Whether one is looking to work out in a gym environment or simply purchase a machine for in-home use, exercise equipment has made busy peoples' lives easier. Today's exercise machines eliminate the issues associated with exercising outdoors. Inclement weather, proper form, and keeping a varied and challenging workout are no longer issues with a quality piece of exercise equipment. Most treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, stair climbers, and weight machines come pre-programmed with a variety of different workouts, inclines, speeds, and challenges that take the guess work out of challenging the body and taking workouts to the next level. Purchasing exercise equipment for your own home eliminates the cost associated with gym memberships and trainers; it also affords you the opportunity to work out in the comfort and privacy of your own home or office.
While it may be tempting to purchase a lower-priced piece of exercise equipment, used machine, or clearance display model, you get what you pay for when it comes to workout equipment. The top fitness equipment brands and manufacturers build machines to stand the test of time. They incorporate durable belts, wheels, and weights and combine them with state-of-the-art electronic technology. Generic or lesser-known brands of fitness equipment tend to fall apart quickly, squeak, make noise, and sometimes stop working all together within a very short period of time. Considering the equipment will be used almost every day and for an extended period of time each day, it is important to invest more money into the initial cost of the unit. It will last longer and come complete with an extended warranty that is unmatched in lower-priced units.
Treadmills, elliptical machines, and exercise bikes are the most commonly purchased exercise machines. These machines all provide an effective, efficient, and thorough cardiovascular workout with mild strength training incorporated, as well. People enjoy purchasing these generic types of machines because they are simple to operate, offer a variety of settings and resistance levels, and do not require fancy footwork or focus. People can hop on, push a few buttons, and get a great workout.
There are many other types of exercise machines that offer a more specialized workout experience. Pilates machines are designed to use the body's own weight as resistance. Movements on a Pilates machine are slow and intentional, but very effective for building elongated lean muscles. Stair climbers are phenomenal machines that help shape and sculpt the entire body in record time, while simultaneously providing a great cardiovascular workout. All-in-one gym sets feature barbells, weights, flywheels, and other resistance mechanisms that are designed to give the user a complete head-to-toe workout in an hour or less. One can perform up to 100 different exercises on these types of machines. Rowing machines are another great workout for the full body, but especially the arms, shoulders, and back muscles. The legs are also involved in the movement and the machine simulates the rowing experience of a rowboat or canoe. These exercise machines all require a level of focus to ensure proper form and reduce the incidence of accidental injury.
Maintaining fitness equipment is essential to the longevity of the unit. Most pieces of exercise equipment come with a warranty that typically covers the major elements of the piece of equipment. If the electrical circuit, belts, or weight mechanism become sluggish, faulty, or stop working all together, check with the owner's manual to review the warranty information. Most brand name units cover the cost of major electrical or mechanical repairs for up to five years; some even cover all parts and labor for 10 years. If the warranty has expired on the unit, a professional electrician or mechanical parts or service technician can often make house calls and repair the unit for a fee.
Exercise equipment is not only effective for staying in shape, but today's models fold away, tuck under, and can be stored anywhere when not in use.
