Fitness machines such as treadmills, stair climbers, stationary bikes, and cross-country ski machines are popular training methods. All of these provide aerobic exercise and some can strengthen your muscles. Additionally, many machines will notify you of your heart rate, calories burned, and distance covered, allowing you to control the intensity of your activity. These indoor fitness machines are especially suitable for exercising when the weather is bad or the days are short.
If you’re looking for ways to increase your physical activity, having fitness equipment at home can be helpful. To help you stay informed before making a big purchase, we’ve broken down the popular types of fitness equipment and shared some considerations you should take into account before making your purchase.
Popular types of fitness machines
treadmill. A treadmill allows you to walk or jog while checking your time, distance, and speed. Many can be adjusted in slope to provide a greater challenge if needed. The treadmill should have a handrail (located in front) to help you maintain balance and steady yourself from time to time. However, don’t hold them during exercise. It’s best to swing your arms wide when walking or jogging, and use handrails only when necessary.
fixed bicycle. These work much like regular bicycles, except they don’t move. Many machines also have computers that track your workouts and programs that simulate real-life bike courses. Although useful, these additional features are not required. It is more important to choose a bike with a good overall design. Look for a bike that pedals smoothly and has a comfortable seat. Make sure your seat height is adjustable, as sitting too high or too low can cause knee and hip pain. Ideally, your knees should be slightly bent at the bottom of your pedal stroke.
cross-country ski machine. These machines are great for burning calories and help you develop both upper and lower body muscles. Also, since there is little impact, there is almost no stress on the joints. Because they mimic cross-country skis, they require adjustments to use. Also, because it uses both upper and lower body muscles, it can tire you out faster than other machines. If this is your first time using these machines, start slowly (5-10 minutes per session). Increase what you can little by little.
Stair climber (stepping machine). Climbing stairs strengthens the muscles in your lower body. It creates the feeling of climbing a continuous staircase. No special adjustments are required, but beginners should start slowly. You can gradually increase the intensity and duration of these machines. Maintain good posture and avoid leaning on the handrails.
Oval cross trainer. These machines combine elements of treadmills, stair climbers, cycles, and cross-country ski machines. Some elliptical machines come with arm resistance to work both your upper and lower body. Like any ski machine, it requires some adjustment and can tire you out faster than other machines. But they do very thorough aerobic exercise along with resistance training.
Considerations when purchasing fitness equipment
Advertising for fitness products almost always promises big profits with little effort. This sounds like a good promise, but it almost never becomes reality. Before you buy, consider these tips:
- Make sure you already like the activity. To begin with, using a machine or device is probably not going to make you love an activity you hate.
- If you purchased from an ad or online, check the return date. Don’t worry, you can return it if you don’t like it.
- Test the machine in store or at the gym before purchasing. See if it feels right to you. In some cases, more expensive machines work more smoothly and make your workouts more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Please consult an expert. Ask a trainer, sports medicine professional, or experienced person at your health club, YMCA, or other fitness facility for advice on the equipment you are interested in. Always get your doctor’s approval before starting a new exercise regimen.
- Think about whether you really need fitness equipment. Many products promise to tone and develop the muscles of the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. However, you can strengthen and tone these muscles without using any special equipment. And most devices don’t make the exercise any easier or safer than doing it yourself.
Read our article on affordable alternatives to gym memberships.
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Copyrighted material modified with permission of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.