We all know that the foundation of any successful weight loss program is a plan of healthy eating habits and regular exercise. We also know that getting started with such a plan is easier for some than others! If you fall in the latter category, do not give up yet. The benefits of living a healthy lifestyle are tremendous for looking better, feeling better, and living a longer life. One of the first steps is to get your body moving. There are so many different ways to work exercise into your life and so many options for finding just the right exercise for you. For optimal health and weight loss, you want both cardiovascular exercise that gets your heart pumping, as well as strength training exercise that helps build muscles. There are a variety of exercise machines available in a fitness center or home setting that will get you started on your way to a leaner, trimmer, and healthier you.
Any local fitness center or gym usually has a wide variety of exercise machines for strength training. These include multi-station gyms, individual weight stations, and free weight exercise areas. An advantage of going to a fitness center is that personal trainers or gym employees can assist you in using the equipment properly. But for those unable to join a fitness center or who are uncomfortable exercising in this type of environment, many of these exercise machines have models designed specifically for use in the home. Compact multi-station gyms or home gyms are ideal for smaller home settings and allow you to work multiple muscle groups. If you do not have the space or budget for a home gym, free weights are another option to consider. Free weights are relatively inexpensive, take up little space, and can help strengthen arms, back, and chest. For improved comfort, many come with vinyl or neoprene covers. They can be purchased individually, in pairs, or as part of a multiple-weight set.
For cardiovascular exercise, there are a lot of great choices of exercise machines that fit all body types. Treadmills are the most popular. Most are fully adjustable and allow you to walk or jog at a pace that is comfortable for you. If knee of joint pain is a concern, elliptical cross trainers provide a similar cardiovascular workout to treadmills but with less stress on the joints. Stationary exercise bikes come in upright and recumbent models. Because they are low impact and cause limited head bouncing, it is often possible to read or watch television while exercising on them. There are also hand bicycles for individuals with limited mobility that work the upper body and arms. Cardiovascular exercise machines for more adventurous or athletic individuals include stair steppers or climbers, agility ladders, and rowing machines. Most all of these cardio exercise machines can be found in commercial fitness centers or purchased for use in the home.
Whether you decide to exercise at home or at a fitness center or gym, schedule a regular appointment with your exercise equipment at least three times a week and stick with it! If you find yourself starting to get bored, try another exercise machine. Before long, you will be on your way to your weight loss goals!
Ty Hartwell is a fitness enthusiast with over 20 years experience in the industry. For additional information on exercise machines, please visit www.AmericanFitness.net.
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