Category: Blog

If you’ve been wondering if inversion tables are good for you, you’re not alone. More and more people in Albuquerque are turning to inversion therapy as a natural, noninvasive option for relieving back pain, improving posture, and decompressing the spine. With the right table and proper guidance, inversion tables can be a powerful addition to your home wellness routine.

At The Fitness Superstore, we’ve helped countless customers find the right inversion table for their needs. Let’s examine the facts and features that matter.

Are Inversion Tables Good for Your Back?

So, are inversion tables good for your back? This is one of the most common questions in our Albuquerque showroom. The short answer is yes—for many people, inversion tables can offer tangible relief. When used correctly, inversion tables can be extremely helpful for many. Here are some of the potential benefits:

• Relieve spinal pressure by gently stretching and lengthening the spine.
• Improve circulation by reversing the effects of gravity.
• Ease tension in the lower back and decompress herniated discs.
• Support better posture by realigning the spine.

Of course, anyone with preexisting conditions like glaucoma, high blood pressure, or heart disease should speak to a medical professional before using an inversion machine. But for many healthy adults, especially those with desk jobs or chronic lower back pain, inversion tables offer much-needed support.

What Are the Benefits of Inversion Tables?

So, what are the benefits of inversion tables beyond back pain relief? You might be surprised by how versatile these machines are.

Here’s what regular use can help with:

• Reduced pressure on joints and vertebrae
• Faster muscle recovery after workouts
• Improved flexibility and mobility
• Better sleep by easing physical tension
• Natural traction therapy without needing visits to a chiropractor

Inversion tables can also support fitness and wellness goals as part of a recovery or daily stretching routine. With just 5 to 10 minutes daily, many users experience noticeable comfort and range of motion improvements.

What to Look for in an Inversion Table

Not all inversion tables are built the same, so when it comes to what to look for in an inversion table, it’s important to have all the facts. At The Fitness Superstore, we carry only high-quality, specialty-grade tables designed with comfort, control, and safety in mind. When shopping, look for the following:

• Adjustable settings for height and inversion angle
• Secure ankle locking systems for safety during use
• Sturdy construction and non-slip bases
• High weight capacity and proper lumbar support
• Ergonomic handles for easy positioning

If you’re in Albuquerque, come by and try the equipment in our showroom! Our experienced fitness consultants—never pushy salespeople—will walk you through the options and help you test each feature until you find the right fit.

How to Use an Inversion Table

Learning how to use an inversion table safely is essential for getting the full benefits without discomfort or risk. Here’s a quick beginner’s guide:

1. Start Slowly: Start with a slight incline (20–30 degrees) for 1–2 minutes daily. Let your body adjust.

2. Breathe and Relax: Deep breathing can help you stay calm and release tension while inverted.

3. Increase Gradually: Increase the inversion angle and session length over time as your comfort improves.

4. Use After Workouts: Try inverting after weight training or cardio to speed up recovery.

5. Be Consistent: Like stretching or yoga, consistency is key—regular use will lead to lasting results.

If you ever feel dizzy or uncomfortable, immediately return to the upright position and consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

Are inversion tables good for you? For many Albuquerque residents with back issues, muscle fatigue, or spinal tension, the answer is yes. At The Fitness Superstore, we’re here to help you find the right inversion table to meet your health and wellness goals, whether you’re starting or upgrading your current setup.

Ready to test out inversion tables in Albuquerque? Visit us today and experience the Fitness Superstore difference—where we make it easy to stay moving, feel better, and invest in equipment that truly works for you. Contact us for more information today.

You’re not alone if you’ve been wondering how to train your back at home. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or want to switch up your routine, training back at home offers convenience, flexibility, and a wide variety of effective options—especially for those living in El Paso. With proper stretches, bodyweight exercises, and simple gear like dumbbells, you can build a strong and balanced back without ever leaving your house.

Let’s break it down step-by-step and see what works best for your fitness goals.

How To Stretch Before Training Back at Home

Warming up your back before exercise helps prevent injury and improves your range of motion. Before jumping into training back at home, start with 5-10 minutes of light cardio—this could be brisk walking, jogging in place, or even a quick bike ride on your home equipment. Once your body is warm, focus on dynamic stretches. Here are a few examples you can try:

• Cat-Cow Stretch: Loosens the spine and improves mobility.
• Arm Swings: Loosens the shoulders and upper back.
• Standing Torso Twists: Targets your mid and upper back.

