Fitness Equipment Reviews

There are many workouts that you can do on your exercise bike. This is a good way to lose weight and improve the cardiovascular health as well. As you get fit, you may increase the intensity of the workout. Always remember to complete the warm down at the end of each session.

Exercise basics

Before starting any exercise program you must ideally do a warm up session. This way you will not put undue stress on your heart as well as the other muscles. Excessive stress and strain can lead to injury. Warming up for about 10 minutes and then gradually increasing the heart rate to attain the optimal heart rate threshold is the key to a proper workout program.

After the initial warm up sessions, it is important to exercise for about 25 to 30 minutes at around 65% of the maximum heart rate. You can refer to the heart rate chart and arrive at the appropriate heart rate that you need to maintain during workout. By exercising at 65% of the maximum heart rate and for about 30 minutes, you will be able to burn around 300 calories. If you achieve this, then you will not only be able to burn the fat but you can manage to keep it off as well. Follow this with a warm down session for about 10 minutes.

Burning calories

The ideal way to lose weight and get fit is by exercising with the exercise bike and doing weight training simultaneously. These low-intensity cardio workouts are great and help in effectively burning up calories. However, one must also concentrate on increasing the overall body metabolism so that the body can continue to burn fat even while you are not exercising.

The best way to increase the body metabolism is by converting the fat into muscle. Muscles burn more number of calories than fat. Hence the more the muscle that much more fat you will burn. Using an exercise bike is especially useful in weight loss programs.

Interval workout on exercise bikes

Interval training is the fastest and easiest way to effective weight loss. Research has proven beyond doubt that interval training will help in accelerating weight loss. Interval training consists of a series of intense workouts for a few seconds followed by recovery periods of few seconds. The weight loss is rapid but the exercises only take half the time.

After a warm up session, you could follow this routine for about 20 minutes. Intense bike riding for 8 seconds followed by recovery phase of about 12 seconds, then again intense riding for 8 seconds followed by recovery phase of about 12 seconds. Repeat the same process another five times. You may increase your recovery time based on your level of fitness. You must try not to overdo the exercises and exhaust yourself. You could do this routine every other day and combine it with aerobic exercises.

Cardio exercise – four minute workout

There is an amazing 4-minute cardio workout that is a fat burning exercise which will increase the metabolism for around 31 hours after workout. Here this exercise bike is a model that incorporates the arms in the workout. However, it is alright even if you have the regular upright bike, you will still feel the effects of the workout.

You must start after warming up for at least five minutes or more. Sprint for 20 seconds and recover for 10 seconds and then sprint for 20 seconds again. If you do eight sets of this workout and it will give you a total workout session of 4 minutes. This interval workout will increase your body metabolism and you will burn fat even after you stop.

Exercise bikes have been around for a long time now but most people seem to look at various options while choosing their exercise equipment. With so many different types, models, and designs that are available in the market, exercise bikes most often get ignored. People tend to focus on buying the latest treadmills with the LED displays etc. However, it is important to understand that the main aim is fitness and weight loss and both these can be achieved even with the help of the humble exercise cycle.

Exercise cycles – most economical

Cost-wise exercise cycles can out beat all other gym equipment. These are very affordable when compared to the rest of the fancy gym equipment that is available in the market. These are easy to use and easy to maintain as well and there are many homes where these exercise cycles already exist.

When you own one of these stationary bikes, you will never have a break in your exercise schedule even during bad weather. You can safely exercise within the comfort of your homes. Most people tend to think that these bikes are outdated or inefficient when compared to the latest gym equipment. But that is not true as there are still a good number of people who are more than comfortable using their stationary bikes.

Excellent for cardio workout

There are many cardio workout programs and weight loss programs where these exercise bikes have been used very effectively. All types of stationary bikes offer a good cardio workout and excellent cardiovascular benefits as well. These stationary bikes provide the entire benefits equivalent to that of a bicycle. They not only provide excellent cardio workouts but have a lesser impact on the hips, knees, as well as the other joints and these workouts are much safer than jogging, walking, or running. These bikes offer a lot of convenience and can be used at any time.

You can also adjust the resistance as well as the speed as most of these bikes have either computerized or manual controls. There are many bikes that also have heart monitors as well as cardio workouts that are already programmed into the equipment.

Different models of stationary bikes

These upright models come in dual action or single action models. The dual action models will have handlebars or levers that will help work the upper body and this has been proven to be more effective in terms of cardio workouts as they help in burning more calories. This also helps in improving the overall body tone when compared to the single action stationary bikes.

The dual action bikes are especially useful in those who have suffered leg or hip injuries. This is a good way to exercise without causing any further injury to the legs or aggravating the symptoms. These dual action bikes help in toning the muscles in the entire body and help in weight loss as well.

Exercise bikes – far better than the rest

All the stationary bikes provide the cardio workouts or the low-impact workout, which are more advantageous over the other gym equipment such as the treadmill. These are also much safer as the chances of injury are much less when compared to the other equipment. A stationary bike provides non-weight bearing exercises and hence reduces the impact on the joints.

There is enough evidence to prove that the stationary bikes outweigh other gym equipment when it comes to providing a better cardio workout or burning more calories. Stationary bikes are good for overall fitness and the consumer buying patterns indicate that these are still very popular and a top choice amongst fitness experts and training centers.

Treadmill exercises are a great way to stay fit as well as in weight loss programs. This is a great start to leading a healthy lifestyle and the treadmill workouts for beginners are an ideal workout program. You can simply walk or run on your treadmill if you wish to burn calories. This is not like outdoor walking or running. With a treadmill, you can determine the pace and intensity of your workout sessions. The workout sessions will entirely depend on what you want and you can choose a proper regime that fits your needs. However, you will have to first consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

Customize your Workouts

If you are a beginner, then you will have to be cautious and not get too carried away with the workout regimes. The complexity of the program will depend on your individual needs. You could be watching your favorite show or listening to your favorite music while you are on the treadmill. But for beginners, it is advisable to concentrate on your treadmill till you reach a comfortable level.

Most treadmills come with their own exercise programs and you could use them to achieve your weight loss and fitness goals. All you have to do is to follow the simple instructions that are given for beginners. Many have their own difficulty levels so you can set these as easy as you need.

About using Treadmills

Maintain a good posture while using the treadmill and pump up your arms as you walk. Focus your eyes forward and keep your head in an upright position. Instead of lengthening your stride, concentrate on increasing your pace. Build intervals in between and use the inbuilt treadmill workout program and use the speed tests, inclines, and cross country etc.

These programs are specially designed for beginners and are ideal. Merely jumping on the treadmill, walking, or running will not help. When you use the inbuilt programs, you can reach the workout goals much faster and this will help in keeping you motivated to work out much longer. There are programs that you can make yourself. Many treadmills have a create your own program where you devise it and store it in the treadmill console’s memory. This is anotehr thing to consider to tailor the workouts to your individual fitness level.

Treadmill Trainer

The treadmill trainer is an MP3 player program, which you can download easily onto your MP3 or your iPod. In this audio trainer, you can get tips on varied topics related to building endurance, how and when to increase the pace, when you must run between walks, estimated heart rate while training, burning calories, etc.

This audio workout program is designed specifically for those beginners who do the treadmill workouts as well as for the advanced users. This is more or less like having your own personal trainer. This is a very efficient program and is highly recommended, especially for beginners. They take you on a journey and encourage you as you workout. These can be sole as an extra cost but if you need some motivating then they are another avenue to explore.

