Before starting a resistance training program, you need to know which tools to use. By knowing the weight of different types of barbells you can easily factor this resistance into your training regimen. The standard weightlifting bar is the Olympic barbell, a free weight held with both hands.

If you don't have dumbbells but want to do more than bodyweight exercises such as pushups, situps, and pullups, by all means use a water bottle for a strength-training workout. Recycle your drinking water bottle and turn it into a strength-training tool for your home or outdoor workout.

Treadmills are relatively simple workout machines; however, you still need to know how to use them correctly to get the most out of your workout and to avoid injury.

The main differences between a straight bar and curl bar are in their weight, shape and the hand positioning you can utilize when using them for different exercises. These are two of the most common pieces of exercise equipment you will find in a gym that has a resistance training section.

Muscle stimulators use electronic muscle stimulation technology to produce results. To operate, you place the muscle stimulator belt around the area of the body that you wish to tone. Once power is turned on, electrical currents are sent through the skin to cause the muscles to contract.

When it comes to weight training, there is no one size that fits all. The best weight for your dumbbells depends primarily on your fitness goals and your previous experience with weight training.

Treadmills are one of the most commonly purchased types of home exercise equipment, according to the American Council on Exercise. The versatility of a treadmill allows users of varying fitness levels to effectively incorporate treadmill workouts into a well-rounded fitness routine.

The acronym RPM stands for rotations per minute. Exercise machines that have arms or pedals that must be moved in a loop or circular fashion are devices that track RPM to help gauge speed, intensity and how hard you are working on the machine.

Many gyms have a hamstring machine that fixes your body in one position while you perform leg flexion against a resistance.

Jumping rope is a traditional exercise that provides a total body strength and conditioning workout. With the ability to burn up to 1,000 calories per hour, you can use the jump rope to improve strength, agility, coordination or endurance.

The Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike is an aerobic workout option. In comparison to other exercise bikes that are only usable with your feet, the Airdyne allows you to use your feet, hands or both to move the wheel of the bike. You can purchase a Schwinn Airdyne for use at home or use the bikes at health clubs.

When you head to the gym from work you'll want to keep your personal items safe and secure. The last thing you want is to find your stuff confiscated from an unlocked gym locker, or removed and left on a nearby bench by someone who wants to lock their stuff up.