There are plenty of us who are just as concerned with getting in shape as we are with losing weight. Choosing home gym equipment, however, means understanding what you are thinking about when you say you want to “get in shape.” When choosing the best home gym and equipment for the job, take into consideration what your ultimate goal is – do you want to tone the muscle you have, focus on strength training or work up to full-tilt body-building? What type of home gym and cardio equipment is best for you will depend on the answers to these questions.

If you are looking for a basic home gym and equipment to primarily tone muscles and provide a nice, steady workout for a wide range of muscle groups, it is best to focus more on details like the variety of exercises. If you are serious about bulking up your muscles and want to get into serious weight lifting, look for a Smith machine home gym with at least a 200 lb. stack weight.

One thing to keep in mind is that home gyms are all primarily for muscle workouts; for a really complete routine you should also consider cardio equipment such as a better treadmill or elliptical trainer as a way to vary your routine and give you a good cardiovascular workout.

Features You Shouldn’t Ignore When Comparing Home Gyms and Exercise Equipment

Home gyms are only worth the money if you get a good return on your investment. Since gym equipment can be quite complex there are several features you need to compare to find the best machine:

Adjustability – Can you target specific areas of your body or muscle groups?

Variety of Exercises – Any good home gym system should offer at least 20 different exercises. Some of the best equipment offers as many as 50; only you can say whether the additional ones are worth the extra money.

Instructions – This sounds simple, but even the best exercise equipment can cause injury if there aren’t clear instructions on how to perform your workouts properly.

Weight Range and Safety – If you are primarily doing toning, you can skimp on the stack weight and invest more elsewhere. If you are into body building or serious weight training, get a home gym with a pressing station that allows you to load the bar safely without having to make numerous adjustments.

Some will tell you that the more traditional home gyms are better than the newer “bow” systems that use weight resistance rather than pure lifting. Just as many will tell you the opposite is true. This is really a matter of preference about the “feel” that you like, and is not nearly as important as the quality of each individual piece of home gym and exercise equipment. Look for solid construction, a good warranty and safety features and you can’t go wrong. Soon you’ll be as buff as you want to be!

If you are like me, then you will probably know that using free weights and machines is the fastest and most efficient way there is to improve your metabolism and strength but for many reasons these may not be convenient or readily accessible to you.

You may also have no access to a commercial gym, home gym or are on business trip, but there can be a solution, a strength-training workout without the need of expensive machines.

As with any exercise, whether you are using your own body weight, machines or free weights, if the resistance doesn't increase, your muscles won't be worked to their maximum capacity and the stimulus these fibres need to grow will be missing.

Exercises done correctly will build the lean muscle and increase your metabolism in the same way as performing exercises at a gymnasium, but without the time constraints and associated costs.

These exercises can be easily done in a bedroom, hotel room, a park, school yard, ceiling rafters in a garage or in a doorway and all you have to do is use your imagination. There will always be a way to add more resistance to your workouts.

Please remember: It doesn't matter where you are working out - at home, a hotel, or a park - always warm up properly before beginning your session, and cool down and stretch when you are finished.

Leg Exercises

Squats -

They build muscle in the thighs, shape the buttocks and improve endurance. Position your feet about 13 to 17 inches apart or at shoulder width, keeping the back straight and your head up. If you want you can use something that will give you some support, i.e. a desk, bookcase, sink etc.

Now squat down to where the tops of the thighs are parallel to the floor, hold for a second and then stand up, but don't bounce at the bottom of the movement, use a nice fluid motion. Always exhale your breath as you stand up.

Lunges -

Stand straight in correct posture; now stand with one leg forward and one leg back. Keeping your abdominal muscles tight and chest up, lower your upper body down, bending your leg (don't step out too far).

You should have about one to two feet between your feet at this stage, the further forward you step, and the more your gluteus and hamstring muscles will have to work.

Do not allow your knee to go forward beyond your toes as you come down and stop where your feel comfortable (try not to let your back come forward) then push directly back up. Do all your reps on one leg then switch legs and do all your reps on the other leg.

Back Exercises

Chin-ups -

Chin-ups are a great upper body workout, particularly targeting your biceps, deltoid and lat muscles. Use a doorway chin-up bar, ceiling rafters in a garage or grab the moulding of your door frame, position your hands with an under hand grip and hang down stretching the lats, slowly raise your body until your chin reaches the bar level.

Pause a moment before slowly lowering yourself back to the starting position. Don't swing or use momentum to get your body to the top, just use the target muscles. Doorway chinning bars remove from the doorway when you are not using them and can be put up and taken down in seconds.

Bent Over Row -

Take up a position with your right hand and right knee braced on a sturdy bed or some other flat surface that will provide a good support. Now pick up a dumbbell or something heavy that you can hold onto with your left hand.

