Treadmills
Treadmills are one of the most popular types of motor-operated cardio equipment and work using a conveyor belt design, which allows for a lot of versatility in terms of workout routines. Users are able to run or walk in place on a treadmill, and they can change the operating speed to target a consistent heart rate as well as the incline to target various muscle groups in the lower body. Everyone from fitness professionals to beginners, who want to lose weight or maintain a healthy heart, can benefit from a treadmill in their home.
Ellipticals
Elliptical machines are another popular type of home exercise equipment. These machines operate using a flywheel system, which the user turns using foot pedals. This creates a slight circular motion similar to running, walking or climbing stairs. Elliptical users can customize their workouts by adjusting the resistance and speed just as with treadmills.
Elliptical vs. Treadmill: Benefits
Ellipticals and treadmills provide beneficial cardiovascular exercise, but there are a few differences between the two types of equipment. Whether you choose an elliptical or a treadmill will ultimately depend on your fitness goals.
Treadmill Benefits:
- More versatility and customization
- Ability to train indoors when the weather is bad
- May help burn more calories, depending on the intensity of the workout
Elliptical Benefits:
- More low-impact cardio workout
- Great support for joints and reduces repetitive pounding of the feet on a hard surface
- Trains the upper body to some extent, while treadmills focus solely on the lower body
Exercise Bikes
Stationary exercise bikes work similarly to traditional bicycles and can be as effective at burning calories and targeting the lower body. An indoor stationary bike provides a low-impact workout without the safety concerns of riding on an open road or over natural terrain. Exercise bikes also can be a good solution for people with certain types of injuries or weak joints as they more evenly distribute body weight.
Rowing Machines
Rowing machines are an excellent choice for those seeking a full-body cardio workout, particularly one that targets the arms and back. These machines use a cable and sliding seat to simulate the motion of rowing in a racing shell and are usually deemed a safe choice for all fitness levels.
Other Fitness Equipment
In addition to treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes and rowing machines, there's a variety of other exercise equipment available to help build out your home fitness center.
Weight Training Equipment
Weight training equipment — including dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, weight benches and other weight training accessories — allow you to practice strength training at home.
Yoga and Pilates Equipment
Yoga and Pilates equipment, including yoga mats and yoga balls, provide a wide range of workout options without taking up a lot of space. These types of exercise equipment are geared towards low-impact strength, balance and flexibility training.
Fitness Accessories
A variety of other fitness accessories allow those seeking a healthy lifestyle to tone and strengthen their physique without going to a gym, including:
Push-Up & Pull-Up Bars
Pull-Up Bars
Pull-ups are a great exercise that can strengthen your arm, shoulder and back muscles. They can also improve your overall body and grip strength. Pull-up bars are typically made of steel and are available as stand-alone versions or mounted in a doorway.
Push-Up Bars
Push-ups are an excellent exercise to burn calories and work muscles from your chest and arms to abdominals and legs. A floor-mount push-up bar is made of steel and can be adjusted to do over 35 exercises including push-ups, pull-ups and dips.
Home Gym Flooring
Choosing the best home gym flooring is important to prevent scuffing as well as to reduce excess noise and stress on your joints. Interlocking rubber tile flooring is an excellent choice for workout rooms as it installs quickly without tools and is cost-effective.