Top 5 Best Sports Equipment for Home - HappyGetFit
Want to exercise but don’t have time to go to the gym? Here’s some advice from Happygetfit.
I wanted to stay fit and keep myself in good physical shape, so I joined a gym 2 years ago. Unfortunately, after just 2 months, I stopped making time to go (the 20-minute drive may have made a difference if the gym had been closer). So I spent €550 for about 10 sessions. Ouch! €55 per session—I didn’t get my money’s worth from my 1-year membership.
When I was visiting a friend, I noticed she had an elliptical trainer at home. I’d seen one before, but hadn’t really paid much attention to it. She told me she’d bought it a year ago and uses it every other day while her little girl naps. This is the model (on Happygetfit.com).
After discussing it and reflecting on it myself, I decided to buy my own exercise equipment for home. But what should I choose? Which exercise machine should I get? I don’t have space like they do at a gym, and I can’t afford to buy 3 or 4 different machines.
1- The rowing machine The rowing machine is one of the best pieces of home exercise equipment. It makes 80% of the body’s muscles work intensely. It’s not my favorite or the most popular machine, but it’s the most effective exercise machine for losing weight and building muscle. The rowing machine is the one most athletes use for physical conditioning.
Choosing the right rowing machine can make all the difference. There are several types of resistance technology available. If you want a quiet rowing machine, choose a magnetic one; for realistic resistance, choose an air model; if you want a rowing experience, choose a water model, and so on.
2- The elliptical trainer The elliptical trainer provides a workout somewhere between using a stepper and a stationary bike. Unless there’s a specific medical reason, 3/4 of its users are women. Why? Because the elliptical trainer is praised for its motion, which mainly works the thighs and buttocks to help shape your curves (while also working your arms, calves, and abs).
The elliptical trainer takes up floor space. Don’t forget to set aside a place for it in your home, as it’s not easy to move. Also consider choosing a model with programs on the screen so you can vary your workout.
3- The exercise bike The exercise bike is very popular in France, with thousands sold every week. They’re popular because they’re inexpensive to buy and take up very little space. They’re generally foldable.
Keep in mind that the pedaling motion can be boring and works only the lower body. Consider opting for a higher-end model with smoother pedaling, a heavier flywheel, and a screen with built-in programs to vary your workouts.
4- The treadmill Another very popular piece of gym equipment is the treadmill. Its main advantage is that you can run on it all year round, whatever the weather, in a dry, warm environment. This exercise works the lower body.
Treadmills are popular with everyone and suit all fitness levels. Entry-level treadmills have small motors and short belts, making them suitable only for walking. If you want to run and make full use of the incline, speed variations, and cushioning, you’ll need to move up to a higher-end model.
5- The stepper The stepper was one of the first pieces of exercise equipment to make its way into apartments and detached homes. It’s an exercise machine that works the calves, thighs, and buttocks.
Like the elliptical trainer, the stepper is used mainly by women. For the price of a pair of jeans, you can tone your glutes and thighs in just a few minutes a day. As with any machine, it’s a great workout as long as you use it regularly.
Note: Some low-end steppers are unstable, so choose a model that’s heavy and wide enough.