Visualize your arms as hooks and slowly bring the dumbbell or object up to the side of your chest, keeping your back straight, then lower the weight back down to arms length, no lower, on extremes, safe form only please.

Concentrate on your back muscles. Reverse the whole procedure and do the exercise now with your right arm.

Chest Exercises

Push-Up -

The push up is used for building chest, shoulders and arms. Lie face down on the floor with your hands about shoulder width apart and keeping your palms turned slightly inward. Now push-up until your arms are straight, lower and repeat for repetitions.

To make it more difficult elevate your feet. Try placing the toes of your feet on a stable, elevated surface such as a bench, chair or a stair.

Straightening your body, position your hands on the floor at shoulder width, lower your body until your chest touches the floor at the bottom, and then return to the starting position in a nice fluid motion.

Dips -

This exercise can be done between two sturdy chairs or other surfaces that provide stability. The dip is another great upper body exercise. It's a compound movement as well and involves working all the muscles that the push up works.

Keep your head up and body as vertical as possible. For the beginning of the movement, start at the top (arms fully extended) and lower yourself until your upper arms are parallel to the seat of the chairs, hold and then push up to the top of the movement until your arms are fully extended again.

Keep looking straight ahead and don't bounce at the bottom of the movement.

Adding Weight

Although the simple weight of your own body is enough resistance to provide an effective workout we need progressive overload (added resistance) to become stronger.

So all we need to do is add some weight wherever we can find some. Because there are no metal plates and fancy machines to use it doesn't matter because the body doesn't care where it is as long as it's receiving resistance of some kind.

You can use heavy books clasped in your hands. You can buy some cheap weighted dumbbells or ankle weights. A weighted vest will also allow you to add resistance for both chin-ups and push-ups.

Try to buy one that will let you remove and add weight as you see fit. Also a backpack filled with books can be perfect for most of the exercises and is a cheap alternative.

How about a couple of buckets and fill them with a certain level of water? As you get stronger fill them with more water. This is perfect because depending on the exercise, all you need to do is to increase or decrease the amount of water in the buckets for the required amount of resistance.

To wrap things up we know that using free weights and machines are the fastest and most efficient way there is to gain lean muscle and strength, but by performing the exercises in this article you'll find that they will provide you with the same benefits as going to a gymnasium but without the ongoing costs and time constraints.

I bet you're frustrated over the long lines at your local gym. Furthermore, I bet you don't appreciate being charged an extra $45 every month for a gym membership that you might not even use any more. Well, a home gym might just be the answer to what you are looking for. Buy the home gym equipment once and you don't have to keep paying the fees over and over again. Home gyms can be a sound investment for anyone looking to install one in their basement or workout room. Let's take a look at a few tips that might come in handy for anyone looking to install a home gym in their home.

1)Don't discard used equipment, but be sure and pick up a good deal on other people's discarded equipment (if that makes any sense). Used equipment can provide you a really good deal because some people (myself not included) go on exercise binges and buy equipment that they just quit using after a month or two. Their investment can certainly be your gain. Look through classifieds and on Ebay to research the best exercise equipment that you can possibly afford. Often times, you will find that the equipment that you are after is priced very reasonably.

2)Consider buying commercial fitness equipment. A lot of the time, the regular home gym equipment that you want to buy isn't what you are used to using at the gym. Find out what types of stuff you like the best and do some due diligence. Look for commercial fitness equipment dealers and you should be able to shop for the same stuff that the local workout spot has for you.

3)Get knowledgeable about the different types of home gym equipment. All equipment is not created equal. Figure out what the different types of equipment are and what the advantages and disadvantages of buying different stuff is. There is an large array of equipment available. Make the right decisions.

Don't Think About Spending a Penny Until You Read This!

The Powerblock dumbbells are one of the most popular adjustable, quick change dumbbells on the market. Backed by a 10 year warranty, these “made in the USA dumbbells” are extremely durable, replaces dozens of regular dumbbells and can be easily stored away under your bed or in the closet.

If you’re considering the Power Block, then chances are you already know the benefits of strength training, and you probably want the best, space efficient dumbbell on the planet. But with all the different Power Block dumbbell models out there, you might be scratching your head and thinking which one is right for you.

Here is an overview of what’s available:

Personal Power Block

This set adjusts from 5-45 lbs in 5 lb increments in each hand. This set has a maximum weight of 45 lbs per hand and cannot be made heavier than the 45 lb maximum weight per hand.

The Sports Power Block

This set adjusts from 3-21 lbs in 3 lb increments. This set has a maximum weight of 21 lbs per hand and cannot be made heavier than the 21 lb maximum weight per hand

Elite Trainer 2.5-50

The Elite Trainer Set allows you to adjust the weight by 2.5 lbs within the weight range of 2.5-50 lbs per dumbbell.

