How to use fitness equipment effectively?

1.If you are planning on using resistance equipment in a gym, take notice of how the machines are arranged. Often, they are set up in a circle and gym members go through all of the machines once, twice or even three times.

If this is too challenging, but you are still pressed for time, you may wish to create two different workouts, alternating upper and lower body exercises each time. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association's textbook, "Essentials of Personal Training," this works well if you are "not able to tolerate performing several upper or lower body exercises in a row, or if a trained client with less available training time wants to cut back on the length of rest intervals to shorten the workout." Lower body exercises can often be performed immediately after upper body exercises, with short rest periods.

2. According to "Essentials of Personal Training," your decision of equipment depends on several factors, including availability, personal preference, your ability to perform the exercise, and your goals. Pick a machine that you like, know how to use, and one that will help you meet your training goals. Cybex equipment will give you a read-out of your current heart rate, so that you can calculate the intensity of your exercise.

3.As your fitness levels improve, you may increase the frequency of your training or the duration and intensity of your exercise. Longer exercise sessions require more recovery time.