The advantages and benefits to many of the various types of fitness equipment USA Fitness Direct offers.
For many years, medical professionals and fitness experts have been advising their clients to use exercise equipment to improve their overall physical health and mental well-being. Today, these same experts are becoming more aggressive and persistent regarding their exercise equipment advice. Prescribing and demanding specific types of exercise equipment as they relate to certain illnesses, allergies, injuries and even weight loss programs. Exercise equipment like commercial treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, studio cycles, upright exercise bikes, recumbent exercise bikes, upper body cycles, stair climbers and stair steppers, rowing machines, home gyms, multi station gyms, body building equipment and other fitness equipment.
The following article will outline the advantages and benefits to many of the various types of fitness equipment USA Fitness Direct offers. It is always encouraged for the client to try the specific piece of equipment before making a purchase to ensure the unit will satisfy his or her needs.
The treadmill is one of the original “cardio” pieces. Treadmills are more comfortable and exercise sessions can be customized for each individual. Recent additions such as “flex decks” and “decline” abilities have taken the grandfather of indoor workouts to a new level. Whether one is walking or running, for endurance or rehabilitation, the programs and equipment offered today will certainly provide an enjoyable climate and great results. Treadmills can be used by virtually any age group, and by individuals of any activity level. Treadmills can help you lose weight, and maintain your weight loss. Raising the incline while at a brisk walk can have excellent aerobic results. Whether you enjoy walking or running, the treadmill is the most versatile fitness equipment you can purchase.
According to the American Medical Association, treadmills and treadmill exercise is rated the #1 cardio workout. There are many things to consider when purchasing a treadmill such as programs, heart rate control, belt size, deck, horsepower, speed, handrails and incline/decline.
According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, calories burned on the treadmill for 60 minutes averaged 865-705.
Stair climbing has been a popular way to get into shape for years. Steppers simulate stair climbing, but instead of actual steps they use alternating pedals or platforms. In addition to the great aerobic workout, steppers are great for toning your hips and thighs. They’ll also help you get into shape for activities such as hiking or skiing.
If you are beginner, you can start at a low intensity level and gradually build up to more challenging levels. Steppers are a great cross training tool to mix with other aerobic activities such as biking or walking.
When using a stair climber by either speeding up or slowing down the stepping rate, the user controls the amount of resistance. Thus, you are able to choose the intensity of the workout and make adjustments as needed. As your stepping ability increase, so will your need for increased stepping resistance. Always keep your knees bent-do not allow full extension of the knee. Put as little pressure on the handrail as possible. Do not lift your heels while climbing.
Some of the benefits a stair climber offers low shock to the body while offering a high intensity work out and some people find it easy to read while using.
You should avoid using a stepper if you have bad knees because you may find it uncomfortable.
According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, calories burned on the stair climber for 60 minutes averaged 746-637.
Exercise bicycles are great for anyone who wants a virtually non-impact workout. Bikes are terrific for toning your legs, hips and buttocks, and they give your knees a break from impact while offering a great aerobic workout. Most stationary cyclists like wider seats and a more upright posture that is common to stationary cycling, when compared to a road bike’s more narrow seat and hunched over posture. Many stationary bicycles also allow you to customize your body position for more comfort, since the bikes are usually fully adjustable. Always adjust the seat to ensure that at full extension of your leg, your knee is slightly bent. Never allow your knees to become fully extended on a bike.
A great advantage of exercise bikes over other fitness equipment is that it is very easy to read while cycling, because you are already sitting with your hands free and not moving up and down like you would on a treadmill. Exercise bikes are also quite inexpensive. They are very durable and require only minor maintenance. Because of the simple motion most people know how to ride a bike and compared to other fitness equipment, exercise bikes are inexpensive.
You should avoid exercise bikes if you are looking for an intense aerobic work out. Also, if you plan on having long work out sessions your bottom can become quite sore if you use exercise bikes too long.
According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, calories burned on the stationary bike for 60 minutes averaged 604-595.
Elliptical Crosstraining is the newest and most popular exercise found in the finest health clubs in the world. Elliptical crosstrainers feature pedals that move in an oval-shaped motion. Using an elliptical trainer is quite easy, since the feet are guided through the exercise movement with large, stable footrests. These movements are perfect for aerobic benefit, and can be adjusted to be easy enough for someone just starting out, and challenging enough for even athlete. Elliptical fitness can simulate walking, running, stair climbing, rowing, skiing and cycling combined while delivering almost zero impact to your joints. The linkage instantly synchronizes arm and leg movements into the same biomechanical rhythm. The natural elliptical motion allows the user to move through the exercise in a smooth, fluid manner, simulating the natural motion of walking or jogging. Elliptical cross trainer machines are total body elliptical motion exercise machines that provide both an upper and lower body workout. It provides a no-impact workout with less stress on the joints. Tones the arms, chest, back, hips, and glutes. It burns more calories and fat than other one-dimensional cardiovascular machines. Elliptical cross trainers are like nothing you’ve experienced. Whether you want running or walking, elliptical trainers deliver with technology you can feel. The elliptical trainer is an innovative addition to any home or fitness center looking for the best and most futuristic fitness program.
Rowing machines are perfect for people who like rowing in the real world. They are also great for those of us who are seeking a nice combination of aerobic and strength training. The rowing movement involves all the large muscle groups uniformly, so energy is consumed and calories are burned. If you are after improved oxygen intake capacity and stronger shoulder, stomach, arm and back muscles, then you should choose rowing. It develops the heart and circulatory system and simultaneously avoids straining your joints through natural gentle and continuous movements. Rowing is also recommended for those suffering from neck and shoulder problems.
The most important thing to remember about rowing is your form. If you use improper form, you can strain muscles. Keep elbows close to the body for optimal results. Rowing is particularly good for your legs, arms, back, and abs. Avoid full extension of the knees and back.
Some of the benefits to rowing are it gives you a full bodywork out and if done properly, most of the force used is from the legs. Most rowing machines simulate the actual experience quite well.
You should avoid rowing machines if you have a bad back and rowing does require/develop a strong back. Rowing can also take its toll on bad knees.
Rowing machines will give you a great total-body workout. Besides the superb aerobic benefits, rowing can tone both your upper and lower body. The smooth movement of the seat sliding back and forth can make you feel like you¹re really gliding across the water.
Rowing works for all fitness levels. It may take you a few minutes to feel smooth and coordinated when you first start, but after exercising once or twice on a rowing machine, you¹ll make it look easy. Rowing is as simple as pulling a handle toward you with your arms, then sliding the seat back by pushing with your legs. If you want to get in shape for any paddling or rowing sport, or just need some variety in your aerobic workouts, this is a piece of equipment you’ll love.
According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, calories burned on the stationary bike for 60 minutes averaged 739-606 calories.
Strength training not only develops muscular strength and muscular endurance, but it can also improve performance in other activities, change how you look, and help your muscles recover from the daily physical stresses of life.
Strength training increases and preserves muscle, which minimizes many of the negative changes associated with aging.
The key to avoiding muscle loss is to strength train. Because it can increase your metabolism, strength training may be the most important exercise you can do for losing fat and maintaining your weight. Increase muscle by strength training and you¹ll burn more calories naturally--24 hours a day--even at rest!
This service area is designed to help USA Fitness Direct users obtain general information and guidance regarding health topics, and includes information compiled from a number of resources. Nothing in this area should be considered authoritative or complete, or medical or health advice. You should consult your physician or other health care professional before making any decision based upon the general information presented here.
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