Finish with static stretches like the Child’s Pose and Seated Forward Bend to prepare the entire back for your workout.

At-Home Back Exercises Workout Without Weights

No equipment? No problem. You can still get a severe burn with these at-home back exercises:

• Superman Hold: Lie face down, lift your arms, legs, and chest off the ground. Hold for 20–30 seconds.
• Wall Angels: Stand against a wall, moving your arms up and down in a controlled motion to activate your upper back muscles.
• Glute Bridges: While often seen as a leg/glute move, they’re also great for strengthening the lower back. Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Raise your hips off the ground while squeezing your glutes. 

These at-home back workouts are ideal for beginners or anyone with limited space. Best of all, they require zero equipment.

At-Home Back Workout With Dumbbells

If you have dumbbells at home, your back workouts just got a big boost. An at-home back workout with dumbbells allows you to target different muscle groups with more resistance. Here are some dumbbell exercises you can incorporate into your workout routine:

• Bent-Over Rows: Focus on the mid-back and lats.
• Renegade Rows: Combine a plank with a row for core and back strength.
• Reverse Flys: Hit the upper back and rear deltoids.
• Deadlifts (Romanian style): Great for your lower back and hamstrings.

These moves help you progress in strength and improve overall back definition, all from the comfort of your home. Don’t forget to keep your form tight and controlled for best results.

Do You Need Equipment for At-Home Back Workouts?

While you can get results without gear, having the right equipment gives you more variety and challenge. For El Paso locals, The Fitness Superstore offers the largest selection of back-friendly equipment—from adjustable benches and resistance bands to rowers and complete cable systems. Trying out equipment before buying is part of The Fitness Superstore’s difference. Our massive El Paso showroom allows you to test, compare, and find exactly what fits your space and fitness goals. Plus, we offer our customers:

• Friendly consultants who know fitness
• In-home trial options
• Low-price guarantees
• Expert delivery and service staff

Whether you’re starting small with dumbbells or investing in a complete setup, we make it easy to keep moving.

And if you’re upgrading, sell or trade in your used specialty equipment! We only deal in high-quality, commercial-grade gear that gets results.

Ready to take the next step and try out a free weight set in El Paso? Whether you’re curious about at-home back exercises or looking for the best dumbbells for your space, The Fitness Superstore in El Paso is your go-to destination. Contact us for more information today.

You’re not alone if you’re wondering how a Smith machine works. At The Fitness Superstore in Albuquerque, we meet many customers looking to strengthen their workouts with versatile, safe equipment—and the Smith machine continues to be a top choice. The Smith machine delivers control, stability, and results, whether you’re just starting to work out or looking to advance your current strength training routine.

What Is a Smith Machine?

So, what is a Smith machine? It’s a piece of strength training equipment featuring a barbell fixed within steel rails, allowing only vertical or near-vertical movement. This guided track gives you the control of free weights with added support, making it an ideal solution for solo workouts or for those recovering from injury.

Unlike traditional squat racks or free-weight stations, the Smith machine locks into place at various heights. This safety mechanism means you can stop mid-rep and secure the bar without a spotter, which is especially helpful for home gyms or anyone focusing on controlled, progressive lifting.

At The Fitness Superstore, we carry a wide selection of Smith machines, from compact, home-friendly models to commercial-grade units for professional gyms. Our Albuquerque showroom allows you to test different models in person, with expert staff ready to answer questions and offer guidance.

What Are the Benefits of a Smith Machine?

There are plenty of reasons to integrate the Smith machine into your routine. The benefits of a Smith machine start with safety and extend to muscle isolation, convenience, and performance consistency. Key benefits include the following:

• Built-in safety: The barbell locks into place instantly, reducing the risk of injury.
• Controlled movement: The guided motion ensures proper form, especially for squats, lunges, and bench presses.
• Solo workouts made easy: There’s no need for a spotter, making it great for home or solo use.
• Muscle isolation: The stability allows you to focus on specific muscle groups with reduced strain on joints.
• Progressive overload: You can quickly increase resistance over time and monitor your strength gains safely.