Heart Rate Zone

When you pump your heart rate to the maximum, you can easily shed those pounds and burn more calories. To get the best possible benefits out of your fitness regimen, you have to reach the target heart zone. A moderately active 25-year-old female will have to pump her heart rate to a minimum of 127 BPM with a maximum of 146 BPM. The heart rate must be maintained within this zone for about 20 minutes to get maximum benefits out of her workout sessions. The target of 60% to 80% of the maximum heart rate must be achieved at least four to five times in a week, slowly increasing it from 20 minutes to one hour.

While the treadmill can be used by everyone to stay fit or lose weight, the exercise programs for beginners are designed in such a way that the user can get the maximum benefits out of a treadmill workout. You can get the best workout sessions without hiring a personal trainer or enrolling in a gym.

Treadmills are effective tools to lose weight and they have come a long way since they first came into being. Earlier on, it was a flat roller which was manually powered. But the latest ones are motorized including an incline belt surface and also come with the LED display panel. With the help of these panels, you can get a heap of information such as your heart rate, calories burnt, distance traveled, etc.

Benefits of Using a Treadmill

Using a treadmill will be a little tough especially if you are a beginner. But as the days go by, you will feel the change as there are many benefits. A treadmill can be used effectively in weight loss programs as well as in fitness training. Owning and training on your treadmills has its advantages.

The first advantage is the weather outside. Rain or heat, you need not miss out on your workout sessions when you have your treadmill at your disposal. These treadmills are generally very quiet and noise-free and do not cause any disturbance to the other members of the family. They are relatively portable and can be stored or even hidden away. You can read your current heart rate with the help of the heart rate monitor. You can get other details on the LED panel with regard to your workout. You can see for how long you have been exercising, the distance you have covered as well as the calories you have burned. This piece of information is especially useful for beginners, as this will help in planning your future workout programs.

Warming Up Sessions

If you are a beginner and are looking for an effective weight loss program, the treadmill is an excellent choice. You can increase your heart rate into the fat burning zone within a controlled environment. This way, you can easily monitor your heart rate and vary the intensity of your workout accordingly. The treadmill is also far kinder to the joints like the ankles, knee and lower back. This is because of the cushioning the treadmill has on it’s deck whereas you’ll find none on a hard street.

If you are a beginner, you will have to do a 10-minute warm up session during the first routine. You must ensure that your heart rate does not exceed 60% of the maximum heart rate threshold during this phase. After the warm up session, you may increase the intensity slowly for about one minute and bring it up to 70% or 80%. After about two minutes of recovery period, you could repeat the same set about 10 times or for about 30 minutes. After this, you must end it with a warm down session for 10 minutes.

Recumbent bikes are meant for everyone as it is safe and can even be used by people with physical disabilities. These bikes provide good aerobic exercises and are hence very popular among most people. Even the elliptical trainers, treadmills, and stair machines are very good exercise equipment and are well suited for most people. However, the recumbent bikes are far more advantageous as it is very comfortable and that may increase the chances of exercising for longer periods of time. Consult with the physician before embarking on any exercise program.

Types of recumbent bikes and features

There are basically 2 types of recumbent bikes which exist – the road bike and the stationary bike that you use either at the gym or at your home. Although most of us enjoy riding the bike outdoors, the stationary bike is a good piece of equipment if you wish to exercise at home. When you own a recumbent bike, you can exercise during any time of the day as there will be no restrictions with regard to taking your bike out in inclement weather.

These stationary bikes also have in-built programs and you can vary the intensity of your workouts with the help of these programs. The reclined seat in the recumbent bikes is very comfortable and allows the body weight of the individual to be distributed equally. The pedals are right ahead of you and the bucket seat offers a lot of comfort while exercising unlike the upright bike seat. These are some of the features that are found in both the road bikes as well as stationary bikes.

Strength training

There are many exercise equipment that you can use if you wish to do strength training and this includes the upright stationary bikes as well. Even mountain bikes could be used to strengthen the leg muscles as you can increase the resistance. However, recumbent bikes have an added advantage as the back is fully supported by the bucket seat but the leg muscles are left isolated during exercise.

In an upright bike, you can stand and pedal especially while moving towards hilly areas, whereas in a recumbent bike you will not be able to pedal the bike while standing. The other core muscle groups will have to put in the extra effort in order to overcome the resistance offered by the bike. You can however adjust the seat by moving it forward, in case you want to work on the gluteus or the muscles in the buttock region.

Cardiovascular benefits

Using the recumbent bike has many advantages as it offer aerobic exercises which have proven cardiovascular benefits. You must concentrate on reaching the maximum working heart rate and must continue to remain at that optimal heart rate for longer periods of time. This doesn’t mean working out till you can barely move but working out in a safe and manner in which you are breathing heavily and will sweat after 10 minutes or more of doing the exercise.

One may argue that similar cardiovascular benefits could be achieved with the upright bike as well. But it is important to understand that the recumbent bikes are comfortable and that will be another motivator to exercise regularly. Recumbent bikes are far more comfortable during workouts and don’t cause pain in the joints, lower back or the neck region unlike the upright bikes.

Lesser incidence of injuries

Recumbent bikes are designed in such a way that they are absolutely safe for everyone to use. These can be easily used even by the senior citizens as well, as they have comfortable seating and pedals. Even the display panel is at eye level. You are literally sitting in a comfortable reclining position so while you do need to work out in a moderately vigorous manner you’ll be comfortable while you’re doing it.

Other exercise equipment such as the treadmill can be risky at times and there is a risk of falling and the person may suffer injuries. But with the recumbent bikes the person who is exercising is absolutely safe. There is also no impact from recumbent cycling. What’s good is if you’re doing it indoors you can rest a magazine or book on the console and get some reading in while you’re working out. This is something you’ll see a lot of in gyms and health clubs. Recumbent exercising is something to enjoy that will do you a lot of good so we encourage everyone to give it a try.

Elliptical trainers are a great way to get the fat off your body. These trainers are getting more popularity because of the low intense work out the give you each day. Elliptical trainers can be used either in homes or in gyms as is the case with treadmills.

Importance of resistance levels in Elliptical trainers

Your body may or may not be ready for work out right from day one. Just like a warm up session is recommended for before rigorous exercise regime, you must give time for your body to get used to the work out given by elliptical trainers. In the extreme you may want to contact your physician especially if you are elderly, haven’t exercisied for a long time or have any illnesses.

The trainers allow you to control the intensity with the varying resistance levels they provide. With this option, you get the flexibility to set the pace for your work out by gradually increasing the resistance levels as per your convenience. The resistance level is directly proportional to the intensity of the exercise you put your body through. Resistance levels are hence very important when you consider using the elliptical trainers.

Difference in elliptical trainers

Just like any other product, elliptical trainers also come in many variations. This is mainly done with the aim of providing you options as per your budget. Also, some people may specifically want elliptical trainers for less intense workouts. When you are ready to use the elliptical trainers, you have to decide the one for you based on the number of resistance levels they provide.

Certain low cost trainers provide very few resistance levels. This does mean less flexibility but there are people who are looking for such designs specifically. Higher end trainers will have multiple resistance levels. In fact the resistance levels can go to as much as 100 from a minimum of just 12-32. Your better off choosing somewhere in between when considering an elliptical. A lot of resistance will go to waste if it goes to a high number and you’ll spend loads of time just changing to the level you require.

