Top 5 Home Exercise Machines

Exercise machines aren't just for the gym. More and more people are buying exercise machines, so they can workout in the privacy of their homes on their own schedule. Gym hours aren't always convenient or inclement weather may keep you from traveling. Home exercise machines are usually a little more compact than the professional gym versions and require less space. You can own your favorite gym exercise machine for less money than you think. Many department stores and exercise equipment retailers offer home exercise machines starting at around $500. Sometimes gyms offer used equipment for sale. If you buy used equipment, make sure you check it out thoroughly and ask for a warranty.

Treadmill

Treadmills are one of the more popular home exercise machines. Some treadmills allow you to walk and run on a flat surface or on an inclined surface. The speed can be varied from a leisure walking pace to a fast run. Computerized machines allow you to program a variable working by changing the speed and incline. You can measure the "distance" you walk on a treadmill, which helps you to figure out how many calories you burn during your workout. You can burn up to 100 calories per mile when you walk at a moderately quick pace for one mile. Walking, jogging and running are excellent aerobic exercises which strengthen the cardiovascular system and strengthen your whole body. A treadmill can help you achieve greater cardiovascular health with less stress on our joints and muscles.

Ellipticals

Elliptical machines combine a treadmill-type walking exercise with an "elliptical" motion of the legs. Elliptical machines provide the user with a powerful cardiovascular workout, while working most of the major muscle groups of both the upper and lower body. This machine often includes handles that workout the arms and chest. They can be used on an incline, at different speeds, varying levels of resistance and stride. You can also use an elliptical machine in reverse to exercise the back of the thighs and hamstrings. Unlike a treadmill where your feet impact with the machine, your foot remains in contact with the elliptical machine to provide a low-impact workout.

Stationary Bicycle

Bicycling is an effective way to exercise your body and get a challenging cardiovascular workout. A stationary exercise bicycle is compact and easy to use. The resistance of the pedals can be adjusted for a leisurely ride or a really tough workout that will have you sweating and increase your heart rate. A stationary bicycle is low-impact and easy on your joints. Many people enjoy using a stationary bicycle while watching their favorite television program. You can add a book holder and read your favorite magazine or book while riding.

Rowing Machine

For the home exerciser who wants a little tougher workout machine, a rowing machine fits the bill. Rowing machines engage your legs, arms and abdominal muscles. A rowing machine gives you a steady workout for all the major muscle groups, including your heart and lungs. Depending on your weight and the speed and tension of your rowing, you can burn between 400 and 600 calories per hour. In addition to losing weight and burning fat, a rowing machine helps to improve muscle definition in your arms and legs.

Stair Stepper

Climbing stairs is a great way to get a good whole body workout. Stair stepper machines help you get the benefit of climbing stairs without the stress on your joints that actually climbing stairs can cause. You can change the resistance of the down step and the elevation of the upward step. Some stair steppers have an option to vary the speed as well. You can program some computerized models for interval training by speed, resistance and height.

Robin Reichert is an AFPA certified nutrition consultant, AFPA certified personal trainer and freelance writer, specializing in health and fitness. She has been involved in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Science in natural health. Robin's goal is to make every personal training session fun and effective for her clients. Her services include both in-person and online personal training at http://www.trainwithmeonlinetoday.com

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