The Elite Set 5-50

The Elite handle weighs 5 lbs without the chrome adder weights in the handle. You can expand this dumbbell by using the add-on kits. The 40 lb Elite Add-On Kit would take the set from a maximum weight of 90 lbs in each hand. The Elite Big Block Kit would take you to a maximum weight of 130 lbs in each hand.

The Elite 5-90

This set is expandable to 130 lbs per hand using Elite Big Block Kit.

The Elite Set 5-130

This is the Elite Power Block dumbbells in one package. The weight ranges from 5-130 lbs, and adjusts in 5 or 10 lb increments.

The Power Block Pro Rexan

The weight ranges from 5-85 lbs base set comes with plates 1-8 and adjusts in 5 or 10 lb increments.

Big Pro Rexan 5-125lbs

These are basically the same as the Pro Rexan, with the add-on weights included bring the weight up to 125lb for each dumbbell.

Things You Should Know When Choosing a Power Block Dumbbell Set

Keep in mind that the add-on kit (which makes your dumbbells up to 130 lbs each) is compatible with only a few select models.

If you don’t plan on building muscle, then the Personal and Sports Power Block should be fine for you.

However, if strength, power, and muscle mass are one of your goals, then consider the Power Block Elite Set or the Power Block Pro Rexan models. These models are upgradeable to a maximum of 125-130 lbs for each dumbbell if you purchase an add-on. You can also buy the complete set, saving you from upgrading at a later time.

Other Benefits

Patented Selector Pin Design- Power Block dumbbells use a selector pin to change weights, much like a weight stack machine at a gym.

Padded Wrist Supports- Power Block offers padded wrist supports within the construction of the dumbbells.

Who is it for?

If you’re sick of waiting in line at the health clubs for a dumbbell and want to work out in the comfort of your own home, the power block is much more convenient and cost effective than multiple sets of regular dumbbells.

If you’re a personal trainer then these dumbbells are great for your studio. If you’re doing in-home personal training for your clients, nothing beats a set of power blocks and the foldable Travel Bench for portability and convenience.

So you're buying an elliptical machine? Elliptical machines give you a low impact, safe workout that burns a maximum amount of calories in the least amount of time.

But with all of the different elliptical brands out there, how do you choose the best one? Here are 5 key features to look for when shopping to help you find the verybest elliptical machine.

1) Forward and Reverse motions

The ability to move in a forward or reverse motion adds variety and challenge to your workout. It works different sets of muscles and results in more calories burned overall.

This also reduces your risk of repetitive use injuries common with some treadmill and stair climber users. Most ellipticals have this option but it's always a good idea to make sure.

2) Adjustable resistance

Quality elliptical machines will have a range of resistance levels. Increasing the resistance increases the calories burned. It also helps you continue to challenge your body as your fitness level improves.

Look for an elliptical machine that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment) so that interval training sessions can be easily incorporated into your workout

3) Upper body workout arms

While you really don't need these for an effective workout, many people prefer them. They do help to provide resistance training for your upper body - and again, result in more calories burned.

However make sure you don't have to lean over while using them which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper elliptical models).

4) Quiet operation

Look for an elliptical machine that is specifically designed to stay quiet. A truly well designed elliptical machine should be fairly quiet at all intensity levels.

Also - cheaper ellipticals can develop a squeak after a few months of heavy use so be careful to buy a quality brand of elliptical machine and steer clear of the cheap department store models.

5) Elliptical Incline

It used to be that only high end, commercial elliptical trainers like Precor offered this option however lately more affordable models like Proform and Nordic Track are offering incline on several of their machines.

Incline is not the same as resistance. It changes the incline of the elliptical motion and helps to work different sets of muscles for increased fat burning and toning.

Home treadmills are very popular fitness exercise machines. In fact, they easily outsell all other exercise machines, no doubt because everyone is aware of the health benefits of walking and running. So if you have decided to add a treadmill to your home fitness routine, how do you choose from all of the myriad of models on the market? Well, here are a few guidelines to help you find the best home treadmill for your needs:

* Motorized treadmills have to have a motor that turns the belt in order to function properly, so make sure that the motor is up to the task. Usually a 2HP or higher motor is required to do the job. This is especially true if you intend to run on your treadmill.

* The length of the belt is an important consideration because a short belt will make you shorten your stride and become uncomfortable. Those with long legs need at least 50 inches of belt length to be sure that they get a full complete stride as they exercise.

* Because of the fact that treadmills can operate at high speeds and falling can be very dangerous in that case, you want to have some kind of cut-off or safety switch that shuts down the treadmill either by hand, or more preferably by a tether that is attached to your arm when working out. If you fall the tether automatically shuts down the machine for you right away.

