I'm sure you've seen the Leg Extension Machine at the gym but what does it do, and how do you even begin to use it? Here's the rundown on the Leg Extension Machine. What: The Leg Extension Machine is an exercise machine that you can use to build muscle in your legs and stronger knee joints. Area of body it works: Quads, primarily. Why: The leg extension machine has gotten a bad rep in recent Read more

I'm sure you've seen the strange-looking rings at the gym, but how the heck do you even begin to use them and why? Here's the rundown on Xerings. What: Xerings are resistance training tools that are made from rubber tubes and foam. Xerings are mainly used to train and tone the lower body. They come in a variety of resistances coordinated by color: very light, (yellow), light (green), medium Read more

Have you ever seen a crazy chair like contraption at the gym that resembles, as does most gym equipment, some kind of torture device? Well that contraption is called a Roman Chair and you can really get a fabulous workout using one. What: A roman chair is a piece of stationary exercise equipment used mainly for hyperextension of the lower back and general strengthening of trunk muscles that Read more

Ever wondered what those heavy dodge ball looking things are at the gym? Well they're Medicine Balls and they are a great tool to add to your exercise. What: A Medicine Ball is a weighted ball used for strength training. They come in a variety of sizes and weights. Area of body it works: Medicine Balls are typically used in all sorts of plyometric and circuit training techniques for the entire Read more

Ever seen people step on this unique looking thing at the gym and wonder what the heck they are doing? The tool is called a Calf Stretcher and if you learn to use it, chances are you'll learn to love it as well. What: A Calf Stretcher is a device that isolates the calf muscles. Area of Body it Works: Calf muscles, ankles, and Achilles tendons. Why: Stretching not only increases muscle Read more

That huge — and slightly daunting — object sitting smack dab in the middle of the gym could be one of the most versatile machines because its flexible cables work your muscles in every direction. You also hit your core by fighting the momentum that pulls you back toward the machine. What: Cable Pulley Machine (or Cable Machine) Area of Body It Works: The cable machine can be used to work Read more

Have you noticed the long bars with colorful ends tucked into the corner of your gym somewhere? Ever wonder what the heck they are or how in the world you use them? Those bars are toning bars, or body-toning bars, and they are just another way to add resistance to your workout. What: Toning bars are weighted, exercise bars that are made out of steel and enclosed in a dense foam for a comfortable Read more

I'm sure you've seen people standing on a wobbly contraption at the gym, but what the heck is it? Well, it's much more useful than it seems and it's something that you may want to think about adding to your exercise routine. What is it: A Reebok Core Board Area of body it works: Core, full body workout Why: Improves core strength, helping to develop stability, mobility, balance, power, and Read more

One of my favorite machines at the gym is the seated leg press machine. There are so many squats and lunges I can do before I get bored, so the seated leg press is a great way to also work the upper muscles of the leg. What is it: A seated leg press machine Area of body it works: Quads, hamstrings, glutes and lower back Why: It's a great way to work out your legs as it works a lot of the major Read more

Dip/Leg Raise Machine Area of Body it Works: Dips: Entire chest, bicep, and triceps Leg Raises: Abdominals and hip flexors Why: A good alternative to bench dips (dips) and sit-ups (leg raises). How: While there are many dip and leg raise variations, here are the two most basic. To do dips: Face the machine and grasp the two parallel bars. Raise yourself up so your arms are extended and supporting Read more