These days, you see advertisements for gym memberships every other commercial break. Each commercial is packed with shots of youthful, smiling, athletes, their muscles rippling and a determined yet relaxed look upon their chiseled faces. The commercials boast that they are the ones who will deliver results, the subtext being that you too can be like us. Of course, that isn’t really the case. Most of us have jobs, family, and obligations that make daily four hour gym visits less than entirely feasible.
Well, it turns out there’s good news for the rest of us. With a well structured workout routine and a few choice exercise machines, it’s perfectly possible to get gym quality results without having to leave your house. Here are some tips on what home exercise machines that’ll get you sweating with the best of them in no time.
The first thing you’ll want to consider is your home. First, assess how much room you have; will you be able to dedicate an entire room to working out, or is your available floor space on the tighter side? Don’t worry; either way, you’ll be able to get a good workout.
For smaller spaces, a weight bench can be a good option. They’re quite compact, not to mention more than a little easy on a tight budget. Standard weight benches can help you develop your core, back, and arm muscles, with some models even including a bar for working out your legs. A routine using a weight bench, in combination with some cardio done outdoors, makes for a great workout that’s appropriate for a person of any size, weight, or fitness level.
For a slightly larger space (think walk in closet or breakfast nook), a stationary bike or elliptical machine can be a very effective way of working out. Both options are particularly good for those with joint problems, as they have a much smaller impact on knee and hip joints than jogging does. They also have the advantage of exercising multiple muscle groups, making both machines a way of easily getting a well rounded source of cardio.
If you have a whole room that you can dedicate to exercise, there can be several good options. A treadmill is great and often attainable at a very reasonable price on Craigslist. Treadmills are especially good for those who live in colder climates, as you are far more likely to exercise if you don’t have to go out into the rain or snow to do so.
There are also a number of machines that combine many different types of resistance training. Common types of training offered by these multi-purpose machines include chest flys, leg lifts, and weighted lunges. These machines essentially offer the functionality of an entire gym weight section in a relatively small package, meaning that they are ideal for those who want to work on developing specific muscle groups without having to go to the gym. These machines have adjustable weight plates, and are therefore good for exercisers in a number of age groups.