* The controls need to be easily read and viewed even when you are walking or running at a good clip. They should also most likely be push button controls as experience has shown that push buttons are more easy to adjust while a person is in the midst of heavy exercise, rather than dials or slides.

* The deck must be able to absorb shock well as you walk or run. The most common injuries to treadmill users are due to impact with the deck as they use the machine. If the deck is too stiff this will wear on your joints. On the other hand you want enough rigidity that it doesn't feel as if you are bouncing along either.

* A pulse monitor is a good thing to have so that you can easily keep an eye on your heart rate as you exercise. In order to really get the benefits that you should from a treadmill cardio workout you need to get your heart rate up to about 75% of it's maximum, and a pulse monitor can help you stay in the necessary workout zone that will actually produce results for the time you spend on the treadmill.

It's recommended that you always try a treadmill model in person before shopping for it online as you need to actually use it with the same clothes and shoes that you will be using at home to make sure that it's going to do the job for you. Make a not of the features listed above to see if they are present in the models you test, and after spending a little while doing your own tests you should be able to find the best home treadmill for your needs

The #1 fear that people have when investing in a home treadmill (or any piece of exercise equipment) is that they won't use it.

You know the story. It gets delivered, you set it up and enjoy it for a few days...and then it sits...and waits.

A few months down the road, you notice how dusty it has become and how much space it's taking up. And you remember how much weight you were determined to lose by using it faithfully every day. But now, unfortunately, it doubles as a clothes rack.

Never fear. This article will help you make sure that DOESN'T happen.

A treadmill provides the best overall cardiovascular workout & it's still the number one exercise machine for those who want to lose weight. So it's an investment in your health that will pay large dividends...if you are prepared to get the maximum benefit from it!

Here are 5 easy ways to get the BEST use from your home treadmill:

#1) Do your research first

Make sure you look at what each treadmill offers you and compare it to your unique needs.

For example, if you live in a condo and/or like things neat and clean, a folding treadmill might suit you best. If you want a folding treadmill, do you prefer a manual folding treadmill (like most folding treadmills) or do you want a shock-assisted folding treadmill with wheels on the bottom that's easy to move?

If you like to drink water during your workout, make sure there's a water bottle holder included in the treadmill console (it might surprise you how many treadmills do not have this feature.)

Do you get bored easily and need a challenge? What about getting a treadmill with lots of user programs or one that is iFit compatible?

These things may seem little and maybe it might cost you a bit more; but if it means you're actually going to enjoy your workout it will be well worth it!

#2) Place the treadmill in a 'happy' spot.

By 'happy' I mean well-lit, open and stimulating. Don't put it so you face the bare wall when you walk or run. I've tried this this and the workouts don't last long! If you get bored easily, put it facing the television or facing a window where you can have an attractive view while working out.

Rooms and spaces have definite 'feels' to them and that will affect the success of your workouts. Make sure your treadmill is placed in an area that makes you feel energized, happy and mentally stimulated.

#3) Get your exercise arsenal ready BEFORE the treadmill arrives.

Do you like listening to fast music when you exercise? Do you like watching your favorite movies? What about reading magazines? What inspires you to work out and feel your best?

Get these things ready even before your treadmill arrives and you'll be three-quarters of the way there. Have several workout or favorite CD's around. Get your favorite movies or shows on tape. Gather your favorite magazines.

By having an 'exercise' stash around your treadmill, you'll be inspired to workout AND you won't be stuck running around looking for something to do when you want to start exercising.

Again, this may seem simple, but it works. Why do you think gyms have magazines, televisions and CD players handy?

#4) Make an exercise plan.

Before you start working out, try making a plan, a "roadmap to your rock-hard body" so to speak. By writing down how long and what kind of workout you'll be doing in week 1, 2, 3, 4 etc, you'll get yourself psyched up for success.

Remember that every time you workout, you are planting the seeds for the kind of dream body that you want.

By having a plan, you can see just how many seeds you've planted (and even how long it will take to start reaping the results!) Have fun with it and you'll be motivated to achieve your health goals (and get maximum benefits from your treadmill!)

#5) Track your progress

Ok this is related to #4 but it's more of an ongoing thing. By tracking your progress every day, you get a major sense of accomplishment which snowballs into even greater fat-burning results.

I suggest you have 'minimum goals' like "I'll walk for at least 10 minutes." or "I'll do 5-30 second intervals." These are easy to do and you'll probably go beyond them - which will encourage you even further and heighten your sense of accomplishment.

And of course, you're also getting maximum benefit from your treadmill!

Those are 5 ways to get best use from your home treadmill. Just remember that even a little bit of preparation will pay off large dividends in the long run.

