There’s a lot of different types of equipment in the gym – and we mean a LOT! Between free weights, battle ropes, squat racks and cardio machines, where’s a member to start? To help you out, we asked our AF coaches what some of their favorite pieces of equipment in the club are. If you’re looking to try something new – or if you just want to know what the big deal about battle ropes is – this is the article for you. Read on to discover the #1 piece of gym equipment our coaches couldn’t live without – and why.
My favorite piece of gym equipment is the kettlebell. The reason why I love the kettlebell so much is because of how versatile it is. It can be used it for ANY kind of exercise and muscle group. Hitting legs? No problem, do some squats or walking lunges! Shoulder workout? Shoulder press or upright rows! It’s simple and effective.
Coach Katherine M. of AF Deltona, FLThe Power Tower. You can perform pull-ups and abdominal exercises as well as dips!
Coach Bryan R. of AF Orlando, FLYour own body is the most valuable and functional piece of equipment. Learn to use it!
Coach Matthew W. of AF League City West, TXCables! You can pretty much do anything with them, all you need is a little creativity. Plus, the exercises you can come up with are fun!
Coach Krista P. of AF Arlington, WAMy favorite piece of equipment is actually the foam roller because recovery is so often overlooked and the foam roller is so effective and easy to use.
Coach Tyler G. of AF Los Lunas NMMy favorite piece of gym equipment is the TRX. It’s versatile, works the entire body and can be used for every level of fitness.
Coach Misty M. of AF ScottsboroBarbells! I love to practice compound movements like back squats, deadlifts, shoulder press, and bench press because they hit multiple muscle groups and give you a huge bang for your buck in terms of efficiency and workload.
Coach Becky S. of AF Windermere, FLKettlebells: I find them the most fun and versatile.
Coach Heather of AF Lakeland, GABattle ropes are my favorite! They work with so many different planes of motion and are an awesome compound exercise.
Coach Heather H. of AF Floresville, TXI absolutely love the TRX straps! They are multi-functional and can be used a variety of ways with anyone at any fitness level!
Coach Morgan W. of AF Neenah, WIThe Precor FTS glide cable station. I can use it in so many ways, both to challenge my super strong clients, and also to train with my more limited or less mobile clients.
Coach Leah H. of AF Lake Wales, FLBarbells! Whether they’re a pre-set weight or plate loaded, you can get some full body work in with just that one piece of equipment by itself.
Coach Will H. of AF Philadelphia, PAMy favorite piece of equipment is the glute drive machine. It is essential to have a strong glute system as it reduces injuries, lessens back and knee pain, and improves posture and athletic performance. Those are things that everyone from the athlete to the retiree can benefit from!
Coach Kathy of AF Mattawan, MIBattle ropes and kettlebells. You can accomplish a lot with these two items if you use a little imagination.
Coach Ben V. of AF Lafayette (Kaliste Saloom), LABrute force sandbags for their diversity in exercises and movements, and the C2 ski-erg for its ability to give everyone the option to do cardio, no matter their physical limitations. As an amputee, this is extremely important to me. It’s great to be able to adapt any exercise, but it’s important to make everyone feel like they can be included regularly.
Coach Shanna Z. of AF Boothwyn, PAThe functional training area and purple turf, of course!
Coach Natalee of AF Phoenixville, PADumbbells for sure – they’re so universal!
Coach Hannah A. of AF Chestnut Hill, PAThe best piece of gym equipment is you! The basis of exercise is to allow you to live life to the fullest. Instead of moving equipment, move yourself by engaging in functional training and include exercises that are involved in things that you like to do!
Coach Brandon H. of AF Destrehan, LAThe TRX – hundreds of workouts can be done all on one piece of equipment.
Coach Mark F. of AF Abbeville, LAMy favorite piece of equipment is the barbell because you can use it for so many lifts!
Coach Cheyanne R. of AF Des Moines (Beaverdale), IA
