Top Gym Equipment Names – All You Need To Know
Key Takeaways
- This guide covers a wide array of gym equipment names, from cardio machines to free weights. Discover how each piece can target specific muscle groups and fit into your fitness journey.
- Explore versatile all-in-one machines and compact alternatives that bring the gym experience to your living room.
- Navigate the fitness jungle with our top 10 workout equipment tips, from decoding mysterious machine names to avoiding becoming a viral gym fail video.
Strength Training Equipment
Cardiovascular and Conditioning Equipment
These pieces of gym equipment are designed to elevate your heart rate, increase lung capacity, and improve your body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently. We are starting strong right now with this list of gym equipment!
Treadmill
- Price: $300 - $3000, depending on features.
- Average size: 70” L x 30” W x 55” H. Folding models are available for those with limited space.
- Versatility rating: 8/10 – Offers various workout programs, speed, and incline settings. They can accommodate walking, jogging, running, and even some strength training exercises when used creatively.
Running on treadmill
When it comes to gym equipment names, the treadmill is a classic that tops the list. It is a machine with a moving belt for walking or running in place. You get to run outdoors, but… minus the “outdoors.”
So, what muscles do you use if you decide to give this one a go? Well, it's primarily a lower-body party. Your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes all get in on the action. Your arms and shoulders get a workout, too, when you swing them in natural running motion.
Don’t be too worried about looking like a newbie, even if you are. Just step on, adjust speed and incline, press start, and voila! The rest is just to start walking or running while keeping your posture in check. When you're done, either slow it down gradually or hit the emergency stop if you're feeling dramatic.
The treadmill is perfect for those high-impact, calorie-torching workouts that make you question why you ever thought this was a good idea. But jokes aside, it's great for sport-specific training, too.
Who should use it? Anyone looking to improve cardiovascular health or lose weight. Excellent for people who enjoy the sensation of running for miles without actually going anywhere.
In the grand scheme of gym equipment names, the treadmill might not build bulging biceps, but it will take your breath away, literally!
Elliptical Machine
- Price: $500 - $2500. For the price of a nice vacation, you, too, can go nowhere in style!
- Average size: 68” L x 28” W x 62” H.
- Versatility rating: 7/10 – Adjustable resistance, incline options, and the ability to target both upper and lower body. However, they may not be as versatile as treadmills for sport-specific training.
How to use the elliptical machine
The lovechild of a treadmill and a stair climber (we’ll get to that in a minute), this contraption lets you run in place while simultaneously skiing and pedaling an invisible bike.
Muscle groups used in this exercise are legs, arms, core, and your imagination as you pretend you’re gracefully gliding through a winter wonderland instead of sweating buckets in the gym.
Using this type of exercise machine is an adventure in itself. Step on, grab the handles and start peddling gracefully. The goal is to look as smooth as Michael Jackson’s moonwalk while your legs do… whatever it is they’re doing.
The elliptical shines for low-impact workouts. It's the go-to choice for joint-friendly cardio, namely cross-training and active recovery exercises. No jarring impacts here, just smooth, fluid motions that get your heart pumping without angering your knees.
It's a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a cardio workout that won't have their joints sending hate mail the next day. A solid proof that you don't need to pound the pavement to get a good workout.
Stationary Bike
- Price: $200 - $2000.
- Average size: 48” L x 24” W x 52” H.
- Versatility rating: 6/10 – While stationary bikes offer adjustable resistance and various workout programs, they primarily focus on lower body cardio exercise. Great for legs, even better for catching up on your favorite TV shows without guilt.
Stationary bikes
This workout equipment simulates the action of riding a bicycle while staying still. Also provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout.
We think you could’ve already deduced what muscles you’ll be using. Legs, legs, and more legs, particularly quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Your core gets in on the action for stability, and depending on your riding style, your upper body might join the fun, too.
This equipment is pretty straightforward to use, even for those of us who aren't exactly Tour de France material. Adjust the seat and handlebar until you’re comfortable; sit on the saddle; pedal like you would on an actual bike. If you're feeling adventurous (and your bike allows it), stand up occasionally for more intensity.
It’s suitable for low-impact cardio, endurance training, and rehabilitation exercises. Because nothing says "I'm recovering" like pretending to cycle up an imaginary hill.
