There are dozens and dozens of different types of fitness equipment out there, so keeping track of them can be a difficult task, even for an expert. The constant influx of new types of innovations and equipment doesn’t help either and can be intimidating for newcomers to the world of fitness. We’ve compiled a list of the most common terms associated with fitness equipment and broken them down into easy-to-understand, jargon-free explanations. We have also detailed which part of the body the equipment is aimed at, if any. If words like ergometer, P80 console, and Smith machine baffle you, this list will be your friend. We’ve collected all the fitness equipment names we could find and are constantly adding them to this list.
bank
Category:Strength
Target body parts: abdomen
An ab bench is an exercise bench that is generally in decline, usually with padded leg rollers to engage the legs or feet to perform sit-ups or sit-ups. There are also adjustable versions of these that you can perform different exercises on.
adjustable bench
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
Similar to a flat bench, but they are adjustable to become a flat bench, incline bench, or decline bench.
AMT
Abbreviation for Precor AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer), which is an all-in-one elliptical machine. It is able to change the steps and adapt to the user without any manual adjustment.
bow trainer
Category: cardio
Target body parts: hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, core (if upper body included: triceps, biceps, back)
A cardio machine created by Cybex that looks a lot like an elliptical, but the independent floating pedal mechanism further reduces the impact on the lower joints.
Assisted Chin Dip
Category:Strength
Target body parts: triceps, deltoids, pecs, abs, biceps
An assisted chin dip machine is a tower with two protruding rods. Some machines will have the user kneel or stand on a weighted platform. The user starts with their arms at a 90 degree angle and extends them to perform the exercise.
cross trainer
See entry for elliptical.
curl bench
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
Also sometimes called a preacher’s curl. This bench looks like a seat with a padded section in front. The user places their arm on the padded section of the bench and can perform curls with proper form.
Cybex
One of the leading manufacturers of fitness equipment. They mainly specialize in the production of strength equipment with more than 150 unique parts. Cybex is also known for its innovative Arc Trainer cardio machines.
bank declined
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
A weight bench where the user’s legs are higher than their head. Used for bench presses that target the lower chest.
Elliptical
Category: cardio
Target body parts: hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, core (if upper body included: triceps, biceps, back)
An elliptical is a stationary cardio machine that simulates running or climbing. Users stand on the pedals, allowing for a low-impact workout. Some ellipticals also have movable arms that will allow for an additional upper body workout as well. It is also sometimes referred to as an elliptical trainer or crosstrainer.
ergometer – This is a rather confusing term. Sometimes an ergometer can refer to the device inside your exercise machine that keeps track of your stats like heart rate, calories burned, distance covered, etc. An ergometer can also refer to an indoor rowing machine. See rowing machine for more definitions of the term used in that context.
flat bench
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
A flat bench is designed for users to lie on. It is designed to assist users while bench pressing.
free movement fitness
A fitness equipment manufacturer that produces cardio and strength equipment. They are best known for their FreeMotion Functional Trainer, which uses pulleys and cables to allow for a more dynamic range of motion.
Functional Trainer
Category:Strength
Target body parts: Whole body
Functional trainers are all-in-one exercise machines that generally look like a large tower. Many of them use cables or pulleys to accommodate a wide variety of different exercises. Functional trainers focus on the upper body, lower body, and core. The type of exercise varies by model.
Hoist Suitability
Hoist Fitness is a San Diego-based company that produces indoor cycling and strength training products for commercial and home markets.
inclined bench
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
A weight bench where the user’s head is higher than their legs. It is generally used in bench presses and curls.
incline press
Category:Strength
Target body parts: pectorals (upper chest), deltoids, triceps
The incline press machine is a weight machine that consists of a seat with two handles located in front of the user that are attached to weights. The user extends their arms and slowly brings them back to the starting position to complete one repetition.