Mechanism in providing resistance

The underlying idea behind the resistance levels is making you exert greater force while pedaling. By exerting more force, you will be able to change the level of difficulty and hence give yourself more exercise. The elliptical trainers adopt different mechanisms to provide the resistance levels; the underlying concept is that of magnetic design. The distance between the flywheel and the magnet determines the resistance you are using.

Models that cost less and are of basic design will require you to change the position of the magnet manually using a lever. The next model uses a motor to help you move the magnet. The most sophisticated machines, however, use a system called eddy-current system. In these, you will find that there is no movement of the magnet, but the current reaching the magnet will help in varying resistance levels.

The most is important pedal resistance

Other than pedal resistance, elliptical trainers also offer an incline ramp to increase the level of difficulty. This is similar to treadmills which offer incline positions for better work out. The incline ramp will give you the experience of pedaling uphill and will help you burn enough calories. Not all elliptical trainers will have the incline ramp. Hence the most important and reliable feature of elliptical trainers is that of pedal speed or pedal resistance.

Buying the right elliptical trainers for exercise is the most important step. If you select the equipments based on your style of exercise and level of intensity, you will be naturally motivated to use it regularly. Elliptical trainers can also effortlessly fit into your gym at home. They will not pinch your pocket either since they are designed to fit every budget. On the whole, elliptical trainers are one of the most economical and reliable machines you can count on to get back to shape.

When we are comparing the treadmill versus the elliptical, we are undoubtedly comparing two of the best and most popular equipments for exercise. People from all parts of the world have trusted these machines and have enjoyed benefits that can speak for themselves. Both of them come with flexible options and both can fit into either a gym or at home so comparison between the two is inevitable. There are times when we have to choose among the two which can be really tough!

Treadmill is older, the elliptical newer

It is more of an old versus new battle that will come up when talking of the treadmill and elliptical trainer. Treadmills have been around for years now. Many people have enjoyed and benefitted from using them. Also, these machines have been so sturdy and consistent that they have set a benchmark that other machine will have to meet and only then beat!

Elliptical trainers are the new age entry. They are made especially for those with weaker body and those who require a low impact workout. Though many people have used them, they still receive mixed reviews when it comes to the quality of machines being manufactured. There are also minor side effects that creep up due to its design.

Treadmill advantages

The advantage of treadmill is that it is easy to understand. Just everyone, irrespective of age, knows fairly well how to walk and run. Treadmills will want you to do just that at a consistent pace. They have adjustments that can help you make the workout more intense if needed. The speed of the treadmill will either make you walk or run which is the first easy way to set the pace for your session.

Added to this, you can change the inclination to give yourself more exercise. The treadmills are well cushioned to ensure that the walking or running does not cause you a lot of strain on your knees. This will make your workout sessions easy to handle and help you be consistent with the workout. Treadmills do have impact though compare to an elliptical although that is far less than running on the street because treadmills have cushioned running decks.

Elliptical trainer advantages

Elliptical trainers also come with a set of advantages. Along with the cardiovascular exercises, you can get to exercise muscle groups in all parts of the body. The elliptical machines are also easy to fit into any house. These too come with different levels to adjust so you can get many types of workouts like aerobic and if you turn the resistance very high you’ll get anaerobic exercise.

Elliptical trainers can give a good exercise to your arms. They come with movable arm handles that can exercise the biceps and triceps. For people suffering from less bone density, the load bearing exercise given by the elliptical trainers can help you develop bone mass. This makes the elliptical machine quite versatile and these can be used with people of all ages. So if you have any injuries as well you’re better off using an elliptical as it’s practically totally non impact.

Comparing the treadmill versus the elliptical

The treadmill and elliptical almost go hand in hand as far as the benefits are concerned. Treadmills have been trusted since ages. There are people who have relied heavily on these machines for their day to day workouts and have reaped maximum benefit. They have stood the tests of time. Treadmills have been known for their quality too since they give very less problems to face.

Ellipticals on the other hand are relatively new. People who are exploring them vouch for the benefits they provide. In fact, for people with physical injuries or issues, elliptical machines can be a better option since they give a more flexible, less strenuous workout. On the upfront, it is tough to say that one is surely better than the other, but when it comes to well tested quality and results, treadmills have an upper hand in the debate.

Most often, we find the elderly are far more active and much healthier when compared to their children or grandchildren. This could be due to the active lifestyles that most of them lead. There are many senior citizens who have been working out for years and tend to remain in good shape dueto that. Hence it is important that they have a workout regime that helps them stay fit. Although there are some age-related problems that cannot be avoided, there are certain types of exercise equipment that are safe and will help prevent injuries in the elderly citizens. But the right equipment can only be chosen based on the fitness levels of the individual.

Recumbent exercise bikes Vs upright bikes

While investing in exercise equipment for seniors one must take a lot of things into consideration as there may be potential dangers while using certain types of equipment. The person’s physical and mental state must be taken into consideration before purchasing the equipment. The recumbent bikes are an excellent option for the elderly as they are very comfortable. A 30-minute workout (of moderate intensity) performed five days a week will be very beneficial for the senior citizens. Recumbent bikes are an excellent choice for the elderly as they offer back support.

Upright bikes are very uncomfortable and it can put a lot of strain on the back as well as the knee joints. Hence it is certainly not advisable for senior citizens. However as for people exercising who don’t want any impact work then the stationary exercise bike is one of the best there is to offer. A recumbent exercise bike is even better because you are exercising at a relaxed sit down position and for this reason they are popular with a lot of gym and health club goers.

Strength training equipment for upper back

Before undertaking an exercise regimen seniors must consult with the physician or trainer who can offer proper guidance based on the individual fitness levels. Due to the weakened back muscles senior citizens tend to have a hunched back. These muscles can be strengthened with the help of the seated row as well as the lat pull-down machine.

This exercise is performed from a seated position. Here, the bar would be pulled down from a seated position. Shoulder injuries can be avoided by pulling the bar down from the front of the body. The resistance is pulled towards the body while performing the row exercises. The shoulder blades get squeezed while the elbows bend while doing this exercise.

Choosing the equipment with care

A lot of things must be taken into consideration while choosing exercise equipment for the elderly. The equipment must be chosen with a great deal of care. You must check the comfort levels with the usage of the equipment, personal choices, strength, balance, age, vision etc. You must consider what exercise kind if what you can do if you are an elderly person. A consultation with a physician may be something that would be in order.

The equipment should preferably be used in an area where they can be supervised. It is important to have someone who can administer first aid, AED, or CPR in case of an emergency. To have someone “spot” you for the first few exercise sessions is not a bad idea. Someone to keep an eye on you as you cycle or lift weights is something you may want someone to do and it certainly does help you keep sociable as you get older

Types of equipment

There is equipment where the elderly can do weight-bearing exercises without having to change or carry weights. All this is done with the use of hydraulic technology and the user only has to the turn the knob to adjust weights.There is the balance gym which has even won an award from the International Council on Aging Innovation. This is a platform where the seniors use the resistance bands to practice strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic exercises.

Most of these exercise equipment are designed in such a way so as to facilitate getting in and out of them with ease and with the use of knobs that can be manipulated easily. The display text is also easy to read and understand. Aging is a natural process and that should not come in the way of exercising or maintaining fitness. There is a lot of equipment that is specially designed for seniors and this is a great way to stay fit.

