Exercise Equipment:
Identifying your Exercise Goals Will Lead You to the Right Equipment
by Ainuddin Mohamad
A good investment of aerobic trainers is a
treadmill. You can use it for both running and walking
depending on your workout level. A good treadmill will be
solid, run smoothly and quietly, have a deck long enough to
accommodate your stride, and have a heart rate monitor.
Depending on what your goal from exercising is can have a major impact on the
equipment that you will need for your home gym. If your goal is to burn
calories, the equipment may be somewhat different than someone who wants to pack
on the muscle.
For those who are interested in burning calories and losing weight, aerobic
exercises are generally your best bet. While many aerobic exercises can be
performed outdoors, sometimes it is more convenient to have the ability to do
exercises inside as well.
A good investment of aerobic trainers is a treadmill. You can use it for both
running and walking depending on your workout level. A good treadmill will be
solid, run smoothly and quietly, have a deck long enough to accommodate your
stride, and have a heart rate monitor.
Another good investment is an “exercise” or stationary bike. Low impact and easy
on the joints, it is a piece of equipment that nearly everyone can use. Once you
have decided what style you want, either upright or recumbent, and then look for
a bike that runs smoothly and quietly at all speeds and offers adequate
resistance. It should also be adjustable to a height that will fit your
particular body type.
Also in aerobics, it is important to protect your self from impact. Use floor
mats that absorb impact for exercises indoors. Always wear well-supporting
shoes. Shoes should offer adequate cushion, fit properly, and be in good
condition.
For aerobics, it is also fun to include a variety of workouts. Many people find
instructional videos to be very helpful as well as fun to do. Choose a tape that
is within your skill level, and make sure that you are comfortable with how
exercises are performed to avoid injury.
If you are interested in packing on the muscle, weight training is probably more
your style. This requires a whole different set of equipment.
One of the most crucial parts of weight training is the weights. These can come
in a variety of styles and weights. You will want dumbbells in a variety of
weights that will encompass your workout level and then some. These come in a
variety of sizes and styles, from large metal ones to small rubber ones.
For the bigger weights, as well as certain types of exercises, you will also
want a barbell with the accompanying plates. The weights vary in size from just
over a pound to over 50 pounds, and again you could purchase the sizes that best
fit your workout. It may be helpful to purchase a stand for it as well,
especially if you plan on using heavier weights for bench pressing or squats.
That way you have a place to set it if you get tired mid-workout, and it also
works well for storage.
Another thing to consider is a weight bench. One that will recline will work for
a larger variety of exercises than one that just lays flat. If you plan to
combine your weights with aerobics or you are short on cash considering getting
a large step with adjustable risers. The risers can be adjusted to make an
incline bench, and you can use it for step-aerobic exercises.
If money is not so much of a problem, another option is to get a home gym. While
these do come with a hefty price tag, they can be used for a variety of
exercises. Some styles may eliminate the need for some or even all of your free
weights.
If your workout goals are somewhere in between, for example, maybe you just want
to trim and tone, your equipment needs may be somewhere in the middle. It is
helpful to combine both the cardiovascular exercises with weight-training ones.
You could alternate days for your workouts, or combine them. Or you could
consider doing both at once – such as wearing wrist or ankle weights while
walking for more resistance. Having a treadmill and/or a bike a small collection
of free weights can allow you to do a variety of exercises.
Knowing what your workout goals are can help you decide what equipment is right
for you. Once you are properly equipped, you can go on to achieve the exercise
goals you have desired. No matter what equipment you get, always ensure that it
is in good repair and that you know how to properly use it to avoid injuries.
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
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