| So you've gone through all the options and | | | | until a few seconds after you press the |
| decided that a home gym is right for you. | | | | button. |
| After all it's convenient, private and can | | | | |
| save you money by not paying for a gym | | | | To avoid having problems order from an online |
| membership. | | | | retailer that has a good return policy. Check |
| | | | to see how thick the base legs are. This is |
| You know what's coming next. You have to | | | | something you can find easily on Pro Form |
| plunk down 200, 500, maybe even 2,000 dollars | | | | treadmills or NordicTrack Ellipticals. |
| to get the system that you want. And with all | | | | |
| the choices out there how do you really know | | | | Strength Training: This is what you want if |
| what you want anyway? | | | | you're looking for the big bulk. Pumping |
| | | | weights is the fastest way to get larger |
| There are two main types of machines on the | | | | muscles without using harmful drugs. You can |
| market, cardiovascular and strength training. | | | | also tone your muscles with strength training |
| Your body will look very different after | | | | by lifting smaller amounts. |
| you've shed the pounds depending on which | | | | |
| exercise machine you choose. | | | | If you plan to work out alone you'll need to |
| | | | find a machine that has a built in spotter or |
| Cardiovascular: These machines get your heart | | | | uses resistance in place of weights. If not |
| pumping quickly and increase your overall | | | | you may find yourself at a stalemate with the |
| stamina. They include treadmills, | | | | 100 pounds above your head. Talk about an |
| ellipticals, exercise bikes, rowing exercise | | | | awkward situation! |
| machines, steppers and skiers. Once you get | | | | |
| your heart rate going on one of these | | | | Just like cardiovascular workouts, you won't |
| machines you'll start shedding calories fast. | | | | get big arm muscles if all you buy is an AB |
| And most come with a calorie tracker so you | | | | CoreMaster. So make sure you know what |
| can see when you've burned off that hamburger | | | | muscles a particular machine targets before |
| you felt so guilty about eating. | | | | buying. You may find that it's worth it to |
| | | | spend a little extra money to get an |
| Cardio machines often only focus on a few | | | | all-in-one gym that targets most major muscle |
| muscles, meaning that your legs might get | | | | groups than a machine that focuses on just a |
| toned but you won't get a six-pack or | | | | few. |
| strengthen your arm muscles if all you do is | | | | |
| use an elliptical. If you want a toned look | | | | And don't be surprised if you don't lose any |
| all over, you'll need to add other exercises | | | | weight after strength training for a long |
| like sit-ups and push-ups to your routine. | | | | period of time. Since muscle weighs more than |
| | | | fat you may even find that you've gained a |
| When shopping for a safe machine make sure it | | | | few pounds. |
| is sturdy and quiet when in use. Some cheaper | | | | |
| brands tend to be wobbly which can be | | | | Take the time to analyze your goals. What |
| dangerous and distract you from getting the | | | | areas of your body are you concerned about |
| most out of your workout. An anti static | | | | and how do you envision yourself looking at |
| floor mat may also help the stability of your | | | | its best? You may decide that what you need |
| machine by creating a hard surface for it to | | | | is a combination of cardiovascular exercise |
| stand on. Compare prices to the quality of a | | | | from a machine like the Pro Form treadmill |
| brand you like. It may be worth it to get the | | | | and strength training from a set of weights. |
| upgrade because it will last longer. | | | | There are a few machines on the market, like |
| | | | the Cardio Cruiser by Jake that do both in |
| You'll also want the control panel to have | | | | one. But no matter what you decide you'll be |
| quick response time because when you've | | | | happier with your purchase and the results |
| reached your limit on a treadmill you need to | | | | you get if you base it on your goals. |
| stop immediately. Some machines keep going | | | | |