Fitness can be achieved using a variety of exercise equipment, but at times space can be a limiting factor for the equipment used and exercises performed. As a result, equipment manufacturers have developed folding exercise equipment designed to accommodate small spaces without sacrificing the quality and intensity of the workout. Folding exercise equipment is available in different types, shapes and sizes to match your individual fitness goals.
Types
Most of the folding exercise equipment types are designed for home fitness and people with limited space. Two basic categories of folding exercise equipment include cardiovascular exercise machines and weight lifting machines. Cardiovascular machines include machines such as treadmills, indoor rowers, ellipticals, stationary bikes and stairclimbers. Weight lifting machines include benches and multi-station machines. Each type contains a specific set of features.
Features
The specific features on folding exercise equipment allow you to adjust the resistance and intensity to match your individual fitness level. Most weight lifting machines will feature weight plates or an adjustable weight stack to increase or decrease resistance. Cardiovascular machines, however, feature computer-controlled adjustments for areas such as resistance, incline/decline and speed.
Size
Overall size for most folding fitness equipment allows you to fold the equipment by hand with the ability to store the equipment beneath a bed or in a closet. For example, the TR100 compact treadmill from Lifespan Fitness measures 60 inches long by 31 inches wide by 52 inches high but folds down to 11 inches thin. Weight lifting folding equipment can also be folded small enough to fit in the corner or closet.
Benefits
Every piece of folding exercise equipment provides numerous health benefits. Cardiovascular machines, for example, are designed to help improve stamina, endurance and cardiovascular health while weight lifting machines are designed to improve muscular strength, endurance, power and flexibility. Along with health benefits, folding exercise equipment provides an in-home fitness solution that can save you money by not having to pay for a gym membership.
Considerations
The first consideration before choosing folding exercise equipment is your fitness goals. According to Smooth Fitness, a leading online retailer for home fitness equipment, folding treadmills are generally suitable for walking and don't have the construction to withstand intense running workouts. Other considerations include the number of exercises that can be performed, overall size, available adjustments, price and warranty.
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