Elliptical trainers are gaining in popularity and are considered by many to be safer and more effective then treadmills.
They combine the movements of a stair climber, treadmill, and exercise bike into one providing a complete total body workout.
So, are they really better than treadmills? According to researchers at the University of Mississippi “elliptical trainers provide the same cardiovascular benefits as treadmill running, without the impact to your joints”.
Therefore, this does make them a good choice for those suffering from back, knee, or hip pain but “Are they the equipment of choice for everyone?”
Elliptical Trainers are a great addition to any home gym. They provide a low-impact, cardio-workout and are suitable for people of all ages.
Some things to look for when purchasing an elliptical trainer are:
- Adjustable incline or variable resistance to add variety to your workout and allow for maximum benefit.
- Forward and reverse smooth motion. The better quality machines use magnetic or electronic resistance.
- Low noise is essential if you want to be able to watch your favorite TV program, listen to music, or read while you workout.
- Dual function using hand grips and bars so that you get a total body workout.
- Computerized monitoring system that tracks your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse rate as you workout.
- Preset and customizable programs to keep you from becoming bored.
- Heart rate monitor allowing you control over your heart rate.
For the last 10 years, I have worked out religiously. My regimen includes lifting weights five times a week and running anywhere from 30-40 miles per week. While I could maintain this schedule for quite some time, after awhile the constant pounding inflicted through my running began to take a toll.
Recently I began cross-training with an elliptical machine, and it has done wonders for my knees and hips. Elliptical trainers eliminate the impact from running and provide a smooth, natural motion. Now I substitute the elliptical for running twice a week, and still get a great workout.
Weight benches are perfect for in home use. There is so much that you can do with a weight bench other than lifting weights and bench presses.
But first, before you just go out and buy a weight bench, you must clearly define what your goals are. Do you want to loose weight, gain weight, boost aerobic capacity, or increase strength?
Once you have defined your goals, you should then map out your exercise routine. In doing so, you will have the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision as to what type of bench to purchase.
There are many different types of weight benches to choose from so it is important that you identify your objectives.
A flat bench is strong, safe, tough, and built for durability. It can be used for over a hundred different exercises and is biomechanically engineered to fit all-size users and to provide total comfort.
It is the foundation of strength training and is designed for heavy barbell/dumbbell workouts. A flat bench is especially good for upper body exercises targeting the arms, shoulders, and chest muscles.
Flat benches are great for those who require a simple and cost effective bench to work out on.
Most users report enjoying the experience of working out on an elliptical more than on any other home gym equipment. They require very little skill since they are made to operate with the natural motion of your body. Because your feet have constant contact with the foot pedals, there is practically no risk of injury to your back, hips, knees, or ankles.
Since ellipticals are a low impact machine, they are an excellent choice for the elderly as well as those new to exercising. Elliptical workouts can actually burn more calories than regular fitness routines and are a great way to get in shape and lose weight.
Overall Elliptical workouts are very healthy and suitable for people of all ages!
The hyperextension bench comes set at a 45 degree angle and safely works your lower back muscles. The midsection pads and the ankle supports are adjustable to accommodate any size person. Its compact design makes it a excellent addition to your home gym.
Give this excercise a try if you are looking to strenghten your lower back muscles:
Lie face down on a hyperextension bench, tucking your ankles securely under the footpads. Adjust the upper pad so that your thighs lie flat across it allowing enough room for you to bend freely at the waist. Start with your body in a straight line. Cross your arms in front of you or behind your head. You can also hold a weight for extra resistance. Slowly bend forward at the waist as far as you can while keeping your back FLAT. Do NOT arch your back. Slowly raise your torso until your legs and upper body are in a straight line.
Let’s face it: not all exercise machines are created equal. Some of those machines are a lot more effective than others. While some people might want to drag their feet rather than change, the newer exercise machines tend to be far more efficient than the older models. For example, the old exercise bike, while a classic in home gyms around the world, is one of the least efficient ways to exercise based on calories per hour. It’s not uncommon for people to exert twice the effort to burn the same amount of calories with an exercise bike as opposed to an elliptical machine.
While some of the older exercise machines don’t translate well to modern fitness, a handful of the machines do. The old stair stepper for example, which rose to celebrity status in the 1980s and 1990s, is still a great way to burn calories. The stair stepper even outshines the elliptical machine in a lot of cases, but, not all people like climbing stairs.
It’s kind of hard to believe, but not so long ago I was living a double life. No, I wasn’t a special agent or some romantic dangerous character from a spy novel, and I wasn’t carrying on an affair behind my wife’s back. I’m referring to my summer self and my winter self. When the snow melted in spring and the weather was inviting, I would work hard to shed all the extra pounds I’d gained through the winter. Then I would gain it all back when the chilly autumn winds started to blow.
These days I’ve got the situation under control, and I maintain a slender, healthy physique all year round. The secret to my success is really no secret at all – I use an elliptical cross trainer during the cold winter months when I can’t hit the high school running track. As I get older, cardiovascular health becomes an even greater priority. Now that I’m approaching 40, I’m actually in the best shape of my life.
Late-night television is saturated with them, and gullible people just can’t help but fall for them. I’m referring of course to those commercials that promise the secret to a washboard stomach. All too often, these ad spots promote a five-minute ab workout, claiming that the user will be able to see a difference in a matter of weeks. The truth is considerably less sexy, and of course it isn’t trumpeted by fly-by-night exercise rackets.
To really sculpt a set of attractive abdominals, you’ll need to put in the work. That means a consistent exercise regimen with an emphasis on crunches. Obviously there are ways to make this process simpler and more convenient – namely by investing in your own ab bench. After securing your feet and reclining backward, the onus is on you to do those much-dreaded abbreviated sit-ups.