Fitness Equipment

Exercise can literally make you feel better mentally and emotionally and you can often train even if you have some health problems or injuries. For example if you have arthritis or stress fractures you can still use elliptical equipment to exercise and maintain muscle mass. And you can exercise at home in relative ease if you have the equipment for it.

It can be tuff to get started and you simply need to find your inner motivation for using the exercise equipment. Well, don’t feel too guilty, people often make resolutions to begin a proper exercise routine and find that they slack off in a few weeks. If you set specific days for the training it often work better and after some time you get kind of addicted to training.

Even if your gym might have some of the newest and greatest exercise equipment available there are great alternatives to gym training. In fact, aerobic exercise is far more effective at helping you lose weight then strength training, although a home gym can help you build up your muscle mass which can accelerate your weight loss in addition to the aerobic exercises that you do.

Whether this comes in the form of housecleaning for an hour or strength training at the gym, it is a fact that exercise keeps your muscles strong, your heart strong, and your body in shape. If you haven’t been involved in weight strength training in the past, it is really easy to get confused by all the different kind of home gym equipment that is on the market today.

Try to get some good guidance and training before you undertake using free weights to make sure you are doing it properly. If you decide to go this route, it's a good idea to invest in a training program that will show you how to use your equipment properly and avoid injury.

Most home gyms are usually strength training machines that provide a structured way of performing each exercise. The benefits of strength training are many and well-documented, and they can be very useful for overall body conditioning

When you look at gym equipment, you can pick out some of the most useful and flexible machines and tools, and separate them from the gimmicks. Many users of home gym equipment have or use multi station pieces that allow them to workout on several types of machines in one, for example the Bowflex. There are also multiple weight machines to use each one focusing on a different muscle.

The home gym equipments generally falls into two major categories, the first being home gyms that use rods or bars to create resistance, and the second being strength training machines that use a weight stack or plates. Both categories have advantages and do not hesitate to use a machine with weight stack or plates. It is good training to do that job as well.

By Keith C George

Labels: exercise fitness equipment, fitness equipment, fitness equipment treadmills, fitness exercise equipment, fitness gym equipment, home fitness equipment, home gym fitness equipment, sports fitness

The range of gym fitness equipment available these days is staggering, and it can be hard to know which type of home exercise equipment you really need. What’s best for weight loss? Toning? What’s the best for cardiovascular health? Let’s focus on cardio exercises here, because it’s one thing everyone should be concerned about. Maybe your doctor has told you that you need to get your heart in better shape. Maybe you’ve been motivated by someone else who unexpectedly developed problems and you don’t want to be next. Even if it’s just a desire to “get healthier,” cardio exercise equipment is a good way to start on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

What Exactly Makes It “Cardio” Equipment?

A cardio workout’s primary purpose is to raise your heart rate to some extent in order to improve heart health and function. There may be other benefits to some kinds of gym and home fitness equipment (exercise bikes, for instance, can also strengthen and tone leg muscles), but cardio equipment’s primary goal is to raise the heart rate and break a sweat.

An additional side benefit of these types of home workouts is that you will also shed some weight as you burn off fat. It’s a win-win situation for most people investing in gym fitness and exercise equipment.

There are several kinds of home exercise and gym equipment that you can use for your workouts that will give you real cardiovascular benefits. Each of these has pros and cons attached with them, and you will need to decide for yourself which exercise best suits your fitness regimen.

Exercise Treadmills - Treadmills are traditionally the most popular type of cardio fitness equipment, but are fast being passed up by the elliptical trainer. Treadmills offer a great alternative to walking outside in bad weather. If you enjoy both walking and running, you can vary your speed and most come with heart rate monitors, which are always a good idea. Keep in mind, though, that this type of home gym equipment can jar your joints, so it may not be your best option if you have arthritis.

Exercise Bikes - Stationary exercise bikes allow you to sit down while biking, giving you the same chance to vary speeds. This type of home gym and fitness equipment is ideal if you suffer from back pain. Some stationary bikes also have handlebars that move as you peddle to exercise your upper body at the same time. Recumbent bikes allow you to sit back in the seat as you peddle.

Elliptical Trainers - Elliptical machines are one of the most popular pieces of home gym and fitness equipment for cardio workouts now available. You stand and work the feet back and forth, but because you don’t lift your feet and “glide” instead, there is no jarring of the joints. With each stroke, you are also working your upper body with the poles. Fewer of these have heart monitors, but some do. Alternatively, stop exercising periodically and check your pulse rate.

