Hobby

It is sadly ironic that the very things that strengthen us can, at the same time, wear us down. For instance, even though high impact exercises, such as running or jumping, have a high number of benefits, including increasing bone density and strength, they can also put a lot of stress on your joints and bones. This often discourages people from exercising as much as they should. What’s more, it can be dangerous for people who already have problematic or weak joints. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of exercise machines that have been specially designed to minimize impact and stress while maximizing the benefits you receive from your workout. Some of the most popular are exercise bikes, rowing machines, and elliptical trainers. Let’s take a look at these.

Exercise bikes, or stationary bikes, as they’re sometimes called, have been a part of gyms and home exercise for decades. You can get a fairly decent bike for about $300-$600. The two main styles of bikes are upright and recumbent. Upright exercise bikes are positioned more or less like traditional bikes, while recumbent bikes position you so that you are lying back with your feet in front of you. Recumbent bikes are generally much more comfortable than uprights, especially on the back and seat, but don’t always offer as intense of a workout, since you can’t stand up and pedal like on an upright. Stationary bikes can be good exercise, especially if you enjoy biking, but it has a fairly big disadvantage in that it usually provides a workout for the legs only.

Rowing machines are fairly self-explanatory: they are machines that simulate the movement of rowing a boat. They are popular with serious rowers trying to keep in shape when they can’t be off the water, as well as with those people who just want a good workout. Rowing machines are considered by some to be one of the best cardiovascular workouts available, not to mention great for strengthening the upper body and legs. Rowing machines range in price from about $100-$200 for a lower-end model, to $1000-$1500 for a higher-end model. Resistance is provided to the bars that you pull in four different ways: air, hydraulics, water, and magnetism. Air resistance works by means of a fan that spins as you pull, making for a fairly smooth approximation of rowing a real boat. Hydraulics provide resistance through hydraulic cylinders, or pistons; they’re less expensive than other models, but aren’t quite as smooth as other types of rowing machines. Models using water resistance probably come closest to imitating the feel of rowing, since you’re pulling the bars through actual water in a small tank. Magnetic models are more expensive, but are very smooth and quiet, and don’t suffer from as much wear and tear as other models.

Elliptical trainers are relatively new to the fitness world, compared to other machines, yet they have quickly become one of the top choices for low impact exercise equipment. You stand on a pair of large pedals which move around a wheel to combine the walking stride of a treadmill with the low impact movement of a stationary bike for a smooth gliding motion that burns a lot of calories. What’s more, many models include cross-training bars that will strengthen your arms, which makes it a full-body workout. Decent elliptical trainers can be found for as little as $200-$600, or as much as $2500. When looking at elliptical trainers, you should keep in mind that larger wheels at the front mean a sturdier machine, especially if you tend to throw your weight forward as you exercise; magnetic brakes are much more reliable than friction brakes that wear out too quickly; articulating footpads will help keep your feet from going numb; and the ideal stride length for most people is about 18-21 inches. Anything shorter will probably be too uncomfortable, unless you’re shorter than normal. Also check the width of the stride: many elliptical trainers place the feet too far away for true comfort. Other than that, though, elliptical trainers seem to be one of the best choices available.

While many people can weigh in with their opinions and judgments on what works best, the only one who can truly decide what equipment is best for your home is you. Hopefully this information will help you make that decision.