Pretty much ideal for all fitness levels, especially those with knee issues, the stationary bike is definitely a reliable friend in your fitness journey.
Stair Climber
- Price: $1000 - $4000.
- Average size: 58" L x 34" W x 89" H.
- Versatility rating: 7/10 – It’s stairs. While primarily focused on lower body and cardio, stair climbers offer adjustable speeds and can be used for various workout intensities.
Use stair climbers for high-impact exercises
Gym equipment names don’t get more straightforward than these. The stair climber features a, you guessed it, revolving staircase that moves downward, making you reach rock bottom because the only way is up.
It mostly targets the lower body, including quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. The core muscles are engaged to keep you steady on the machine. And if you're gripping those handrails (lightly, mind you), your arms and shoulders might start to feel the burn as well.
It can seem simple to use, but don't let that fool you. Step onto the machine and start walking up stairs with a gradually increasing pace. The key is to resist the urge to lean on those handrails. We want to use them for balance, not for support.
Stair climbers are particularly effective for high-intensity interval training (HIIT). You can alternate between sprinting up those stairs like you're late for a meeting on the 100th floor and a more leisurely climb when you remember that, oh yeah, breathing is important.
People seeking boosted leg strength and cardiovascular endurance are the main demographic for it. Not recommended for those with knee or hip issues, though.
Rowing Machine
- Price: $300 - $1500.
- Average size: 90” L x 24” W x 40” H.
- Versatility rating: 9/10 – Excellent for both cardio and muscle toning in just one workout. Truly a best-of-both-worlds fitness solution.
Rowing machine exercise
This gem lets you experience the joys of rowing without the risk of capsizing or encountering any water. This overachiever engages about 86% of your muscles, from your legs to your core, back, arms, and shoulders. Talk about multi-tasking.
To use it, sit down, strap your feet in (no escape now!), and pull the handle while pushing your legs. Repeat until you’re out of breath, and even the sound of its name gives you a seizure.
This exercise machine combines cardio and strength training in one fluid motion. It's precisely the choice for fitness enthusiasts looking to improve overall conditioning, build endurance, or complement their strength training.
Free Weights
Next, we will walk you through popular types of weight equipment, where familiar gym equipment names like dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells take center stage. These adaptable tools are intended to target several muscles used in day-to-day activities.
Dumbbells
- Price: $100 - $1000+.
- Average size: 10" L x 4" W x 4" H (for a standard 15-pound dumbbell). Small enough to hide under your bed when motivation is low, big enough to stub your toe on at 3 AM.
- Versatility rating: 9/10 – Can be used for a wide variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups.
Blue, small dumbbells
These compact dynamos in the gym equipment names lineup come in pairs, perfect for those who like their workouts with a side of symmetry.
Where do they work? Biceps? Check. Triceps? You bet. Shoulders, chest, back? Absolutely. These versatile little weights don't discriminate, they're ready to make any muscle group buff and beautiful. You just have to follow the steps below.
Pick them up (that’s the easy part), then lift, press, or swing them around in ways that don’t startle your PT. Try not to drop them on your toes – they don’t need exercise, no matter what you think.
They're your top 1 for strength training, muscle building, and even Olympic weightlifting. So, who should consider adding dumbbells to their fitness arsenal? The short answer: Everyone from beginners to gym rats. Whether you're trying to tone up or bulk up, these handheld wonders have got your back (and your front, and your sides).
Barbell
- Price: $100-$1000+
- Average size: 7’ L x 1" diameter
- Versatility rating: 9/10 – Extremely versatile for various exercises and fitness goals.
Use barbells for heavy sessions
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Barbell - the heavyweight champion of gym equipment names. Barbells come in various types, including standard, Olympic, and specialized bars for lifting connoisseurs.
Use it the same way you use other types of exercise equipment in this sector – You put on an appropriate amount of weights, grip the bar, and start exercises like bench presses or squats.
Muscles used? All of them. If you've got a muscle, rest assured, the barbell has a plan for it. In gym lingo, it means this equipment is suitable for building serious strength, adding muscle, and impressing that one guy at the gym who always seems to be watching.
Beginners (with proper guidance, please) can use it to build a solid strength foundation. Advanced lifters can push their limits and explore new realms of gains. It's even perfect for those of you who find lifting your smartphone too easy and are looking for a real challenge in life.