With so much to choose from, take the time to consider which type of gym fitness equipment you are most likely to use long-term. Cardio home exercise equipment is only as good as how often you use it. If you end up with something that you don’t like, you won’t see long-term benefits, which is the name of the game for true heart health.

By Kevin Urban

Labels: exercise fitness equipment, fitness equipment, fitness equipment treadmills, fitness exercise equipment, fitness gym equipment, home fitness equipment, home gym fitness equipment, sports fitness

Did you know that buying fitness equipment for your home isn’t really that difficult?
It’s true that the world of fitness equipment can seem like a maze at times and that there are literally hundreds of different types of fitness equipment pieces that might work well for your home arrangement. However, with a little guidance, the process really isn’t that hard and you will be amazed at the bargains that you can find if you just dig a little deeper than the average consumer is usually prepared to. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you out in your quest for new fitness equipment.

1. Look at used equipment. This is where some good deals can be found. Fitness equipment can obtain a weird status in a person’s home. They might have been really excited to buy it initially and dreams of a fit body and monthly gym savings might have filled their head. However, after 3 months, the equipment often sits vacant in that person’s home. Used equipment can be a really good deal due to the fact that it’s often times almost as good as new but now it’s for sale. To you. For cheap. Check out newspapers, Ebay, and other places; compare prices and get a deal.

2. Consider commercial fitness equipment. Often times, you can buy the same equipment that your local gym has. Imagine, you can have that same (gasp!) Stairmaster that has dogged you for years at the local Ballys, right in your basement. This might be appealing to some who have the capital to invest in a large piece of equipment. If you no longer have to pay a $50 monthly fee to go to a gym every month, this might be a really smart investment. Look into commercial equipment, you might be pleasantly surprised.

3. The first two points are almost worthless without considering the financing of your new fitness equipment. When looking to finance your new set of fitness equipment there are tons of important factors to keep in mind. You really don’t want to be paying too much for equipment that might be found at a cheaper price (after everything is considered) elsewhere.

By Amy Metz

Labels: exercise fitness equipment, fitness equipment, fitness equipment treadmills, fitness exercise equipment, fitness gym equipment, home fitness equipment, home gym fitness equipment, sports fitness

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.

By J. Amos

Labels: exercise fitness equipment, fitness equipment, fitness equipment treadmills, fitness exercise equipment, fitness gym equipment, home fitness equipment, home gym fitness equipment, sports fitness

Fitness equipment can help you get into shape faster. You will look great and feel better. Exercising increases your metabolism and your energy level. They type of exercise equipment you will use depends on what you want to accomplish. Some types of equipment are for a cardio workout, others target trouble areas including the stomach, hips, and thighs. Weight lifting fitness equipment is designed to help a person build muscle and strength. Don’t be fooled by those late night infomercials offering you fitness equipment that will give you miraculous results overnight. The truth is it takes time, effort, and dedication to see great results no matter what exercise equipment you use.

Some people like to purchase their own fitness equipment. This allows them to work out in the privacy of their home or garage at any time of the day or night that suits them. This may be because they enjoy working out alone, they are embarrassed to have others see them or because they have small children they won’t have to get childcare for. In my case, I enjoy doing Taebo, but I am very uncoordinated. I only do it in the privacy of my own home where no one else can see me. I am sure my moves don’t exactly resemble those on my TV screen.

Be careful when you are selecting home fitness equipment. You don’t want to pay a great deal of money for something that is going to end up stored in your closet or shed. Take the time to read reviews on various exercise equipment. If you aren’t able to try the product before you buy it make sure it has a money back guarantee in case you aren’t happy with how the product operates. Since most of us can quickly get bored doing the same routine, choose home fitness equipment that allows you to do a variety of exercises on it.

Videos and DVD’s are popular fitness equipment that are used in the home. You can do fun cardio exercises as well as stretching and yoga by following along on these home videos and DVD’s. For best results, purchase the small hand weights, jump rope, exercise mat, and exercise ball that offer you the best overall fitness workout. For men, weights are the most common fitness equipment. They use it to get fit, lose weight, get stronger, and build their muscles. It is a good idea to purchase a weight set that is easy to adjust because as you get stronger you will be able to use more weight for your reps. A weight bench is also good for lifting and for bench pressing.

The gym or a fitness center is a great place to find all the various types of fitness equipment you want in one convenient location. Going to the gym is a great place to get into shape as well as motivate yourself. It may be the one place you go each day that is exclusively for you. If you have a spouse and children then you know exactly why that is important. The gym is also a great place to try out particular fitness equipment that you may be interested in purchasing to use at home.

