Most of the women tend to think that lifting weights and barbells are not for them—but for men only. We understand that these women are not comfortable with exercising weights because of one particular reason: bulking.
Is it really possible for women to lift weights without bulking? Are you looking for friendly gym equipment that you can use at the gym? Great news, you’re in the right column to find some answers to your questions.
If you find yourself getting intimidated by barbells, squat racks and bumper plates, you can stop worrying about it as Robin Cortez, a director of team training for Chuze Fitness, believes that there’s an array of machines that can provide suitable alternatives.
We’ve been narrowing all the available variety of fitness equipment that our readers can look forward to. In this article, we have listed the friendly and useful equipment you can use at the gym including the amazing benefits of weightlifting training for women.
But before anything else, did you know that many require workout accessories to help us? That’s why choosing the best workout accessories would be a big help. So make sure you look for the best workout accessories that suit you before trying these exercises out.
Variety of Machines That Women Can Use
Staying in the weight area might not be a perfect option for you. You get intimidated at everything you see about the machine and heavy equipment at the gym is probably the reason.
Here’s a fun fact for you: the machines you see around the fitness sanctuary is not only beneficial for beginners but also for women. The fitness website Livestrong explained that using a selection of weight machines and cardio machines are what women should focus on.
Here are the different kinds of workout machines women can look for at the gym:
1. Cardio Machines
A wide variety of machines such as treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bikes, steppers and Ellipticals (cross trainers) can be found in the cardio section at the gym.
2. Free Weights
One of the most popular free weights that is available for you to try at the gym is a barbell. To improve your posture and balance, build your lean muscle mass more effectively and to increase your strength and endurance, a free weight training is what you needed.
3. Stack Machines
This kind of machine provides a good and accessible entry point weight training. This is perfect for women, especially for those who have never lifted any kinds of weights before. The machines that are under this category are the following:
- Lat pulldowns and assisted pull-ups
- Leg curls and leg press
- Cable crossovers
- Tricep pushdowns
- Bicep curls
4. Plate-Loaded Machines
Lastly, the plate-loaded machines which are known for being a half-way point between stack machines and free weights. When you happen to see someone loading a machine with barbell plates, then performs a range of exercises—that is a plate-loaded machine.
The Benefits of Weight Lifting for Women
- Burns More Calories
- Improves Posture and Reduces Back Pain
- Decreases the Risks of Osteoporosis
- Reduces the Risks of Injury
- Gains Strength Without Bulking
Women have 10 to 30 times less testosterone than men, so there is nothing to be afraid of because women do not have the same testosterone as men to build muscle, according to Paleohacks. Did you know that women will likely develop muscle definition and more strength instead of getting bulked?
We can now stop the misconception and getting baffled about weight training. Women can lift weights without getting bulked, and weight training is good for women!
Nine Friendly Gym Equipment for Women
1. Smith Machine
This machine is an excellent alternative for barbells, and it’s a user-friendly weightlifting fitness tool.
2. Water Rower
A machine that provides you with a full-body workout!
3. Glute Machine
Jonathan Jordan, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, said that work desk jobs need more strengthening work and glute activation workout.
4. Hack Squat
A hack squat is a resistance training machine that tones the lower body.
5. Treadmill
A treadmill machine is one of the most accessible exercise machines that a woman can use at the gym. Running in a treadmill is a perfect step to get into better shape.
6. Pull-Up Assist
If you are looking for some ways to make your pull-up workout possible, a pull-up assist machine can guarantee you that goal by assisting and training you.
7. Cable Cross
Another great machine that can work on every part of your body!
8. Stationary Bike
A stationary bike machine is not only good for weight loss and strength training, but it’s also a good cardio option.
9. Core Trainer
A machine that strengthens and targets your shoulders, abdomen, back and hips as it allows you to perform a variety of workouts such as scrunches, pikes and planks.
Good luck on your fitness journey with Vivotion!