Kettlebell
- Price: $1-$2 per pound for basic models; $2-$4 per pound for competition kettlebells.
- Average size: 5.5" to 13.5" in diameter, depending on weight (8 kg to 48 kg).
- Versatility rating: 9/10 – The chameleon of the weight room, which is to say it’s a valuable addition to any fitness routine.
Portable, versatile kettlebells
A kettlebell is a cast-iron or steel weight resembling a cannonball with a handle, typically used for ballistic exercises and weight training. They'll wake up muscles you didn't even know you had and probably some that don't actually exist.
Exercises you can do range from swings, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups, to snatches for advanced gymers. Keep in mind to be at least a little terrified for theme-appropriate points!
Kettlebells are ideal for those who want to combine strength training, cardio, and interpretive dance all in one workout. Anyone from beginner to advanced level can use these for a good muscle-building session. You get a great story to tell about why you’re walking funny the next day as a bonus.
Home Gym (all-in-one machines)
This section provides a full training option for those who have limited space or prefer the comfort of working out at home. These equipment combines various workout stations into one device, allowing you to conduct a variety of strength and aerobic activities without the need for separate machines or free weights.
Multi-Station Home Gym
- Price: $500-$3000, depending on the complexity and quality of the machine.
- Average size: 72" L x 80" W x 84" H (dimensions can vary significantly between models)
- Versatility rating: 8/10 - Jack of all trades, master of “Why did I buy this many attachments?” Nevertheless, it may lack the flexibility of free weights.
Multi-station home gym for full-body workout
This behemoth is a comprehensive gym machine combining various workout equipment names into one unit for full-body training. As the name suggests, this device targets multiple muscle groups, including the chest, back, arms, legs, and core, depending on the attachments. The more, the merrier!
Play a game of “which lever does what” and choose the right station or attachment for your desired exercise. Adjust weight, seat position, and cables as needed. And finally, start the workout! Exercises include chest presses, lat pulldowns, leg extensions, and cable curls.
Generally, this machine is for anyone looking for a space-efficient home gym solution that covers a wide range of exercises. Exactly, from beginners who are still figuring out which end of a dumbbell to hold to intermediate trainers who've graduated from using soup cans as weights.
Functional Trainer
- Price: $1000-$3500, depending on the brand and features.
- Average size: 53" L x 38" W x 84" H (dimensions can vary between models)
- Versatility rating: 9/10 - Highly customizable for various exercise types. That’s the whole point of getting this machine, right?
Functional trainer with adjustable cables
Functional trainer is a versatile piece of gym equipment featuring adjustable cable pulleys for quite literally any exercise you can think of. How many exercises can you invent? It’s entirely up to you.
Whatever muscles you can convince yourself to work out today, you can work them with this gym equipment. We call this section “all-in-one machines” for a reason!
Start using it by adjusting the cable height and selecting appropriate attachments. Once you've got that sorted, perform exercises like cable flies, rows, tricep pushdowns, and leg extensions. Vary angles and positions for different muscle engagement.
It's great for functional gymers who believe everyday activities should be a workout (opening a jar? That's a rep!). Also suitable for rehabilitation exercises and sport-specific training.
Who should use it? People who get bored easily and enjoy the thrill of never knowing what exercise they’ll do next. It really keeps you guessing.
Pilates Stick (with Resistance Bands)
- Price: $30-$150, depending on quality and included accessories.
- Average size: Stick length: 36"-48"; Band length: 4’-6’ (adjustable)
- Versatility rating: 7/10 - Provides a range of exercises but limited in resistance compared to more traditional equipment.
Pilates stick exercises
This time, we’re giving you a light, portable gym machines names entry. It combines a sturdy bar with attachable resistance bands for versatile workouts. It engages core, legs, arms, and back, emphasizing flexibility and strength simultaneously. Why do one thing when you can do two?
Let’s get our gear up. Attach bands to the stick and anchor points (doorknobs, furniture legs, or unsuspecting pets all work great). Perform exercises like roll-downs, arm circles, and leg presses. Focus on controlled movements and proper form.
It’s suitable for turning your living room into a low-budget Cirque du Soleil performance. Or just regular goals, like low-impact strength training, flexibility enhancement, and Pilates-inspired workouts.
Ideal users are individuals seeking a compact, different type of gym equipment for home use, particularly those interested in Pilates or rehabilitation exercises. Or, we suppose, people who find regular workout gear too mainstream.
