PT Today January 2020

Page 40

equipment

9 ESSENTIAL PIECES OF GYM EQUIPMENT

If your gym just has basic equipment that is only utilised by the less experienced or older, the seriously dedicated gym-goers will simply pick another gym that is stacked with the latest and greatest gear. To maximize profits and get more people through the door, a mix of equipment should be used to attract and keep customers. To make sure you keep everyone happy integrate these nine essential things for your gym or studio. Training bench Definitely suitable for beginners, the training bench is a diverse piece of equipment that serves it’s purpose for seniors and young athletes as well. It is used for performing weight training exercises or even sit-ups. You should be able to adjust the backrest so you can move it from the flat position to an incline. Dumbbell set Also an important necessity for beginners, young athletes and seniors. The dumbbell set should range from light to heavy in order to accommodate for everyone. Dumbbells come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials these days, from plastic-coated to colourful to straightup metal, so take your pick. Get a set with a rack and save time and space, too. Treadmill For beginners who are looking to lose some weight, the treadmill is the way to go. A fantastic form of cardio exercise, your gym should have a treadmill that has varying inclines, speeds and provides heart rate monitoring.

40

www.pttoday.co.uk

Stationary bicycle Also a great form of cardiovascular training, the stationary bike is an alternative to the treadmill for working cardiovascular endurance. The nice thing about the bike is that it provides a lowimpact way to get the heart rate elevated. Looking at it as a sort of upgrade from the treadmill, this cycle is a must-have for younger athletes. Barbell Set Younger athletes also tend to focus on heavy strength training and do not just aim for simple weight loss. They aim to tone their bodies with weight training. The barbell set has several options: the Olympic bar (that’s a 55-pound bar for men and 45 for women), squat rack, bench press rack and removable plates or a set of fixed or easily adjustable barbells with a smaller bar will serve you well, along with a rack for storage. Rowing machine Athletes can do a lot with a total-body rowing machine, especially a strong aerobic workout. Unlike the bike and treadmill that focus more on the lower body, the rower offers a head-to-toe workout, engaging the legs, core and upper body. Plus, it helps burn a ton of calories and is also a low-impact way to get in some cardio exercise. Having a rowing machine in your gym is therefore highly necessary. Low-impact treadmills This type of treadmill is a must-have for seniors who come to your gym. As a gym owner, it is common to know that as you get older

normal treadmills, running on concrete and tracks can prove to be hazardous for the knees. Low-impact, pressurized treadmills are designed to spare vulnerable joints, which means they’d also be a great machine to keep in your gym. Ellipticals Ellipticals are also non-impact in nature which means the back, knees, and ankles will all be protected. This is very important when considering seniors at your gym as older people tend to stay away from equipment that could further harm their joints. Stepping into elliptical pedals, climbing on a stationary or standard road bike or using a rowing machine all let you work out without pounding your joints. All in all, this type of machine is really good for people who have any sort of lower-limb discomfort or osteoarthritis. Balance trainers and resistance bands Although these are not necessarily machines, many beginners, young athletes and seniors enjoy using these accessories in their daily workout. Resistance bands and tubes are simple, inexpensive, portable fitness items for gently building strength, which is great and convenient for seniors. Elastic resistance training is effective for increasing muscle strength in a low impact way.

By Parisa Hashempour Visit https://business.virtuagym.com/


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook

Articles inside

73 the rise of digital

9min
pages 72-76

new year new job

3min
page 71

3 ways to keep your clients

3min
pages 69-70

les mills core training

2min
page 63

retention strategies for

4min
pages 66-68

65 new year new me

5min
pages 64-65

healthy vegan coconut

0
page 62

spiced butternut squash

1min
page 61

59 have a healthier 2020

5min
pages 58-60

coffee cacao breakfast

0
page 57

53 katie bulmer cook shop

5min
pages 50-56

new year fitness trends

14min
pages 41-45

49 2020 travel trends

7min
pages 48-49

47 2020’s hottest hotels

7min
pages 46-47

9 essential pieces of gym

3min
page 40

37 train like a elite

6min
pages 36-37

35 sparta seniors

7min
pages 34-35

top tips to successfully

2min
page 38

skiing skincare

3min
page 39

beat the new year blues

2min
page 33

31 new kit new you

5min
pages 30-31

matt ford

7min
pages 11-13

22 kaia health app

20min
pages 20-29

supercharge your

2min
page 32

karen thomas

3min
pages 14-15

ben coomber

2min
pages 8-10

17 america’s best kept

6min
pages 16-19

malminder gill

1min
page 7
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.