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Home Fitness Equipment To Keep You In Shape
By Julie-Ann Amos
For more and more people, home fitness equipment has become a must-have item.
The convenience of having access to exercise equipment in their home is a big
factor, as is the cost savings of home fitness equipment in comparison to gym or
fitness club memberships.
But what is the best home exercise equipment on the market? The answer is "it
depends" because each person has different needs, different space available to
hold home fitness equipment, and different budgets available to spend.
In generally, the simplest equipment is the most likely to be used on a regular
basis. If you select home fitness equipment that is too complicated, too hard,
or just not something you like to do, chances are it will sit in a corner
somewhere collecting dust. Think carefully about what kind of equipment you are
most likely to use, and whenever possible, try it out ahead of time to make sure
you really like it.
Home Gyms
A common piece of home fitness equipment is the home gym. This type of equipment
is primarily used for building muscle, shaping, and toning the body. There are
three main types of home gyms:
• Traditional
• Power rod
• Gravity resistance
Traditional home gyms may have free weights and barbells, or be machine-type
gyms with several stations and functions attached to a single steel frame. A
free weight system is good for exercise enthusiasts who are knowledgeable about
proper form and technique for lifting weights. For less experienced users,
though, a machine-type gym offers most of the same benefits while helping to
ensure good technique by using prescribed motions. A traditional home gym
usually requires quite a bit of space to hold the equipment and also allow
enough room around the perimeter to access the stations and perform exercises.
Power rod home gyms have surged in popularity over the last decade, driven
primarily by the Bowflex brand of home fitness equipment. A power rod machine
uses flexible rods of varying stiffness connected to a cable and pulley system.
When the cables are attached to different rods the user can either increase or
decrease the resistance they will experience. Power rod equipment typically
requires less space than a traditional home gym and is usually less expensive.
The materials are not as durable, though, and this type of home fitness
equipment is not suitable for serious athletes who require sturdier equipment
with a greater range of weight resistance.
Gravity resistance home gyms are typically the lightest weight and least
expensive type of home gym. This home fitness equipment uses an adjustable metal
frame and a gliding board or bench to perform exercises. The user lies on the
board in various positions, and by pulling on a cable and pulley system, the
weight of their body creates the resistance they experience. This type of system
is often quite compact, folding up for easy storage. The disadvantage to that
feature, though, is that equipment kept out of site tends to be out of mind and
not used on a regular basis.
Treadmills
Another popular type of home fitness equipment is the treadmill. While this
tends to be a large piece of equipment and can be quite expensive, it is also a
very versatile piece that is suitable for exercise enthusiasts of varying
fitness and skill levels. The most expensive models are extremely durable and
can handle a great deal of intense use by serious runners. More mid-range models
are not quite as durable, and the low-end models are generally best suited for
walking and light uses.
Treadmills can take up quite a bit of space so you should make sure your home
can accommodate the size and weight of whichever model you select. Do not put
your treadmill in a garage or any other space that is not climate controlled,
because the motor and other parts are not designed for outdoor or semi-outdoor
use. Look for a treadmill that has at least a 1.5 horsepower motor, and
preferably one that is 2.0 horsepower or more. The belt should be long enough
and wide enough to accommodate the length and width of your stride, and it
should be constructed of at least two-ply material to withstand the friction and
impact of your activity.
Elliptical Trainers
This type of home fitness equipment first appeared in the 1990's, and it has
gained tremendously in popularity ever since. Modern elliptical trainers provide
motion and exercise to both the upper and lower body, making it an effective and
efficient full body workout.
When looking for an elliptical trainer, whenever possible opt for a rear drive
system rather than a front drive system. Rear drive machines are far sturdier,
more reliable, and provide a smoother motion for the user. The resistance system
will vary according to price, with the least expensive models using a manual
system, mid-range models using a motorized brake system, and the most
sophisticated high-end models employing an eddy current brake system. Stride
length is another important thing to keep in mind, because different people have
different natural strides. Look for an elliptical trainer that allows you adjust
the stride length to suit your own body style and stride length.
Stationary Bikes
Stationary bikes have been around for several decades, yet they remain popular
as simple, easy to use home fitness equipment. Modern stationary bikes come in
many shapes and sizes, so it is fairly straightforward to find one that fits in
the available space inside your home. While traditional bikes have the user
sitting upright, just as they would on a regular bicycle, more and more exercise
enthusiasts are turning to recumbent seating instead. A recumbent exercise bike
allows you to sit in a slightly reclined position while pedaling with your legs
in front of you. The benefit of this type of bike is that is places much less
strain on the back, making it well suited to people who are prone to back
soreness or pain. Some models also come with the option of arm motion, too,
usually accomplished with handles or a cable and pulley system.
Summary
Whatever type of home fitness equipment you choose, the most important thing to
do is select something that you will find enjoyable, convenient, and easy to
use. If you don't, it is likely that you will gradually stop using it and it
will become just another item sitting unused in the corner. The best home
fitness equipment is that which you use regularly, so make your own comfort
level the most important consideration when making a selection. About the Author
Julie-Ann Amos is a freelance writer for Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com, a
consumer guide to the
best home
exercise and fitness equipment. She frequently writes
home gym
reviews and has contributed articles on
elliptical trainers and exercise bikes.
Copyright 2005 Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com
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