fitness equipment treadmills

Fitness is on the minds of everybody today. People want to remain healthy to live longer, to enjoy most of the things that can be done only when your body is healthy. Catering to this aspect, manufacturers have flooded the market with never ending options in the field of fitness regime.
Consumers have been given a plethora of options that help them in achieving their fitness goals. This sometimes lands up the consumer in a confused state of mind in deciding, which equipment will suit him the best. The recent buzz created in the fitness equipment market calls for treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical trainers. All these machines are capable of providing instant and consistent benefit to your health. But which one is best for you? Here is your guide on these 3 basic fitness equipments.

Treadmills
They are the most widely used fitness equipments in the market. Tread machines are mostly used to increase your cardiovascular activity, to maintain an appropriate bone density and to loose weight. As per studies, while comparing it with the other two machines, it was found that it is better than the other two equipments. It was established in the study that treadmills help in burning more calories.

Besides this, it also offers you the best opportunity to tone each and every muscle of your body. A treadmill exercising session can help you burn around 50-250 calories in an hour.

The best about a treadmills structure is: they are built to absorb all the pounding that is generating while you are running or walking on the machine. Most treadmills have electronic settings that help you customize your workout programs. Treadmills are built such that they can be programmed according to individualistic needs.

Due to all these reasons, treadmills have been rated as the best training options to attain impeccable fitness.

Elliptical Trainers

They are built to offer you a unique range of fitness benefits. Elliptical trainers provide you with low-impact workout programs that are very easy on your joints and lower body. The only disadvantage that this machine carries is that it burns fewer calories as compared to a treadmill.

The in-built workout programs that elliptical trainers’ carries have such an affect on your body that you will lose weight without affecting much of your knees, hips and back. It also helps you build an appropriate bone density. The machine can be programmed with the help of its in-built electronic setup. All in all, elliptical trainers are full body exercisers that help in toning your leg, thigh muscles to giving strength to your hands. And, all this can be done without stress and pounding.

Exercise Bikes

This machine has been rightly termed as a machine with low impact yet high performance. The workout programs that it carries are of easy intensity that works affectively on the joints and the body parts. The best part about exercise bikes is that they are the most economically priced fitness equipments. And the bad part is that they have a very low calorie burning ratio. Thus if you are planning to use a bike to lose weight then you must put in some extra hard work.

Exercise bikes are the most ancient in the fitness industry. But with technological innovations, their dying numbers have consequently geared up in the market. The machine caters to the aspect of fitness by allowing the user to maintain their heart rates without putting stress on knees, feet, hips and ankles. The exercise bikes come with built-in resistance features that help you achieve your desired goals. Now a days, there are several models that offer you electronic setups.

Comparing your health needs with the above mentioned features of treadmills, elliptical trainers and exercise bikes, you can make your health equipment pick. And enjoy your workouts for a healthy life!

How To Buy The Best Treadmill

Before going into the specifics of how to choose a treadmill, you need to sit down and think about the following questions:

1. What is the reason for getting a treadmill? If you want something to do your daily walks at a pace that raises your heart rate, you can opt for a treadmill with a low maximum speed and no incline. However, if you are planning to get in shape for a vacation where you will be hiking and biking, then you should opt for something with higher maximum speed and incline functions.
2. What is your budget? There are many good models you can purchase for $2000 or less. I suggest $2000 because most people cannot afford $3000+ for a treadmill and I know you can get a good treadmill for less. There are great deals online so shop around.

Once you have decided on the reason and budget, you have to do the following before you go shopping for your treadmill.

1. Measure the floor area you have to position your treadmill.
2. If you want a treadmill that folds, measure the storage area you have for the folded treadmill.
3. Measure the weight of the heaviest person that will be using the treadmill. Each treadmill has a maximum weight limit. If you weigh between 45kg – 90kg (99lbs – 198lbs), a treadmill with 100kg (220lbs) weight limit will be sufficient.

Standard features that should come in a treadmill for your home. These are features that will be important to you.

1. Foldable – As a home user, you never know if one day, you will have visitors to your house or need to move house. A foldable treadmill on wheels will make repositioning the treadmill a breeze.
2. Electronics – Heart Rate monitor, Time read-out, Distance read-out, Speed read-out, Calories burned. An electronic “track” lighting up to show my progress. At least 5 preset programmes and 3 more programmable slots for you to define your own workout routine.

