Monday, February 6th, 2012

Best Exercise Equipment For The Home

Everybody knows that regular exercise is very important, yet many of us keep coming up with excuses why we can’t start an exercise program. Now that exercise equipment for the home is becoming more affordable and readily available, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get a treadmill or a stationary bike to ensure that you can get a good workout at home on a regular basis.

There is a wide range of exercise equipment for home use, and choosing one can be difficult if you do not know which one is best for you. You have to find out all you can about the different kinds of exercise machines available in the market. Different machines involve different movements such as walking, running, stair climbing, biking, rowing, etc.

Make sure you enjoy or are comfortable with the movement employed in the equipment you are considering. For instance, if you enjoy biking you may decide to purchase a stationary bike. When you enjoy your workout, there’s a bigger chance that you will stick to your exercise program.

You will also have to consider your fitness goals. Is your goal to improve your cardiovascular health? Do you want to lose belly fat? Do you want to improve your muscle tone? The answers to these questions will help you determine the best home exercise equipment that you should get.

Types of Exercise Equipment for Home Use

1. Treadmills are one of the most popular aerobic exercise machines. You can walk, jog or run anytime in your home regardless of weather conditions outside. You can adjust the speed and incline as your fitness improves. The Proform 750 Treadmill and Bowflex TreadClimber Treadmill are good choices.

2. Elliptical Trainers provide an intense cardiovascular workout that exercises both upper and lower body. They provide a low impact workout, sparing your joints, knees and ankles from abuse. The unusual movement involved in ellipticals takes some getting used to.

3. A Stationary Bike allows you to read, watch television or listen to music while you exercise your lower body. You can adjust the intensity of your exercise to obtain the most satisfying workout. If you have back problems, you may opt for a Recumbent Cycle to give more support to your lower back and lessen the stress on your knees.

4. Stepper Machines provide a low impact aerobic workout that employs a stair-climbing movement. A stepper machine helps strengthen the muscles of the lower body. You can increase the resistance for a more powerful workout.

5. Rowing Machines provide the most intense and complete cardio exercises and involve a rowing motion. You can use a rowing machine to tone and build all the major muscle groups including the arms, back, shoulders, abs, legs and thighs.

6. Resistance Equipment includes free weights and Home Gyms or multi-stations. Free weights offer the best value for the money but they require expert instruction and proper use to avoid injury. Home Gyms are more expensive but are generally safer to use. Resistance training is important as you get older to reduce muscle loss and to maintain bone strength.