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What are the Different Types of Strength Fitness Equipment?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

People work out with different goals. Strength training refers to activities designed to make a person stronger. Since not everyone likes to engage in the same exercises, there are various types of strength fitness equipment used to help people increase their strength. These include kettle bells, resistance bands, and pull-up bars.

When people think of getting stronger, they often think of lifting weights. Free weights are indeed a type of strength fitness equipment. Both barbells and dumbbells fall into this category and accommodate people at various level of their training. There are, however, other types of weights that can also build strength. These include wrist weights and ankle weights, which can be attached to the body when a person is engaged in activities such as jogging or jumping rope.

Some people use free weights.
Some people use free weights.

Kettle bells are also used for strength training. These items, which can vary in weight, look like cannonballs with flat bottoms and handles on top. Using the handle to grasp the item, there are a number of strengthening exercises that a person can do, such as swinging the kettle bell or pressing it. Depending upon the type of exercise she is engaging in, a person can use only one or she can use one in each hand.

A yoga mat is good for both yoga and Pilates training.
A yoga mat is good for both yoga and Pilates training.

There is a wide range of strength fitness equipment that works through resistance. Many people find resistance bands to be effective. These items are generally stretchable pieces of circular plastic that can fit around parts such as the legs and arms. These items help to build strength when a person attempts to move against the resistance of the band which naturally acts to restrict movement.

Advanced weight-lifters often use heavy duty barbell equipment.
Advanced weight-lifters often use heavy duty barbell equipment.

Resistance cords work in a similar manner. This strength fitness equipment generally has handles at each end. A person can place the cord under her feet or around her back, for example. Stretching the cord helps to build strength. Such cords have also been added to twisting machines, which allow a person to increase the resistance by turning the body as she attempts to stretch the cord from the machine beneath her feet.

Standard barbell equipment includes a straight bar and weight plates.
Standard barbell equipment includes a straight bar and weight plates.

Another basic piece of strength fitness equipment is a pull-up bar. In some instances, these are included as part of other gym equipment. In other instances, these are separate items that can be placed in a doorway. A person uses her own weight to build strength by pulling herself up and lowering herself using the bar.

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    • Some people use free weights.
      By: Rido
      Some people use free weights.
    • A yoga mat is good for both yoga and Pilates training.
      By: Ekaterina Garyuk
      A yoga mat is good for both yoga and Pilates training.
    • Advanced weight-lifters often use heavy duty barbell equipment.
      By: dacasdo
      Advanced weight-lifters often use heavy duty barbell equipment.
    • Standard barbell equipment includes a straight bar and weight plates.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Standard barbell equipment includes a straight bar and weight plates.