Exercise bikes benefit the body as a whole and not just the legs alone. These are excellent for cardio workout and helps in promoting cardiovascular health. Stationary bikes provide low-intensity workouts and are very advantageous as they are safe and effective when compared to the rest of the gym equipment.

Safe and causes no injury

The stationary bikes are absolutely safe and can even be used by those who are not really keeping in very good health. Even senior citizens can use these bikes if they are fit enough to get in and out of them. Otherwise the recumbent bikes are another option. These bikes not only help in toning the legs but they also help in keeping the joints healthy. These cause lesser impact on the joints as there is no weight bearing involved.

Many people tend to suffer injuries during workouts with other gym equipment. Whereas, the stationary bikes are relatively safe and have known to be the best option especially for those who have suffered hip or leg injuries. The reason is that there is minimal impact on a bike compared to a treadmill. There are no shocks being sent up the legs from the impact of landing on the treadmill belt. With a bike you are simply turning a wheel with your legs.

Works on various muscles

The stationary bikes work on various muscle groups including the core muscle groups. These bikes can either come as the upright bikes or the recumbent bikes where you are seated in a reclined position. Either way they work on the muscles and help in toning and strengthening the muscles in the legs. There are differences in the way an upright bike exercises the legs compared to a recumbent bike. If you’re exercising just to get fit and healthy then the difference is not important and your choice should not be swayed in this way when considering which one to buy.

When you bend your knees there is knee flexion and extension and there is dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. To put it simply, you are working on your hips, knees, and ankles throughout the workout session. Hence all the muscles are thoroughly worked out including the quadriceps, gluteus muscles, calves, hamstrings, abductors, adductors, as well as the anterior tibialis. Hence the entire leg muscles get toned and strengthened adequately.

Adjusting resistance

While riding an exercise bike with minimum resistance the leg muscles do get worked but not to the maximum level. Hence it is necessary that you make adjustments with resistance from time to time. If you increase the resistance, you will be able to achieve your goals much faster and the results will be visible much quicker. The resistance will get easier after a few weeks of riding. It is then you need to change the resistance or ride for a longer period of time.

When you use an upright bike you can make the resistance really intense as you would be standing up and pedaling. This will simulate the hilly conditions or a conventional road bike. All these small additions will help in toning the leg muscles and you will have leaner legs. Since muscles burn up more calories, for every pound of added muscle you can burn more than 30 calories everyday.

Fat burning and interval training

Other than working on the leg muscles, you must remember that it also has cardiovascular benefits and when you do the cardio workouts the heart rate gets elevated and this leads to significant burning of calories. When the calories are burnt, the fat in the legs are automatically reduced and this will result in lean muscles and better toned legs. However, one must remember that exercise bikes are not merely for toning the leg muscles but for overall fitness as well.

Interval training involves periods of intense exercise and periods of rest in between. This is a much more efficient way to lose weight and gain muscle at a rapid pace. This is increasingly and effectively used in weight loss programs. In fact, with interval training you can lose double the weight at literally half the time. As you end up burning a great number of calories at a much steady pace, it will also help in toning your legs much faster. You can either vary the pace while you are pedaling or you may increase the resistance and alternate between heavy and light resistance.

Among the most popular upgrades in homes today are media rooms and gyms, or exercise rooms. Picking out the right furniture and the optimal place to mount your flat panel TV are a topic for another web site. Equipping your home gym or exercise room to maximize its potential is our area of expertise.

Location

When planning a home gym, location plays an important role. First of all, space is always a consideration. You need room to move around when you’re working out and if you choose to install fitness equipment, each of those machines will require floor space as well. Tripping over equipment, banging into walls and not having room to stretch does not make for an ideal environment and if it’s cramped, chances are it won’t get used. And while we tend to think of available floor space, ceiling height is also a consideration for equipment that will be used while standing up (such as a treadmill). Be aware of this if the room has drop ceilings or bulkheads.

It’s also important to think about floor strength. Many people choose to locate their home gym in the basement because a concrete floor doesn’t flex during physical activity and there’s no worry about load stress with heavy equipment and weights. If this isn’t an option, less jarring equipment or pieces that spread their weight over a large area like a recumbent exercise bike are a good choice. Floors can always be re-enforced, as they often are when whirlpool tubs or washing machines are installed.

Other factors to consider include: ventilation (we all sweat when we exercise and ventilation means moisture and odor don’t become issues while also providing fresh air), flooring type (carpet provides cushioning while hard wood or tile may be damaged by weights), storage (for keeping unused equipment out of sight) and privacy (you may not want to be working out in the same room where your kids and their friends are playing video games). Even location of electrical outlets is something to be aware of, especially if you plan to use powered exercise equipment.

Equipment

Picking out the fitness equipment for your new home gym can be very exciting. It can also be a little overwhelming: do you want an exercise bike, a treadmill, an elliptical trainer or a home gym unit for weight training? Do you want all of these? What works best for most people is to take the time to plan in advance instead of making spur of the moment decisions. You want your home fitness center to be a room that you make use of, that you enjoy and that you receive the maximum benefit from. You don’t want it to be overcrowded or to be equipped with machines that you won’t use.

It’s a good idea to start with the room. Once you know exactly how much space you have to work with, and any limitations you have to work around, then you have a starting point. Next, look at the type of exercise and activity you expect to do and look at fitness equipment that accomplishes this goal while fitting within your space. For example, if you enjoy riding a bike and you’d like to focus on cardiovascular exercise, a recumbent exercise bike might be something you’d consider; however, if your space is tight, then you might find an upright exercise bike fits your needs in a more compact package.

A popular option is to combine cardio exercise (through a bike, elliptical trainer or a treadmill) along with a weight training home gym unit. This way you gain the benefit of having both cardio and weight training options for a more complete workout, and there are two training stations so you and a partner can work out together.

Budget

Cost will almost always be a consideration as well. Most of us can’t afford to completely recreate a professional gym inside our home -mind you most of us don’t have the square footage needed for all those machines either. But through smart choices, you can equip your home fitness center so that it is capable of delivering a complete workout, in an enjoyable environment, with quality equipment that will last for years of activity.

Treadmills aren’t just a fixture in your local gym, they continue to be a very popular option for those who like to keep fit at home. The attraction is understandable. A treadmill allows you to enjoy a brisk walk or jog whenever you feel like it, without having to brave the elements or worry about dressing for the weather. You can listen to music, read a book or even watch TV while you’re exercising. However, before you take the plunge and buy a treadmill for your home, there are a number of factors that you should to take into consideration.

Space

There’s no avoiding the fact that treadmills are large pieces of equipment. They have to be solidly constructed to take the physical pounding of a running body, they require a heavy electrical motor that puts out several horsepower, they have a frame to hold onto and every treadmill has a running deck that can be up to five feet long. To put this in perspective, a treadmill often weighs over 200 pounds and may be over six feet in length altogether. In addition, a person running on a treadmill is elevated and bouncing slightly, so ceiling height needs to be taken into consideration as well.

Some manufacturers offer compact models with shorter running decks and many treadmills can be folded when not in use, but it’s important to be aware of space when shopping for a treadmill. In particular, make sure there is sufficient floorspace, that the floor is capable of supporting the machine’s weight and that there sufficient head space (usually not an issue unless drop ceilings are used).

