Home Exercise Equipment: The Best Gym at Minimal Price!
By Ray Kelly
Editor's Summary: This article offers advice for creating
a gym your home for your best overall workout. Discussed are types
of cardiovascular equipment, weight equipment and fitballs.
Exercising at home can be just as successful as training at a gym
if you know what you’re doing. There are all types of home exercise
equipment out on the market and every one of them claim to be answer
to your prayers.
The truth is, all exercise equipment are not created equal. Some
can provide great variation in your training program whilst others
are quite limiting. Knowing the difference before you purchase anything
can save you plenty of time and money.
The equipment you buy will depend greatly on what your goals are.
If you need to lose weight then you need a cardiovascular fitness
program, to build muscle you need a resistance training program,
and to tone your muscles you may need a combination of these.
Cardiovascular Equipment
This type of equipment includes bikes, treadmills, cross-trainers,
and step machines. This is the best piece of equipment to buy if
your goal is to lose weight or increase fitness. Many people are
hesitant to buy cardio equipment because of the price. If this is
a concern consider leasing. You should also look at garage sales,
auction sites (eg, ebay), and your local newspaper as there are
always bargains to be found.
One thing to remember when you buy cardio equipment is that you
get what you pay for. If something is really cheap, then chances
are it won’t last long.
Weights
Weight training equipment is probably the most diverse of all home
exercise equipment. It can be used for building muscle, weight loss,
muscle toning, and injury rehabilitation. The best thing about weights
is they last forever. Buy them today and your kids could still be
using them in 20 years time.
The best weight training equipment to buy is a bench, adjustable
barbell, and adjustable dumbbells. Most benches have many attachments
that will not only ad support but also much more variety. The adjustable
barbells and dumbbells mean that you don’t have to buy hand weights
or bars at every weight interval (eg, 5kg, 10kg, 12.5kg, etc). You
just buy the plates and change the weight as you change the exercise.
Swiss Ball / Fitball
These have been used throughout Europe by physiotherapists since
1960 but have currently become the latest fitness fad. They provide
great variety in your program but they should never be the only
piece of equipment you buy. If you want to strengthen your abdominals
they are great, but if you want to lose your tummy then you’re better
off sticking to cardiovascular training.
Imagination
This is probably the greatest tool you have and the better it is
the less money you’ll need to spend. Use the things you have at
your disposal. If you have stairs or a yard that is on a slope use
those for extra cardio training. Household items such as chairs,
tables, and hand railings can also be used for extra variety. If
you’re not sure, buy a book or get a personal trainer to come over
to your house and design a circuit using only what you have available.
Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in
the health and fitness industry. Sign up for his free 7 Day Weight
Loss Course at Exercise
Programs for Home
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