Gym machine names and what each one trains
A plain list of the machines and kit on a typical gym floor: what each is called in English and in Arabic gyms, which muscles it trains, and which page teaches you to use it.
Most people meet a gym floor the same way: a row of machines with no names on them. This page puts the names next to the jobs. Use the English and Arabic names to find a machine, the muscle column to choose one, and the link to learn the set-up before you sit down.
A single-purpose machine, such as the leg extension or the leg press, is taught on its movement's page, because the machine and the exercise are the same thing. Multi-use stations, such as the cable station and the Smith machine, and the cardio machines have guides of their own.
The photo column only ever shows RPM's own training floor. A machine without a photo may or may not be at RPM: ask on your free tour, and the team will show you what is there and where.
The machines, by area
| Machine | Arabic gym names | Trains | At RPM | Learn it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dumbbells | الدمبل، الدمبلز | Whole body |  In RPM's photos | Open |
| Barbell and plates | البار، الأقراص | Whole body |  In RPM's photos | Open |
| EZ curl bar | البار المعوج، بار زجزاج | Biceps, Triceps |  In RPM's photos | Open |
| Kettlebells | الكيتل بيل | Glutes, Hamstrings | In RPM's photos | Open |
| Squat rack (power rack) | رف السكوات، الباور راك، قفص السكوات | Quads, Glutes | In RPM's photos | Open |
| Flat bench | البنش المستوي | Chest, Triceps | In RPM's photos | Open |
| Adjustable (incline) bench | البنش المائل، البنش القابل للتعديل | Chest, Front shoulders | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Machine | Arabic gym names | Trains | At RPM | Learn it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable station (cable tower, crossover) | جهاز الكيبل، جهاز الكابل، الكروس اوفر | Whole body | In RPM's photos | Open |
| Lat pulldown station | جهاز السحب العالي، لات بول داون | Lats, Biceps | In RPM's photos | Open |
| Seated cable row | جهاز السحب الأرضي، سحب ارضي | Upper back, Lats | In RPM's photos | Open |
| Smith machine | جهاز السميث | Whole body | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Machine | Arabic gym names | Trains | At RPM | Learn it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leg press | جهاز دفع الأرجل، الليج برس | Quads, Glutes |  In RPM's photos | Open |
| Hack squat machine | جهاز الهاك سكوات | Quads | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Leg extension | جهاز الرجل الأمامي، ليج اكستنشن | Quads | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Leg curl (lying or seated) | جهاز الرجل الخلفي، ليج كيرل | Hamstrings | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Hip thrust machine | جهاز الهيب ثرست | Glutes | Ask on your tour | — |
| Hip abductor (outer thigh) | جهاز الفخذ الخارجي، الأبدكتور | Glutes | Ask on your tour | — |
| Hip adductor (inner thigh) | جهاز الفخذ الداخلي، الأدكتور | Inner thighs | Ask on your tour | — |
| Calf raise machine | جهاز السمانة | Calves | Ask on your tour | — |
| Machine | Arabic gym names | Trains | At RPM | Learn it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest press machine | جهاز ضغط الصدر، تشيست برس | Chest, Triceps | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Pec deck (fly machine) | جهاز الفراشة، البيك دك | Chest | Ask on your tour | — |
| Shoulder press machine | جهاز ضغط الكتف | Shoulders, Triceps | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Assisted pull-up machine | جهاز العقلة المساعد | Lats, Biceps | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Back extension (Roman chair) | جهاز أسفل الظهر، الكرسي الروماني، هايبر اكستنشن | Lower back, Glutes | Ask on your tour | — |
| Ab crunch machine | جهاز البطن | Core | Ask on your tour | — |
| Machine | Arabic gym names | Trains | At RPM | Learn it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treadmill | جهاز المشي، السير الكهربائي | Heart and lungs |  In RPM's photos | Open |
| Cross-trainer (elliptical) | جهاز الإليبتيكال، الأوبتكال | Heart and lungs | In RPM's photos | Open |
| Exercise bike | الدراجة الثابتة | Heart and lungs | In RPM's photos | — |
| Rowing machine | جهاز التجديف | Heart and lungs, Back | Ask on your tour | Open |
| Stair climber (stair stepper) | جهاز الدرج، جهاز صعود الدرج | Heart and lungs, Glutes | Ask on your tour | Open |
Machines or free weights?
Machines fix the path of the movement, which makes them easier to learn and easier to load near your limit without a spotter. Free weights ask more of your balance and let the movement fit your body. Most beginners do well with a mix: a machine for each muscle group while barbell and dumbbell technique comes along.
Free weights or machines for beginnersQuestions, answered.
What is the machine with the seat and the bar above your head called?
That is the lat pulldown, «جهاز السحب العالي» in Arabic gyms. You sit with your thighs under the pads and pull the bar to your upper chest; it trains the lats and the biceps.
Which gym machines are best for beginners?
The leg press, the lat pulldown, the seated cable row and the chest press: each has a fixed path, a simple set-up and a clear job. Add the cable station once you are comfortable choosing attachments and pulley heights.
What is the difference between the Smith machine and a squat rack?
In a Smith machine the bar runs on fixed rails and locks at any height; in a squat rack the bar is free and you balance it yourself. The Smith machine page explains when each one makes sense.
Are the photos on this page from RPM?
Yes. Every photo is of RPM's own floor in Al Manhal. Machines shown without a photo are common gym equipment that RPM's published photos do not show, so ask on your tour.
Visit RPM Gym in Al Manhal
RPM Gym has one branch, on Level 4 of AD HUB Sports Complex in Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi. Book a free guided tour or message the team on WhatsApp before you come.
- Address
- AD HUB Sports Complex, Level 4, Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Opening hours
- Saturday to Thursday: 06:00–23:00Friday: 09:00–22:00
- Parking
- Free on-site parking at AD HUB Sports Complex, then the lift to Level 4.
- Phone and WhatsApp
- +971 50 506 7361
Want someone to show you the machines?
Book a free guided tour and ask about a session with a coach, or message the team on WhatsApp.