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If you
are not sure which cardiovascular machine you need or want
to purchase then take a look at the following article. Hopefully
this will assist you in making the right choice for your
fat burning needs.
Treadmill
The
Treadmill is very versatile and is pretty much top of the
list when it comes to cardiovascular equipment. It suits
all types of fitness levels and can be used for everything
from fat burning, walking programs, running to fitness testing.
There are loads of varieties of treadmills but you need
to choose one that suits your needs best, otherwise you
won't use it and it will only gather dust. (sound familiar?)
1#
Best Choice Treadmill
For
a good all-round treadmill, which will cost a bit extra
to hire or purchase, go for the following functions when
shopping around. Motorised - don't buy manuals because you
probably won't use it after the first week. (If you have
high blood pressure or a heart condition manual treadmills
may put too much stress on the heart)
For
an easy to use treadmill go for functions that are all located
on the front console of the treadmill, where the screen
is. Speed Function, Incline Function for which you can use
for "hills and intervals", Manual, Hills, Interval
Programs and a Fitness Test Program if possible too. The
Pulse rate Function is optional, although I do recommend
it if you are very unfit or have any medical conditions.
If you
have got these functions you are "set". These
basic functions, which most motorised treadmills have, offer
heaps of variation for your workouts and for you to advance
with your "cardio" program. If you are of a more
advanced level such as an athlete you will need to spend
extra $$$ to ensure the treadmill caters for an athletes
needs.
You
can also get motorised treadmills where you have to get
on and off the treadmill to adjust inclines etc and where
you need to use a handle to wind up the speed. However I
have found that, in general, these manual type functions
tend to interrupt the cardiovascular session which usually
leads to the treadmill being shoved in the junk room of
your house and not being used at all. These treadmills are
not suitable for running or jogging either.
Indoor Cycles
Indoor
cycles are also fantastic and don't take up much room in
the house either. Some of them are more light weight than
others too, which is convenient when you need to move the
cycle from one room to another. This cardiovascular machine
can also be used for fitness testing, fat burning and fitness
in general. The best part is you don't need to be an experienced
cyclist to use one.
1#
Best Choice Cycle
Semi-recumbent
cycles are great. The seats are like a normal chair "seat"
and you can stretch your legs out further. They aren't as
hard to lower yourself onto as the fully recumbent cycle.
Requirements: Full function console including programs and
heart rate monitor. If you don't mind changing the intensity
yourself and would prefer to save yourself some $$$ go for
semi-recumbent with an intensity dial.
Indoor
Upright Cycle. A stationery exercise bike, similar to a
normal bike with a narrow seat. Basic Requirements: Rpms
and intensity dial. You can usually purchase or hire these
quite cheaply. As the price is normally fairly low it'd
be worth your while to find out how much extra it is for
an indoor upright cycle with functions and programs - don't
forget the pulse rate monitor.
Fully-recumbent
cycles are also fantastic but can be difficult to lower
yourself onto if you have back problems. They also have
a large seat and are normally found at most health clubs
or for hire. The fully recumbent are quite a bit more expensive
than the semi-recumbent, from what I have experienced anyway.
Requirements: Rpms and programs essential as these things
cost an arm and a leg, so you want to make sure you get
your money's worth. Pulse rate Functions are important.
Make sure the programs have hills and intervals. The same
rules apply for other cardiovascular equipment. Make sure
if you are paying big dollars that you have a full function
console that contains all programs plus a heart rate monitor.
Steppers
I don't
recommend steppers for beginners, extremely overweight,
overweight, low-level fitness or people suffering from lower
back pain, heart and or blood pressure conditions. Why?
1 Your
heart rate can be raised too high without making much of
an effort
2 It can be quite difficult to use when starting out and
can be quite off-putting.
3 Most people rock their hips by taking large steps which
effects their lower backs and encourages lower back pain.
4 As people tire very quickly on the stepper they tend to
either half hang off the equipment from exhaustion or round
their backs to the point where they are only causing themselves
the risk of injury.
Don't get me wrong - Steppers can be fun, but you need to
make sure that correct posture and technique is carried
out at all times as well as being at a more advanced fitness
level.
Mandy
Gibbons,
VIRTUAL FITNESS
TRAINER
Online Personal Training and Health and Fitness package
all rolled into one!
www.virtualfitnesstrainer
Note:
the second edition of Ready, Set Go! Synergy Fitness
with new updated studies and new fitness strategy recommendations
will be released in February. Give your favorite bookstore
a heads-up that they'll want to carry this title.
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