Fitness Equipment

Even if you've watched someone at the gym using a piece of equipment you haven't tried, it can be intimidating to pick it up and attempt it yourself. If you're curious how some of these fitness props work, it's time to learn what these tools can bring to your next gym session.

Foam Roller

Showing your muscles a little TLC is essential after a tough workout, and the foam roller is the gym tool that can help. Beyond treating your body to a mini-massage, correctly using a foam roller loosens stiff muscles and prevents future injury. While these foam rolling moves are essential for endurance runners, anyone who spends time at the gym will benefit from taking the time to roll out before or after your workout.

Kettlebell

If you're short on time but want to blast through cardio and strength training in one workout, kettlebells are the answer. While they're not a new fitness trend, many women who lift dumbbells or like using weight machines can be timid when it comes to using kettlebells. Start with this 10-minute kettlebell workout where Jessica Alba's trainer, Yumi Lee, moves through four effective exercises. Her in-depth explanations for each move are a perfect introduction to kettlebells.

Keep reading to learn how to use two more essential fitness props.

The elliptical is a mainstay in the gym for good reason: it's easy on the joints and provides a great cardio and total-body workout. But, let's face it, the elliptical can also get pretty boring and repetitive. Instead of spending a mindless 30 minutes on the machine, maximize your time with one of these eight workouts. Whether you're a beginner, looking for a high-intensity interval workout, or want to challenge different muscles groups, there's an elliptical workout for you. There's even one for those of you who love the treadmill!

• Booty Workout: Target glutes and hamstrings by playing with the incline on the elliptical. This elliptical booty workout will help you tone your backside while also getting a good cardio workout. Target your glutes by focusing on keeping your heels down while on the machine.
• Core Workout: To work your core while on the elliptical, just let go. Not using the handles in this elliptical core workout helps engage all the muscles of your core as you work harder to stay balanced on the machine. The faster you can go, the more you'll work your core in this.
• Just Like the Treadmill: For times when you can't find an empty treadmill at the gym, try this elliptical treadmill workout. The workout comes close to mimicking what running on a treadmill feels like and may even help even out your stride. To really feel like you're on a treadmill, don't hold onto the handles; keep your arms in a running position.

See more elliptical workouts after the break!

Many who are new to the running scene start on a treadmill. And while it seems easy enough to just turn it on and go, there are three things every new treadmill user should know before starting out.

• It's not the same as running outside: It's actually easier. The moving belt of a treadmill helps to propel the body with each step, allowing muscles to not work as hard as compared to running outdoors. And while a treadmill's softer surface can be easier on joints, the finite running space can alter gait and your form. To avoid injuries, focus on taking a normal stride and make sure the pace isn't causing you to lean forward, creating unnecessary strain on your lower back or knees. Check out more tips on proper running form.
• The readouts are misleading: After a 45-minute run, the machine's summary reads that you burned 400 calories. Step on a different treadmill, and the readout says you burned only 300 doing the exact same workout. What gives? Unfortunately, the readouts on treadmills aren't always the most accurate, especially if you don't plug in your height and weight. For the most accurate stats, use a heart rate monitor when on the treadmill.
• Don't ignore the incline: You hate hills you say? No need to pump the incline up to the highest setting possible, but zero incline on a treadmill can mimic a slight downgrade, making it one way to get shin splints, so to prevent this dreaded issue, be sure to raise the incline slightly to one or two.

I like things easy. And easy means a convenient way to stay fit but doesn't take too much time out of my day. Easy solution? A home gym. What's not to love — all the equipment you need to stay fit, no gym membership required.

It's hard, however, to keep a home gym as equipment-ready as your neighborhood gym if you don't have the space (or the money). Luckily, just a few basics are all you need for a full-body workout. No matter how much space you have, read on to find out what you should have to outfit your home gym.

• Exercise ball. This will take up the most space, but trust me, it's also one of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment you can own. Work your whole body with just a stability ball. Check out this video for two advanced moves that work your abs (no crunches required) and backside, and after you're done, relax your back with this spinal twist move. But before you buy, make sure you get the right size for your body; use these guidelines to find a fit.

Read on for more home gym basics after the break.