Horsepower

Treadmills are available with a wide range of motors and the one you choose is largely a function of who will be using the machine. Most treadmill motors are in the two to three horsepower range and that power rating has a relationship to how much weight the treadmill is capable of handling. For example, 2.0 HP motor might be rated to handle a 250lb person, while a heavier duty 3.0 HP motor might support a 350lb person. Generally speaking, commercial grade treadmills tend to have more powerful motors, while more compact or less expensive models intended for casual use have lighter duty versions.

Features

Twenty years ago, a treadmill was a relatively straightforward piece of exercise equipment, but today’s models incorporate a wide range of features. Depending on your needs and budget, you can find treadmill models offering extras such as:
• power running deck incline
• programmable workouts
• iFit compatibility
• iPod input (and speakers/soundsystem)
• LCD display
• built in LCD TV
• heart rate monitor
• workout fan
• water bottle holder

Cushioning

Given that you will be walking or running on your treadmill for extended periods of time, cushioning of the running deck is something to be aware of. Just as there are differences between running on concrete and running on a track, different treadmills have different degrees of deck cushioning. The cheapest models have little or no cushioning, while more advanced treadmills incorporate shock absorbing cushioning material that helps to reduce the likelihood of injury.

Warranty

When you buy a treadmill, the last thing you want to worry about is replacing it after six months. After all, it’s not cheap and lugging it back up the stairs is not going to be pleasant. So it makes sense to check out the warranty offered by different treadmill manufacturers. Pay attention to details like whether the warranty covers both parts and labor, coverage for both the frame and the motor and whether service is available in-home, or if the unit must be transported to a service depot.

In general, the longer and more comprehensive the warranty, the more confidence the manufacturer has in the quality of the unit and the greater your likelihood of having a long and trouble-free relationship. You will invariably pay more money for this type of machine because it is built to a better standard. Don’t let this put you off and buy with confidence because of the advantages we have set out.

Price

Like any purchase, price is an important consideration. While it may be tempting to buy a bargain model from a discount store, most manufacturers of quality treadmills don’t sell their products through these channels. You get what you pay for and if you want a treadmill that lasts, offers a high quality experience and comes with a warranty, don’t expect a $250 model to deliver.

This is an excellent question. Why would you want to pay for fitness equipment if you can just step outdoors and do all the exercising you want for free? We could also extend this question and ask why anyone would pay for a gym membership if they could simply exercise in a park without paying a cent. The truth of the matter is, there are many reasons.

Exercising Outdoors Isn’t Always Free

Let’s get this out of the way upfront. Contrary to popular belief, there are often costs involved with so-called “free” outdoor activities. For example, if you like biking, even a moderately priced bicycle can set you back $500. That’s not exactly free. Hiking involves specialized boots, a backpack and other equipment and may also require admission charges to a park. Softball? You pay for a baseball glove, a uniform and participation fees. Sure, there are activities you can do that don’t cost anything, but it’s not universally free. When we participate in outdoor activities, many of us end up spending money.

Safety

When you exercise in your own home, using your own fitness equipment, you are safer. There are no worries about going out jogging alone after dark. There is no traffic to contend with (not all urban land is parks after all), no dogs to avoid, no ice to slip on and being indoors offers protection from health hazards like smog, air pollution, pollen and sun exposure.

Weather

One of the nicest things about home fitness is that you don’t have to worry about the weather. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing outside when you’re exercising in the shelter of your house. There’s no mud to wreck your shoes or worries about cars splashing you when they drive by. You control the temperature, so when its 100 degrees outside, there’s no excuse to skip your workout. And if you miss a nice spring breeze when you’re jogging, just pop open a window while you’re on your treadmill.

Privacy

One of the problems with exercising outdoors is that you are sharing your routine with every person in sight. Some people couldn’t care less, but others are a little self conscious, especially when wearing form fitting athletic gear and sweating profusely. This can be an issue with gyms as well. When you can work out in your own home, you are able to wear what you like and you don’t have to worry about people judging you, recognizing you or snapping your photo. You have complete privacy.

Convenience

For many people, getting ready to venture outdoors -whether to go jogging in the park, or to drive to their gym takes time. They want to make themselves presentable, then they have to gather any equipment they need, then they have to actually get to their destination. Given how little time we have and how small our windows of opportunity for exercise may be, all too often people decide to skip their routine because there isn’t enough time. When your home is equipped with fitness equipment, you can take advantage of it any time you have a few free minutes through the day. When you have easy access to fitness equipment, you’re far more likely to exercise.

Extras/Comfort

No matter how you might try to glamorize it, exercising outdoors can be uncomfortable. Being able to work out indoors, in the comfort of your own home, is so much more pleasant. Have you ever had to use the bathroom when jogging? There’s no frantic urgency when you’re a few steps away from your own washroom. There are no mosquitoes, gnats or flies buzzing you.

Cold drinks are available any time you need them. Many of the fitness equipment units today offer iPod input with a sound system, which certainly beats running with ear bud cables bouncing around. Many people choose to locate their recumbent bike or treadmill near a TV so they can catch up on their favorite shows or movies while exercising. When you equip your home with fitness equipment, you can work out in comfort, in an environment that’s been customized to meet your personal preferences.

Some people have questions about certain equipment’s used in the gym. Thanks to the Internet, there are many self-proclaimed pundits propagating the wrong information about such exercising equipment. This is probably the reason why people seem to have constant doubts about the exercising bike as well, with some people thinking that it is bad for the knee, while others thinking otherwise. The good news here is that this is actually quite good for your knee.

Smooth, Uniform Motion

The unique aspect about an exercising bike is that the movements tend to be constant and uniform. Hence, when you do make use of it, you are not doing something that is drastically different and on the contrary, you can actually get back in shape and have a uniform workout. The knee does not have the body weight, which means it is not in stress. Although you are using the knee joint you aren’t putting any weight on it.

The uniform motion also helps ensure that the knee is exercised in the right manner and is kept in good condition. In fact, you might notice that the exercise bike is used for rehabilitation exercises following a knee injury. It helps in knee joint stability and muscle strength, both of which are needed following an injury. It’s the best of the cardiovascular exercises for strengthening the knee.

Least Stressful Workout

When you make use of an exercising bike, you are not putting any pressure on your knee. Compared to other machines like the elliptical or even the recumbent exercise bike, the total pressure and weight on the knee in this exercising machine is extremely low. Hence, this makes for a truly worthwhile option while you are in the gym. The pressure on the knee isn’t zero so some caution needs to be advised if you have a knee injury.

Additionally, the exercise bike also tones your body and muscles, which means that you can be assured of a really good workout without having to injure yourself in the process. This is also a kind of routine for some people as the bike is revered for being a great warm up machine and can help in boosting blood circulation to the muscles almost instantly. Blood circulation to an area helps strengthen it because it means you’re working out the muscles around it.

Change in Resistance

In the rare event that you should experience some injury or stress on your knee, the exercising bikes today come with settings that allow you to change the resistance and ensure that you don’t have to continue injuring your knee. Depending on what it is that you are aiming for, you might be able to easily change the resistance and get your knee to feel more comfortable. There is usually a big variety of resistance in exercise bikes.

It is advised to tweak around these settings to be sure that you are getting an effective workout. Having it at a very low value will translate to a poor workout session. Effectively, you will not be able to burn as many calories as you might have wanted to. On the other extreme, trying to burn more fat at the cost of your knee is also not recommended, as this can have serious repercussions. Therefore a balance is advised.