Whether you’re a seasoned weightlifter or just getting into strength training, the Smith machine simplifies your workout while providing serious resistance training. For Albuquerque residents, it’s a brilliant addition to any home gym setup, and our in-store fitness consultants can help you find a model that fits your space and goals.

How To Use a Smith Machine

Understanding how to use a Smith machine is key to getting the most out of it. Start by adjusting the bar height to be comfortable and aligned with the exercise you plan to do—such as shoulder height for squats or chest level for bench presses. Here are a few beginner-friendly steps:

1. Load your weight evenly on both sides of the bar.
2. Position yourself under or behind the bar, depending on the exercise.
3. Lift and rotate the bar to release it from the safety catches.
4. Perform your reps with control—use the guided path to maintain form.
5. Re-engage the safety hooks by rotating the bar at the end of your set.

A few popular exercises on the Smith machine include:

• Squats
• Lunges
• Bench presses
• Upright rows
• Shoulder presses
• Calf raises

If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry—our Albuquerque team comprises fitness consultants, not salespeople. We’re here to show you how to get the most out of your Smith machine and build a routine that works for your fitness level and goals.

Smith Machine Workouts for Weight Loss

When paired with the right approach, Smith machine workouts for weight loss can be highly effective. While strength training isn’t always associated with fat loss, building muscle helps increase your resting metabolic rate—meaning your body burns more calories even when you’re not exercising. Try combining Smith machine strength exercises with short bursts of cardio or high-intensity circuits. Here’s an example of a fat-burning Smith machine circuit:

1. Smith Machine Squats – 3 sets of 10 reps
2. Smith Machine Bench Press – 3 sets of 10 reps
3. Mountain Climbers – 30 seconds
4. Smith Machine Lunges – 3 sets of 12 reps (each leg)
5. Burpees – 30 seconds
6. Smith Machine Bent-over Rows – 3 sets of 10 reps

Repeat this circuit 2–3 times with minimal rest between exercises to keep your heart rate up and maximize calorie burn.

At The Fitness Superstore, we help Albuquerque customers design full-body routines with the equipment we carry—and the Smith machine is a consistent favorite for those who want to lose weight while gaining strength. With our 30-day in-home trial and huge selection, it’s easy to try it yourself.

Want to try out a Smith machine in Albuquerque? Stop by The Fitness Superstore to try one in person, get expert guidance from our experienced staff, and find the perfect fit for your home gym. Let us help you move better, feel more substantial, and reach your fitness goals—one rep at a time. Contact us for more information today.

The benefits of functional training go far beyond traditional exercise routines, especially when it comes to improving mobility, balance, and overall strength for everyday tasks. At The Fitness Superstore in El Paso, we’re seeing more and more customers turn to functional training to feel stronger, move better, and live healthier lives. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to level up your current program, functional training offers results that translate into the real world.

What Is Functional Training?

If you’ve ever wondered what functional training is, the answer is simple: it’s a style of exercise designed to improve how your body performs day-to-day activities. Unlike isolated gym movements targeting a single muscle, functional training emphasizes compound movements, working multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

This type of training mirrors real-life motions like lifting, squatting, reaching, bending, and twisting. It’s ideal for people of all fitness levels, from beginners to athletes, because it focuses on building strength, stability, and coordination in ways that directly translate to better performance in daily life.

Functional training can be done with or without equipment, and it often uses tools like kettlebells, resistance bands, medicine balls, or stability balls to enhance the movements. Best of all, it’s easily adaptable to your fitness goals, whether aiming to prevent injury, build muscle, or stay active and agile.

What Are the Benefits of Functional Training?

The benefits of functional training are both immediate and long-term. First, this training style helps correct muscle imbalances and improve posture—two factors that often lead to aches and pains if left unchecked. Focusing on full-body movements can also improve joint mobility, flexibility, and overall range of motion.

For busy El Paso residents, functional training is very efficient. It targets multiple muscle groups quickly, making workouts both time-effective and highly rewarding. The workouts can be performed daily in short increments, can be incorporated into your other workout routines, such as a warm-up for weightlifting, or you can dedicate longer timeframes for functional training specifically. It is completely customizable to your individual needs and goals.

