Exercise is a great way to improve your health and overall fitness. There are a wide variety of workouts to choose from and these will vary depending on your age, health status, and fitness levels. Not only is there an overwhelming choice of equipment, there is the question of which are the best exercises at the gym, and which exercise modalities will properly help you reach your goals.
Check out these different workout strategies to help you choose the best exercises at the gym.
1. Strength Exercises
Strength exercises are a favorite among many people and are truly some of the best exercises at the gym. They are common in most gyms and for a good reason. They offer numerous benefits and help maintain strong muscles which can minimize the risk of falls. Also, they help enhance muscle strength, making it easy to undertake your daily tasks. For a beginner, you should begin with light weights and gradually move to heavier ones. You can also opt for resistance bands, which are available in varying strengths. The team from the elite gym will advise that you begin with lighter bands until you are comfortable to handle more weight.
The benefits of strength training include:
- Improved heart health by controlling blood sugar
- Strengthening muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons
- Improved flexibility and mobility
- Reduced stress and anxiety
2. Flexibility and Mobility Exercises
Flexibility exercises mostly involve stretches that can enhance your workout regime. They help alleviate discomfort and ease stiff joints. Flexibility training can help improve your mobility and fitness, which are necessary for performing your daily chores.
To get the most out of flexibility exercises, start slow and consider dynamic stretches that require repetitive movements before you begin working out. After a workout, go for static stretches, this is because they are most suitable when your muscles are warm enough to hold stretches without pain or stress.
Examples of flexibility exercises include:
- T-spine rotations
- 3-way hip mobility
- hamstring stretches
- yoga
3. Balance Exercises
Balance exercises are a great way to keep falls at bay, and are most suitable for older adults. Most lower body exercises help improve balance and should form part of your workout routine. Not always necessarily considered the best exercises at the gym, balance exercises have a place in most RAMPs used to warm up before vigorous training. Some of them also serve certain demographics better and can help with sport-specific drills as well.
Examples of common balance drills include:
- Standing on one foot with added challenge
- Heel-to-toe walk
- Bosu, trampoline, and Swiss ball drills
- Tai Chi and yoga
- Handstands
4. High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
High-intensity exercises involve short bursts of intense movements and brief rest periods or less intensive exercises. The training is a good option for anyone seeking to lose weight and will help burn calories.
Examples of HIIT training include:
- sprints
- kettlebell swings
- burpees
- Olympic complexes
- kickboxing
5. Functional Training
Functional training focuses on movements relating to day-to-day activities. These are for example lifting, twisting, bending, etc, and involve various muscle groups that will improve your body balance. Moreover, these exercises will strengthen your muscles making it easier to perform daily chores such as lifting or carrying luggage. Some functional training is less suited to the category of best exercises at the gym but rather the best exercises outside of the gym, where odd implements can be used.
Consider these functional training exercises:
- rock lifts and carries
- vehicle pushing/pulling
- hiking/climbing with a weighted vest
- chopping wood
- tire flipping
- rope climbing
How to determine the best exercises at the gym for you
Choosing the right workouts can be confusing, but you must try different exercises until you feel comfortable. Different workouts suit different people and for various reasons. These range from age, fitness levels, long-term goals, and daily schedule. You can talk to your trainer for individualized support, but remember to talk to your doctor before joining an exercise regime.
Final Thoughts
There is a wide range of best exercises at the gym to choose from. Always consider the equipment options and your personal goals. Register at a reputable gym and the trainer will help you determine the most suitable workouts for your needs.
Be sure to have the right workout gear to avoid slips and injuries as you exercise. Having the right outfit will also enhance your comfort and improve your performance.
Tags: balance, best exercises, exercises, Fitness Tips, Flexibility, functional, gym equipment, hiit, mobility, strength