If you are looking for the best piece of exercise equipment to use, you may be overwhelmed by the choices. Exercise equipment pieces include treadmills, exercise bikes, cross-country ski machines, steppers, resistance bands, stability balls, hand weights and many other choices. Keep in mind that even if you do not have access to exercise equipment, you can jog, walk or use your body weight for resistance strength training and get in shape.
Expert Insight
If you are looking to gain the most benefits from a piece of exercise equipment, consider using a treadmill. According to a 1996 study featured in "The Journal of the American Medical Association," the treadmill outperformed other pieces of cardio equipment and better enhanced the rate of energy expenditure. The treadmill performed better than the exercise bike, cross country ski machine, stair climber and rower. If you weigh 160 lbs., jogging at 5 mph for an hour burns about 581 calories, while running on a treadmill for an hour at 6 mph burns about 726 calories.
Benefits
Another reason that a treadmill is beneficial to exercisers is that the machine is simple to use. It is appropriate for all fitness levels since you can walk, jog or run on the equipment. Interval training programs on a treadmill will maximize the benefits of your workout sessions. During interval training on a treadmill, you can alternate between moderate intensity walking or jogging periods with intervals of high-intensity running.
Considerations
When you suffer from lower back pain, jogging or running on a treadmill may exacerbate your condition. Joint pain sufferers may also find using a treadmill too painful. As an alternative, you can use an exercise bike. Exercise bikes put a reduced amount of stress on the back and the joints of the body. Cycling at a speed between 12 to 13 mph for an hour will help you burn approximately 581 calories if you weight 160 lbs., according to the American Council on Exercise.
Cost
When you are on a budget, buying a treadmill or exercise bike may not be feasible. Instead, you should look for exercise equipment that can be incorporated into multiple workout routines. For instance, stability balls do not cost a lot of money and can be used during crunches, leg presses, planks and abdominal twists. Any type of exercise done with a stability ball will work the muscles in your core.
References
- Spine Health; Exercise Bikes for a Low Stress Workout
- American Council on Exercise; What's the Best Piece of Cardio Equipment to Use?
- "The Journal of the American Medical Association;" Energy Expenditure With Indoor Exercise Machines; Anne Zeni et al; 1996
- American Council on Exercise; Physical Activity Calorie Calculator
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