3. Belt – Try out your shortlisted treadmills. Take note of how long and wide it is. Bottom line: you must be able to run comfortably on it.

4. Horse Power – Most people do not pay attention to the horse power of the motor. Look for the term continuous duty rating. Look for something between 1.5 to 2.5 horsepower. Some have horsepower of 3. You do not need one that powerful but if you do not mind the extra cost you pay for a model with a horsepower of 3, that is fine.

5. Make sure the treadmill counts down when starting and the speed increases progressively when you start it. I have been on treadmills that start at the speed I set without counting down and have to immediately lower the speed manually. All treadmills should allow you to change your speed at any time using the arrow keys. Do not buy it if it does not allow you to do that.

6. Water Bottle holder – This should be a standard feature on most models. This is especially important if you do long walks or runs lasting 30 minutes or longer on your treadmill.

7. Speed Range – Look for one that goes up to 15km/h (9mph). An average person will not need more speed than that. A power walker walks at 7km/h to 8km/h (4.3mph to 5 mph). You will be jogging above 8km/h (5mph) and at 12km/h (7.5mph), you will be running.

8. Safety Key – This is a feature that will allow you to stop the treadmill immediately in the case of an emergency.

9. Warranty period – Look for a treadmill with 1 year or longer warranty periods. Do not purchase if the warranty period is less than 1 year. Do not be deceived by “X years warranty on frame”. Ask about the warranty on ALL parts, such as belts and electronics.

Optional Features you may want. These are features that will cost you more but if you feel that they are important to you, please go ahead and choose a model with these features.

1. Incline – Running at an incline, even at 1 degree, allows you to burn more calories as compared to running with no incline. Look for one that inclines at least 10 degrees and if you can afford, go for one that can incline 15 degrees or more.

2. Speakers – New treadmill models now have speakers where you can plug in your Ipod or MP3 player to play music from the built-in speakers while you run.

3. Fan – A few treadmills have a built-in fan. This will limit your choice of treadmills as there are not many models around with this feature.

Before heading down to your nearest fitness store, do your research online so that you do not waste too much time talking to salespeople who will try to sell you their latest models with the highest premiums.

You may want to check out my other articles on: Sports Fitness Equipment and Workout Video

fitness & sports equipment

Make a decision to exercise is a very excellent choice. Everyone knows how important it is to work out and stay in good shape. Working out will help you become fit, strong and build muscle. Doing exercise regularly is also good for your body as well as the mind. Whatever fitness program you choose, there are many things that you can do to help your exercise routine. There are many factors to consider, from your eating habit down to your sleeping patterns. One of the factors that you should know is sport fitness equipment. Some people like to exercise by jogging or swimming but there are quite a number of people who choose to work out with exercise equipment. Here are some tips on finding the right and also cheap fitness equipment for you.

1. You can browse through the internet for the best deal, save time, as well as save on money since no middle men are involved in the transaction. You can even approach individuals and non-commercial sellers directly through the Internet and get really good deals.

2. Not everything you hear and see is true. There are a lot of companies selling different kinds of machines and each one claims to be more effective than the other. Others assure people that in a very short amount of time, they will see results that are sweeping. You have to realize that such claims are not true. These machines do indeed help you trim down but it will take time. That is, unless you are starving yourself to death.

3. There are many companies that provide refurbished or reconditioned fitness equipment at a relatively low price. You can browse for such companies on the Internet. Many of these companies also offer free shipping.

4. You can find reasonably good health and fitness equipment at garage sales. So, it is advisable to find out which garage sales are happening in your neighborhood. This can be done through the local newspaper or pamphlet advertisements. You should visit the garage sale because you never know when you can find some superior quality fitness equipment worth buying at a very cheap rate.

5. Machines that burn fat are duds. The market is full of machines that claim to burn fat just by simply strapping them on and pressing a switch. Do not believe this claim. The only scientifically proven method of slimming down is a good and healthy diet and constant exercise.

6. You can visit Walmart and have a look at the various health and fitness equipment on display, which are available at really low prices at Walmart. You can even visit a secondhand store such as Play It Again Sports store which specialize in buying and selling used as well as new exercise equipments.

