Fitness Equipment
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Cost is often a determining factor. The amount of space you have in your home has some bearing on the kind of equipment you might consider. Also, the type of exercise program you are going to follow is another factor.
Fitness equipment can be used for aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching, and balance exercises. All of these exercises can be done without purchasing expensive fitness equipment. It’s really up to you.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of fitness equipment you might want to consider. Listed below are short descriptions of the various equipment categories. Each description has a link to a separate page that goes into more depth about that particular kind of fitness equipment.
Exercise Balls
Exercise balls, also known as fitness balls, Swiss balls, or balance balls, are one of the most useful workout tools available. Exercise balls are used predominantly for exercises to improve balance and for core exercises.
Treadmills
A treadmill is a great investment in fitness. Studies have shown that people get more out of a treadmill than other fitness equipment, because it is natural to walk or run and you are more apt to stick with it for longer each session and keep using the equipment itself.
Stationary Bikes (exercycles)
Stationary bikes have been around for many years, which can lead some people to think they are outdated or not as effective as newer types of fitness equipment. Stationary exercise bikes provide all the benefits of riding a bicycle. They provide good cardio workouts, have much less impact on knees, hips and other joints than walking or running, and can be used at any time it’s convenient.
Home Gyms
With so many different brands and models of gym equipment available it is quite a task to make the right choice. Gyms require a lot of space. Review your options and decide if you need a single-station gym or a multi-station setup with two workout areas.
Dumbbells
Dumbbell exercise or free-weight training has numerous advantages compared to working out on a machine. Done correctly, dumbbell exercises are extremely safe, improve your strength, stabilize your muscles and help you develop a better posture and physique.
Elliptical Machines
Elliptical machines have surged in popularity since their introduction to the fitness scene in the late 90s. The innovative elliptical motion of the foot pedals lets the user experience a smooth, rolling sensation without any impact.
Ab Machines
Anyone who has tried strengthening his or her abs with standard sit-ups or crunches will agree that this type of exercise is not much fun. The best ab machines not only strengthen and firm your abdominal muscles but also help prevent neck and back injuries while exercising.
Heart Monitors
Heart monitors really are designed to perform one main function - measure and display your current heart rate. However, there are dozens of other 'bells and whistles' that are available.
Exercise Bands
"Exercise band" is a generic term for any rubber tubing or flat band device used for strength training. When strength training, a force is applied to your body that's greater than normal. This force can be provided by machines, your own body weight, free weights (dumbbells, barbells) or rubber resistance. Your body can't tell the difference if this force is from metal or rubber: your muscles, bones and connective tissue will respond by getting stronger.
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