Weight training is at the core of fitness programs and allows people to get rid of excess body fat and develop robust muscle mass through the use of weight training equipment. It is aimed at burning more calories and building strength through a series of intensive exercises focused on specific muscles or covering larger muscle groups.

Weight training equipment is the back bone of the exercise sessions involved and can be divided into two main types: Free weights and weight machines. It is important to get a better understanding of the types of equipment used during exercise sessions and how they help you build a better physique.

Free weights usually make part of the basic weight training equipment for anyone…from beginning trainers to experienced body builders. They come in a large variety of different shapes, sizes and weights and are a relatively low cost solution to start weight training at home.

One of the advantages of free weights is that there are a lot of different exercises that can be done, which cover most of the major muscle groups. It’s also argued that with free weights you get a better weight training workout because exercises aren’t guided by machines and you need secondary muscles to stabilize your movements.

Dumbbells are the most widely used free weights and come in different weights and types. The more popular types are adjustable to allow users to use a variety of weight increments to match their strength and workout goals. Having multiple sets can help you if you’re not an “all rounder” when it comes to fitness. Some muscle groups may be more developed than others and having to change weights on your dumbbells all the time can be de-motivating. Consider buying two sets – One for lighter weights, another for the more developed muscle groups that need a bigger challenge

Weight machines are better for beginners to get into weight training and intermediate trainers as they act like training wheels on a bike by maintaining balance for you. Weight machines are also safer and easier to use and can enable you to lift greater amounts.

Most weight machines work by pulling or pushing a handle or bar with which you can lift a stack of weights, attached by a cable and a pulley system. By using a pin to select the amount of weight in the stack you can build up resistance as you progress in your weight training program and overall fitness. Weight machines can also be adjusted to suit different body types and provide a clear illustration of correct use and posture on each machine.

A few types of weight training equipment do not require weights for exercise, but instead allow you to use your own body weight for resistance. Such equipment includes chin up bars that allow you to exercise the biceps and triceps (front and back muscles of the upper arm) and crunch machines, with which you can exercise the abdominals.

Weight training programs are usually based on a combination of free weights and weight machines and it is important to get to know weight training equipment and which to choose as part of your exercise regime before heading to the gym or buying weight training equipment.