Competition in the home treadmill market is getting fierce and consumers have more choices than ever before. But not all treadmills are created equal, and there is a need to find high quality, easy to use machines that will last for years. In this particular area of home fitness equipment you often get what you pay for, so we have researched the online home treadmill reviews and listed the top picks by price range:

* In the budget category you don't want to really spend much less than $1,000 for a good quality treadmill and the Smooth 5.25 fits this description nicely. It has a 52 inch belt making it a good choice for all but the tallest runners and features six electronic programs to vary your workout. It is a folding treadmill for those that want to conserve space in small areas, but also comes with a lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor. However, folks over 200 pounds or so may need a more heavy duty model for the long haul, especially if they intend to run on it.

* In the middle price range, the PaceMaster Gold Elite treadmill is a good choice. It comes in around $2,000 which is still not all that much to pay for a high quality machine, but it can handle much more weight than the Smooth 5.25 and it's deck is 60 inches long so pretty much any tall person should be able to run on it without feeling that their stride is being shortened. It also has a powerful 3.0HP motor and everything about this unit says that it is sturdy and reliable. An interesting side point is that the Gold Elite also features an interactive heart rate monitor that will automatically change the workout intensity to keep you in your optimum workout zone and burning the most calories as you go. That is a great feature as it saves you from having to manually check your heart rate constantly and make the manual adjustments each time a change is necessary.

* In the high end category the precor M9 33 treadmill is a good candidate, although there are several in this price range that will more than suffice for most people's use. It is made sturdy enough, even including a one inch thick deck that it can take a serious pounding from one or more people daily, even running on it, and still hold up extremely well over time. This is reflected in the lifetime warranty that Precor offers on the frame of this unit and the ten years of parts covered on the rest. It's especially suitable for runners as it has a 10mph+ speed rating and that should be all anyone needs to get a thorough running workout.

Any of the above mentioned treadmills can make a great choice if you are serious about either walking or running your way to fitness. They all tend to be very highly rated in most home treadmill reviews. As you can see, the price rises with the higher level of quality and durability that is built into each of these machines and that is to be expected. Your best bet then is to carefully decide how to plan to use your home treadmill and then what your budget allows, and then choose the machine that will best fit your needs from there

`xFor more and more people, home exercise and fitness equipment has become a must-have item. The convenience of having access to exercise equipment in their home is a big factor, as is the cost savings of home fitness equipment in comparison to gym or fitness club memberships.

But what is the best home exercise equipment on the market? The answer is “it depends” because each person has different needs, different space available to hold home fitness equipment, and different budgets available to spend.

In generally, the simplest equipment is the most likely to be used on a regular basis. If you select home fitness equipment that is too complicated, too hard, or just not something you like to do, chances are it will sit in a corner somewhere collecting dust. Think carefully about what kind of equipment you are most likely to use, and whenever possible, try it out ahead of time to make sure you really like it.

Home Gyms

A common piece of home fitness equipment is the home gym. This type of equipment is primarily used for building muscle, shaping, and toning the body. There are three main types of home gyms:

• Traditional
• Power rod
• Gravity resistance

Traditional home gyms may have free weights and barbells, or be machine-type gyms with several stations and functions attached to a single steel frame. A free weight system is good for exercise enthusiasts who are knowledgeable about proper form and technique for lifting weights. For less experienced users, though, a machine-type gym offers most of the same benefits while helping to ensure good technique by using prescribed motions. A traditional home gym usually requires quite a bit of space to hold the equipment and also allow enough room around the perimeter to access the stations and perform exercises.

Power rod home gyms have surged in popularity over the last decade, driven primarily by the Bowflex brand of home fitness equipment. A power rod machine uses flexible rods of varying stiffness connected to a cable and pulley system. When the cables are attached to different rods the user can either increase or decrease the resistance they will experience. Power rod equipment typically requires less space than a traditional home gym and is usually less expensive. The materials are not as durable, though, and this type of home fitness equipment is not suitable for serious athletes who require sturdier equipment with a greater range of weight resistance.

Gravity resistance home gyms are typically the lightest weight and least expensive type of home gym. This home fitness equipment uses an adjustable metal frame and a gliding board or bench to perform exercises. The user lies on the board in various positions, and by pulling on a cable and pulley system, the weight of their body creates the resistance they experience. This type of system is often quite compact, folding up for easy storage. The disadvantage to that feature, though, is that equipment kept out of site tends to be out of mind and not used on a regular basis.

Treadmills

Another popular type of home fitness equipment is the treadmill. While this tends to be a large piece of equipment and can be quite expensive, it is also a very versatile piece that is suitable for exercise enthusiasts of varying fitness and skill levels. The most expensive models are extremely durable and can handle a great deal of intense use by serious runners. More mid-range models are not quite as durable, and the low-end models are generally best suited for walking and light uses.

