Cardio Exercise Equipment Buying cardio exercise equipment for your home is a smart idea

Aerobic Exercise Equipment

Buying cardio or aerobic exercise equipment for your own home is a great idea. You’re more likely to use it if it’s in the rec room down the hall, as opposed to the gym 20 minutes down the road. Although, I have clients who still have a hard time doing cardio. Even when the treadmill is in-house! But that’s not going to be you. So, read on.

Points to consider when buying cardio exercise equipment:

Make sure that you have ample space. The smallest of the bunch is perhaps an exercise bike. Al the others –cross-country ski machines, treadmills, ellipticals and rowers take up more room. Plan on an area 7 feet long by 4 feet wide. And remember, if you want to watch a TV, allow 8 feet between you and the screen. The best cardio machine to buy is the one that you will actually use. If you hate running, obviously you would be better off with an elliptical or exercise bike than a treadmill. Try before you buy. You should do an actual workout on whatever it is you are considering before you commit. One way to do this is of course at your local commercial gym. Don’t buy any cardio exercise that’s going to aggravate previous injuries. For example, if you know that your knees can’t handle running long term, you may want to consider an elliptical or exercise bike.

Some Specifics on Cardio Exercise Equipment:

Treadmill
Make sure that you buy a treadmill that has a running surface of at least 3 feet wide and 50 inches long. If you are over 6 feet tall you’ll need one even longer.

Be especially sure to try the treadmill out to make sure it has adequate shock absorbing capability.

Look for a treadmill with at least a 1.5 horsepower engine.

Elliptical Trainer
Look for an elliptical that has hand motion. This allows you to add another element to your workout.

Some ellipticals can be quite inexpensive. However, expect to pay around $2,000 for a unit that feels as good as one at a commercial gym.

Exercise Bike
The units found at health clubs usually have magnetic frictionless resistance. This is recommended.

Make sure that the bike has a comfortable position. If not, you won’t actually use it.

StairClimber
There are both motorized and hydraulic units to choose from. Gyms usually use the motorized variety.

The stairclimber should allow you to keep your knees behind your toes. If it doesn’t, it could lead to knee issues down the road.

Rowing Machine
For more realistic rowing, get a unit with a flywheel that generates resistance. These units are almost as authentic feeling as the WaterRower machines. Those actually use water for resistance.

Make sure that the unit creates resistance throughout the entire stoke.

Expect to pay $700 for a good rowing machine.

Cross-Country Ski Machine
This movement can be difficult to get used to. Unless, of course, you're an experienced cross-country skier.

Find an independent action unit for a more intense and natural feeling workout.

A NordicTrack machine will cost around $700.

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