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Tips for Choosing the Right Cardio Exercise Equipment – Everything You Should Know

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Tips for Choosing the Right Cardio Exercise Equipment – Everything You Should Know

It’s possible to create an effective exercise program with just your body. However, regular activity is hard for many people, which has led to a large industry to ensure success. Building a home gym or using health club memberships can help you with your solution, but it’s crucial to choose the best cardio exercise equipment for your goals.

Likewise, the best cardio machine won’t produce results if you don’t use it regularly and correctly. Here are a few basics to understand if you’re thinking about buying exercise machines for your home gym:

The Best Cardio Machines

There are plenty of gyms with tons of machines to simulate walking, cycling, kayaking, skiing, rowing, running, and climbing stairs. Some are motorized, and others use your body weight to burn calories.

These machines provide many cardiovascular benefits and a great cardio workout. Plus, you can enjoy your home gym without having to worry about the weather. Statistics show that more people are buying home gym equipment than ever before.

Prices can vary, depending on whether or not the machine has a motor or can be programmed. Likewise, some have add-ons that will measure your heart rate and so much more.

Here are some of the best cardio machines that don’t require a personal trainer. You can achieve your fitness goals, regardless of your fitness level:

Cross-country Ski Machines

This type of cardio equipment exercises the arms and legs together, and the sliding motion can be great on the knees. Sometimes, you move a ski forward, and the other goes back. However, other models allow the skis to move separately from each other.

Rowing Machines

A rowing machine works the legs, arms, and back simultaneously, so you can get a total-body workout. In fact, it’s a great option for interval training because you could push hard for a few minutes and then cut back.

Typically, a rowing machine is slightly challenging to use if you’re not used to the motion, and it might cause back problems for a few weeks.

Elliptical Trainers

These cardio machines offer a circular up/down motion similar to a stair-stepper and ski machine. There’s little impact, which can be great on the joints, and you can even change the resistance and grade to meet your needs.

Typically, they have handlebars to help you work your upper body, but they might not be the most efficient. Still, it can help you create a low-impact workout.

Treadmills

Treadmills

With a treadmill, you can walk and run indoors. Some feature more flexible surfaces, and a motorized one is preferable. Just remember that these machines rarely do much for the upper body, so you may want to walk/run with weights to tone the arms.

Stationary Bikes

An exercise bike is easy to use and doesn’t require training. However, some people find the exercise bike to be uncomfortable to use for long periods. There are proven benefits of using one, though!

Riding could still lead to osteoporosis, and it is a weight-bearing exercise, but you’ll get a great cardiovascular workout with an exercise bike.

Make sure you choose an exercise bike with an adjustable seat and a weight capacity that meets your needs. Generally, an exercise bike focuses on the lower body.

You can usually find on-demand classes with recumbent bikes or exercise bikes. They use certified trainers and can ensure that you get a smooth ride while on the exercise bike.

Stair-Stepper

If you don’t like the idea of exercise bikes, a stair-stepper might be a great alternative. It’s similar to climbing up stairs, and you may find options with handgrips to work your arms.

Stepper machines can be strenuous, and it’s often harder on the knees. Still, you can get a low-impact cardio workout that primarily works the lower body with this option.

Strength Equipment

Strength training equipment can use your body weight, gravity, external weights, or resistance bands to build strength. Just like cardio equipment, the prices and styles range significantly.

If you’re a beginner, save money by choosing a few basics instead of purchasing weight-lifting machines. Resistance tubes and hand weights can do most of the same workouts.

Exercise Mat

Exercise Mat

Once you have an exercise machine and some weights, make sure that you always work out on an exercise mat. This will ensure you don’t slip and fall.

Ankle Weights and Hand Weights

Ankle and hand weights can give you an intense workout. The ones for the ankles work well for hip extensions and side-leg raises. Make sure they’re padded with pockets so that you can add weight bars as you progress.

Hand weights can start out at 1 pound and go up to 10 or 20 pounds. You’ll likely start with 1, 2, 3, and 5 pounds. Typically, gym equipment goes all the way up to 20 pounds, but that can be expensive.

Exercise Tubing and Resistance Bands

Resistance bands and tubing can give you a challenging workout for the entire body. They’re often low-cost, portable, lightweight, and easy to store. Plus, you can change the resistance by doing more repetitions or holding the band with your hands closer together. It’s best to try various positions to determine what’s best for your fitness level.

Tubes look similar to bands, but they often feature padded handles. Plus, you can find heavier resistance levels. If possible, get a brand with a door attachment to help you do even more strength exercises with one piece of equipment.

Get a Full-body Workout with a Cardio Machine or Weights

Beginning a fitness journey is challenging, and many people worry that they won’t do it correctly. The good news is that you can lose weight just by eating less. The more calories you consume, the more work you must do to counteract them.

Whether you choose a stationary bike or a treadmill, you can meet your goals, feel better, and get fitter. Many people do prefer an exercise bike with magnetic resistance and an LCD monitor, though you may like something more high intensity, such as Crossfit games from your local gym. 

As long as you’re working out and raising your heart rate multiple times per week, you will achieve your goals!

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