength training machines, dumbbells, barbells, weight plates, resistance bands and more, ultimately deciding whether you’re looking for bodybuilding results or lean muscle, should lead you towards what type of equipment to use. You can absolutely build muscle with minimal to no equipment, whether that is bodyweight training, adding a weight vest, pull up bar or dip station, and if you have the space and desire bigger muscles, consider machines and free weights that allow for more resistance.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world, and as someone who has a history of heart disease in my family, along with being certified in Cardiac Rehabilitation, working alongside patients in hospitals and physical rehab centers, any great trainer and coach will tell you that cardio training is an essential component of your fitness routine. Whether you run or walk, bike or hike, swim or jump rope, there are plenty of ways to achieve your cardio goals, from treadmills, elliptical trainers, rowing machines and stationary bikes. These machines provide controlled environments for steady-state cardio and high intensity interval training sessions, allowing you to adjust intensity and track progress.
As a trainer to high performance athletes, to people with chronic disease, injuries, from young kids to seniors, having a layer of recovery in your fitness training is essential to any program no matter what your goals are. The three components of any routine are endurance, or cardio based training, resistance, or weight training, and the often ignored component - flexibility training and recovery. Selecting equipment for the accessory work, such as foam rollers, foot rollers, stretch straps and hand grips will help keep you consistent, in the flow, in the gym, and on track with your ultimate fitness goals.
Remember, you don't have to navigate the equipment maze alone! Consult a certified personal trainer or fitness professional for personalized advice on selecting equipment that aligns with your fitness goals, body type and lifestyle. They can also provide valuable instructions on proper form and technique to ensure safe and effective workouts. It’s worth the investment, because even the best athletes on Earth have a coach.
The most important thing to remember when selecting exercise equipment is that it is an investment in your health and well-being. Whether you’re setting up a home gym, looking for equipment you can take with you on-the-go, or adding to your pre-existing collection of equipment that you are already using, the more clarity you have around your needs, goals and current situation will allow you to align yourself with the specific tools and equipment that enhances your fitness.