7. Listen to your own testimonial. The advertisements of these machines also show people who claim that they have lost a lot of weight by using those machines in a short period of time. Be skeptical. Even if their testimonies are true, their experiences are personal and cannot be applied to all. Each one of us is different so it is not assurance enough that what works for one will work for the others.

8. Read the instructions. Always read the fine print. The machine that you purchased may be good, but it may also say that you need to change your diet for it to be effective. Thus, always read the instructions.

9. Regularly check the classified ads in your local newspaper and look for advertisements regarding sale of used health and fitness equipments and you may end up striking a very great deal.

10. Look at the cost and the warranty package carefully. Normally, such fitness equipment will definitely cost a lot. But do not worry. There are easy installment schemes readily available for all. The installment schemes may look nice on paper, but always ask if shipping and taxes are already included. Normally, these are not included so just add them up. It is imperative that you know all the specifics before buying. Inquire if the companies selling the equipment have a customer service hotline. You can always call them and ask details about the equipment they are selling.

You may want to check out my other articles on: Abs and Nutrition Vitamins

fitness exercise equipment

Exercise Equipment can be used for a variety of reasons. Three particularly important uses for exercise equipment are physical fitness, rehabilitation, and weight loss. Many types of machines can be considered exercise equipment. A treadmill, home gym, elliptical trainer, and the recumbent exercise bike are some of the more popular and well known pieces of exercise equipment. If you are looking for exercise equipment and know you would benefit from it, consider getting one of these important pieces of exercise equipment.

The Treadmill

1. The treadmill is an exercise machine consisting of a continuous moving belt on which a person can walk or jog while remaining in one place. A treadmill is the most popular piece of exercise equipment, so if you get a treadmill, you will have joined the largest single group of fitness enthusiasts. The treadmill can be used by runners training for marathons or by the average person for general health and fitness reasons. Use the treadmill to feel and look better, and you’ll get a safe and effective aerobic workout as well.

Benefits of Physical Activity:

• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Help control weight, build lean muscle, and reduce fat.
• Prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure and helps reduce blood pressure in some adolescents with hypertension.

The Home Gym

2. The home gym is usually considered large exercise equipment, but will provide you with an excellent way to tone your muscles. Using a home gym as exercise equipment will allow you to isolate and work on particular muscles and muscle groups. When used properly, exercise equipment makes you stronger, healthier, and improves your overall feeling of well being. The home gym will quickly become an integral part of your personal daily workout routine. A home gym doesn’t necessarily have to take up much space in your home. Choose your home gym according to your specific needs, and the space available for the home gym as well.

You do not need to be a body builder to benefit from strength training. A well-designed strength-training program can provide the following benefits:

• Increased strength of bones, muscles and connective tissue (the tendons and ligaments), decreasing the risk of injury.
• Increased muscle mass. Most adults lose about one-half pound of muscle per year after the age of 20. This is largely due to decreased activity.
• Muscle tissue is partly responsible for the number of calories burned at rest (the basal metabolic rate or BMR). As muscle mass increases, BMR increases, making it easier to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Enhanced quality of life. As general strength increases, the effort required to perform daily routines (carrying groceries, working in the garden) will be less taxing.

Elliptical Cross Trainer

3. Elliptical cross trainer is also known as an elliptical trainer, or more simply as an elliptical. The elliptical cross trainer is a low impact alternative that will also provide a full body workout. Elliptical cross training equipment is very popular in health clubs, gyms and is also a great choice for home exercise. Elliptical fitness can simulate walking, running, stairclimbing, rowing, skiing and cycling combined. … while delivering almost zero impact to your joints.

Benefit:

• Regular, intensive exercise for patients with rheumatoid arthritis builds muscle strength and aerobic capacity, improves the ability to do daily tasks and fosters a sense of emotional well-being.

The Stairclimber

4. Stairclimber is also referred to as stair stepper, climber or stepper. The word stairclimber says it all. A stair climber or a stair stepper is an excellent exercise machine for the individual looking for lower body improvements. “Climbers” are complete full body workout machines. Climbers can also be used as steppers or stairclimbers . A climber is a great piece of exercise equipment specifically designed for both the professional climber and the person seeking all around fitness.