Word of Caution

Although exercising bikes will not cause knee injury inherently, it is still possible to injure your knee if you don’t know how to make use of it. Hence, in order to avoid such untoward problems, it is recommended that you refer the owner’s manual and ensure that you are using the machine in the right manner. Only if you use the machine correctly can you be sure that you are not going to get any kind of injury.

Being safe while using your exercising machine is therefore, highly recommended. This is perhaps the only way of ensuring that you are not going to be injured while working out. A little caution can really go a long way and can ensure that you are not going to regret using the exercising bike later on. Overall you’ll find working out on an exercise bike a very effective way of strengthening the knee.

If you have ever been inside a gym, you would have definitely seen a recumbent exercise bike. Although a lot of people make use of these, not everyone is able to burn fat quite as fast with these machines. However, the fact remains that this kind of exercise will actually help you burn more amounts of fat. Here are some facts that can help you understand this well.

Comfortable to Use

The first reason as to why a recumbent exercise bike helps burn more fat is because it is more comfortable to use. The seats are larger, which means there is more room for a person to sit and adjust their posture. The pedals are optimally placed, which means that you can easily adjust it according to your height. Your legs stretch out and you are in a sitting down position which is a very comfortable position to be in.

There is also a back rest, which immediately translates to a more comfortable position. Unlike a traditional exercise bike, there is no stress on your back, which means that you are not going to have to get up only after riding it for a few minutes. Thanks to an ergonomic position, you should be able to concentrate on your workout and not be as worried about body pains. A recumbent exercise bike is one of the few cardiovascular exercises where you are sitting down.

Ideal for People with Delicate Bodies

If you constantly have neck aches and other kinds of body pain after a gym session, you ought to change how you are burning calories. Although these kinds of pains are common when you just start working out in the gym, they are not supposed to continue even after you have been working out regularly. A recumbent exercise back can change all of that. You’ll be burning fat fast with a recumbent exercise bike because it’s so easy to ride you won’t realize how much work you’re doing

In this bike, you should be able to easily work out as you please and not have to be concerned about getting body aches. Hence, you will be able to easily focus on the workout and not have fear of getting body aches due to this kind of exercise bike. Many people out there are constantly worried about exercising because they don’t want to end up injuring their body in their quest to burn more fat and calories. This can happen on a treadmill which is a very vigorous exercise.

Optimal Weight Distribution

The position of a recumbent exercise bike is such that your weight is not completely transferred to your hands and wrists. The weight distribution is skewed in upright bikes. Your back has no support, and the overall position is quite crouched and uncomfortable. Even if you don’t have any body aches, this kind of position might end up with you developing some kind of pain.

Hence, the solution in this case would be to go in for a recumbent exercise bike, where the weight is transferred more towards the lower part of your body while only a little amount is put to the upper part. This represents a more complete workout position, with benefits that can help you exercise better and burn more calories. Burning more calories means burning more fat as the body burns fat first when finding the energy to recover from your workout.

Other Benefits

The bucket seat of a recumbent exercise bike allows the user to be seated much more comfortably. Larger users are bound to appreciate this. The abdomen area is also flat when using this kind of exercise bike, which allows the lungs to better expand and makes you feel more energetic. This translates to a longer workout session with more number of calories expelled per hour compared to an upright bike.

Therefore, it is safe to say that when you do go in for a recumbent exercise bike, you will be getting some really good benefits that could help you burn more calories and make you feel significantly more active and energetic. Use it correctly and this becomes a powerful tool to burn fat while in the gym. It will be a trusted way of working out for you because it’s so easy and you can read and do other things while working out.

Elliptical trainers are becoming quite popular compared to the conventional treadmills for 2 distinct reasons. Firstly, elliptical trainers are low impact exercisers. The smooth motion of the trainer ensures that there isn’t any form of pressure or shock on the joints of the body. This makes the trainer ideal for those worried about joint pains after a run on the treadmill, which is a high impact exerciser. The second reason is that elliptical trainer helps you train muscles of upper part of the body as well as the lower part. This versatility makes it even more useful.

Buttocks and Thighs

The elliptical trainer helps you target the muscles of the lower body very effectively. For example, you can go with a greater incline and exercise your gluteus maximus. This provides a butt firming effect and is a very good exercise for the buttocks. You can engage the glutes whenever the legs are straightened in the reverse direction too. This firm bottom is something wanted by women everywhere and is something very achievable with an elliptical.

The quadriceps or the front of the thighs and the hamstrings or the back of the thighs can both be exercised on the elliptical trainer. Although not very noticeable initially, you will start feeling the heat with an intensive workout. In fact, by increasing the incline you could work the hamstrings even harder. There is more emphasis on the hamstrings also when you are going reverse with the elliptical trainer. Simulating conditions like climbing up the hill will prove really effective too. Maximum pressure is applied when your shoulders are parallel to the machine.

The Lower Part of the Legs

Not only does the elliptical trainer provide workout for the thighs, but it also helps you to exercise your gastrocnemius referred to as calves. A good way of doing it is by putting more pressure on the calves through front and backward movement even as you hold on to the handlebars very firmly. These are an important muscle to workout and exercising normally on an elliptical will workout these muscles naturally to some degree.

You can also workout, emphasizing on the lower shin comprising of the tibialis anterior. Overall, the elliptical trainer comes with many different settings and programs targeting specific calf muscles and leg muscles. Beneath the calf muscles is the soleus, which is also targeted by some of these programs. Same with the calves doing a normal workout will exercise the shins too. These form an important part of the overall strength and health of your leg muscles.

Back and Abdomen

Many people focus too much on the visible muscles like biceps and triceps, which add to your good looks. However, strength of the back is very important, especially for those who work out regularly. The elliptical trainer helps you enhance your core strength by working out the muscles of the back and abdomen. For the muscles of the back, you can use the arm bars, focusing on twisting and thereby putting emphasis on the longer back muscles, which are known as the erector spinae complex.

The elliptical trainer is also good for the oblique muscles, which are present along the sides of the abdomen. As part of this exercise, the oblique muscles contract even as the hips are alternating in either direction as you pedal on the trainer. These give the oblique muscles that attractive look in men combined with the six pack and in women they help combat the overall size of the waist.

Upper Part of the Body

Using an elliptical trainer, you can also work out the upper part of your body including muscles like the pectoralis major of the chest, the triceps, biceps and deep core muscles. The chest muscles and triceps work together in pushing the handle of the trainer even as you are pedaling. Similarly, the biceps are exercised along with the back muscles as you pull the handles towards your body.

The elliptical trainer is an effective piece of equipment using which you can target muscles all across your body. Given that muscle workout helps in burning calories quickly, the trainer helps you lose weight fast without really putting your joints or heels under pressure as in case of a treadmill. This is the overall advantage of the elliptical trainer. It will burn calories as well as toning both the upper and lower body.

An elliptical is a great machine when it comes to burning away calories. However, if you are not careful when you are making sue of these machines, you might end up severely injuring yourself. Hence, avoiding such kinds of injuries is recommended if you want an effective workout. Here are the different kinds of knee injury that could arise from an elliptical.

Acute Knee Injuries

One of the most common forms of knee injuries that you might want to be familiar while riding on an elliptical about are the acute injuries of the knee. This kind of knee injury is usually when there is a torn ACL or even a torn cartilage. The good news is that this kind of injury cannot be caused when you use the elliptical in the right manner. Using an elliptical correctly mean injuries of the knee are rare.

