Five Highly Recommended Home Exercise Machines

The exercise machines used in gyms tend to be bulky and big. Unless you have your very own gym, then you might want to consider buying another alternative for that particular type of machine. Here are some exercise machines that will surely fit in your home.

1. Step Machines. This machine mimics the kind of physical activity you undergo when you are going up the stairs hence the name. Step machines have foot pads where you place your feet, which is then connected to an LCD that projects the number of steps you have made as well as an estimate of the calories you burn.

To get started on a step machine, all you have to do is extend one leg down and bend the other leg; the same thing you do when you go up the stairs. You can keep on doing this as long as you want. Step machines provide a low impact aerobic exercise and it also strengthens the lower body muscles such as the muscles on your legs and your rear.

2. Stationary Bicycles. Cycling is a good cardiovascular exercise but then not everybody has the time to go biking cross country or they might find it unsafe to go biking at night. As an alternative people would use stationary bicycles instead.

Stationary bicycles or exercise bicycles do look like real bicycles except for the fact that it is mounted on a frame that plants it firmly on the floor while allowing the wheels to turn just like a real bike. Stationary bikes are great exercise machines for individuals particularly those who are overweight and are still on the first stage of the workout regimen or routine. This exercise machine provides a non-impact workout. Using stationary bikes will require you to use your leg and gluteus muscles.

3. Rowing Machines. Few people know that rowing is also a good cardiovascular exercise. Some people when they hear the word rowing immediately think of a small boat and a pair of paddles. Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys the water and rowing a boat might not be that appealing to them. To solve this, individuals would end up buying rowing machines.

When you use a rowing machine you might notice that it does feel like you are rowing a real boat. This exercise machine provides a whole body workout because it uses both the muscles in your upper body as well as your lower body. To save yourself from back pains, you will have to learn the proper technique on rowing.

4. Gym Balls. This is not really a machine because it looks more like giant beach ball. Gym balls are becoming popular because of its versatility. It is also otherwise known as balance balls because you will surely need to balance yourself to keep from falling down from the ball.

Most fitness instructors recommend this to people who are working at the office because by simply sitting on the gym ball you are already using your back and abdominal muscles. You are contracting them in order to keep your balance and support while on the ball.

Gym balls can also be used for Pilates. It can also support your back when you are doing some crunches. These balance or gym balls are not as expensive as those other types of exercise machines and in addition, it doesn't take up a lot of space.

5. Treadmills. Almost everyone is familiar with treadmills. This exercise machine allows you to walk, jog and run right in the comfort of your own home. Treadmills can be adjusted to a particular speed that you prefer that is why this is a good alternative for brisk walking, jogging and running around the neighborhood.