| -- |
Try to get one that has a long platform and feels firm. Preferably, the machine should have an incline feature and should fold to free some space when it is not being used (particularly if space is an issue for you).
The second most popular machine is a lot cheaper and smaller: the stationary bicycle. This is a great machine, but if you have knee problems, biking is not the best exercise. If you purchase one of these machines, avoid the ones with back support, because you will be cheating yourself burning less calories than you would with a regular stationary bicycle.
There are many other machines for cardio - do some research on the
Internet to look at the choices; try to buy one that is versatile and safe to use.
Weight training
The equipment for weight training goes from a simple bench to complex machines with cables. You can spend from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Look for a machine that is safe, easy to use and offers a great variety of exercises.
Depending on your needs and/or budget you can buy a few machines for different exercises.
Other information
1- In any case it is a good idea to take a few lessons with a personal trainer in person or online to help you develop a few workout routines for you.
2- In general the cheapest machines are not good quality and they may not last long or break down often (fixing these machines is generally not a good idea because for the cost of the repair you can
often buy a new one). Invest in good quality or use the alternatives in low budget.
3- Other nice equipment to have include elastic bands, medicine ball and flexibility ball.
4- These are some guidelines for the space you need for each machine from The American Counsel of Exercise (ACE):
| Equipment |
Space
requirement (sq
ft) |
|
Treadmills
|
30
|
|
Single station gym
|
35
|
|
Free weight
|
20 to 50
|
|
Bikes
|
10
|
|
Rowing machines
|
20
|
|
Stair climbers
|
20 to 30
|
|
Multi station gym
|
50 to 200
|
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part: home
gym
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