Other significant benefits of functional fitness include the following:

• Injury prevention: Stronger, balanced muscles protect your joints and reduce strain.
• Improved core strength: Almost every functional movement engages your core, leading to better stability and balance.
• Greater calorie burn: Functional workouts are often high-intensity, burning more calories in less time.
• Better quality of life: You’ll feel more capable of doing daily tasks like carrying groceries, walking up stairs, or playing with your kids.

At The Fitness Superstore, we’ve helped thousands of customers in El Paso discover these benefits firsthand—with high-quality fitness equipment and expert guidance every step of the way.

What Are Examples of Functional Training?

If you’re wondering what examples of functional training are, the answer includes bodyweight and equipment-based exercises. Think of movements that mimic actions you perform every day. Here are a few common examples:

• Squats: These simulate sitting and standing, working the glutes, quads, and core.
• Lunges: Excellent for improving balance, coordination, and lower body strength.
• Push-ups: Build upper body and core strength while mimicking pushing movements.
• Medicine ball throws: Improve explosive power, particularly for athletes.
• Kettlebell swings: Target your glutes, hamstrings, and shoulders while enhancing hip mobility.

These exercises can be combined into circuits to create an engaging, challenging workout that builds functional strength. The right equipment can help you maximize your training, whether at home or in a gym.

What Are the Benefits of Functional Fitness Equipment?

When maximizing your results, having access to high-quality functional fitness gear makes all the difference. The benefits of functional fitness equipment go beyond just adding resistance—they enhance your ability to move safely, efficiently, and with greater intensity.

At The Fitness Superstore in El Paso, we stock the region’s largest selection of functional training equipment. Whether you’re looking for kettlebells, battle ropes, suspension trainers, or adjustable benches, we’ve got the tools to support your goals. Here’s how the right equipment helps:

• Versatility: Many pieces, like resistance bands or dumbbells, can be used in various exercises.
• Safety: Equipment like balance trainers and foam rollers can help with recovery and injury prevention.
• Progress tracking: Using machines with built-in tracking features lets you monitor your strength, reps, and progress over time.
• Efficiency: Functional tools allow you to target multiple muscles at once, helping you save time without sacrificing results.

The best part? You can try it before you buy it. At The Fitness Superstore, we invite you to come in and test the equipment yourself. With over 30 years of local ownership and expert in-house consultants, we’re committed to helping you choose the right tools for your journey—whether you’re training at home or setting up a full gym.

At The Fitness Superstore in El Paso, we know the benefits of functional training go beyond the gym. It empowers you to move better, feel more substantial, and stay healthy. Ready to upgrade your fitness journey with a functional trainer in El Paso or Albuquerque, NM? Visit either of our showrooms in Texas or New Mexico today to explore our selection of top-tier equipment, try it out firsthand, and contact us about how functional fitness can fit into your lifestyle. Let’s get moving—your future self will thank you.

Building a strong chest doesn’t require a gym membership—there are many effective ways to train at home with or without equipment. If you’ve been searching for information on how to work out your chest at home, this blog will provide the best methods to target your chest muscles using bodyweight exercises, dumbbells, and other strength-training equipment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, you can achieve impressive chest development right from your home in Albuquerque.

How To Train Chest at Home Without Equipment

If you don’t have weights, you can still build muscle and strength with bodyweight exercises. The key to training your chest at home without equipment is focusing on progressive overload—gradually increasing difficulty by adding reps, adjusting tempo, or modifying exercises.

1. Push-Ups – The classic push-up is an excellent exercise to target your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Adjust hand placement to focus on different areas of the chest—wide-grip push-ups emphasize the outer chest, while diamond push-ups target the inner chest and triceps.
2. Incline Push-Ups – Place your hands on an elevated surface like a sturdy chair or countertop to shift more emphasis to the lower chest.
3. Decline Push-Ups – Elevate your feet on a bench or step to increase resistance and focus on the upper chest.
4. Plyometric Push-Ups – Adding an explosive element, like clapping between reps, increases power and muscle activation.
5. Chest Dips (Using Parallel Surfaces) – If you have sturdy parallel bars or two chairs, dips are great for activating the lower chest and triceps.

