work out and gym machines

[Verona_82]

Hello,

What do we call different equipment and machines found at a gym (treadmill, rowing machine, non-electrical equipment)? Is the term 'gym machines'? I'm afraid 'gym/sports equipment' may conjure up images of barbells, mats, weights, ropes etc. What I'm trying to describe is:


My second question is about the verb 'work out' - do we use it to talk about any kind of physical exercise? Would taking, say, a step class at a gym be considered as 'working out', or does the verb imply using errr... machines?

Thank you!

[SoothingDave]

I think "exercise equipment" covers it all. And yes, a "work out" is any physical activity.

[Verona_82]

Thanks, SoothingDave!

And what would be the most natural way to use the term?
"I'm going to the gym and use some equipment". Sounds horrible! I guess the best way to put it would be 'I'm going to the gym and work out a bit", but some people who ask me this machine/equipment question every now and then aren't happy with 'work out' - they want to make mention of the equipment.
Maybe "work out with some equipment"?

[SoothingDave]

Simply "i'm going to the gym" works for most people. Or "I'm going to work out." "I'm going to the gym to work out" isn't necessarily redundant.

If you want to be specific, then you would say something like "I'm going to go walk/run on the treadmill" or "I'm going to ride the exercise bike" or similar.

[Gillnetter]

Thanks, SoothingDave!

And what would be the most natural way to use the term?
"I'm going to the gym and use some equipment" (It sounds fine to me.) Sounds horrible! I guess the best way to put it would be 'I'm going to the gym and work out a bit", but some people who ask me this machine/equipment question every now and then aren't happy with 'work out' - they want to make mention of the equipment.
Maybe "work out with some equipment"? (Maybe, "Work out on some equipment.")

There is a difference between "equipment" and "machines". A barbell is part of equipment but it is not a machine. In my high school, a member of a sports team who was in charge of all the things needed for the sport (baseballs, bats, uniforms, etc.) was called the equipment manager.

[Verona_82]

Thanks! Now I know what to say