Losing weight sucks. First, you need to find the time to exercise. Second, you need to find the right gym and pay for membership. And third, you need to commit to the fitness regime, even when you have a full schedule at work and at home.
Shedding excess pounds at the gym is not only a matter of finding the time to do it. It’s also about trying to fit into a social dynamic you might not be used to, and, where popular gyms are concerned, waiting your turn to finally use the elliptical trainer, the treadmill, or the rowing machine. Don’t forget the fact that there are “gym bunnies” who couldn’t care less about wiping down the equipment after they’ve sweated on it.
The thing is though losing weight is necessary if you want to be fit and healthy and have the energy to do all the things you want to be doing, at work or at home. When you’re fit as a fiddle, you can expect fewer visits to the doctor, you’ll improve your immune system, you’ll gain greater flexibility and strength, and all the good things you’ll need as you get older. Of course, there is also the advantage of having a rocking body.
Well here’s a bit of good news: You don’t have to join a gym to stay fit and get healthy. You can invest in a few key exercise machines to build your very own little gym at home. No more waiting your turn. No more sweaty machines.
Consider the following fitness machines.
Treadmill
A good treadmill will make a decent dent in your home’s budget, but it will definitely pay off. Multiple speed settings simulating anything from hiking to running is how a good treadmill will get you moving. The best part is you will not get bored using it, provided you place it strategically. For instance, right in front of your TV screen. If you’re not too keen on the telly, try installing a sound system in your home gym so you can listen to your favourite tunes or audio books.
Exercise Bicycle
Another great choice is the exercise bike. This stationary bike will have you sweating and burning fat in no time at all. Plus, it’s pretty damned easy to use: sit your ass down and start pedaling; the pedals can be harder or easier to use depending on the setting.
As with any exercise equipment, the exercise bike will come with different features. But it will usually have the LCD screen that displays your workout time, your speed, the distance you’ve reached, and the calories you’ve burned. The high-end bikes will have sophisticated features such as a multi-touch screen, camera, and Bluetooth.
It’s a great tool for losing weight at home, but much like the treadmill the exercise bike does take up a moderate amount of space. So plan accordingly, if you plan on getting one.
The Rowing Machine
An indoor rower is another good choice, especially if you’re working on a budget, as they tend to be more affordable than other exercise machines. However, they’re also much bulkier than other machines. Some users have also found the rower a bit dull.
But here’s something you might want to know about this kind of dull machine: It burns two to three times more calories than spinning. It’s also considered to be the best total body workout as you go through each stroke. It’ll work on your core, your arms, your thighs and legs … and if you imagine yourself rowing on a quiet lake, it might even be a little meditative.
The Exercise Bar
The exercise bar doesn’t have to hog a lot of space in your home; you just prop it in your doorway — and make sure it’s sturdy and stable because you’re going to be using your full weight on the thing. But it’s not really meant for blasting excess fat. It’s more for people who’ve already achieved some level of fitness and now need a way to maintain their physique. In other words, you’re going to need to build up strength, upper body strength to be exact, in order to enjoy this affordable exercise tool.
Using your own body’s resistance, you can really tone your biceps, triceps, chest, and abs with the exercise bar. You can do pull ups and chin ups, and some shoulder exercises. Just be safe on the thing because you could really injure yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing.
All in all, there are plenty of fitness machines to choose from; you just have to be real smart about your choices. Do your research. Compare prices. Look at the different features. Weigh the pros and cons of each fitness machine. And soon enough, you’ll be creating your private little gym at home and you’ll be losing the weight, getting sexy and getting healthy in no time at all.