Exercise equipment doesn’t come cheap but owning a treadmill, step machine, elliptical trainer, rowing machine or exercise bike is the very best way to stay in shape in the comfort of your own home.
However, there’s a few things that you should look for before you buy your first piece of exercise equipment.
Treadmills
Elevation
It’s always a good idea to buy a treadmill that has a built-in inclination feature, such as the ProForm 505 CST, as this creates resistance and increases the intensity of your workout. Many treadmills have elevation levels of 10-15%.
Folding
Whether you buy a folding treadmill, such as the Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill, or not is purely down to how much space you have in the room you’re planning on placing the treadmill in.
Console
All treadmills are fitted with a console which displays important information as you work out. We recommend buying a treadmill that provides feedback on calories burned, time and distance at the very least, such as the Proform Power 995.
Motor
The power of the motor is vital, as it dictates whether you will be able to walk, jog or run on the treadmill. As you would expect, if you want a treadmill for running on then you will have to pay more for the privilege. Look for a treadmill that comes with a 2.5 horsepower motor if this is the case.
Check out the following resource for Treadmill Reviews
Elliptical Trainers
Stride Length
The most important thing to consider when purchasing an elliptical trainer is the length of the stride. This is because if you buy an elliptical with a short stride then you won’t be able to use it if you’re too tall.
Therefore, if you’re short, think about buying an elliptical that comes with a stride of 18″, such as the Nautilus E514; and if tall, then at least 19″, such as the Schwinn 431 or Precor EFX 5.23.
Programs
The number of workout programs is another important thing to consider, as if there’s too little then you may get bored of using the machine and decide to give up on your exercise regime. Don’t fall into this trap! Buy an elliptical that comes with at least 5 programs, such as the Sole E35 or Sole E95, so to add variety to your workout.
Check out the following resource for Elliptical Reviews
Exercise Bikes
Recumbent
A recumbent bike, such as the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle or the Schwinn 250, is perfect for those who suffer from back problems or for those who simply want a more comfortable workout experience. This is because the seat tends to be thickly padded, is positioned parallel to the ground and also feature back support.
Semi Recumbent
A semi recumbent bike is exactly what it says on the tin – the seat is between that of a recumbent bike and an upright bike.
Upright
An upright bike, such as the Schwinn 240, contains a seat that is similar to outdoor bicycles, therefore, you shouldn’t expect a very comfortable cycling experience.
Check out this website for Exercise Bike Reviews as well as Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviews
Rowing Machines
Magnetic
This type of resistance is controlled by electromagnets and delivers a smooth, very quiet motion. You are also able to control the level of resistance, which is good news if you like to tailor your workout just as you like it. An excellent example – in fact, the most popular rower currently on the market – is the Concept2 Model D.
Air
Here, resistance is determined by the pace you row at. So in other words, the faster you row the greater the level of resistance. A good example is the Stamina Air Rower.
Water
Many people who row on the water on a recreational basis often opt for a rowing machine that features water resistance, such as the ProRower H2O RX-750. Again, the level of resistance is determined by the speed at which you row at, but the resistance as well as pressure levels can be adjusted by simply adding or removing water in the tank.
Click the following link for dozens of rowing machine reviews.
Note: if you want more information on achieving your ideal body or simply want to improve your fitness, a good place to read up on fitness is Mens Fitness