To make bodyweight training more challenging, consider using a weighted backpack, slowing down reps for more time under tension, or performing unilateral (one-arm) variations.

How To Train Chest With Dumbbells at Home

If you have dumbbells, you can take your home chest workouts to the next level by incorporating resistance exercises. Training your chest with dumbbells at home comes down to utilizing pressing and fly movements that mimic gym-style workouts.

1. Dumbbell Bench Press – If you have a bench, performing a dumbbell press allows for a greater range of motion than a barbell press, helping to maximize muscle engagement. If a bench isn’t available, try pressing from the floor.
2. Dumbbell Chest Fly– This movement stretches and activates the chest muscles, helping to develop width and definition.
3. Incline Dumbbell Press (Using an Adjustable Bench or Stability Ball) – Targets the upper chest for a more complete chest development.
4. Dumbbell Pullover – While primarily a lat-focused movement, pullovers also stretch and engage the chest.
5. Neutral-Grip Dumbbell Press – Holding dumbbells in a neutral grip (palms facing each other) changes the angle of the press and places more emphasis on the inner chest.

Dumbbells allow for unilateral training, meaning each side of the chest works independently, reducing muscle imbalances. If you need a high-quality set of dumbbells, The Fitness Superstore in Albuquerque offers top-tier adjustable and fixed dumbbells for all fitness levels.

At-Home Chest Workout With Weights

For those with additional strength training equipment, an at-home chest workout with weights can be structured like a traditional gym workout. Using a combination of dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands can maximize muscle activation and provide progressive overload.

Sample Chest Workout With Weights:

• Barbell Bench Press – A foundational chest exercise for building strength and size.
• Incline Bench Press (Dumbbells or Barbell) – Focuses on upper chest development.
• Dumbbell Flies – Improves chest width and flexibility.
• Weighted Push-Ups – Add a weighted vest or place a plate on your back to increase resistance.
• Kettlebell Floor Press – A variation of the dumbbell press that challenges stability.
• Resistance Band Chest Press – A great option for adding tension without traditional weights.

At The Fitness Superstore, we offer everything from adjustable dumbbells and barbells to benches and squat racks to help you create a complete home gym setup. Our expert fitness consultants can guide you in selecting the right equipment for your space and training goals.

Do You Need Equipment for Home Chest Workouts?

While home chest workouts can be effective using just body weight, adding equipment can take your training to the next level. Weights provide progressive overload, which is essential for building muscle mass over time.

• Adjustable Dumbbells – Compact and versatile, allowing you to perform various chest exercises with different resistance levels.
• Flat or Adjustable Bench – Essential for pressing and fly movements, offering better positioning than floor-based exercises.
• Barbells and Weight Plates – Ideal for those serious about strength training and muscle development.
• Resistance Bands – A space-saving alternative to free weights that still provides resistance training.
• Kettlebells – Useful for dynamic movements like floor presses and pullovers.

At The Fitness Superstore, we offer the largest selection of fitness equipment in the region. Whether you’re looking for new or high-quality used equipment, our team is here to help you find the best gear for your home workouts.

Why Choose The Fitness Superstore?

As a locally owned and family-operated business for over 30 years, The Fitness Superstore is committed to helping our community achieve their fitness goals. We offer:

✔ The largest fitness equipment inventory in Albuquerque
✔ Expert fitness consultants to help you choose the right equipment
✔ The best low-price guarantee in the industry
✔ In-house delivery and installation by trained professionals
✔ A 30-day in-home trial on select equipment (see store for details)
✔ Service and support from our experienced, in-house technicians

We also buy and sell high-quality used fitness equipment, making it easy to upgrade your home gym while staying within budget. If you have fitness equipment you’d like to sell or trade, contact us with photos at used@thefitnesssuperstore.com.

Start Your Home Chest Workouts Today

Whether you’re looking to train with bodyweight exercises or invest in a free weights weightlifting set in Albuquerque, The Fitness Superstore has everything you need to succeed. Now that you know how to work out your chest at home, it’s time to take action and build a stronger, more defined chest. Visit our store today to explore our selection and find the perfect equipment for your home chest workouts! Contact us for more information now.