Types Of Exercise Machines

Using exercise equipment is a convenient way to maintain a workout routine when the weather prohibits outdoor activities. Fitness centers provide exercise machines for cardio and strength training, and vendors sell models for those who prefer working out at home.

Stationary Bike

A stationary bike focuses on a cardio workout. It can be upright or recumbent. Upright bikes provide a similar experience to riding a traditional bicycle. Recumbent bikes allow you to sit in a reclining position with your legs outstretched on seats larger than on a stationary bike. Exercise bikes may have digital screens that provide monitoring tools and statistics, such as heart rate and distance. Stationary bike consoles may offer options for types of workouts such as fat-burning, cardio and hills.

Treadmill

Treadmills feature a wide conveyer belt allowing you to run or walk in place. Treadmills are convenient when you want to exercise at odd hours or when the weather is bad. They can be set at various speeds from slow walks to fast-paced running. Treadmills typically have digital settings for pace, heart rate, type of workout and more. Gyms install heavy-duty treadmills. Home-use models can cost from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000.

Elliptical Trainer

Low-impact elliptical trainers provide the same benefits as walking or running but with less stress on the knees and legs. Elliptical trainers provide a smooth, gliding step motion. Machines may feature moving arm bars that also provide an upper-body workout. Digital elliptical trainers provide statistics such as heart rate and distance and let the user choose a workout type.

Stair Climber

Stair climbers let you simulate climbing steps, providing an intense aerobic workout. The machines strengthen lower-body muscles. Keep good posture while on a stair climber. Avoid leaning on the sidebars to maintain an effective workout. Stair climbers have digital consoles that show statistics such as heart rate and include options for different workout levels.

Weight Machines

Weight machines provide an alternative to free weights for strength training. They are easier to use because you do not have to concentrate on form and instead can just follow the fixed track of the equipment. Machines in fitness gyms feature detailed use instructions posted on the equipment. Different machines focus on specific parts of the body, providing a way to isolate muscle groups during training. Weight machines for home tend to be more expensive than other types of exercise machines because they generally have multiple stations attached to a large single piece of equipment.