There are so many ways to get fit that sometimes it seems overwhelming, and almost paralyzing, on how to know what type of equipment to use to get you to your personal fitness goal. While many of us have heard about the benefits of strength training, cardio training and flexibility, we may still be a bit unsure on what approach to take exactly.
Today we’ll discuss what type of cardio fitness equipment there is out there for you and the function it will serve in your home fitness room.
Treadmills
Most of us know and have seen a treadmill. They are designed to simulate running on a rotating belt, which is on a platform. Today, treadmills can be very high-tech. There are treadmills that give you a POV of running the Boston Marathon while you are on it, treadmills that both incline and decline at steep grades and even treadmills that allow you to create your own workouts and save them for future use.
Ellipticals
The elliptical, according to Wikipedia, was invented in the 1990s by Precor. This is a common cardio fitness machine you see at nearly all commercial gyms. The elliptical is great for those individuals who want a workout that simulates running but without the jarring motion of running. The smooth and gliding motion of the elliptical allows for low impact on your knees and joints but still allows you to get a high quality cardio workout in the same time as you would if you were running.
Indoor Cycles
Indoor cycles, unlike upright bikes, have no motor, and are designed to simulate outdoor cycling. The indoor cycles are for those who do spinning classes or cyclists who need to train in the off-season but can’t go outside due to weather conditions and temperatures.
Recumbent Bikes
These are the stationary bikes where you are leaning back while pedaling. These bikes are great for people who have back issues or simply wish to be in an ergonomically superior position than in a traditional bike seat. While the workouts on a recumbent will not hit as many muscle groups as an elliptical or treadmill, there is nearly zero impact on knees and you still get a very high quality cardio workout.
Upright Bikes
An upright bike is another piece of effective cardio equipment for your home. It is powered by a motor and uses digital meters to keep track of speed, heart rate and calories burned. Nearly all models feature preset programs that help you build endurance, lose weight or perform intervals. Although a bit easier than riding on an actual bike, the upright bike provides a very good cardio workout when used correctly.
Rowers
Looking for more of an upper-body cardio workout, then perhaps an indoor rower is what you need. Rowers are great for people who really don’t enjoy running too much, but want to burn off some calories, get stronger and have a good cardiovascular system. Rowers come in many models and types, but they all are designed to simulate rowing at various resistance levels.
Lateral Trainers
This is a cardio workout not for the faint of heart. Instead of going forward or back, the user on a lateral trainer is moving side-to-side instead. These machines are great for people involved in any sport, but especially where quick and explosive lateral movement is essential for success.
Steppers & StepMills
Many of us are familiar with the brand StairMaster and that’s what many of us think of when we are watching someone on a stepper or stepmill. These are machines that simulate walking up stairs/steps at various resistance levels. This is a great cardio workout and good for glutes, calves and quadriceps.
For more information about buying one of the many types of cardio equipment pieces, or any new fitness equipment for your Phoenix area home, contact Fitness 4 Home Superstore today and we’ll be able to match you up with the perfect piece of exercise apparatus – cardio, strength, core or flexibility.
For more information about buying an elliptical, like the Spirit XE395 Elliptical, or any other type of fitness equipment for your Phoenix area home, contact Fitness 4 Home Superstore today and we’ll be happy to match you up with the perfect piece of exercise apparatus – cardio, strength, core or flexibility.
