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Equipment
The weight stack from a Cable machine.
Swiss balls allow a wider range of free weight exercises to be performed.There
are a number of exercise machines and other equipment that are commonly found in
strength training facilities.
Smith machines have a barbell constrained to move only in the vertical single
Plane
Cable machines consists of two weight stacks separated by 2.5 metres, with
cables running through adjustable pulleys (that can be fixed at any height) to
various types of handles
A variation of a cable machine is a wide-grip bar attached to a weight stack and
a seat, used specifically for pulldown exercises that train the latissimus dorsi
muscle
There are also exercise-specific weight machines such as the leg press. A
multigym includes a variety of exercise-specific mechanisms in one apparatus.
Free weights include dumbbells, barbells and other objects. Unlike some exercise
machines, they do not constrain users to specific, fixed movements, and require
more stabilization skills. It is often argued that free weight exercises are
superior for precisely this reason. As exercise machines can prevent poor form,
they are somewhat safer than free weights for novice trainees. Moreover, since
users need not concentrate so much on maintaining good form, they can focus more
on the effort they are putting into the exercise. Many serious athletes,
bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts prefer to train with free weights and
compound exercises.
One limitation of many free weight exercises and exercise machines is that the
muscle is working maximally against gravity during only a small portion of the
lift. Some exercise-specific machines feature an oval cam (first introduced by
Nautilus) which varies the resistance so that the resistance, and the muscle
force required, remains constant throughout the full range of motion of the
exercise.
Some free weight exercises can be performed while sitting or lying on a Swiss
ball. This makes it more difficult to maintain good form, which helps to
exercise the deep torso muscles that are important for maintaining a good
posture.
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