Benefits of Physical Activity:

• Reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
• Can help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.
• Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being.
• Helps control weight, develop lean muscle, and reduce body fat.

The Rowing Machine

5. The rowing machine is also known as a rower. The rowing machines is used by rowing and fitness enthusiasts. Rowing has an aerobic fitness level of its own and can greatly complement a personal cross training program.

Regular physical activity improves health in the following ways:

• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease.
• Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
• Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Helps control weight.
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
• Promotes psychological well-being.
• Millions of people suffer from illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity.

Exercise Bike

6. Exercise bike is commonly referred to as an indoor cycle, a stationary bicycle, a studio cycle or even a training bike. The exercise bike is available in a variety of shapes and sizes…. in the form of an upright bike, a recumbent bike, or even an upper body cycle. Since the exercise bike is presented in so many forms, it’s an excellent choice of exercise equipment for people of all ages and people of all sizes. Most importantly, an exercise bike delivers a great cardiovascular workout. An exercise bike can be in the form of an upright bike, a recumbent bike, or even an upper body cycle…. for people of all ages.

How can physical activity or exercise help condition my body?

• Some activities improve flexibility, some build muscular strength and some increase endurance.
• Some forms of continuous activities involve using the large muscles in your arms or legs. These are called endurance or aerobic exercises. They help the heart by making it work more efficiently during exercise and at rest.
• Brisk walking, jumping rope, jogging, bicycling, cross-country skiing and dancing are examples of aerobic exercises that increase endurance.

Strength Training Equipment

7. Strength training equipment is exercise equipment that is used for muscle toning. The home gym can fall into the strength training equipment category as well. Strength training equipment like a home gym allows the user to isolate particular muscles or muscle groups for targeted workouts. While some types of exercise equipment – or we should say aerobic fitness equipment (cardiovascular equipment) like a treadmill, an elliptical, a stepper, a bike, a rower and a ski machine – could also be considered strength training equipment, they remain classified as aerobic fitness equipment or cardiovascular equipment.

Staying in shape to exercise

For athletes who are training intensely for competition, the following guidelines can help reduce their odds of getting sick.

1. Eat a well-balanced diet. The immune system depends on many vitamins and minerals for optimal function. However, at this time, there is no good data to support supplementation beyond 100 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowances.

2. Avoid rapid weight loss. Low-calorie diets, long-term fasting and rapid weight loss have been shown to impair immune function. Losing weight while training heavily is not good for the immune system.

3. Obtain adequate sleep. Major sleep disruption (e.g., three hours less than normal) has been linked to immune suppression.

4. Avoid overtraining and chronic fatigue. Space vigorous workouts and race events as far apart as possible. Keep ”within yourself” and don’t push beyond your ability to recover.

Safety Tips

The following are some things you can do to make sure you are exercising safely:

• Start slowly. Build up your activities and your level of effort gradually. Doing too much, too soon, can hurt you, especially if you have been inactive.
• Avoid holding your breath while straining — when using your muscles, for example. If you have high blood pressure, pay special attention to this tip. It may seem strange at first, but the rule is to exhale during muscle exertion; inhale during relaxation. For example, if you are lifting something breathe out on the lift; breathe in on the release.
• If you are on any medicines or have any conditions that change your natural heart rate, don’t use your pulse rate as a way of judging how hard you should exercise. Beta blockers, a type of blood pressure drug, are an example of this kind of medicine.
• Use safety equipment, such as helmets, knee and elbow pads, and eye protection, to keep you from getting hurt.
• Unless your doctor has asked you to limit fluids, be sure to drink plenty when you are doing endurance activities that make you sweat. Many older people tend to be low on fluid much of the time, even when not exercising.
• When you bend forward, bend from the hips, not the waist. If you keep your back straight, you’re probably bending correctly. If you let your back “hump” anyplace, you’re probably bending from the waist, which is the wrong way.
• Make sure your muscles are warmed up before you stretch, or you could hurt them. For example, you can do a little easy biking, or walking and light arm pumping first.
• None of the exercises should hurt or make you feel really tired. You might feel some soreness, a slight discomfort, or a bit weary, but you should not feel pain, in fact, in many ways, physical activity and exercise will probably make you feel better.

You may want to check out my other guide on: Muscle and Abs