There are dozens and dozens of different type of fitness equipment out there so keeping track of them can be quite the task, even for an expert. The constantly influx of new type of innovations and equipment also do not help and can intimidate newcomers to the fitness world. We have compiled a list of the most common terms regarding fitness equipment and break them down to simple to understand, non-jargon explanations. We have also detailed which body part the equipment targets, if applicable. If words like ergometer, P80 console and smith machine baffle you, this list will be your friend. We have gathered up all the fitness equipment names that we could find and we are constantly adding to this list.
Ab Bench
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: abdominals
An ab bench is a fitness bench that is generally at a decline, usually with padded leg rollers to hook your legs or foot around to perform a crunch or sit-up. There are also adjustable versions of these where you can perform different exercises on.
Adjustable Bench
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
Similar to a flat bench, but they are adjustable to either become a flat bench, an incline bench or a decline bench.
AMT
An abbreviation for the Precor AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer) which is an all-in-one elliptical machine. It is able to change strides and adapt to the user without any manual adjustments.
Arc Trainer
Category: Cardio
Body Parts Targeted: hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, core (if it includes upper body: triceps, biceps, back)
A cardio machine created by Cybex that closely resembles an elliptical, but the independent floating pedal mechanism further reduces impact on your lower joints.
Assisted Chin Dip
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: triceps, deltoids, pectorals, abdominals, biceps
An assisted chin dip machine is a tower with two protruding rods. Some machines will have the user either kneel or stand on a weighted platform. The user starts with their arms at a 90 degree angle and extends their arms to perform the exercise.
Crosstrainer
See entry for elliptical.
Curl Bench
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
Also sometimes called a preacher curl. This bench resembles a seat with a padded section in front. The user places their arm over 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 producing strength equipment with over 150 unique pieces. Cybex is also known for their innovative Arc Trainer cardio machines.
Decline Bench
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
A weight bench where the user’s legs are higher than their head. It is used for bench presses that target the lower portion of the chest.
Elliptical
Category: Cardio
Body Parts Targeted: hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, core (if it includes upper body: triceps, biceps, back)
An elliptical is a stationary cardio machine that simulates running or climbing. Users stand on pedals which allows for a low impact workout. Some elliptical also have movable arms which will also allow for an additional upper body workout. Also sometimes referred to as an elliptical crosstrainer or a crosstrainer.
Ergometer – This is quite the confusing term. Sometimes an ergometer can refer to the device inside your exercise machine that tracks your statistics like heart rate, calories burned, distance run, etc. An ergometer can also be referring to an indoor rowing machine. See rowing machine for further definitions on the term used in that context.
Flat Bench
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
A flat bench is designed for users to lie flat on top of. It is designed to support users while they are performing bench presses.
FreeMotion Fitness
A fitness equipment manufacturer that produces both strength and cardio equipment. They are best known for their FreeMotion Functional Trainer, which uses pulleys and cables to allow a more dynamic range of motion.
Functional Trainer
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: Entire body
Functional trainers are all-in-one fitness machines that usually look like one large tower. Many of them utilize cables or pulleys in order to accommodate a wide variety of different exercises. Functional trainers target upper body, lower body and the core. The type of exercise varies depending on the model.
Hoist Fitness
Hoist Fitness is a San Diego based company that produces strength-training and indoor cycling products for commercial and home markets.
Incline Bench
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
A weight bench where the user’s head is higher than their legs. Generally used in bench presses and curls.
Incline Press
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: 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 starting position to complete a repetition.
Indoor Cycle
Category: Cardio
Body Parts Targeted: hamstring, quadriceps, calves, gluteus maximus, abdominals, tibilais anterior, core
An indoor cycle is a stationary bike that is 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 cycles.
Life Fitness
Life Fitness is one of the largest and most respected fitness equipment manufacturers. They manufacture every type of equipment including cardio and strength machines.
Matrix Fitness
Matrix Fitness is a commercial grade fitness equipment manufacturer. They are known for their industrial design and contemporary look.
Olympic Bench
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
Olympic benches are slightly larger than standard benches and are generally made of composite steel for maximum durability. Olympic benches are also more padded since they’re designed to be able to withstand larger weight loads and heavier lifters.
P80 Console – Precor’s newest consoles for their cardio fitness equipment. It has a 15″ LCD capacitive touchscreen. It is also iPod/iPhone compatible.
P30 Console – Precor’s older style console. Includes large LED display and motion controls.
Power Rack
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
A power rack is a machine with four vertical bars and two movable horizontal bars used to catch barbells. Many power racks also come with additional horizontal bars to perform chin ups and pull ups on in addition to barbell exercises. They are usually wide enough for a person to easily fit inside, along with a fitness bench.
Preacher Curl
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
See entry for curl bench.
Precor
Precor is a worldwide leader in the home/commercial exercise equipment due to their emphasis on superior quality, creative innovation and overall performance. They specialize in both strength equipment and cardio and are probably most well known for their innovative AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer).
Recumbent Bike
Category: Cardio
Body Parts Targeted: hamstring, quadriceps, calves, gluteus maximus, abdominals, tibilais anterior
A recumbent bike is an exercise bike that places its user in a reclining position with the pedals out in front of them. The recumbent bike is great for users with back problems because there is
less pressure on the lower back due to the laid-back position.
Smith Machine
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, back
A smith machine is a machine usually consisting of a vertical steel rails that is used in weight training. It is primarily used with a barbell and as a self-spotting machine. There are slots on the smith machine that you can hook a barbell onto with only a twist of a wrist. There are also usually safeties which can be placed at a minimum height to catch the barbell and prevent injuries. Smith Machines usually only also vertical movement and are primarily used for squats.
StairMaster
A fitness company established in 1983 and known for their stair climbing fitness equipment. Their most famous products include the stepper and stepmill.
Star Trac
Star Trac has been manufacturing exercise equipment for both home and commercial use since 1979. Their main specialties are their Pro Treadmill lines, their complete lines of selectorized strength equipment and much more.
Stepmill
Category: Cardio
Body Parts Targeted: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, hip flexors, calves
A stepmill resembles an escalator in the sense that it is an endless set of rotating steps. These steps are attached to a belt that revolves with every step. Stepmills are meant to exactly simulate stair climbing and uses your own body weight as resistance, which can increase the amount of calories burned.
Stepper
Category: Cardio
Body Parts Targeted: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, hip flexors, calves
Steppers are machines that have two side by side pedals that you pump up and down to simulate stair climbing. Since steppers rely less on bodyweight, they are more effective for lighter individuals who may not have enough mass to properly move the stepmills. Generally, steppers allow you to adjust resistance level to adjust intensity and difficulty of the workout.
Upright Bike
Category: Cardio
Body Parts Targeted: hamstring, quadriceps, calves, gluteus maximus, abdominals, tibilais anterior, core
An upright bike is an exercise bike where the user sits in an upright position, similar to a road bicycle, with the pedals almost directly below the seat. The upright position helps to simulate real road bike riding and engages the core more than a recumbent bike.
Weight Bench
Category: Strength
Body Parts Targeted: N/A
A weight bench (sometimes called a fitness bench) is a padded board supported by legs and its primary purpose is for weightlifters to sit or lie down on. There are various types of weight benches, including an incline bench, a decline bench, an ab bench, a preacher curl/curl bench and an Olympic bench.