Power Tower
- Price: $100-$500
- Average size: 57" L x 43" W x 85" H
- Versatility rating: 8/10 - Offers a variety of upper body and core exercises in a single, space-efficient unit. As adaptable as it is with a little bit of everything, you’ll probably end up using the same two stations over and over again while ignoring the rest.
How to use a power tower
Another multipurpose fitness equipment built for bodyweight exercises, this device does not transmit electricity as the name suggests. Instead, it comes with different stations for upper body and core routines.
It primarily targets upper body (chest, back, shoulders, arms) and core muscles, but worry not, your legs can enter the conversation, too, if they’re feeling left out.
Some appropriate exercises are pull-ups on the high bar, dips on the parallel bars, leg lifts on the cushioned armrests, and push-ups on the base. At some point, you’ll understand why it’s called a "power" tower.
In the spectrum of names of gym equipment, the Power Tower is the overachiever that makes other equipment feel lazy. It's perfect for those who want to build strength and muscle without lifting anything heavier than their own body weight.
Fitness enthusiasts of all levels wanting comprehensive bodyweight training at home or people who think the floor is lava can all use it to their heart’s content. In the world of workout equipment names, the Power Tower stands tall (literally).
Cable Machine
- Price: $500-$2000, depending on the brand, weight capacity, and features.
- Average size: 48" L x 36" W x 82" H
- Versatility rating: 8/10 – Provides a diverse range of workouts in a small space, ideal for any fitness level.
Compact cable machine
Literally what the name says, this is a space-efficient gym equipment featuring adjustable cables and weight stacks for versatile strength training. This machine doesn't play favorites when it comes to muscle groups, so get ready to work your chest, back, shoulders, arms, and legs.
Here’s how you operate this gadget. Adjust the cable height and pick your battle (amount of weight). Attach appropriate handles or bars. Perform exercises like cable flies, rows, tricep pushdowns, and leg extensions. Basically, pull, push, and flex your way to glory while your muscles wonder what they did to deserve this.
Home gym enthusiasts and apartment dwellers who want a full gym experience but have the spatial awareness of a goldfish in a bowl, this is your sign to buy a cable machine. You get strength training, muscle toning, and functional fitness exercises, all in a limited space.
Accessories
Here you'll find the unsung heroes of the fitness industry, the Robin to your Batman, the sidekicks to your main gym equipment. These small, flexible objects may target specific muscle areas, help in recovery, and provide new dimensions to your workouts, making them useful complements to any home gym or fitness routine.
Foam Roller
- Price: $10-$50, depending on size, density, and texture.
- Average size: 6" diameter x 36" L
- Versatility rating: 7/10 - It’s not going to pump your muscles like other types of exercise machines, but it can be effective for maintaining muscle health and optimizing performance. Who knew recovery could be so painful yet satisfying?
Use a foam roller to warm up
For our first pick, check out this cylindrical piece of dense foam. Not typically listed among types of exercise machines, but boy, do they pack a punch in the recovery game.
These compact babies target various muscle groups for self-myofascial release, including back, legs, glutes, and shoulders. They have an uncanny ability to find muscles you didn’t even know were sore.
Its use is simple: place the roller under the target muscle group. Use body weight to apply pressure as you roll slowly over tight or sore areas. Pause on tender spots for 20-30 seconds to ease those muscles. Thank us later!
But what's this tool good for? Well, it's your go-to for pre-workout warm-ups, post-workout recovery, and flexibility improvements. It'll have you bending like a pretzel in no time.
Yoga Mat
- Price: $20-$150, depending on material quality, thickness, and brand.
- Average size: 68" L x 24" W x 1/8" thick
- Versatility rating: 8/10 - Essential for yoga, but also useful for various other exercises and stretching routines. Inner peace came in rectangular form, as it seems.
Multipurpose yoga mat
This is a specially designed mat providing cushioning and a non-slip surface for yoga, Pilates, and floor exercises. Can be treated as a force field against reality, with only about 1/8 inch thick.
Who's this sliver of sanctuary for? Well, if you're a yogi, fitness buff, or just someone tired of leaving sweat angels on the carpet, this mat's got your back (literally). Use it for yoga practices, meditation, stretching routines, bodyweight exercises,... Your choice.
