What You Should Know About Exercising at Home?

A total body workout that helps us lose weight, get into shape regardless of inclement weather and requires less effort is the ideal activity that most people would choose to do. The outdoors provides many forms of great activities, but what happens the nice weather turns miserable? Some are fortunate to live where this is not a concern, but most of us do long for better weather at some point.

Home gyms are now becoming more affordable and allowing individuals the convenience and advantages of fitness in the home a reality. Because home gyms are so much easier to fit in to a busy schedule, they are creating the opportunity for more people to get fit. There popularity is growing so rapidly that in the year 2000, more than 6.7 Billion dollars were spent on fitness equipment for the home.

Health and fitness clubs do provide their own set of advantages of course. Some people prefer the ability to share experiences and workout with others and that can be done well in a club. For singles it also provides a platform for meeting and developing relationships.

There are many disadvantages to health clubs as well. Take into consideration the time wasted just getting back and forth to a fitness center or the wait in order to use certain equipment or the member fees. Although most fitness centers care for hygiene as best they can, germs are still spread rapidly in a gym. The hours of many gyms do not allow the opportunity to exercise when the person themselves prefers to workout. For those that just simply want to get their exercise done at a rate that they wish to do it at and are not interested in mingling with others, the health club is not the preferred choice for exercise and it could even be a source of dread. Exercising at home is then a better option for these individuals.

Planning for a Home Gym

For those who choose that a home gym is what works best for them. There are some things to think about before going out to buy equipment. The location will be the first thing to consider. The basement may work for some but some feel that the basement is too dark and damp, so others may choose an extra room in the house or even convert the family room. A room that has a TV may be best for those who like to pass the exercise time away while catching up on their favorite shows or news. Some have used their garage space for their new home gym.

If space is a problem, consider using equipment that fold away or take up less space.

The Equipment

A consideration of a person's exercise goals should effect the equipment purchased for the home gym. The right equipment should be able to help a person to reach their goals that are in mind. Avoid exercise equipment that is the latest fad, but buy the classic equipment that are proven to be effective.

A common mistake that people make is to buy hyped up infomercial equipment or the cheapest equipment available. They quickly learn that the equipment soon fails to live up to its claims, breaks down or can even cause a person bodily harm. Treadmills definitely show their value through noise, stability or the effect on a person's joints.

Some quick tips for various exercise equipment:

Home Gyms

Multi-station gyms may be the most expensive equipment to invest in but provide the most variety for physical strength training, up to more than fifty exercises. The can provide a workout on all parts of the body, not just certain areas. Another nice feature of the home gym is that more than one person can use it at the same time.

When buying a multi-station home gym, find one that has a smooth and natural resistance. Cable and pulleys in the system are the important part for providing a quality workout and lasts the longest. Also consider equipment that features ergonomic design to make the workout the most comfortable and injury free as possible.

Treadmills

Many people start out with a treadmill for the first exercise equipment purchased. They give an excellent cardio workout that is reported to be the most efficient to cause weight loss and to burn calories.

The treadmill that should be considered for purchase sis one that has a motor with a minimum of 2.0 horsepower and should be listed as a continuous duty motor for the best power and lasting ability.

The deck of the new treadmill should be at least eighteen inches by fifty-three inches. If you are a tall person or prefer to run on the treadmill, a treadmill that is a "stretch" model should be looked at. The cushion should be adequate for the least impact placed on feet, ankles, knees and hips.

A treadmill that has both incline control and a computer programming is a really nice feature to have.

Stationary Bikes

Stationary bikes come in two forms - the upright and the recumbent. Both will give a great cardiovascular workout, although the recumbent bike has been suggested as more comfortable through exercise duration.

The good quality exercise bikes will provide computerized programming, allowing alterations to the workouts.

Elliptical Trainers

Elliptical trainers are popular with many people for all that they can do and how they do it with no impact to the body. They provide a total body workout and give the user many advantages such as the following:

No Impact - Great for people who have difficulties with movement or joint pain.

More Done in Less Time - Since it works everything at once, it takes less time to work more muscle groups.

Vertical Space User - Will not use up a large area of space in the home or exercise area.

Weight Trainer - Helps prevent osteoporosis by building bone density and effective at burning calories.

Maintenance - Less wear and tear on you also gives less wear and tear to the machine.

Elliptical trainers are similar in treadmills when considering a purchase, the motor should be strong and the quality is important for a comfortable workout and long-lasting tool.

There of course many, many more items and tools of the trade that can be added to a home gym. Other great products in the endless array of fitness equipment include aerobic videos, free weights, steppers and rowing machines.

Whatever may be purchased, remember that it should be equipment that is in-line with your exercising needs and goals. This is important to give yourself the best opportunity for success and keeping interest in the exercise programs.


Post a Comment

0 Comments