Workout Equipment: Unlocked

For fitness fanatics, it's no sweat to work hard at the gym and burn those calories. Some of us seem to be running to stand still, though, and getting little enjoyment or motivation out of the experience.

There are ways around this: take a close look at the gym equipment you use and find one or two machines that could be used time and time again. After all, this exercise caper is all about doing it on a regular basis.

Treadmills

This machine is the most effective way to lose weight and increase cardiovascular health at the same time.

Expect to burn about 100 calories per mile walking along at a brisk pace. The speed and incline can be adjusted to personal fitness levels. 

However, somebody with back or joint pain may find this becomes rapidly unpleasant. According to WebMD, every time a person's foot hits the treadmill when running the impact of this onto the earth is 3.7 times harder than a normal gait. Anybody who experiences joint or back pain should therefore be wary of using a treadmill as their primary exercise machine.   

Cross Trainers and Elliptical Machines 

Cross trainers have less impact on the joints compared to the treadmill and so they are ideal for beginners or people with joint pain. The weight of the body is used to provide resistance; this is known as weight-bearing exercise, and it provides extra resistance for toning muscles and burning calories.

Stationary Bikes

While the capacity to burn calories is less on a stationary bike, there are still advantages for this type of exercise. Stationary bikes pose small risk for people with joint pain, since impact on the joints isn’t a factor.  

However, the bike needs to be adjusted for each individual to avoid knee strain and to burn the most calories.  Most people don't understand how to do this. When sitting on the bike ensure that the ball of the foot is in the pedal and that there is a slight (5 to 10 degree) bend in the knee. Sitting too low on the bike can reduce the range of motion in the leg and burns fewer calories; this also puts unnecessary strain on the knee. 

Overall when looking for the best workout equipment it's important to consider one that won't quickly become boring.  Also consider whether or not some types of equipment may aggravate existing physical problems. Remember that exercise needn't be a gruelling or feel like a trial: it can be fun and a crucial routine for good health.

Comments

[Jerry]

You have very well explained which exercise equipment is used for which purpose... Thanks for posting....

[Dhananjay Pagere]

This information is very useful for loosing weight.
Thanks for giving such wonderful info.