As much as we want to get fit and work out regularly, going to the gym every day is not feasible for many of us. Often you can only go before or after work, which means you must spend time in traffic to get there, and once you’re at the gym, you likely have to wait to use the equipment since it’s mostly busy. Having a gym at home means fewer excuses not to workout, and you can exercise at any time that suits you, even if it’s 3 am.
When building a gym at home, you probably don’t have the luxury of space and a big budget to purchase all the equipment a public gym has. You must choose your equipment carefully to get the most out of it. Moreover, based on the exercise machine manual, you may be able to learn of new ways that you can configure the machine in order to save more space.
Depending on your budget and space, you may only be able to accommodate one home fitness machine, but that may also be all you need to get started. You don’t need more than this, though. When deciding what to buy, you must think about your goals, the benefits, and what you will enjoy using. There is little point in purchasing a machine that you don’t like using because you will only see results if you are consistent.
Three popular cardio machines for home gyms include:
Treadmill
It’s safe to say that the treadmill is one of the most popular pieces of gym equipment. They are easy to use and suitable for any fitness level. You can walk, jog or run and change the inclination to vary your workout.
Running or walking is great for weight loss and circulation; it improves heart health and reduces cardiovascular disease risk. It’s also a better option than running outside for people with joint problems. Running on a hard, uneven surface like a road can cause injury to your joints and muscles, but running on a treadmill has a low impact, so you’re less likely to get hurt.
Rowing Machine
A rowing machine offers a full-body workout. Unlike other cardio machines that primarily exercise the upper body, a rowing machine allows you to train the core and upper and lower body simultaneously and uses about 85% of the muscles in your body. It’s a massive time saver for people who want to get in shape but don’t have a lot of time to work on isolated muscle groups. Working out on a rowing machine improves your posture and builds endurance, and since it’s for cardio exercises, it improves cardiovascular function.
It’s also low impact, so you reduce the chance of getting hurt even if you are exercising at a high intensity. If space is an issue and you’re wondering what rower is best for small spaces, rowing machines are usually not bulky, so it will be easy to find one to fit even the smallest home gym.
Stationary Bike
If you enjoy cycling, riding a stationary bike offers all the benefits while doing it from the comfort of your home. You don’t have to deal with harsh weather conditions or an uneven surface, which can put pressure on your joints and knees. It’s also safer than riding a bike on the road.
You can read or watch TV while also working out, which is excellent for people who are short on time.
Riding a bike gives you an excellent cardio workout, which strengthens your heart and lungs, allowing blood through your body more efficiently. It also helps you burn fat if you want to lose weight. Like a treadmill and rowing machine, it’s low impact, so you are less likely to suffer an injury.
References
- Spine-health: Advantages and Disadvantages of Treadmill Use for Exercise and Pain Relief
- Altasstrength: 8 Reasons Why You Need a Treadmill at Home
- Livestrong: What Is Better: Treadmill, Rowing Machine or Indoor Cycle?
- Womenshealthmag: 16 benefits of using a rowing machine, from building strength to improving stamina
- Healthline: The Benefits of a Rowing Machine
- Healthline: 7 Great Benefits of a Stationary Bike Workout
- Themanual: What Are the Benefits of Stationary Bike Workouts?