Exercise Equipment - for Healthy People
Elliptical Exercise Equipment - A Total Body Workout
Elliptical exercise equipment is one of the fastest growing segments in the health and fitness industry and has been one of
the most recommended exercise machines by physical trainers as it provides a total body workout. Thus elliptical trainers are
one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment and are excellent tools for getting a cardiovascular aerobic workout
indoors or outdoors as well. The major benefit of an elliptical machine is that it burns more calories while reducing the
risk of injury.
Elliptical exercise equipment provides a maximum amount of efficiency when working out. Many elliptical machines work
multiple parts of the body at the same time, whereas a jogging for instance focuses more on your lower body and tends to
produce impact and overuse injuries. A good elliptical machine will work on several parts of your body including the muscles
in your legs, arms, back and abdomen.
What makes a elliptical exercise equipment unique is the ability to offer a weight bearing, aerobic workout that minimizes
impact and stress on the joints, which reduces the risk of injury. The low-impact aerobic workout of an elliptical trainer is
achieved through smooth, natural motion. The fluid, low impact and non-jarring motion makes elliptical machines an ideal
fitness equipment for workouts for anyone suffering from back, knee, hips and joint problems.
The workout can be made challenging enough for serious athletes, but easy and safe enough for beginning athletes. The workout
can be as intense as you make it, while minimizing the risk of impact injuries. When it comes to cardiovascular aerobic
workout, elliptical exercise equipment are hard to beat.
Exercise Bikes - For Overall Fitness
Stationary exercise bikes are very popular and still a favourite among many despite the constant barrage of
the latest new fitness fad equipment. The low impact is prefered by many over treadmill exercise. Consumer
buying shows that exercise bikes remain a top choice for exercise and fitness training.
Its great for improving cardio function, losing weight,toning up muscles and are not so hard on the joints.
Unlike walking and running this form of exercise has less impact on knees, hips and other joints.
Exercise bikes have been around for years because they are a consistent reasonable way to exercise and
stationary exercise bikes have the same benefits that riding a normal bicycle gives you.
What to look for when purchasing Exercise Bikes
The vast majority of stationary exercise bikes have controls (some are manual some are computerized). You
can adjust speed and resistance to your personal fitness needs. Cardio workouts and heart monitors are also
included in many models available.
Choosing the Right Exercise bike for you
Basic upright stationary bikes - Dual action bikes
Many think that this model offers a more effective cardio workout and that they burn up more calories as
well as the body tone being better.
You may want to choose this model if you have leg or hip injuries to deal with as it provides a gentler way
to exercise. They have handles or levers that work the upper body and the dual action lets the arms work
harder to operate the machine which allows the legs to work less.
Bent or Recumbent Bicycles
A “bent” is a type of stationary bike which places the body in a semi or fully reclining position. This
takes the pressure off of the back. The lower center of gravity makes for better balance and doctors feel
they are better for those with back problems or with cerebral palsy and related diseases. These exercise
cycles bring your feet more closely in line with your heart. This keeps the blood pressure low which means a
safer workout.
It may take some getting used to a recumbent bike but they are very easy and comfortable to ride. The larger
seat means that you can comfortably spend more time exercising and not be in any discomfort later on.
Added benefits to the recumbent exercise bike are abdominal workouts! You work the abdominals due to the
reclining position.
Prices for Exercise Bike
Economy
Nearly all bikes have speed and distance monitors. You will find that the cheaper models have
tachometer/odometer combinations. The design utilizes a flywheel to provide resistance. They are normally
under $200 approx and a great inexpensive way to begin. They do not have programmable functions and give the
least effective workout of this type of exercise.
Standard
There is a huge selection to choose from in this range. You get programmable consuls which calculate heart
rate or lets you choose your heart rate and then adjust the resistance. Quality varies but these exercise
bikes probably use flywheels,fan blades or magnetic resistance and the magnetic resistance better as it runs
more smoothly and is quieter. Normally the price range is anything from $200 up to $1500. Popular choices
are Schwinn, Vision Fitness and Tunturi to name but a few.
Expensive
Most in this price range use magnetic resistance and will need to be plugged in to an outlet. A long list of
programming functions, comfort and extended warranties make these a more extravagant purchase. $1500
plus is what you can expect to pay. Serious users with deep pockets like Lifecycle, Reebok, Keys, Fitness Quest,
Edge and Nordic Track.
There is an extensive debate over which machines burn more calories and give a better cardio workout, but
many people agree that a stationary bike with dual action for optimal weight loss and heart health is at the
top of the list. Its a proven method of really good exercise and the new technology available keeps them up
to date. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned cyclists alike - its convenient, fun and you will see and feel
excellent results.
As with all forms of exercise it is advisable to consult your doctor before you begin a new form of exercise