The Least Used Gym Equipment in Dutch Gyms (2026)
Which machines and equipment always sit empty at the gym? A critical look at the most neglected — and often most effective — fitness items.
Pop into any gym on a weekday evening and you’ll see the same scene: a queue for the bench press, dumbbells flying, treadmills standing empty. And somewhere in the corner? Equipment nobody touches. A shame — because those neglected items often deliver the greatest results.
Here are the 10 least used pieces of gym equipment in Dutch gyms, why they get skipped, and why you should absolutely be using them.
1. The Rowing Machine (Ergometer)
Almost always empty. A real shame, because rowing:
- Trains 85% of your muscle groups simultaneously
- Is very easy on the joints
- Burns 600–800 kcal per hour at moderate intensity
- Improves your posture
Why nobody uses it: the technique seems complex (it isn’t) and it “feels” less intense than a treadmill. That’s a misconception.
2. Farmer’s Walks / Loaded Carries
Picking up heavy dumbbells and walking — sounds too simple to be worthwhile. Yet:
- Builds grip, trapezius, core, and legs
- Dramatically improves posture
- Develops functional strength (carrying shopping or luggage)
Why nobody does it: looks “ridiculous” to walk through the gym with weights. Time to get over that.
3. Glute Ham Raise (GHR)
One of the best exercises for the hamstrings and glutes, yet the machine usually collects dust.
- Trains the hamstrings exclusively via knee flexion (complement to the deadlift)
- Improves sprinting power and injury prevention
- A staple in strength sports
Why nobody does it: looks intimidating and you feel awkwardly suspended in it. The first time you try it is almost always a revelation.
4. Medicine Balls
Sitting in a basket. Collecting dust. Perfect for:
- Explosive power training (slams, throws)
- Core rotation (obliques, transversus)
- Sport-specific transfer (tennis, golf, martial arts)
Why nobody uses them: “they’re for Pilates” (a myth). A good medicine ball session destroys your core more effectively than 100 sit-ups.
5. Pull-Up Bar — for Negatives and Hangs
The pull-up bar does get used — for pull-ups. But almost never for:
- Dead hangs (30 sec – 2 min): grip, shoulders, spinal decompression
- Negative pull-ups: jump up, lower yourself slowly
- Scapular pulls: activating only the shoulder blades
Why nobody does it: “I can’t do a pull-up” = skip the bar entirely. Hangs and negatives are exactly how you build up to one.
6. Landmine Attachment
That metal corner bracket where you insert a long barbell. Used for:
- Landmine press (shoulder-friendly alternative)
- Meadows row (unilateral back)
- Rotational core work
- T-bar row
Why nobody uses it: nobody ever explains what that odd thing does. Spend 5 minutes on YouTube and you’ll have 10 new exercises.
7. Sled (Prowler / Push Sled)
Pushing is a near-extinct movement in the gym. A shame:
- No eccentric phase = minimal muscle soreness
- One of the best quad and glute trainers
- A solid cardio option
Why nobody uses it: requires open space and you’ll sweat buckets. In the Netherlands, the sled often sits forgotten in a corner.
8. Kettlebells — Beyond the Swing
Kettlebell swings = popular. But the rest of the arsenal:
- Turkish get-up — full-body mobility and strength
- Goblet squat — the best learning curve for the squat
- Kettlebell clean & press — shoulders and full-body power
- Windmill — core and shoulder stability
Why nobody does it: most people don’t know these exercises exist. One PT session on kettlebells = a week’s worth of new exercises.
9. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are underrated:
- Band pull-aparts: posture correction (5 min/day = noticeable difference within weeks)
- Face pulls: rear deltoids (a forgotten muscle group)
- Banded bench: accommodating resistance
Why nobody uses them: “too light”. Yet at high reps with good form, you get at least as much stimulus.
10. Foam Rollers + Lacrosse Ball
Sitting in a basket. Ignored in virtually every gym.
- 10 min of foam rolling per week = better mobility
- Lacrosse ball = releases every trigger point
- Injury prevention
Why nobody does it: it hurts and it’s “boring”. The people who do it regularly have significantly fewer injuries.
Why Does This Equipment Sit Empty?
Four reasons:
- Social pressure — people choose what they see others doing
- Unknown = unused — no idea how it works, so skip it
- Instagram fitness — the algorithm shows bench press and dumbbells, not the GHR and sled
- Cognitive inertia — “I did bench press last week, so I’ll do it again this week”
How Do You Start Using Them?
- Pick one per week from the list — try 3 sets, regardless of weight
- Watch 5 minutes of YouTube for technique before you start
- Ask the gym instructor — that’s what they’re there for
- Go during off-peak hours — quieter times give you space to experiment
Within 3 months you’ll have 12 new exercises in your repertoire. That breaks plateaus.
Best Gyms for Variety
Not every gym has all of this equipment. What to look for:
- Strength-focused gyms or boutique studios are more likely to have a landmine, sled, and GHR
- Budget chains usually have dumbbells and machines but less specialist kit
- CrossFit boxes often have everything listed above
Search on Gymsearch.nl by city: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Eindhoven. For extra facilities, check gyms with a swimming pool or gyms with a sauna.
Veelgestelde vragen
What is the most underrated piece of equipment in the gym?
Which equipment delivers the best results for beginners?
Why does nobody use the glute ham raise?
Does a gym with more specialist equipment offer added value?
How do I learn these lesser-used exercises?
Further reading: How often should you exercise per week · Best sport for over-50s · Getting fit in 1 month