Must-Know Facts About Exercise Equipment
No matter your age, physical fitness level, or goals, we all need to get moving to optimize not only our bodies, but also the function of our hearts. The trouble lays in determining just what type of “moving” you should be doing. There are hundreds of different types of cardiovascular exercise equipment out there; how do you know what works and what doesn’t?
Effective Cardio Equipment
The truth is, all cardio machines can be effective. Key word being “can.”
Whether you should be running on the treadmill or stepping on the stepper… or even rowing on the rower, will depend on not only your preferences (you must enjoy your exercise, first and foremost), but also your current fitness level, your goals, and whether or not you have any injuries that you may not want to aggravate.
Let’s go over each piece of equipment individually, discussing its specifications, and giving you some useful tips should you decide to use that specific cardio machine.
Treadmills
This is one of the most basic pieces of equipment that will be present in every gym. Every treadmill should have various options for increasing intensity, such as speed variations and incline options. Many treadmills also have heart rate monitors, and some newer ones even have built-in TVs to ward off any boredom.
Useful Tip
Treadmills are wonderful for the beginner, people with knee problems, and the older population, as they’re very versatile in their intensity levels. If you are more advanced, make sure to always use the incline setting; walking on a flat treadmill will only give you a fraction of results you could be getting.
Click here for discount prices on Treadmills.
Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers are one piece of cardio equipment that’s becoming increasingly popular and just about beats out the good old treadmills as far as variety and “fun” factor are concerned.
There are hundreds of variations of elliptical trainers; most will have adjustable resistance and incline levels. Many of the newer varieties also have attached heart rate monitors. Some variations give you an upper body workout by having you hold on to moving handles.
Useful Tip
Ellipticals offer impact-free cardiovascular training that you won’t find with most other machines. If you have bad knees, an injured back, or hip issues, the elliptical will often be the only machine that won’t aggravate these conditions.
Increase your resistance gradually to challenge yourself!
Click here for discounted prices on Elliptical Trainers.
Exercise Bikes
While there are thousands of variations when it comes to stationary bikes, they can all be divided into two main categories: The upright bike that is also used for spinning, and the recumbent bike with a back rest.
Both variations include ways to increase resistance. The recumbent bike will provide back support for those who may need it, while also providing a flat, comfortable seat (whereas the other, upright bike features a standard bike seat that some don’t find comfortable).
You may also hold on to handles and perform your cardio off the seat using the upright bike, whereas with the recumbent variety, you would have to remain in your seat.
Useful Tip
If you work at a desk job, you may want to consider some other type of equipment, as sitting down through your workouts may not be the most effective thing you can do. If you have hip or knee problems, you may want to proceed with caution, as both types of bikes have been known to aggravate these conditions.
Click here for discounted Exercise Bikes.
Stairmaster
StairMaster brand makes stepper machines that are now predominantly known as “Starimasters.” This piece of equipment functions similarly to walking up steps; however your body weight will actually be pushing the steps down.
Level of difficulty is altered by changing the resistance with which the steps push back, thereby altering your speed. Due to the fact that the stairmaster incorporates the vertical plane, your workout will feel challenging even on the lowest level.
Useful Tip
Stairmasters are great for fat loss and endurance training, however, if you are a beginner, take your time working up to higher levels of difficulty. This machine is not recommended for those with knee, hip, or back injuries, as well as people with postural or muscular imbalances.
Click here for discounted Stairmasters.
Stepmill
Stairmills are, without a doubt, the most challenging piece of cardio equipment you will find. Even those who are in superior fitness condition often find it difficult to perform stepmill cardio for over a half an hour, without getting drenched in sweat and feeling extremely exhausted — even on the lowest level!
This machine features revolving steps that move with varying speeds, set by you. Climbing these steps feels a lot like walking up the stairs to your apartment — except they never end!
Useful Tip
If you are looking to strengthen your heart, drop fat, and improve your condition, this machine is fantastic for the job! Just keep in mind a few factors: If you have knee or hip joint problems, a weak heart, or are generally just an extreme beginner, you may want to begin on another machine and “work up” to this one.
Another thing of note, is the stepmill may be used in a variety of ways — you can walk up the steps sideways, walk up two steps at once, and perform a variety of kicks in between steps to challenge yourself.
Click here for discounted Stepmills.
Rowing Machines
Rowing machines are a fun way to get a great cardiovascular workout, but since there are generally not very many variations to it, you must be willing to push yourself to really move on this machine.
The newer models come with pre-programmed interval variations that you can use to really mix things up.
Useful Tip
If your lower body could use a rest (maybe you’re recovering from a knee injury… or maybe your legs are sore for a previous workout), rowing machines are a godsend! Your upper body will do the work here, but your entire body can get a great workout if you push yourself!
Click here for discounted Rowing Machines.
Hand Ergometers
This piece of cardio equipment is used by those who wish to not involve their lower bodies in their workout at all, for various reasons. If you’ve had a bad leg injury, a sprain, or a break… or even if you are wheelchair-bound, that’s still no reason to not participate in cardio activity of any kind!
Hand ergometers allow you to get an increased heart rate just as quickly as a full body workout session might, so if you push yourself, you’re bound to get a good sweat.
Useful Tip
Even if you have full use of your lower body, using a hand ergometer may be a good way to change things up and prevent “cardio boredom” from setting in!
Click here for discounted Hand Ergometers.
Best Places to Buy Cardio Equipment
While just about any sports equipment store will carry a wide range of cardio machines, it’s generally best to buy them online due to competitive pricing, and often free shipping!
The most inexpensive places to shop for cardio equipment are the following:
BigFitness.com. (For coupon codes to use on your next purchase, click here!)