Core, back, joints - they all get a little love from this cushiony companion. So, unroll on a flat surface (or semi-flat, we don't judge). Perform yoga poses, stretches, or floor exercises directly on the mat. All while trying to remember if you're supposed to be breathing through your left nostril or your right.
*Pro tip: Give it a good cleaning now and then to maintain its durability.
Jump Rope
- Price: $10-$50 for basic ropes, up to $200 for smart, electronic versions.
- Average size: 9’ long (adjustable), handles typically 5" long.
- Versatility rating: 8/10 - Compact, portable, and offers a range of exercise intensities and styles.
Jump rope in outdoor exercise
The unassuming overachiever of gym equipment names. You know what it is—a rope with handles used for cardiovascular exercise. Think running is too predictable? Get yourself a spot in the jump rope club right now.
Suitable for high-intensity cardio workouts, improving coordination, and enhancing footwork for various sports, this accessory engages your whole body. Specifically legs, calves, and shoulders, while also working core and arms and improving overall coordination.
You use it the same way you play rope jumping. Hold handles, swing, jump, pray, and repeat. Start with basic jumps and move to more complex techniques like alternating feet or double jumps. unders. Style points for accidentally whipping your own ankles.
Exercise Ball
- Price: $15-$50, depending on size and quality.
- Average size: Diameters range from 45cm to 85cm (choose based on your height).
- Versatility rating: 8/10 – Offers a wide range of exercise possibilities and can double as an ergonomic chair.
Exercise ball used at home
A huge inflatable ball, aka a stability ball or Swiss ball, this thing is used for a variety of workouts and as a fresh twist to your usual seating etiquette. It engages core muscles primarily, but can target legs, back, and arms if you use it creatively.
Why should you add this to your exercise routine? It's your ticket to a stronger core, better balance, and flexibility.
See the picture? That’s how you use it. Sit on the ball to improve posture and core strength. Try crunches or wall squats that make you question if gravity is plotting against you. For the truly brave, attempt push-ups with your feet on the ball.
All in all, what goes up must come down - hopefully not too hard or too often. Welcome to the world where staying still is the new cardio!
Weight Lifting Belt
- Price: $20-$200, depending on material quality and brand.
- Average size: Typically 4"-6" wide, available in various lengths to fit different waist sizes.
- Versatility rating: 6/10 - It’s not winning any awards for multi-tasking, but it’s great at making you feel invincible… right up until you try to tie your shoes.
weight-lifting belt adds stability
Meet the weight-lifting belt - the corset of the iron paradise. This fashionable(?) belt is worn around the waist to support the lower back and core muscles during heavy lifting exercises.
Position the belt around your waist and tighten it before performing hard movements such as squats or deadlifts. Breathe into your belly, then brace your core into the belt for further support.
This isn't for the faint of heart or the weak of back, so only buy it if you’re one of the intermediate to advanced lifters performing near-maximal lifts. Read: folks who think breathing is overrated during exercise. Not recommended for beginners or for use during every exercise.
Important Things To Remember When Using Workout Equipment
- Familiarity: Learn the names of workout equipment before use to ensure you’re using the right tool for your exercise goals. Master the art of looking confident while secretly Googling “what’s this contraption called?” on your phone.
- Instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety instructions for each piece of equipment. Don’t pretend those instruction stickers are ancient hieroglyphs and wing it, not that it’s a reasonable thing to do anywhere.
- Progression: Start with lighter weights or lower resistance levels to perfect your form before advancing to heavier loads. You’re using the gym to strengthen your muscles, not breaking them.
- Form: Maintain proper posture and technique throughout your exercises to maximize benefits and minimize injury risk. Style points matter so be a little extra dramatic!
- Hygiene: Clean equipment before and after use with provided sanitizing wipes or sprays to maintain cleanliness.
- Adjustment: Customize machines to fit your body size and proportions before beginning your workout. If you can’t reach the handles, something is probably not right.
- Safety: Use a spotter when attempting heavy lifts or trying new exercises, especially with free weights.
- Awareness: Be mindful of your surroundings and other gym-goers to avoid collisions or accidents. Dodge flying dumbbells and swinging kettlebells with grace.
- Maintenance: Regularly check equipment for wear and tear, especially for home exercisers. If you exercise at the gym, report any damage to gym staff immediately.