Drum Hill Fitness

...By Travis Webb

One of the main features of any gym is the dumbbells and barbells. Each piece of equipment can be used by either hands or two depending on the exercise. Dumbbells are primarily used with one handed exercises. Barbells are primarily use two hands and can be found with either fixed weights or plate additions. The barbell can also be found as a straight bar or EZ bar. The main feature of both the dumbbell and barbell is the concept of “dead weight,” so it is very similar to using objects of day to day life. Along with explaining the concepts of dumbbells and barbells, I will briefly explain how to keep your joints safe while using them in exercise.

We all have dominant hands and dominant feet, so it makes perfect sense that you would favor one side of your body over the other in exercise. Normally your dominant side will take the majority of the load in any exercise, this means that as you get stronger an imbalance may start to form. Imbalances normally lead to discomfort. One of the uses of dumbbells is to find whether or not one side of your body is stronger than the other. If one side is stronger than the other all you have to do is continue working out at the same weight range until the other side catches up.

Barbells can allow for more stability in an exercise than dumbbells and you can lift more weight. You are able to focus all of your effort on one point rather than two; this makes it easier to balance. When it is easier to balance it is also easier to lift more weight. While using plates on a barbell always make sure to put the clips on the ends that keep the plates in a fixed position.

You can basically use dumbbells or barbells in the same exercise; it just depends on how much weight you are lifting. Whether its chest presses, rows, bicep curls or squats, using the correct weight will protect your joints. Also a basic rule is never extent any joint all the way while holding weight. No matter what the exercise may be, extending your arms or legs all the way is not a good idea! Always keep a slight bend in your joints while exercising and you will be less susceptible to injury.

...By Travis Webb

This time of year is one of the most anticipated fitness times of the year. A new beginning and a fresh start towards achieving goals are great causes to be excited. To get started the healthy and effective way the first step is to create goals to be achieved. Having something to work towards will drive you forward. The fun part about goal setting is the sky can be the limit! There can be weight lose, muscle gain, life style changes, eating habits altered, athletic achievement, even aspirations of running a mud race.

After creating a set of goals to achieve the second step is to come up with realistic timelines. Anything worth achieving is not achieved easily, so the best thing to do is to find out how long it will take to achieve your goals safely. Once you understand the safety guidelines of exercise you will understand that doing things safely is also the most efficient!

Any fitness facility will have a wide variety of exercise equipment to utilize. Each piece of equipment is used to work different muscle groups. The best workout plan has exercises that will work all of the muscle groups throughout the week. Working the larger muscles and the smaller muscles will provide you with a well rounded workout program resulting in the highest results. Since every person is unique their workout program should also be personalized.

Once you start working out and achieving your goals it will be time to stay motivated. Having workout partners is a great way to stay focused. If you are not getting the results you want do not give up! The answer is always out there so never hesitate to ask for assistance. Being informed will allow you to adjust your workout program quickly which will get you back on track.

Visit one of our Best Fitness Clubs to learn even more about this topic. We have locations in Albany,NY, Tonawanda, NY, Schenectady, NY, Erie, PA, Nashua, NH, and Chelmsford, MA.