However, if you are not careful, there are good chances that you are going to have this kind of injury to deal with. Needless to say, improper use can cause severe damage to your knee, and if you continue using it in the wrong manner, you will not be able to recover from these injuries. Hence, your knee can end up giving you quite a lot of trouble and might even be reason enough to avoid the elliptical.

Stress Injuries

Your body is designed to withstand a certain amount of pain. When you cross this threshold, it will send distress signals for you to either slow down or discontinue whatever it is that you are doing. Neglecting these signs can cause injuries that are really difficult to heal or get back in order. So if you feel any twinge whatsoever stop the exercise and even see a physician if you feel there may have been an injury occurring.

When you put your elliptical to use for more hours than intended, your knee will show signs of overuse. These will lead to overuse injuries if not addressed to in the right way. Hence, when you are using your elliptical, it is strongly advised that you be a little careful about these injuries so that you don’t have to deal with them later on. Always exercise moderately, this is good whether you’re concerned about knee overuse injuries or not.

Fixed Foot Injuries

An elliptical machine expects the user to be flexible and not have a fixed foot. Consequently, having the foot locked into the same position might be something that needs to be avoided. You should get this taken care of and ensure that you are able to move freely when on the machine. Proper reference to the documentation can help avoid this kind of problem. Your foot needs to sit on the pedal in a natural way, the way it rests at your side when you stand.

By keeping a fixed foot, there is added pressure on the knee when using the elliptical machine. As you might have figured, this is not a good thing and can end up causing many problems in the end. Hence, your body might mimic overuse injuries when actually this might be the culprit that you ought to watch out for. Fortunately this is not a problem you should encounter very frequently because the pedals are positioned in a close manner which helps prevent this kind of injury.

Other Injuries

There are other injuries as well that you might want to watch out for if you don’t want to end up injuring yourself while on the treadmill. These injuries include incorrect leg movements, sprains, and strains on specific points as well as premature osteoarthritis. Again, all of these are only possible if you are not taking care and exposing your knee to a lot of stress. With a little care, they are easily avoidable and you can be rest assured that you don’t have worry about this.

Although the list might sound scary, you should know that the elliptical is one of the safest and most efficient machines in the gym. Hence, using them for a workout is not really such a big thing and you should keep in mind that you wouldn’t have to be as worried if you properly use these machines. Ellipticals create a very natural motion when you ride them so as long as you’re not standing awkwardly when you ride you should be ok.

Treadmills have a varied number of benefits. You wouldn’t have to venture out into the pollution or traffic for a good session of jogging or running, in the morning or evening. These days, treadmills come with many different features, including a wide array of inclination settings, speed settings and other options. However, in the midst of all these parameters, a lot of users tend to miss out on an important setting which is the maximum user weight that the treadmill can support. Most treadmills are marked for the regular weight limit of 225 to 350lbs. However, there are other higher end treadmills in the market as well.

Importance of the User Weight Limit

As it suggests, it is the maximum weight that the treadmill can handle. In other words, this weight limit suggests which individual can use the treadmill for jogging or running on it and which one cannot. This weight limit is important, although generally ignored. If someone heavier than the weight limit tries running on the treadmill, the belt may not function as smoothly as it is expected to. This could also put excessive pressure on the motor and one might end up damaging expensive inner parts of the treadmill.

One can find the user weight limit of a treadmill inside its user manuals. If it is being used in an apartment complex or in a gym, it is best to put up a notice to prevent those weighing more than the limits, from using it. Even when you are doing a normal research before buying the equipment, you can find the information on the website. The weight is mentioned sometimes in pounds, and sometimes in kilograms, so you might have to be careful about that as well.

Common Recommendations

It is generally advisable to buy a treadmill that can handle a few kilos more than your actual weight. In terms of pounds, a buffer of 50 – 75 pounds is very handy. You would want to keep the motor and belt in good shape as much as possible and hence to reduce the drag, you should go for a sizeable buffer. This is common sense as a treadmill that can more easily handle your weight is one that’s likely to last longer.

Another important reason why you should care for the buffer is because if the belt snaps or slows down in the middle of your exercise, you could trip and fall. Tripping from a speeding belt could be dangerous and you could injure yourself. Moreover, warranty for a treadmill is nullified when you disregard the weight limit. Hence, it is advisable to avoid taking risks with the weight limit.

Treadmill Brands and Differences

The user weight capacity for a treadmill varies from one brand to another and within brands too. For example, brands like NordicTrack have a whole spectrum of user weight limits. Similarly, there are those brands that come up with their own high-end specifications to support a weight limit of over 425 to 500 lbs. On the lower end, there are treadmills, which are designed for weights as low as 200lbs.

The weight limit of a treadmill depends greatly on its construction. Some treadmills are made of steel frames while others are made of aluminum. The deck also needs to be thicker for a high-end treadmill. One thing to look out for when you want a sturdy treadmill is that weight of the treadmill itself. One with a steel frame and heavy duty components is one that’s likely to be able to handle a user with a large weight.

Where to Look for It?

The user weight specification is mentioned under important precautions column in some cases to indicate that one must stick to it at all times. You can always find out from your sales person or the website what the limit is. The maximum you’ll find is around 400 to 425 lbs. This is for a professional treadmill and one that will cost you. If you want a treadmill that will take a large user weight you will likely have to pay for it. This will make a good investment in your health though and is worth making.

Given that the impact on the belt is about 2.5 times the weight of the individual, it is imperative that one looks at the weight limit before deciding to take the equipment home. The weight limit is as important a consideration as cost and space, because you might end up injuring yourself or losing your warranty. the treadmill will also last longer if it can easily take your weight. You’re better to go for too high than otherwise. Which ever you go for we wish you the best of luck and choosing a treadmill to workout with when your a large person is a very good idea.

Heart rate control programs are an important aspect of treadmills these days with a lot of people suffering from heart related health issues seeking exercise. Heart rate control programs add that additional value to a treadmill when you are confused about the brand you should bring home or the value for money that you are getting on each of the different brands.

The Heart Rate Zones

There are several different zones where you can work out on your treadmill. For example, the healthy heart zone is about 60% of your maximum heart rate. This is what can be dubbed as comfortable and is equivalent to quick walking. Similarly, the temperate zone, which is about 70% of the maximum heart rate, is when you indulge in slow jogging. This is an ideal heart rate zone to burn calories because you can train at this level for a good period so you’ll lose weight.

The redline zone and anaerobic threshold zone are when you are quite close to the maximum heart rate. In these zones, you are actually running full out. One has to be very cautious because such a run or sprint could lead to injuries if your body cannot sustain it. Moreover, slipping on the treadmill too could be disastrous when you are at such a speed. However if you can maintain running at this level you will build tone and muscle in your legs and buttocks to give you a wonderful shape.

The Equipment

The handgrip and wireless are two distinct and individual features that come with heart rate control programs in treadmills. As the name suggests, in case of handgrip, you need to hold on to the handgrip or stationary handlebars. However, it could prove to be particularly difficult when you are on a full out run as it affects your speed and the balance of the body. Holding onto hand grip heart rate sensors is difficult and uncomfortable while you’re running.

The wireless heart rate control program allows you greater freedom when it comes to running, walking or jogging with a heart rate control program. You have a strap wound around your chest and this transmits the rate of heartbeat to the console. The console then monitors your heart rate and coordinates it with the cardio exercise intensity to ensure that the heart rate overall stays within a particular zone.

