How do I Use Fitness Machines?

Fitness machines are designed to help people lose weight, burn calories and create muscle definition. Using fitness machines is great for your health, will help boost your metabolism and reduce the amount of fat in your body. Effective use of the machines is important in order to achieve results quickly, so reading the machine instructions carefully is the best way to educate yourself.

  1. Machine Instructions

    • Read the machine instructions. Most fitness machines have instructions attached that illustrate the steps toward proper usage. Before beginning your workout, read over the steps in order to gain an understanding of how to use the machine correctly.

    Adjustments

    • Adjust the machine to your height. The seat or bench of a machine will be adjusted to fit the person who used the machine prior to you, so you'll need to make sure the machine lines up with your joints. Sit on the machine with your feet planted on the floor and the pads rested comfortably on your limbs. Make sure your body lines up with the pivot points of the machine.

    Weight

    • Choose a weight or incline. Fitness machine are designed to be able to accommodate multiple fitness abilities, so you'll need to select a weight or incline that's not too heavy or difficult for you. Complete 10 repetitions, and if you feel as though you need more difficulty, increase the intensity.

    Form and Technique

    • Use good form and lift the weights slowly (if applicable). Inhale as you lift the weight, and exhale as your release. Using breathing techniques is important in order to attain an effective workout, and it helps to work the muscles better.

    Personal Trainers

    • Seek help from a personal trainer. Most gyms have trainers on site that can provide a walk through of the gym and educate you on how each machine targets certain body parts and the proper usage, but if not, you can hire one. It's best to seek help when when initially joining a gym so that you do not use the machines incorrectly. Personal trainers can also give you a fitness assessment to help create fitness goals and to improve your overall physical health.

    Circuit Training

    • Target multiple body parts with circuit training. Circuit training is a strengthening workout in which you alternate machines in order to target different muscle groups. This type of training can involve up to 10 machine rotations back-to-back with little time in between.

    Etiquette

    • Use proper gym etiquette. Most gyms have a disinfectant and paper towels available, so spray and clean the machine in order to remove your sweat for the next person who will use the machine.