Types of Fitness Equipment
If you're trying to keep up with your fitness goals, or are a gym-goer in search of an at-home solution, having the right equipment can make a big difference. Learning about some of the most popular types of exercise machines will aid you in deciding which one is ideal for your needs.
Treadmills
Treadmills are an exercise machine that is popular in gyms and home fitness rooms. They provide an alternative to running or walking outdoors, which can be beneficial to those recovering from injuries. They also offer a way to increase or decrease the intensity of workouts as well as track progress and stay on the right path with an exercise program.
Treadmills are powered by motors that move a platform beneath the foot of the user in a continuous loop. The treadmill can be adjusted to the user's desired speed. Certain models simulate different terrains using an incline.
Most treadmills come with built-in heart rate monitors. The treadmills can be programmed so that they run or walk a certain amount of time until the user reaches the desired heart rate zone. This can help users avoid overworking themselves and preventing injuries. Some treadmills permit users to rate their own sense of exertion on a 1-to-10 scale that is known as the rate of perceived exertion.
Running on a treadmill helps strengthen the leg muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstrings while walking helps to tone and condition the hip flexors. Treadmills can be used to perform high-intensity interlace training (HIIT), which is a powerful exercise that burns calories as well as improves cardiovascular health.
Treadmills have been around for centuries, and there are three basic kinds of designs. The first was powered by animals or oxen walking around in circles and pushing a bar. Later, humans would climb on a moving platform to drive the treadmill. Currently, many treadmills have digital displays that track the user's progress as well as offer an array of exercises.
Some treadmills have movable seating and backrests which make them suitable for people with physical limitations. The treadmills with longer decks are also available to those who are unable to step onto the standard platforms.
They can be costly, but they can provide an amazing workout and aid people achieve their fitness goals. For those who are just beginning to exercise or run, they should begin with a slower stroll or jog on the treadmill, and after that progress to a faster pace.
Ellipticals
There are many ways to sweat on in the gym. The elliptical machine is an absolute favorite among fitness enthusiasts. While stationary bikes, rowers and treadmills all have their benefits but the elliptical holds its own place in the gym. They mimic walking or jogging by having pedals and handles that can move upwards and downwards to provide a cardiovascular workout. Ellipticals also have moving handles that let you exercise your chest and arms while working out and focusing on different muscles in addition to your legs.
Ellipticals can be an excellent alternative for those with hip or knee problems since they reduce the strain on joints. They're often recommended for easing back into exercise following surgery or injury, as well. Even those with ailments like arthritis or osteoporosis could benefit from the lack of impact.
But despite their popularity, the elliptical is not without its drawbacks. Jones warns that it can become boring since you're always in the same direction of motion throughout your workout. Jones suggests varying the speed or utilizing different programs to keep it interesting.
Certain ellipticals are equipped with built-in workout apps or fitness communities that allow you to join virtual group workouts. These apps can help you keep the track of your workouts, performance and outcomes over time. Websites and apps can offer you tips on the best exercises to do to reach specific goals or target certain muscles.
It's important to use the correct posture when using an elliptical so that you don't create a bobbing and bobbing motion while exercising. It is important to focus on strengthening your mind-muscle connections, while engaging your abdominal muscles and ensuring that your back stays straight. Taking the elliptical with a buddy or an experienced trainer can aid in building confidence and master the right methods.
As you're moving your feet on the elliptical's pedals make sure to pump your arms to work them as well. This will boost your calorie burn and target the muscles in your shoulders, chest and your biceps. Adding resistance to your arm movements can boost your calorie burning even more and target different muscle groups.
Exercise Bikes
Whether you're an experienced cyclist who wants to enhance your outdoor activities or a runner seeking an easy and safe cross-training option, or simply want to sweat without leaving the comfort of your own home, an exercise bike is a smart addition to your fitness equipment. These seated bikes provide a great cardio workout and can help you meet the American Heart Association's recommendations for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes vigorous activity per week.
Exercise bikes are typically equipped with a combination of magnetic or friction resistance, and they can be adjusted to suit different fitness goals. In most cases, you can adjust the seat height, handlebar position and the tension of the pedal that allows you to tailor your workout to your personal level. Additionally, many bikes include an electronic heart rate monitor that reads your pulse through an electronic sensor that is located inside the handlebars to ensure that you're keeping your heart rate within the range of its intended target.
There are a variety of exercise bikes and they can be classified into five categories: recumbent, upright, indoor cycling and air folding bikes. Each comes with its own distinct characteristics and functions, but all of them offer a low-impact cardio workout that targets the large muscles of your butt and legs aids in burning calories and build muscles.
If you're looking to get an intense upper body workout, try an elliptical trainer that has moving handlebars or a stationary rowing machine. If home exercise equipment best limited on space, you could consider an exercise bike that is small or even a desk-top exerciser, which is ideal for sitting at your desk at work or slipping under the couch in your living room.
Finally, some bikes, like those made by Peloton, have features that cross the exercise and fitness bike worlds, offering a full-body workout, which can be synced with recorded or live classes on your smartphone or Apple Watch. Features vary, but can include a large display which shows the instructor on a treadmill. They might also be able of syncing with third-party apps, like Bowflex's Bowflex iFIT or JRNY.
Rowing Machines
Rowing machines offer a full-body cardio workout that builds and tones muscles while improving endurance. This type of exercise can also strengthen your back and shoulders and help avoid injury. It's an excellent option for those who want to avoid impact exercises like running, but still want a vigorous high-intensity cardio workout. It can be utilized to increase the size of your muscles, particularly when paired with cardio and strength exercises.
A rowing machine is a seat that slides you pull with your arms and push with your legs. The handle is akin to the experience of rowing in a boat on the water, allowing you to create an energetic movement that works almost every muscle in your body. You can perform guided rowing exercises using Hydrow. These are supervised by coaches who provide guidance, motivation and technical reminders. You can also select unguided rows that permit you to exercise at your own pace.
You can select the level of resistance you would like to regulate your workout, as well as the number of strokes per minute. A stroke is a complete cycle of the drive, finish, and recovery phases of an exercise. Start with a short workout lasting between 5 and 10 minutes to learn how to row. This will help you become used to the motion and improve your form before moving on to longer, more intense workouts.
While rowing machines can be difficult to master at first but they're extremely adaptable. They can be used to complete various exercises, such as high-intensity training as well as interval training and endurance training. Depending on the length of time you exercise you could burn anywhere from 200 to 800 calories in a single session.
The main muscles that are targeted with a rowing device are the legs, arms, and back. The pulling motion of a rowing exercise triggers the muscles in your back, specifically the rhomboids and latissimus dorsi. The rowing stroke also targets your biceps and the triceps.