Fitness Equipment Guide

Fitness equipment has developed at a dramatic rate over the last few years. Machines that used to be found only in gymnasiums are now available and affordable for home use. But what type of machine should I buy? Is an exercise bike better than a rowing machine? Will an elliptical trainer get me fitter than a treadmill?

You may have a large budget and plenty of room to spare at home to buy all types of fitness equipment. This would be ideal as each type will improve fitness, bring variety to your workouts and all will have cardio-vascular benefits. However, for many one or maybe two machines will be more feasible.

What Type of Fitness Equipment
Is Suitable For My Requirements?

By far the most important consideration when choosing fitness equipment is am I going to stay motivated to use it? A large percentage of equipment will probably be used less and less after about one month. Do buy a machine that you know will provide you with a challenge to keep you going back to it. They do make rather expensive and bulky hangers for your clothes if not in use (although this can be an advantage for second hand buyers).

Take a look at my fitness equipment training guides and decide which program and machine is most likely to keep you training. Because if you don't use it you won't achieve your goals! See my advice for setting goals for success.

There are currently five main categories of fitness equipment available – not doubt another will be invented soon. Under each I have tips on how to use the machine to get the maximum gains.



Exercise bike
The original exercise machine and one that you probably already have experience of using.
Advantages:
requires no special skill or technique to use and will deliver cardio-vascular benefits.
Disadvantages:
can become dull if used on regular basis and has limited strength building benefits.

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Rowing Machine
Modern models get closer to an authentic boat on the water feel.
Advantages:
can be used for both aerobic and anaerobic workouts, develops many muscle groups.
Disadvantages:
requires some learning to get correct technique, some models can be noisy.

What to consider when buying a rower
Training with your rower

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Treadmill
Bring the outdoors inside and run a marathon in your home.
Advantages:
versatile, can be used for sprints or jogging, variable programs can make it more interesting.
Disadvantages:
can be noisy, takes up considerable space

What to consider when buying a treadmill
Running on your treadmill

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Elliptical trainer
Combines the benefits of a treadmill with a step machine.
Advantages:
Upper and lower body workout, weight bearing workout that puts little stress on your joints, suitable for older people.
Disadvantages:
some are not keen on the motion, otherwise few disadvantages

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Step/ striders
Combines the benefits of a treadmill with a step machine.
Advantages:
Good for lower body, excellent cardio-vascular workout.
Disadvantages:
lower end of the market machines are not particularly good, top range can be expensive, if you only have room for one machine you should probably not buy one of these.

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Recommended Suppliers

I have teamed up with BigFitness.net to bring you quality products at competitive prices. They have a staggering choice of all types of exercise machine. Check out their range of rowers, bikes, ellipticals and treadmills at BigFitness.net.

UK visitors can check out Sweatband.co.uk. For some great deals on all the latest models. click here

Of course you will need to keep an eye on what effect all this exercise is having on your body. Check out Heart Rate Monitors The Premier online store for Sports Beat products including heart rate monitors and watches.



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