Indoor cycle
Category: cardio
Target body parts: hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, gluteus maximus, abs, tibialis anterior, core
An indoor bike is a stationary bike similar to an upright bike, but is generally smaller and uses a weighted flywheel. It is commonly used in indoor cycling classes where riders ride the indoor cycle in a group in a group, following an instructor and music.
LeMond Fitness
LeMond Fitness, powered by Hoist Fitness, is a fitness company formed by Greg LeMond that specializes in creating stationary bikes.
life exercise
Life Fitness is one of the largest and most respected manufacturers of fitness equipment. They make all kinds of equipment, including cardio and strength machines.
matrixfitness
Matrix Fitness is a manufacturer of commercial grade fitness equipment. They are known for their industrial design and contemporary look.
olympic bench
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
Olympic benches are slightly larger than standard benches and are usually made of composite steel for maximum durability. Olympic benches are also more padded as they are designed to be able to handle heavier loads and heavier lifters.
P80 Console – Precor’s newest consoles for your cardio equipment. It has a 15″ LCD capacitive touch screen. It is also iPod/iPhone compatible.
P30 support – Old style console from Precor. Includes a large LED screen and motion controls.
PowerRack
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
A power rack is a machine with four vertical bars and two movable horizontal bars that are used to catch weights. Many power racks also come with additional horizontal bars for performing pull-ups and pull-ups in addition to barbell exercises. They are usually wide enough for one person to easily fit inside, along with an exercise bench.
preacher curl
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
See entry for bench curl.
Precor
Precor is a world leader in home/commercial exercise equipment due to its emphasis on superior quality, creative innovation, and overall performance. They specialize in cardio and strength equipment and are probably best known for their innovative AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer).
recumbent bike
Category: cardio
Target body parts: hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, gluteus maximus, abdominals, tibialis anterior
A recumbent bike is an exercise bike that places its user in a reclined position with the pedals facing them. The recumbent bike is ideal for users with back problems because there are
Less pressure on the lower back due to the relaxed position.
smith machine
Category:Strength
Target body parts: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, back
A Smith machine is a machine usually consisting of vertical steel rails used in weight training. It is mainly used with a bar and as an automatic spotting machine. There are slots on the Smith machine that you can hook a bar into with just a twist of your wrist. There are also usually safety devices that can be placed at a minimum height to trap the bar and prevent injury. Smith Machines usually only have vertical movement as well and are used primarily for squats.
Stair Master
A fitness company established in 1983 and known for its stair climbing fitness equipment. Its most famous products include the stepper and the stepmill.
trac star
Star Trac has been manufacturing exercise equipment for both home and commercial use since 1979. Their primary specialties are their Pro Treadmill lines, their complete lines of select strength equipment, and much more.
step mill
Category: cardio
Target body parts: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, hip flexors, calves
A stepmill is similar to an escalator in that it is an endless set of revolving steps. These steps are attached to a belt that rotates with each step. Stepmills are meant to exactly simulate climbing stairs and use your own body weight as resistance, which can increase the number of calories burned.
Step by Step
Category: cardio
Target body parts: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, hip flexors, calves
Stair climbers are machines that have two side-by-side pedals that you pump up and down to simulate climbing stairs. Since steppers are less dependent on body weight, they are more effective for lighter individuals who may not have enough mass to adequately move the stepmills. In general, climbers allow you to adjust the resistance level to adjust the intensity and difficulty of the workout.
upright bike
Category: cardio
Target body parts: hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, gluteus maximus, abs, tibialis anterior, core
An upright bike is an exercise bike in which the user sits upright, similar to a road bike, with the pedals almost directly below the seat. The upright position helps simulate real road bike riding and activates the core more than a recumbent bike.
weight bench
Category:Strength
Target body parts:N/A
A weight bench (sometimes called an exercise bench) is a padded board supported by legs and its primary purpose is for weightlifters to sit or lie down on. There are several types of weight benches, including an incline bench, a decline bench, an ab bench, a curl/preacher bench, and an Olympic bench.
