| We all would like to lose weight and get in shape | | | | period of time.Select a treadmill that |
| with a minimal effort. That's how the fitness | | | | accommodates your stride with an adequate |
| informercial makes billions per year, promising | | | | length and width. The deck should be at least 18" |
| miraculous results without breaking a sweat.If you | | | | x 53". If you are a runner and tall, you may want |
| are not fooled by their claims then you know you | | | | to consider a "stretch" model. The deck should |
| have to work at getting in shape and losing | | | | have a reasonable amount of cushion for minimal |
| unwanted pounds. So where do you go for a | | | | impact on your feet, ankles and knees. Several |
| challenging workout? If you are into walking and | | | | manufacturers offer extra thick cushioned |
| running, during the temperate seasons you can | | | | treadmills as an option.For variety you'll want a |
| get your cardio exercise in the great outdoors.But | | | | treadmill with incline control and computerized |
| to get a total workout that is not limited to | | | | programming. Incline control simulates an uphill |
| moderate weather, you will need to either join a | | | | climb, while the electronics can be programmed to |
| gym or equip your home with fitness equipment. | | | | create a diversity of running or walking |
| The major advantage of a home gym is | | | | experiences.Home GymsMulti-station home gyms |
| convenience. And it is convenience that can result | | | | provide health club quality strength training in the |
| in a more focused exercise regimen. Home gyms | | | | comfort of your home. Depending on the model |
| are growing in popularity. In 2000 over $6.7 billion | | | | you can get over 50 exercises. A home gym |
| was spent on home fitness equipment.Granted | | | | offers a complete strength building workout for |
| health clubs have the advantage of working out | | | | the entire body. And as the name implies, |
| with other like-minded individuals. And if you are | | | | multi-station home gyms allow for more then one |
| the type of person that needs inspiration from | | | | person to workout at once.Look for equipment |
| others, the health club provides that environment. | | | | that has a natural resistance feel. The quality of |
| Of course, for singles it is a great place to meet | | | | the cables and pulleys will make the difference |
| the opposite sex.The disadvantages are time | | | | and will guarantee longevity. That smooth feel is |
| wasted driving to the health club, waiting in line to | | | | usually lacking on so-called home gyms that rely |
| use equipment and costly membership fees. I | | | | on bands or bows rather then actual weight racks. |
| personally like to work out first thing in the | | | | In addition, you want a gym that has ergonomic |
| morning. My time is limited due to my work | | | | features. The shape and location of pad, pop pin |
| schedule. The extra time required to drive to a | | | | and pivot point should feel natural.Elliptical |
| health club would deter regular workouts. Exercise | | | | TrainersElliptical trainers offer a no-impact |
| for me is not a social activity. I want to burn as | | | | workout that exercises numerous muscle groups. |
| many calories and strengthen as many muscles in | | | | This is achieved through the dual cross-trainer |
| as little time as possible. In my case exercising at | | | | arms combined with the foot pedals. Elliptical |
| home is more practical.Designing a Home GymIf | | | | trainers provide the following advantages:Time |
| you decide that working out at home makes the | | | | Efficiency - The dual action of arms and legs |
| most sense, the first consideration will be the | | | | optimizes energy expenditure. Requires less time |
| location. You may choose the basement. But if it | | | | to achieve more results.Weight Bearing Exercise - |
| is dark and damp, this is not an inspiring | | | | Builds bone density and burns calories more |
| environment. Another consideration is an extra | | | | efficiently. Inhibits the onset of osteoporosis.No |
| bedroom or part of a family room or den. You | | | | Impact - Safe for joints. Ideal workout for people |
| want an inviting location that is well ventilated and | | | | with back, knee, hips and joint problems.Low |
| provides sufficient light. For those that like to | | | | Maintenance - Less impact means less wear and |
| keep up with the latest news or the soaps, a | | | | tear.Small Footprint - Does not take up valuable |
| room with a television would be appropriate.If lack | | | | floor space.As with treadmills, elliptical trainers |
| of space is a consideration, there is fitness | | | | vary from K-mart specials to health club quality. It |
| equipment like folding treadmill or compact home | | | | is important to find a motorized machine that has |
| gyms that minimize required space.Selecting the | | | | a natural stride and is built to last.Stationary |
| Proper EquipmentIn determining what fitness | | | | BikesThere are two choices of bikes, upright and |
| equipment to purchase, you need to define your | | | | recumbent. Recumbent bikes have pedals set |
| goals and consider the type of exercise machines | | | | horizontally in front of the seat. Body alignment |
| that can help you reach those goals. Numerous | | | | tends to be more comfortable and natural on a |
| homes are littered with unused exercise | | | | recumbent bike. Either will give a good |
| equipment that substitutes for clothes hangers. | | | | cardiovascular workout.As with treadmills, quality |
| Too often people buy informercials equipment | | | | bikes will offer computerized programming. This |
| that is that latest fad. They discover that the | | | | can make your ride more challenging and |
| exercise bores them, and that the equipment is | | | | enjoyable.This is a just a short list of potential |
| poorly built and does not deliver on the | | | | home fitness equipment. It can be supplemented |
| promises.Another common mistake is buying | | | | with free weight, steppers, aerobic videos, rowing |
| cheap equipment that provides an unsatisfactory | | | | machine and countless other products.Determine |
| workout and frequently requires repair. This is | | | | your goals (lose weight, build strength, etc.), then |
| particularly true when purchasing a treadmill. A | | | | narrow your search to the appropriate equipment. |
| cheap treadmill is unstable, noisy and can be a | | | | The selection needs to be based on what will |
| shock to your joints.There are tips on buying | | | | work for you, not what will be the best for |
| various types of fitness equipment:TreadmillsFor | | | | hanging laundry.Jay Villaverde is the owner, and |
| walkers and runners a treadmill is a logical choice. | | | | customer, of an alternative health company |
| And the good news is the recent models are built | | | | developed out of the rising need for alternative |
| for endurance and a pleasurable cardio experience. | | | | methods in dealing with heart disease. The site is |
| A Treadmill is the most efficient equipment to | | | | designed for those seeking safe and effective |
| burn calories and lose weight, that is why they | | | | cardiovascular products.For more information on |
| are the most popular.You'll want a treadmill with a | | | | the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and |
| motor that is continuous duty with a rating of at | | | | glandular concentrates that can lower cholesterol, |
| least 2.0 HP. Continuous duty motors give you | | | | prevent heart attack symptoms, and reduce your |
| constant maximum power. Non continuous motors | | | | chances for coronary heart disease, visit Cardiac |
| are unable to run smoothly for an extended | | | | Power today. |