Treadmills can take up quite a bit of space so you should make sure your home can accommodate the size and weight of whichever model you select. Do not put your treadmill in a garage or any other space that is not climate controlled, because the motor and other parts are not designed for outdoor or semi-outdoor use. Look for a treadmill that has at least a 1.5 horsepower motor, and preferably one that is 2.0 horsepower or more. The belt should be long enough and wide enough to accommodate the length and width of your stride, and it should be constructed of at least two-ply material to withstand the friction and impact of your activity.

Elliptical Trainers

This type of home fitness equipment first appeared in the 1990’s, and it has gained tremendously in popularity ever since. Modern elliptical trainers provide motion and exercise to both the upper and lower body, making it an effective and efficient full body workout.

When looking for an elliptical trainer, whenever possible opt for a rear drive system rather than a front drive system. Rear drive machines are far sturdier, more reliable, and provide a smoother motion for the user. The resistance system will vary according to price, with the least expensive models using a manual system, mid-range models using a motorized brake system, and the most sophisticated high-end models employing an eddy current brake system. Stride length is another important thing to keep in mind, because different people have different natural strides. Look for an elliptical trainer that allows you adjust the stride length to suit your own body style and stride length.

Stationary Bikes

Stationary bikes have been around for several decades, yet they remain popular as simple, easy to use home fitness equipment. Modern stationary bikes come in many shapes and sizes, so it is fairly straightforward to find one that fits in the available space inside your home. While traditional bikes have the user sitting upright, just as they would on a regular bicycle, more and more exercise enthusiasts are turning to recumbent seating instead. A recumbent exercise bike allows you to sit in a slightly reclined position while pedaling with your legs in front of you. The benefit of this type of bike is that is places much less strain on the back, making it well suited to people who are prone to back soreness or pain. Some models also come with the option of arm motion, too, usually accomplished with handles or a cable and pulley system.

If you enjoy running as a way of keeping fit but do not like the idea of running around busy streets and dodging traffic then you may have thought of buying a treadmill machine or an elliptical trainer. It is worth looking into the costs and benefits of both systems before deciding which is the best for your health and fitness needs. Of course suitability may not be the only criteria, there may also be a price consideration. Both have benefits and disadvantages so when considering elliptical trainers vs treadmills you should make sure that you have looked at all the possibilities and practicalities of both options.

When you start looking at the benefits of elliptical trainers vs treadmills it is a good idea to make sure that you are clear on what each machine can and cannot do for you. Treadmills are really nothing more then an indoor running machine. Although they can have other features such as monitoring the heart rate, which can make them very useful, they are still quite limited. Elliptical trainers on the other hand, provide more of a well-rounded workout. They also have the advantage of allowing you to exercise without any great impact on the knees as the feet remain on the foot beds at all times.

Although there are many benefits to elliptical trainers vs treadmills many people still prefer the basic exercise of running and do not want anything more complicated or expensive. And for those who want a straightforward, simple and of course a more inexpensive option, a treadmill could be the ideal solution. Treadmills are much cheaper in price when compared to elliptical trainers and if you do not really want the extra features may be perfectly satisfactory for your health and fitness desires.

When weighing the different benefits of elliptical trainers vs treadmills it is a good idea to write down the advantages and cost implications of both systems. This can make it much easier for you to decide which is the best solution for you and which exercise machine is likely to deliver the health and fitness benefits that you want at the price you're most comfortable with paying. Although elliptical trainers have many benefits over treadmills they are only worth the extra expense if you really want and more importantly, plan to use all of the extra features that come with purchasing an elliptical cross trainer. For a simple straightforward exercise machine to replace outdoor running treadmills are quite adequate but if you want a more extensive workout then an elliptical trainer may be the best option for you.

It's no secret that walking and running are great cardio exercises that can help you lose weight and also improve your overall health at the same time. That's why home treadmills have become so common in recent years. A home treadmill has so many advantages, especially for very busy people who find it hard to fit going to a gym into their daily routine. Instead, if you have a half hour or so, just jump on the treadmill and get your workout done whenever time allows in the day.

But shopping for home treadmills can be confusing due to the number of choices that you have to select from. So what do you need to be looking for when you compare treadmills? Here are few suggestions to keep in mind:

* First decide how you intend to actually use your machine. Will you be walking or jogging/running? It's important to know because it will affect how much you have to pay for your treadmill. If you only intend to walk, you won't be putting that much strain on the unit and you can most likely find a home machine that will fit your needs in the $1,000 category. However, if you intend to run you will be inflicting a lot more pressure on the treadmill as you do and you should expect to pay at least $2,000 or more to get a quality unit.

* Knowing how you intend to use the treadmill is important for another reason. If you only intend to walk, you won't need a machine that goes above about 5mph. If you plan on running though, expect to get a machine that will go at least 10mph or more in order to be able to give you a thorough workout.

