Aerobic Exercise Equipment

Aerobic exercise can provide you with many health benefits. Whether you are looking for a lower body, upper body or total body workout, there is an aerobic exercise machine for you. The following is an overview of popular aerobic exercise equipment. Exercise using any of this equipment for 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week, and you will increase your energy level and stay in good shape.

Treadmills

Treadmills provide the option for you to run or walk while staying indoors. They have belts that can move at various speeds, and you can often adjust the incline level. These machines are used by people who are engaged in different forms of exercise, from marathon runners to beginning fitness enthusiasts. One advantage of the treadmill over other exercise equipment, such as the bicycle, is that you can burn calories faster. A disadvantage of treadmills is that they can be hard on your joints, and many people find that exercising on them can become boring.

Stationary Bicycles

The stationary bicycle combines the aerobic workout of a bicycle with the comfort of staying indoors and in one place. There are a variety of exercise bicycles available, from the recumbent bicycle to the upper body bicycle. Stationary bicycles offer a good cardiovascular workout, and because of the variety of sizes and forms, they are a good option for people of different ages and sizes. They also provide the advantage of a low-impact exercise. One disadvantage is that exercise bicycles focus solely on leg exercise. This means you must incorporate separate upper body exercise in order to have a balanced workout.

Elliptical Trainers

Elliptical trainers simulate the elliptical, up-and-down motion of walking or running. While exercising on these machines you can vary the resistance level and often the incline level. You can also challenge muscles in different ways by moving the foot pedals forward or backward. Many elliptical trainers have handlebars so that you work your upper body as well. Elliptical trainers combine low-impact aerobic exercise with a total body workout.

Stair-Stepper

The stair-stepper, also known as a stair climber, is an exercise machine used for lower body workouts. The machine mimics the action of climbing stairs, but the difference is that you can change the amount of resistance you face while climbing. Sometimes these machines can be hard on your knees, and people just beginning to use exercise equipment may find them extremely difficult.

Rowing Machines

The rowing machine, also referred to as a rower, mimics the pattern of rowing. The rowing machine is particularly helpful if you suffer from a lower body injury. Exercising on this machine requires the use of your upper and lower body, and provides you with a cardiovascular workout. One disadvantage to the rowing machine is that some people find rowing machines hard on their back.

Cross-Country Ski Machines

Cross-country ski machines provide an exercise that simulates the action of cross-country skiing. Some machines have skis that move independently, while others require you to move one ski forward in order to move the other backward. With all ski machines, you must use your upper body and lower body, so an advantage of exercising on a ski machine is that you must use your entire body during a workout.