12
Sep

Master Trainer Matt’s top 10 pieces of gym equipment

Top 10 pieces of gym equipment

Matt Gleed is a Senior Matrix Master Trainer, TRX, Power Plate, and Wattbike Master Trainer and has been an International Educator within the fitness industry for 16 years. Here he gives his top 10 pieces of gym equipment.

  1. TRX Suspension Trainer

The TRX suspension trainer is one piece of equipment that allows you to perform a full body workout anywhere, from the comfort of your own home to the outdoors or even to take on holiday with you.

  1. Wattbike

The Wattbike measures over 40 fitness parameters and it’s not just for cyclists. It’s fully adjustable and the inbuilt monitor displays your power output and pedal stroke analysis. Sessions can be uploaded automatically via the app and pre-set sessions can be downloaded beforehand.

  1. Power Plate

The Power Plate engages the muscles and prepares the body for a workout. When the nerves and muscles are integrated better together, improved performance towards your training goal can be achieved. Using the Power plate will also improve muscle strength, power and flexibility.

  1. Yoga Mat

Moving better is the best way to get better in many aspects of fitness. Yoga helps to increase flexibility, muscle strength and tone whilst improving athletic performance, protecting from injury and improving energy and vitality.

  1. Foam Rollers

Foam rollers release your tight muscles as does the use of a ball or other therapy products. This will stretch and release the muscles to help recovery. The best usage would apply pressure on an area of discomfort and try releasing the area with different amounts of pressure.

  1. The Bar

We mean the gym bar! Lifting is hugely beneficial for both men and women, and three top exercises to learn are the Deadlift, Hang Clean and the standing Shoulder Press. If you’re new to lifting, be sure to seek expert advice on technique first.

  1. Cables

Moving in rotational positions recruits more muscle fibres. In fact, a majority of muscles are positioned diagonally so maximise this by using them all with cable exercises such as Wood Chops and Fly combinations.

  1. Skipping Rope

Not just a toy for the playground. The skipping rope is a fantastic, often underrated workout tool. It works on focus, control and timing as well as attaining balance, coordination and agility. Skipping is an athletes secret, taking them from fit to super fit.

  1. Kettle Bells

Swing, lift, squat, hold and carry. Kettle Bell exercises allow for interesting workout combinations to be put together, opening up many benefits and challenges to master the rhythm.

  1. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands allow you to perform strength training exercises without weights. You can get a full body workout, and change the intensity of the workout depending on the band. They are inexpensive, easy to store and perfect to take travelling. A great exercise to try is the X Band Walks – a perfect way to warm up ahead of a workout.

For further training and guidance on our own Matrix Fitness equipment, visit our Learning Centre.