* Make sure that the ride is stable and smooth too. You don't want any jerky motions as you exercise, and you want the treadmill to feel very solid, from the deck all the way up to the handrails. The handrails in particular must be strong and able to support your weight if needed. Of course the more you pay, generally the more strength and sturdiness is built into each machine.

* Listen for the noise that a treadmill makes at the speed that you intend to use it. One of the biggest problems that treadmill users have to deal with is boredom while they exercise, so many turn to watching TV or listening to music to alleviate the repetitive routine. If the treadmill is too loud it can be difficult to even hear a TV in the same room while it is running. Much of that has to do with the motor that is used, so crank up the treadmill first and see how loud it sounds.

There are other considerations to have when you compare treadmills, but these are a good start to help you get a feel for the machine that will best fit you and your workout routine. As always, it's best to actually test drive any treadmill in person before you buy it either at a store or on online.

When selecting an elliptical trainer for your home it’s critical to make sure that it will fit into the space you’ve selected. The elliptical trainer “footprint” is the total area that the base of the machine occupies. This is the width times the length of the elliptical trainer.

It is also necessary to allow at least 2 feet all around this footprint in order for convenient mounting and dismounting from the elliptical trainer. This additional clearance is also necessary for the upper arm handles if present. There’s nothing worse than punching holes into your drywall because you didn’t allow sufficient clearance for the handles!

However, there’s another dimension that many people overlook when selecting an elliptical trainer and that’s the elevation of the foot pedals from the floor. You may ask what this is all about, but it’s important to remember that an elliptical trainer is a 3-dimensional machine and occupies space. Elliptical Trainer ceiling height is the often overlooked dimension when selecting and locating an elliptical trainer.

The good news is that rooms in most American homes and apartments are built with a ceiling height of 8 feet. In fact, many newer homes are being built with 9-foot ceilings and higher

Unfortunately the dimension that you need to calculate head clearance is not provided in many elliptical trainer specifications. The dimension called “height”, which is often provided, is of no use in calculating head clearance. Height is the maximum height of the trainer from the floor to the tips of the arm handles. What we want is the height from the floor to the bottom of the lowest extent of the foot pedals.

Precor is a manufacturer that provides this dimension. They call it “Height of footplate at lowest position (step up)”. This is the height that you should add to your own height to determine that your head will not bump into the ceiling.

If the room where you want to locate your elliptical trainer has a 9-foot ceiling then you have nothing to worry about. Just don’t position your elliptical under a low hanging light fixture. You would have to stand 8’4” to bump your head on a 9-foot ceiling. Not much chance of this happening to anyone I know.

If your ceiling height is 8 feet, then unless you’re 7 feet tall or greater, you will still not bump your head on the ceiling. However, even if you are a few inches shorter, say 6’6”, it may feel like your head is too close to the ceiling while exercising on an elliptical trainer. This can be unnerving, so it’s something to consider.

Now, if you want to locate your elliptical trainer in your basement and the ceiling is a low one – say 7 feet, then watch your head if you’re 6’4” or taller!

I remember lifting weights in the unfinished basement of my parents’ home and looking up at the ceiling while resting between sets of bench presses. I’d look up at the multitude of nails poking through the floorboards and wonder if I could impale my head on them if I jumped high enough. Fortunately for me I couldn’t jump that high!

The aerobic benefits of walking and running are well documented, and perhaps you have decided to add this form of exercise to your daily workout schedule too. If so, you could easily just put on a good pair of shoes and go running in your neighborhood to get health benefits, but for many people that becomes a challenge, especially for those that live in areas where the weather can easily interrupt a regular workout routine. Or perhaps you don't feel comfortable walking or running on your own outdoors. If so, a home treadmill can be a good alternative, but you need to compare treadmills very carefully and then buy the one that fits you best.

If you have seen or used a treadmill at a gym, you know how stable and reliable they can be. But the cost of commercial treadmills is quite high, and there is no need to go quite that far in purchasing a workout machine for your home. However, you don't want to buy a cheap, inferior machine that will only break down under constant wear in the near future either, and wind up being scrapped without you getting your money's worth.

You can find plenty of quality home treadmills in between those two extremes that would make a fine purchase. But you need to do your homework and compare treadmills honestly to get the best treadmill buy.

First, understand that there are plenty of low cost treadmills on the market in department stores for just a few hundred dollars that may appear to be what you need at first glance, but they are not usually built well enough to stand up to the use you intend to give them in the long haul. Generally speaking, $1,000 seems to be the floor for getting a good, solid quality treadmill that you can count on. And if you plan on sharing it with another person or also maybe even running on it, you should probably consider spending in the area of $2,000 or more.

