Having a home gym is one of the best investments an individual or couple could make. The big question is what type of fitness equipment should you purchase to ensure that your home gym workout sessions target your fitness needs? The main two types of equipment that you will be looking at are cardiovascular and strength focused items.
Cardiovascular primarily focused items include for example:
• Treadmills - great machines as they set the pace for you and with so many different programs usually included, treadmills are definitely one of the top pieces of fitness equipment on the market today.
• Cross trainers - targets both the lower and upper body as not only are you striding on the machine but pulling and pushing the handles which will create great toning around your upper body.
• Exercise bikes - great machines to not only get your heart rate up but also help with recovery for people suffering from knee injuries. Want to build up the strength in your legs? There is no better item than an exercise bike.
• Recumbent bikes - sometimes people may suffer from lower back injuries and can become uncomfortable on certain pieces of equipment. With the recumbent bikes they always include a great lumber support for your back therefore you will find your posture is great throughout your workout.
• Rowing machines - definitely a workout like no other. If you want to achieve cardiovascular fitness as well as toning throughout your body then a rowing machine can achieve both goals at the same time.
Strength focused items on the other hand include:
• Cable home gyms - allow great flexibility in your workout where the machines usually include a huge variety of different exercises targeting all muscle groups within your body. Commonly they include a plate loaded system which ensures a very fast workout.
• Bench press units - if you're looking to build quality muscle at a more affordable price then bench presses are a great piece of equipment. So many different types on the market look for the one that is large enough to cater for your body type.
• Smith machines - provide a smooth workout and with great safety features allow you to lift heavy weights individually without the fear of dropping the weights.
• Free weights and bars – if nothing is in your budget then at least pick up a pair of dumbbells or a barbell along with some weights and start toning your body today. You would be very surprised how many exercises you can create with just these two items.
We realize that there are so many different fitness items on the market today and it's hard to choose what is right for you. To be honest every piece of equipment has its advantages, so we have compiled a step by step list of the questions you should be asking yourself in determining what items will achieve your goals instantly.
First Step:
Your first step of course is to determine what type of budget you have. Remember you don't need to buy every piece of equipment at once. As you improve you can determine what is the next item of your choice to keep improving your workouts. Different types of equipment have different prices. The most expensive type of equipment is usually treadmills but then remember, they may provide you with so many more advantages.
Second Step:
You need to start measuring up the space you have as we all know fitness equipment comes in all different shapes and sizes. When buying a piece of equipment ensure that you have the right dimensions on all the items so you can determine if that item will fit in your space.
Third Step:
Why have you decided to buy a piece of fitness equipment? You must analyze your goals and what type of results you want through that piece of fitness equipment. Some people want to gain muscle while others need to lose fat and move their lifestyle into a healthier direction and improving their heart and overall breathing. Some fitness equipment is going to be better than others in achieving your goals.
Fourth Step:
After analyzing your needs, right down in order which equipment can help you achieve these goals. Do not worry about your budget at this minute as you will start from the top of your list and depending with what you can afford you may need to move down? The good thing is that creating the list now allows you to think ahead of time so when you are looking to keep improving you already know what is the next piece of equipment you have. Do not be afraid to research different items on the market today, so not only do you get the best price but also the right piece of equipment.
About The Author: Michael Ward is the business owner of Australia's leading fitness equipment store called Unbeatablefitness.com.au.
Home Gym Workouts
