There are dozens and dozens of different types of fitness equipment, so keeping track of them can be a chore, even for an expert. The constant influx of new types of innovations and equipment also does not help and can intimidate newcomers to the world of fitness. We’ve compiled a list of the most common terms related to fitness equipment and broken them down into easy-to-understand, jargon-free explanations. We have also detailed which part of the body the team is targeting, if applicable. If words like ergometer, P80 console, and Smith machine baffle you, this list will be your friend. We have compiled all the fitness equipment names we could find and are constantly adding them to this list.

abdominal bench

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: ABS

An abdominal bench is an exercise bench that is generally on the decline, usually with padded leg rollers to hook the legs or foot to perform sit-ups or sit-ups. There are also adjustable versions of these where different exercises can be performed.

Adjustable bench

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: N / A

Similar to a flat bench, but can be adjusted to become a flat bench, incline bench, or declined bench.

AMT

Short for Precor AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer), which is an all-in-one elliptical machine. It is capable of changing strides and adapting to the user without any manual adjustment.

Bow trainer

Category: Cardio

Targeted body parts: hamstrings, quads, gluteus maximus, core (if includes upper body: triceps, biceps, back)

A cardio machine created by Cybex that looks a lot like an elliptical, but the independent floating pedal mechanism further reduces the impact on the lower joints.

Assisted chin dip

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: triceps, delts, pecs, abs, biceps

An assisted chin dip machine is a tower with two projecting rods. Some machines will make the user kneel or stand on a weighted platform. The user starts with the arms at a 90 degree angle and extends the arms to perform the exercise.

Cross coach

See entry for elliptical.

Curl bench

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: N / A

It is also sometimes called a preacher curl. This bench resembles a seat with a padded section in the front. The user places their arm over the padded section of the bench and can curl into the appropriate shape.

Cybex

One of the leading manufacturers of fitness equipment. They mainly specialize in the production of force equipment with more than 150 unique pieces. Cybex is also known for its innovative Arc Trainer cardio machines.

Decline bench

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: N / A

A weight bench where the user’s legs are higher than their head. It is used for a bench press that targets the lower chest.

Elliptical

Category: Cardio

Targeted body parts: hamstrings, quads, gluteus maximus, core (if includes upper body: triceps, biceps, back)

An elliptical is a stationary cardio machine that simulates running or climbing. Users stand on pedals, allowing for low-impact training. Some ellipticals also have movable arms that will also allow for additional upper body training. Also known as an elliptical trainer or elliptical trainer.

Ergometer – This is quite a confusing term. Sometimes an ergometer can refer to the device inside your exercise machine that tracks your stats like heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled, etc. An ergometer can also refer to an indoor rowing machine. See rowing machine for more definitions of the term used in that context.

Flat bench

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: N / A

A flat bench is designed for users to lie on. It is designed to assist users while bench pressing.

FreeMotion Fitness

A fitness equipment manufacturer that produces strength and cardio equipment. They are best known for their FreeMotion functional trainer, which uses pulleys and cables to allow for a more dynamic range of motion.

Functional trainer

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: Whole body

Functional trainers are all-in-one fitness machines that often resemble a large tower. Many of them use cables or pulleys to accommodate a wide variety of different exercises. Functional trainers focus on the upper body, lower body, and core. The type of exercise varies by model.

Hoist suitability

Hoist Fitness is a San Diego-based company that produces strength training and indoor cycling products for the commercial and home markets.

Inclined bench

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: N / A

A weight bench where the user’s head is higher than their legs. It is generally used in bench presses and curls.

Inclined press

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: pectorals (upper chest), delts, 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 the arms and slowly brings them back to the starting position to complete one repetition.

Inner cycle

Category: Cardio

Targeted body parts: hamstring, quadriceps, calves, gluteus maximus, abdominals, tibilais anterior, nucleus

An indoor bike is an exercise bike that is similar to an upright bike, but is generally smaller and uses a heavy flywheel. It is commonly used in indoor cycling classes where cyclists ride the indoor bike in a group 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 bikes.

Life exercise

Life Fitness is one of the largest and most respected manufacturers of fitness equipment. They make all kinds of equipment, including cardio and strength machines.

Fitness Matrix

Matrix Fitness is a manufacturer of commercial grade fitness equipment. They are known for their industrial design and contemporary look.

Olympic bench

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: 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, as they are designed to handle heavier loads and heavier lifters.

P80 console – Precor’s newest consoles for your cardio fitness equipment. It has a 15 “LCD capacitive touchscreen. It is also compatible with iPod / iPhone.

P30 console – Precor vintage style console. It includes a large LED screen and motion controls.

Power rack

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: N / A

A power rack is a machine with four vertical bars and two moving horizontal bars that are used to grip weights. Many power racks also come with additional horizontal bars for pull-ups and chin-ups in addition to barbell exercises. They are usually wide enough for a person to fit in easily, along with an exercise bench.

Preacher curl

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: N / A

See entry for curl bench.

Precor

Precor is a world leader in home / commercial exercise equipment due to its emphasis on superior quality, creative innovation, and overall performance. They specialize in both strength and cardio equipment and are probably best known for their innovative AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer).

Recumbent bicycle

Category: Cardio

Targeted body parts: hamstrings, quads, calves, gluteus maximus, abdominals, anterior tibilla

A recumbent bike is an exercise bike that places the user in a reclined position with the pedals in front of them. The recumbent bike is ideal for users with back problems because there are

less pressure on the lower back due to the relaxed position.

Smith machine

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, back

A Smith machine is a machine that generally consists of vertical steel rails that are used in weight training. It is mainly used with a rod and as an automatic detection machine. There are slots in the Smith machine that you can hook a bar into with just a flick of your wrist. There are also usually safety devices that can be placed at a minimum height to grip the bar and prevent injury. Smith machines generally only also vertical movement and are used primarily for squats.

StairMaster

A fitness company established in 1983 and known for its stair climbing fitness equipment. Its most famous products include the stepper and stepmill.

Star Trac

Star Trac has been manufacturing exercise equipment for 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

Targeted body parts: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, hip flexors, calves

A stepmill resembles an escalator in that it is an endless set of rotating steps. These steps are attached to a belt that rotates with each step. Stepmills are designed to exactly simulate stair climbing and use your own body weight for resistance, which can increase the number of calories burned.

Step by Step

Category: Cardio

Targeted body parts: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, hip flexors, calves

Steppers are machines that have two pedals next to each other that pump up and down to simulate climbing stairs. Since steppers are less dependent on body weight, they are most effective for lighter people who may not have enough mass to properly move the stepmills. Generally, steppers allow you to adjust the resistance level to adjust the intensity and difficulty of the workout.

Upright bike

Category: Cardio

Targeted body parts: hamstring, quadriceps, calves, gluteus maximus, abdominals, tibilais anterior, nucleus

An upright bike is an exercise bike in which the user sits in an upright position, similar to a road bike, with the pedals almost directly under the seat. The upright position helps simulate real road bike riding and engages the core more than a recumbent bike.

weight bench

Category: Force

Targeted body parts: N / A

A weight bench (sometimes called an exercise bench) is a padded board supported by legs and its main purpose is for weightlifters to sit or lie down. There are several types of weight benches, including an incline bench, a decline bench, an ab bench, a preacher / curl bench, and an Olympic bench.