Also consider your size and weight when comparing treadmills. If you are over 200 pounds, you will need a very sturdy treadmill, especially if you run on it. Unfortunately, many treadmill manufacturers overstate the weight capability on their products so if you are over 200 pounds, look for a treadmill that supports 300 pounds or so instead if you want it to last.

Your height can be another important factor to take into consideration when it comes to the length of the treadmill deck. For tall people, over six feet, be sure to have a deck that is at least 50 inches long if you want to be able to walk in full stride and perhaps even a few inches longer if you want to run on your treadmill

Exercising at home has become a very popular activity as many are getting increasingly aware of the health benefits or regular exercise and how it can also help you manage your weight. As a result, there are plenty of home fitness equipment choices that can be made. One choice that many people have made in recent years is to start a walking/running program at home using a home treadmill, and here are some of the reasons why that can be a great choice for you too:

1. Although the health benefits of walking and running are many and well-known, daily life remains very hectic and busy for many. Because of that, finding time to schedule a daily workout gets more and more difficult. But most people can fit about 30 minutes or so into their schedule each day and that's all it takes to jump on a treadmill at home and get a good aerobic workout. Because you don't have to travel to a gym that saves even more time and makes a home treadmill very convenient and time efficient.

2. Walking is an easy way to start an exercise program. Almost anybody can do it. And because most treadmills have an adjustable speed that starts very slow, even a person with health problems can easily start on the road to improved health without overdoing it. Of course, as with any exercise routine, you should consult your doctor beforehand to be sure that you do so under their guidance.

3. Many modern treadmills also have electronic programs that are built in to vary the workout intensity by adjusting the speed as you go, or increasing and decreasing the incline of your walk or run. This helps alleviate some of the boredom associated with running in place too.

4. Working out on a treadmill is an activity that can easily be combined with another pursuit to help keep your mind busy as you exercise, like watching TV or listening to an audio book or music. If you enjoy the time that is spent working out you will have more tendency to stay with it, so find something that keeps your interest as you exercise.

5. Walking and/or running outside can have it's own set of challenges, including bad weather and the need for safety. Exercising on a home treadmill instead solves both of those issues. You can exercise whenever you want in a controlled environment when you are at home, meaning that you don't have to brave the elements each time you workout. And you should feel very safe in your own home.

There are definitely other benefits of using a home treadmill in your daily fitness workout, but the ones listed are some of the most common ones heard from folks who are regular exercisers. So instead of waiting any longer, why not buy a home treadmill and get started?

It might be hard to believe, but the purchase of a simple dumbbell set can go a long way toward helping a person get healthy and stay that way. The key to making the proposition work is to balance a good diet with exercise and a commitment to self that's strong and unwavering. Making the conditioning stick requires will power, variety and fun. This is where the dumbbells come into play.

Whether it's diet or exercise, sticking with a program can be tough. But if challenges, variety and a little bit of fun are included in the mix, the temptations to stray will be lessened. Slipups are okay for both eating and fitness, but they must be the exception rather than the rule.

Getting started in a workout program can be the hardest part of getting a body into top physical condition. The best way to begin is to review needs and decide what types of exercise appeal. Pick several different forms and also include some things (if not all) that can be done at home.

A gym membership is a great idea, but not everyone can cut the time out every day to make it totally effective. A home gym is a wonderful idea, but there and again, if it's not set up right, boredom will set in and equipment will collect dust. Swimming, biking and so on are also fantastic, but the weather doesn't always cooperate. Considering these things, the best route is to have a variety of options.

Dumbbells themselves are all in all kind of boring to workout with, but if they're included in a total body program with some serious variety, they're a great addition. Besides, few items can compare to them in price and effectiveness if they're used correctly.

Let's put an emphasis on that "used correctly" part here. Dumbbells are not like expensive, computerized machines with safety features all over the place. When using them, common sense must be employed. This goes doubly so for those who have to use weights on their own, without the benefit of a spotter.

Be certain to use weights you can actually handle and don't over do. If you are unsure of proper form to use when lifting, get some solid advice before you start any program. Weights are great for building muscle, helping with fat burning and adding a bit of variety to a workout program, but not properly used they can cause problems.

When including dumbbells in a workout, remember they are not effective for the entire body. These should be considered as just a part of an overall workout program, not the only component. To attain good overall fitness, all parts of the body should be exercised. This includes the heart. Making sure cardiovascular exercises are also included can make or break a program's overall effectiveness.

Dumbbells are a great addition to a workout program. When a solid program is created and used in conjunction with a smart diet, better health can be attained and if spice is included in both the foods and the exercises, sticking with the effort shouldn't too difficult.

Remember, start out slow. Use good form. Be certain you know what you're doing and a dumbbell set can be an incredible purchase to help you gain a trim, fit and healthy body. To do otherwise is simply a recipe for failure.