Fitness equipment is any machine or apparatus used in the exercise to improve the physical strength or fitness results of that exercise, either by supplying either adjustable or fixed amounts of resistance, to facilitate the learning or experience of an exercise regimen. It may be an actual machine, a piece of equipment or a combination of both. The equipment can vary significantly, from treadmills, to rowing machines and elliptical machines to free weights and body wraps. Some fitness equipment can also be used for rehabilitation purposes.
Fitness equipment differs from other machines in terms of the level of challenge they pose to the exerciser. This includes the equipment's capacity to cause injury and the level of skill and expertise required to use it proficiently. As an example, treadmills are designed for casual use and may not pose much of a challenge to first time users. Elliptical machines on the other hand are designed for users who are committed to fitness routines and training, including advanced users who are well trained in the use of free weights.
The concept of fitness equipment was developed as far back as the nineteenth century and was initially used in commercial gyms and public swimming pools to aid in the training of swimmers. It was later adopted into mainstream gymnasiums and in the home market in the early twentieth century. In the home market, the most significant impact can be traced to the adoption of elliptical machines as a home fitness equipment. Elliptical machines became popular in the home market as the result of the growing popularity of the recumbent bicycle. As bicycles became more popular, people began to see the advantages of using a machine to get an excellent workout without having to sit in a stationary position.
Today, there are numerous different types of cardio fitness equipment and each type has its own advantages. Elliptical machines have become a very popular piece of equipment especially with the home fitness workout market as they provide a low impact workout that is suitable for people of all fitness levels. Additionally, elliptical machines allow you to simulate running or walking as well as a cardiovascular workout which can be extremely beneficial to those who are trying to lose weight and regain fitness.
Other cardio fitness equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals and cross trainers. Treadmills and cross trainers both are excellent for toning muscles, burning off excess calories and improving cardiovascular fitness. However, treadmills are more suitable for use in public parks and fitness clubs and cross trainers are much more suited to use at home. Additionally, treadmills can be used to perform multiple exercises and build strength while cross trainers allow you to exercise multiple muscles at the same time.
Elliptical machines and treadmills are not the only pieces of fitness equipment available and in recent years the home gym has become highly popular with a range of additional pieces. Exercise bikes are one of these pieces of equipment, which allows you to exercise without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Exercise bikes are also excellent if you want to build muscle strength and endurance as well as burning off excess calories. Exercise bikes use a pedal which is connected to a handle which enables you to steadily increase the resistance as you pedal. The resistance level can be adjusted, allowing you to achieve a level of comfort which is sufficient to help you exercise without causing undue stress and strain on your body.
Finally, rowing machines and dumbbells are other pieces of fitness equipment which are proving very popular with gym members and those wanting to achieve maximum fitness in the privacy of their own home. Rowing machines are great for toning muscles throughout the body as well as increasing the resistance with each repetition. Dumbbells are excellent for building muscle strength, increasing the range of motion and providing a complete body workout. There are many different variations of dumbbells and rowing machines including standing models and even rowing machines which are motorized. Rowing machines provide an all-over body workout and dumbbells can be used for a focused exercise or to target specific parts of the body. If you are considering new equipment for your gym, consider what your specific needs are and which pieces of fitness equipment will help you reach your goals faster.
Fitness equipment is now available for many different budgets. Rowers, treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical machines are now very affordable and are ideal for both home use and commercial gym membership. Fitness equipment can be expensive, but if you plan to use it regularly and in your home, you may want to consider purchasing a more affordable piece of equipment. These types of fitness equipment are often much easier to maintain as well and can fit into any budget. As fitness equipment improves, prices will likely drop and this will allow those on a budget to join the gym and get in shape while saving money at the same time.
