Home Fitness Equipment Buying Guide

The cornerstone of any aerobic workout, where fat burning is the goal, is getting the heart pumping. To accomplish this, you need home fitness equipment that will allow you to sustain a workout for an extended period of time. This fitness equipment may range from an expensive rowing machine to something as simple as a jump rope, but most importantly, it should be personalized so you get the most out of it.

The workhorse of home aerobic equipment is the treadmill, the ideal machine for runners. The sturdiness is the crucial feature a home treadmill, as it is for most aerobic equipment, as your machine must not rattle or shake during use. As a rule of thumb, heavier equipment will be sturdier; however, lighter equipment is more versatile, able to fit under beds and in closets. One downside of commercial treadmills is that they can put undue pressure on knees. Luckily, many home exercise machines offer low-stress exercises. Recumbent bikes, for example, take a great deal of pressure off knee joints by providing an exercise that mimics bicycling, but they don't burn as many calories as a Weslo treadmill. A nice compromise is the elliptical, which offers a very good non-impact workout, while still burning plenty of calories. Home ellipticals, which are similar to stair-steppers, allow the user to work both leg and arm muscles, so you can get a well-rounded workout on a single machine.

Free Weights
For those interested in showing off at Muscle Beach, free weights and dumbbells are the way to go. An all-utility weight bench gives you an anaerobic workout and is easy to store. These multitask exercise benches can be used with dumbbells and are ideal when doing a bench press. It's important to find an exercise bench that is long enough for your body type, so you don't slide off. Also, when purchasing dumbbells, select weights that are suited for your strength, and as you get stronger, purchase heavier ones.

Yoga and Pilates
The practice of Yoga began almost 3000 years ago, and it has changed very little since then. The underlying principle of Yoga is health through concentration. A Yoga mat is essential for anyone attempting Yoga; however, not all mats are the same. Finding the right material and color that is comfortable for you is a must. Also, make sure and use exercise mats that won't slide on slick floors. These are sometimes called sticky mats and are a good defense against slipping.

Pilates is similar to Yoga, but can be a little more aggressive. The inventor, Joseph Pilates, called the method Contrology, which means the control of muscles with the mind. Pilates emphasizes breathing and muscle control by combing a variety of stretches. Like Yoga, Pilates fans will need a mat on which to perform the different positions. Many websites offer instruction on how to perform different positions, but when you are just starting out, it's recommended to seek an instructor.

Finishing Strong
The ideal home fitness equipment is comfortable and matches your taste. By trying out a variety of exercises, many find that they prefer only one type of workout, so it's best to try them all before investing in specialized equipment. Having the right equipment at home will ensure a successful workout, and a healthy body.