Hi, I’m Phil, and I would like to take a few minutes of your time discussing some of the various fitness machines that are available for home use.
Let’s start by listing some of those machines in order of their popularity in the home market:
- Fitness Treadmill
- Stationary bike
- Elliptical Cross Trainer
- Rowing Machine
As you can see I have only listed machines that provide aerobic workouts. Weight training equipment is not covered here because it provides
for body building, rather than aerobics. I think most people wanting to do training at home generally want to provide for consistent training
for muscle tone as well as to obtain the benefits of regular aerobic workouts. If you are one that wants to really build muscle then perhaps you will want to consider that equipment as well for you home; most of us don’t have the room for a set-up that provides for both in their home. I feel that the aerobics should take precedent over the pure body building, if there is a choice.
The old standby, the fitness treadmill, has become the most popular because it meets the needs of such a large section of the population. Those who want to maintain a good aerobic status that can be obtained by getting on the treadmill and walking or running inside for 20 or 30 minutes a day regardless of the weather and not requiring a trip to the fitness club. Many can do that very consistently too maintain good heart and lung
health while still keep good muscle tone.
The stationary bicycle has long rivaled the treadmill in popularity. One can maintain a good aerobic fitness level as well as good leg
conditioning with this machine, for the most part, as well as with the treadmill. You can even read your morning news paper while riding. The workout intensity can be varied as desired. A number of women find the normal bicycle seats to be too uncomfortable, and, thus turn to the treadmill instead. Perhaps the selection of either a stationary bike or a treadmill becomes a matter of personal preference obtained after giving each a valid test.
Do you have problems with your hips, knees, ankles? Then you want to look into a good elliptical cross trainer. You can achieve the same levels of fitness as with the treadmill without the potential pain from impact on the joints that some encounter. These machines are generally speaking in the same price range, and durability, as the treadmills. The determination as to which machine to select is simply up to you and your preferences (and joint condition).
I have personally had no “hands on” experience with the rowing machines. They are certainly more of a rarity than the other machines discussed herein. However, the rowing machine can provide very good cardiovascular and strength building exercise. Its smooth, low impact characteristics, provides a workout for the whole body, while providing any fitness level desired. Used properly the machine can provide a good workout for all of the major muscle groups in the core, arm, and legs.
As you can see the selection of a particular fitness machine for the home really boils down to a question of personal choice. All of the machines
are in the same price range with comparable features and durability, and all provide a good level of exercise. If one can develop a good consistency of use on any of them it will pay off handsomely in you general health well being.