Getting in shape is important for your health, and gym machines are one of the best ways to reach your fitness goals. Joining an expensive gym can be a hassle, but you can avoid the crowds and save some money by creating your own home gym. If you are unsure of which pieces of home exercise equipment to include in your home gym, Overstock.com is here to help. This home gym buying guide was designed to help you evaluate your options so you can choose the best exercise machine for you.
Before you choose your home fitness equipment, decide on your needs. In general, all fitness routines should include:
Evaluate which of these your workout is lacking. For example, if you like to run outside, consider adding a weight machine to your home gym to help you with strength training. Or, if you already have weights, add a treadmill or another exercise machine that will give you a cardio workout. And if you need to work on flexibility, you'll want to consider adding Pilates exercise equipment.
Gym machines share a few general features you'll want to consider while making your selection.
Elliptical trainers allow you to move in a walking or running motion, your feet creating an oval-shaped action. Your feet do not leave the pedals, which creates a low-impact workout. Beginners and those with sensitive joints will appreciate this. Most elliptical machines also have handles that coordinate with the pedal movements, providing a complete workout for the upper and lower body. Although studies have shown that you may not burn as many calories on an elliptical as you do on other gym machines, the comfortable movements will encourage you to use your elliptical trainer regularly. An elliptical trainer is perfect for the cardio section of your workout.
Features to look for in an elliptical trainer
An exercise bike offers a low-impact cardio workout with the same smooth movements of a regular bicycle in your home. Because you can adjust the resistance on an exercise bike, you can vary the amount of calories you burn, making the workout on an exercise bike very efficient.
Features to look for in exercise bikes
All exercise bicycles should allow you to adjust the seat to ensure a proper fit. You will have various ways to adjust the tension on an exercise bike; some require you to stop and get off the stationary bike while others can be done during your workout. There are three different kinds of exercise bicycles.
Designed to mimic the motions of rowing oars on a boat, a rowing machine will give you a cardio and strength training workout. This is a full-body workout that will increase muscle tone in your back, arms, legs and core. Because of the exertion required, rowing machines aren't as popular as some other home exercise equipment, and a rowing machine can be painful for people with bad knees or back problems. But the workout intensity of a row machine is appreciated by people who are serious about getting in shape.
Features to look for in a rowing machine
The main difference you'll find between different rowing machines is the resistance that simulates oars going through water. Some row machines use a combination of these methods:
Treadmills remain the most popular home fitness equipment. All you need to know to use a treadmill is how to walk or run; the treadmill takes care of the rest. When you love the workout you get from a run or brisk walk but just can't get outside, treadmills are the gym machines for you. Burn calories, build muscle, lose weight, strengthen your heart and feel healthier with a treadmill.
Features of treadmills
Many treadmills let you set the speed and incline for your walk or run, but if you'd rather not deal with a lot of settings, you can select a manual treadmill. If you want to put away your treadmill after your workout, choose a folding treadmill so you can slide it under the bed or into a closet. For more information about treadmills, read our Treadmill Buying Guide.
The strength training portion of your workout allows you to focus on building muscles. When your muscles are in shape, your lean muscle will burn fat even while you rest, you'll be able to perform better as an athlete, you'll reduce pain and risk of injury and you will reduce your risk of developing many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Ab machines
An ab machine lets you focus on the muscles in the center of your stomach and on the sides. Although the movements are similar to sit-ups or crunches, an ab machine adds resistance to increase the effectiveness of each move. An ab machine should be adjustable to your body size to avoid injuries. One thing to remember with an ab machine is it will not decrease the fat on your stomach, but it will help tone muscles. You need to combine the use of your ab machine with a cardio workout to burn the fat.
Pilates Exercise Equipment
Pilates exercise equipment helps you perform a Pilates workout with the precision that Pilates creator Joseph Pilates intended. If you need to add flexibility training to your workout, the stretching you'll do with Pilates exercise equipment will be a great addition to your home gym. You can also add strength training and core training with Pilates exercise equipment.
Weights and weight machines
No home gym is complete without a few weights. Weight training helps you work on your strength, and there are weights to work each of your muscle groups. You can add hand weights or leg weights to your cardio workout to increase the resistance or use the weights separately. While dumbbell sets are very versatile, a weight machine gives you even more options for weight training. Here are a few features to look for in a weight machine:
You can choose between weight training machines with stacked weights or elastic bands to create resistance. You can also decide if you want a weight machine with a few stations so multiple people can use it at once. Weight machines that can fold up for easy storage are also available.
How do I create a complete workout with my home gym equipment?
Once you have your home gym set up to do a warm-up, cardio, strength training, flexibility training and a cool-down, you can mix up your day-to-day workouts however you like. With strength training, you'll want to make sure you focus on your upper body, lower body, back and core on different days, and never work the same muscle group two days in a row. For more information on creating a complete workout, visit the Web site for the American Council on Exercise.
Where can I get some advice on all I can do on my home gym machines?
Fitness videos and books can give you the kind of advice that only comes from a trained professional. Choose fitness videos to help guide you through a routine on your treadmill or exercise bike. Choose fitness books that will give you tips on weight training form as well as diets to go along with your weight training.
Is there anything that would help me with my chronic pain?
Exercise can help reduce all sorts of chronic pain because--young or old--the body was made to move! Be sure to check with your doctor first, and then start out with a gentle, low-impact home fitness machine, such as an elliptical trainer, to condition yourself.
Aches and pains
Working out on your new home fitness equipment may make you a bit sore. Create a health experience by adding physical therapy tools to your home gym, such as massage equipment or even a home sauna. Giving yourself a full gym is easy with the low prices here on Overstock.com
Stay motivated
When you aren't comfortable in your fitness clothing, you won't be as motivated to stick to your exercise plan. When your fitness apparel is comfortable and stylish, you'll look forward to putting it on and working out in your home gym. A little incentive can go a long way toward reaching your fitness goals, even when it comes in the form of the perfect pair of shorts. You'll find the sports apparel you want on Overstock.com.
Training for sports
Your home gym will help you get in shape for all of the sports you love to play, and Overstock.com will help you find all of the gear you need while saving loads of money. You'll find it all in the sports store at unbeatable prices.