Exercise Equipment For Home Use

For those who find it difficult to fit an exercise routine into their day, home workout equipment has definite advantages. Getting fit at home doesn't require large, expensive gyms or the top-of-the-line computerized treadmill. Your workout equipment could fit into a drawer. The benefit of home exercise is flexibility. You select equipment that works for your space and preferences. Large or small, home exercise equipment will improve your fitness level and save time. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new fitness routine to ensure you are in good health.

Jump Rope

One low-cost approach to home exercise equipment is the basic jump rope. Skipping rope provides an effective cardiovascular workout and has the added advantage of not taking up much space in your home. When working a jump rope, you increase your heart rate and improve your balance and agility. Jump ropes work well as part of an interval training routine. Interval training means you alternate short, intense bursts of aerobic exercise with a recovery period. For example, jump rope for five minutes and then walk around the room for five.

Resistance Bands Or Tubes

Resistance bands, or tubes, allow you to add strength training to your fitness routine without the bulk of free weights. The terms band and tube are often used interchangeably, but are actually two separate pieces of equipment. Tubes are circular and have handles on the ends. Bands are flat and available in rolls that can be cut to the desired length. Both are stretchy and elastic rubber pieces that work to build muscle strength and bone density. Resistance band equipment is portable and requires little storage space. You can stock up on a variety for different forms of exercise. For example, you might use a light resistance band to work your upper body, and a heavy tube for leg exercises.

Steppers

Stair steppers simulate walking up a flight of stairs to provide cardiovascular exercise. They come in many varieties, from small and portable, to advanced computerized units. A mini-stepper is bare bones with just foot pedals. Some mini-steppers have resistance bands or handles to work the upper body, as well. Larger steppers have safety rails and digital readouts that monitor things such as calorie burn and speed. Some steppers have programmable settings for interval training or fitness levels. Regardless of your needs, budget or space limitations, there is probably a stepper that fits your style.

Stationary Bikes

Stationary bikes provide low to no-impact workouts that increase your heart rate and improve your fitness. Like steppers, exercise bikes come in many varieties. Low-cost units will have little more than a seat, stand, pedals and a wheel. More expensive models may have computerized displays and heart monitors. Stationary bikes can be upright, similar to the bike you ride on the street or be recumbent. With a recumbent bike, the seat and pedals sit at the same level. When you ride, your legs stretch out in front of your body.