Targeted and Interval Training

When you are training, keeping your heart rate in perspective, you need to look at two different mechanisms. Some treadmills offer targeted training in which your exercise intensity is such that your heart rate remains within a particular range at all times. This is ideal for the beginner and is a very effective way of working out as you keep your heart rate beating at the optimum level.

Sometimes, you might want to work out through interval training mechanism where you put your body through alternate cycles of highly intensive exercise and light exercise. Sprinting full out alternating with walking is a good example. Some treadmills can use heart rate control program to help you practice interval training as well. Targeted and interval training, both have their own sets of benefits and what you choose should depend on the goals you have for your training.

What Treadmills can you consider?

There are several different varieties of heart rate control programs offered by different treadmill brands. Some of the best ones in the market include NordicTrack with two popular models, A2550 Pro and A2750 Pro. Sole Fitness with Sole F80 and Sole E95, Smooth Fitness with Smooth 9.65LC and Bowflex are some of the other brands that you can look at. In the Nordic Track 9500 Elite, for example, you get 4-heart rate control programs along with an extra wireless chest strap. Sole F80 has 2 heart rate programs too.

Heart rate control programs are a good way of exercising especially for those who are constantly worried about their endurance levels and how much their heart can take. Going for a full out sprint or intensive training isn’t really recommended for some. In such cases, the heart rate control programs monitor the heart rate and constantly keep the individual within the safe limits.

Being fit is pretty much on everyone’s mind. However, it can be challenging to be fit if you don’t know the right equipment needed to achieve it. For busy individuals with very little time on their hands, fitness revolves around their home. Hence, investing in the right treadmill becomes imperative in this case. Listed below are some high quality treadmills that will deliver without compromise.

Yowza Brand Treadmills

If you haven’t heard of this brand, you don’t have to be alarmed about it. This is a relatively new brand in terms of fitness, although the individuals that are behind the company have nearly five decades of experience to offer. Their attention to detail and expertise can be viewed in the products that they have to offer. They each have a very long warranty that’s one of the best in the industry so you can see that Yowza are confident about their products.

Yowza includes treadmills like the Keewadin, Biscayne, Simyrna, Juno, and the Siesta. Each model comes standard with a comfortable size running surface as well as clear and easy to read digital displays. The inbuilt workout programs are each programmed for different requirements, varying from weight loss to muscle toning. Motor power is sufficient enough for high speed running, and all machines come with very good warranty to boot which extends to 2 years of in home labor which is something you don’t often see.

Livestrong Brand Treadmills

If you have heard of Lance Armstrong, you would have heard about Livestrong. This is the same foundation that he actively supports and promotes. Now, there is a fitness company that sells products with a huge percentage of profits going to this very foundation. If that doesn’t give you reason enough to support the foundation, maybe you would like to check out some of the treadmill models they have to offer.

The three main options available with this brand include the LS8.0T, LS10.0T, and the LS13.0T models. Each model has been meticulously designed to meet the standards of Lance Armstrong and does not disappoint. You can be rest assured that you will like every aspect of the treadmill, right from the high-speed range to even the wide running surface and the strong motor. These also come with a good warranty and are made by a reputable manufacturer.

ProForm Brand Treadmills

Ask any professional athlete or fitness expert about ProForm and they are bound to say good things about this brand. This company has been around for years together and has consistently provided high quality equipment at very good prices. They have a very wide range to choose from, whether you are a health freak or simply want to be fit. Their range covers a range of prices so whatever your price range ProForm can provide a good treadmill for your home.

Some of the popular treadmill options here include the 590T, XT 70, Performance 400 & 600, as well as the Power 1080. Each model is designed for different requirements and targets a different kind of fitness regime. Although the warranty is more or less the same for different models, the exact specification of the treadmill varies buy horsepower and size of the running surface.

Other Brands

There are many other brands as well that you can select from which includes Smooth Fitness, Sole Fitness, Nordic Track, and BowFlex. Each company has some very good models to pick from, and depending on what you prioritize, you should be able to find it with these brands. These models come with different levels of options, and most even come with free home delivery. You could read the individual reviews in order to pick out the best choice here.

Ultimately, if your goal is to be fit, you have many options to pick out from in the market now. Hence, you should go through these until you are able to find the right one for your home. Remember that fitness begins in your mind and deciding to invest in a treadmill should perhaps be the first way in which you can start being fit and eventually get to the weight that you have been aiming for.

Being obese shouldn’t make it harder for you to get back in shape. The fact that you need to make up your mind to work out is hard enough. Hence, difficulty in picking out the right machine should not be present. In this manner, you can be sure that you wouldn’t have to simply struggle and manage with machines that are not quite as comfortable. Listed below are some popular elliptical machines for obese individuals.

Yowza Fitness Captiva

A popular model that has been opted by many off late is the Yowza Fitness Captiva. This is a really good machine for the obese, as the maximum user supported on it is a whopping 400 lbs. It has multiple programs to suit any kind of workout regime. The pedals are nice and broad, designed to take in a certain degree of stress if needed. It’s a sturdy machine that’s ideal for bigger users plus it has a along warranty should anything happen to the machine

This elliptical is also designed to focus your workout on your core muscles thanks to a unique handlebar. The fan included in the machine helps keep your body temperature under control and keeps you constantly hydrated. The machine also comes equipped with a polar heart rate control. It also won the award of the Best New Elliptical for the year 2010, making it a clear winner.

Click here for the Yowza Fitness Captiva

Sole E25

If you cannot afford the high price tag of the Yowza, you could perhaps go in for a Sole E25. This is a very good model, which also has a user weight of up to 325 lbs, which should cover a significant number of obese individuals. There are 6 preset programs in this model coupled with a decent sized LCD screen to read vital information.

Additionally, the model also has a 20 inch full stride, which means that individuals with big build should be able to move about comfortably. The dual wheel rollers in the machine give the machine a smooth glide, making it very easy for people to work out for extended hours on the machine. Extended hours is what you need if your plan is weight loss as working out for a long period of time is the best way to burn calories.

Click here for the Sole E25

Yowza Navarre

For those who need it, this elliptical supports a user weight of up to 400 lbs. It comes equipped with a big blue backlit LCD screen that makes it easy to read information in a glance. There are 12 workout programs included in the machine, each designed to cater a different kind of workout. You should find the machine extremely comfortable owing to the large stride range.

The Navarre is very rugged and is built to last. This is probably why it comes with a class leading warranty. Moreover, the elliptical also includes a 3 speed workout fan, which means that you can feel comfortable when working out and don’t have to work out in an uncomfortable environment.

Click here for the Yowza Navarre

Other Options

There are some other elliptical models worth taking note of which are suitable for obese individuals. These include the Sole E55, the Livestrong LS13.0E and the ProForm 1050E. Each of these models is very sturdily built with a user weight exceeding 300 lbs. You should get a very decent workout when you make use of these machines, which makes them an ideal choice to go in for. Additionally, the machines also come with very good in home warranty, which is the other thing that you would want from your elliptical machines.

Hence, you shouldn’t use your obesity as a reason to not go in for a decent elliptical. This is something to take note of, as it is possible that you are going to want to try out these different models to see which is the most useful or practical option of the lot. Eventually, you will be able to buy the optimal elliptical for your weight loss as long as you follow the guidance we’ve given you here.