By Kelly Johnson

Labels: exercise fitness equipment, fitness equipment, fitness equipment treadmills, fitness exercise equipment, fitness gym equipment, home fitness equipment, home gym fitness equipment, sports fitness

No one ideal piece of exercise equipment and no one ideal exercise club or fitness facility exists. These days you can research, and buy fitness equipment, treadmills, exercise equipment, home gym equipment, elliptical trainers online, usually at prices which are better than you'll find in fitness equipment stores. There are many other types of home fitness equipment, including free weights, ski machines, ab machines, and hybrids like exercise riders. Home exercise equipment such as abdominal exercise machines, fitness home gyms, treadmill, yoga, boxing, cardio, kickboxing gear fitness supplies and equipment are all readily available online.

This article will walk you through a series of steps in determining the fitness equipment that best suites your exercise requirements. The two major market segments for fitness equipment are the home and the institutional exercise equipment market (including health clubs, corporations, apartments, and hotels). For the biggest selection and lowest prices on exercise and fitness equipment, it's wise to compare prices. Read about the best exercise and fitness equipment you can buy, so you'll be knowledgeable about whether the latest fitness equipment is actually the best fitness of its type. A well-rounded fitness plan includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training and stretching, so consider how you'll accomplish these components when doing your fitness equipment comparison shopping.

What you should be looking for when selecting fitness equipment online is a wide selection of quality cardio and strength training equipment, to safely help you lose weight, build muscles, and counter aging.

Quality body building equipment, fitness equipment, treadmills, home gyms, bikes, rowing machines, ellipticals are all types of fitness equipment which can assist in achieving cardio fitness, strength training, weight loss, and muscle building. The fitness equipment you choose should be specific to your individual needs depending on your health, fitness and quality of life goals.

Golf Fitness Equipment

Golf fitness equipment has rapidly become a fitness equipment niche. It is more popular than almost any other fitness equipment niche. Three or four pieces of inexpensive and portable golf fitness equipment are essential for the avid golfer. There are so many different types of golf fitness equipment to choose from. Stability balls are the sort of golf fitness equipment that any golfer with a bad back should have. Golf fitness equipment that many golfers have found to be very effective is the weighted club. Next on the list of golf fitness equipment is tubing. Another piece of golf fitness equipment is a stability ball. The inside approach is another great golf fitness equipment to help improve any golf swing. Although not specific to golf fitness training, imple dumbbells can also be very useful golf fitness equipment to have in your golf fitness equipment range.

By Brigitte Smith

Labels: exercise fitness equipment, fitness equipment, fitness equipment treadmills, fitness exercise equipment, fitness gym equipment, home fitness equipment, home gym fitness equipment, sports fitness

Many of us make New Years resolutions to get in shape, lose weight, and exercise more. This usually means either a trip to sign up at a local gym, or buying a piece of home fitness equipment. Buying fitness equipment for your home can often be a better choice, especially if your local gym is out of the way from your home and work.

Many people sign up with full intentions of going but find that it is too much of an inconvenience. However, many people also buy expensive equipment only to end up using it to hang their laundry on (sound familiar?). Read on to learn how to make the most of your home fitness equipment.

If you have a spare room, consider making it into a home gym. Keeping all your gym equipment in one place makes it easy to find and feel more like a real gym. You should also try and remove other clutter from your home gym. Make sure you have some upbeat music on hand and perhaps even a TV. You’ll be surprised how quickly a workout can go by when you’re watching your favorite shows.

Equipment Must-Haves

If you don’t currently have any home fitness equipment but are ready to start building your home gym, you may be confused as to which equipment is best.

Start off with one piece of cardio equipment. To get the most bang for your buck, look into an elliptical trainer. These simulate running, but are virtually no-impact. Look for one that allows you to move your arms as well since this means burning more calories.

Treadmills are also a great choice, but keep in mind that they are much harder on your joints. A stationary bike is also a popular piece of gym equipment, but you won’t get as much benefit from your workouts.

A universal gym is a great addition to your home gym as well. These combine several types of weight machines into one. A great choice if you don’t have a lot of space. You may also want to get a stability ball, resistance band, and other hand weights. This should make for a perfect home gym, which you and your family can use and enjoy for many years.

By John Lenaghan

Labels: exercise fitness equipment, fitness equipment, fitness equipment treadmills, fitness exercise equipment, fitness gym equipment, home fitness equipment, home gym fitness equipment, sports fitness