Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise for weight loss. However, many exercises don't require walking and are very effective. Stair climbing, rowing, gliding and lifting are ways to exercise without walking. If you work out at a gym, ask a trainer to show you the equipment that doesn't require walking. If you are designing a home gym, many types of exercise equipment will meet your needs.
Before you begin working out on a new piece of exercise equipment, consult your physician.
Stair Climber
A stair climber is a piece of exercise equipment that simulates stepping up stairs. When used correctly, stair climbers can help you build lower body strength and increase cardiovascular vigor. "Women'sHealth" reminds stair-climbing enthusiasts to center your hips over your legs, with your body upright. Don't hold the machine too tightly. Bend your elbows at 90-degree angles. It's also important to press your heel entirely onto the step. This helps work your hamstrings in addition to your calf muscles.
Rowing Machine
Another piece of exercise equipment that doesn't require walking is a rowing machine. A rowing machine can help you burn 11 calories in a minute. As its name implies, this piece of exercise equipment simulates rowing a boat. It gives the entire body a workout and is an especially good tool for cardiovascular fitness. Most gyms make rowing machines available to their clientele. They can also be purchased in most sporting goods stores for use in home gyms.
Elliptical Machines
Elliptical machines are ideal pieces of exercise equipment for people who want the benefits of walking, but want to avoid the stress that walking puts on your joints. Elliptical machines feature pedals that you place your feet on for the workout. You slide the pedals back and forth with your feet in a movement resembling an ellipse.
Some elliptical machines also provide features to incorporate upper body movement into the workout. These are often called cross-trainers.
Free Weights
Another type of exercise equipment that doesn't require walking is a free weight system. Free weights help you stabilize and strengthen muscles. Free weights are helpful if you want to build specific muscle groups. You don't need many different weights to do a variety of exercises. For example, a dumbbell can be used several different ways. You can hold the weights facing your body, facing forward or facing behind you to work different groups of muscles.
You can also hold smaller free weights when doing cardiovascular exercises to make a workout more challenging and rewarding.
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